Letter 109

To my Brother. At the moment I have neither donkeys, nor mules, nor horses available — they have all been sent to pasture. If I had them, I would have come to you. I thought of making the journey on foot, and I might have done it, but those who love me would not hear of it — the roads are too dangerous. The enemy roams the countryside at will. So I must wait. But the moment my animals return, I will set out to see you. Until then, this letter must serve as my embrace.

Letter 109: A Visit Postponed [1] To his Brother Just at present I have neither asses, nor mules, nor horses at hand, for all have gone to pasture. If I could have used them, I might have come to your beloved presence. I wanted very much to make the journey on foot, and I might perhaps have done it, but my relations are opposed to the project. They say that I should make those I met laugh at me. [2] Evidently the people on the road, whoever they may be, are wisdom itself. They have so much sense that each one of them knows what becomes me better than I do myself. How many judges are opposed upon us by those who wish to make us live for appearances! [3] In the end I gave in, not to warnings, but to force. At the very moment when I was on the point of leaving, they would not let me, but seized me by the cloak. [4] There is only one thing left for me to do, to dispatch this letter in my place. I send you by it all my messages of affection. I ask you what are the exports from Ptolemais , I mean what news you are probably bringing from government headquarters. Above all, tell me what I ought to think of the mysterious rumor that has come from the west, for you know that it makes a great difference to me whether it is true or not. If, then, you will write to me, and will give me all the details clearly stated, I will remain here. If not, you too will be reproaching me for having rushed to you.