Quintus Aurelius Symmachus → destinatário desconhecido

Please welcome Maximus -- an old friend but a brand-new courier [agens in rebus, an imperial messenger], a man going gray while still serving among the new recruits. He can fill you in on everything you need to know, which saves me from a long letter -- except, of course, for my usual request that you come visit, which I never tire of making.

Honestly, if my longing for you would allow it, I should stop asking by now -- failed petitions start to look shameless. But my love for you practically recommends impudence to a man who keeps getting turned down. I'm starting to worry, though, that you only promised to come back so you could stop me from coming to you.

I wish you good health. Please send word of how you are when the boy returns. My own health is free of active pain at the moment but still lacks real strength -- especially now that the Senate's latest financial contribution has added to my worries. But I've said too much; I regret burdening your peace of mind even with this.