4 surviving letters between Augustine of Hippo and Maximus of Madaura, spanning c. 388–405.
1. Desiring to be frequently made glad by communications from you, and by the stimulus of your reasoning with which in a most pleasant way, and without violation of good feeling, you recently attacked me, I have not forborne from replying to you in the same spirit, lest you should call my silence an acknowledgment of being in the wrong. But I be...
1. Are we engaged in serious debate with each other, or is it your desire that we merely amuse ourselves? For, from the language of your letter, I am at a loss to know whether it is due to the weakness of your cause, or through the courteousness of your manners, that you have preferred to show yourself more witty than weighty in argument.
I keep hoping to receive frequent communications from you, and to be stimulated by that reasoning of yours which...
Are we having a serious discussion, or do you simply want us to amuse each other?