Letter 143: This Philoxenus has proven himself splendid in every way -- in stature, in voice, in his sense of propriety, and in...
**To Ekdikios** (359/60)
Well now, this Philoxenus is a splendid fellow — in stature, in voice, in his sense of propriety, and in his ability both to seek out learning and to receive it.
As for you, by persuading young men to hasten to my school, you do something equivalent to urging them to hasten to your own. For you know that if I appear distinguished, the credit is yours as well; and if I am thought to be no poor teacher, that too would benefit you, who chose the same profession. People are well aware, after all, of what we shared in Athens.
That you should support my work in practice is no surprise — your whole life since youth has been devoted to advancing the fortunes of your friends. But that you should declare it openly in your letters, as you do — that is not in keeping with your usual caution. No, this is the work of affection, which makes even the timid bolder.
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