Ep. CLIV.
To me you are Prefect even after the expiry of
your term of office—for I judge things differently from the run
of men—because you embrace in yourself every prefectoral
virtue. For many of those who sit on lofty thrones are to me
base, all those whose hand makes them base and slaves of their
subjects.4782
| 4782 I.e. who are
accessible to bribery. |
But many are
high and lofty though they stand low, whom
virtue places on high and
makes worthy of greater
government. But what have I to do with
this? No longer is the great Olympius with us, nor does he bear
our
rudder-lines. We are undone, we are
betrayed, we have become
again the Second Cappadocia, after having been made the First by
you. Of other men’s matters why should I speak? but who will
cherish the old age of your Gregory, and
administer to his
weakness the
enchantment of honours, and make him more honourable because he obtains
kindness for many from you? Now then depart on your
journey with
escort and greater
pomp, leaving behind for us many
tears, and carrying
with you much
wealth, and that of a
kind which few Prefects do, good
fame, and the being inscribed on all hearts, pillars not easily
moved. If you preside over us again with greater and more
illustrious rule, (this is what our longing augurs), we shall offer to
God more perfect thanks.
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