Letter 101

The effort I've been putting into writing speeches, you've rewarded with the prize of praise. The old saying is true: talent is nourished by honor. And what richer honor is there than the palm of eloquence? Even though I suspect your affection may be clouding your judgment, I'll mark this distinguished testimony with a white stone, as the ancients did for lucky days. For the praise didn't come from an empty mouth — it came from a pen rich in eloquence, the fruit of real discernment. I'm hesitant to heap praise on your praise, for fear we'd seem to be trading compliments. Farewell, and as you've always been attentive to me, keep up your devoted friendship.

Stndinm, qnod scribendis orationibus exhibebam, praemio landis anxisti. vetns 10 qnippe sententia est, artes honore nntriri. qnis antem tam cnmulatns est honor qnam palma dicendi? ergo etsi intellego, . . . qnod amore fallaris, titulnm tamen praeclari testimonii albo calcnlo vetemm more signabo. non enim mihi ex ore ieinno tributa landatio est, sed de facnndiae penn boni indicii fmctns adrisit. vereor indnlgere yerbis praeconii fni, ne gratificandi operam mntuam credamur adniti. vale, et ut es 15 nostri ailigens, religiosam observantiam persevera. LXXXXVn (LXXXXI).