Ut constet genitum nihil.
[3908]“Returning out of Asia, when I sailed from Aegina toward Megara, I began” (saith Servius Sulpicius, in a consolatory epistle of his to Tully) “to view the country round about. Aegina was behind me, Megara before, Piraeus on the right hand, Corinth on the left, what flourishing towns heretofore, now prostrate and overwhelmed before mine eyes? I began to think with myself, alas, why are we men so much disquieted with the departure of a friend, whose life is much shorter? [3909]When so many goodly cities lie buried before us. Remember, O Servius, thou art a man; and with that I was much confirmed, and corrected myself.” Correct then likewise, and comfort thyself in this, that we must necessarily die, and all die, that we shall rise again: as Tully held; Jucundiorque multo congressus noster futurus, quam insuavis et acerbus digressus, our second meeting shall be much more pleasant than our departure was grievous.
Aye, but he was my most dear and loving friend, my sole friend,
[3910]Quis deciderio sit pudor aut modus
Tam chari capitis?———
And who can blame my woe?
[3916]Impube pectus quale vel impia
Molliret Thracum pectora.
———He now lies asleep,
Would make an impious Thracian weep.