Letter 469
To Alcimus. (355/56)
Meterius barely slipped away from our city unnoticed. Having many admirers — more than Aristodemus — he was watched. I myself was among those who wanted him to stay, since he was here on our behalf.
Many things should dispose you kindly toward him: the claims of his homeland, your kinship with his family, and the fact that his education is your gift. Add, if you will, the young man's devotion to us.
Considering all this, persuade his father not to regard his son's winning distinction among us as an offense. I would be very distressed if Meterius, blameless in all other respects, were thought wicked because, having admired the Syrians, he received the same from them.
If he finds you as his ally, he will be praised rather than accused. As for us, we are doing well enough otherwise, but as for my body — I cannot even say how badly it fares.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.