B.C. 46, ÆT. 60 province, because I discovered by many instances that he was grateful and did not forget me. Accordingly, I was most delighted to see him at Rome. For it does not escape your observation, having done favours to a great number of people in that province, what proportion of them are found to shew gratitude. My object in writing, therefore, is both that you should understand that I do not take this trouble without good reason, and that you should yourself decide that he is worthy of being admitted to your society. You will therefore have done me a very great favour, if you make it clear to him how highly you value me, that is, if you accord him your patronage and assist him in whatever matter you can consistently with your own honour and convenience. This will be a very great gratification to me, and I ask you again and again to do so.
DVI (F XIII, 69)
TO P. SERVILIUS VATIA ISAURICUS (IN ASIA)
Rome
C. Curtius Mithres is in fact, as you know, a freedman of
my very intimate friend Postumus, but he pays me as much
attention and respect as he does his own patron himself.
At Ephesus, as often as I was in that town, his house was
as open to me as my own, and many things occurred which
gave me occasion to learn his affection and fidelity to myself.
Accordingly, if either I or any of my friends had occasion
for anything in Asia, it has been my habit to write to
him, and to use his services and fidelity as well as his house
and means as though they were my own. I tell you this at
the greater length, to make you understand that I am not
writing conventionally or for unworthy motives, but as I should
do for a man with whom I am intimate and have very close ties.
My request to you, therefore, is that in the lawsuit in which
he is engaged with a certain Colophonian as to the possession
of an estate, you should in compliment to me afford
