Letter 113: Paeonius has decided to take up the study of law as well.
Libanius→Domninus, law teacher|c. 324 AD|Libanius|AI-assisted
education books
To Domninus. (359/60)
Paeonius decided to take up the study of the laws as well; and I, for my part, neither prevented him nor failed to show him from whom it is possible to obtain that learning. For indeed it was right that I should give him a reward for the fair conduct by which he caused me no grief, neither small nor great, but gave me much pleasure, both in small matters and in greater ones.
And I consider that I have been honored by this too: that, after sharing my judgment, he then departs. For those who attempt to act in secret commit an impiety, in that they fear some hindrance from us if they should announce their intention beforehand; but this young man, wishing to be worthy both of his father and of his grandfather, and having come to know our character, has both revealed it in his composition and adorned himself with letters.
And you must regard the young man not only as a pupil but also as a friend, and show this to all those about you: that there is something more accorded by you to Paeonius.
**To Domninus** (359/60)
Paeonius has decided to take up the study of law as well, and I neither prevented him nor concealed from him where the laws may be learned. For indeed I owed him this reward for his good character, through which he caused me neither small nor great distress, but brought me much joy, both in small matters and in greater ones.
I believe he has also honored me in this: that he shared his intention with me before departing. For those who have attempted to slip away in secret committed an impiety by fearing that we would stand in their way if they told us in advance. But this young man, wishing to prove himself worthy of both his father and his grandfather, and having come to understand my nature, disclosed what he would do and has been graced with this letter of recommendation.
You must regard the young man not merely as a student but as a friend, and make clear to all those around you that Paeonius holds a special place in your regard.
Paeonius decided to take up the study of the laws as well; and I, for my part, neither prevented him nor failed to show him from whom it is possible to obtain that learning. For indeed it was right that I should give him a reward for the fair conduct by which he caused me no grief, neither small nor great, but gave me much pleasure, both in small matters and in greater ones.
And I consider that I have been honored by this too: that, after sharing my judgment, he then departs. For those who attempt to act in secret commit an impiety, in that they fear some hindrance from us if they should announce their intention beforehand; but this young man, wishing to be worthy both of his father and of his grandfather, and having come to know our character, has both revealed it in his composition and adorned himself with letters.
And you must regard the young man not only as a pupil but also as a friend, and show this to all those about you: that there is something more accorded by you to Paeonius.
AI-assisted translation - This translation was produced with AI assistance and has not been peer-reviewed. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek below for scholarly use.