Letter 94

To Anysius. The moment I heard the bad news from Cyrene — that the enemy were approaching — I thought of writing to you in Taucheira immediately. But a messenger arrived first to tell us that the general had already occupied the high ground. So you knew before we did. May God reward your alertness, now and always. I send congratulations and questions in the same breath. How do things stand? I have great interest — how could I not? — in the welfare of Pentapolis, my motherland, as the Cretans might say. And I care deeply about your reputation: at every step of your success, the whole world wants to congratulate us. Since my own reputation depends on yours, best of men and of generals, I have a right to know what you are doing. I urged Joannes to distinguish himself as a brave soldier with God's help. Give him your protection for his brother's sake — that brother who will serve you as well as all the others combined. I know these two young men intimately, and I know how much they mean to each other. Greet the comrades serving under your command on my behalf. I hope to see my friend return soon with good news of the war. Though he is very timid, he set out boldly under the protection of your arms. Send the two brothers back to Cyrene — they will fight for the country that raised and nourished them.

Letter 94: War [1] To Anysius As soon as I learned the bad news from Cyrene the other day (that the enemy were approaching), I thought of sending to you at once at Taucheira to acquaint you with the fact, but a messenger came to inform us that the general had already occupied the high ground. You then knew it first. May God reward you for your alertness, both now and hereafter! [2] But I send my congratulations to you at the same moment as my inquiry into the state of your affairs. They are, I hope, in a satisfactory condition. I have very much at heart - how could it be otherwise? - the happiness of Pentapolis , my mother-country, as the Cretans might say: and at the same time I have great interest in you and your glory, and at each step of your good fortune the whole world wants to congratulate us. [3] Since then, my own reputation is dependent on you, O best of men and of generals, I have a right to know what you are doing. I exhorted Joannes to do his best to distinguish himself as a valiant soldier with the help of God. Give him your protection on account of his brother, who will render you as many services as all the others put together. I know these two young men intimately, and I know in what great esteem they hold each other. I give you the advice which seems to me the best. If you agree with me, support it with your authority. [4] Salute on my behalf the comrades who are serving under your orders. I wish to see my friend return soon, and he will bring me, I am sure, good news of the war. Although he is very timid, he has set out upon his way boldly, under the protection of your arms. Send back the two brothers to Cyrene - they will fight for their country - that country which has brought them up and nourished them.