Letters 22–56

Summary: Synesius congratulates a friend on the imperial legitimation of his children, and teases him for not writing.

• The 'golden children' were apparently legitimated by imperial rescript, frustrating relatives who hoped to inherit. A clause is lost after 'the good fortune of the children'. A marginal variant (τροφή, 'food') printed in the text is removed.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: marginal variant reading printed in the text): [γρ. τροφὴ] → .

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 22 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/22). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/22

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius reproaches a friend raised to high office for forgetting him.

• Migne's Latin translation, which stands at the beginning and broke into the first sentence, is removed; the opening of the letter may be lost.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek; OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek, splitting συνεξαίρεσθαι): Αἰφυΐ οὐπὶ ἰοτίαπα πααυδάυδπι ΘΧ(Ο}}} δηΐπιος → ; υροτγίοθαϊ, Π6ς γοίΐδγιιαι Δι ΟΡ ΠῚ πιο η͵556, 1"ιοἱ ἄυο8 μ8θΓ δὶ, {πὸ γΐ8 ΒυΠΟΓ 5 ἰυΐ8,, δἷς υἱ ρυ}} εἰσ τῖψο, 86 ἰοἰρδύπι ΠΟ 5 γοθι υ8. ᾿ → .

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 23 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/23). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/23

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius asks a busy official to write, or to admit his forgetfulness and amend it.

• The letter breaks off at the end of the scan text.

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 25 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/25). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/25

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius assures a friend that God will reward his help to Cyrene even if the cities are ungrateful.

• A line of Migne's Latin translation replaced part of the Greek and is removed; a phrase is lost.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek): Α πη ἀδογῖι στγαιῖ8, ουἱ τοῖς Βόηὸ πβογοπεὶ νοϊμίαιο → … .

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 26 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/26). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/26

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius asks protection for a cousin of the late philosopher Amyntianus against a certain Soterichus.

• The letter breaks off at the end of the scan text. A marginal variant printed in the text is removed.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: marginal variant reading printed in the text): [γριὑμῖν] → .

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 27 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/27). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/27

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius commends remitting a penalty as obedience to God's command to forgive debts.

• Forgiving debts: Matt 6:12. The last sentence is obscure in the scan text (τοῦ λαθεῖν, 'of escaping notice'); it is translated by sense.

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 28 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/28). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/28

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius jokes that a high official's kindness has made him a magnet for petitioners, and sends another request.

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 29 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/29). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/29

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius pleads for a man unjustly penalized, citing Plato that doing wrong is worse than suffering it.

• Plato, Gorgias 469b–c. The rest of the Greek letter is lost in the scan text; only Migne's Latin translation of it was printed in its place, and that is removed.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek (the rest of the Greek is lost)): Ὀ65, ΠΟ ἴῃ ΡΓΒΒΘἾθυ.5 50] υπ, 406 ργαά 15, βο ἴπ Φρβθπλθυ5 οἰΐδην ΠΟπογδ 8. Ὀ᾿ ν᾽ ηι18 Αην πηι δι ἀὐτὰ ἀουδι. φίλων αυὶ ταροίογα ἂν 60 ρΟθ"5 60ῃ- Θυοὰ ἰπ ἱπίεγρο!]πὁ ἰ6 θι) λθβίάυυβ, ἰὰ εἰμ 6556 γο] 5868, ΟΠ Π16 Δρυὰ (6 ἰ!) ΠΟΠΟΙΘ ἃ0 ῥγὸἄυαι [Δ0[68, υἱ εἰ 660 ἃ πλυ}115, εἰ ἀὲ μυῖε18 ἴῃ ἃ τὴ 2η08 : 80} [6 γο) οἰδίυτ 1116 Ρ61 ᾿πὰς 86 5] οἱ 'ρβα ραθ8ϊ" πιμ} 8 ἐυ}8 ργθοῖρα, πἰὶ υἱ ον ο5 77 ᾿λυλπὶ ο6- 4}}ξϊ ἅ0 1158 δυάϊονίηξ,, ἀθίῃοθρβ 660 οἱ ἴῃ οἰᾶφιᾶ ἰμ αὐδὴν ἰπ 16 Βοιπΐμαβ νὶ8 διηϊπιδύνεγιογε, [Δ0 τι Εξο οἱ τυ συγᾶπι, οἱ {{Π||8 Βα ῦ 60 : αἱ, π6 ἰπ}ιτἶδπι (Δοἰ85; π6 Δοείρίαὲ, ᾿ΠΠ 08. δαπὶ δὶ οὐη Ρίὰ- ΡΓδοαγὶ, υἱὲ τη γ}}8 16 ὈΓΘΘΠ118 ΟΟΠ ΡΟ !56ῖ., ῬΥῸ Βοιμΐπο5 οὐαὶ θ60 ΘΟ πι ἢ 6. ᾿πιἰΔιϊ0 ΡΟΓΓῸ ὁ0ῃ- ΘΙΠΘΓΆΠῚ, οἷ τ 6δὲ φυἱάδιῃ πεᾳῦδηι.. Νὰπι εἰ πη ]8 πῖυβ δὲ οἱ δἀυοαίυδ; πὲ ΔΒογγομίθηι 80 ἰῃ- → ….

