179 (380). To Arinthaeus
LETTERS
acts, must he share at all in the suspicion against the many.
On the contrary, he should obtain a trial, and his life should be submitted to an examination. In this way, both the calumny will very easily become evident, and the man, having met with most just protection, will be a perpetual herald of the benefits bestowed on him by your Clemency. Z
179. To Arinthaeus1 Both the generosity of your nature and your affability toward all make sufficiently plain to us that you are a lover not only of freedom but also of man. We, therefore, serve confidently as an ambassador for a man illustrious through a long line of ancestors, but deserving of himself more honor and respect because of the gentleness of character inherent in him. As a consequence, we urge you to defend him in his struggle against a charge which is deserving of contempt, as far as regards the truth, but is especially difficult to meet on account of the severity of the calumny. In fact, it would be for him a decisive influence toward safety if you would condescend to speak a kindly word for him, complying in the first place with justice, and in the next bestowing on us, your chosen friends, in this instance, also, the customary honor and boon.
2 Atcording to the Benedictine editors, St. Basil is referring to the terrible cruelties inflicted by Valens on those who were accused of inquiring by divination as to who were to succeed him on the throne. Cf. Amm.
Marcell. 29.1.2.
1 Arinthaeus was an able general under Valens. He was a friend of St.
Basil and a staunch defender of the Church. although. accoTding to the custom of the times, he was not baptized until on h\li deathbed. Cf.
Letter 269. He was consul in S72 and must have died before St. Basil (1I79). According to Theodoret (Eccl. Hist. 4.1IO). he seconded the gem'ral Trajan's rebuke of Valens in 1I78. so he must have died only a few months before St. Basil. Cf. Tillemont. Empef'eurs 5.100.