Letter 1094: Although my affection for you always keeps me from being stingy with letters, right now I'm writing more eagerly...

Although affection prompts me not to be sparing toward you in the duty [of correspondence], yet now I set about the task of writing more gladly than at many other times: first, because the departure of our brother Marius ought not to lack some viaticum [provision for the journey], and then because I thought my letter would carry rather more weight as a recommendation if it were delivered to you by the very man whom you cherish devotedly and ardently. For it generally happens that a charming bearer adorns matters of slight importance. For another reason too the ardor of my zeal grew hot, because I thought I ought to congratulate you over the praise of such a man, who carries back from a suburban province as much of the public's longing as he leaves behind of example. I shall not speak with guile, being one who knows not how to flatter: a brotherly vein thrives in him, and for that reason all the more has it come about that we bear his departure impatiently, we who seemed to enjoy in one man the company of both. I am afraid to draw out my testimony further, lest I be judged to have served his praise more than his modesty; for those whose mind is honorable have a weak [bashful] brow. Do you infer more from the few things which it was not fitting to convey now, but which it will be no trouble to write through another. 91 (85).