To Philippus, poet. (355)
It is the mark of a friend to feel pain when hearing such things and to write about them. It is the mark of a good man -- one like you -- to write with the Muses at his side. But the person who reported these things to you either boldly speaks about matters he knows nothing about as if he did, or else -- and this is more likely -- he is an enemy of both yours and mine.
He fabricated these stories to criticize me and cause you grief. Or rather, the intention was that of an enemy, but the result was that of a friend. For giving you the occasion to compose such a letter, and for sending so fine a letter my way -- that is deeply caring toward us both.
As for our situation here: those who were flourishing before my arrival have withered, and no envy has sprung up. They know very well not to kick against the goads. As for that Cyclops and Scylla -- they are confined to the straits of Sicily. So rejoice, set aside the proverb, and share in my good fortune.
It is the mark of a friend to feel pain when hearing such things and to write about them. It is the mark of a good man -- one like you -- to write with the Muses at his side. But the person who reported these things to you either boldly speaks about matters he knows nothing about as if he did, or else -- and this is more likely -- he is an enemy of both yours and mine.
He fabricated these stories to criticize me and cause you grief. Or rather, the intention was that of an enemy, but the result was that of a friend. For giving you the occasion to compose such a letter, and for sending so fine a letter my way -- that is deeply caring toward us both.
As for our situation here: those who were flourishing before my arrival have withered, and no envy has sprung up. They know very well not to kick against the goads. As for that Cyclops and Scylla -- they are confined to the straits of Sicily. So rejoice, set aside the proverb, and share in my good fortune.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.