§10.10.1etsi satis ex Furnio nostro cognoram quae tua voluntas, quod consilium de re p. esset, tamen tuis litteris lectis liquidius de toto sensu tuo iudicavi.
Although I had known well enough from our friend Furnius what your goodwill and what your plan concerning the republic was, yet, having read your letter, I judged more clearly of your whole feeling.
quam ob rem, quamquam in uno proelio omnis fortuna rei p. disceptatur (quod quidem, cum haec legeres, iam decretum arbitrabar fore), tamen ipsa fama, quae de tua voluntate percrebruit, magnam es laudem consecutus.
For which reason, although in a single battle the entire fortune of the republic is being decided (which indeed, I thought, when you were reading this, would have already been determined), nevertheless by the very fame which has spread concerning your goodwill, you have attained great praise.
itaque si consulem Romae habuissemus, declaratum esset ab senatu cum tuis magnis honoribus quam gratus esset conatus et apparatus tuus.
Therefore, if we had had a consul at Rome, it would have been declared by the senate, with great honors to you, how grateful your effort and preparation were.
cuius rei non modo non praeteriit tempus sed ne maturum quidem etiam nunc meo quidem iudicio fuit.
Of which thing the time has not only not passed, but in my judgment has not even yet become ripe.
is enim denique honos mihi videri solet, qui non propter spem futuri benefici sed propter magna merita claris viris de fertur et datur.
For that, in short, is accustomed to seem to me to be honor, which is deferred and given to illustrious men not because of the hope of future benefit, but because of great merits.
§10.10.2qua re, sit modo aliqua res p. in qua honos elucere possit, omnibus; mihi crede, amplissimis honoribus abundabis.
Wherefore, let there only be some republic in which honor can shine forth, and, believe me, you will abound in all the most ample honors.
is autem, qui vere appellari potest honos, non invitamentum ad tempus sed perpetuae virtutis est praemium.
But that which can truly be called honor is not a temporary inducement, but the reward of perpetual virtue.
quam ob rem, mi Plance, incumbe toto pectore ad laudem, subveni patriae, opitulare conlegae, omnium gentium consensum et incredibilem conspirationem adiuva.
For which reason, my dear Plancus, bend with your whole heart toward praise, succor the fatherland, help your colleague, aid the consensus and incredible conspiracy of all nations.
me tuorum consiliorum adiutorem, dignitatis fautorem, omnibus in rebus tibi amicissimum fidelissimumque cognosces.
You will find me a helper of your plans, a supporter of your dignity, and in all things most friendly and faithful to you.
ad eas enim causas, quibus inter nos amore sumus, officiis, vetustate coniuncti, patriae cantas accessit, eaque effecit ut tuam vitam anteferrem meae.
For to those causes by which we are joined between ourselves in love, duties, and long-standing acquaintance, the love of the fatherland has been added, and it has brought it about that I prefer your life to mine.
iii K. Apr.
March 30.