DXXIII (F XIII, 78)
TO AULUS ALLIENUS (IN SICILY)
ROME
DEMOCRITUS of Sicyon is not only my
guest-firend, but also very intimate with me, as
is not often the case with such men, 1 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.
ROME
