Humanitext Reader

Cicero · Letters to Brutus §1.8.1-1.8.2

Recommendation of Gaius Nasennius to Brutus

Passage 11 of 30 · Latin

Summary

The writer explains to Brutus that many seek his recommendation due to his influence, and specifically recommends Gaius Nasennius from Suessa, highlighting his military service and honest character.

§1.8.1multos tibi commendabo et commendem necesse est.
I shall recommend many people to you, and indeed it is necessary that I should do so.
optimus enim quisque vir et civis maxime sequitur tuum iudicium tibique omnes fortes viri dare operam et studium volunt, nec quisquam est quin ita existimet, meam apud te et auctoritatem et gratiam valere plurimum.
For every best man and citizen highly respects your judgment, and all brave men wish to dedicate their effort and zeal to you, nor is there anyone who does not think that both my influence and favor with you carry the greatest weight.
§1.8.2sed C. Nasenniun, municipem Suessanum, tibi ita commendo ut neminem diligentius.
But Gaius Nasennius, a citizen of the municipality of Suessa, I recommend to you so highly that I do so with none more diligently.
Cretensi bello Metello imperatore octavum principem duxit, postea in re familiari occupatus fuit, hoc tempore cum rei publicae partibus tum tua excellenti dignitate commotus voluit per te aliquid auctoritatis adsumere.
In the Cretan war, under the command of Metellus, he led the eighth company of the principes; afterwards he was occupied with his private property, but at this time, moved both by the cause of the republic and by your excellent dignity, he has wished through you to acquire some degree of authority.
fortem virum, Brute, tibi commendo, frugi hominem et, si quid ad rem pertinet, etiam locupletem.
I recommend to you, Brutus, a brave man, an honest man, and, if it is of any relevance, also a wealthy one.
pergratum mihi erit si eum ita tractaris ut merito tuo mihi gratias agere possit.
It will be extremely pleasing to me if you treat him in such a way that he may be able to thank me because of your kindness.

Notes

  1. 1.8.1commendem — The present subjunctive first-person singular acting as the subject clause with `necesse est`, where the conjunction `ut` is omitted.
  2. 1.8.1quin — A conjunction introducing a relative clause of characteristic with the subjunctive `existimet` after the negative main clause `nec quisquam est`, equivalent to 'who... not'.
  3. 1.8.2Metello imperatore — An ablative absolute consisting of a proper noun and an appellative noun in the ablative, equivalent to 'when Metellus was commander' or 'under the command of Metellus.'
  4. 1.8.2frugi — An indeclinable adjective originating from the dative of the noun `frux` (fruit, value), modifying the noun `hominem` with the meaning of 'honest' or 'frugal.'

Cite this passage

Cicero, Letters to Brutus §1.8.1-1.8.2. Humanitext Reader, https://reader.humanitext.ai/en/text/urn:cts:latinLit:phi0474.phi059.humanitext-lat1:1.8.1-1.8.2

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