Spectator" pictures the England of the age of Anne, the life of a
time which is not so unlike our own as its distance in years might
indicate. And in this time by no means the least interesting figure
is that of the letter-writer himself, with his vanity and
self-importance, his sensibility and generous affection? hvs
pedantry and his loyalty.

LETTERS GAIUS PLINIUS CAECILIUS SECUNDUS

I

To SEPTITTUS

YOU have frequently pressed me to make a select collection of my
Letters (if there really be any deserving of a special preference)
and give them to the public. I have selected them accordingly; not,
indeed, in their proper order of time, for I was not compiling a
history; but just as each came to hand. And now I have only to
wish that you may have no reason to repent of your advice, nor I of
my compliance: in that case, I may probably enquire after the rest,
which at present he neglected, and preserve those I shall hereafter
write. Farewell.

II

To ARRIANUS

I FORESEE your journey in my direction is likely to be delayed,
and therefore send you the speech which I promised in my former;
requesting you, as usual, to revise and correct it. I desire this the