Letter 9005: The dispensation of heaven joins in affection through the gift of letters those whom it has united in love.

Ennodius to the deacon Hormisdas. The heavenly dispensation joins in charity those who are bound together by the kindnesses of letters, since affection unites in the remedy of solicitude those whom the long stretch of journeys separates, provided there be care for conversation. Yet I marvel exceedingly at your silence, that after the burdens of my laid-down sickness you have relieved me with no address. But since by speaking opportunely we compel you to speak, answer at least in imitation of the talkative. For the matter of one's desire is well both sought after and obtained by examples. Therefore, paying the honor of a greeting, I declare that, God being favorable, I am now well, beseeching you that you bless me by the reciprocal issuing of your pen.

V. HORMISDAE DIACONO ENNODIVS. Caelestis dispensatio epistolaribus beneficiis iunctos caritate consociat, dum quos discernit itinerum prolixitas in remedio IIII. 2 prouino ennodius B, ennodiua prouino LTV 4 quo∗s (o cras . uid.) B 5 opliuio B 6 separantur fort . 7 praeetatee B 9 conditio BTV a] simplex a B 10 praestnlentur B, praeatolarentnr L, praestolantor b quaerillam B discendi BLPTVb 11 debnistes B 18 putow L 14 sepulchris LPTV 15 tam B garrolns B 16 fidnam B propinquus B 18 parentem B 19 neo (eo in ras,) L debit B alia B 21 domne T et Sirm. m T, mihi BLV 22 epistolares B manifeetit B V. 24 hormisde BLT diacs B 25 ceclestis (1 ex e corr.) L benefitiis B iunctns B, inntos L, disiunctos (t. e . loco diuisos) fort . 26 itinereram B sollicitudinis iungit affectio, si sit cura sermonis. silentium tamen uestrum nimis admiror, quod post depositae sarcinas aegritudinia nulla me adlocutione subleuastis. sed quia loquendo opportune cogimus, ut loquaris, uel garruli, imitatione responde. bene enim res desiderii et poscitur et inpetratur exemplis. ergo honorem salutationis inpendens indico me deo propitio iam ualere, subplicans, ut uicaria mihi stili promulgatione benedicas.