Letter 39: (About the same date. A recommendation of one Amazonius, whose learning was much respected by Gregory.) I wish well to all my friends. And when I speak of friends, I mean honourable and good men, linked with me in virtue, if indeed I myself have any claim to it.

Gregory, recommending Amazonius. I wish well to all my friends. And when I say friends, I mean honorable and good men who are united with me in the pursuit of virtue -- if indeed I have any claim to virtue myself. At the present time, therefore, seeking how I might do a kindness to my excellent brother Amazonius -- for I was greatly impressed by the man during some recent conversation between us -- I thought the best thing I could do was to introduce him to you. Please receive him as a man of genuine learning and integrity, and let him find in you a patron worthy of his merits.

Ep. XXXIX. (About the same date. A recommendation of one Amazonius, whose learning was much respected by Gregory.) I wish well to all my friends. And when I speak of friends, I mean honourable and good men, linked with me in virtue, if indeed I myself have any claim to it. Therefore at the present time when seeking how I might do a kindness to my excellent brother Amazonius (for I was very much pleased with the man in some intercourse which has lately taken place between us), I thought I might return him one favour for all — in your friendship and protection. For in a short time he showed proof of an extensive education, both of the kind which I used once to be very zealous for, when I was shortsighted, and of that for which I am zealous in its place since I have been able to contemplate the summit of virtue. Whether I in my turn have appeared to him to be worth anything in respect of virtue is his affair. At any rate I showed him the best things I have, namely, my friends to him as my friend. Of these I reckon you as the first and truest, and want you to show yourself so to him — as your common Country demands, and my desire and promise begs; for I promised him your patronage in return for all his kindness.