Letter 9032: A worthy cause deserves the support of your generous spirit.
A worthy cause deserves the support of your generous spirit. A new praetorian spectacle [public games], God willing, is expected, at which I am encouraged both by the example of others and by my own ambition to display crocodiles and various other exotic creatures to the citizens.
I ask your help in procuring these animals. The logistics are considerable — transport from overseas, housing, and feeding — but the impression they will make on the Roman public is well worth the effort. Past shows have set a high standard, and I intend to match or exceed it. Any assistance you can provide will be deeply appreciated. Farewell.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
Related Letters
As I reported in my previous letter, my health was struck down on arrival -- whether by bad water or the change of...
This Elpidius is the son of the famous Xiphidius, and no less skilled than his father in his craft.
My friend Gaudentius has taken refuge in your protection -- a man who deserves to be loved in every respect.
When I departed, you entrusted me with a responsibility befitting our friendship: not to keep silent about matters...
The boy came in the late morning bringing the books, just when I was about to deliver a speech the next day and the...