Letter 3055: Your servant, having carried out your instructions once we reached our destination, shouldn't leave without a...
Your servant, having carried out your instructions once we reached our destination, shouldn't leave without a testimonial from me — especially since I wouldn't want you to think your kindness toward me was poorly invested if a returning letter discharged the debt of gratitude.
So: greetings. And let me submit in advance my request that when we begin the journey home, you arrange more generous provisions to help us through the difficulties of the road.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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To the most gracious Emperor and most blessed Augustus, Gratian — Ambrose, Bishop, sends greetings.
1. Saluting your Excellency with the respect due to your worth, and earnestly seeking an interest in your prayers, I beg to submit to the consideration of your wisdom the case of a certain Abundantius, ordained a presbyter in the domain of Strabonia, belonging to my diocese. He had begun to be unfavourably reported of, through his not walking in...
I won't let you go without hearing from me, and your silence won't lead me to imitate it.
(Another letter to Eusebius on the same subject.) To Eusebius, My Excellent Lord and Brother, Worthy of Affection and Esteem, Augustine Sends Greeting. 1. I did not impose upon you, by importunate exhortation or entreaty in spite of your reluctance, the duty, as you call it, of arbitrating between bishops.
Looking after a friend's requests is the duty of a good man — especially when justice supports the petition.