de Montaigne, M. S. (1685). An observation concerning Cicero, &c (P. Coste, Ed.). In M. S. de Montaigne & P. Coste (Ed.) & C. Cotton (Trans.), The essays of Michael Seigneur de Montaigne, in 3 Vols (pp. 289-296). London, Great Britain: J Pote, E Ballard, C Bathurst, T Davies, T Payne, J F and C Rivington, S Crowder T Longman.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/11798-039
In this essay, Montaigne first considers the ambition of Cicero and Pliny and the publication of their familiar epistles, arguing that it was not becoming of two consuls of Rome to spend their time in contriving quaint and elegant letters to gain the reputation of being masters of their own mother tongue. Xenophon and Cæsar wrote their own histories because their acts transcended their eloquence. Montaigne argues that qualities that are not suitable to a man's rank in the world cannot do him honour. Great men are not to be praised for common thing and should not excel in things not altogether necessary. Montaigne discusses the merits and style of his own Essays before setting Epicurus and Seneca in opposition to Pliny and Cicero. Although the former pair promise eternity to the letters which they write to their friends, it is after another matter, and by accommodating themselves, for a good end. Their letters are replete and abounding with fine lessons of wisdom. Montaigne's own genius for the epistolary style, particularly his aversion to the extravagant compliments in letters, is noted. He also describes his own unfitness to write letters of recommendation, and his own haste in writing letters, falling to without premeditation or design. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)