Epistle XXXIV. To Maximus.
by
the Same. [Mr. Henley.]
[_]
On a Show given by him at Verona.
YOUR Promise of a Gladiator's Show to our People of Verona, is very just and agreeable;
since you are of old Belov'd, Esteem'd and Honour'd by them. You had from thence your Wife,
who had the tenderest Place in your Heart and Value; and some publick Testimony is due to her Memory,
especially on the occasion of her Funeral. Besides, it was desir'd of you so universally,
that it would not have been so resolute, as hard, to have deny'd it. What adds to it,
is, that you have acquitted your Promise with so good a Grace, and so much Magnificence;
for the Greatness of the Soul appear, even in these small Matters. I wish your
African Panthers, a Number of which you had purchas'd, had come thither on the Day appointed;
but tho' they have lain idle, kept back by a Storm, yet your Merit entitles you to equal Thanks,
as if the Kindness had been receiv'd, since it was not your Default, that it was not accomplish'd.
Farewell.
