To Clematius. (357/58)
It was no small thing to hear others bring reports of you — some we had hoped for, others exceeded our hopes. But the crowning glory, as they say, was the admirable Enkratios entering the city full of praise for you.
He has a keener eye for a governor's virtue than most, stands far from flattery, is a friend of truth, and possesses real eloquence for commending fine deeds. No sooner had he met me than he was recounting your achievements, adding a prayer that your tenure be long. This was not a wish to see you toil, but to spare the cities from suffering.
He also reported your longing for my letters, saying he was distressed that he had nothing to give when you asked. He urged me to write, and I did not refuse.
He himself remains here, held back by us — we are contesting possession of the man with his homeland — but his brother was eager to meet you bearing a letter of mine. And meet you he shall. Receive the visitor warmly for three reasons: his brother, his character, and his learning.
It was no small thing to hear others bring reports of you — some we had hoped for, others exceeded our hopes. But the crowning glory, as they say, was the admirable Enkratios entering the city full of praise for you.
He has a keener eye for a governor's virtue than most, stands far from flattery, is a friend of truth, and possesses real eloquence for commending fine deeds. No sooner had he met me than he was recounting your achievements, adding a prayer that your tenure be long. This was not a wish to see you toil, but to spare the cities from suffering.
He also reported your longing for my letters, saying he was distressed that he had nothing to give when you asked. He urged me to write, and I did not refuse.
He himself remains here, held back by us — we are contesting possession of the man with his homeland — but his brother was eager to meet you bearing a letter of mine. And meet you he shall. Receive the visitor warmly for three reasons: his brother, his character, and his learning.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.