To Atarbius. (363)
Consider this an embassy from the Muses themselves, who want Asteius, one of their dancers, to remain with them a while longer. This Asteius came with no intention of taking up rhetoric, but seeing others acquiring the art, he developed a desire for it, and having gained a portion, he is in mourning at not having gained more.
Now, if his father Marcianus is free of troubles, Asteius will be able to remain where he is. But if someone drags the father into difficulties, the father will immediately summon the son — not unaware of the loss, but compelled by old age.
So let it be your doing, noble friend, to keep the father undisturbed and to help the son in his pursuit of the art. For among the good things you do for your subjects, it would be no lesser achievement if, thanks to you, one of them becomes an orator.
Everyone will know what you have given — I will not be silent, and the young man himself will write of the favor.
Consider this an embassy from the Muses themselves, who want Asteius, one of their dancers, to remain with them a while longer. This Asteius came with no intention of taking up rhetoric, but seeing others acquiring the art, he developed a desire for it, and having gained a portion, he is in mourning at not having gained more.
Now, if his father Marcianus is free of troubles, Asteius will be able to remain where he is. But if someone drags the father into difficulties, the father will immediately summon the son — not unaware of the loss, but compelled by old age.
So let it be your doing, noble friend, to keep the father undisturbed and to help the son in his pursuit of the art. For among the good things you do for your subjects, it would be no lesser achievement if, thanks to you, one of them becomes an orator.
Everyone will know what you have given — I will not be silent, and the young man himself will write of the favor.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.