Letter 7027: I choose the loss of modesty over the loss of opportunity.

Ennodius to Probus. I choose the loss of modesty lest I suffer the disgrace of one who does not love, knowing that the damage to one's brow can be repaired more easily than damage to one's faith. To be unlearned is a misfortune; to despise the virtues of your family is a crime. We could have neglected liberal studies without sinning — but no one has enough if he has cast off good morals. Am I not to venerate in a letter the goods heaped up in your Greatness? Am I not to admire that light of your lineage, amplified by studies and probity? It seems to me that the man who honors the virtuous does not stray far from virtue himself, since whoever pursues something is believed capable of the thing he loves. Therefore, farewell by God's grace; and, approving my devotion, enlarge the gift of your correspondence to one who loves you.

XXVII. ENNODIVS PROBO. Eligo iacturam pudoris, ne subeam dedecus non amantis, sciens facilius sarciri posse frontis damna quam fidei. indoctum esse infelicitatis est, uirtutes familiae uestrae odisse res criminis. potuimus disciplinis liberalibus defuisse non delinquentes: nulli sufficit, unde mores excussit. ego in amplitudine uestra coaceruata epistolari sermone bona non uenerer? ego non illud generis lumen amplificatum studiis et probitate suspiciam? uidetur mihi non longe ab honestate desciscere qui colit emendatos, dum creditur quicumque sectari posse quod diligit. proinde uale per gratiam dei et studium meum adprobans amantem tui amplifica munus litterarum.