To Silanus. (356 AD)
If you have met Clematius, then presumably, having been invited to the wedding, you already know the whole story. If that has not yet happened, once it does you will hear everything, and you will perhaps say that I did not fall short, but exerted myself beyond what was reasonable.
As for those who think I have influence but lack the will to use it — they feel this naturally enough, believing I enjoy the advantages one might expect. But let them consider what Euripides has to say about expectations, and they will recognize that the blame does not rest entirely with me.
As I have often said: I have the least control over that matter, but you have the most control over mine. Pray for something good for me, since whatever circumstances you find me in, you will share them.
If you have met Clematius, then presumably, having been invited to the wedding, you already know the whole story. If that has not yet happened, once it does you will hear everything, and you will perhaps say that I did not fall short, but exerted myself beyond what was reasonable.
As for those who think I have influence but lack the will to use it — they feel this naturally enough, believing I enjoy the advantages one might expect. But let them consider what Euripides has to say about expectations, and they will recognize that the blame does not rest entirely with me.
As I have often said: I have the least control over that matter, but you have the most control over mine. Pray for something good for me, since whatever circumstances you find me in, you will share them.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.