"Aristocritus has delivered to me three of your letters, which I
have almost defaced with my tears. Oh! my Terentia, I am consumed
with grief, and feel the weight of your sufferings more than of my
own. I am more miserable than you are, notwithstanding you are very
much so; and that for this reason, because though our calamity is
common, it is my fault that brought it upon us. I ought to have
died rather than have been driven out of the city: I am therefore
overwhelmed not only with grief, but with shame. I am ashamed that
I did not do my utmost for the best of wives, and the dearest of
children. You are ever present before my eyes in your mourning,
your affliction, and your sickness. Amidst all which, there scarce
appears to me the least glimmering of hope.----However, so long as
you hope, I will not despair.----I will do what you advise me. I
have returned my thanks to those friends whom you mentioned, and
have let them know, that you have acquainted me with their good
offices. I am sensible of Piso's extraordinary zeal and endeavours
to serve me. Oh! would the gods grant that you and I might live
together in the enjoyment of such a son-in-law, and of our dear
children.----As for what you write of your coming to me if I desire
it, I would rather you should be where you are, because I know you
are my principal agent at Rome. If you succeed, I shall come to
you: if not----. But I need say no more. Be careful of your health,
and be assured, that nothing is, or ever was, so dear to me as
yourself. Farewell, my Terentia; I fancy that I see you, and
therefore cannot command my weakness so far as to refrain from
tears."