Letter 4035: Ennodius to Apronianus, the Illustrious.

It is the custom of men shining with the distinction of their character to nourish the religion of friendship through the cultivation of conversation, so that while the seeds of grace are warmed by the fostering of dialogue, the bonded union may reach its harvest. For through these duties ancient providence wished absence to have no power. Deservedly does Lord Faustus, the most refined of men, proclaim a singular testimony concerning you. It is given to know without a cloud that nothing is to be doubted about one whom a proven man extols. But now, reducing myself to the narrow limits of a letter, I close the praise owed within secret chambers, lest what ought to be done before outsiders should grow rancid by importunity before you. Be well, my lord, accepting a most dutiful greeting: I pray to God that, prolonging your prosperity into the future, he may also promise increase to me through the favorable fortunes of friends.

XXXV. ENNODIVS APRONIANO V. I. In usu est uiris morum claritate fulgentibus religionem amicitiae per culturam nutrire conloquii, ut dum gratiae germina fotu confabulationis animantur, ad messem coniunctio foederata perueniat. per haec enim munia uoluit senior prouidentia absentiae nil licere. merito de uobis emendatissimus hominum domnus Faustus praedicat singulare testimonium. sine nube datur agnosci nihil de eo dubitandum quem probatus attollit. sed nunc ad epistulae angustias me reducens secretis debitam laudem claudo penetralibus, ne quod apud externos faciendum est apud uos inportunitate rancescat. uale, mi domine, salutationem obsequentissimam accipiens: deum precor, ut prospera uestra in longum producens mihi quoque secundis amicorum successibus spondeat auctionem. uale. 2 ad L* ut uidetur 3 Simatione B 6 Acta V, proflcta L 6 praecidentium B 12 uale om. PTV XXXV. 14 approniano T ui. Bb, om. LTV 15 oiri B, uir** 1 (is eras.) L 17 coniuncto F o in ras . 22 debitum T 24 ranciscat B 25 d∗m (n eras.) L 27 actionem T aale om. T