Letter 2026: I was thoroughly displeased by the solitude of Baiae [a famous resort on the Bay of Naples, now largely abandoned]...

I was thoroughly displeased by the solitude of Baiae [a famous resort on the Bay of Naples, now largely abandoned] and chose instead to stay at Puteoli [Pozzuoli, a busy port city nearby]. The healthful living conditions here suit me well. From here, God willing, I plan to make an excursion to Capua and spend the entire month in this pleasant circuit of Campanian towns. If you can join me at any point along the way, nothing would make me happier. But if your obligations keep you in Rome, at least write to me frequently. A letter from you is worth more than the finest view of the bay. Farewell.

Baiarum solitudine vehementer offensus Puteolis malui commorari. iuvat enim nos istius loci salubris habitatio. dehinc, si adiutu dei optata processerint, Capuam paramus excurrere totumque hunc mensem Novembrem diversis Campaniae locis atque 20 2 urbibus deputamus. haec est nostri summa propositi. sed ut animus alacrior desti- nata promoveat, vestris adloquiis erigendus est; quandoquidem sanitatis vestrae et felicitatis indicio nihil antiquius aestimamus. verum hoc pro insigni religione sponte facietis, atque ideo non est necesse voluntariis officiis aculeos exhortationis adhibere. 3 interea quod te, mi frater, adfore polliceris, vehementer amplector. atque utinam te 25 domus tota comitetur! ut et nobis laetitiam pleniorem tribuat adventus omnium, et tibi causa non sit citius in patriam recurrendi desiderio et amore remanentium. XXVn a. 365—366 ?