To Priscianus. (359/60)
So then, while you will not collect the contributions [taxes] twice over, you nonetheless think it right to receive again the very matters concerning which you already hold documents; at any rate, Calus [the bearer] was carrying the letter about the poverty both there and here.
But this is not enough for you; rather, your wife's brother, who is most dear to us, came running in yesterday-while I was together with the companions-and declared that he stood under accusations and fears, on the ground that he seemed to you to be serving badly in the matter of the letters you send, and he said that you were being wronged by me, since I had given no instruction concerning the poverty. But I am among those who have given instruction, as you yourself know and as Miccalus bears witness. I shall therefore not pay the contribution a second time.
But this at least you must learn. When I hear that great labors have beset you, labors by no means clear of dangers, asking at once whether we are succeeding, I rejoice at the magnitude of the labors-whenever I hear that we are succeeding.
For these labors are set up [made to stand] by one who will narrate them, and set up by another who will admire them, and some reward will follow-which you indeed do not seek, but which I expect on your behalf.
To Priscianus (359/60)
So then — you would not exact the same tribute twice, yet on matters about which you already have a letter, you see fit to receive another. Mikkalus, at any rate, was carrying a letter concerning the poverty both there and here.
But that is not enough for you. Your wife's brother — a man most dear to me — came rushing in yesterday to where I was sitting with my companions, declaring that he was under accusation and in fear, on the grounds that he seemed to you not to be serving you well with regard to the letters you send. He claimed that *you* were being wronged by *me*, since I had written nothing about the poverty. But I am among those who have written, as you yourself know and as Mikkalus can attest. I shall not, therefore, pay the same tribute a second time.
But there is something you ought to know. When I hear that great labors beset you — labors not entirely free from danger — I immediately ask whether you are succeeding, and I take joy in the magnitude of those labors whenever I hear that you are indeed succeeding.
For these labors of yours — someone will one day set them down in narrative, and someone will stand in wonder at them, and a certain reward will follow, one which you do not seek, but which I expect on your behalf.
So then, while you will not collect the contributions [taxes] twice over, you nonetheless think it right to receive again the very matters concerning which you already hold documents; at any rate, Calus [the bearer] was carrying the letter about the poverty both there and here.
But this is not enough for you; rather, your wife's brother, who is most dear to us, came running in yesterday-while I was together with the companions-and declared that he stood under accusations and fears, on the ground that he seemed to you to be serving badly in the matter of the letters you send, and he said that you were being wronged by me, since I had given no instruction concerning the poverty. But I am among those who have given instruction, as you yourself know and as Miccalus bears witness. I shall therefore not pay the contribution a second time.
But this at least you must learn. When I hear that great labors have beset you, labors by no means clear of dangers, asking at once whether we are succeeding, I rejoice at the magnitude of the labors-whenever I hear that we are succeeding.
For these labors are set up [made to stand] by one who will narrate them, and set up by another who will admire them, and some reward will follow-which you indeed do not seek, but which I expect on your behalf.
AI-assisted translation - This translation was produced with AI assistance and has not been peer-reviewed. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek below for scholarly use.