Letter 5063: I hope for your presence -- for you are not in the habit of abandoning your promises.

From: Quintus Aurelius Symmachus To: [Unnamed correspondent] Date: ~393 AD Context: Symmachus awaits a friend's promised visit, though rumors suggest it may be delayed. I hope for your presence -- for you are not in the habit of abandoning your promises. But persistent rumor suggests that your visit may be delayed. If so, I will bear the disappointment with the patience that friendship requires, and in the meantime, your letters will serve as a partial substitute for your company.

Praesentiam tuam spero ; neque enim soles promissa deserere. sed frequens fama est, praetorianas litteras obstare dispositis. quare ne haeream diu expectationis in- 20 certus, confirmari scriptis recentioribus volo, ut sciam morae esse pretium, si adfuturus es, aut solvar manendi fastidio, si teneris. LXXX (LXXVni).