Letter 151: I knew you would do the things you are now doing, and that you would write well.

To Bassianus. (359/60?) I knew you would do the things you are now doing, and that you would write well. For your goodness was apparent long ago, and you were learning the art of letter-writing. When the time came for both deeds and words, how could you have responded to us with either silence or laziness? Keep at it, then, and do not forget the efforts that the excellent Cleobulus has made on your behalf. I took you on when you were already spreading your wings and helped you grow. But Cleobulus was your Phoenix [in Greek mythology, Phoenix was the tutor of Achilles -- meaning Cleobulus was your earliest teacher and mentor]. And this very fact -- that you know the story of Phoenix -- you owe to Cleobulus. If you can, repay him in kind. And until you have the means to do so, pray for the ability to repay him.

**To Bassianus** (359/60?) I knew that you would do just what you are now doing, and that you would write letters well. For your good character was evident long ago, and you were learning the art of letter-writing. So when the time came for both deeds and words, how could you possibly have met us with either silence or indifference? Continue, then, in this course, and do not forget the labors that the excellent Cleobulus spent on your behalf — for I took you up when you were already spreading your wings and helped you along, but he was your Phoenix. And this very thing too — your knowledge of the story of Phoenix — you owe to Cleobulus. If you are able, repay him with kindness in return; and until you have the means, pray that you may receive the power to do so.

Βασσιανῷ. (359/60?) Ἤιδειν, ὅτι καὶ ταῦτα ποιήσεις, ἃ νῦν ποιεῖς, καὶ ὡς ἐπιστελεῖς οὐ κακῶς. ἥ τε γάρ σου χρηστότης διεφαίνετο πά- λαι καὶ ἐπιστέλλειν ἐμάνθανες. ἥκοντος δὲ τοῦ καιροῦ καὶ ἔρ- γῶν καὶ λόγων πῶς ἔμελλες ἢ σιγῇ χρήσασθαι πρὸς ἡμᾶς ἢ ῥᾳ- θυμίᾳ; τούτοις τε οὗν ἔμμενε καὶ μὴ τῶν τοῦ καλοῦ Κλεο- βούλου περὶ σὲ πόνων ἀμνημόνει, ὡς ἐγὼ μέν σε κινοῦντα πτέρυγας ἤδη παραλαβὼν ὠφέλουν, ὁ δέ σοι Φοῖνιξ γεγένη- ται. καὶ τοῦτο δὲ αὐτό σοι τὸ τὰ τοῦ Φοίνικος εἰδέναι παρὰ τοῦ Κλεοβούλου. ὅν, ἢν μὲν δυνηθῇς, ἀντευποίει, πρὸ δὲ τῆς δυνάμεως εὔχου δύναμιν εῖς τὸ ποιῆσαι λαβεῖν.