Quintus Aurelius Symmachus → destinatário desconhecido

You deserve to hear about things that have recently done me credit, given your devoted interest in my affairs.

I expect you've already heard the rumor: my father, who'd been in the country nursing his resentment over the loss of his house, was recalled to Rome by a flood of senatorial petitions and a formal delegation — the Senate summoned him back with a new honor. As soon as the occasion arose for me to address my colleagues, my father thanked the Senate with that gravity of eloquence for which he's known. It was the first of January, the day the new year opens.