Ep. XXII.
(Is for Amphilochius, written at the same time and in
consequence of the same trouble as that which we have placed second of
the letters to Cæsarius.)
As we know gold and stones by their look, so too
we may distinguish good men from bad in the same way, and do not need a
very long trial. For I should not have needed many words in
pleading for my most honourable son Amphilochius with Your
Magnanimity. I should rather have expected some strange and
incredible thing to happen than that he would do anything
dishonourable, or think of such a thing, in a matter of money; such a
universal reputation has he as a gentleman, and as wiser than his
years. But what must he suffer? Nothing escapes envy, for
some word of blame has touched even him, a man who has fallen under
accusation of crime through simplicity rather than depravity of
disposition. But do not allow it to be tolerable to you to
overlook him in his vexations and trouble. Not so, I entreat your
sacred and great mind, but honour your country
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and aid his virtue, and have a respect for me who have attained to
glory by and through you; and be everything to this man, adding the
will to the power, for I know that there is nothing of equal power with
Your Excellency.
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Sophronius and
Amphilochius were natives of Cæsarea.