1.11

Pliny writes a letter to Fabius Justus, a senator, close friend, and correspondent. This letter is notable for Pliny’s use of uncharacteristically short, succinct sentences.

(1)

Ōlim: = iam pridem, "for a long time"

mittis: the present form signifies that the action (not sending letters) is a continuous action begun in the past. Translate as present perfect. AG 466.

quod scrībam: relative clause of characteristic (AG 534) set up by nihil est, “there is nothing (for me) to write about.” 

At hoc ipsum scrībe: “but write this very thing [at least]!”

nihil esse: indirect statement dependent on scrībe.

quod scrībās: another relative clause of characteristic also set up by nihil esse, “that there is nothing (for you) to write about.”

sōlum illud unde: direct object of scrībe, understood in this clause, “write only that (heading) under which.”

incipere: supply epistulas.

priōrēs: “our ancestors.” Literally: “those people who came prior to us.” LS prior I.B.

Sī valēs, bene est; ego valeō: “If you are well, that is good; I am well.” To Pliny, the act of writing, the act of communication, matters far more than the substance of that communication. These words make up a formal greeting in a letter and are commonly abbreviated S.V.B.E.E.V. or shortened to S.V.B. 

(2) 

maximum: “the most important part.” His health is the most important thing. LS magnus II A.

Lūdere mē: indirect statement after putās. Lūdere = iocāre.  

Sēriō petō: “I am perfectly serious.”

Fac sciam quid agās: “Make it so that I may know what you are doing.” Quid agās is an indirect question governed by sciam. Sciam is a jussive noun clause with the ut omitted, which is common after volō, dīc, and fac. AG 565.

sine sollicitūdine summā: alliteration.