CCL (F XIII, 63)
TO P. SILIUS NERVA (PROPRAETOR OF BITHYNIA
AND PONTUS)
LAODICEA, FEBRUARY
I never thought that I could possibly be at a
1055 for words, but I certainly am so in writing a
letter of commendation for M. Laenius. I will,
therefore, state the case to you in a few words,
yet enough to shew you my feelings. Both I and my
dearest brother have a value for M. Laenius which
passes belief. This arises, indeed, from his very
numerous services to us, but also from his extreme
honesty and the eminent correctness of his
conduct. It is with the greatest reluctance that I
am parting with him, as well on account of our
close intimacy and the charm of his society, as
because I am glad to have the advantage of his
candid and sound advice. But I am afraid that you
will be thinking that the words, for which I said
that I was at a loss, are already more than
enough. I commend him to you with all the warmth
you perceive that I am bound to feel for one of
whom I use such language as the above: and I ask
you earnestly and repeatedly to facilitate his
business in your province, and to
give him personally any information you think you
fairly can. You will find him most reasonable and
gentlemanlike. Therefore I beg you to send him
back to me as soon as possible, disembarrassed and
free, with his business accomplished as far as it
lies in your hands. You will very greatly oblige
me and my brother by so doing.
LAODICEA, FEBRUARY