Letter 6011: I've wanted to write to you for some time, but the demands of public and private business have kept my pen idle.

I've wanted to write to you for some time, but the demands of public and private business have kept my pen idle. Now that an occasion has presented itself, I'm happy to send this greeting and to ask for news of your well-being. The exchange of such reports is no small thing — it's the lifeblood of friendship when physical presence is impossible. I'm in good health, and my household shares in that blessing. I pray the same holds true for you and yours. I also ask that you assist the bearer of this letter in whatever matters he brings to your attention — his errand touches on our shared interests, and your help would be greatly appreciated. Farewell.

Mnlta mihi ad vos scribenti panca respondes, et moleste fero mandatomm vestro- rum calere principia nsque ad sollicitudinem meam, mox antem per silentinm frigere processns. fortasse qnaeratis, quid etiam nnnc referri in no^centiam meam postnlem. 5 2 Capnanae domns pretinm scripseram cnm venditore decisnm: nihil de eins confirmar- tione rescribitis; Samniticae possessionis reformatio et vindicta mandata est: tantnm vacnatos dotibus agros sero docnisti ; adhnc tamen nescio, qnid exhibitio ininncta pro- fecerit, cuius me expectatio rus ire non patitnr. vereor enim, ne, quod saepe factnm est, clandestina aliqnid temptet obreptio. qnare ant instrnite, qnid supersit negotiis 10 3 explicandis, ant si res in vado snnt, viam mihi nsurpandae secessionis aperite. cnm fratre meo Censorino non moleste fero snb qnolibet dispendio nostro de litoralibns spatiis indicatum. restat ut interiectu mnri praetoria dividantnr , ne cessante indicio indicationis mrsns vicinae angnstiae in alios sese terminos nitantnr extendere. vale. XU a. 396. 16