Ep. CVI.
Here is another laying before you a letter, of which, if
the truth may be said, you are the cause yourself, for you provoke them
by the honour you do them. Here too is another petitioner for
you, a prisoner of fear, our kinsman Eustratius, who with us and by us
entreats your goodness, inasmuch as he cannot endure to be in perpetual
rebellion against your government, even though a just terror has
frightened him, nor does he choose to entreat you by anyone else than
me, that he may make your mercy to him more conspicuous through his use
of such intercessors, whom at all events you yourself make great by
thus accepting their appeal. I will say one thing, and that
briefly. All the other favours you conferred upon me; but this
you will confer upon your own judgment, since once you purposed to
comfort our age and infirmity with such honours. And I will add
that you are continually rendering God more propitious to
you.