112 (464). To the Leader Andronicus
SAINT BASIL
by offering it in lieu of an olive branch,2 he might meet with some kindness. Assuredly, even if we ourselves are of no account, our very moderation is sufficient to supplicate the kindest of prefects, and to obtain pardon for us, in order that, if no wrong has been done by the man, he can be saved through truth itself, and, even if he has erred, that he may be forgiven because of our intercession.
But, as to the condition of our affairs here, who knows better than you, who observe the weak spots in each one and with wonderful foresight keep everything under control?
112. To the Leader Andronicus1 If I had such health as to be able easily to endure journeys and to bear the hardships of winter, I would not be writing.
On the contrary, for two reasons I should be going in person to visit your Magnanimity. The first is that I might pay the long-standing debt of my promise (for I know that I agreed to go to Sebasteia, there to enjoy the company of your Perfection; and I did go, but I missed the meeting, since I arrived a short time after the departure of your Honor). And the second is that I might personally perfonn a mission which I had for a long time hesitated to commit to writing, since I judged that I was too insignificant to obtain such a great favor. At the same time I did not think that anyone, when interceding for another, would persuade either an official or a private individual as readily by letter as if he himself were present, dismissing some of the charges, pleading excuse for 2 An olive branch held in the hand of a suppliant as a symbol of his condition and claim.
I Both Andronicus and Domitian are otherwise unknown. This letter was written in the year 372.
LETTERS
others, and asking pardon for the rest, none of which could be easily accomplished through a letter. Now, because I had one advantage-your own godlike person-to offset all these disadvantages, and because it will be sufficient to unfold to you the opinion which we have about the matter, you yourself adding the rest, I did not shrink from the undertaking.
But you see how I am going around in a circle, hesitating and shrinking from revealing the cause for which I am writing these words. This Domitian has been a friend of ours, as were our parents, so that he differs in no way at all from a brother. Why should one not speak the truth? Accordingly, having learned the reason for which he was suffering, we said that he deserved to suffer thus. Indeed, let there be no one who shall escape vengeance if he has shown negligence, little or much, toward your Excellency.2 Yet, when we saw him living in fear and in dishonor, and his safety depending upon your decision, we believed that he had had sufficient punishment; so we humbly beg you to be both generously and kindly disposed toward him. For, to subject one's opponents to his power is truly the mark of a strong man and a ruler, but to be kind and gentle to those who have fallen is characteristic of one who surpasses all men in greatness of mind and clemency. Thus it will be possible for you, if you desire, to show your greatness of soul to one and the same person, either, as you would wish, in punishing or in saving. But, the fear of the penalties expected and which he knows he deserves to suffer is a sufficient measure of punishment for Domitian. We beg you to add no further penalty to this. In fact, consider that there have already been many persons with power over wrong-doers in former times, and of these no word has been handed down to posterity; but those who excelled the many in wisdom and put away their wrath, the 2 Areten-here used as a title of address by St. Basil.
SAINT BASIL
memory of these is handed down immortal for all time. Let this also be added to the reports about you. Grant us who desire to celebrate your praises to be able to excel the songs of kindly deeds sung in previous times. Thus, even Croesus3 is said to have restrained his wrath against the slayer of his son, who handed himself over for punishment; and Cyrus the Great, after conquering him, is said to have become a friend to this same Croesus.4 We shall include you among these men; with all our strength we shall publicly proclaim these facts, unless we should be considered an altogether too insignificant herald of such a great man.
Among other things we must mention this, that we punish those who have done any wrong whatsoever, not for what has already happened (for what means would there be to undo that which is already done?), but that they themselves may become better in the future, or that they may be an example for others to learn self-control. However, in the present case, one might say that neither of these results is lacking, for he himself will remember this even after death, and I think that the rest, looking at him, are frightened to death. Therefore, if anything should be added to his punishment, it would seem to be for the satisfaction of personal wrath. This, I would say, is far from being true in your case, and I would not have been induced to speak any of these words if I had not observed that the reward is greater for him who gives than for those who receive. For, to not a few will the magnanimity of your disposition be evident. In fact, all the Cappadocians are looking to the future, and I would pray them to reckon this magnanimity among the other virtues belonging to you.
I hesitate to stop writing, believing that what I have omitted will be a loss to me. At least I will add this much, that, al ..
3 Cf. Herodotus 1.45.
4 Cf. Herodotus 1.88.