Letter 5033: My affection for you urged me to write; the haste of the departing courier limited me to a few words.
My affection for you urged me to write; the haste of the departing courier limited me to a few words. So be content with a greeting that, even if it doesn't do the job fully, at least testifies to my devotion.
Write me something in return, and if you must, match my brevity. For though I'm hungry for your brilliant prose, the shortness of this page makes me too embarrassed to demand abundance from you.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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At last you have taken hold of what is truly yours and become the overseer of work suited to your nature.
I have assisted, as far as I could, the affairs of all who shared in my teaching.
Your eyes are searching for me, I'm sure -- but don't let your heart doubt that I'm present.
My dear Zenodorus doesn't yet know you in person, but your reputation has already won his admiration.
People say rightly that the human spirit shines on a bright day and turns sallow under heavy clouds.