Letter CCCXXVIII. To Hyperectius. [On Basil's health.] · Letter CCCXXIX. To Phalirius. With Thanks for a Present of Fish.]
Letter CCCL
Page 383 of 394
Basil to Libanius.
Your annoyance is over. Let this be the beginning of my letter. Go on mocking and abusing me and mine, whether laughing or in earnest. Why say anything about frost3286 or snow, when you might be luxuriating in mockery? For my part, Libanius, that I may rouse you to a hearty laugh, I have written my letter enveloped in a snow-white veil. When you take the letter in your hand, you will feel how cold it is, and how it symbolizes the condition of the sender—kept at home and not able to put head out of doors. For my house is a grave till spring comes and brings us back from death to life, and once more gives to us, as to plants, the boon of existence.
Notes
- 3286
grite, an unknown word. Perhaps akin to kriote. cf. Duncange s.v.
Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Series II, Volume 8, ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace (1890–1900). Public domain. Text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library.