Letter 6019: Since the opportunity to see you that my desires craved has been denied, I turn to letters as the next best thing.

From: Ennodius, deacon in Pavia To: Faustus Date: ~508 AD Context: A letter lamenting the loss of opportunity to see Faustus in person — the visit that was planned has fallen through. Ennodius to Faustus. Since the opportunity to see you that my desires craved has been denied, I turn to letters as the next best thing. The page is a poor substitute for your presence, but it is what circumstance allows, and I accept it with the gratitude of a man who has no other choice. May the day come when letters are no longer necessary between us. Until then, they will have to do. Farewell.

XVIIII. ENNODIVS FAVSTO. Postquam desideriis meis uidendi uos facultas elapsa est, iterum ad litteras mens reuertit: cogitur abiuratum poscere paginale subsidium et institutam melioribus copiis animam quasi uilioris cibi alere aut sustentare conmercio.s o quam graue est, quotiens uariis necessitatibus obsequentom fugitiua libertas ad noua instituta transducit! quae dura sunt continuatione franguntur: multum de grauitate oneris usus incidit: flebilis condicio ad optata quae non sunt mansura perducit: leuior sors est curis iugibus occupati. hoc sum infelicior peccatorum fasce, quod de bonarum rerum sapore gustaui. sed hinc alias. deo relinquenda sunt quae humano remedium nesciunt habere consilio. uobis interim reuerentiam salutationis inpendens reditus mei facere indicia non omisi, cupiens pari scrip- . tionis uestrae hilaritate releuari.