Letter 7027: I choose the loss of modesty over the loss of opportunity.

27. Ennodius to Probus. I choose the loss of modesty rather than incur the disgrace of one who does not love, knowing that the damage done to one's face can be more easily mended than that done to one's good faith. To be unlearned is a matter of misfortune; to hate the virtues of your family is a matter of crime. We could have been wanting in the liberal disciplines without giving offense; but no one finds it enough, once he has shaken off good morals. Am I not to venerate the goods heaped up in your greatness by epistolary discourse? Am I not to look up to that light of your lineage, magnified by your studies and your uprightness? It seems to me that one departs not far from honorableness who cultivates the upright, since anyone is believed to be able to pursue what he loves. Accordingly, farewell, by the grace of God, and approving my zeal, magnify with the gift of a letter the one who loves you.

XXVII. ENNODIVS PROBO. Eligo iacturam pudoris, ne subeam dedecus non amantis, sciens facilius sarciri posse frontis damna quam fidei. indoctum esse infelicitatis est, uirtutes familiae uestrae odisse res criminis. potuimus disciplinis liberalibus defuisse non delinquentes: nulli sufficit, unde mores excussit. ego in amplitudine uestra coaceruata epistolari sermone bona non uenerer? ego non illud generis lumen amplificatum studiis et probitate suspiciam? uidetur mihi non longe ab honestate desciscere qui colit emendatos, dum creditur quicumque sectari posse quod diligit. proinde uale per gratiam dei et studium meum adprobans amantem tui amplifica munus litterarum.