Letter 109

109. To Count Helladius

Though I am most reluctant to be a trouble to your kindness, on account of the greatness of your office, lest I seem to take immoderate advantage of your friendship, yet I am not permitted by necessity to keep quiet. This sister here — who is of our own kin, and is worn down by widowhood, and has the care of the affairs of an orphan child — when I saw her at last held fast by intolerable constraints beyond her strength, I took pity and was grieved at heart, and hastened to beg you that, if there is any power to do so, you would consent to assist the man sent by her, to the end that, having now paid what she promised in our presence, she may be freed from any further harassment. For she promised, by paying the principal, that the interest would be remitted.

But now those of the heirs who manage her affairs are attempting, after the principal, to exact the interest as well. Knowing, then, that it is the Lord who makes the cause of widows and orphans his own, give yourself to this endeavour on behalf of the matter, in hope of the reward that comes from God himself. For I think that the kindly disposed and most admirable prefect, when he learns that the principal has been paid, will himself feel compassion for this now pitiable and wretched household, brought to its knees and no longer able to bear the harassments imposed on it from outside. I beg you, then, both to pardon the necessity for which I have troubled you, and to lend your aid to the matter according to the power which Christ has given you — you who are kind and good in character, and who have used for good the things you have received.