Letter 10006: The building in question has been in its current state of disrepair for longer than is consistent with the dignity...

The Roman people, my lords emperors, look indeed for the chief benefactions of your divine power; yet they now ask back, as though they were owed, those things which your eternity promised of its own accord. Not that the people doubt these will be granted to them - for nowhere is there greater [security?] than in the promise of good princes - but lest it be thought to be hoping for what has been offered in a disdainful manner, unless it presses its demand insistently. It therefore beseeches your clemency that, after those supports which your bounty has provided for our sustenance, you should also furnish chariot-races and theatrical entertainments in the Circus [the Circus Maximus] and in the auditorium of Pompey [the Theatre of Pompey]. In these the gladness of the city rejoices, the longing for which you have stirred by your promise. Day after day messengers are awaited who may confirm that the promised gifts are drawing near to the city; the fame of the charioteers and the horses is being gathered up; every wagon, every ship is reported to have carried theatrical performers. And yet it is love of your perpetuity, not desire for the games, that sharpens the longings of the commons. Grant therefore, in the meantime, the things that are sought, so that there may be room for the rest, which you will bestow without end.