ABSTRACT
THE YEARS 145 to 147 were of great importance in the life of Marcus. On 1 January 145, he became consul for the second time, an honour that a private citizen could rarely expect and only at a fairly advanced age, whereas Marcus was twenty-two. His father was his colleague, holding the office for the fourth time. Marcus’ tenure of office required another important speech from him, and it may have been at this time that he was unwell and Fronto wrote him a brief note, urging him to have plenty of sleep ‘so that you may come into the Senate with a good colour and read your speech with a strong voice’. Marcus’ illness may be the one he referred to himself in another letter. ‘My present condition, as you can easily judge, is revealed by the shakiness of my handwriting. As far as my strength is concerned, I am beginning to get it back; and there is not race of the pain in my chest. But that ulcer … [here the manuscript is uncertain] … I am having treatment and taking care not to do anything that interferes with it. For I feel that a long illness can only be made more tolerable by conscientious care and following doctors’ orders. Anyway, it would be a bad business if a physical illness should last longer than one’s mental determination to regain one’s health. Farewell, my most delightful master. My mother greets you.’ 1
