To Themistius. (361 AD)
Manos is quick to borrow but slow to repay. That is his nature, but let the laws teach him otherwise — laws he would not dare disregard when you uphold them.
Faustillianus brings this petition, so that the other man cannot act shamelessly. And you must show some care for Faustillianus, since he is a kinsman of Severus — about whom, as you know, I could write at great length — and since he strives to imitate Severus's character. That character is this: they do not know how to commit injustice, but they do not tolerate suffering it.
Do well by such people, whether present or absent. For any governor who desires praise — and I believe that desire lives in you — would best win it by helping good men.
But you must not only help them in deed; you must also write to me about what is being done for them. They will not keep silent either, but among my greatest pleasures would be to learn it from you as well.
Manos is quick to borrow but slow to repay. That is his nature, but let the laws teach him otherwise — laws he would not dare disregard when you uphold them.
Faustillianus brings this petition, so that the other man cannot act shamelessly. And you must show some care for Faustillianus, since he is a kinsman of Severus — about whom, as you know, I could write at great length — and since he strives to imitate Severus's character. That character is this: they do not know how to commit injustice, but they do not tolerate suffering it.
Do well by such people, whether present or absent. For any governor who desires praise — and I believe that desire lives in you — would best win it by helping good men.
But you must not only help them in deed; you must also write to me about what is being done for them. They will not keep silent either, but among my greatest pleasures would be to learn it from you as well.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.