and not reproachfully to reprehend any man for a barbarism,
or a solecism, or any false pronunciation, but dextrously by way
of answer, or testimony, or confirmation of the same matter
(taking no notice of the word) to utter it as it should have
been spoken; or by some other such close and indirect admonition,
handsomely and civilly to tell him of it. VIII. Of Fronto,
to how much envy and fraud and hypocrisy the state of a tyrannous
king is subject unto, and how they who are commonly called
[Eupatridas Gk.], i.e. nobly born, are in some sort incapable,
or void of natural affection.

IX. Of Alexander the Platonic, not often nor without great necessity
to say, or to write to any man in a letter, 'I am not at leisure';
nor in this manner still to put off those duties, which we owe
to our friends and acquaintances (to every one in his kind)
under pretence of urgent affairs.

X. Of Catulus, not to contemn any friend's expostulation,
though unjust, but to strive to reduce him to his former disposition:
freely and heartily to speak well of all my masters upon
any occasion, as it is reported of Domitius, and Athenodotus:
and to love my children with true affection.

XI. From my brother Severus, to be kind and loving to all them
of my house and family; by whom also I came to the knowledge
of Thrasea and Helvidius, and Cato, and Dio, and Brutus.
He it was also that did put me in the first conceit and desire
of an equal commonwealth, administered by justice and equality;
and of a kingdom wherein should be regarded nothing more
than the good and welfare of the subjects. Of him also,