Letter CCCLIX.
Basil to Libanius.
You
, who have included
all the art of the ancients in your own mind, are so silent, that you
do not even let me get any gain in a letter. I, if the art of
Dædalus had only been safe, would have made me Icarus’ wings
and come to you. But wax cannot be entrusted to the sun, and so,
instead of Icarus’ wings, I send you words to prove my
affection. It is the nature of words to indicate the love of the
heart. So far, words.
3288
You do with
them what you will, and, possessing all the power you do, are
silent. But pray transfer to me the fountains of words that
spring from your mouth.
3288
Corrupt in
original.