Strona 32 z 62

Now for yourself, when you left that place, did you go to Aurelia

or to Campania? Be sure to write to me, and say whether you have

opened the vintage, or carried a host of books to the

country-house; this also, whether you miss me; I am foolish to

ask it, whenas you tell it me of yourself. Now if you miss me and

if you love me, send me your letters often, which is a comfort

and consolation to me. Indeed I should prefer ten times to read

your letters than all the vines of Gaurus or the Marsians; for

these Signian vines have grapes too rank and fruit too sharp in

the taste, but I prefer wine to must for drinking. Besides, those

grapes are nicer to eat dried than fresh-ripe; I vow I would

rather tread them under foot than put my teeth in them. But I

pray they may be gracious and forgiving, and grant me free pardon

for these jests of mine. Farewell, best friend, dearest, most

learned, sweetest master.