To Demetrius. (361 AD)
Ascholius brought us news both most terrible and most heartening: having spoken of the fall — at which he himself was struck and fell — he immediately added that the gods caught the girl with their hand as she plunged and set her gently on the ground, as if into a bed. Just as I rejoiced that she came to no harm, so I was grieved that the servant was shattered beyond saving... After speaking thus, and having praised the fields and urged that they be kept rather than sold, Ascholius departed. Where on earth he is now, I have no idea.
May the gods grant safety to you and your children; may the seasons bring their fruits; may all sail before fair winds; and send us both letters and the produce of your estate.
I have sent two speeches — in one I engage Herodotus, in the other Aristides. They must pass immediately into Palladius's hands: he asked for them in person, and it's clear he will manage to make your copies his own as well.
Ascholius brought us news both most terrible and most heartening: having spoken of the fall — at which he himself was struck and fell — he immediately added that the gods caught the girl with their hand as she plunged and set her gently on the ground, as if into a bed. Just as I rejoiced that she came to no harm, so I was grieved that the servant was shattered beyond saving... After speaking thus, and having praised the fields and urged that they be kept rather than sold, Ascholius departed. Where on earth he is now, I have no idea.
May the gods grant safety to you and your children; may the seasons bring their fruits; may all sail before fair winds; and send us both letters and the produce of your estate.
I have sent two speeches — in one I engage Herodotus, in the other Aristides. They must pass immediately into Palladius's hands: he asked for them in person, and it's clear he will manage to make your copies his own as well.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.