64 (350). To Hesychius
LETTERS
ing such a man? Why, how could I even refrain from declaring aloud the emotions of my soul?
Therefore, accept the appellation,5 0 admirable Sir, applied to you out of true and genuine friendship, for our practice is far from servile flattering. Keep us numbered among your friends, manifesting yourself to us by continual letters and consoling us for your absence.
64. To Hesychius 1 There are many things which even from the beginning have bound me to your Honor-our common love of letters, which is proclaimed in many places by those who have made proof of it, and our long-standing friendship with that admirable man, Terentius. 2 Added to this is the conversation which we had with that thoroughly excellent man who fulfills the claim of every intimate relationship with US,3 our most revered brother Elpidius. 4 He described all your virtuous qualities (and he, if anyone, is most able to discern and express in words the virtue of a man). He enkindled in us
~uch a longing for you that we prayed you might some day stand upon our ancient hearth, in order that we might enjoy your splendid gifts not only by hearsay but also by experience.
;) I.e., of ·friend.
I :-Iothing is known of Hesychius except such information as is found in this letter and in Letter 72. The date of this writing is the same as that of the preceding letter.
2 Terentius was a general and a count of the orthodox faith. Cf. Letters 99, 214, and 216.
3 Cf. Homer, Iliad 6.429-430: 'Nay, Hector, thou art to me fath.er and queenly mother, thou art brother, and thou art my stalwart husband.'
4 Cf. preceding Letter 63 n. 3.