Ep. CXXIII.
(To excuse himself for postponing his acceptance of an
invitation.)
I reverence your presence, and I delight in your
company; although otherwise I counsel
led myself to remain at home and philosophize
in quiet, for I found this of all courses the most profitable for
myself. And since the winds are still somewhat rough, and my
infirmity has not yet left me, I beg you to bear with me patiently for
a little while, and to join me in my prayers for health; and as soon as
the fit season comes I will attend upon your requests.