o you as warmly as possible. I appear to be barely able to
satisfy his eagerness by using the words which I generally use when most
in earnest. He asks for something out of the common way from me, and
thinks I have a special knack in that style of writing. I have promised
him to produce a masterpiece of commendation--a specimen of my choicest
work. Since I cannot reach that standard, however, I would beg you to
make him think that some astonishing effect has been produced by the
style of my letter. You will secure that, if you treat him with all the
liberality which your kindness can suggest and your official power make
feasible--I don't mean merely in the way of material assistance, but
also in words and even in looks: and what influence such things have in
a province I could have wished that you had already learnt by
experience, though I have an idea that you soon will do so. This man
himself, whom I am recommending to you, I believe to be thoroughly
worthy of your friendship, not only because Cuspius says so (though that
should be enough), but because I know the keenness of his judgment of
men and in the selection of his friends. I shall soon be able to judge
what has been the effect of this letter, and shall, I feel certain, have
reason to thank you. For myself, I shall with zeal and care see to all
that I think to be your wish or to concern your interests. Take care of
your health.

[Footnote 508: _Paludatum_, lit. dressed in the _paludamentum_, the
military dress in which provincial governors left Rome with _imperium_.]

[Footnote 509: _Notam_, some cipher, which he had agreed upon with
Valerius to indicate that the _commendatio_ was not to be looked upon as
a mere matter of course.]

CXV (F XIII, 6 b)

TO Q. VALERIUS ORCA (PROCONSUL IN AFRICA)

ROME (MAY)

[Sidenote: B.C. 56, AET. 50]

P. Cornelius, who delivers you this letter, has been recommended to me
by P. Cuspius, for whose sake you are thoroughly informed from me how
much I desire and am bound to do. I earnestly beg you that Cuspius may
have as great, early, and frequent occasion as possible to thank me for
this introduction.

CXVI (Q FR II, 6)

TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (RETURNING FROM SARDINIA)

ROME, MAY

[Sidenote: B.C. 56, AET. 50]

How delighted I was to get your letter! It had been expected by me at
first, it is true, only with longing, but recently with alarm also. And,
in fact, let me tell you that this is the only let