Receive the conversation of Naso from the frozen Hister, Atticus, you who are not to be doubted in my judgment.
Do you still remain mindful of your unhappy friend, or has a languid care deserted its own part?
The gods are not so harsh to me that I could believe and deem it lawful that you have now forgotten me.
Your image is always placed before my eyes, and I seem to see your face in my mind.
§2.4.9seria multa mihi tecum conlata recordor, §2.4.10nec data iucundis tempora pauca iocis, §2.4.11saepe citae longis visae sermonibus horae, §2.4.12saepe fuit brevior quam mea verba dies.
I recall many serious matters discussed with you, nor few times given to pleasant jests, often the hours seemed swift in long conversations, often the day was shorter than my words.
Often a song just made came to your ears, and a new Muse was submitted to your judgment.
§2.4.15quod tu laudaras, populo placuisse putabam.
What you had praised, I used to think pleased the people.
§2.4.16hoc pretium curae dulce regentis erat.
This was the sweet reward of your guiding care.
And so that my book might be polished by a friend's file, not once was an erasure made at your admonition.
§2.4.19nos fora viderunt pariter, nos porticus omnis, §2.4.20nos via, nos iunctis curva theatra locis, §2.4.21denique tantus amor nobis, carissime, semper, §2.4.22quantus in Aeacide Nestorideque fuit.
Us the forums saw together, us every portico, us the street, us the curved theaters in joined seats, in short, so great a love was always ours, dearest one, as great as there was in the descendant of Aeacus and the son of Nestor.
I would not believe, even if you drank the cups of carefree Lethe, that these things could slip from your heart.
§2.4.25longa dies citius brumali sidere, noxque §2.4.26tardior hiberna solstitialis erit, §2.4.27nec Babylon aestum, nec frigora Pontus habebit, §2.4.28calthaque Paestanas vincet odore rosas, §2.4.29quam tibi nostrarum veniant oblivia rerum.
The long day of the solstice will sooner be swift under the winter star, and the night of the solstice slower than the winter night, nor will Babylon have heat, nor Pontus cold, and the marigold will surpass the Paestan roses in scent, sooner than forgetfulness of our affairs comes to you.
§2.4.30non ita pars fati candida nulla mei est.
No, my fate is not so entirely lacking in any bright part.
§2.4.31ne tamen haec dici possit fiducia mendax §2.4.32stultaque credulitas nostra fuisse, cave, §2.4.33constantique fide veterem tutare sodalem, §2.4.34qua licet et quantum non onerosus ero.
Lest, however, this confidence of ours be called deceitful and our foolish credulity, take care, and with constant faith protect your old comrade, by what way is permitted and as far as I shall not be a burden.