find what you have done in the past and are going to do in the future for the sake of Mescinius so well invested, as to convince you that you have bestowed your kindness on the most grateful, the most delightful man in the world. For this is the addition which I desire to what you have done for my sake.
DXXII (F XIII, 28 a)
TO SERVIUS SULPICIUS RUFUS (IN ACHAIA)
Rome
I do not think, on the one hand, that the Lacedæmonians
doubt being sufficiently recommended to your honour and
justice by their own and their ancestors' reputation, and I,
on the other, knowing you as well as I do, had no doubt of
the rights and deserts of the several nations being thoroughly
well known to you. Accordingly, when Philippus the Lacedæmonian
begged me to recommend the city to you, though
I remembered that I was under all sorts of obligations to
it, I nevertheless answered that Lacedæmonians needed no
recommendation with you. Accordingly, I would have you
believe that, considering the disturbed state of the times, I
look upon all the cities of Achaia as being happy in having
you as their governor; and that I also think that, knowing
thoroughly as you do not only our own records but also
all those of Greece, you are and will be a friend to the
Lacedæmonians. Wherefore I only ask this of you, that,
when you do for the Lacedæmonians what your honour,
high position, and justice shall demand, you should let
them know—if you think it right—that you are not otherwise
than glad to find that what you are doing is gratifying
to me also. For it affects my loyalty that they should
think that I am attentive to their interests. I again and
again urge this upon you with warmth.
