M. CORNELIUS FRONTO
warn you herewith that I shall not even use in a disproportionate manner the opportunity my case gives me, for savage charges are made and must be savagely spoken of. Those in particular which concern the robbing and injuring of freemen shall be so told by me as to smack of gall and spleen: if I chance to call him a greekling and unlearned, it need not mean war to the knife.[1]
Farewell, Caesar, and love me, as you do, to the utmost. I, indeed, dote on the very characters of your writing: wherefore, whenever you write to me, I would have you write with your own hand.
Fronto to Marcus Aurelius as Caesar
Hail, my Lord.
After I had already closed and sealed the preceding letter, it occurred to me that those who plead in this case—and many seem likely to plead in it—may speak of Herodes in less measured terms. Take care how you think that I alone am concerned in this affair. Farewell, my Lord, and live, that I may be happy. Capreolus, who is now away, and our friend Marcianus[2] seem likely to plead; Villianus too, it seems.
Marcus Aurelius to Fronto
Hail, my dearest Fronto.
I must acknowledge and tender you at once, my dearest Fronto, my thanks, that, so far from
- ↑ In spite of Fronto's speech they became great friends. See below, Ad. Ant. ii. 8.
- ↑ Probably not the jurist, mentioned in the Digest, who was later. Nothing is known of the persons named.
