Letter 2057: In the most important matters, I have frequently noticed how much effort and love you devote to me.

In the most important matters, I have frequently noticed how much effort and love you devote to me. But I also embrace these frequent tokens of correspondence, drawn as they are from genuine affection. Their regularity compensates, on an equal scale, for my own devotion toward you, and their charm heals whatever sadness may have crept in. I always look forward to your letters -- whether they bring news or simply proof that you are thinking of me. The very act of writing to a friend is itself a gift, even when the letter contains nothing urgent. Continue as you have begun, and know that your faithfulness is both noticed and cherished.

In maximis quidem rebus, quid mihi studii atque amoris inpendas, frequenter ad- verti; sed haec quoque crebri sermonis officia utpote ex intimo adfectu deprompta conplector; quorum adsiduitas cultum circa te meum pari lance conpensat, iucunditas vero tanta est, ut fatear me adloquio tuo potius incitari ad desiderium quam repleri. ea quippe rerum omnium ratio atque natura est, ut cuncta, quae bumanis sensibus lo 2 blandiuntur, nequeant adferre fastidium. itaque cum solvendis atque agendis gratiis par esse non possim, facio, quod solent inprobi debitores, qui adhuc alieno aere de- pressi cupiunt secundo nexu fenoris obligari. quare etsi numerosae sunt litterae tuae, non ut ingratus sed ut muneris tui cupidus postulo crebriores. facile autem conici potest; quam vicem conloquii otiosus ipse pollicear, cum ab occnpato huiusmodi ofS- i5 cium inpatienter expoiScam. LVH ante a. 383.