Erasmus writes to Robert Gaguin with self-deprecating humor, acknowledging that he only contacts Gaguin when in need. He requests to borrow a work by Trapezontius on rhetorical precepts so he can compare it with Quintilian, promising to return both works promptly.
Greetings, most distinguished sir. See, I pray, what remarkable impudence your Erasmus possesses. Gaguinus never comes to his mind, except when he is in need. I require for a few days Trapezuntius on the principles of Rhetoric (I do not ask if you have it; I know that you possess all the good authors); I would wish your kindness to provide me with a copy of this. I desire to compare Quintilian together with this work, and I will soon return both safely to you. Fare well and hold us in affection. 1499.