DCXIX (F VI, II)
TO TREBIANUS (IN EXILE)
(ROME, JUNE)
Hitherto I have felt nothing more than a
natural affection for Dolabella: I was under no
obligation to him—for it never chanced
to be necessary—and he was in my debt
for my having stood by him in his hours of danger.
1 Now, however, I
have become bound to him by so strong an
obligation—for having previously in
regard to your property, and on the present
occasion in the matter of your recall, gratified
me to the fullest possible degree—that I
can owe no one more than I do him. In regard to
this matter, while I warmly congratulate you, I
wish you to congratulate rather than thank me. The
latter I do not in the least desire, the former
you will be able to do with truth. For the rest,
since your high character and worth have secured
your return to your family, you will
be acting in a manner worthy of your wisdom and
magnanimity if you forget what you have lost, and
think of what you have recovered. You will be
living with your family; you will be living with
us; you have gained more in personal consideration
than you have lost in property: though of course
your recovered position would have been a greater
source of pleasure to you, if there had been any
constitution left. Our friend Vestorius tells me
in a letter that you express very great gratitude
to me. This avowal on your part is, of course,
very gratifying to me, and I have nothing to say
against your making it, whether to others, or by
heaven! to our friend Siro : 2
for what one does one likes to have approved most
by the wisest men. I desire to see you at the
earliest opportunity.
(ROME, JUNE)
