Letter 4031: Although we have exchanged many letters on many subjects, the conversation is not exhausted.

From: Ennodius, deacon in Pavia To: Avitus Date: ~519 AD Context: A letter arguing that despite the many things they have discussed in writing, more remains to be said. Ennodius to Avitus. Although we have exchanged many letters on many subjects, the conversation is not exhausted. Between friends of real depth, there is always more to say — and the desire to say it is itself proof of the friendship's vitality. Write to me again. The subject does not matter. The act of writing does. Farewell.

XXXI. ENNODIVS AVITO. Licet multam nobis per litteras magnitudinis tuae occasionem gaudii lamenta pepererunt, cum ad hilaritatis obsequium index funeris sermo militasset, non tamen par lacrimis iucunditas contigit nec maeroris turbidum ex toto alloquii serena depulerunt. retinet adflictionem mens de tanti decessione pontificis etiam post desiderata conloquia, ob hoc quia natura rerum est, ut quaelibet laetitia uel modici angoris conlatione superetur. sed quid noua commemoratione facimus quae animum clandestina hactenus iactatione domuerunt? uotis uestris cum dei adiutorio comitem me promitto, dummodo salua domni papae nostri incolumitate talem uos elegisse cognoscam, quem eum, cui animae cura est, laudare non pudeat. nefas est enim credentem ad obliqua prouocare et quem affectu obligastis per incerta deducere. uale.