December 45 BCE: To Tiro (at Tusculum) from Cicero (at Rome)
Tiro is still sick (but at least there are gladiators)
Upon my life, my dear Tiro, your health makes me very uneasy. But I feel confident that if you continue to take the same care as you have begun to do, you will soon be strong.
Arrange the books, get the catalogue made when it pleases Metrodorus,* since you have to live according to his orders. Settle with the gardener as you think right. You can go to see the gladiators on the first, and return home next day. And I think that is what you had better do.
But as you please. Take great care of yourself, if you love me. Good-bye.
Read Ad Familiares 16.20 in Latin here | Check the glossary here
Notes from the translator, E.S. Shuckburgh:
when it pleases Metrodorus—The physician.