1I had written to you that we must fear some abuse might arise from the secret ballot. 1It has happened. 1At the last elections, on some of the voting tablets were found many jokes and even things foul to mention, and on one, in place of the candidates' names, the names of their supporters. 2The senate blazed up, and with a great outcry called down the emperor's anger on the man who had written it. 2He, however, escaped notice and lay hidden, and perhaps was even among the indignant. 3What do we think such a man does at home, who in so great a matter, at so serious a time, plays the buffoon like this, who in short in the senate is altogether witty and smart and charming?
4So much licence does that reassuring thought give to depraved characters: 'For who will know?' 4He asked for a tablet, took the stylus, bent his head, fears no one, despises himself. 5Hence those jests, worthy of the stage and the boards. 5Where are you to turn? 5what remedies are you to seek? 5Everywhere the vices are stronger than the remedies. 5'But these things will be the concern of the one above us', to whom this idle and yet unbridled wantonness of ours adds many sleepless nights, much labour, every day. 5Farewell.