Cicero, Epistulae ad Familiares (English) (XML Header) [genre: prose] [word count] [lemma count] [Cic. Fam.]. | ||
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CXLV (F VII, 17)
TO C. TREBATIUS TESTA (IN GAUL)
From what I gather from your letter I have thanked my brother Quintus, and can
besides at last heartily commend you, because you at length seem to have come
to some fixed resolution. For I was much put out by your letters in the first
months of your absence, because at times you seemed to me—pardon the
expression—to be light-minded in your longing for the city and city life, at
others timid in undertaking military work, and often even a little inclined to
presumption—a thing as unlike your usual self as can be. For, as though you had
brought a bill of exchange, and not a letter of recommendation to your
commander-in-chief, you were all in a hurry to get your money and return home ;
and it never occurred to you that those who went to
And he accepted this recommendation in a gratifying manner, and
repeatedly indicated to me in writing and shewed you by word and deed, that he
had been powerfully affected by my recommendation. Having got such a man as
your patron, if you believe me to have any insight, or to be your well-wisher,
do not let him go; and if by chance something at times has annoyed you, when
from being busy or in difficulties he has seemed to you somewhat slow to serve
you, hold on and wait for the end, which I guarantee will be gratifying and
honourable to you. I need not exhort you at any greater length: I only give
you this warning, that you will never find a better opportunity, if you let
this slip, either of securing the friendship of a most illustrious and liberal
man, or of enjoying a wealthier province or a more suitable time of life.
"Quintus Cornelius concurred," as you say in your law books. I am glad you
didn't go to
Cicero, Epistulae ad Familiares (English) (XML Header) [genre: prose] [word count] [lemma count] [Cic. Fam.]. | ||
<<Cic. Fam. 7.16 | Cic. Fam. 7.17 (Latin) | >>Cic. Fam. 7.18 |