To Demetrios. (~363 AD)
The emperor is no worse than his predecessor — I would say better, if one values complete virtue over reckless daring. But when you compare the adviser to the previous adviser, take care you do not seem unaware how great is the distance between a donkey and a horse.
As for me, I rescued the city from famine by supplication — though his own inclination might have granted this even without anyone pleading. I also attempted to persuade him that he had not been wronged by us, but came away having failed: such was the rhetorician I was wrestling with.
What remains is reconciliation. That is what we are now pursuing, and we call on you to help.
The emperor is no worse than his predecessor — I would say better, if one values complete virtue over reckless daring. But when you compare the adviser to the previous adviser, take care you do not seem unaware how great is the distance between a donkey and a horse.
As for me, I rescued the city from famine by supplication — though his own inclination might have granted this even without anyone pleading. I also attempted to persuade him that he had not been wronged by us, but came away having failed: such was the rhetorician I was wrestling with.
What remains is reconciliation. That is what we are now pursuing, and we call on you to help.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.