M. CORNELIUS FRONTO
harmonious and kindly; but let it in any way spread among them, and it can only be stamped out with immense toil and immense trouble.
But prithee let us talk of better things. I love Julianus—for this discussion originated with him—; I love all who are fond of you; I love the gods who watch over you; I love life for your sake; with you I love letters; like all your friends I take deep draughts of love for you.
Marcus Aurelius to Fronto
Hail, my dearest or masters.
1. Although I am coming to you to-morrow, yet I cannot refrain, my dearest Fronto, from writing some answer, however trifling, to a letter so friendly, so delightful, so felicitous as yours. But what am I to love first? feel grateful first for what? Shall I not mention this first, that, occupied though you are with such important pursuits at home and business no less important outside, you nevertheless made a point of going to see our friend Julianus[1] chiefly—for I were ungrateful if I did not realize this— on my account. But, you will say, there is not much in that. Yet it does amount to much, if you count in all the rest, your staying there so long, having so protracted a talk, a talk, too, about me, or something to cheer him up in his illness, your making a sick man more comfortable in himself, a friend more friendly to me; then again, your writing out for me a detailed account of all this, giving in your letter most welcome
- ↑ Probably Salvius Julianus, the great jurist, who is mentioned in the Digest, xxxvii. 14, 17 Pr. by Marcus as amicus noster.
