University of Virginia Library

Epistle XII. To Catilius.

by Mr. M.

I Will accept of your Invitation, but upon this Condition, that our Supper be early and moderate. Let it only abound in polite Conversation, and in that too, let it not exceed Measure: There will some Circumstances attend late Hours, that even Cato could not fall under without Censure, whom yet Cæsar so reprehends as to applaud; for he describes those that met him Drunk, blushing at the Sight, and adds, you would have thought They, not Cato had been found in that Condition. Could more Respect be shewn to Cato, than even in Drink to be so venerable?

But in our Entertainment, as in the Preparation and Expence, so in the time of our Stay, let us be reasonable, for our Character is not so establish'd as to be Proof against Censure.