Letter 75

To Nicander. Here is a famous epigram of mine — and how could it fail to be famous, when the great Nicander himself has praised it? "Image of golden Aphrodite or of Stratonice..." You know, of course, that I originally addressed it to my sister. Theodorus [Synesius's brother-in-law] of the Emperor's Guard is her husband — the dearest of my sisters, whom I honored with both a poem and a statue. If length and dedication of military service alone determined promotion, Theodorus would have advanced long ago. But intrigue outweighs years of loyal duty. Please help him, therefore — including any lawsuits he may face before Anthemius. May he have the protection of the great Nicander.

Letter 75: A Recommendation [1] To Nicander note [Only known from Synesius' Letter 1 .] The following is a famous epigram of mine. How could it fail to be famous, when great Nicander himself has praised it? Image of golden Cypris or of Stratonice [2] You know, of course, it was addressed by me formerly to my sister; you may learn so much from the verse. Theodorus note [Synesius' brother-in-law, a member of the imperial bodyguard; mentioned in Lette r 7 as well. Fitzgerald has translated Theodosius.] of the Emperor's Guard is the husband of this one, the dearest to me of my sisters, of whom I have done honor with an epigram and a statue. [3] If one took account only of the duration and assiduity of his military services, Theodosius would have been promoted long ago, but intrigue is more powerful than years of service. Try to help him, therefore, in this way, even in lawsuits which he may have to go through before Athemius. May he obtain the great Nicander's protection!