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Finally, never forget that you are Cicero, one who has ever been wont to instruct and advise others; and do not imitate bad physicians who, in treating the diseases of others, profess to have mastered the whole art of healing, but themselves they cannot cure; nay, rather apply to yourself and set before your own mind the precepts you so often seek to impress upon others.

⁶ There is no grief that is not diminished and mitigated by the lapse of years. To await that lapse, instead of hastening to forestall the effect by applying your wisdom, is not creditable to you. But if there be any consciousness even among the dead, such was your daughter's love for yourself and affection for all her family, that this at any rate is not what she would have you do. Offer this as a tribute to her who has passed away; to your friends and comrades, for your sorrow is their own; to your country, so that if there be any need for n, she may have the benefit of your assistance and advice.

One last word—since fate has brought us to such a pass that we are compelled to give consideration even to such a matter—do not make the mistake of giving anybody grounds for suspecting that it is not so much your daughter's death that is the cause of your mourning, as the critical state of public affairs and the triumph of our opponents.

I am ashamed to write at greater length to you on this subject, lest I seem to have lost confidence in your good sense. Therefore, when I have put forward this one point, I will bring my letter to a close. We have observed on several occasions that you bear good fortune with admirable self-control, and thereby gain much credit; make a point of convincing us at last that you can bear misfortune equally