legions, is under a great obligation to me—for he has been twice successfully defended by me on a capital charge. He is not a man either of an ungrateful disposition, and pays me very constant attention. I have written to him in very strong terms about you, and am attaching the letter to this packet. Please let me know how he has taken it, and what promises he has made you.
DCXCII (F XIII, 50)
TO MANIUS ACILIUS GLABRIO (IN ACHAIA)
Rome (January)
I am presuming upon your regard for me, which you made
me clearly perceive all the time we were at Brundisium, to
write to you in a familiar style and as though I had a claim
to do so, if there is any matter as to which I am specially
anxious. Manius Curius, who is a banker at Patræ, is an
intimate friend of mine. No union could be closer than
ours. He has done me many kindnesses, and I have done
him many also. Above all, there is the strongest mutual
affection between us. That being the case, if you have
anything to hope from my friendship, if you wish to make
the good offices and kindnesses which you bestowed on me
at Brundisium still more a subject of gratitude to me (though
I am already exceedingly grateful), if you perceive that I
am beloved by all your family, pray extend and enlarge your
favours to me so far as to keep Manius Curius safe and
sound[1]—as the phrase goes—unharmed and free from every
sort of annoyance, loss, and molestation. I pledge you my
word, and all your friends will be my guarantees for it, that
you will reap very great advantage and very high satisfaction
from my friendship and from your own kindness.
- ↑ Sartum tectum, lit. repaired and roofed. A common phrase for keeping a house in good repair. See p. 62.
