Sidonius to his friend Sagittarius.
The distinguished Proiectus — noble in his own household, conspicuous for his father and uncle of the rank of Spectabilis, and for a grandfather who was an outstanding bishop — eagerly seeks admission into the circle of your friendships, unless you refuse him. Though the splendor of his family, his upright character, his ample patrimony, and the vigor of his youth all combine in perfect balance to adorn him, he will still consider himself raised to the very peak of supreme happiness only if he can win the partnership of your friendship.
He has recently petitioned the mother of the daughter of the distinguished Optantius, now deceased — and may God prosper the union — for the young woman's hand in marriage, and obtained it. Yet he considers the progress of his wishes incomplete unless he wins your approval in all these matters as well, whether through his own diligence or through the intercession of my petition. For as far as the upbringing of the girl is concerned, you have stepped into the place of her late father by sharing in her guardianship — bestowing upon the young woman a parent's affection, a patron's authority, and a guardian's duty.
Since you are worthy that the celebrated discipline of your household should be sought even by those who live far away, I ask you — as befits men of good character — to reward the modesty of this suppliant suitor with a gracious reply. You, who are so sought after that you ought to be offering your support to him, may safely allow what has been promised. For merit has placed you in such a position over this matter that even had Optantius survived, he would not have deserved greater authority over his own children. Farewell.
EPISTULA IV
Sidonius Sagittario suo salutem.
1. Vir clarissimus Proiectus, domi nobilis et patre patruoque spectabilibus, avo etiam praestantissimo sacerdote conspicuus, amicitiarum tuarum, nisi respuis, avidissime sinibus infertur, et cum illi familiae splendor probitas morum, patrimonii facultas iuventutis alacritas in omne decus pari lance conquadrent, ita demum sibi tamen videbitur ad arcem fastigatissimae felicitatis evectus, si gratiae tuae sodalitate potiatur.
2. Optantii clarissimi viri nuper vita functi filiam, quod deo prosperante succedat, licet a matre pupillae in coniugium petierit obtinueritque, parum tamen votorum suorum promotum censet effectum, nisi assensum tuum super his omnibus seu sedulitate sua seu precatu nostrae intercessionis adipiscatur. namque ipse, quantum ad institutionem spectat puellae, in locum mortui patris curarum participatione succedis, conferendo virgini parentis affectum, patroni auctoritatem, tutoris officium.
3. quocirca, quia dignus es, ut domus tuae celeberrimam disciplinam etiam procul positorum petat ambitus, sicut decet bonarum partium viros, benignitate responsi proci supplicis verecundiam munerare et qui ita expetitus deberes illi expetere pollicendam, securus permitte promissam; quia sic te condicioni huic meritorum ratio praefecit, ut nec superstiti Optantio in liberos suos decuerit plus licere. vale.
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Sidonius to his friend Sagittarius.
The distinguished Proiectus — noble in his own household, conspicuous for his father and uncle of the rank of Spectabilis, and for a grandfather who was an outstanding bishop — eagerly seeks admission into the circle of your friendships, unless you refuse him. Though the splendor of his family, his upright character, his ample patrimony, and the vigor of his youth all combine in perfect balance to adorn him, he will still consider himself raised to the very peak of supreme happiness only if he can win the partnership of your friendship.
He has recently petitioned the mother of the daughter of the distinguished Optantius, now deceased — and may God prosper the union — for the young woman's hand in marriage, and obtained it. Yet he considers the progress of his wishes incomplete unless he wins your approval in all these matters as well, whether through his own diligence or through the intercession of my petition. For as far as the upbringing of the girl is concerned, you have stepped into the place of her late father by sharing in her guardianship — bestowing upon the young woman a parent's affection, a patron's authority, and a guardian's duty.
Since you are worthy that the celebrated discipline of your household should be sought even by those who live far away, I ask you — as befits men of good character — to reward the modesty of this suppliant suitor with a gracious reply. You, who are so sought after that you ought to be offering your support to him, may safely allow what has been promised. For merit has placed you in such a position over this matter that even had Optantius survived, he would not have deserved greater authority over his own children. Farewell.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.