credit in the quaestorship, tribunate, and praetorship, and so he has
thus spared you the trouble of having to canvass in his behalf. He has
a frank, open countenance, fresh-coloured and blooming; a handsome,
well-made figure, and an air that would become a senator. These are
points which, in my opinion, are not to be neglected, for I regard them
as meet rewards to a girl for her chastity. I don't know whether I
should add that his father is a well-to-do man, for when I think of you
and your brother for whom we are looking out for a son-in-law, I feel
disinclined to speak of money. On the other hand, when I consider the
prevailing tendencies of the day and the laws of the state which lay
such prominent stress upon the matter of income, I think it right not to
overlook the point. Moreover, when I remember the possible issue of the
marriage, I feel that in choosing a bridegroom one must take his income
into account. Perhaps you will imagine that I have let my affection run
away with me, and that I have exaggerated my friend's merits beyond
their due. But I pledge you my word of honour that you will find his
virtues to be far in excess of my description of them. I have the most
intense affection for the young man, and he deserves my love, but it is
one of the proofs of a lover that you do not overburden the object of
your regard with praise. Farewell.


1.XV.--TO SEPTICIUS CLARUS.

What a fellow you are! You promise to come to dinner and then fail to
turn up! Well, here is my magisterial sentence upon you. You must pay
the money I am out of pocket to the last farthing, and you will find the
sum no small one. I had provided for each guest one lettuce, three
snails, two eggs, spelt mixed with honey and snow (you will please
reckon up the cost of the latter as among the costly of all, since it