M. CORNELIUS FRONTO
the chiefest and supreme mouthpiece of the Roman tongue . . . . but Cicero more rhythmically:[1] both of you, aspiring to the charm of either, go the way that I guide you.
14. There are extant letters in both languages, partly written by actual leaders, partly composed by the writers of histories or annals, such as that most memorable letter in Thucydides of the general Nicias[2] sent from Sicily; also in Gaius Sallustius, the letter full of invective from Mithridates to Arsaces[3] the king, entreating his help; and the dignified despatch of Gnaeus Pompeius to the Senate touching his soldiers' pay;[4] and the recriminatory letter of Adherbal while treacherously beleaguered at Cirta;[5] but all, as the occasion required, short and without any description of events. In the style, however, of your letter there is extant a despatch of Catulus, in which he has set forth in the historical manner his own exploits, chequered with losses and failure, as deserving of the laurel crown. But there is a touch of bombast in these high-flown periods, couched in words almost plaintive.[6] History, however, should rather be written in the grand style and, if written for the Senate, with restraint as well. If Asinius Pollio had thrown the jubilations of his Counsels into the form of a letter, in a style necessarily terser, readier, and more compact, even if here and
- ↑ He is being contrasted probably with Cato.
- ↑ Thuc. vii. 11–16.
- ↑ Sallust, Hist. iv.
- ↑ ibid. Hist. iii. The letter was from Spain; see Plutarch, Life of Sertorius, ad fin.
- ↑ ibid. Bell. Jug. 24. If arte be read, translate straitly.
- ↑ cp. Cic. Brut. 132, where he speaks of Catulus' book De Consulatu et de rebus gestis suis as written molli et Xenophonteo genere sermonis.
