Letter 281

281. To Modestus the Prefect

I remember your great honour, in that, among your other gifts to me, you gave me also the boldness to write to your great mind. I make use, then, of the gift, and enjoy your most humane favour, at once gladdening myself by conversing with so great a man, and at the same time giving your magnanimity an occasion to dignify us with your replies. And since I once entreated your clemency on behalf of our companion Helladius the magistrate—that, being released from the charge of the assessment, he might be allowed to labour in the affairs of our country—and was thought worthy of a gracious nod of assent, I renew the same intercession, and beseech you that an order be sent down to the governor of the province to relieve him of the trouble.