Letter 19: I write to recall to your memory certain of my connections, and to commend to your paternal care a young man of...

Ennodius to Pope Symmachus. He commends the sons of Laurentius, a man of exalted rank, to the Pope. Ennodius to Pope Symmachus. Although his own integrity stands by the exalted man Laurentius on behalf of the commendation of his children, and a father's prudence pursues the causes of his offspring, nevertheless out of the solicitude of a parent he proceeds to greater things, and scarcely believes that what he deserves is enough for his sons. He seeks a written page as a helper in advancing the cause of his progeny, and with anxious diligence he strives to share a father's ardor with the whole community. Consider whether an outcome could be denied to so excellent a man when he asks for things both pious and just. May the Divinity grant fulfillment to his prayers, and may He deign to win over to those named this affection of your blessedness, so that the implored compassion of your crown may raise up these little ones: to the end that the wishes of a father who is anxious on their behalf may be surpassed. My lord, I hope that the kindness long since promised may bear witness in this matter, if he who prays through me may understand that a doubled grace has been bestowed upon those mentioned above.

Ennodii ad Symmachuin papam. Fitios Laurentii viri sublimis papae commendai. ^ Ennodius Symmacho papae. Quamvis sublimi viro Laurentio ^) assistat pro pignorum commen- datione probitas sua, et patris prudentia causas sobolis exsequatur, attamen sollicitudine genitali ad ampliora proce^it, et vix credit pro filiis sufficere quod meretur. Adjutricem in adstipulatione ger- minis paginam quaerit, et trepidante diligentia patrum ardorem nititur cum universitate partiri Cogitate, si viro optimo negari efiectus potuit et pia et justa poscenti. Tribuat Divinitas effectom precibus ejus, et hunc beatitudinis vestrae nominatis conciliare digne- tur afifectmn, ut erigat parvulos implorata coronae vestrae miseratio: quatenus anxii circa ipsos genitoris vota superentur. Domine mi, spero, ut promissa dudimi benignitas in ea parte testimonium ferat, si comprehensis superius gcminatam impendi gratiam, qui per me precatur, intelligat. ') Do eodem hujus viri negotio Ennodius agere videtur epist. rV, 11. EPI8T0LAE 20 — 23. 733