2.  It is well for us too, who betake ourselves to writing, not from any vain ambition, but from the design of bequeathing counsels of sound doctrine to the brethren, if we introduce some character well known to all the world for presumption of manners, to interweave into the argument some points in accordance with the quality of the character, unless indeed we have no right at all to leave our work and to accuse men.  But if the subject of the dialogue be wide and general, digressions against persons interrupt its continuity and tend to no good end.  So much I have written to prove that you did not send your work to a flatterer, but have shared your toil with a real brother.  And I have spoken not for the correction of what is finished, but as a precaution for the future; for assuredly one who is so accustomed to write, and so diligent in writing, will not hesitate to do so; and the more so that there is no falling off in the number of those who give him subjects.  Enough for me to read your books.  I am as far from being able to write anything as, I had very nearly said, I am from being well, or from having the least leisure from my work.  I have however now sent back the larger and earlier of the two volumes, after perusing it as far as I have been able.  The second I have retained, with the wish to transcribe it, but, hitherto, without finding any quick writer.  To such a pitch of poverty has come the enviable condition of the Cappadocians!