To Euagoras. (363 AD)
I am older than you, but I do not think myself better in nature. I reached my position through toil, and you are on the same path. Since probability prevails, you will accomplish what I accomplish. Being already wise, then, you praise yourself when you praise me.
But know this: you sing praises greater than what I have done or shall do. Let my works, if you like, be placed alongside those of Demosthenes — no one who knows will begrudge it, since rags and the finest garments often share a single chest. But do not honor them equally with his, nor place mine right after his, lest someone take up Demosthenes' own remark — but that I will not say. I do fear, however, that by admiring me too much you may do your own work a disservice.
I am older than you, but I do not think myself better in nature. I reached my position through toil, and you are on the same path. Since probability prevails, you will accomplish what I accomplish. Being already wise, then, you praise yourself when you praise me.
But know this: you sing praises greater than what I have done or shall do. Let my works, if you like, be placed alongside those of Demosthenes — no one who knows will begrudge it, since rags and the finest garments often share a single chest. But do not honor them equally with his, nor place mine right after his, lest someone take up Demosthenes' own remark — but that I will not say. I do fear, however, that by admiring me too much you may do your own work a disservice.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.