From: Libanius, rhetorician in Antioch
To: Modestus
Date: ~359 AD
Context: A recommendation for Eudaemon, a friend of the Muses, whose elderly father in Pelusium could use some attention.
How much Eudaemon is worth to anyone who cares about Greek culture, how close a friend he is to us, and how much he rejoices in your successes -- you know all this and could tell it to anyone. And being the kind of man you are, it's obvious you'd be happy to do him a kindness.
The thing itself will be easy for you when you go to Egypt. He has an elderly father in Pelusium [a city in the eastern Nile Delta] and a family second to none in good birth, though their fortune is modest -- on account of their integrity.
If you'd be willing to see them, just send word that you'd like Eudaemon's relatives summoned. That will be enough both for them and for us -- for us, because we'll be honored; for them, because having your attention will be protection enough. If they're currently dealing with some harsh treatment, those people will become moderate the moment you make that gesture.
I could say more, but you won't let me. When a man needs to help friends of the Muses like Eudaemon, you don't know how to hesitate.
To Modestus. (359/60)
You know well how highly Eudaemon deserves to be valued among the children of the Greeks, how dear a friend he is to us, and how he rejoices in your successes — and you would say as much to anyone. Being so disposed, it is plain that you would gladly do the man a good turn.
The matter will be easy for you once you arrive in Egypt. He has an elderly father in Pelusium and a family second to none in nobility, though their means are modest on account of their integrity.
If you would consent to see them — simply give the order to summon the relatives of Eudaemon — you will satisfy both them and us: us, by the honor you show; and them, because having not been passed over by you in silence will give them a powerful guarantee of security. For if certain people are now giving them trouble, they will find those men turn reasonable once you have done this.
I had more to say, but you do not permit it. Where one must come to the aid of the companions of the Muses — a man such as Eudaemon — you need no prompting.
Context:A recommendation for Eudaemon, a friend of the Muses, whose elderly father in Pelusium could use some attention.
How much Eudaemon is worth to anyone who cares about Greek culture, how close a friend he is to us, and how much he rejoices in your successes -- you know all this and could tell it to anyone. And being the kind of man you are, it's obvious you'd be happy to do him a kindness.
The thing itself will be easy for you when you go to Egypt. He has an elderly father in Pelusium [a city in the eastern Nile Delta] and a family second to none in good birth, though their fortune is modest -- on account of their integrity.
If you'd be willing to see them, just send word that you'd like Eudaemon's relatives summoned. That will be enough both for them and for us -- for us, because we'll be honored; for them, because having your attention will be protection enough. If they're currently dealing with some harsh treatment, those people will become moderate the moment you make that gesture.
I could say more, but you won't let me. When a man needs to help friends of the Muses like Eudaemon, you don't know how to hesitate.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.