Letter 3037: My son Caecilianus, a distinguished man currently managing the grain supply of our common fatherland, has learned...

My son Caecilianus, a most distinguished man [vir clarissimus, senatorial rank], who now governs the grain supply [annona] of our common fatherland, has learned by sure information that his adversary, a man named Pirata, or that man's agent, has drawn in the hope of your favor. I denied that you were in the habit of taking up pecuniary lawsuits under your charge. He nevertheless, as the anxiety of men is for the most part excessive, requested a letter from me concerning himself in keeping with your upright character. I did not refuse my effort to one demanding things easy and just. The sum, therefore, of the duty laid upon me is this: that against a citizen who is absent and at the same time held fast by public cares, you not allow him to hope for any protection from your sense of justice. There are laws, there are tribunals, there are magistrates, which a litigant may use without harm to your conscience. Farewell.