Sidonius greets his dear Felix

• 1. I am pleased, noble sir, that you received the insignia of highest rank. But I am no less pleased that you have sent me a messenger to pass on the news for that reason alone. Even though you are in the current state of affairs the most influential of all magistrates and the honorary title of patricius has returned to the home of the Philagrii after such long ages because of your felicity alone, still, as a man so dedicated to your friendships, you find how the pinnacle of your honours grows through sharing them, and in a rare type of example you elevate your dignity through your humility.

• 2. In this way public opinion preferred Quintus Fabius, the master of the horse, over Papirius’ dictatorial rigour and arrogance. So too Gnaeus Pompeius’ efforts to please the people, which he never stopped, lifted him above his rivals. And in this way Germanicus held the envious Tiberius at bay, supported by the love of one and all. Therefore, I do not want the imperial grace to flatter itself with the greatest part of your success: it could not have given you more than the fact that we would be being overruled unwillingly if we had not wanted this. This is your characteristic feature, this is the reason for your extraordinary popularity; neither do you have anybody to rival you nor can you find those who are able to follow you. Goodbye.