1After a long time I have received letters from you, but three at once, all most elegant and most affectionate, and such as ought to come from you, especially when they were longed for. 1In one of them you lay on me a most pleasant service, that your letter should be delivered to that most virtuous lady Plotina: it shall be delivered. 2In the same one you commend Popilius Artemisius: I at once did what he asked. 2You also tell me that you have gathered a modest vintage: this complaint I share with you, though in a very different part of the world. 3In the second letter you tell me that you are now dictating, now writing many things through which you bring me before your eyes.
3I thank you; 3I should thank you more if you had wanted me to read those very things that you write or dictate. 3And it was only fair that, as you come to know my writings, so I should know yours, even if they concerned someone other than me. 4You promise at the end that, when you have heard something more definite about the arrangement of my life, you will run away from your household affairs and fly straight to me — and I am already forging fetters for you which you will by no means be able to break. 5The third letter said that my speech for Clarius had been delivered to you and seemed to you fuller than it was when I spoke it and you heard it.
5It is fuller; 5for I inserted much afterwards. 5You add that you have sent another letter, written with more care; 5you ask whether I have received it. 5I have not received it, and I am longing to. 5So send it at the first opportunity, with interest added, of course, which I — could I be more lenient? — 5shall reckon at one per cent a month. 5Farewell.