Latin Texts & Translations

DCXIX (F VI, II)

TO TREBIANUS (IN EXILE) (ROME, JUNE)

Hitherto I have felt nothing more than a natural affection for Dolabella: I was under no obligation to him—for it never chanced to be necessary—and he was in my debt for my having stood by him in his hours of danger. ^[Note] Now, however, I have become bound to him by so strong an obligation—for having previously in regard to your property, and on the present occasion in the matter of your recall, gratified me to the fullest possible degree—that I can owe no one more than I do him. In regard to this matter, while I warmly congratulate you, I wish you to congratulate rather than thank me. The latter I do not in the least desire, the former you will be able to do with truth. For the rest, since your high character and worth have secured

your return to your family, you will be acting in a manner worthy of your wisdom and magnanimity if you forget what you have lost, and think of what you have recovered. You will be living with your family; you will be living with us; you have gained more in personal consideration than you have lost in property: though of course your recovered position would have been a greater source of pleasure to you, if there had been any constitution left. Our friend Vestorius tells me in a letter that you express very great gratitude to me. This avowal on your part is, of course, very gratifying to me, and I have nothing to say against your making it, whether to others, or by heaven! to our friend Siro : ^[Note] for what one does one likes to have approved most by the wisest men. I desire to see you at the earliest opportunity.