From the elder, to an elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth (and not I alone, but also all those who know the truth),

But now I ask you, lady (not as if I were writing a new commandment to you, but the one we have had from the beginning), that we love one another.

Watch out, so that you do not lose the things we have worked for, but receive a full reward.

Though I have many other things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink, but I hope to come visit you and speak face to face, so that our joy may be complete.