Letter 1101: The effort I've been putting into writing speeches, you've rewarded with the prize of praise.
The effort I've been putting into writing speeches, you've rewarded with the prize of praise. The old saying is true: talent is nourished by honor. And what richer honor is there than the palm of eloquence?
Even though I suspect your affection may be clouding your judgment, I'll mark this distinguished testimony with a white stone, as the ancients did for lucky days. For the praise didn't come from an empty mouth — it came from a pen rich in eloquence, the fruit of real discernment.
I'm hesitant to heap praise on your praise, for fear we'd seem to be trading compliments. Farewell, and as you've always been attentive to me, keep up your devoted friendship.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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