Letter 35

35. Without address, on behalf of Leontius.

I have written to you about many matters as being of concern to me, and I shall write to you about still more. For it is impossible that those in need should fail, nor is it possible for us to refuse them the favour. Yet there is no one nearer to me, nor more able to give me rest by any kindness shown to him, than our most reverend brother Leontius. Deal with his household, then, as you would if you found me myself — not in this poverty in which I now am, with God's help, but having come into some prosperity and possessed of fields. For it is clear that you would not have made me a poor man, but would have preserved what I had, or even increased my means. This, then, we entreat you to do in the case of the man's household of which I have spoken. And your reward for all this is the usual one from me: a prayer to the holy God for the labours you undertake, since you are honourable and good, and forestall the requests of those in need.