Letter 80
Looking after a friend's requests is the duty of a good man — especially when justice supports the petition. Let me briefly explain what I'm driving at.
I hold the distinguished Sabinianus in the highest regard. I cannot allow him to have the burden of guardianship [tutela — legal guardianship of minors] forced on him by his brother's children. He's exempt on two grounds: his advanced age and the number of his own children. These facts are documented in the public records, yet the aggressive petition persists undeterred.
Now that fortune has placed the resolution of this matter in your hands, I ask you to use your authority on his behalf. He deserves your favor — whether for my sake, or for the glory of upholding the law's own protections. Farewell.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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