Letter 3009: I have kept my silence long enough, and silence — when it runs too long between friends — begins to feel less like...

From: Ennodius, deacon and literary figure in Pavia To: Marcellianus Date: ~500 AD Context: A letter written around the time of the synod of 501/502 that would vindicate Pope Symmachus — a period of intense ecclesiastical politics in which Ennodius was deeply involved. Ennodius to Marcellianus. I have kept my silence long enough, and silence — when it runs too long between friends — begins to feel less like patience and more like neglect. So I break it now, before it hardens into habit. You have been much in my thoughts. The events of recent months have reminded me how valuable it is to know where one's friends stand — and I have never doubted where you stand. That certainty is a comfort in uncertain times. I will not trouble you with a catalogue of my own concerns; you have enough of your own. But know that I am well, that my commitment to the cause we share has not wavered, and that I look forward to the day when we can speak face to face rather than through the unreliable medium of letters. Until then, take this as proof that I remember you and value you. Farewell.

VIIII. ENNODIVS MARCELLIANO. Scio magnitudinem tuam grandibus dei beneficiis abundare et promissam circa amicos seruare constantiam. nescit animus uester incerta polliceri amorem sine aliqua inminutione custodiens, et ideo securum me post deum uestris trado et commendo manibus et dei beneficia in quibuscumque negotiis per uos mihi euenire non ambigo. domine, ut supra salutationis honorificentiam soluens rogo, ut frequenti me epistularum uestrarum releuetis alloquio, quia summum mihi a deo munus conceditur, si de uestra meruero sospitate gaudere, quos fides et integritas omnibus, qui deum timent, facit acceptos.