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different dates, and, to be precise, on the 2nd and the 3rd of Xandicus
month of the year 257 B.C., and with different annotations, to wit:
"concerning Pyrrhus", "concerning the bedding", "concerning the boy"
The three versions are characterised by their definitely cultivated
language, drawn up in a service style, which shows that the writer was
not only a cultivated man but probably a higher official such as the
manager of the Palaestra of Alexandria. The two most detailed references
deal with two partial subjects: first the report dealing with the
achievements of the boy Pyrrhus and secondly with the request that
certain requirements should be sent to him. The third matter set out is
on the contrary confirmed only to the last request: the young man is
in urgent need of a bathing costume, a goat or calf hide, underwear
and clothes, bedding including a pillow and two pots of honey.
In the London text a packing case is also suggested: "Buy a case
for six drachmas". The other two versions finish almost word for word.
"It may seem strange to you that I forgot that all these objects are
subject to taxation. I know it well. Yet you are a man who knows how
to find the means for the despatch to pass without difficulties".
It would seem, therefore, that even the gymnasia did not escape
the detailed tax system of the State of the Ptolemies, always of course
with the understandable proviso of avoiding it, especally by people who
formed, even indirectly, part of the court staff.
The main objective of the letter of Hierocles is, however, other. He
wishes to dispel the anxieties of Zeno regarding the progress of his protégé
Pyrrhus. In this Hierocles asserts every endeavour: "The young
man justifies the best hopes. His achievements in training are so good,
that they do not fall behind those of most of his companions in spite of
the fact that they have been students for a much longer time. Regarding
final succès only the Gods can foretell, yet in accordance with human
judgement and the assurances of the coach Ptolemy, all will go well.
"Your fears that the expenses are purposeless and that the youth will
lag behind in his intellectual education, I can dispel. He is also advancing
well in the other spheres of education".
And he follows it up with the supporting assurance for the whole
matter in both texts-though not with the identical expressions - the
promise, the assurance to Zeno - "You will be crowned".Anyhow it is a
noteworthy letter, full of personal interest, strong in educational confidence
and imbued with the contemporary pride so well known to us,
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