Letter 34

Synesius of CyreneAurelian of Arles|c. 398 AD|synesius cyrene
barbarian invasion

To Aurelian.

Providence has not yet turned its attention to the Romans — but it will, someday. Those men [perhaps the Goths of Gainas] will not sit quietly in their houses forever, they who have the power to save the state.

As for our old friend the orator: the power you currently hold is enough to give him what he needs. May he enjoy your protection now on his own, and later share it in common with all nations.

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.

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