109 (422). To Count Helladius
LETTERS
I also remember your promises which you made before me and this man. 3 You said that you were specifying in writing a rather short time, but would grant more, because you were willing to accomodate yourself to the exigencies of the affair and to show leniency to the widow who was compelled to deliver so much money aU at one time from her property.
What, then, the cause is for such a great change taking place I cannot understand. Only, whatever it is, I urge you, being mindful of your generosity and looking to the Lord who requites your good will, to grant the time of grace which you formerly promised, in order that they may be able to pay the debt by the sale of some of their possessions. I clearly remember, also, your promising, if you should receive the stipulated amount of gold, to hand over to the widow just mentioned -all the papers agreed upon, both those negotiated before the prefects and those privately drawn up.
I beseech you, then, bestow this honor upon us and obtain from the Lord great glory for yourself, calling to mind your promises and realizing that you are a man and that you yourself must expect occasions when you will need help from God. Do not exclude yourself from this help by your present harshness, but win for yourself the compassion of God by showing to the afflicted all kindness and fairness.
109. Toe ount H elladius1 I apologize exceedingly for being troublesome to your Excellency, lest I should seem to make use beyond measure of 1I I.e., the ex.prefect.
1 On the same subject and written at the same time as the two preceding letters.