Epistle XXII. To Tyro.
by
the Same. [Mr. Henley.]
[_]
An Admonition to him, founded upon the Cause of Bruttianus.
AN Affair has happen'd, that infinitely concerns those who are to be Governors of Provinces,
as well as those who too frankly confide in their Friends. Lustricus Bruttianus,
having found a charge of several Crimes laid upon Montanus Atticinus,
his Lieutenant inform'd the Emperor of it. Atticinus added one Article to his Faults,
in accusing the Friend, whom he himself had deceiv'd. The Process was regularly set on Foot;
I was on the Bench: Both pleaded their own Cause, but concisely, and in a summary manner;
as the shortest Method to discover the Truth. Bruttianus produc'd his Will,
which, he said, was written by Aticinus's own Hand: For nothing could prove more clearly the strict Union that was between them,
and the Necessity that forc'd Bruttianus to complain of a Man he so greatly valu'd.
He explain'd the Heads of the Charge, that appear'd equally evident and shameful.
Atticinus, when he
could not clear them, reply'd to them in that manner, that while he was defended,
he appear'd to be Infamous; and while he laid the Accusation, Wicked;
For he had corrupted the Servant of
Bruttianus's Secretary, seiz'd and mangled the Registers,
and made an Advantage of his own Crime against his Friend, with the utmost Dishonesty.
Cæsar acted very nobly in the Affair; for he pass'd Sentence upon
Atticinus immediately, without taking the least Notice of
Bruttianus.
He was condemn'd to an Island. A very just Testimony of Integrity was given to
Bruttianus, accompany'd with the Credit of being firm and steady: For after a short Defence,
he push'd the Accusation with Vigour, and maintain'd the Part, not only of a Man of Spirit,
but of Goodness and Sincerity. I have written this to you, as a Warning,
since you have obtain'd the Government of a Province, to put the greatest Confidence in your self,
and not rely too much upon another; and then to know, that if any Man deceives
you, (as I hope the contrary) you have a fair Precedent of Revenge; yet,
you should be strictly careful, not to have Occasion for it. For there is not so much Pleasure in vindicating one's self,
as there is Vexation in the Thought of being impos'd upon.
Farewell.
