April(?) 44 BCE: To Aulus Pompeius Bithynicus (in Sicily) from Cicero (in Campania?)
Cicero replies to Bithynicus
Although I have many other reasons for longing for the Republic to finally be restored, I hope you believe me when I say that the promise you made in your letter adds to them, so that I wish for it even more. For you write that, if it happens, you will spend more of your time with me. Your wish is most welcome to me, and you make it in a way that is in keeping with our friendship, and with the opinion your father, that great man, held of me.
For think of it this way: although regarding the magnitude of their favours, those men whom events have made, or make, strong are more closely connected with you than me, none of them are as close in friendship. And so I am gladdened both by your recollection of our friendship, and your wish to further strengthen it.
Read Ad Familiares 6.17 in Latin here | Check the glossary here