Nicene and Post-Nicene Church Fathers Series 2 - The Still Small ...

Basil to Libanius.
Letter CCCLI.
Basil to Libanius.
Many, 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?
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