Letter 73: Themistocles, son of Neocles -- that famous and admirable general -- is described by his admiring historian as...

To Apollonius, Themistocles, son of Neocles -- that famous and admirable general -- is described by his admiring historian as endowed with natural virtue alone. Pericles, son of Xanthippus, however, is said to have supplemented his native gifts with an education that enabled him to charm his listeners through persuasive eloquence: he could both see what needed to be done and articulate it in words. I see no impropriety in borrowing his own words to describe your case. These examples illustrate your magnificence, for God our Creator has given you natural ability, and your education makes its brilliance all the more conspicuous. Nothing is lacking to complete the full measure of your fine qualities -- save only the knowledge of their Author. Let that be added, and the catalog of virtues will be complete. I write this on hearing of your arrival, praying the Giver of all good things to send a beam of light to your mind's eye -- to reveal to you the greatness of his gift, to kindle your love for that treasure, and to grant the longed-for blessing to one who longs for it.

Letter 73