Letter 5012: First, thanks be to God, who has wiped away the clouds from my eyes that an indescribable pain had produced —...

From: Ennodius, deacon and literary figure in Pavia To: Faustus Junior [son of Faustus Niger, a rising figure in the Roman senatorial class] Date: ~502 AD Context: A letter reporting recovery from an eye illness and commending Ennodius's nephew Parthenius to Faustus Junior's patronage for his education — a concrete example of how church networks served as conduits for social advancement. Ennodius to Faustus Junior. First, thanks be to God, who has wiped away the clouds from my eyes that an indescribable pain had produced — rightly attributing to Himself the blessings that belong to Him, who both gave sight and restored it. After countless days, I breathe again, emboldened by the promise of returning health. This prolonged absence from Your Eminence's presence only made things worse: the man whose good fortune deserted him from nearby could see nothing at all. But the One who lifted the fog from my body has the power to change sorrow into serenity through brighter days ahead. Now, having discharged the news of necessity, I turn to the business that prompted this letter. I trust you will look kindly on the bearer, whose cause commends him. Parthenius, my sister's son, wishes to be recognized as a gentleman through the disciplines of a liberal education. He hopes — if I am not mistaken — to have the endorsement of your household. I commend him to Your Greatness and ask that you receive him as the nephew of a friend who would not trouble you without good reason. Farewell.

XII. ENNODIVS FAVSTO IVNIORI. Deo gratias praefatus, qui oculorum meorum quas inexplicabilis dolor pepererat nubes abstersit, iure ad ipsum beneficia sua referens, qui lumen dedit et reddidit. uix enim post innumeros dies sanitatis fiducia animante respiro. et hoc ad absentiam culminis uestri prolixiorem respicit, ut quem genius suus de uicinitate deseruit nil uideret: sed potens est ille, qui corporis tulit nebulas, rerum serenitate mutare tristitiam. post elocutionem necessitatis ad negotium redeo, quod coactum inpetrauit adloquium. amabitis, ut spero, baiulum, quem adserit causa ueniendi. Partenius sororis meae filius per liberalis studii disciplinas ingenuus uult uideri: optat, ni fallor, peculii uestri habere testimonium. magnitudo igitur uestra 1 feratis T\' calcarebua JB1 2 ∗∗sublimitatem L 5 retineas B s. I . 6 cordis B 9 esse Lx XIL 16 iuni B, iunior L, om. T 17 quas (a m rtU.) T 18 pepereat L abstersit///iure (iti in ras.) V 22 uicinitates LVl 24 quoactum B 25 adloquium B amauetis B baiolum B 26 et postea parthenius Tb liberaris L, liberali B 27 nisi B 28 nostri Pb, ueri fort . haberetis B praeteritorum tenax, memor praesentium, prudens futuri, perlatorem pro mea commendatione suscipiat, et qui erit per uisionem uestram scribente felicior peregrinationis non patiatur aduersa sentire. domine mi, debitum seruitium reddens precor, ut uel per hanc occasionem, qua illinc Partenius susceptas poterit paginas destinare, desiderati multiplicetur forma conloquii.