To Julian. (357)
That you would deal gently with the cities I knew well, for such is your nature. But I was delighted to hear that you also have a sting for those who need stinging. Clematios reported this — a man with a sharp sting of his own.
I found myself doubly pleased, since the man being praised is my fellow citizen, and those benefiting — if I call them fellow citizens too, will you say I am right, given what you know of their feelings toward me?
You surely know about the matter you wrote to us about — that what happened came about not through me, for I would not rob Spectatus of the credit for his efforts. I did, however, commend those efforts. And this much you may learn from me: that in helping you, he gratifies both parties.
Now do us a favor in return: let bears from your region appear among us, since you showed them leopards from here — so that you delight your subjects through the resources of your homeland, and your homeland through theirs.
That you would deal gently with the cities I knew well, for such is your nature. But I was delighted to hear that you also have a sting for those who need stinging. Clematios reported this — a man with a sharp sting of his own.
I found myself doubly pleased, since the man being praised is my fellow citizen, and those benefiting — if I call them fellow citizens too, will you say I am right, given what you know of their feelings toward me?
You surely know about the matter you wrote to us about — that what happened came about not through me, for I would not rob Spectatus of the credit for his efforts. I did, however, commend those efforts. And this much you may learn from me: that in helping you, he gratifies both parties.
Now do us a favor in return: let bears from your region appear among us, since you showed them leopards from here — so that you delight your subjects through the resources of your homeland, and your homeland through theirs.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.