Letter 164
Libanius→Modestus|libanius
To Modestus.
Neither of these things is new -- neither your constant traveling nor your sending of gifts. You have long been both a man on the move and a generous one. But how could I repay you, if you will not accept words -- the only thing I have?
To Modestus.
Neither thing is new — neither your constant traveling nor your sending of gifts. For you have long been both a man on the move and a generous giver. But how could I repay you, if you refuse to accept my words, which are the only thing I have?
Μοδέστῳ.
Οὐδέτερον καινόν, οὔθ’ ὁ πολύς σου δρόμος οὔθ᾿ ἡ
ξενίων πομπή. πάλαι γὰρ δὴ σὺ καὶ περίπολος καὶ φιλόδωρος,
ἀλλ’ ἐγὼ σὲ πῶς ἂν ἀμειψαίμην, εἰ τοὺς λόγους, ὃ μόνον ἐστί
μοι, μὴ βούλοιο λαμβάνειν;
◆
To Modestus.
Neither of these things is new -- neither your constant traveling nor your sending of gifts. You have long been both a man on the move and a generous one. But how could I repay you, if you will not accept words -- the only thing I have?
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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Merely to write to so great a man, even though there be no other reason, must be esteemed a great honour. For communication with personages of high distinction confers glory upon all to whom it is permitted. My supplication, however, is one which I am driven by necessity to make to your excellency, in my great distress at the condition of my who...