Letter 4029: Even if personal and friendly petition were lacking, the force of public justice could not fail to support so...

Quintus Aurelius SymmachusUnknown|c. 380 AD|Quintus Aurelius Symmachus
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Even if personal and friendly petition were lacking, the force of public justice could not fail to support so righteous a demand. For what is more natural to justice than that a swindler of a distinguished and praiseworthy woman — one who is also my kinswoman — should be brought to account? The details of the case will be explained by the bearer of this letter, but I assure you that the facts are clear and the injury is severe.

I ask that you bring the full weight of your authority to bear in her defense. A prompt resolution will serve not only her interests but the cause of justice itself. Farewell.

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

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