Letter 102

From: Libanius, rhetorician in Antioch To: Leontius, rhetorician Date: ~357 AD Context: A brief, enthusiastic letter about a new governor who loves rhetoric -- with a gorgeous closing metaphor. Your new governor is a friend of mine, and I'm confident his governorship will profit your province and bring credit to both him and me. You'll share in the general benefits along with everyone else, but you'll have an edge over the rest whenever he pursues your eloquence. What he loves is exactly what you have -- a fountain of rhetorical brilliance. And what you need is exactly what he offers -- judgment informed by genuine expertise. So take advantage of the fair wind and spread the sails of your ship -- or if you prefer, the wings of your swan.

**To Leontius** (357/58) Your governor is a companion of mine, and I am confident that his administration will prove a boon to you, and a source of distinction both for me and for him. The other advantages you will share in common with everyone else, but you will have the edge over the rest whenever he pursues his love of eloquence. For what he himself is passionate about, that he will find in you — fountains of rhetorical skill; and what you stand in need of, that he possesses — judgment in listening joined with true discernment. Make use of the favorable wind, then, and spread the sails of your ship — or, if you prefer, the wings of your swan.

Λεοντίῳ. (357/58) Ἑταῖρος ἐμὸς ὁ ὑμέτερος ἄρχων, καὶ πεπίστευκά γε κέρ- δος μὲν ὑμῖν ἔσεσθαι τὴν ἀρχήν, δόξαν δὲ ἐμοί τε καὶ τούτῳ. τὰ μὲν οὗν ἄλλα μετὰ τῶν ἄλλων κερδανεῖς, τῶν δ’ ἄλλων πλεονεκτήσεις, ἡνίκ’ ἄν σου διώκῃ τοὺς λόγους. οὗ μὲν γὰρ αὐτὸς ἐρᾷ, τοῦτο παρὰ σοί, πηγαὶ δεινότητος οὗ δὲ σὺ χρῄ- ζεις, τοῦτο παρὰ τῷδε, κρίσις ἐν ἀκροάσει σὺν ἐπιστήμῃ. χρῶ τοίνυν τῷ πνεύματι καὶ πέτασον τὰ ἱστία τῆς νεώς, εἰ δὲ βούλει, τὰς πτέρυγας τοῦ κύκνου.