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Epistulae ad Familiares, III. ix.

sistently regardful of you in the observance of every duty. So you may imagine how greatly I value those words in your letter, "If anything occurs that touches your dignity, although that can hardly happen, still, if it does, I shall do as much for you as you did for me." I am sure you will have no difficulty in doing so; for there is nothing that cannot be accomplished by cordiality and goodwill, or shall I rather say, affection.

2 As for myself, though it had always been my own conviction, and I was frequently so informed in my friends' letters, I was none the less highly delighted with what you say in your letter about your having a hope by no means doubtful, indeed quite certain, of obtaining a triumph; not, indeed, for the reason that it would make it easier for me to obtain one myself; that is utilitarian philosophy;[1] but honestly because your position and eminence are precious to me on their own account. For that reason, since you have more acquaintances than anybody else, whom you know to be setting out for this province—for practically all of them approach you to ask if you have any commission for them—you would do me a great kindness by sending me a line as soon as you have secured what you are confident of obtaining, and I sincerely hope you may. If the judicial discussions and obstructionism of the Long Bench,[2] as our friend Pompey calls them, rob you and others of a day or two, for that is all they can do, your claims will none the less hold their ground. But if you love me, and would have me love you, do send me a letter, so that I may taste the joy of it at the earliest possible opportunity.

3 I should also be glad if you would pay off the

  1. ↑ The Epicureans held the theory that friendship was based on expediency.
  2. ↑ Probably the bench on which the tribunes sat, or it may be the opposition who favoured Caesar. It might also mean "the bench of tedious interruptions," "the long-winded bench." Tyrrell.
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