To Claudianus, on Lasting Friendship

Sincere friendships are not dissolved by distance or weakened by time. Time indeed does injury to our bodies, robs them of the bloom of their beauty, and brings on old age; but it makes the beauty of friendship bloom still more, always kindling its fire to greater warmth and brightness. So, though I am separated from your magnificence by many days’ journey, I am pricked by the goad of friendship to write you this letter of greeting. It is carried by the standard-bearer Patroinus, a man who deserves all respect for his high character, for he tries with great zeal to keep the laws of God. Please, most excellent sir, send us word by him of your excellency’s precious health, and of the fulfillment of your promise that we so much desire. [a]