Letter 34
Synesius of Cyrene→Aurelian of Arles|c. 398 AD|synesius cyrene
barbarian invasion
To Aurelian.
Providence has not yet turned its attention to the Romans — but it will, someday. Those men [perhaps the Goths of Gainas] will not sit quietly in their houses forever, they who have the power to save the state.
As for our old friend the orator: the power you currently hold is enough to give him what he needs. May he enjoy your protection now on his own, and later share it in common with all nations.
Letter 34: A Warning
[1] To Aurelian
Not as yet does Providence care for the Romans, but it will care for them some day. They note [Perhaps the Goths of Gainas.] will not lead a quiet life in their houses for ever, they who are themselves able to save the state. [2] As to the orator, our old housemate, the power you possess at present suffices for what he needs. May he enjoy this protection by himself now, and later also in common with all nations!
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To Aurelian.
Providence has not yet turned its attention to the Romans — but it will, someday. Those men [perhaps the Goths of Gainas] will not sit quietly in their houses forever, they who have the power to save the state.
As for our old friend the orator: the power you currently hold is enough to give him what he needs. May he enjoy your protection now on his own, and later share it in common with all nations.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.