Letter 1069: Let others speak at length when introducing strangers.
Quintus Aurelius Symmachus→Unknown|c. 395 AD|Quintus Aurelius Symmachus
friendship
Let others speak at length when introducing strangers. I can spare myself that effort, since this letter is being carried by our mutual friend Saturnus. I didn't write it to recommend him — he needs no recommendation — but simply to fulfill my duty of affection toward you.
Longum loqnantur pro incognitis aut alienis verba factnri; mihi haec opera de-
sinenda est, cnm litteras nostras Satums frater commnnis accipiat, qnas non commen-
dationi eins praestiti, sed nostro circa yos amore functus emisi.
LXIin(LVni) a. 380.
◆
Let others speak at length when introducing strangers. I can spare myself that effort, since this letter is being carried by our mutual friend Saturnus. I didn't write it to recommend him — he needs no recommendation — but simply to fulfill my duty of affection toward you.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
Related Letters
Augustine of Hippo→Unknownc. 405 · augustine hippo #50085
Brothers and sisters, I need to address something that has been brought to my attention.
Libanius→Belaios (2)c. 391 · libanius #811
Orion became my friend when he was prosperous.
Synesius of Cyrene→Unknownc. 394 · synesius cyrene #41
To a Friend.
Quintus Aurelius Symmachus→Unknownc. 401 · symmachus #1109
Whatever generosity you showed to those who were present might seem merely the expected tribute of their attendance.
Augustine of Hippo→Cæsarius, brother of Gregoryc. 405 · augustine hippo #50087
I know you have no desire to hear from me, brother.