the whole family.  He was evidently a person of considerable ability and accomplishments, acting as literary amanuensis, and indeed in some sort as a domestic critic, to his busy master.  He had accompanied him to his government in Cilicia, and on the return home had been taken ill, and obliged to be left behind at Patrae.  And this is Cicero’s affectionate letter to him, written from Leucas (Santa Maura) the day afterwards: 

“I thought I could have borne the separation from you better, but it is plainly impossible; and although it is of great importance to the honours which I am expecting[1] that I should get to Rome as soon as possible, yet I feel I made a great mistake in leaving you behind.  But as it seemed to be your wish not to make the voyage until your health was restored, I approved your decision.  Nor do I think otherwise now, if you are still of the same opinion.  But if hereafter, when you are able to eat as usual, you think you can follow me here, it is for you to decide.  I sent Mario to you, telling him either to join me with you as soon as possible, or, if you are delayed, to come back here at once.  But be assured of this, that if it can be so without risk to your health, there is nothing I wish so much as to have you with me.  Only, if you feel it necessary for your recovery to stay a little longer at Patrae, there is nothing I wish so much as for you to get well.  If you sail at once, you will catch us at Leucas.  But if you want to get well first, take care to secure pleasant companions, fine weather, and a good ship.  Mind this, my good Tiro, if you love me—­let neither Mario’s visit nor this letter hurry you.  By doing what is best for your own health, you will be best obeying my directions.  Consider these points with your usual good sense.  I miss you very much; but then I love you, and my affection makes me wish to see you well, just as my want of you makes me long to see you as soon as possible.  But the first point is the most important.  Above all, therefore, take care to get well:  of all your innumerable services to me, this will be the most acceptable”.

[Footnote 1:  The triumph for the victory gained under his nominal command over the hill-tribes in Cilicia, during his governorship of that province (p. 68).]

Cicero writes to him continually during his own journey homewards with the most thoughtful kindness, begs that he will be cautious as to what vessel he sails in, and recommends specially one very careful captain.  He has left a horse and a mule ready for him when he lands at Brundusium.  Then he hears that Tiro had been foolish enough to go to a concert, or something of the kind, before he was strong, for which he mildly reproves him.  He has written to the physician to spare no care or pains, and to charge, apparently, what he pleases.  Several of his letters to his friend Atticus, at this date, speak in the most anxious and affectionate terms of the serious illness of this faithful servant.  Just as he and his party are starting from Leucas, they send a note “from Cicero and his son, and Quintus the elder and younger, to their best and kindest Tiro”.  Then from Rome comes a letter in the name of the whole family, wife and daughter included: