Letter 2035: I assumed your return was approaching, since the sacred rites of the Mother of the Gods [the festival of Cybele, the...

I supposed that you were hastening your return, because the rites of the Mother of the Gods [Magna Mater, Cybele] were drawing near: but you press on with your journey into the country of the Daunians [Apulia], and leave us and our homeland behind your back. Mock, as you please, the good nature of your friends, who, if this injury stung them, would in return at least withhold their letters in token of ill will. But as it is, we soothe you with our attentions as you depart, and we offer flattering comforts to your spirit, although you set the care of your household affairs before everything. For you recall that you wove your letter with this preamble: that nothing at this time of life ought to be handled more weightily than domestic matters. And this, while I contemplate the natural bent of your character, I know to have been conceived in jest. For when would the loftiness of your genius bend itself to baser cares? I judge, therefore, that you are practicing to deceive others, who do not know the holy inner sanctuary of your mind. You will satisfy me in one way only: if, putting aside the defenses of your letters, you yourself return.