111 (276). To the Prefect Modestus
LETTERS
freedom of speech, being content in the gentleness of your disposition to descend to our level, in that measure and still more do we pray that our good Master will bestow on you an increase of dignity during your whole life. Although I had long ago set my heart on writing and enjoying the honor, yet, respect for authority restrained me, for I was careful lest I should ever seem to be using that freedom to excess.
But, I now am forced to take courage from the fact that your incomparable Excellency has authorized m, to write, as well as from the need of those who are being afflicted. Therefore, if among the mighty supplications from the lowly have any weight, let me entreat you, admirable Sir, by your kind assent graciously to give security to the pitiful country people, and to order that the tax on iron be made endurable for the inhabitants of the iron-producing country of Taurus, so that they may not be wiped out once and for all, but that their service to the public treasury may be lasting. We are convinced that this of all things is especially an object of concern to your admirable Benevolence. 2
111. To the Prefect M odestus1 . I would not have had the courage in other circumstances to trouble your Excellency, since I know how to estimate myself and how to recognize the powers of others. But, when I saw this man, a friend of mine, acutely disturbed because he had been summoned, I dared to give him this letter, so that,
2 Philanthropia-a title of address used by St. Basil for laymen.
1 For Modestus, d. Letter 104. This letter is of the same date as the preceding one.