Extrabiblical texts: Plato, Gorg. 469b (Plato (works); allusion)

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 30 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/30). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/30

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius praises a former high official, whose benefactions make him like God, and greets his son Taurus.

• Addressed to Aurelian, praetorian prefect, whose son was named Taurus. Synesius's Platonic language (the guardian souls of cities, likeness to God through doing good) is translated as written.

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 31 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/31). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/31

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius asks that a debauched slave, unfit for a philosopher's house, be shipped back to his homeland tied on deck.

• Cotytto was a Thracian goddess of orgiastic rites; the Konisaloi were lewd Attic spirits. The Lysias quotation is unidentified. Odysseus bound to the mast passing the Sirens: Homer, Odyssey 12.
• Migne's Latin translation and several marginal variants that broke into the Greek are removed; a few words are lost after 'from childhood in', and the letter breaks off at the end.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek; OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek, splitting πλέοντας; OCR: marginal variant and Latin translation printed in the text; OCR: marginal variant reading printed in the text): [γΡ. ἀναγωγῆς] → ; ὡαϊϊαυβ οδὲ; 86 δὶ 4υΐ 8}}} βυπὲ Βυ͵υβεθ → … ; ΐ 50. συμθιωτὴς] → ; [70. χαφοτοθδ οἱ ἀπρυδηῖῖ8 οὐγίυπι δίᾳυο οομμαββδηίθηι, Ὁ τάπιπλ.] → ; Α (ἀπε! Π6η88 Υἱῖδὲ Ἑοηδοπίδηραβ οδποηίεπι, ΟΥΐπιθῃ → ; 4υἱ πο] πιϊγαγὶ δἱ ρίυγθβ ἃπιριιογαβ ἀϊπιϊ ἃ εχ → ; - Β δυϊδηίοαι νἱ οεὶ Μυ}18 οἱ 4᾽α βουγγ ον (δοὶϊ, → ; [70. διαφθείρῃ] → .

Extrabiblical texts: Homer, Od. 12.178 (Homer, Odyssey; allusion)

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 32 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/32). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/32

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius returns a friend's praise of Alexander like an echo.

• The beginning of the letter is lost in the scan text; the first surviving word is the end of 'echoes'.

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 33 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/33). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/33

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius consoles a statesman out of office and asks his help for a rhetor, his foster-brother.

• Probably addressed to Aurelian during his exclusion from office. Migne's Latin translation and a marginal variant that broke into the Greek are removed.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek; OCR: marginal variant reading printed in the text): (, πιαπεῦυπί, 4υΐ γεπηρυθ οαπὶ δουγαγα ροβθιηϊ. θ6ὰ → ; [γΡ. ὅ τι] → .

