Translation:Letters to Friends/16.18

Rome, 47 BC
Tullius says hello to Tiro

What, then? It's not fitting so? I believe it is, even 'to his' must be added. But, if it's pleasing, let ill-will be avoided; this I have often despised.

I'm glad the 'perspiration' has been useful to you; if indeed the villa at Tusculum has been as well, good gods, how much more lovely that will be to me! But if you love me, something you either do or feign very prettily, which nevertheless proceeds in rhythm - but, however it is, be kind to your health; for this, while you're devoted to me, you still have not had enough regard. You're not unaware of what it demands: 'digestion', 'lack of fatigue', 'proper walking', 'massage', 'ease of the bowels'. Make sure you return pretty, so I may love not only you but also my villa at Tusculum more.

Prompt Parhedrus to rent the garden himself; thus you will affect the gardener himself. Helico the most worthless was paying a thousand sesterces, with no sunny garden, no drain, no wall, no shed. Is that man to mock us, after so much expense? Apply heat to the man, as I did with Motho; as a result, I'm using up wreaths. How it's going regarding the Crabra, although at this moment there is even too much water, I'd still like to know. I will send the sundial and books if there's clear weather. But you've no little books with you? Oh, you're writing some Sophocles? Make sure the work shows.

A. Ligurius, a friend of Caesar, has died, a good man and a friend to me. Make sure I know when we should expect you. Take care of yourself attentively.

Goodbye.