Letter 21: Gold is changed and transformed into various forms at various times, being fashioned into many ornaments, and used by art for many purposes; yet it remains what it is — gold; and it is not the substance but the form which admits of change. So also, believing that your kindness will remain unchanged for your friends, although you are ever climbin...

Gregory to a friend. Gold is shaped and reshaped into many forms over time -- fashioned into all kinds of ornaments, put to countless uses by art -- and yet it remains what it is: gold. It is not the substance but the form that changes. So too, believing that your kindness toward your friends will remain unchanged even as you rise ever higher, I have ventured to send you this request. I do not honor your high rank more than I trust your generous disposition. I ask you to receive and assist the bearer of this letter. Show him the kindness that befits one in your position, and in doing so you will be giving me a gift worth more than gold itself.

Ep. XXI. Gold is changed and transformed into various forms at various times, being fashioned into many ornaments, and used by art for many purposes; yet it remains what it is — gold; and it is not the substance but the form which admits of change. So also, believing that your kindness will remain unchanged for your friends, although you are ever climbing higher, I have ventured to send you this request, because I do not more reverence your high rank than I trust your kind disposition. I entreat you to be favourable to my most respectable son Nicobulus, who is in all respects allied with me, both by kindred and by intimacy, and, which is more important, by disposition. In what matters, and to what extent? In whatever he may ask your aid, and as far as may seem to you to befit your Magnanimity. I on my part will repay you the best I have. I have the power of speech, and of proclaiming your goodness, if not nearly according to its worth, at any rate to the best of my ability.