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 34 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/34). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/34

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius denounces a certain Athanasius who enriches himself by preying on the dying and their wills.

• The letter breaks off at the end of the scan text.

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 35 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/35). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/35

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius reports the death of Castricius after a frightening vision.

• Only the first sentence of the Greek survives in the scan text; the rest was replaced by Migne's Latin translation, which is removed. The sixteenth of Athyr is 12 November.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek (the rest of the Greek is lost)): οοητιθατι) ογδιουΐ νοὶ δὰ δυοσίου 85, 485 ΡῈ Π68 16 πὰς δδὶ, δὰ ἰὰ 5416 6βὶ, 400 ἰ{Π6 ορυβ ἢδθοῖ. ἀπ ΠΣ} τπόῦρο ἙοηΠΙοἰδῖυ8 ἐδῖ. Ἂς ΠΟΙ ἴδ πιὸπη βία. δαπὶ ογιἢ Πυἀ πιο!αβιείοτγοπι οἱ το ατὶἀσπι 55 πὶ), υἱ ΘΟΠΊΠ.ΠΠ6 65561 Ομ υπὶ θοηιπ), οἱ ἢ}|0, αυα δὴ γβοθῃβ ἴῃ βοπδίῃπι Δ80Γρι}5. ἐγ θυϊα τοθρἰθίγαῖυβ ΠΟΙ. Ϊ6. πρροββίί8. Οὐ ογο ἰσίταν δου! γοη θη 6 Πὶ τ)6 518 Ἀ5. θ6ὰ οἱ οὐπῦ θυ γοδπη Οὐ υἱοί οτίδπι (γἱ υπηρ]ὰ- → ….

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 36 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/36). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/36

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius tells a friend that John, ill and away from him, chafes at his enforced idleness.

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 37 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/37). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/37

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius asks a high official to protect his relative Herodes from being taxed twice.

• The printed νεόδουλοι ('new slaves') is probably an OCR slip for νεόβουλοι, 'new councillors'; translated so. Senatorial land paid a special tax; Herodes was apparently being charged municipal burdens as well.

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 38 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/38). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/38

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius asks a friend to wait for his visit.

• A marginal variant printed in the text is removed.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: marginal variant reading printed in the text): [70. εἴπερ μενεῖς] → .

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 39 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/39). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/39

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius sends a fine though ugly horse as a gift.

• The Nisaean horses of Media were famed for beauty. A line of Migne's Latin translation is removed; the letter breaks off at the end.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek): ἰάοποιβ. Ουοὰ εἰ Νίββεβ οαυΐβ ἀοίογπιου οδθί, Ὁ → .

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 40 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/40). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/40

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius tells a friend he has hired a reliable Carpathian ship for him.

• The Phaeacian ships that knew the minds of men, and Poseidon's anger against the Phaeacians: Homer, Odyssey 8.557–563 and 13.125–187. The letter breaks off at the end.

Extrabiblical texts: Homer, Od. 8.557-563 (Homer, Odyssey; allusion)

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 41 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/41). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/41

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius asks a judge to give his relative Asphalius a quick hearing and restore his inheritance under his father's will.

• 'The season when we most need God' is probably Lent or the Easter season.

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 42 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/42). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/42

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius playfully commends to a friend a young man who, having lost his inheritance, seeks his fortune in Thrace.

• Fortune (Tyche) is personified as a goddess in jest. Migne's Latin translation that broke into the Greek is removed.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek; OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek, splitting τυγχάνειν): Νάνοπὶ (101 οοπάαχὶ μοπιπαπὶ ποῦ! πὶ, Δ. πι8- (Β]ογυπι ΟἸ ΘΓ 35 γί] 0η6 11.385 6858 [ἐγυηΐ, υἱ {129 ΒΟ86 88 ρογβι οὶ: Δαυΐδ, δἷνα Π60}5, δίψα γδαῖίο, → ; Ο θἰνα φοπίι8, ργο οοπάϊιίοηθ Ἰοσογαπι Αἰϊφυϊά Πο → .

