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association of our aims, to devote your care and assiduity to the doing of everything that one who is handing over a province can do to smooth the way for a successor intimately connected with him officially, and personally a very true friend; so that all the world may grasp the fact that neither could I have found a predecessor more kindly disposed, nor you a better friend to succeed you in the province.

² That letter of which you sent me a copy, the letter you wished to be read out in the Senate, had given me to understand that you had dismissed a large number of soldiers; but that same Fabius has explained, that though it had been your intention to do so, when he himself left you, your troops were at their full strength. If that is so, you will do me a great kindness if you reduce as little as possible the already inadequate forces at your disposal; and I expect the decrees of the Senate passed on this question have been forwarded to you. As for myself, in consideration of my high esteem for you, I shall approve whatever you do; but you too, I am sure, will do what you discover to be most to my advantage. I am expecting my legate C. Pomptinus at Brundisium, and I think he will arrive before June 1. When he arrives, I shall seize the very first opportunity of sailing that is offered me.

¹ On June 4 being at Brundisium, I received your letter telling me that you had instructed L. Clodius^[1]