To Themistius. (361 AD)
I hear that you uphold the laws in your courts, show gentleness toward the decent and severity toward those who deserve justice, and delight the populace through entertainments in the theaters. What is by nature so difficult — governing well — comes easily to you.
Know that preserving the household of the worthy Severus brings you no less distinction than anything I have listed. For cities are made illustrious not only by the wealthy but also by those who have endured toil for the sake of learning — and Severus, whom you are helping, is one of these. I would say that men of culture contribute even more to a city's reputation than men of wealth.
So let the citizens not think Severus useless, or worth less than the ability to perform public liturgies. And when they bark at him and you restrain them, let them not count as a loss the gain that honors both your judgment and their common good.
I hear that you uphold the laws in your courts, show gentleness toward the decent and severity toward those who deserve justice, and delight the populace through entertainments in the theaters. What is by nature so difficult — governing well — comes easily to you.
Know that preserving the household of the worthy Severus brings you no less distinction than anything I have listed. For cities are made illustrious not only by the wealthy but also by those who have endured toil for the sake of learning — and Severus, whom you are helping, is one of these. I would say that men of culture contribute even more to a city's reputation than men of wealth.
So let the citizens not think Severus useless, or worth less than the ability to perform public liturgies. And when they bark at him and you restrain them, let them not count as a loss the gain that honors both your judgment and their common good.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.