Letter 4031: Although we have exchanged many letters on many subjects, the conversation is not exhausted.

XXXI. Ennodius to Avitus. Although the laments in the letter of your greatness brought us much occasion for joy, since the message that announced a death served the duty of cheerfulness, nevertheless a pleasure equal to the tears did not result, nor did the serene parts of your address altogether drive off the turbulence of grief. My mind retains its affliction over the passing of so great a bishop, even after the conversations I had longed for, and for this reason: because it is the nature of things that any gladness whatsoever is overcome by the addition of even a small distress. But why do we, by a fresh recollection, stir up matters which a hidden agitation had until now subdued in the mind? With God's help I promise myself to be a partner to your prayers, provided that, with the safety of our lord the pope unharmed, I learn that you have chosen such a man as the one to whom the care of the soul belongs need not be ashamed to praise. For it is wrong to provoke a believer toward crooked ways, and to lead through uncertainties one whom you have bound to yourself by affection. Farewell.

XXXI. ENNODIVS AVITO. Licet multam nobis per litteras magnitudinis tuae occasionem gaudii lamenta pepererunt, cum ad hilaritatis obsequium index funeris sermo militasset, non tamen par lacrimis iucunditas contigit nec maeroris turbidum ex toto alloquii serena depulerunt. retinet adflictionem mens de tanti decessione pontificis etiam post desiderata conloquia, ob hoc quia natura rerum est, ut quaelibet laetitia uel modici angoris conlatione superetur. sed quid noua commemoratione facimus quae animum clandestina hactenus iactatione domuerunt? uotis uestris cum dei adiutorio comitem me promitto, dummodo salua domni papae nostri incolumitate talem uos elegisse cognoscam, quem eum, cui animae cura est, laudare non pudeat. nefas est enim credentem ad obliqua prouocare et quem affectu obligastis per incerta deducere. uale.