Letter 45

I'm doing something that suits both your character and my own inclinations: introducing the finest people to your friendship. In this case, I'm presenting to you a candidate of philosophy, whose modesty you'll see at first glance — his deeper qualities a longer acquaintance will reveal. I wouldn't want you to like him just on my say-so if he didn't deserve your respect on his own merits. But I'm confident he'll prove himself quickly, and will be valued accordingly. I'll say no more about him — my recommendation shouldn't prejudge a man whose judgment I'm waiting for you to form. Instead, let me simply ask you to keep up your warm regard for me. Though in making that request, I worry you'll think me rude for asking what you already give freely. Farewell.

Facio rem cum tuis moribus tum meo studio congruentem, ut praestantissimo viro &inicitia8 optimi cuiusqne conciliem; velut nunc tibi a me traditur philosophiae candi- ^^ clatus, cuius pudorem vel prima facies, cetera bona longus usus expediet. hunc ego fitls te nollem diligi, ni mereretur probari. sed si bene aestimo, actutum merebitur &tque ideo diligetur. de hoc nihil amplius. neque enim praeiudicio meo debet astringi, onius ego expecto iudicium. illud te potius oratum volo, ut in nostri diligentia per- severes. quod cum efQagito, vereor ne me iniurium putes, qui a te postulem, quod ^^ aponte praestatur. vale. xxxxn (XXXVI).