Corpus Scriptorum Ecclesiasticorum Latinorum, Vol. LIV: Augustini Epistulae Pars I

I have now proven it, dearest Rufinus. For I, who used to believe that vows were sufficiently satisfied if we could feign the image of presence through the exchange of letters, hear that you are penetrating the secrets of Egypt, visiting the choirs of monks, and making the rounds of the heavenly family on earth. O if only the Lord Jesus Christ would suddenly grant me the translation of Philip to the eunuch cf. Acts 8:26–40 or of Habakkuk to Daniel, cf. Daniel 14:33–39; "Habakkuk" is the prophet referenced in the Latin text how I would now clasp your neck with my embraces, how I would press my lips upon that mouth which once either wandered or sought wisdom with me! But because I am not worthy, and my puny body—even when healthy—has been broken by frequent illnesses, I send these letters as my proxies to meet you, that they may lead you, bound by the knot of love, all the way to me.

2. The first happiness of unexpected joy was announced by Heliodorus. I did not believe what was certain, which I desired to be certain, especially since he himself said he had heard it from another and the novelty of the matter took away the credibility of the report. Again, a certain Alexandrian monk, who had been sent to the Egyptian confessors—martyrs already in will—by the pious obedience of the people, had impelled my mind, which was hesitant and wavering in its vow, toward belief in the report with a clear authority. I confess that even in this