Letter 1010: A sprawling report on Maxentius, Tyre, Parthenopaeus, and the discipline of honorable rivalry.

These things are written to you as to someone who already knows everything that has been said. We were not going to neglect your affairs, since we questioned those who came from your region about where you were. We had people to tell us who your allies were and who your enemies were, what sort of spears were on your side and what sort were on theirs, and how you were more likely to wound than to suffer wounds. Their account also included many displays of eloquence, in which there was great beauty and a character that sought victory together with honorable conduct, not victory apart from it. I also heard about the orator Parthenopaeus and how he became a Pirithous to Theseus, and I rejoiced for both of them: for Pirithous in what he received, and for Theseus in what he gave. I rejoice too for the city of the god who has often saved me, now receiving many contests of sophists. The city had this good thing before, but not in such measure or at such a height. Let beautiful Tyre be proud, then: she has a medicine stronger than diseases, namely her firm expectation, for whose sake I say that great Asclepius has often met with me at night. Let her be proud too of flocks of young men and shepherds of young men. I have also long heard of that final wrestling bout with the old man; I was pleased by your agreements and distressed when they were dissolved. As for that old age, I would wish you to continue honoring and bearing with it, even if it sometimes grows harsh, doing just what you would do toward a father. As for the man who often uses slanders against me, let him enjoy himself, if that is enjoyment for him. Perhaps he may even benefit me in some way by making me better through fear of his words.