Erasmus apologizes to his friend Servatius for his long silence, explaining that it was not due to any lack of affection or change of purpose but rather to the pressures and turmoil of his life that left him little leisure for writing. He expresses hope for a more favorable time in the future when he can resume their correspondence and encourages Servatius to continue his own efforts.
ERASMUS TO HIS SERVATIUS, GREETINGS. You perhaps wonder, my dear Servatius, what has prevented me from sending you any letters for such a great cycle of time, and perhaps you suspect that either my former resolution has slipped my mind or my affection for you has grown cold. I would wish you to think that neither has been the case; for it was not a lack of spirit but of leisure, not of will but of opportunity. I wish the fates would allow me that freedom in life which nature bestowed; you would find me far more ready to teach than to learn. But you yourself see with what great tumult all things roar, and I think it does not escape you what little leisure remains for me amid these hardships of life. Therefore, I beg you, pardon my silence, and strive yourself to become the man you are able to be. And when a calmer fortune emerges, we shall take up our intended work again. Farewell, and love me, as you do.