G ratia1 the younger has served, as the elder Gratia did, to calm our anxiety for the while or sweep it altogether away at once. I thank you on behalf of my patron, M. Porcius, for the frequency with which you read him: you will never, I fear, be able to return me the compliment with respect to Gaius Crispus,2 for to M. Porcius alone have I devoted, aye and engaged, aye and given myself over heart and soul. Whence, too, think you, comes this very aye and?3 From my very enthusiasm. The day after to-morrow shall be my gala day, if you really are coming. Farewell, dearest and most unique of men, sweetest of masters.
On the day of this Senate we seem more likely to be here than go there. But nothing is decided. Do you but come the day after to-morrow, and then let what will befall, Fare ever well for me, soul of mine. My mother greets you and yours.
143 A.D.
To my master.