CDXCIV (F IV, II)
MARCUS MARCELLUS TO CICERO (AT
ROME)
MITYLENE (OCTOBER)
That your influence has ever had the greatest
weight with me everything that has occurred has
given you reason to know, but nothing so clearly
as the recent transaction. For though C.
Marcellus, my very affectionate cousin, not only
advised me, but besought me in moving terms, he
failed to persuade me. It was only your letter
that induced me to follow the advice that you and
he gave in preference to every other. Your letters
describe to me the nature of the debate in the
senate. Though your congratulation is exceedingly
acceptable to me, because it proceeds from the
kindest of hearts, yet there is one thing still
more delightful and gratifying to
me—namely, that while I have so few
friends, relations, or connexions to take a
sincere interest in my safety, I have had reason
to know that you desire my company and have shewn
in a practical way an unparalleled devotion to my
interest. Everything else is as you say. And considering the state of the times, I
was well content to be out of it ill. I take the
truth, indeed, to be that without the kind-ness of
such gallant men and true friends no one, whether
in adversity or prosperity, can live a real life.
Accordingly, I congratulate myself on this. But
for yourself, I will prove to you in a practical
manner that you have been loyal to a man who loves
you most deeply.
MITYLENE (OCTOBER)
