Letter 3042: I'm well. That should always be the opening line of a letter, since it's what the reader most wants to hear.

I am in good health. For this ought to be the opening of a letter, since it is what the prayers of those about to read it most desire. I rejoice exceedingly that vigor has likewise been granted to you; for you lately gladdened me by such a sign of it. This too I count among the highest of my joys, that the courtesy of your most recent writing showed you to be mindful of me. I ought not to keep silent my gratitude for this, so that by this encouragement you may be spurred on to perseverance in the duty of letter-writing. [41.]

Recte valeo. hoc enim scribendi debet esse principium, quod maxime expetunt 15 vota lecturi. aeque tibi oblatum vigorem nimis gaudeo; nam me indido tali nuper hilarasti. illud quoque in summam pono laetitiae, quod te memorem mei honorificen- tia proximae scriptionis ostendit. cuius rei gratiam silere non debeo, ut hoc invita- mento ad perseverantiam litterarii muneris provoceris. XXXXI.