Letter 168

To Stratonicus. (359/60) We count you among the company of the Muses, since knowing how to admire educated men is itself a mark of education. As for your son's natural gifts, give thanks to the gods -- he is quick-witted, has an excellent memory, and is eager to learn. His voice, too, will develop beautifully in time; the signs are already there. His tutor, I should add, is no less devoted to the boy than a father would be. Whatever you pay him, you will consider it too little. As for how I treat my students, your kinsman the governor is close at hand and can tell you himself. If I am anything at all, I am certainly well-disposed toward your family.

**To Stratonicus** (359/60) Well, we rank you among the company of the Muses, since this very thing — knowing how to admire the educated — is itself a part of education. As for the boy's natural gifts, give thanks to the gods, for he is quick-witted and has a good memory, and he is among those who truly wish to learn. His voice, too, will in time reach its finest quality — one can already tell. Moreover, his tutor is no less devoted than a father in his goodwill. However much you give that man, you will consider it too little. As for my own attitude toward my students — your kinsman who also serves as governor is near at hand and will tell you. If I am anything at all, I am a man well disposed toward you and yours.

Στρατονίκῳ (359/60) Ἀλλ’ ἡμεῖς σε τάττομεν ἐν τοῖς Μουσικοῖς χοροῖς, ἐπεὶ καὶ αὐτὸ τοῦτο παιδείας μέρος τὸ τοὺς πεπαιδευμένους θαυ- μάζειν εἰδέναι. τῆς δὲ τοῦ παιδὸς εἵνεκα φύσεως τοῖς θεοῖς ὁμολόγει χάριν, καὶ γὰρ ἀγχίνους καὶ μνήμων καὶ τῶν βου- λομένων μανθάνειν ἥ τε φωνὴ χρόνῳ πρὸς τὸ κάλλιστον ἥξει, δηλοῖ γάρ. ἀλλὰ μὴν ὅ γε παιδαγωγὸς πατρὸς οὐ χείρων κατὰ τὴν εὔνοιαν. ᾧ κἂν ὅτι πλεῖστα δῷς, μικρὰ ἴσῃ. τὸ δ’ ἡμέτερον πρὸς τοὺς φοιτῶντας ὁποῖον, ἐγγὺς ὁ φράσων ὁ σὸς συγγενής τε καὶ ἄρχων. εἰ δὴ ὅλως ἐγώ, πρό- θυμός τις πρὸς ὑμᾶς.