Pagina 33 di 62

When you see the must ferment in the vat, remember that just so

in my heart the longing for you is gushing and flowing and

bubbling. Good-bye.'

[36] Ad Verum. Imp ii. 1, s. fin.

[37] Santentum

Making all allowances for conventional exaggerations, it is clear

from the correspondence that there was deep love between Marcus

and his preceptor. The letters cover several years in succession,

but soon after the birth of Marcus's daughter, Faustina, there is

a large gap. It does not follow that the letters ceased entirely,

because we know part of the collection is lost; but there was

probably less intercourse between Marcus and Fronto after Marcus

took to the study of philosophy under the guidance of Rusticus.