Letter 47: A year ago, thanks to your holiness, the distinguished Philip -- governor of our city -- was delivered from serious...

To Proclus, Bishop of Constantinople, A year ago, thanks to your holiness, the distinguished Philip -- governor of our city -- was delivered from serious danger. Once he was safely enjoying the security your intervention had secured, he filled our ears with your praises. But now a certain "most pious" individual is working to undo everything you accomplished. He is attacking a tax assessment carried out twelve years ago, and has adopted a style of slander that would be beneath even a respectable slave. I beg your sanctity to put a stop to his lies and to persuade the illustrious prefects to ratify the decision they rightly and mercifully rendered. The facts are these: our city was taxed more heavily than any other in the province. Even after every other city received relief, ours continued to this day assessed at over sixty-two thousand acres. Eventually the authorities were persuaded -- with difficulty -- to send inspectors. Their report was first accepted by Isidorus of blessed memory, then confirmed by the distinguished and Christ-loving lord Florentius, and the entire matter was carefully reviewed by our present ruler, whose fairness adorns his office. He confirmed the assessment by imperial decree. Yet this self-proclaimed champion of truth, motivated entirely by his hatred of one man -- the excellent Philip -- has declared war on the poor. I implore your holiness: marshal the forces of your righteous eloquence against his eloquence of wrong. Throw your shield over the truth that is under attack, and prove at once her strength and the futility of his lies.

Letter 47