To Maximus. (361)
I was delighted by your letter. It contained the news I wanted, and the beauty of the letter itself was astonishing. When I received it in the marketplace -- for that is where I was when it arrived, and I read it immediately -- I began shouting with pleasure. "What are you shouting about?" asked Strategius (I mean the politician), and when he found out, he read it too and imitated my shouts.
Now then -- do a kindness for this man as well, and be fond of him as my son. You will surely not begrudge me for calling my student by that name. He came to study with me among many others, but was among the few who rose above reproach -- spending time with me constantly, sharing my table, joining in the afternoon labors, and receiving every trust that a young man earns through good character.
He is of a family from both the province you govern and from Galatia, but his stronger ties are with your province, and he has long been drawn toward Armenia. Even if he had not felt that pull before, he certainly would now that you are governor there...
I was delighted by your letter. It contained the news I wanted, and the beauty of the letter itself was astonishing. When I received it in the marketplace -- for that is where I was when it arrived, and I read it immediately -- I began shouting with pleasure. "What are you shouting about?" asked Strategius (I mean the politician), and when he found out, he read it too and imitated my shouts.
Now then -- do a kindness for this man as well, and be fond of him as my son. You will surely not begrudge me for calling my student by that name. He came to study with me among many others, but was among the few who rose above reproach -- spending time with me constantly, sharing my table, joining in the afternoon labors, and receiving every trust that a young man earns through good character.
He is of a family from both the province you govern and from Galatia, but his stronger ties are with your province, and he has long been drawn toward Armenia. Even if he had not felt that pull before, he certainly would now that you are governor there...
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.