10 (175). To a Widow
SAI;\[T BASIL
10. To a Widowl There is a certain method used for hunting doves, such as this. When the fowlers have caught a bird, they tame it so that it will eat in their presence. Then, rubbing its wings with perfume, they allow it to join the flock outside. The sweet odor of that perfume wins for the owner the rest of the wild birds, which follow the fragrance and the tame dove into the cote. But why am I beginning my letter thus? Because after taking your son Dionysius, formerly called Diomedes2 and anointing the wings of his soul with the divine perfume, I have sent him out to your gracious Ladyship,3 so that you yourself may fly up with him and reach the nest which he has made at our side. If, then, I should in my lifetime see this and behold your gracious Ladyship brought over to our lofty way of life, I shall need to fill many roles worthy in God's sight in order to pay in full ti!e honor due to Him.
11. Without Address, through Friendshipl We spent the holy day, by the grace of God, with our children,2 who, because of their extraordinary love of God, really made it a perfect feast day with the Lord. Now we
I St. Basil writes during his retreat to an unknown widow.
2 A second name given at baptism. For the sake of personal safety, name. not Christian were frequently given at baptism during the first three centuries. This practice was later discarded.
3 Semnoprepeian-a title of address applied to both clergy and laity. St.
Basil alone is cited as using it.
I A greeting sent to a friend, probably Olympills, to whom St. Basil frequently writes. cr. Letters 4,12,13,211. Letters 10.13 are all of the same date.
2 I.e., his friend's children.