Letter 61
To Olympius. (359/360)
I feel a mixture of joy and its opposite. That Priscianus's fortunes are advancing is a festival for me. But being separated from the man who, in his devotion to my interests, imitates my own uncle -- that is no light matter.
But it was only fitting that not only the best of doctors but also the best of orators should attend the emperor. And so for a long time Olympius has been close to him, and now the orator has arrived too.
Make his life there no worse than life at home by making your own friends his friends. You did not gain your influence without effort, but he, with your power behind him, will gain his quickly. No one prepared such a harbor for you; but he will win his crown without a struggle, thanks to your labors.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
Related Letters
1. Although, when we heard recently of your having obtained merited promotion to the highest rank, we felt persuaded, however uncertain we still were in some degree as to the truth of the report, that towards the Church of which we rejoice to know that you are truly a son, there was no other feeling in your mind than that which you have now made...
(The people of Nazianzus had in some way incurred the loss of civic rights; and the Order for the forfeiture of the title of City had been signed by Olympius. This led to something like a revolt on the part of a certain number of the younger citizens: and this Olympius determined to punish by the total destruction of the place. S.
1. Truly unexpected tidings make both ears tingle. This is my case.