Letter 279

279. To Modestus the Prefect

Though there be many who bring you letters from us, your Honour, yet because of the surpassing measure of the honour you show toward us, I judge that the multitude of letters causes no trouble to your great mind. For this reason I have gladly given this letter also to this brother, knowing that he himself will obtain all that he seeks, and that we shall be counted among your benefactors, in furnishing to your good purpose occasions for kindness.

The matter in which he needs your protection he will himself state, if you will deign to look upon him with a kindly glance and give him the courage to find his voice before your great and extraordinary authority. We for our part present our own concern through this letter: that we hold whatever is done for him to be our own gain, and this especially because, having set out from Tyana on this very account, he has come to us, expecting to win some great advantage if he might put forward our letter in place of a suppliant's branch. Therefore, that he himself may not fall short of his hopes, that we may enjoy our accustomed honour, and that your zeal for good works may be fulfilled in this present case as well, we ask that he be received kindly and be numbered among those most intimate with you.