To Mygdonius. (357)
I care for this Olympius here for many reasons. I love him as a fellow citizen and return his love as a friend. He has both intelligence and charm, and as a judge of eloquence he is not the finest, but far from poor.
He became a soldier instead of an orator, compelled by poverty. Yet even in this he has not become rich instead of poor — unable to flatter, and finding no one enamored of his character.
But you — be that person for him. First, grant him this: that his long absence not become a charge against him. Then let something come to him that is easy for you but useful to him. For it is only right that I benefit from your influence with Musonius, and that he benefit from mine with you.
I care for this Olympius here for many reasons. I love him as a fellow citizen and return his love as a friend. He has both intelligence and charm, and as a judge of eloquence he is not the finest, but far from poor.
He became a soldier instead of an orator, compelled by poverty. Yet even in this he has not become rich instead of poor — unable to flatter, and finding no one enamored of his character.
But you — be that person for him. First, grant him this: that his long absence not become a charge against him. Then let something come to him that is easy for you but useful to him. For it is only right that I benefit from your influence with Musonius, and that he benefit from mine with you.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.