Page:Correspondence of Marcus Cornelius Fronto volume 2 Haines 1920.djvu/117

 that you have read, there are many fresh things introduced, not inelegantly as I fancy, particularly a passage on my past life, which I think will please you. if you read that excellent speech on a similar subject in defence of P. Sulla left us by M. Tullius: not that you should compare us as equals, but that you should recognise how far my mediocre talent falls short of that man of unapproachable eloquence.

? 163 A.D.

to Antoninus Augustus.

1. I will subjoin a few possibly unreasonable and unjust criticisms, for I will make you again have a taste of me as a master. And you are aware that all this company of masters is more or less futile and fatuous—little enough of eloquence and of wisdom nought! You will I am sure bear with me for taking up anew my old-time authority and title of master.

2. For I confess, what is the fact, that only one thing could happen to cause any considerable set-back 101