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well, and that you do not think your burden heavier than you ought to think it, and so remove the impression that of all the virtues, this is the one virtue you lack.

For my part, when I discover that you are in a calmer state of mind, I shall inform you of what is being done here, and of the general condition of my province. Farewell.

¹ Yes, Servius, I could, indeed, have wished, as you say, that you had been by my side in my most grievous affliction. How much you could have helped me had you been with me, by comforting me and bearing an almost equal share of my grief, I can easily understand from the feeling of greater tranquillity which your letter gave me. For not only did you write what could assuage my grief, but in consoling me you showed no small sorrow of your own. Your son Servius, however, by doing me all the kindnesses that such an occasion could demand, made it plain how highly he esteemed me himself, and also how grateful he was sure you would be for such a proof of his affection for me; and though I have often felt greater pleasure in his good services, I have never been more grateful for them.

Now as regards myself, not only do I find comfort in your discourse, and in what I may call your partnership in my sickness of soul, but also in the influence of your personality; for I consider it dishonourable in me not to bear my affliction in the