Stage 35 ex urbe Translation

line 1-3

Manius Acilius Glabrio greets his friend Lupus. How are you doing, my Lupus, in your country house? How is Helvidius, your son?

line 4-11

Whenever I think about you and your house, I envy you very much; for in the city there is no leisure, no rest. I indeed have been (to be) occupied with many works(business) everyday. At the first hour, I am being greeted by my clients; then I hurry to the court house to give speeches or to the senate-house to hear speeches; sometimes I visit my friends, or I am being visited by them; through the whole day I do private or public duties. But meanwhile you perhaps are lying on the riverbank of the river or in the shadow of the tree on vacation, and while I am being annoyed by the noise of the city, you are being delighted with the song of the bird. but enough of complaints!

line 12-21

Emperor Domitian celebrated a triumph yesterday over the Germans. The procession advanced through the whole city, was praised by many, and was mocked by some. Other, strange to say, were shouting a very splendid spectacle. "Our emperor," they said, "a true father of the country, now overcame barbarian tribes; the Germans are being led through the streets of the city now in triumph!" Others however were whispering the "silly spectacle". "Those (that) who are being led through the streets," they were whispering, "they are not at all Germans, but slaves, having been summoned out of the province Spain and dressed in German clothing!

line 22-26

The letters are being expected everyday from Britain, where Agricola wages a war against the Caledonians.The Caledonians were believed to be the most furious of all Britains, frightening to see and to hear. About the Caledonia itself I am uncertain, my Lupus. Is it part of Britain or a separate island?

line 27-34

I am being ordered often to be present at the council of the emperor. I unwillingly obey; whenever I am being asked by Domitian for my opinion, it is difficult for me to respond; it seem shameful to lie, it is dangerous to speak the truths. For they ordered that tyrant many good condemn.

line 35-39

Have you ever heard of the reciting of the poet Valerius Martial? I indeed to be present often at his recitals (public readings); if you will have heard him, certainly you will be pleased. His verses are always elegant, sometimes they are rude. However I criticize him because he flattered the emperor too much.

line 40-42

When will you leave the countryside, my Lupus? When will we see you again in the city? As soon as you will have returned to the city, visit me, please (I beg); if I will have seen you soon, I will be very delighted. Farewell.