Roman Letters

Letter 3061: ...since he earnestly requested it, I gladly lent my effort to his desire, knowing that among those who love me,...

Quintus Aurelius Symmachus→Unknown|c. 393 AD|Quintus Aurelius Symmachus
friendship
◆
From: Quintus Aurelius Symmachus
To: [Unnamed correspondent]
Date: ~393 AD
Context: A fragmentary letter mentioning Symmachus's willingness to help with a friend's request.

...since he earnestly requested it, I gladly lent my effort to his desire, knowing that among those who love me, neither his request nor my compliance would be unwelcome. We help our friends not because we are obligated but because it brings us joy. I trust you would do the same for me, and indeed you have, many times.

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.

Translation source →

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