Letter 2013: It is a matter as much of my longing as of my obligation to attend with particular care to the services that your...

Bishop Avitus to the senator Celer. It is a matter as much of my longing as of my obligation to attend with particular care to the services that your deservedly famous greatness renders to the city. Especially now that divine favor has provided a timely occasion in which I may serve the commands of his majesty with full devotion. Therefore I commend to your magnificence the son of your servant, the illustrious Laurentius. He has been ordered by royal command to be returned to his father. I ask that your greatness ensure his safe passage and that this small service may deepen the bond between us.

Avitus episcopus Celero senatori. Constat non minus desiderii mei esse quam debiti, ut officia, quae merito inclitae magnitudinis urbi devotus impenditis, a me, qui gratiae eius iam dudum videor ob- ligatus, specialius excolantur. Maxime cum opportunam nunc occasionem favor divi- nus obtulerit, in qua imperio celsitudinis suae plena meruerim devotione servire. Qua propter cultoris vestri, viri illustris Laurentii, filium, quem ad patrem suum dirigi iussio reverenda praecepit, magnificentiae vestrae praefato largissimae sospitatis ho- nore commendo: augeri studio, defendi quod voluistis animo pietatis, in regione ex- petiit patrem, in vobis reperiat paternitatem. Tuemini etiam cum prole susceptum, qui vobis licet satis sit debitor per honorem, plus tamen incepit debere per subolem, quod per vos potietur proprii affectus solatio, compensaturus erga vos affectionis aug- mento. De cetero autem, quantum ad fideles vestros pertinet, expectatione semper cupimus iussionem, optamus oboedientiae facultatem. Vos prospera divinitate prae- state, ut Romanam sub gloriosissimo principe nostro prosperitatem, in cuius apice digna honoris arce fulgetis, tam serenitate sermonis istius quam dignitatis vestrae rescripto mereamur agnoscere.