1I had fled to my Tuscan estate in order to do everything as I pleased. 1But not even in Tuscany can I do this: I am disturbed by so many petitions from the peasants on every side, and such querulous ones, which I read rather more unwillingly than my own writings; 1for even my own I read unwillingly. 2For I am revising some short speeches, which after an interval of time is both dull and bitter work. 2My accounts are neglected as though I were away. 3Sometimes, though, I mount a horse and play the master of the house to the extent of riding over some part of my estates, but only for exercise.
3Do you keep up your custom, and write out in full the news of the city for me, rustic as I am. 3Farewell.