CCXXXVIII (F XV, 10)
TO L. CLAUDIUS MARCELLUS (CONSUL)
CILICIA (JANUARY)
Since the dearest wish of my heart has come to
pass, that of all the Marcelli and even the
Marcellini—for the good feeling of your
whole family and name towards me has ever been
extraordinary—since, I say, it has come
to pass that your possession of the consulship
enables you to satisfy the views of all your
family, that consulship in which it also happens
that my public services and the glory and
distinction accompanying them have fallen, I ask
you a favour which it is very easy for you to
grant, since the senate, I believe, is not averse,
namely, to see to a senatorial decree being passed
in as complimentary terms as possible when my
despatch is read. 1 Had the ties between you
and me been less than those between me and all the
members of your family, I would have made those my
spokesmen to you, by whom you know well that I am
regarded with special affection. The kindnesses
done me by your father are very eminent, nor could
anyone have been a warmer friend to my personal
safety or my political position. As for your
brother, I don't think that there is anyone who
does not know how much he values and has ever
valued me. In fact, your whole house has always
honoured me with the most important services of
every kind. Nor, indeed, have you yielded to any
of your family in affection for me. Wherefore I
ask you, with more than common earnestness, to
determine that, as far as you are concerned, I
shall receive the highest possible compliment, and
to consider that in voting a supplicatio and in
all other matters you have sufficient motive for
defending my reputation.
CILICIA (JANUARY)
