4 (169). To Olympius
LETTERS
incredible, nevertheless have occurred' according to our deserts.
A certain country fellow living among us here at Ann~si, on the death of a servant of my household, without saying that he had any bond against him or bringing any charge against him, or presenting his case to me, without asking for payment, though I would willingly have given it, and without threatening violence if I should not pay, suddenly attacked our house with other desperate men like himself. He beat up our women servants who were guarding it, broke open the doors, carried .off everything, taking some of the things himself, and setting out the rest as plunder for any who wanted it.
Therefore, in order that I may not be considered an example of the extremity of weakness and seem to everyone a fit subject for attack, let me beg of you to employ now that interest which you have always shown in my affairs. Only by placing myself under your protection could I remain free from public disturbances. If the culprit should be arrested by the magistrate of the district and shut up in prison for a short time, I would consider this a sufficient punishment.
For, not only do I feel vexed because of what I have suffered, but I also need assurance of safety for the future.
4. To Olympius1 What are you doing, 0 wondrous man,2 driving my loved Poverty, the guardian of philosophy, out of my solitude? You would likely have to flee prosecution for ejecting her, if she
11 Plutarch. MOT. 8l7C (Prae. Ger. Reipub.).
4 Rep. 6.10.
1 Olympius was a wealthy CItIzen of Neo-Caesarea and a friend of St.
Basil. This letter was written in 1158.
2 Thaumdsic-a title of distinction which St. Basil used for both clergy and laymen.