§16.1.1Paulo facilius putavi posse me ferre desiderium tui, sed plane non fero et, quamquam magni ad honorem nostrum interest quam primum ad urbem me venire, tamen peccasse mihi videor qui a te discesserim;
I thought I could bear longing for you a little more easily, but I clearly cannot bear it; and, although it is of great importance for my honor that I come to the city as soon as possible, yet I seem to myself to have done wrong in having departed from you.
sed quia tua voluntas ea videbatur esse, ut prorsus nisi confirmato corpore nolles navigare, approbavi tuum consilium neque nunc muto, si tu in eadem es sententia; sin autem, postea quam cibum cepisti, videris tibi posse me consequi, tuum consilium est.
But because your wish seemed to be such that you did not want to sail at all unless your body was strengthened, I approved your plan and I do not change it now, if you are of the same opinion; but if, after you have taken food, you seem to yourself to be able to catch up with me, it is your decision.
Marionem ad te eo misi, ut aut tecum ad me quam primum veniret aut, si tu morarere, statim ad me rediret.
I sent Mario to you for this purpose, that he might either come with you to me as soon as possible, or, if you should delay, return to me immediately.
§16.1.2tu autem hoc tibi persuade, si commodo valetudinis tuae fieri possit, nihil me malle quam te esse mecum; si autem intelleges opus esse te Patris convalescendi causa paulum commorari, nihil me malle quam te valere.
But persuade yourself of this, that if it can be done with advantage to your health, I prefer nothing more than that you be with me; but if you perceive that it is necessary for you to stay a little longer at Patrae for the sake of recovering, I prefer nothing more than that you be well.
si statim navigas, nos Leucade consequere; sin te confirmare vis, et comites et tempestates et navem idoneam ut habeas diligenter videbis.
If you sail immediately, catch up with us at Leucas; but if you wish to strengthen yourself, you will diligently see to it that you have companions, suitable weather, and an appropriate ship.
unum illud, mi Tiro, videto, si me amas, ne te Marionis adventus et hae litterae moveant.
See to that one thing, my Tiro, if you love me: do not let Mario's arrival and this letter move you.
quod valetudini tuae maxime conducet si feceris, maxime obtemperaris voluntati meae.
If you do what will most contribute to your health, you will most comply with my wish.
§16.1.3haec pro tuo ingenio considera.
Consider these things according to your wisdom.
nos ita te desideramus, ut amemus; amor ut valentem videamus hortatur, desiderium ut quam primum; illud igitur potius.
We miss you in such a way that we love you; love urges us to see you healthy, longing to see you as soon as possible; the former, therefore, is preferable.
cura ergo potissimum ut valeas.
Take care, therefore, above all, that you be well.
de tuis innumerabilibus in me officiis erit hoc gratissimum.
Of your innumerable kindnesses toward me, this will be the most pleasing.
III non. non
November 3.