Letter 4022: Although the distinguished Laurentius attends to your cause with the devotion it deserves, I add my own voice — not...

XXII. Ennodius to Pope Symmachus. Although his own uprightness supports the most exalted gentleman Laurentius in recommending his children, and although the father's prudence pursues the cause of his offspring, nevertheless out of paternal solicitude he proceeds to greater things and scarcely believes that what he deserves can suffice on behalf of his sons. He seeks a letter as a helper in pleading for his offspring, and with anxious diligence he strives to share his paternal ardor with everyone. Consider whether the desired outcome could be denied to so excellent a man, who asks for things both pious and just. May the Divine Power grant fulfillment to his prayers, and may it deign to win for those named the affection of Your Blessedness, so that the compassion of your crown, once implored, may raise up the little ones, insofar as the prayers of a father anxious on their behalf are surpassed. My lord, I hope that the kindness you promised some time ago may bear witness in this matter, if he who entreats through me may understand that, with the foregoing requests included, a doubled favor has been bestowed.

XXII. SVMMACHO PAPAE ENNODIVS. Quamuis sublimi uiro Laurentio adsistat pro pignorum commendatione probitas sua. et patris prudentia causas subolis exequatur, attamen sollicitudine genitali ad ampliora procedit et uix credit pro filiis sufficere quod meretur. adiutricem in adstipulatione germinis paginam quaerit et trepidante diligentia patrium ardorem nititur cum uniuersitate partiri. cogitate si uiro optimo negari effectus potuit et pia et iusta poscenti. tribuat diuinitas effectum precibus eius et hunc beatitudinis uestrae nominatis conciliare dignetur affectum, ut erigat paruulos inplorata coronae uestrae miseratio, quatenus anxii circa ipsos genitoris uota superentur. domine mi, spero ut promissa dudum benignitas in ea parte testimonium ferat, si conprehensis superius geminatam inpendi gratiam qui per me precatur intellegat.