To the Presbyter Archibius, on a Delayed Letter

I did not leave the two letters I had just received from you unanswered. I wrote at once and gave my letter to the very devout presbyter Eusebius. But because of a delay it was held back for a time, since the weather kept the ships in harbor: it signaled a storm coming at sea, and told sailors and pilots to wait a while. So I paid this debt for the time being, not so as to stop being a debtor, but so as to increase the debt. For this obligation grows many times greater by being paid. Those who try to keep the laws of friendship increase the power of its love; they blow the sparks into a flame and kindle a greater warmth of affection, and all who are set on fire by it compete to outdo one another in love. So accept my defense, my venerable friend; forgive me; and send me a letter to tell me how you are. [a]