102. Such is the defence which I have been able to
make, perhaps at immoderate length, for my flight. Such are the
reasons which, to my pain and possibly to yours, carried me away from
you, my friends and brothers; yet, as it seemed to me at the time, with
irresistible force. My longing after you, and the sense of your
longing for me, have, more than anything else, led to my return, for nothing
inclines us so strongly to love as mutual affection.