To Andronicus, a general. (360)
I knew perfectly well that you would welcome the admirable Palladius with great warmth, even without a letter from me. In him you will find both the laws that govern your administration and the rhetoric that is your life's blood.
But these can be found in others too. What is unique -- or at least exceedingly rare -- is Palladius's personal charm: the grace of his character, his gift for companionship, his way of immediately drawing in everyone he meets. When there is no festival, he is the festival; when there is one, he makes it grander.
For these reasons you would pursue him even if he fled, let alone push him away when he comes to you. So you did not need a letter to create friendship. But since you will in fact welcome him and, having done so, praise the man, I attach myself to the business -- so that you will give me some credit when you find yourself praising him.
I knew perfectly well that you would welcome the admirable Palladius with great warmth, even without a letter from me. In him you will find both the laws that govern your administration and the rhetoric that is your life's blood.
But these can be found in others too. What is unique -- or at least exceedingly rare -- is Palladius's personal charm: the grace of his character, his gift for companionship, his way of immediately drawing in everyone he meets. When there is no festival, he is the festival; when there is one, he makes it grander.
For these reasons you would pursue him even if he fled, let alone push him away when he comes to you. So you did not need a letter to create friendship. But since you will in fact welcome him and, having done so, praise the man, I attach myself to the business -- so that you will give me some credit when you find yourself praising him.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.