Letter 2022: The man who labors at unnecessary expense to secure a favor works in vain when the same result would have come...

Ennodius to Faustus. He who labors at unnecessary expense to assist a favor works in vain, like a man striving to help the sun with torches. The fullness of grace needs no abasement, nor does the man whom his own merits have brought to the summit of friendships require any further credentials of recommendation. My pen's attention follows the illustrious and patrician Albinus, your kinsman, to whom through this letter I bestow not what is necessary but what is wished for; and although I add nothing to his advantage, I nonetheless earn his affection for having carried out his commission. Therefore, paying the duty of greeting to my venerable lord, I ask that the aforesaid magnificent man may receive in return from your attentiveness what he showed to me while honoring you. For I know that a man of the highest rank, whom an innocent purpose will aid with its own gifts in your eyes, is quickly to be brought into the inner chambers of your heart.

XXII. FAVSTO ENNODIVS. Superuacuis ad beneficia laborat inpendiis qui solem certat facibus adiuuare. gratiae plenitudo abiectione non indiget, nec ulla requirit conmendationis augmenta quem ad amicitiarum cumulum merita pertulerunt. inlustrem et patricium uirum Albinum parentem uestrum stili mei cura prosequitur, cui per paginam non inpendo necessaria sed uotiua, et quamuis utilitati eius nihil adiciam, amorem tamen mereor, quod praedicti iussa conpleui. uenerabili ergo domino obsequium salutationis inpertiens precor, ut circa diligentiam suam praedictus uir magnificus recipiat quod mihi, dum uos colit, exhibuit. noni enim cito amplissimum uirum ad cordis uestri esse penetralia. perducendum, quem innocens propositum suis erit apud uos dotibus adiuturum.