661Knowing, therefore, how much you grace us by sending such a letter, do not delay or defer, but be persuaded to do this immediately, so that, just as you have now distressed us by telling of your infirmity, so by announcing your health, you may cause us to be filled with much pleasure.
XCIX. To Asyncritia.
A For me, it is a matter of great concern to write to you constantly; for we can never forget your disposition, and the reverence and honor which you have always shown toward us, wherever we may go, but we hold the memory of you always blooming, carrying it about with us everywhere. And if we have not written as often as we desired, but only rarely, this is not because of our negligence, but because of the necessity of circumstances, and because the road is now impassable for travelers. Knowing these things, therefore, my most orderly and noble lady, whether we write or remain silent, be likewise disposed toward the affection which we have always shown toward you.C. To Marcianus and Marcellinus.
This is the reason for our long silence, which is also the case for your nobility; but a silence not of the mind, but of the tongue. For in our thought we write and address you constantly, or rather continuously, your most noble and most elegant soul, and having carved you into our conscience, we carry you about everywhere; for such is true affection. Knowing this, therefore, my most longed-for and honored lords, write whenever you are able, declaring your health. B And do not fear, for even while you are silent, we shall bear the same judgment regarding your affection as we would if you were writing, counting these things from your own mind.CI. To Severus the Presbyter.
We, although dwelling in a most desert place, have written to your elegance many times, and we do not cease to enquire constantly of those arriving from there concerning your health. But you, I know not why—being such a passionate lover of ours, and having great ease of those who transport letters from here—keep such a long silence. But we, considering your warmth and your genuine and sincere disposition which you have always shown toward us, even in this long silence derive the greatest consolation. However, we desire also to enjoy your letters constantly, which may announce to us those things regarding your health; for we desired to learn from your own tongue and hand what we learn from others. Do this now, at any rate, my most honored lord; for you know how much you will grace us. As for us, whether we write or do not write, we never cease remembering you, and the affection which we have always shown toward your reverence, preserving it wherever we may be. We ourselves derive the greatest pleasure in doing this.CII. To Theodotus the Reader.
C What is this you say? Have more waves than you expected beset you now, and do you grieve because of this? For this very reason you ought to rejoice and leap for joy. Since even the blessed Paul did this, saying now: "And not only so, but we also glory in tribulations" (Rom. 5:3); and again: "I rejoice in my sufferings" (Col. 1:24). For by how much the storm becomes greater and rougher, by so much the merchandise is greater, the crowns of patience more brilliant, and the rewards numerous. For I myself am confident for your sake; for I know your steadfast, unbending, and firm mind; but I grieve and weep on account of those who are plotting, because those who ought to be in the order of those who comfort are showing themselves as enemies. One thing alone grieves me, that of the weakness of your eyes, D regarding which I strongly urge you to take great care, both by holding discourse with physicians and by contributing what you can yourself. For as for the tribulations brought upon you (as I also said before), I urge you to rejoice in the thing itself, and I rejoice with you. For I know how much fruit of patience is born to you from this. Therefore, let nothing of those things that befall you disturb or trouble you. For there is only one thing that is grievous: sin. For as for all other things, if you are watchful and sober, they will be the subject of great gain, and those secret goods that are in the heavens will bring them to you with much abundance. Trading in such a merchandise, then, every day, rejoice and be glad, and do not hesitate to write to us constantly. For we desire you to be with us; but since not only the season of winter is burdensome, but the season of summer is likewise, we have feared to cast you into the intemperance of the air, especially because of the affection of your eyes. Therefore, having made it your task to give much care to these, and regarding these things, whenever you write to us constantly, inform us, even if you are disposed only a little better, so that even sitting at such a distance, we may derive great joy from this.CIII. To Amprucla the Deaconess and those with her.
Although I am separated by a long length of road from your honor, I have learned of your virtues and your bravery, your patience, your steadfast mind, and your firm and adamantine intellect, your freedom of speech, and your boldness, no less than those who are present, and I have exceedingly rejoiced with you. On account of these things, I do not cease to call you blessed, both for the present things and for the goods that will receive you in the age to come, those secret things which surpass every mind and speech. You have greatly grieved us, sitting at such a