Letter 7017: If you had been concerned about my humble person, the concern would have shown itself in action.

From: Ennodius, deacon in Pavia To: Avienus Date: ~506 AD Context: A letter gently suggesting that Avienus should have shown more concern for Ennodius — a complaint framed as a hypothetical. Ennodius to Avienus. If you had been concerned about my humble person, the concern would have shown itself in action. But I do not press the point; I merely note it, and leave the rest to your own conscience. A man of your sensitivity needs no instruction from me. The mere fact that I write is enough to tell you what I feel, and I trust you to respond accordingly. Farewell.

XVII. ENNODIVS AVIENO. Si uobis de paruitate mea fuisset ulla curatio, tanti temporis silentium non maneret, maxime cum inaequalitas domnae meae matris uestrae per uarios rumores sine remedio adfligat absentem. scio enim hoc solo sanctam feminam fasce praegrauari, quia inmodicam pietatem exhibet non merenti. sed quid produco uerba catenis obligata tristitiae? si bonam ualitudinem eius caelestis fauor refudit, properato litteris nuntiate. expecto enim ut tunc mecum prospera concilientur, quando cum illa esse comperero. didicistis causam maeroris, indifferenter post deum date remedii. domine mi, salutationis obsequia praesentans domno pro me supplice uestro obsequia digna porrigite.