Letter 1053: Our reasons for not writing are different, but the result is the same.

The reason for our silence is different, but the effect is one and the same. I am hindered by the cares of the pontifical office, you by the idle negligence of your leisure at Baiae. For relaxation of the mind makes a man no less unreliable [in correspondence] than busy occupation does. Nor is it any wonder if that coast claims you wholly for itself, since it is well established that Hannibal himself, unconquered in war, surrendered to Campania. The lotus tree, that tenacious detainer of newcomers, could not match the allurement of that climate or soil, nor the persuasive cups of Circe and the wiles of those half-bird girls [the Sirens]. Nor do I contend that you are keeping a fat, lazy holiday, or think that your virtue has grown cold amid pleasures. But while you read for yourself, write for yourself, and, weary of city affairs, subdue your mighty spirit with solitude, you fulfill none of the duties of friendship. Why not snatch up your pen and do a mutual honor to the affection I bear you? Unless you would rather put a pontiff's authority to the test: we have many matters to deliberate on in the college; who granted you this furlough from public duty? You shall feel the priest's right, if you do not fulfill the friend's right. Farewell.