Letter 5043: Everyone who hopes to be helped by gaining access to you takes -- in my judgment -- no fruitless path to winning...

From: Quintus Aurelius Symmachus, Roman Senator To: A friend (name lost) Date: ~386 AD Context: A recommendation for the honest man Turasius, who faces an unjust lawsuit. Everyone who hopes to be helped by gaining access to you takes -- in my judgment -- no fruitless path to winning your favor when they rely on my endorsement. One such person is the worthy Turasius, a friend of mine, who blames fortune for the lawsuit unjustly brought against him and pins his hope of a good outcome especially on your help. Protect a man who asks for what is fair, and extend the fame of your generosity -- a fame that will be crowned with the greatest increase if things go well for Turasius through your efforts.

Omnes, qui aditu tuo cupiunt sublevari, non cassam, quantum arbitror, viam ca- pessnnt ineundae gratiae, cum me adstipulatore nitantur. horum unus vir probabilis Turasius familiaris meus, qui indictae sibi litis iniuriam fortunae imputat, gratiam 10 vero boni reditus de tuo potissimum sperat auxilio. tuere igitur aequa poscentem et humanitatis tuae latius extende famam, quae incrementis maximis cumulabitur, si Turasio per te seounda successerint. LXI (LVnn).