Letter 120

From: Libanius, rhetorician in Antioch To: Florentius Date: ~359 AD Context: A brief, charming note about a messenger who was eager to carry a letter -- not because he needed one, but because he knew Florentius enjoys them. Polianus has returned to us and reported the favors he received, and both he and I are grateful. Now, heading back to you again, he was eager to bring a letter -- not because he doesn't already stand high enough in your regard to mention other people's names with confidence, but because he knows that letters from me put you in a good mood, and he was afraid he'd be punished for not bringing one. So I gave it gladly, for both reasons: to bring you some pleasure and to spare my friend a penalty.

**To Florentius** (359/60) Polianus has returned to us and reported what he obtained, and both he and I were grateful for what he received. Now, hurrying back to you once more, he was eager to carry a letter — not because he does not already stand high enough in your regard to mention another person to you with confidence, but because he knows that you take pleasure in letters from me, and he feared he might be called to account for failing to bring one. I gave it gladly, therefore, for both reasons: to furnish you with delight, and to spare my friend a penalty.

Φλωρεντίῳ. (359/60) Ἐπανῆκεν ἡμῖν Πωλιανὸς ὧν τε ἔτυχεν ἤγγειλε καὶ χά- ριν εἴχομεν ἐγώ τε καὶ ἐκεῖνος ὧν ἔτυχεν ἐκεῖνος. νῦν δ’ αὖ- θὶς παρὰ σὲ τρέχων ἔσπευσε γράμματα φέρειν οὐχ ὡς οὐκ ἤδη παρὰ σοὶ τοσοῦτος ὢν ὥστε κἂν ἄλλου πρὸς σὲ μνησθῆ- ναι μετὰ θάρσους, ἀλλ’ εἰδώς, ὅτι τοῖς παρ’ ἡμῶν ἡδίων γίνῃ γράμμασιν, ἔδεισε μὴ δίκην ἀπαιτηθῇ τοῦ μὴ κομίζειν. ἔδω- κα τοίνυν ἀμφοτέρων εἵνεκα προθύμως σοί τε εὐφροσύνην παρασκευάζων καὶ τὸν ἑταῖρον ἐξαιρούμενος ζημίας.