Letter 118
To Troilus
If you have heard of the late Maximinianus (he spent a great deal of
time at court), you are certainly aware that he was an honourable man. His son is my
second cousin, and he will give you this letter. Many other people would perhaps pay
deference to him on account of his good fortune, for he is one of those who have occupied
a very important position. But Troilus is a philosopher; he will see in this young man his
personal qualities alone, and he will value him for himself.
It is evident that you will be of great assistance to him in his
present difficulties, for he is being attacked by the informers who unfortunately abound
in Cyrene,
Unless you arm yourself with valour (Iliad ix.231).
Whatever you shall persuade Anthemius or any one of his colleagues
to say in defence of us and the truth, will be entirely your own act, and you will have
the credit of all that takes place.
By taking up this case of one man only and one affair only, I beg that
you will make an effort to rid us of these obnoxious wild beasts, for the success that
attends those who make the first attempt will incline many to emulate them.