Letter 72

72. To Hesychius.

I know both your love for us and your zeal for what is good. Therefore, needing to prevail upon the most beloved son Callisthenes, I thought that, if I took you as a partner in the matter, I should more easily accomplish what I am eager for. The man has been aggrieved against the most learned Eustochius, and aggrieved with a just grievance. He charges his servants with insolence and madness against him. Him we ask to be persuaded — content with the fear with which he frightened both the insolent men themselves and their masters — to put an end to the quarrel by granting the favour. For thus both things will be his: dignity in the eyes of men, and good repute in the eyes of God, if he is willing to mix forbearance with the fear. Do you yourself, then, if there is any prior friendship and intimacy of yours toward the man, ask this favour from him; and whomever you know in the city to be able to prevail upon him, take as partners in the matter, telling them that what is done will be most gratifying to me.

And send back the fellow-deacon, having accomplished the things for which he was sent. For I am ashamed, when men have taken refuge with me, not to be able to be of any use to them.