To Andronicus, a general. (360)
You will notice that my letters grow longer as your term in office continues. This is not because I have more to say -- a rhetorician always has more to say -- but because your reputation for fairness has spread, and more people come to me asking for introductions to the governor who actually listens.
The first case concerns a property dispute between two brothers, one of whom studied with me. I will not pretend to impartiality: the one who studied with me is right, and the one who did not is wrong. But set aside my bias and examine the evidence, and I think you will reach the same conclusion.
The second matter is more delicate and concerns a man accused of impiety. I know the charge, and I know the man, and I can assure you that the charge is baseless. He is as devout as any man I know -- more devout, in fact, than several of his accusers. The real motivation, as is so often the case, is personal rivalry dressed up as religious zeal. I trust your judgment to see through the disguise.
I would be grateful for a word about each of these when you have time. Not because I doubt your justice, but because even the most confident petitioner sleeps better knowing his case has been heard.
You will notice that my letters grow longer as your term in office continues. This is not because I have more to say -- a rhetorician always has more to say -- but because your reputation for fairness has spread, and more people come to me asking for introductions to the governor who actually listens.
The first case concerns a property dispute between two brothers, one of whom studied with me. I will not pretend to impartiality: the one who studied with me is right, and the one who did not is wrong. But set aside my bias and examine the evidence, and I think you will reach the same conclusion.
The second matter is more delicate and concerns a man accused of impiety. I know the charge, and I know the man, and I can assure you that the charge is baseless. He is as devout as any man I know -- more devout, in fact, than several of his accusers. The real motivation, as is so often the case, is personal rivalry dressed up as religious zeal. I trust your judgment to see through the disguise.
I would be grateful for a word about each of these when you have time. Not because I doubt your justice, but because even the most confident petitioner sleeps better knowing his case has been heard.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.