When by your absence you keep in suspense the prayers of your own household servants, you make us unable fully either to attain or to announce what we prayed for. Therefore, the feast of the Lord's Nativity having been solemnly celebrated—so far as it could be without you—we await to learn, through so gracious an address, of the prosperity of our most pious lord, which we had wished with just longing to see. That people you have refreshed with joy; this one you have gladdened by a reply: may your affection illumine it through me, until my coming presents to you its service.