1You complain of the throng of military business and yet, as though you were enjoying the deepest leisure, you read my trifles and nonsense, love them, demand them, and urge me not a little to compose more of the same. 2For I am beginning to seek from this kind of study not only amusement but even glory, after your verdict, the verdict of a man most learned, most serious and, above all, most truthful. 3At present the conduct of affairs keeps me busy, moderately but still; 3once that is over, I shall send something from the same Muses into that most kindly lap of yours. 3You will give my little sparrows and doves wings among your eagles, if they please you as well; 3if they please only themselves, you will see that they are kept in a cage or a nest.
3Farewell.