VII (F XIII, 47)
TO P. SILIUS NERVA (IN BITHYNIA)
ROME
Why should I recommend one whom you already like? But in spite of that I write this to you that you may thereby be assured that I not only like, but really love him. Of all your services, which are many and great, the most acceptable to me will be your treating Egnatius in such a way as to make him feel that he is loved by me, and I by you. I reiterate this request with warmth. Our plans have no doubt
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fallen through. Let us console ourselves therefore with the hackneyed reflexion, "perhaps it is all for the best." But of this when we meet. Go on as you have begun-loving me and feeling certain that I love you.
