Letter 627
To Gerontius. (361 AD)
That you love and miss both us and our city — well done. But do not rail against Egypt or seek to be relieved of your office.
If we call blessed those who, as private citizens, have seen the Nile and the Nile's wonders, Egypt and Egypt's marvels, where should we place the governor of such things? With a great retinue you may traverse the land and cities and lakes and river and canals and river-mouths, and everywhere implant proofs of your own virtue and foresight.
Moreover, the people of Alexandria would carry a good governor on their heads. And you are such a man — having reached the heights of intelligence, eloquence, knowledge of law, and desire for what is noble. So I believe that everything that came before will seem small compared to the good things the Egyptians will receive from you.
If you are distressed at not seeing us, know that we feel the same. But console yourself for our absence with a finer friend. That finer friend is Eudaemon the poet, who knows friendship no less than he knows the beauty of verse. He will make the deeds of your administration immortal.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.