Pliny's Epistles in Ten Books: Volume 1, Books 1-6 | ||
Epistle VII. To Octavius Rufus.
by the Same. [Mr. Pelham.]
See to what a Height you have raised me, giving me the same full Power, and Command, that Homer does to Jupiter the Good, and Great.
Th'Almighty Father granted half his Prayer,The other half deny'd.
For with a like consenting nod, and denying shake of my Head, I can answer your Expectations. For tho' I can Handsomely enough, especially at your Request, Excuse my self to the Bætici, for not appearing on their Behalf against a particular Person: Yet it will in no wise be consistent, with my Truth, and Constancy, Vertues which you esteem, to appear against a Province, which I have formerly
Saturnian Jove.
For why should not I use Homer's Verses continually, when writing to you? Since you will not let me have any of your own; tho' I long for them to that degree, that I think such a Fee would Corrupt me to appear, even against the Bætici. I had like to have omitted, what I ought by no means to forget, that I have received your most excellent Palm-Apples, which I think do not yield to your Figs or Mushrooms.
Farewel.
Pliny's Epistles in Ten Books: Volume 1, Books 1-6 | ||