Letter 75
To Nicander
The following is a famous epigram of mine. How could it fail to be famous, when great Nicander himself has praised it?
Image of golden Cypris or Stratonice.
You know, of course, it was addressed by me formerly to my sister; you may learn so much from the verse. Theodosius of the Emperor's Guard is the husband of this one, the dearest to me of my sisters, of whom I have done honour with an epigram and a statue. If one took account only of the duration and assiduity of his military services, Theodosius would have been promoted long ago, but intrigue is more powerful than years of service. Try to help him, therefore, in this way, even in lawsuits which he may have to go through before Athemius. May he obtain the great Nicander's protection!