Letter 49: Epistle 49. To Basil. (The Praises of Quiet.) You accuse me of laziness and idleness, because I did not accept your Sasima, and because I have not bestirred myself like a Bishop, and do not arm you against each other like a bone thrown into the midst of dogs.
You accuse me of laziness and idleness because I didn't accept your Sasima, because I haven't stirred myself into action like a proper bishop, because I don't arm you against your rivals like a bone thrown among dogs.
My greatest business has always been to keep free from business.
And to give you an idea of one of my finer qualities: I value freedom from business so highly that I think I could serve as a standard for all men of this kind of heroic inactivity. If everyone would follow my example, the churches would have no troubles — and the faith, which everyone uses as a weapon in their private quarrels, would stop being torn to pieces.
Human translation — New Advent (NPNF / ANF series)
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To Basil [this letter is widely considered spurious — a later forgery attributed to Julian].
Here we are, idling in the countryside and enjoying autumn in all its variety.
Up to this time I used to think Homer a fable, when I read the second part of his poem, in which he narrates the adventures of Ulysses. But the calamity which has befallen the most excellent Maximus has led me to look on what I used to think fabulous and incredible, as exceedingly probable. Maximus was governor of no insignificant people, just a...
Now I recognise men's description of me! Basil has praised me, and I am hailed victor over all! Now that I have received your vote, I am entitled to walk with the proud gait of a man who haughtily looks down on all the world.
May this custom endure, and may the mutual assurance of well-being be renewed between us year after year.