Letter 107

107. To Julitta, a Freewoman

I was much disheartened when I came upon the letter of your nobility, to learn that the same constraints again hem you in. And what is one to do with men who show so changeable a character, saying now one thing and now another, and not abiding by their own agreements? For if, after the promises made before me and the former prefect, he now presses the appointed term as though nothing had been said, the man seems to have lost all sense of shame toward us.

Nevertheless I have written to him, rebuking him and reminding him of his own promises. I have written also to Helladius, the prefect's friend, that through him the prefect may be informed of your situation. For I did not think it fitting for me to presume so far as to address a judge of such rank directly, since I have never yet written to him about any private matter, and I am wary of incurring some censure — for, as you know, great men are easily angered at such things. If, however, anything is to be of use, it will be through Helladius, a man both upright and well-disposed toward us, who fears God and has unbounded freedom of speech with the governor. And the holy God is able to lead you through every affliction, only if we set our hope upon him with a true and sincere heart.