M. CORNELIUS FRONTO
whereas I, what am I to do? who have already forestalled the pleasure of hearing it and fear that your visit to Lorium may be delayed, and am in pain because you meanwhile are in pain. Farewell, my master, whose health makes my health unimpaired and assured.
Marcus Aurelius to Fronto
To my master.
This is how I have passed the last few days. My sister[1] was seized suddenly with such pain in the privy parts that it was dreadful to see her. Moreover, my mother, in the flurry of the moment, inadvertently ran her side against a corner of the wall, causing us as well as herself great pain by the accident. For myself, when I went to lie down I came upon a scorpion in my bed[2]; however, I was in time to kill it before lying down upon it. If you are better, that is a consolation. My mother feels easier now, thank the Gods. Farewell, best and sweetest of masters. My Lady[3] greets you.
Fronto to Marcus as Caesar
To my Lord.
I am truly thankful to the Gods that they have kept you safe and unharmed.[4] You, I make no doubt, were unperturbed, for I know your philosophic views; for myself, however much you wiseacres may
- ↑ Annia Cornificia, born about 123 A.D. She married Unnnidius Quadratus.
- ↑ This would be at Lorium, or somewhere in the country.
- ↑ It is not clear whether this is his mother or Faustina.
- ↑ If Fronto here refers to the scorpion incident, it is curious that he does not enquire for the rest of the family.
