76 (331). To the Master Sophronius
SAINT BASIL
Only, may you be willing to rise to our aid, and to use the power which you possess for the assistance of your fellow citizens.
76. To the Master Sophronius1 Truly, the magnitude of the misfortunes which have overtaken our country was impelling me to go to court and describe not only to your Excellency but also to all others who possess the greatest influence in civil affairs the despondency which has overspread our city. But, since my physical condition and the care of the churches hold me back, I have been forced, meanwhile, to voice my lamentation to your
Lordship in a letter. And I say that no ship at sea, overwhelmed by violent winds, has ever disappeared from sight so suddenly, no city destroyed by earthquakes or flooded by waters ever met with such total obliteration, as our city, swallowed up by this new administration of affairs, has suffered complete destruction. Our institutions have become a myth.
The administration of our government is gone; the whole civil assembly, having abandoned its dwelling in the city in hopeless despair at the loss of its rulers, is wandering about the country. Now, even the marketing of the necessities of life has come to an end, and this city, which formerly gloried both in learned men and in all things else by which wealthy cities thrive, has become a most hideous spectacle. But, we thought, as we are in terrible straits, that the one solace was to deplore our sufferings to your Clemency, and to beseech you, if you have any power, to stretch out your hand to our city, which has already fallen to its knees. Now, the manner
Another plea for help at the time of the division of Cappadocia. written at about the same time as the preceding letter. For Sophronius. d.
Letter 32 n. I; also Letters 96. 177. 180. 193. and 272.