CDLXXVI (F IX, 19)
TO L. PAPIRIUS PAETUS (AT NAPLES)
ROME (AUGUST)
What I you don't budge from your mischievous
humour? You hint that Balbus was contented with
very plain fare: your insinuation seems to be that
when kings 1 are
so abstemious, much more ought mere consulars to
be so. You don't know that I fished everything out
of him; for he came straight from the city gate to
my house—and I am not surprised that he
did not prefer going to his own house, but that he
didn't go to his own belle amie! However, my first
three words were "How's our Paetus?" In answer he
swore that he had never had a pleasanter visit
anywhere. If you earned that compliment by your
conversation, I will bring you a pair of ears no
less discriminating: but if by your dainty fare, I
beg you not to think stutterers 2 worth more than men of eloquence.
One thing after another stops me every day. But
if I ever get myself sufficiently
free to be able to come to your parts, I won't let
you think that you haven't sufficient notice from
me.
ROME (AUGUST)
