M. CORNELIUS FRONTO
ones is quite essential. In the epideictic speech everything must be said in luxuriant style, eveiywhere there must be ornament, everywhere trappings must be used. The medium style admits but sparingly of these.
2. But you remember the numbers of books, of which you have up to the present made the acquaintance, comedies, farces, old-time orators, few of whom, perhaps none save Cato and Gracchus, blow a trumpet, but all bellow or, rather, shriek. What, then, has Ennius done for you now you have read him? What help have tragedies been to you in composing verse in the grand style? For generally it is verse that gives the best assistance to composing speeches and speeches to writing verse. You have but lately begun to read florid and showy[1] speeches. Do not expect to be able to imitate them all at once. But, as I said, let us bend to the oars, let us make a great effort. Quickly shall I set you upon the very pinnacle of eloquence: I will be your surety for it, your bondsman, your bail. The gods will assist in it, the gods will accomplish it. Farewell, my Lord, be sanguine and stout-hearted and trust to time and practice. Greet your Lady mother.
When you spoke of[2] the Persian training, battunt[† 1] was a happy word of yours.
M. Aurelius to Fronto
Hail, my deservedly dear Fronto.
I see through that most subtle ruse of yours, which you indeed hit upon in pure kindness of heart.
- ↑ Fronto, according to Cl. Mainertus, excelled in pompa (the epideictic speech); according to Macrobius, in the siccum genus (forensic).
- ↑ Either in a letter or perhaps in the speech. If the former, it may have been in connexion with their being taught to speak the truth.
- ↑ Query battuunt, of fencing. See Suet. Cal. 32; 54.
