To Acacius. (358/59)
I too am one of those overwhelmed by that great wave. Aristaenetus is dead -- O Zeus -- and the second blow has all but destroyed me, since the divine power did not even spare the head of Hierocles. Because of all this, I have fallen silent and will remain so, at least in public gatherings. But those students who come to me find me no worse than before.
I was pleased by your son and your son-in-law, both of whom are eagerly devoted to learning and motivate their teacher without needing to be asked. So when you write to them, the opening line of that famous verse will suffice: "So now, dear children." I trust that Philoxenus too will act in a manner worthy of the family.
To Acacius (358/59)
I too am among those overwhelmed by that great wave. For Aristaenetus lies dead — O Zeus! — and a second blow has utterly destroyed me, since the demon did not spare even the head of Hierocles. Because of this I have fallen silent and shall remain silent, at least in any public gathering. Though my students, for their part, find me no worse than before.
I was delighted that both your son and your son-in-law have taken hold of eloquence with great eagerness and stir their teacher without needing to be urged — so that when you write to the two of them, it suffices to begin with that verse, or rather half-verse: "So now, dear children." And I trust that Philoxenus too will prove worthy of his kinship.
I too am one of those overwhelmed by that great wave. Aristaenetus is dead -- O Zeus -- and the second blow has all but destroyed me, since the divine power did not even spare the head of Hierocles. Because of all this, I have fallen silent and will remain so, at least in public gatherings. But those students who come to me find me no worse than before.
I was pleased by your son and your son-in-law, both of whom are eagerly devoted to learning and motivate their teacher without needing to be asked. So when you write to them, the opening line of that famous verse will suffice: "So now, dear children." I trust that Philoxenus too will act in a manner worthy of the family.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.