Book 5, Letter 10 - Plutarch on Cicero

 

Dear Cicero,

The river is full with winter rain, and I find myself spending a great deal of time reading, sitting fireside and listening to the music of the sky opening itself upon the world, now green, now ready and grateful for the blessing.

If I were stuck on a deserted island and could have only one book, I would have to choose between Herodotus' Histories, and Plutarch's Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans. I think both authors succeed in inspiring a great love of further study, and in showing the way in which all things in history are connected, and that I, a lonesome scholar on the edge of the world, am connected as well.

It would be a mighty discussion, if you Cicero, could meet with Herodotus and Plutarch.

Today I will read to you from Plutarch's biography of your life, a paragraph that speaks not so much of you, as it does of your wife, Terentia, and her role during the rites of the Good Goddess.

With Gratitude and Respect.

Morgan.

 

 

Book 5 Letter 9 - Seutonius, on Caius Julius Caesar

 

Dear Cicero,

Seutonius is such a joy the read, like an ancient tabloid writer, or an exposé blog writer, repeating juicy gossip from among the hoi-polloi of the Roman elite. Some of what he writes is history, I suppose, but much of it is just plain, old fashioned good storytelling. It's plain that he has done his research, it's just that his research included gathering up all the rumours, prophecies, and legends about these famous Roman men, and blending them together with military, political and religious history. He is often ready to quote you, Cicero, and I am always pleased to see the marks you made upon your culture.

This little segment I will read you today, is evidence of the complex relationship you had with Caius Julius Caesar, as both an enemy and a friend. But we have talked about this before. I will not press you. Just enjoy your name being spoken by a scholar over a hundred years after your death, and give thanks to the infinite fortunate events that have preserved your works for over two thousand years.

With gratitude and respect

Morgan.

Book 5, Letter 8 - The Way

 

Dear Cicero,

I remarked to a friend recently that 'poetry is the only reason I get out of bed some days'.

What I mean is:

the need to live a poetic life,

to have experiences worthy of poetry,

to be in the world and to draw the magic of inspiration and transmutation

like a thread through my fingers,

and to weave a new kind of reality,

by making real in language,

the things I feel in my body,

my mind, my heart, my soul...

that is why I get out of bed in the morning.

I offer you this, dear Cicero,

with gratitude and respect

Morgan.