Letter 5024: Since I know you are a man of merciful disposition, I have undertaken the task of requesting a pardon on behalf of a...
Since I know you are a man of merciful disposition, I have undertaken the task of requesting a pardon on behalf of a friend. Nor are we so far from the right path that I would ever suspect you of being moved to anger without cause. The distinguished Epictetus, in the manner of lawyers, may have spoken more boldly than was prudent. But boldness in advocacy, while sometimes annoying, is not the same as malice.
I ask that you receive his apology graciously and restore him to your good opinion. A quick pardon will reflect more credit on your character than a prolonged resentment. Farewell.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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