Quintus Aurelius Symmachus → destinatário desconhecido

I'm taking advantage of the openness you've offered me. You've been stingy with your letters for a while now, but I won't follow your example — I know that for a man stationed at the peak of public honors, with vast and varied responsibilities, it's not the will to write that's lacking but the opportunity. That's the kind of neglect, born of duty rather than indifference, that we readily forgive.

Still, secure as ever in your affection, I won't abandon my usual habit of writing. And I'll count it a great favor if my man who delivers this letter meets with some success, in return for his devoted service to me. Farewell.