Letter 167: It is good of you to consider me a friend and to write, even though we have never met in person.

LibaniusZeno|c. 329 AD|Libanius
diplomaticeducation booksfriendship

**To Zenon** (359/60)

You do well to consider me a friend and to write to me, even though we have never yet met in person — for I too have long held you in affection, having come to know you through your students, and I was struck by your misfortune: what a man you are, and what things you have suffered! Many times I have beseeched Fortune to make peace with you and restore you to your former station.

And it seems she is listening and is being reconciled: word has come that the whole affair contrived against you will shortly be resolved. Take heart, then, in this hope, and await the outcome.

As for the man who delivered your letters to us, he was slow to admit he had arrived, and he blamed the — but blame the winds yourself instead of those who blame the winds.

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