Letter 94
To Anysius
As soon as I learned the bad news from Cyrene the other day (that
the enemy were approaching(, I thought of sending to you at once at Teucheira to acquaint
you with the fact, but a messenger came to inform us that the general had already occupied
the high ground. You then knew it first. May God reward you for your alertness, both now
and hereafter! But I send my congratulations to you at the same moment as my inquiry into
the state of your affairs. They are, I hope, in a satisfactory condition. I have very much
at heart-- how could it be otherwise?-- the happiness of Pentapolis, my mother-country, as
the Cretans might say: and at the same time I have great interest in you and your glory,
and at each step of your good fortune the whole world wants to congratulate us.
Since then, my own reputation is dependent on you, O best of men and of
generals, I have a right to know what you are doing. I exhorted Joannes to do his best to
distinguish himself as a valiant soldier with the help of God. Give him your protection on
account of his brother, who will render you as many services as all the others put
together. I know these two young men intimately, and I know in what great esteem they hold
each other. I give you the advice which seems to me the best. If you agree with me,
support it with your authority. Salute on my behalf the comrades who are serving under
your orders. I wish to see my friend return soon, and he will bring me, I am sure, good
news of the war. Although he is very timid, he has set out upon his way boldly, under the
protection of your arms. Send back the two brothers to Cyrene-- they will fight for their
country-- that country which has brought them up and nourished them.