ABSTRACT
I, your Laconian man, speak with brevity but, for you, I speak in a penetrating, sweet voice – I feel confident in doing so, because I find in you a well-disposed listener. How could it be otherwise? I preferred you above all others on earth – and you are worthy of this. May you remain as such for me and for those who care for such a fine man. Please do not accuse my brevity of speech. As you know, I am not a man of many words, just as I am not a man of many gifts. In my view, it is appropriate that the man of small stature and few means sends small and few gifts and writes brief and few letters. In this way, everything will be in agreement with itself and the whole will shine forth because of its similarity to its parts. This present letter, therefore, bears witness to the character of me, your friend, since I did not hesitate to be small in word and gift even toward you who are great in both word and gift-giving.
