To Cyrillus. (359/60)
Eunomus here is a man of good birth, eloquent speech, and practiced decency. In return for his services, I am introducing him to Modestus, and now I introduce him again to you by letter, believing this favor to be no less than the other. Indeed, one might call it greater, since Eunomus can receive more benefit, and more steadily, from your goodwill.
But see that you also honor a second Eunomus -- this man's cousin, and to me as dear as a brother. Perhaps that one has already won your attention on his own, outrunning my letter. You would not have failed to recognize a good man and a skilled orator. My letter will simply add to the honor already being shown.
And there is yet another -- Eudaemon, a cousin of that second Eunomus, no less devoted to me than Eunomus himself. Eudaemon might claim he is even more devoted. But I have always declared them equal, and I have won both of them the support of many governors, none of whom has regretted it.
In doing good, you will match your predecessors. But in the extent of your generosity, you will surpass them.
**To Cyrillus** (359/60)
This Eunomius is a man of good birth, skilled in speaking, and practiced in fairness. In repaying the man, I introduce him to Modestus and now introduce him again to you by letter, believing that this favor falls no short of that one. Indeed, one might even call this the greater favor, if Eunomius can receive more benefits, and more continuously, from your goodwill.
But see that you also honor a second Eunomius — a cousin of the first, and to me dearer than a brother. Perhaps Modestus has already granted this of his own accord, anticipating my letter, and you could hardly fail to recognize a good man and an able rhetorician; but this letter will serve as an addition to the honor already long bestowed.
Now that man too has a cousin, Eudaemon, who is in no way less devoted to me than Eunomius — though Eudaemon would say he is even more devoted. For my part, I have always spoken of them as equals, and I have won many governors over as allies for the pair of them, none of whom has had cause for regret.
In doing good, you will emulate your predecessors; but through the surpassing measure of your kindness, you will outdo them.
Eunomus here is a man of good birth, eloquent speech, and practiced decency. In return for his services, I am introducing him to Modestus, and now I introduce him again to you by letter, believing this favor to be no less than the other. Indeed, one might call it greater, since Eunomus can receive more benefit, and more steadily, from your goodwill.
But see that you also honor a second Eunomus -- this man's cousin, and to me as dear as a brother. Perhaps that one has already won your attention on his own, outrunning my letter. You would not have failed to recognize a good man and a skilled orator. My letter will simply add to the honor already being shown.
And there is yet another -- Eudaemon, a cousin of that second Eunomus, no less devoted to me than Eunomus himself. Eudaemon might claim he is even more devoted. But I have always declared them equal, and I have won both of them the support of many governors, none of whom has regretted it.
In doing good, you will match your predecessors. But in the extent of your generosity, you will surpass them.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.