I will only say, what I hope you think to be right, that for myself, seeing that for the art to which I had devoted myself there was now no place either in forum or senate-house, I have bestowed my every thought and every effort on philosophy. For your professional knowledge—eminent and unrivalled as it is—no sphere much better has been left than for mine. Wherefore, though I do not presume to advise you, I have persuaded myself that you also were engaged in pursuits which, even if they were not exactly profitable yet served to withdraw the mind from anxiety. Your son Servius indeed is engaged in all liberal studies, and especially in those in which I have mentioned that I find peace of mind, with conspicuous success. In my affection for him in fact I yield to no one in the world but yourself, and he repays me with gratitude. In this matter he thinks, as one may easily see, that in shewing me attention and regard, he is at the same time doing what will give you the greatest pleasure.
CCCCXCIII (F IV, 4)
TO SERVIUS SULPICIUS RUFUS (IN ACHAIA)
Rome (October)
I Accept your excuse for having frequently sent me a letter
in duplicate, but I accept it only so far as you attribute to
the carelessness or untrustworthiness of those who take them
from you that they do not reach me: that part of your
excuse in which you say that you frequently send me letters
containing the same words from "poverty of language"—that
is your expression—I neither understand nor acknowledge.
And I myself, whom you declare in joke (as I take it) to possess
a rich store of language, admit that I am not very badly
off for words: for there is no occasion for "mock-modesty":
yet I too—and that without "mock-modesty"—easily yield
to the refinement and dainty simplicity of your style.
As to your policy, mentioned in your letter, in not de-
