Letter 10047: The library continues to grow, the correspondence continues to multiply, and the hours available for reading...

Fame, indeed, does not conceal the glorious outcomes of your wars, but greater is the credit of a victory which is confirmed before the eyes, O lords and emperors Valentinian, Theodosius, and Arcadius, illustrious victors and triumphators, ever Augusti. The Roman people had already heard by report of the slaughtered corpses of the Sarmatians [a people of the Danube frontier], but now the joy of those tidings has been confirmed by a triumphal spectacle. No longer are we lesser than the examples of antiquity: we have seen the very things we used to marvel at when we read of them, the chained column of the conquered nation led in, and those countenances, but lately so savage, transformed into a wretched pallor. Set down in the middle of the arena, that which once was an object of dread became an object of pleasure, and hands accustomed to the weapons of their own people dreaded the gladiatorial implements. Most fortunate is the commander of that war, who, relying upon the auspices of your divine clemency, from the number of the enemy utterly destroyed some for the security of the provinces, and reserved others for the delight of the people of Mars [the Roman people, descended from Mars]. Deservedly do your judgments answer to him; rightly is he often honored in the imperial letters; for so great a devotion could not find a worthier herald. May the practice of laurels [emblems of victory] be frequent and easy for you, and may those who perchance should raise impious daring against the Roman name be taken by the valor of your soldiers and paid out upon the sand of the City. May you grant these things in perpetuity to your devoted citizens, as the tributes, so to speak, of your valor.