Letter 6003: Grand requests require a preamble; for easy favors, there's no need for elaborate pleading.

A preface is needed if difficult things are being requested; but to matters that are easy and within reach there is no call to bring elaborate entreaty. Briefly, then, and concisely, take note of what favor my brother Fulvius asks of you concerning yourselves. He desires to receive into his hand [in marriage] the sister of Pompeianus, now a woman ripe [for marriage], under your auspices, a woman not inferior in birth and perhaps richer in property. For I do not count the praiseworthy accomplishments of his life and the prospects of advancement arising from the friendships of good men among the ornaments of a betrothal; for each man possesses for himself whatever is reckoned to his credit and his hope. To me, however, the long-standing wish to bring about this union is so great that I shall regard it as a weighty gift if your care has been of service to his prayers. Since, therefore, what is requested is honorable in its undertaking and easy in its accomplishment, I beg that, in advancing the matter, you apply such diligence as you suppose I desire. Farewell.