IV (F XVI, 10)
TO TIRO
CUMAE, 19 MAY
I of course wish you to Come to me, but I dread the journey for you.
You have been most seriously ill: you have been much reduced by a low diet and
purgatives, and the ravages of the disease itself. After dangerous illnesses,
if some mistake is made, drawbacks are usually dangerous. Moreover, to the two
days on the road which it will have taken you to reach Cumae, there will have
to be added at once five more for your return journey to Rome. I mean to be at
Formiae on the 30th: be sure, my dear Tiro, that I find you there strong
and well. My poor studies, or rather ours, have been in a very bad way
owing to your absence. However, they have looked up a little owing to this
letter from you brought by Acastus. Pompey is staying with me at the moment of
writing this, and seems to be cheerful and enjoying himself. He asks me to
read him something of ours, but I told him that without you the oracle
was dumb. Pray prepare to renew your services to our Muses. My promise shall
be performed on the day
-- 387 --
named: for I have taught you the etymology of fides.
[Note]
Take care to make
a complete recovery. I shall be with you directly. Good-bye.
19 May.
