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Letters of the Younger Pliny, First Series — Volume 1 by the Younger Pliny
page 51 of 197 (25%)
storm--viz. fluent, flowing, and of generous width; and not only that,
but divine and celestial. It may, I know, be said that many people
prefer a short pleading. No doubt, but they are lazy creatures, and it
is ridiculous to consult the tastes of such sloths as though they were
critics. For if you take their opinion as worth anything, you will find
that they not only prefer a short pleading, but no pleading at all.

Well, I have told you what I think. I shall change my opinion if you do
not agree with me, but in that case I beg of you to give me clear
reasons for your disagreement; for although I feel bound to bow to a man
of your judgment, yet in a point of such importance, I consider that I
ought to give way rather to a reasoned statement than to an ipse dixit.
But even if you think I am right, still write and tell me so, and make
the letter as short as you like--for you will thus confirm my judgment.
If I am wrong, see that you write me a very long letter. I feel sure I
have not estimated you wrongly in thus asking you for a short note if
you agree with me, while laying on you the obligation of writing at
length if you disagree. Farewell.


1.XXI.--TO PLINIUS PATERNUS.

Let me acknowledge not only the keenness of your judgment but the
sharpness of your eyesight, not because you are full of wisdom--no,
don't plume yourself on that--but because you are just as wise as I am,
and that is saying a great deal. Yet, joking apart, I think the slaves
which I bought on your recommendation are a tidy-looking lot. It now
remains to be seen whether they are honest; because in judging the value
of a slave, it is better to trust one's ears than one's eyes. Farewell.

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