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 43 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/43). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/43

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius urges John, rumoured to have arranged the murder of Aemilius, to surrender to justice and, if guilty, to seek his punishment so as to go purified to the judgment below.

• 'Rumour is a goddess': Hesiod, Works and Days 763–764. The argument that a wrongdoer is better off punished than unpunished follows Plato, Gorgias 472e–479e; 'the image' is the soul's shadowy vehicle, which in Neoplatonic teaching bears punishment after death.
• Migne's Latin translation and a marginal variant that broke into the Greek are removed. The last sentence is corrupt in the scan text, and the letter breaks off at the end.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek; OCR: marginal variant reading printed in the text): χ Οὐπὶ οἱ Δπί68 Β2:ρ6 ἐυ}8. ΠΙ6 ᾿ΘΠΊΡΟΥΙ 8. υ{Π|6αὶ → ; τδρεδίιγ, Αὐήὲ ἰρίτηγ 4188 γθοία δρυὰ (6 ἀϊκρυϊ8δη- Α → ; [γρ. τῷ } → .

Extrabiblical texts: Hesiod, Op. 763-764 (Hesiod, Works and Days; allusion); Plato, Gorg. 472e-479e (Plato (works); allusion)

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 44 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/44). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/44

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius urges action against outsiders troubling the Church, citing the proverb that one peg drives out another.

• The letter breaks off at the end of the scan text. 'Go out against them' renders a damaged word (Διά-…). The proverb 'a peg is knocked out by a peg' means fighting like with like.

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 45 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/45). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/45

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius reproaches a friend who turned against him in his misfortune, and asks protection for Martyrius, who helped him convict the violent Peter.

• Amasis of Egypt broke off his friendship with Polycrates of Samos so as not to grieve when Polycrates fell: Herodotus 3.40–43.
• Anthemius was then praetorian prefect in Constantinople; Troilus was a philosopher of his circle. The letter is addressed to a friend at court.
• Lines of Migne's Latin translation that broke into the Greek are removed; a few words are lost, and the end of the letter is garbled.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek): Νες Απι85]8 αυϊάεπι ργουδπάυθ, ΄υὶ π6 ῬοΟΪγοΓαυταπὶ ἔυΐ686 56, δἱ Γοπυπεδιίοηθαι ᾿ΠΠδπὶ οδἰ δαΐδας α → ; {π|8 γθοθβθίβιί. δὶς εὐΐπι Ὁ ἰϊ5 φαὶ 6 Τγδοῖδ υθπογθ, διηϊοἰιἰδαὶ οδὶ, δά ἰηΐπι οἰ εἶαπι ἀδιυπιίαγο. δι ἷδ → ; οὐδτίαι, φαΐ οἷς διυιθἰαὶ : ἰἐδιΐς μυ706 τοὶ θοιδ θεῖ, → ; εὐίδαι ονϊδδῖον, δὲ ΡῈ 16 δάἀηι δῖ δη ἢ υπὶ ἃς 58 → … ; οίοπ;, πα ἰεφυπὶ δάνογβυδ ἰοβ68 ργαβίἀΐο 86 οοπῆτ- Ὁ → ; ἱπίο! οἷον οδι. Μὰ δυΐϊθπι ποθ 1} ρυὶ ναι ΐπὶ → ….

Extrabiblical texts: Herodotus, Hist. 3.43 (Herodotus, Histories; allusion)

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 47 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/47). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/47

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius congratulates a friend on his return from Isauria to Constantinople and asks for letters.

• Migne's Latin heading of the next letter that leaked into the Greek is removed.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: Migne's Latin letter heading leaked into the Greek): Α ἘΡΙΒΤΟΙΑ ΧΗΣ, → .

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 48 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/48). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/48

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius compliments the poet Theotimus on his friendship with the prefect Anthemius, whose fame his poems will spread.

