1What I would myself have offered to your friends, if I had the same opportunity, I think I may now rightly ask of you for mine. 2Arrianus Maturus is the leading man of Altinum; 2when I say leading, I am not speaking of his means, which he has in abundance, but of his purity and justice, his seriousness and wisdom. 3I use his counsel in business and his judgement in my studies; 3for he excels greatly in loyalty, greatly in truthfulness, greatly in understanding. 4He loves me — I can say nothing more ardent — as you do. 4He is without ambition; 4that is why he has kept himself in the equestrian rank, although he could easily rise to the highest.
4Yet he must be honoured and advanced by me. 5So I set great store by adding something to his standing when he does not expect it, does not know of it, indeed perhaps even does not want it; 5but adding something that is distinguished and not burdensome. 6Whatever opportunity of this kind first comes your way, I ask you to bestow it on him; 6you will have me, you will have him, as a most grateful debtor. 6For although he does not seek such things, he receives them as gratefully as if he desired them. 6Farewell.