Letter 52

To my Brother. I hear a boot-seller has arrived from Athens — the same fellow, I think, from whom you bought me those laced shoes last year. Apparently he has expanded his inventory: he now carries robes in the Attic style, light summer clothes that would suit you, and mantles of the kind I prefer for summer. See what he has and buy what seems good. I trust your judgment.

Letter 52: Buying a Mantle [1] To his Brother They say that a fellow who sells boots has come from Athens . It is the same person, I think, from whom you bought for me last year some lacing shoes. Now, according to my information, he has extended the area of his trade; he has robes in the Attic style, he has light summer clothes which will become you, and mantles such as I like for the summer season. [2] Before he sells all these goods, or at least the finest of them, invite the stranger here, for you must remember that the first purchaser will choose the best of everything, without troubling himself about those who come to buy after him, and buy for me three or four of these mantles. In any case, whatever you pay, I will repay you many times over.