Epistle XXIV. To Valens.
by
the Same. [Mr. Henley]
[_]
On a Cause before the Centumviri.
WHEN I spoke last before the Centumvirate, in an Assembly of the four Courts,
I recollected, that I perform'd the same when I was Young. My Memory went further,
as it usually does; I began to think, who were the Partners of my Labour in this,
and the other Process. I was alone in both; such Changes are occasioned by frail Mortality,
or doubtful Fortune. Some, that were then at the Bar, are since deceas'd;
others are banish'd; some are silenc'd by Age and ill Health; others enjoy an agreeable Quiet:
One is a Commander in the Army, another is exempted from Civil Offices by the Favour of the Emperor.
Even about my self, what Turns have befell? I have advanc'd by my Studies,
and again have advanc'd in them. The Friendship of Good Men has serv'd and disserv'd me;
and again serves me. If you compute the Years, 'tis a small Time, if the Chances of Things,
you would think it an Age. Which may be a Lesson to despair of Nothing,
to confide in Nothing, since we
find so many Variations are brought about in so changeable a Circle. Now it is familiar with me to communicate every Thought of mine to you,
and to instruct you by the same Precepts and Examples, by which I instruct my self;
which was the Occasion of this Letter.
Farewell.
