143 (419). To the Second Accountant
SAINT BASIL
almshouse of the district which is subject to him and to exempt it entirely from the tax. For, it has already pleased your colleague to free from taxation the petty possessions of the poor.
143. To the Second Accountant1 If it had been possible for me to visit your Honor, I would certainly have appealed in person for what I wanted, and I would have taken my stand as defender of the oppressed.
But, since weakness of body and business affairs hold me back, I am recommending to you, in my place, this brother, the suffragan bishop,2 so that, giving heed to him in all sincerity, you may use him for a counselor. For, he is a man able to advise you truthfully and prudently concerning our affairs.
Now, when yca will deign to visit the almshouse he established (for you will see it, I well know, and will not pass it by, since you are not inexperienced in the work; moreover, as a certain person has reported to me, you maintain one in Amasea 3 from the possessions which the Lord has given you), so, then, when you see this one, you will grant him all that he requests. For, your colleague 4 has already promised me some concession as regards the almshous~s. I say this, not that I Cf. the preceding letter. This letter was written in 373.
2 Cf. Letter 53 n. l.
3 A city in Pontus. situated on the Iris.
4 By the word 'colleague' here is not meant the other accountant to whom the preceding letter is addressed. because in that letter also St. Basil remarks that he has been promised help for the poor by the addressee's colleague. Since there were but two accountants, this orobably refers to another officer who had similar duties. The Benedictine editors CQnjecture him to be the prefects' officer. to whom the next leuer is ad. dressed and who is asked to fulfill certain promises he has made.
However. it may be that St. Basil. to gain his end, is telling each of the two what the other has promised.