Letter 77

77. Without address, concerning Therasius.

This one benefit, among others, we have enjoyed from the good government of the great Therasius: the frequent visits of your eloquence to us. And in this very same thing we have suffered loss, now that we are deprived of the governor. But since whatever has once been granted to us by God remains secure and dwells in one another's souls through memory, even if we are separated in body, let us at least write to one another continually and speak of what is necessary, and most of all now, when the winter has concluded this brief truce.

We hope that you will not desert that most admirable man Therasius, having judged it fitting to share in such cares with him; or rather, that you will gladly welcome a pretext, even an unnecessary one, that affords you the chance both to see your friends and to be seen by them. Though I have much to say, and about many matters, I have put it off until our meeting, since I do not think it safe to entrust such things to letters.