To Eustathius, Bishop of Berytus, on a Charge of Not Writing

I was glad to receive your accusation, though I have no difficulty disproving the charge. I have written not three letters only, but four. And I suspect one of two things: either those who promised to carry the letters wronged me in the matter of their delivery, or else your piety has received them and is still eager for more, and so makes up a charge of laziness against me. As I said before, I am not distressed by the accusation, for to me it is plain proof of the warmth of your affection. So keep on plying your craft; do not stop bringing your complaint, and so giving me pleasure. [a]