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 DXXIII (F XIII, 78)

TO AULUS ALLIENUS (IN SICILY)

Democritus of Sicyon is not only my guest-friend, but also very intimate with me, as is not often the case with such men, especially if they are Greeks. For his honesty and virtue are of the highest kind, and he is exceedingly liberal and attentive to his guest-friends, and distinguishes me above the rest by his respect, attentions, and affection. You must regard him as the leading man not only of his fellow citizens, but almost of all Achaia. For such a man I do no more than open the door and pave the way to an acquaintance with you: when you once know him, your natural disposition is such that you will decide him to be worthy of your friendship and society. What I ask of you, then, is that on reading this letter you should accord him your patronage, and promise to do everything for him for my sake. For the rest, if, as I feel sure will be the case, you ascertain him to be deserving of your friendship and society, I ask you to receive him with open arms, to love him, and to regard him as one of your own family. That will be a more than common favour to me. Good-bye.

DXXIV (F XIII, 79)

TO AULUS ALLIENUS (IN SICILY)

I think, in the first place, that you know the value I have for C. Avianius Flaccus, and, in the next place, I have heard from himself—a most excellent and grateful man—with what*