Being sent in the first instance to Pammachius this latter treacherously suppressed it and thus put an end to all hope of the reconciliation of the two friends. The date of the letter is 399 A.D. 1. That you have lingered some time at Rome your own language shews.
True friendship ought never to conceal what it thinks.
I recognize as yours by the style. Covertly or rather openly I am the person aimed at. But far be it from me to imitate what I blame in you. In fact I have so far restrained my feelings that I make no charge against you, and, although injured, decline for my part to injure a friend. But another time, if you wish to follow any one, pray be satisfied with your own judgement.