• Simonides of Ceos lived at the court of Hiero of Syracuse and was known for writing for pay. The letter is addressed to the poet Theotimus, named in the third person.
• Two marginal variants printed in the text are removed; the end of the letter is lost, replaced in the scan by Migne's Latin translation, which is removed.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek; OCR: marginal variant reading printed in the text): [7}. τὰς Σιμων. ποιήσεις] → ; [γρ. ἀποταμιεύειν] → ; Πος δεἶπι ροοιϊο ἃ Π60 ὁοπεδβδυπ) 6βὲ, υἱ φ᾽οτίδπὶ → ….

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 49 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/49). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/49

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius, on the rumour that John killed Aemilius, renounces both John and his accusers and, disgusted with Cyrene's present leaders, asks to hear no more of its lawsuits.

• John and the murder of Aemilius are the subject of Letter 44. Ajax, Paris (Alexander), Sisyphus, and Odysseus are examples from Homeric legend. Carneades and Aristippus were philosophers from Cyrene.
• Lines of Migne's Latin translation that broke into the Greek are removed, together with two marginal variants; a few words are lost, and the letter breaks off at the end.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek; OCR: marginal variant reading printed in the text): [7}. ἀπέχτεινε] → ; δοληῃ68, αἰ! ἰδι6, ΦΕαγ ΐυπι οοοἰάϊ!, Δ᾽ 18 γεγο Ὡς → ; (Ο τἱϊ, π6ο ΔΟΒΟΥΓΘΏΙΟΠΙ ἃ 515 πιογῖ δυ8 ἜΓίπιἐπαιϊ ον οπι → ; [γρ. πλεῖα)] → ; βυειϊποαὶ : Βο6 δυίθπι, ταὶ δἰ πίη ΘΟπἢηχογίηι, τπι89 (αἱ ἰὰ σαπιφ ἰπἰπιῖοἶ8. 41.116 δα }οἷ5 σᾶγοο. [- Α → ; (όγοϊαθυπὶ ΠΝ} ΐ δι οὐη ΟΠλΠ ἢ] 0.5 ΘΟΠΜΙΘΓΟΪΙ ΠῚ; Ω66 δου ἀσρίογο,, 4οὦ σαγηθθίια. οἵγε ΒΒ θδηι, οἱ Ατἰβιρρὶ; παπς δοληπὸβ. οἱ δ}, 4 δα σ πὶ ορπὸ βοΡίθ19. φυϊ πὶ διἱ πὰ Π8 6 τὸ αυρ {Π|ς φοτἰτυσ, ηό5. 605 αυ! ΠΠτ Βα Ρα πὶ σοομάδίο. Νοιὶ (δεῖο διΐπι ἰμ ΟΠ οἰ ποῖ πνιβ (Ογθῦι, 5ἱ οἰναγί βθίμηθθ μὰεἷς ὕοπὶθ σάγόγοιη, ἘΞ395:9 σοπιγονογθί γι! πὴ ΝῈΓῸ ἃς ᾿ → … ; ἘτσγενγὰΣ δία μι θρρυίμνηβ; αὶ (μια απ ποσὰ [ἀεἰδηίοα, φυληιυμν δά δ᾽ θοπά τ οἵ δαυδάνν πὸδύ586 [1 ([Ὁπιὸ5. ὁπ π ρηγὶ οἱ θυδν βθ᾽ην ἰΔ}}6}5 ὀχθοθη θη δ5 ἦν ᾿μ δια ΡΠ αγΟ ΓὈΐπηπ5. [818 ᾿ρ58 → ….

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 50 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/50). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/50

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius describes a quick voyage from Phycus to the island of Pharos at Alexandria.

