Letter 7027: I choose the loss of modesty over the loss of opportunity.

From: Ennodius, deacon in Pavia To: Probus [a Roman aristocrat] Date: ~515 AD Context: A letter where Ennodius chooses to risk embarrassment rather than stay silent — possibly requesting a favor that exceeds his social standing. Ennodius to Probus. I choose the loss of modesty over the loss of opportunity. The request I make may exceed my station, but silence when action is required is a worse fault than presumption. I trust your generosity to forgive the boldness and judge the merits. Farewell.

XXVII. ENNODIVS PROBO. Eligo iacturam pudoris, ne subeam dedecus non amantis, sciens facilius sarciri posse frontis damna quam fidei. indoctum esse infelicitatis est, uirtutes familiae uestrae odisse res criminis. potuimus disciplinis liberalibus defuisse non delinquentes: nulli sufficit, unde mores excussit. ego in amplitudine uestra coaceruata epistolari sermone bona non uenerer? ego non illud generis lumen amplificatum studiis et probitate suspiciam? uidetur mihi non longe ab honestate desciscere qui colit emendatos, dum creditur quicumque sectari posse quod diligit. proinde uale per gratiam dei et studium meum adprobans amantem tui amplifica munus litterarum.