Letter 3002: Ancient custom dictates that those who travel abroad should write home first, but affection overrides protocol and...
Ancient custom dictates that those who travel abroad should write home first, but affection overrides protocol and I'm beating you to the punch. So let me send my greeting ahead of yours, along with a recommendation for a man who deserves to be counted among the very best. Philippus has long been distinguished by his family's reputation, enhanced by the splendor of court rank, and welcomed into the highest senate not as a newcomer but as one who belonged there by right. Yet these honors are secondary to what truly sets our brother Philippus apart: he is more praiseworthy in character and more conspicuous for his integrity than for any gift of fortune. I'd say more if his modesty would permit it, or if lengthy praise suited a letter. Let me simply promise this: you'll find in person many fine qualities I've left unmentioned, and none of those I have mentioned will disappoint. Farewell.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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So where am I supposed to find an abundant supply of words when you've lent me nothing in the way of literary capital?