Quintus Aurelius Symmachus → Campania

I've already used up my writing time with the servant heading back to Campania, but I didn't want your saintly and honorable father Severus to leave without a letter from me -- partly to fulfill my duty of greeting and partly to share my inspection of the building project at your house.

I was very pleased with both the layout and the scale of the baths. One thing I didn't approve of: in the smaller bathing rooms, the pool area is being decorated with paintings instead of mosaic [mosaic was considered more durable and appropriate for wet areas]. You should also know that Messala departed on the night before the Nones of March. The rest of the senatorial delegation will follow shortly. I've gathered from some conversations that certain concessions have been made to favor a household that many of our senators frequent for its dinner parties. But rest assured I'll make sure nothing is quietly shaved off the Senate's instructions. Farewell.