Sidonius greets his dear Rusticus

• 1. If we were neighbours as regards the location and distance of our regions, and if we were not kept apart from each other's presence by the length of a vast journey, I would not permit the rarity of letters fulfilling the duties of our newly started acquaintance to be possible, nor would I cease in strengthening the foundations now already established on one occasion of our competing affection with various kinds of honours. But against the union of our minds stands the fact that our habitations are far apart, with a lot of land in between – though this will do little harm to our hearts, which were once bound together.

• 2. But still it results from the very separation of our respective towns that, even though we are very friendly we tend to convert the rarity of our exchange, arising from the extensive interposition of territory between us, into a mutual accusation, even though because of the difficulty of the natural circumstances there is no need for blame nor forgiveness. Noble sir, I welcomed suitably the carriers of your letter, who have been educated by the teaching of your discipline and exhibit modesty in accord with the manners of their master; I listened to them patiently; and I gave them a proper explanation. Goodbye.