Quintus Aurelius Symmachus → destinatário desconhecido
Tradução moderna em inglês
I believe the distinguished Vitalianus asked me for this letter more as a courtesy to me than as any real help to himself. Since nothing could improve on the affection he already enjoys from you, his only purpose seems to have been to give me another occasion to strengthen my own connection with you.
So accept this quick greeting. And if you reply with something more eloquent, you'll be challenging my meager talents to match your abundance.
Texto latino / grego
Vitaliannm clarissimnm yiram, mei potius officii gratia qnam in adinmentum snnm credo litteras poposcisse. nam cnm ipsi ad promerendum tnum amorem nihil ultra possit accedere, id tantum videtur egisse, nt mihi ex hoc mnnere conciliatio tni nbe- rior proyeniret. cape igitnr delibatam cnrsim salutationem , cui si facnndia largiore responderis, in exemplum copiae ingenii mei maciem provocabis. 25 LXXXn (LXXVI).