come to the games and
come to see me, and will not leave your hope of enjoyment dependent on
my letters.[565]

[Footnote 561: _Communis_, which is not satisfactory. But neither is the
emendation proposed, _cominus_. For _communis_, "common," "vulgar," see
_de Off._ ii. Sec. 45.]

[Footnote 562: Whom Pompey employed to select the plays to be exhibited
in his new theatre.]

[Footnote 563: Pliny (_N. H._ viii. Sec. 21) says that the people were so
moved that they loudly cursed Pompey.]

[Footnote 564: L. Caninius Gallus (see p. 210). What he was accused of
does not appear.]

[Footnote 565: I do not like to think this letter a mere rhetorical
exercise, as has been suggested, rather than a true account of Cicero's
feelings as to the theatre and amphitheatre. He often expresses his want
of interest in the latter. The vulgar display in the theatre, unlike the
severe simplicity of Greek art, was an old evil (see Polyb. xxx. 14).]

CXXVII (F XIII, 74)

TO Q. PHILIPPUS (PROCONSUL IN ASIA)

ROME

[Sidenote: B.C. 55, AET. 51]

Though, considering your attention to me and our close ties, I have no
doubt of your remembering my recommendation, yet I again and again
recommend to you the same L. Oppius, my intimate friend who is now in
Rome, and the business of L. Egnatius, my very intimate friend who is
now abroad. With the latter my connexion and intimacy are so strong,
that I could not be more anxious if the business were my own. Wherefore
I shall be highly gratified if you take the trouble too make him feel
that I have as high a place in your affections as I think I have. You
cannot oblige me more than by doing so: and I beg you warmly to do it.

CXXVIII (F XIII, 40)

TO Q. ANCHARIUS (PROCONSUL IN MACEDONIA)

ROME

[Sidenote: B.C. 55, AET. 51]

Lucius and Gaius, sons of Lucius Aurelius, with whom, as with their
excellent father, I am most intimately acquainted, I recommend to you
with more than usual earnestness, as young men endowed with the best
qualities, as being very closely allied to myself, and as being in the
highest degree worthy of your friendship. If any recommendations of mine
have ever had influence with you, as I know that many have had much, I
beg you to let this one have it. If you treat them with honour and
kindness, you will not only have attached to yourself two very grateful
and excellent young men, but you will also have done me the very
greatest favour.

CXXIX (A IV,