Letter 3031: Although the quality of letters cannot always match the quality of the affection behind them, the attempt is never...

Although the quality of letters is composed according to talents and often serves solemnity, sometimes it testifies to signs of affection; letters which sincerity sometimes dictates, a polished composition more often resembling artifice, which, having imitated the brightness of diligence, becomes known through the urbanity by which it is covered, while, stripped of its fabricated coverings, it is revealed within its veil. I, however, think that in letters there is a mirror of the conscience, through which friendship can scarcely be discerned by one who is absent: yet it is clear what in them is simple and what the artful discourse delivers. The mind, interpreter of the composition, cuts through the clouds of eloquence: it quickly arrives at understanding once the path of words is opened with its blades. Therefore I greatly delight in these duties, through which sincerity is revealed and no opportunity for secure deception inserts itself. Yet I rejoice that occasions for writing and bearers come my way, so that under this frequency I may satisfy my desire and burden your modesty, unless what has been received is returned by you. Be well, my lord, and yield to my opinion at the command of affection.

XXXI. ENNODIVS AVIENO. Quamuis epistularum qualitas pro ingeniis conponatur et saepe sollemnitati militet, nonnumquam affectionis testetur indicia, quas aliquando dictat sinceritas, plerumque fuci similis concinnatio, quae candorem imaginata diligentiae urbanitate qua tegitur innotescit, dum fabricatis nudata tegminibus intra uelamen aperitur: ego tamen in paginis speculum puto esse conscientiae, per quas amicitiam discernere absentia uix praesumit: clarum est tamen, quid in illis simplex, quid artifex 1 nil T 3 nitorem Pb 4 pieuales B XXX. 7 iniocunda BPTb 8 scribis.. L 10 putas scripsi, putans BLTTVb ullum] nullum Pb sed in mg . al. illud Pm. 2 11 amori b d Sinn. nulle B domM B, domine LPTVb 12 quidquid B 18 ignotus] immotQB T 14 eontemptus T 15 uale] ulae L a 8 . 1. m. 2 XXXI. 20 sepe B soHempnitati LPV 23 fabricatas B 25 amiticiam T taii] iudex fort . \' preaumet B sermo deferat. scindit nubes eloquii mens dictationis interpres : cito ad intellectum peruenit falcibus suis uerborum calle reserato. ergo his ualde delector officiis, quibus panditur sinceritas nec occasio se interserit secura fallendi. gaudeo tamen mihi uel causas scribendi uel perlatores accidere, ut sub hac frequentia meo uoto satisfaciam et pudorem uestrum onerem, nisi a uobis suscepta redduntur. salue, mi domine, et in sententiam meam affectu imperante concede. uale.