Letter 5059: It is right to support those who desire honorable things, so that worthy intentions may be aided by the backing of...

One should readily lend favor to those who desire honorable things, so that praiseworthy intentions may be assisted even by another's effort. For this reason I do not allow the most upright young man Felix, who is striving toward more select pursuits, to be in want of help. When, being gentle in disposition, he recoiled in horror from the disputes of the urban forum, he aspires to give his name to the more modest practice of advocacy; and my encouragement too has spurred him on. For I have given my pledge that the help of your good sense will by no means be lacking to a man of good character and refined morals. Therefore, prevailed upon and well disposed, embrace him not as a deserter from another's seat, but as one who aspires to a quieter forum; he will owe to you [...] and to your kindnesses whatever shall come to him by way of good fortune or advantage from his office. 76 (74). A.D. 387.

Prompte favendum est honesta cupientibus, ut probabiles voluntates alieno etiam iuventur adnisu. quapropter opis indigum esse non patior Felicem sanctissimum in- venem ad electiora tendentem. qui ubi fori urbani dissensiones utpote ingenio mitis lo exhorruit, modestiori causidicinae dare nomen adfectat; quem meus quoque hortatus animavit. spopondi enim bonae indoli et moribus defaecatis nequaquam defore tuae mentis auxilium. ergo exoratus ac facilis non ut transfugam sedis alterius. sed ut adfectatorem fori quietioris amplectere; qui tibi f beneficiisque debebit, quidquid ei ex officio bonae fortunae aut commoditatis accesserit. 15 LXXVI (LXXnil) a. 387.