Letter 8031: The high regard in which I hold Your Greatness has demanded this exchange of letters, but the haste of the carrier...

Ennodius to Boethius. Regard for your greatness has demanded an exchange of letters, but the haste of the courier has cut this letter short into brevity. I could not detain a man in a hurry, yet neither did I send him off empty of these duties, on account of necessary matters. I have repeatedly directed letters to you concerning the house that I requested. If it is possible for what I desire to be granted, report back at once, since all buildings grow decrepit under neglect. My lord, rendering the homage of my salutation, I ask that you assist your suppliant without loss to yourself.

XXXI. ENNODIVS BOETIO. Consideratio magnitudinis uestrae exegit epistolare commercium, sed festinatio portitoris epistolam breuitate conclusit. non potui morari properantem, sed nec his uacuum muniis propter res necessarias emisi. crebras super domo, quam poposci, litteras destinaui. si possibile est cupita tribui, iam referte, quia omnia aedificia sub neglegentia consenescunt. domine mi, salutationis obsequia dependens rogo, ut iuuetis sine uestro dispendio supplicantem.