Chapter II

"Don't fancy that I write longer letters to any one than to
yourself, unless when I chance to receive a longer letter from
another, which I am indispensably obliged to answer in every
particular. The truth of it is, I have no subject for a letter at
present: and as my affairs now stand, there is nothing more painful
to me than writing. As for you and our dear Tulliola, I cannot
write to you without abundance of tears, for I see both of you
miserable, whom I always wished to be happy, and whom I ought to
have made so.----I must acknowledge, you have done everything for
me with the utmost fortitude, and the utmost affection; nor indeed
is it more than I expected from you; though at the same time it is
a great aggravation of my ill fortune, that the afflictions I
suffer can be relieved only by those which you undergo for my sake.
For honest Valerius has written me a letter, which I could not read
without weeping very bitterly; wherein he gives me an account of
the public procession which you have made for me at Rome. Alas! my
dearest life, must then Terentia, the darling of my soul, whose
favour and recommendations have been so often sought by others;
must my Terentia droop under the weight of sorrow, appear in the
habit of a mourner, pour out floods of tears, and all this for my
sake; for my sake, who have undone my family, by consulting the
safety of others!----As for what you write about selling your
house, I am very much afflicted, that what is laid out upon my
account may any way reduce you to misery and want. If we can bring
about our design, we may indeed recover everything; but if Fortune
persists in persecuting us, how can I think of your sacrificing for
me the poor remainder of your possessions? No, my dearest life, let
me beg you to let those bear my expenses who are able, and perhaps
willing to do it; and if you would show your love to me, do not
injure your health, which is already too much impaired. You present
yourself before my eyes day and night; I see you labouring amidst
innumerable difficulties; I am afraid lest you should sink under
them; but I find in you all the qualifications that are necessary
to support you: be sure therefore to cherish your health, that you
may compass the end of your hopes and your endeavours.----Farewell,
my Terentia, my heart's desire, farewell."