Letter 192: With your extraordinary zeal in good deeds you have written to me to say that you yourself owe me double thanks; first, for getting a letter from me, and secondly, for doing me a service. What thanks, then, must not I owe you, both for reading your most delightful words, and for finding what I hoped for so quickly accomplished! The message was e...
With your extraordinary zeal for doing good, you wrote to tell me that you consider yourself doubly indebted to me -- first for receiving my letter, and second for having had the chance to do me a service. What thanks, then, must I owe you, both for reading your delightful words and for finding my request so quickly granted! The news itself was gratifying enough, but it gave me far greater pleasure knowing that you were the friend who made it happen.
God grant that before long I may see you, thank you in person, and enjoy the great pleasure of your company.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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1. It has been reported to me by Actiacus the deacon, that certain men have moved you to anger against me, by falsely stating me to be ill-disposed towards your excellency. I cannot be astonished at a man in your position being followed by certain sycophants.
There is no need for me to say how much I was delighted by your letter. Your own words will enable you to conjecture what I felt on receiving it. You have exhibited to me in your letter, the first fruits of the Spirit, love.