Claudius C~sar walking one day in the palace, and hearing a great
shouting, enquired the cause: and being informed that Nonianus11
was reciting a composition of his, went immediately to the place,
and agreeably surprised the author with his presence. But now,
were one to bespeak the attendance of the idlest man living, and
remind him of the appointment ever so often, or ever so long
beforehand; either he would not come at all, or if he did would
grumble about having "lost a day!" for no other reason but because
he had not lost it. So much the more do those authors deserve our
encouragement and applause who have resolution to persevere in
their studies, and to read out their compositions in spite of this
apathy or arrogance on the part of their audience. Myself indeed, I
scarcely ever miss being present upon any occasion; though, to tell
the truth, the authors have generally been friends of mine, as
indeed there are few men of literary tastes who are not. It is this
which has kept me in town longer than I had intended. I am now,
however, at liberty to go back into the country, and write
something myself; which I do not intend reciting, lest I should
seem rather to have lent than given my attendance to these
recitations of my friends, for in these, as in all other good offices,
the obligation ceases the moment you seem to expect a return.
Farewell.

X

To JUNSUS MAURICUS

You desire me to look out a proper husband for your niece: it is
with justice you enjoin me that office. You know the high esteem
and affection I bore that great man her father, and with what noble