Letter 6052: I've already used up my writing time with the servant heading back to Campania, but I didn't want your saintly and...

As your man was returning to Campania I used up the time in writing what had to be written, and yet I was unwilling to leave your father, that holy and honorable man Severus, without a letter from me, so that I might both fulfill the custom of greeting and disclose the judgment of my inspection concerning the work that you are building at home. Both the situation and the size of the baths pleased me greatly. In the smaller baths I did not approve that the fish-pool be adorned with paintings rather than with mosaic. The matter prompts me to inform you that Messala set out on that night which the Nones of March followed. The other envoys will follow shortly. I have noticed, however, from the conversation of certain persons, that, as a favor to the household by which most of our fellow countrymen are stuffed with delicacies, some things have been softened. But my care will not be lacking, that nothing be withdrawn from the senate's mandates through connivance. Farewell.