M. CORNELIUS FRONTO
Fronto to Marcus as Caesar
To my Lord.
That you may keep many birthdays of your children with all happiness, the pride of your parents, the darling of the people, the beloved of your friends, worthy of your fortune, your lineage, and your station, gladly would I give my whole life, not that meagre portion of it only that now remains to me, but also what I have already lived, if in any way it could be restored to me entire, and expended as the repayment of a debt for the benefit of yourself and your children. If I could walk with comfort, this were the day on which I would wish among the first[1] to embrace you; but I must, as you see, make my feet some concession, since they have not much procession in them. I am thinking of trying waters. If I come any nearer a decision, I will let you know. Farewell, my sweetest Lord. Give your Faustina a message from me and congratulate her[2] and kiss our little ladies in my name and, as I always do, their feet and hands as well. Greet your Lady.[3]
Marcus Aurelius to Fronto
To my master, greeting.
May you be preserved to us! May your house be preserved, and ours! which, if you look at our feelings, is but one house. I know well you would
- ↑ Or, "above all."
- ↑ On the birthday of one of the children; see next letter.
- ↑ The mother of Marcus.
