Epistle XIII. To Ursus.
by
the Same. [Mr. Henley.]
[_]
Another on the Cause of Varenus.
HAVE you ever seen a Man so persecuted as my Friend Varenus? Who was forc'd to defend,
and, in a manner, re-demand what he had carry'd before, with the utmost Struggle.
The Bithynians had the boldness to complain of the Act of the Senate before the consuls,
and speak disrespectfully of the absent Emperor; ney, when referr'd again to the Senate,
they still persisted. Claudius Capito pleaded with more Assurance than true Steadiness,
and accus'd the Decree to the very Face of the House. Fronto Catius
reply'd with more Weight and Strength; the Senate it self concluded the Matter admirably well.
For even they, who at first rejected the Petition of Varenus, allow'd it ought to be granted to him,
after it had, in Fact, been
granted. For each had a Right to differ, while the Affair was undecided;
but when it was adjusted, the wold Body were bound to defend a vote of the Majority.
Only
Acilius Rufus, and with him, Seven were they, or Eight others?
I think, Seven adher'd to the former Opinion. There were some in this small Number,
whose occasional, or rather counterfeit Gravity, was ridicul'd. Yet, do you reckon,
what a Combat and Engagement we are to go thro', if the Skirmish has cost us so great a Struggle.
Farewell.
