Letter 2018: The greatest fulfillment of our longing comes when our eager hopes learn that the magnificent state of your devotion...

From: Avitus, bishop of Vienne To: Messianus, vir illustrissimus Date: ~510 AD Context: A formal letter of greeting expressing hope for Messianus's continued prosperity. Bishop Avitus to the most illustrious Messianus. The greatest fulfillment of our longing comes when our eager hopes learn that the magnificent state of your devotion flourishes in thriving prosperity. For whatever the generosity of heavenly blessings bestows upon your clemency adds to our own fortunes with the certainty of assured happiness. We measure the growth of our own success by the endless increase of your good works. And so, paying my respects with an honorable greeting, I ask — as we hope — that all may be well with you and yours.

Avitus episcopus viro illustrissimo Messiano. Maximus desiderio nostro cumulus optata gaudiorum ubertate confertur, si magni- ficum vestrae pietatis statum florenti prosperitate pollentem avida sollicitudinis nostrae vota cognoverint: quia hoc proventibus nostris compendio indubitatae felicitatis ad- crescit, quicquid clementiae vestrae caelestium beneficiorum pietas diffusa contulerit. Nam in eo metimur felicibus incrementis nostrum prosperari successum, in quo actionis vestrae crescit sine fine suffragium. Qua propter honorificum salve persolvens quaeso, ut cupimus, si felicia cuncta erga vos geruntur, magnitudo vestra percurrentis pa- ginae eloquio pandendo perdoceat.