Letter 736
To Demetrius, sophist and friend. (362)
I knew perfectly well that you would be among the first to share in my joy, since I also knew you were among the first in your affection for me.
But do not imagine that the pleasure I get from those who praise me now is greater than what your praises have long given me. The man I consider the finest speaker alive -- to be told by him that I speak brilliantly pleases me more than if every person on earth were to shower me with compliments.
Yet all this good cheer is blunted by the trouble in my head. Against the first attacks, Eucarpion fought with medicines and removed the worst of it. Then, fearing a relapse, he took up the battle with a blade.
If something good comes of it, credit Eucarpion. If the affliction prevails, look for the cause in me -- I could not endure everything the art demanded.
I do not know whether I will compose speeches again. But I have sent you the one I recently delivered -- I could not find the earlier ones. The servant assigned to that duty was off chasing a runaway goldsmith who had made off with a great deal of money belonging to many people.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.