Page:Correspondence of Marcus Cornelius Fronto volume 1 Haines 1919.djvu/305

 ? 153–154 A.D.

To my Lord.

Whether the merit of the act set off the speech, or the speech did not fall short of a most noble act, I can hardly say: yet of this I am sure, that these words had the same author as those deeds. But your brother's speech also delighted me, for it was polished and politic, and I feel sure he had very little time for preparing it.

? 153–154 A.D.

On my return from a banquet of my father's I got your letter, and learn that the messenger who brought it has already gone. So I am writing this quite late in the evening, that you may read it to-morrow. It is no matter of surprise, my master, that my father's speech should seem to you worthy of the occasion. But my brother's speech of thanks is in my opinion the more praiseworthy, in that, as you surmise, he had but little time to prepare it. Farewell, my most delightful of masters. My mother greets you.

? 154–156 A.D.

To my Lord.

I have had such a choleraic attack that I lost my voice, gasped and struggled for breath; finally, 241 VOL. I.