Letter 4009: The opportunity of a reliable carrier has given me a chance to pay you my respects by letter.

I overflow with the greatest joy when I see that a like honor is not denied to my literary services, and on that account I am spurred on by love of practicing my pen. For it is not right that a pursuit should grow idle which a fair kindness rewards with a recompense of favor. I would wish to say more, but your modesty ought not to be burdened with too great an outpouring of praise. Farewell, and guard friendship, as you do, as a model. Although we are unequal in elegance of speech, we will strive to be equal in constancy of devotion.