Synesius of Cyrene→Alethius, (brother of Florentius)|c. 403 AD|Synesius of Cyrene
barbarian invasion
Letter 89: Self-Pity
[1] To his Brother
Up to this moment I had been happy. Then, as it were, a counter-waver of misfortune dashed against me, and both public and private affairs are now paining me. I live, not as a private citizen, in a country which is a prey to war, and I am bound continually to condole every one's misfortunes. [2] Often in a month I have to rush to the ramparts, as if I received a stipend to take part in military service rather than to pray. I had three sons; only one remains to me. But if only you sail with a fair wind and live happily, fortune is not wounding me on all sides.
Letter 89: Self-Pity
[1] To his Brother
Up to this moment I had been happy. Then, as it were, a counter-waver of misfortune dashed against me, and both public and private affairs are now paining me. I live, not as a private citizen, in a country which is a prey to war, and I am bound continually to condole every one's misfortunes. [2] Often in a month I have to rush to the ramparts, as if I received a stipend to take part in military service rather than to pray. I had three sons; only one remains to me. But if only you sail with a fair wind and live happily, fortune is not wounding me on all sides.
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Letter 89: Self-Pity
[1] To his Brother
Up to this moment I had been happy. Then, as it were, a counter-waver of misfortune dashed against me, and both public and private affairs are now paining me. I live, not as a private citizen, in a country which is a prey to war, and I am bound continually to condole every one's misfortunes. [2] Often in a month I have to rush to the ramparts, as if I received a stipend to take part in military service rather than to pray. I had three sons; only one remains to me. But if only you sail with a fair wind and live happily, fortune is not wounding me on all sides.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.