DII (F IX, 23)
TO L. PAPIRIUS PAETUS (AT NAPLES)
CUMAE, 17 NOVEMBER
I ARRIVED yesterday at my Cuman villa,
tomorrow I shall perhaps come to see you. But as
soon as I know for certain, I will send you word a
little beforehand. However, M. Caeparius, who met
me on the road at the Gallinarian wood, 1 told me
you were in bed with the gout. I was sorry to hear
it, as in duty bound; nevertheless, I resolved to
come to you, for the sake not only of seeing you
and paying you a visit, but even of dining with
you: for I don't suppose you have a cook who is
gouty also. Expect therefore a guest, who is far
from being a gourmet, and is a foe to extravagant
dinners.
CUMAE, 17 NOVEMBER