To Calliopius. (360?)
I write to you in good health, though "good" is a relative term at my age and in these times. The body does what it can, the mind does what it must, and between the two of them I manage to fill my days more productively than most.
Your nephew arrived safely and has begun his studies. He is bright enough, though lazy in the way that young men from comfortable homes often are. I shall cure him of that, or at least try. The work will do him good whether he appreciates it now or not.
I have a favor to ask, which you will grant because you are generous and because I am shameless in asking. The details I leave to the bearer of this letter, who will explain better in person than I can on paper.
I write to you in good health, though "good" is a relative term at my age and in these times. The body does what it can, the mind does what it must, and between the two of them I manage to fill my days more productively than most.
Your nephew arrived safely and has begun his studies. He is bright enough, though lazy in the way that young men from comfortable homes often are. I shall cure him of that, or at least try. The work will do him good whether he appreciates it now or not.
I have a favor to ask, which you will grant because you are generous and because I am shameless in asking. The details I leave to the bearer of this letter, who will explain better in person than I can on paper.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.