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XXXIV
XXXIV
M. Cicero (the Younger) to Tiro
Athens, August, 44 B.C.
After I had been anxiously expecting letter-carriers day after day, at
length they arrived forty-six days after they left you. Their arrival was
most welcome to me: for while I took the greatest possible pleasure in the
letter of the kindest and most beloved of fathers, still your most delightful
letter put a finishing stroke to my joy. So I no longer repent of having
suspended writing for a time, but am rather rejoiced at it; for I have reaped
a great reward in your kindness from my pen having been silent. I am therefore
exceedingly glad that you have unhesitatingly accepted my excuse. I am sure,
dearest Tiro, that the reports about me which reach you answer your best
wishes and hopes. I will make them good, and will do my best that this belief
in me, which day by day becomes more and more en evidence, shall be doubled.
Wherefore you may with confidence and assurance fulfil your promise of being
the trumpeter of my reputation. For the errors of my youth have caused me so
much remorse and suffering, that not only does my heart shrink from what I
did, my very ears abhor the mention of it. And of this anguish and sorrow I
know and am assured that you have taken your share. And I don`t wonder at it!
for while you wished me all success for my sake, you did so also for your own;
for I have ever meant you to be my partner in all my good fortunes. Since,
therefore, you have suffered sorrow through me, I will now take care that
through me your joy shall be doubled. Let me assure you that my very close
attachment to Cratippus is that of a son rather than a pupil: for though I
enjoy his lectures, I am also specially charmed with his delightful manners. I
spend whole days with him, and often part of the night: for I induce him to
dine with me as often as possible. This intimacy having been established, he
often drops in upon us unexpectedly while we are at dinner, and, laying aside
the stiff airs of a philosopher, joins in our jests with the greatest possible
freedom. He is such a man - so delightful, so distinguished - that you should
take pains to make his acquaintance at the earliest possible opportunity. I
need hardly mention Bruttius, whom I never allow to leave my side. He is a man
of a strict and moral life, as well as being the most delightful company. For
in him fun is not divorced from literature and the daily philosophical
inquiries which we make in common. I have hired a residence next door to him,
and as far as I can with my poor pittance I subsidize his narrow means.
Furthermore, I have begun practising declamation in Greek with Cassius; in
Latin I like having my practice with Bruttius. My intimate friends and daily
company are those whom Cratippus brought with him from Mitylene - good
scholars, of whom he has the highest opinion. I also see a great deal of
Epicrates, the leading man at Athens, and Leonides, and other men of that
sort. So now you know how I am going on.
You remark in your letter on the character of Gorgias. The fact is, I
found him very useful in my daily practice of declamation; but I subordinated
everything to obeying my father`s injunctions, for he had written ordering me
to give him up at once. I wouldn`t shilly-shally about the business, for
fear my making a fuss should cause my father to harbour some suspicion.
Moreover, it occurred to me that it would be offensive for me to express an
opinion on a decision of my father`s. However, your interest and advice are
welcome and acceptable. Your apology for lack of time I quite accept; for I
know how busy you always are. I am very glad that you have bought an estate,
and you have my best wishes for the success of your purchase. Don`t be
surprised at my congratulations coming in at this point in my letter, for it
was at the corresponding point in yours that you told me of your purchase.
Your are a man of property! You must drop your city manners: you have become a
Roman country-gentleman. How clearly I have your dearest face before my eyes
at this moment! For I seem to see you buying things for the farm, talking to
your bailiff, saving the seeds at dessert in the corner of your cloak. But as
to the matter of money, I am as sorry as you that I was not on the spot to
help you. But do not doubt, my dear Tiro, of my assisting you in the future,
if fortune does but stand by me; especially as I know that this estate has
been purchased for our joint advantage. As to my commissions about which you
are taking trouble - many thanks! But I beg you to send me a secretary at the
earliest opportunity - if possible a Greek; for he will save me a great deal
of trouble in copying out notes. Above all, take care of your health, that we
may have some literary talk together hereafter. I commend Anteros to you.
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