To Gaianus. (362)
The Phoenicians enjoy the blessings, while I dream of Phoenician blessings: councilors honored, populace cheerful, merchants not wronged, farmers not despised, orators flowing as never before, consorting with Demosthenes and knowing that justice resides with a man brimming with Demosthenes.
Seeing these things — or seeming to see them — I appear more radiant, and to those who ask what makes me so happy, I answer: "The Phoenicians are prospering." "And what is that to a non-Phoenician?" they say. "Everything," I reply. "The pleasure of doing good is no less than the pleasure of receiving it. And in a way, what they now enjoy comes from me too — for what belongs to the governor belongs to me as well."
Whenever I say this, I raise up against you accusers from every quarter — people who did not want others to be happy instead of themselves. Then I try to defend myself, but shouting and uproar drown me out, and I nearly leave with a beating.
And this pain was born from joy. For those along the Orontes, having been saved by you when you served at their side, now reflect on what you would have been like driving the chariot yourself — and the pleasure they felt then is equaled by the despondency they now live with.
Such are the troubles you have planted among us, you who are sweeter than honey in voice — and I would add, in character. Nothing in the world will uproot them, so long as there is water and trees.
The Phoenicians enjoy the blessings, while I dream of Phoenician blessings: councilors honored, populace cheerful, merchants not wronged, farmers not despised, orators flowing as never before, consorting with Demosthenes and knowing that justice resides with a man brimming with Demosthenes.
Seeing these things — or seeming to see them — I appear more radiant, and to those who ask what makes me so happy, I answer: "The Phoenicians are prospering." "And what is that to a non-Phoenician?" they say. "Everything," I reply. "The pleasure of doing good is no less than the pleasure of receiving it. And in a way, what they now enjoy comes from me too — for what belongs to the governor belongs to me as well."
Whenever I say this, I raise up against you accusers from every quarter — people who did not want others to be happy instead of themselves. Then I try to defend myself, but shouting and uproar drown me out, and I nearly leave with a beating.
And this pain was born from joy. For those along the Orontes, having been saved by you when you served at their side, now reflect on what you would have been like driving the chariot yourself — and the pleasure they felt then is equaled by the despondency they now live with.
Such are the troubles you have planted among us, you who are sweeter than honey in voice — and I would add, in character. Nothing in the world will uproot them, so long as there is water and trees.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.