Letter 120

To my Brother. When a sick man struggles to vomit, doctors prescribe warm water to make it easier for his stomach to expel what is already there. In the same way, I have news to deliver that will not go down easily. Brace yourself, and let me give it to you straight. [A characteristically Synesian opening — using a medical analogy to cushion bad news, delivered with wry detachment even in a moment of pain.]

Letter 120: Asking for Information [1] To his Brother When a sick man vomits with difficulty, the doctors prescribe tepid water for him to swallow, so as to make it easy for him to give up whatever is already in his stomach. [2] For my part I desire to give you news which has recently been brought me from the other continent, in order that you may give it up to me in turn, but swollen in volume by everything else that you have learned yourself.