Letter 4018: In championing causes that deserve their day in court, a man does not deny his own services to the truth.

In asserting those to whom full honor does not deny its support, I do not employ many addresses, lest a lengthy speech seem to have obtained a benefit from one about to refuse: for you are accustomed to anticipate with generosity what ought to be asked by prayers. The parents of the distinguished and magnificent Opilio, residing in Africa, have sent to him a certain person prompted by diligence; and as this person returns to his native soil, the aforesaid Opilio has charged me with this service: that he might merit a letter from you to the magnificent Agnellus on behalf of his people's recommendation. This matter, most refined of men, you will not deny, not content that your kindness should be known only to those dwelling in Italy. Now, rendering my duties by letter, I have indicated the cause of this writing in the short compass of words. Bestow upon one who asks little what is most important.

XVIII. ENNODIVS FAVSTO. In adserendis quibus suum non denegat honestas plena suffragium multiplicibus non utor adloquiis, ne prolixus sermo tamquam a negaturo uideatur inpetrasse beneficium: soletis enim quae poscenda sunt precibus anteferre. ad sublimem et magnificum uirum Opilionem parentes eius in Africa consistentes direxerunt certam diligentia inspirante personam, qua ad patrium solum remeante hoc mihi muneris praefatus iniunxit, ut ad magnificum uirum Agnellum pro commendatione suorum a uobis XVII. 3 lingua esse Pb 5 peccorum Tl indicaiet∗∗ L 9 promisit P*; promisit. Et fort . consetudiai B 10 quod Pb 11 inoleum T1 12 diuinctionem BLPV conuenitis scripsi, conuenientes BLPTVb si] se T* int∗erpres (a fort. eras.) L 14 imptiens V, impartiens b 15 occului] finit add. B j . i XVIII. 18 asseruendis T 20 uidetur B eolites B i . 21 sablimen T\' 22 eus L, om. T affrica T 23 dirizerant B 24 remeante (mea corr.) L prefatis L iniunczit B scripta mereatur. quam rem, emendatissimi hominum, non negabitis, non contenti benignitatem uestram solos in Italia positos agnouisse. nunc obsequia mea litteris reddens causam scriptionis uerborum conpendiis indicaui. uos dicenti pauca praestate praecipua.