1I obey, my dearest colleague, and take care of the weakness of my eyes as you bid. 1For I came here in a covered carriage, closed in on all sides as if in a bedroom, and here I abstain, with difficulty but I do abstain, not only from writing but even from reading, and study with my ears alone. 2I make my rooms shaded by drawing the curtains, yet not dark. 2The covered colonnade too, with its lower windows closed, has as much shade as light. 2So little by little I am learning to bear the light. 3I take a bath because it helps, and wine because it does no harm, very sparingly, however.
3That is my habit, and now there is a guardian at hand. 4I gladly received the hen, as coming from you; 4and with eyes sharp enough, though I am still bleary, I saw that it was very fat. 4Farewell.