To Anatolios. (~361 AD)
You cannot avoid helping the Galatians, whom you once governed, wherever they turn, and I am bound by many reasons to assist them in whatever I can. Aetios, beyond the general claim his citizenship gives him, I love personally for his character, and you too would naturally love him for the same reasons. He knows no way to press himself forward for gain, yet would endure any hardship in pursuit of honorable ends. Your predecessor Anatolios recognized this well: he admired him greatly but was unable to reward him. Aetios still praises that man for it—even though, beyond failing to receive his hope, he has suffered losses in his modest affairs, and even to recover what is his he counts a great thing. Do not leave him wearing away the time, then; see to it that he will not be looked down upon, and that he departs quickly.
You cannot avoid helping the Galatians, whom you once governed, wherever they turn, and I am bound by many reasons to assist them in whatever I can. Aetios, beyond the general claim his citizenship gives him, I love personally for his character, and you too would naturally love him for the same reasons. He knows no way to press himself forward for gain, yet would endure any hardship in pursuit of honorable ends. Your predecessor Anatolios recognized this well: he admired him greatly but was unable to reward him. Aetios still praises that man for it—even though, beyond failing to receive his hope, he has suffered losses in his modest affairs, and even to recover what is his he counts a great thing. Do not leave him wearing away the time, then; see to it that he will not be looked down upon, and that he departs quickly.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.