Basil to Libanius.
, who have come to me from
where you are, have admired your oratorical power. They were
remarking that there has been a very brilliant specimen of this, and a
very great contest, as they alleged, with the result that all crowded
together, and no one appeared in the whole city but Libanius alone in
the lists, and everybody, young and old, listening. For no one
was willing to be absent—not a man of rank—not a
distinguished soldier—not an artisan. Even women hurried to
be present at the struggle. And what was it? What was the
speech which brought together this vast assembly? I have been
told that it contained a description of a man of peevish temper. Pray lose no time in sending me this much admired speech, in order that I too may join in praising your eloquence. If I am a praiser of Libanius without his works, what am I likely to become after receiving the grounds on which to praise him?