Letter 274

274. To Himerius the Master

The friendship and familiarity I have with our most reverend brother Hera — that it took its beginning from very boyhood, and has remained with me, by the grace of God, until old age — you yourself know better than anyone. For it was almost out of that friendship that the Lord bestowed on us the love of your great nobility, from the time when he procured for us our acquaintance with one another. Since, then, he stands in need of your patronage, I beseech and earnestly entreat you, both showing favour to your ancient disposition toward us and giving heed to the necessity that has now seized him, so to make his affairs your own that he may need no other patronage, but may return to us having accomplished everything according to our prayers; so that to the many benefits we have received from you we may have this also to number — than which we could find none greater for ourselves, nor one more closely concerning us, to make our own.