Letter 6006: When I learned that the treaty-breaking nation had returned to their own territory and was preparing no ambush for...

LETTER VI Sidonius to his lord Bishop Eutropius, greetings. 1. When I learned that the treaty-breaking nation had returned to their own territory and was preparing no ambush for travelers, I thought it sinful to delay any further the exchange of courtesies between us, lest your affection should acquire, through my neglect, a kind of rust from the rarity of our correspondence -- like an unpolished sword. So I have sent this courier for no other purpose than to ask how your bodily health is holding up. 2. For we heard a rumor -- may God grant it false! -- that you had been troubled by recurring fevers. If this is so, let your flock's prayers and your own endurance see you through. And if you are well, write back at once to relieve the worry of those who love you. The roads are open now, if only briefly; let us use them while we can. Farewell.

EPISTULA VI Sidonius domino papae Eutropio salutem. 1. Postquam foedifragam gentem redisse in suas sedes comperi neque quicquam viantibus insidiarum parare, nefas credidi ulterius officiorum differre sermonem, ne vester affectus quandam vitio meo duceret ut gladius inpolitus de curae raritate robiginem. unde misso in hoc solum negotii gerulo litterarum, quam vobis sit corpusculi status in solido quamve ex animi sententia res agantur, sollicitus inquiro, sperans, ne semel mihi amor vester indultus aut interiecti itineris longitudine aut absentiae communis diuturnitate tenuetur, quia bonitas conditoris habitationem potius hominum quam caritatem finalibus claudit angustiis. 2. restat, ut vestra beatitudo conpunctorii salubritate sermonis avidam nostrae ignorantiae pascat esuriem. est enim tibi nimis usui, ut exhortationibus tuis interioris hominis maciem saepenumero mysticus adeps et spiritalis arvina distendat. memor nostri esse dignare, domine papa.