n can be placed in. In order to this, let us, if you please, consider
the wits and well-bred persons of former times. I have shown in another
paper,[201] that Pliny, who was a man of the greatest genius, as well as
of the first quality of his age, did not think it below him to be a
kind husband, and to treat his wife as a friend, companion and
counsellor. I shall give the like instance of another, who in all
respects was a much greater man than Pliny, and has written a whole book
of letters to his wife. They are not so full of turns as those
translated out of the former author, who writes very much like a modern,
but are full of that beautiful simplicity which is altogether natural,
and is the distinguishing character of the best ancient writers. The
author I am speaking of, is Cicero; who, in the following passages which
I have taken out of his letters,[202] shows, that he did not think it
inconsistent with the politeness of his manners, or the greatness of his
wisdom, to stand upon record in his domestic character.

These letters were written at a time when he was banished from his
country, by a faction that then prevailed at Rome.

_Cicero to Terentia._

I.

"I learn from the letters of my friends, as well as from common
report, that you give incredible proofs of virtue and fortitude,
and that you are indefatigable in all kinds of good offices. How
unhappy a man am I, that a woman of your virtue, constancy, honour,
and good nature, should fall into so great distresses upon my
account; and that my dear Tulliola should be so much afflicted for
the sake of a father, with whom she had once so much reason to be
pleased! How can I mention little Cicero, whose first knowledge of
things began with the sense of his own misery? If all this had
happened by the decrees of fate, as you would kindly persuade me, I
could have borne it. But, alas! it is all befallen me by my own
indiscretion, who thought I was beloved by those who envied me, and
did not join with them who sought my friendship.----At present,
since my friends bid me hope, I shall take care of my health, that
I may enjoy the benefit of your affectionate services.----Plancius
hopes we may some time or other come together into Italy. If I ever
live to see that day; if I ever return to your dear embraces; in
short, if I ever again recover you and myself, I shall think