To Bassianus. (359/60?)
I knew you would do the things you are now doing, and that you would write well. For your goodness was apparent long ago, and you were learning the art of letter-writing. When the time came for both deeds and words, how could you have responded to us with either silence or laziness?
Keep at it, then, and do not forget the efforts that the excellent Cleobulus has made on your behalf. I took you on when you were already spreading your wings and helped you grow. But Cleobulus was your Phoenix [in Greek mythology, Phoenix was the tutor of Achilles -- meaning Cleobulus was your earliest teacher and mentor].
And this very fact -- that you know the story of Phoenix -- you owe to Cleobulus. If you can, repay him in kind. And until you have the means to do so, pray for the ability to repay him.
**To Bassianus** (359/60?)
I knew that you would do just what you are now doing, and that you would write letters well. For your good character was evident long ago, and you were learning the art of letter-writing. So when the time came for both deeds and words, how could you possibly have met us with either silence or indifference?
Continue, then, in this course, and do not forget the labors that the excellent Cleobulus spent on your behalf — for I took you up when you were already spreading your wings and helped you along, but he was your Phoenix.
And this very thing too — your knowledge of the story of Phoenix — you owe to Cleobulus. If you are able, repay him with kindness in return; and until you have the means, pray that you may receive the power to do so.
I knew you would do the things you are now doing, and that you would write well. For your goodness was apparent long ago, and you were learning the art of letter-writing. When the time came for both deeds and words, how could you have responded to us with either silence or laziness?
Keep at it, then, and do not forget the efforts that the excellent Cleobulus has made on your behalf. I took you on when you were already spreading your wings and helped you grow. But Cleobulus was your Phoenix [in Greek mythology, Phoenix was the tutor of Achilles -- meaning Cleobulus was your earliest teacher and mentor].
And this very fact -- that you know the story of Phoenix -- you owe to Cleobulus. If you can, repay him in kind. And until you have the means to do so, pray for the ability to repay him.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.