§12.29.1non modo tibi cui nostra omnia notissima sunt, sed neminem in populo R. arbitror esse cui sit ignota ea familiaritas quae mihi cum L. Lamia est.
I think that not only to you, to whom all our affairs are very well known, but also to no one among the Roman people is that intimacy unknown which I have with L. Lamia.
etenim magno theatro spectata est tum cum est ab A. Gabinio consule relegatus quod libere et fortiter salutem meam defendisset.
For indeed, it was proved in a great theater (on a public stage) at the time when he was banished by the consul A. Gabinius because he had freely and courageously defended my safety.
nec ex eo amor inter nos natus est sed, quod erat vetus et magnus, propterea nullum periculum pro me adire dubitavit.
And it was not from that moment that love was born between us, but because it was ancient and great, for that reason he did not hesitate to undergo any danger for me.
ad haec officia vel merita potius iucundissima consuetudo accedit, ut nullo prorsus plus homine delecter.
To these duties, or rather merits, is added a most delightful intimacy, so that there is absolutely no man in whose company I take more pleasure.
non puto te iam exspectare quibus eum tibi verbis commendem; causa enim tanti amoris intellegis quae verba desideret.
I do not think that you are now waiting to see with what words I recommend him to you; for you understand what words the cause of such great love requires.
§12.29.2Iis me omnibus usum putato.
Consider me to have used them all.
tantum velim existimes, si negotia Lamiae, procuratores, libertos, familiam quibuscumque rebus opus erit defenderis, gratius mihi futurum quam si ea tua liberalitas pertinuisset ad rem familiarem meam; nec dubito quin sine mea commendatione, quod tuum est iudicium de hominibus, ipsius Lamiae causa studiose omnia facturus sis.
I would only wish you to think that, if you defend the business, the agents, the freedmen, and the household of Lamia in whatever matters there shall be need, it will be more pleasing to me than if that generosity of yours had related to my own private property; nor do I doubt that, such is your judgment of men, you will do everything zealously for the sake of Lamia himself, even without my recommendation.
quamquam erat nobis dictum te existimare alicui s. c. , quod contra dignitatem tuam fieret, scribendo Lamiam adfuisse; qui omnino consulibus illis numquam fuit ad scribendum; deinde omnia tum falsa senatus consulta deferebantur.
Although it had been told us that you thought Lamia had been present at the drafting of some decree of the senate which was made against your dignity; but he was never present at all for the drafting under those consuls; and besides, all false decrees of the senate were being registered at that time.
Nisi forte etiam illi Semproniano s. c. me censes adfuisse qui ne Romae quidem fui, ut tum de eo ad te scripsi re recenti.
Unless, perhaps, you think that I also was present at that Sempronian decree of the senate, who was not even at Rome, as I wrote to you at the time on the subject when it was fresh.
§12.29.3sed haec hactenus.
But enough of this.
te, mi Cornifici, etiam atque etiam rogo ut omnia Lamiae negotia mea putes esse curesque ut intellegat hanc commendationem maximo sibi usui fuisse.
I ask you again and again, my dear Cornificius, to consider all Lamia's business as mine, and to take care that he may understand that this recommendation has been of the greatest use to him.
hoc mihi gratius facere nihil potes.
You can do nothing more pleasing to me than this.
cura ut valeas.
Take care of your health.