Letter 1010: I received your letter through the prefect of the grain supply, in which you recommend him to me, your new...
LETTER X
Sidonius to his dear Campanianus, greetings.
1. I received your letter through the prefect of the grain supply, in which you recommend him to me, your new magistrate, as an old friend of yours. I owe great thanks to him and even greater thanks to you, for you have decided either to presume boldly on my friendship or to trust it without reservation. For my part, I not only willingly but eagerly embrace the man's acquaintance and friendship, knowing well that my own standing in your regard will be all the closer for this courtesy.
2. But do also commend the care of my reputation -- that is, the state of affairs under my charge -- to his vigilance. I fear that the hunger of the Roman populace may echo through the roar of the theater, and that a public famine may be blamed on my misfortune. In fact, I am about to send this very man straight to the port, because I have learned that five ships have sailed from Brundisium laden with wheat and honey and have reached the mouth of the Tiber. If he acts with any energy at all, he will see to it that their cargoes are swiftly brought before the expectant populace -- commending himself to me, me to the people, and both of us to you. Farewell.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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