Quintus Aurelius Symmachus → A friend in Spain (name lost)

I take great pleasure whenever I receive one of your letters. They bring proof both of your good health and of your affection. I am especially glad that you promise to visit soon. To encourage you to hurry, I announce that my son, if divine favor smiles on us, will assume the praetorian fasces [take up the office of praetor, with its obligation to sponsor public games] in the coming year. I have written to you about this matter more fully through my household agents, whom I have charged with purchasing horses from Spain.

But since the opportunity presents itself, I press my request again: if winter storms should happen to delay the horses' return, please order them to be stabled on your estates for a few months and sent on to us when spring begins. Meanwhile, do not worry about your people here -- both my personal presence and my protection in the courts are defending them. I have warned the man bringing suit that the case concerns me directly, and that my legal support will not fail them. I have no doubt your people have already told you as much. Farewell.