Letter 132

From: Libanius, rhetorician in Antioch To: Priscianus Date: ~359 AD Context: A recommendation for a scribe who is a relative of Mocimus -- with a poetic image of life since Priscianus left. I have many reasons to respect Mocimus: he's been a friend since childhood, he never shrank from any task my uncle assigned, and now he labors for us just as he did for him. A relative of his -- Maras by name -- is among your staff. His job is speed-writing, and his hand has made him a man of some standing. I'd like this man to benefit from your term of office and advance further. As for us, since you departed we've been "wrapped in mist and cloud" [an echo of Homer]. Those who intend to stay on the road without stumbling need a sharp light to see by.

**To Priscian** (359/60) I hold Mocimus in respect for many reasons: he has been my companion since childhood, he was among those who did not shrink from any task when my uncle commanded, and even now he labors on our behalf as much as he did for that man. A kinsman of his — Maras by name — is among your attendants. His work is writing at speed, and his hand has won him a reputation. I should like, then, for this man to benefit from your administration and so advance himself. As for us, ever since you departed, we have been wrapped in mist and cloud. But those who are not to lose their way require a piercing light.

Πρισκιανῷ. (359/60) Πολλαχόθεν αἰδοῦμαι Μόκιμον, καὶ γὰρ ἐκ παιδὸς ἑταῖ- ρος καὶ τῶν οὐδὲν ὀκνησάντων ἐπιτάττοντος τοῦ θείου, καὶ νῦν ἡμῖν ὅσαπερ ἐκείνῳ συμπονεῖ. τούτου συγγενής, Μά- ρας ὄνομα αὐτῷ, τῶν σοὶ διακονούντων, ἔργον δὲ αὐτῷ γρά- φειν εἰς τάχος, καὶ πεποίηκεν αὐτὸν ἡ χεὶρ ἐν λόγῳ. βου- λοίμην ἂν οὖν τῆς σῆς ἀρχῆς ἀπολαῦσαι τὸν ἄνθρωπον εἰς ἐπίδοσιν. ἡμεῖς δέ, ἀφ’ οὗπερ ἀπῆρας, ἠέρι καὶ νεφέ- λῇ κεκαλυμμένοι. δεῖ δὲ αὐγῆς ὀξείας τοῖς. μέλλουσιν οὐχ ἁμαρτήσεσθαι τῆς ὁδοῦ.