Parentalia XXIII. — Paulinus and Dryadia, Children of Paulinus and Megentira, my Sister's Daughter

You who bore at once your father's name and looks, Paulinus, who were a very copy of your lost sire; because of whom your hapless mother's sorrow for his loss had begun to pass away, whilst your face offered her a picture of your father and mirrored, too, his character, adding to character that gift which your father Paulinus lacked, the gift of eloquence; you — you are hurried hence in the bright years of early youth and grieve your mother's still bleeding heart. For we mourn also your sister Dryadia, torn from her bridal bed — alas!— by an untimely death. We mourn for you, and I not least; for I am your mother's uncle, and love you as the offspring of my own children. Your sister died amid her mother's and her father's kisses, you, far off in the land of Spain. O fresh and tender flower, so early plucked while yet your spring was young, a lad whose rosy cheeks were yet unfringed with down! Four children had your mother borne in travail, but of these she has surrendered two already to the grave.

Paulinus, be content with these; for they make up your fair share as father, and your remaining offspring are their mother's due.