1Recently, when I had spoken before the Centumviral court in the fourfold tribunal, it came back to my mind that as a young man I had pleaded likewise before the fourfold tribunal. 2My mind went further, as it usually does: I began to reckon whom I had had as partners in my labour in this trial, and whom in that. 2I was the only one who had spoken in both: such great changes are brought about either by the frailty of mortal life or by the fickleness of fortune. 3Some of those who had pleaded then have died, others are in exile; 3to this one age and ill health have counselled silence, this other of his own accord enjoys a most blessed leisure; 3another commands an army, that one the emperor's friendship has exempted from civil duties.
4As for ourselves, how much has changed! 4Through my studies I advanced, through my studies I was endangered, and again I advanced: the friendships of good men helped me, the friendships of good men harmed me, and now they help me again. 5If you count the years, you would think it a short time, if the turns of fortune, an age; 6which can serve as a lesson to despair of nothing and to trust in nothing, since we see so many changes whirled round in so swiftly turning a circle. 7It is my habit to share all my thoughts with you, and to advise you with the same precepts or examples with which I advise myself; 7and that was the purpose of this letter.
7Farewell.