"It was by my advice he renounced his career at home and embraced his present one.

I made him burn his ships.

I brought him to Rome, I launched him in the world, and I stand surety, in a measure, to--to his mother, for his prosperity.

It is not such smooth sailing as it might be, and I am inclined to put up prayers for fair winds.

If he is to succeed, he must work--quietly, devotedly.