PLINY, To Calpurnia Hispulla, his wife's aunt

cum sis diligis pietatis exemplum

filiam fratris tui ut tuam nec tantum amitae ei affectum repraesentas verum etiam patris amissi.

maxime igitur gaudebis

cum cognoveris eam dignam patre

amat
me

quod castitatis indicium est.

'dignam patre

dignam te

praeterea studium litterarum ex mei caritate concepit. meos libellos habet

lectitat

What is Calpurnia's love for literature is proof of?

Proof of her love for Pliny. The phrase 'studium litterarum ex mei caritate concepit' explicitly states that her passion for literature stems from her love for him. This suggests that her admiration for Pliny extends beyond personal affection to an
intellectual and cultural appreciation

disponit qui nuntient sibi quem assensum quos clamores excitaverim

quem eventum iudicii tulerim. eadem

versus quidem meos cantat formatque cithara

non artifice aliquo docente sed amore

How does Pliny emphasise his wife's devotion to him?

The phrase versus 'quidem meos cantat formatque cithara' highlights that Calpurnia not only sings Pliny's poetry but also sets it to music ('formatque cithara')

How does Pliny demonstrate his optimism for their future

The phrase 'spem certissimam' ('a most certain hope') expresses his absolute conviction in the strength of their relationship. The use of 'certissimam' (superlative form of 'certus') leaves no doubt about his belief in their enduring love. The phrase 'perpetuam nobis maioremque in dies futuram esse concordiam' suggests not only permanence ('perpetuam concordiam') but also continuous improvement ('maioremque in dies' - "greater with each passing day"

non enim aetatem meam aut corpus

quae paulatim diligit.

Why is it a relief for pliny that his wife feels the way she does?

Pliny finds relief in the fact that his wife loves him not for his age or physical appearance

nec aliud decet puellam tuis manibus educatam

quae amare me ex tua praedicatione consueverit. ergo tibi gratias agimus

How does Pliny show his and his wife's appreciation for Calpurnia Hispulla

and their happiness with their partnership?