B.C. 45, ÆT. 61
"We only guard—a dwindling band—
The ancient fame of Attic land."
So he is your successor, I his. Come, therefore, I beg lest the seed for the harvest of wit perish along with the republic.
DCXCV (F XII, 21)
TO QUINTUS CORNIFICIUS (IN AFRICA)
Rome
My friend Gaius Anicius, a man possessed of every sort of
accomplishment, has on urgent private affairs received a free
legation[1] to go to Africa. I should be glad if you would
render him every kind of assistance and would take pains to
enable him to settle his business as satisfactorily as possible.
Especially—what is most valuable in his eyes—I request
you to have an eye to his dignity. And I ask that of you,
because I myself when in a province was accustomed without
being asked to be careful to assign lictors to all senators.
That is a compliment which I had myself received, and I
knew that it was habitually done by the most distinguished
men. Therefore, my dear Cornificius, pray do this, and in
all other respects, if you love me, consult for his dignity and
his property. You will exceedingly oblige me by doing so.
Take pains to keep well.
- ↑ See vol. i., p. 110, note (4).