Letter 1023: Affection loses its vigor when debilitated by silence.

Ennodius to Senarius. Affection loses its health when it is weakened by the torpor of silence, nor does the course of its devotion overflow into its proper exercise if it is stripped of the fellowship of conversation. A mute love nearly represents the appearance of one who does not love, and it is the very image of hatred not to disclose what you cherish through the testimony of speech. These things I conveyed to Your Sublimity in person, when you were promising letters for the consolation of my absence. But now, what forgetfulness of me has invaded your mind, that across such great spans of time I have received no letters which might signify your good health -- so that I should not, on the strength of love's testimony, I suppose, come seeking out letters as the witnesses of our hearts? Therefore turn toward the better part this irreligious purpose toward one who loves you, and send writings in remembrance of the faith you promised. My lord, paying the debts of greeting, I pray that, if the page sent should find you in the same state of regard toward me as of old, it may deserve a reply, since I think that the twin bonds of love and of blood cannot be broken between us.

XXIII. ENNODIVS SENARIO. Perdit affectio ualitudinem silentii debilitata torpore nec ad usum suum diligentiae cursus exuberat, si nudetur communione conloquii. muta caritas pene repraesentat speciem non amantis, et odiorum simulacrum est non aperire quod diligas contestatione sermonis. ista sublimitati tuae coram positus intimaui, cum ad solacium absentiae meae litteras promittebas. at nunc quae animum uestrum mei inuasit obliuio, ut nullas 3 esse] eBt L 4 exhibitur B 6 quidquid B 8 solatio LT solet] debet Sirm . 9 querellaram B 11 occupationem B\' 12 significet B replicabo V bo in ras. m. 1 14 amorem T1 Bcribtionis B epistulariae V\' (u in 0 corr. m. 1) 15 ingesto T* 16 mihi BL V 17 oblegatus B 18 iuditio PT XXIII. 21 ualitudine L ut uidetur silenti* L i eras . 23 pene om. T speciem T in ras. m. 2 24 simolacrum B 26 solatium BT 27 ad B per tanta temporum spatia, quae bonam ualitudinem uestram significarent, litteras suscepissem, ne de amoris credo testimonio animorum indices epistulas conuenirem? inreligiosum ergo circa amantem tui in meliorem partem uerte propositum et ad memoriam promissae fidei scripta transmitte. domine mi, salutationis debita soluens precor, ut si uos in antiquae circa me dignationis statu pagina directa reppererit, responsa mereatur, quia. puto inter nos gemina uincula disrumpi non posse caritatis et sanguinis.