Letter 4031: When I departed, you entrusted me with a responsibility befitting our friendship: not to keep silent about matters...

When I departed, you entrusted me with a responsibility befitting our friendship: not to keep silent about matters affecting your reputation and your projects. The occasion now requires me to fulfill that charge. I see that the construction of both the basilica and the bridge is moving forward, though the accounts need closer scrutiny. I urge you to maintain firm oversight — for public works invite both praise and criticism, and only rigorous management will ensure that the final result does credit to your name and to the community. Send me your instructions and I will act accordingly. Farewell.

Discedenti mihi curam legare dignatus es amicitiae congruentem, ut famae atque actibus tuis accommoda non silerem. causa igitur postnlante fungor iniunctis. video enim basilicae pontisque rationem recte quidem Bonoso praesidali viro esse manda- tam, cui et vigilantia superest ad luminandas publicae rationis ambages et fides ad persequenda, quae examen invenerit; sed vereor, ne ludificationibus res iniuncta 30 frigescat obluctante eo, quem socium discussionis accepit, atque ideo clam te esse non patior, eo rem deduci, ut labes magna snmptuum publicorum stndio certaminis oe- 2 culatur. quid enim sibi vult ista coniunctio in ea praesertim discussione, quae ipsum quaesitorem videtur adstringere? quare huic tsindem parti adhibenda correctio est et commodis Su$e 6 consulit VM 7 spes hoc qua de K, res de qua M 8 a^ parentem P aquileinsi V 9 c f PF 10 hisdem VM, /isdem P 11 hino V 13 exoptet V de- tentione] MereeruMj intentione PVM itineris F , tantnm PVM LiBER nn. 123