• The Pharos beacon is the lighthouse of Alexandria. A word or two is lost after 'with the sailors hurrying us on'; the rest of the letter was replaced in the scan by Migne's Latin translation, which is removed, as is a marginal variant.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek (the rest of the Greek is lost); OCR: marginal variant reading printed in the text): [γρ. τῆς ἠϊόνος → ; 5810[28 (ΟΙμρογίδι θη), οἱ {Π|π6γ θέγα ἰδὲ οἱ πα}! δὰ 16 νοσθίο, μιἰ 46 (Γ65 ἂὺϊ 4ἸΔί.0Γ γθθί68 δι}}}0. Ἐρίἰθιοαγυπι ρτοὶ χ 85 ἀγα πηθη 19 68ι Θὰ πὶ ἃ 400 ἴθ), ΄υδη) αὐ πονογὶῖ, ἀϊοδῖ : ραγιΐμ τ ἃ διι μη !0 → ….

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 51 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/51). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/51

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius asks a woman relative to buy him three or four Attic cloaks from a visiting merchant.

• The beginning of the letter is lost in the scan text.

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 52 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/52). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/52

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius sends news that a boy in his care, Dioscurius, is well and studying, and that Synesius's own twin sons have been born.

• Hesychius was Synesius's eldest son; the 'pair of boys' are apparently his twin sons. A marginal variant (Dioscorus) and a line of Migne's Latin translation are removed.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek; OCR: marginal variant reading printed in the text): [7Ρ. Διοσχορίου] → ; τΞ Α 5γ61}|0 πιβου!ογαπὶ [Γαΐγαμι ρᾶν θἀὐυηδομίε8. Θιο5 → .

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 53 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/53). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/53

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius plans to escape local troubles by visiting Athens, if only to stop deferring to those who boast of having studied there.

• Addressed to his brother. The Academy, the Lyceum, and the Stoa Poikile were the seats of Plato's, Aristotle's, and Zeno's schools. Synesius's scorn for 'revelations' claimed by local people and clergy is translated as written.
• Two marginal variants printed in the text are removed.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: marginal variant reading printed in the text): [γρ. μὲν ἡμ.} → ; [γρ. ἀφείλετο] → .

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 54 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/54). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/54

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius tells a departed friend how he arrived at the shore too late to see him off and commended his ship to the winds.

• The Zephyrian shore is near Alexandria. Lines of Migne's Latin translation (apparently of the previous letter) that broke into the Greek are removed; a few words are lost.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek; OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek, splitting ἀποβαίνοντος): ξλαια, ἀπ [γθίτανν οἱ ρμαγοπίιμν [Δι Πἴα», οἱ το! με βοιηΐα ΄υλη σΟιμ πἰθοοη 65. 415. ᾿ρθὶ Τα ν τ τἰ0Ππ65 Δρρδ δι, νἰ δι! πὶ πλ ἢ} τη] αηὶ Δ] Πτυγὶ νἱ ἱπεϊογὶβ, δὶ μ05. βδευι 10. {Π|6 πὶ ἴυλ5 {10 Γ}8 δεείρίοηνι5. ΝΟΙ 5011) Δ οη ΟΧχ δὰ ρτο[οοιίοηα ἰά αα}}1{1}5 σΟΠΒΟΠΠΔΥ, αἰιοδ ργβοπ θι.5. πη6 μ}4}19 ἘΝ} ἃ πον] 115. π0}}}15 αἀἰδογέροι!,, δὰ δαις υἱὲ Ζόπο ἢ υθυρπαυαίυν: 4υα πὰς ναγὶᾶ 6556 ἀυδίιι. Ῥγοσυηθι} σε ΐμ Δ55 005. δάδι. [ς Οὗ θαρί οἰ ἴλ1}) ΔΓΓΟρΔηζΙΟΓοΣ 605 6556 ὈΓΟ θυ}. → … ; - (, 8. ΖΟρΠΥ ΤΙ Π) {Ππ||5 δάμουϊ;, ουιηαῦς 6 νο σα! → .

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 55 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/55). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/55

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.

Summary: Synesius complains to a friend who has left, taking with him his niece, whom Synesius had come to love as a daughter.

• The rest of the scan text is Migne's Latin translation, which is removed.

Notes on the original text

• Digital text corrected (OCR: Latin translation column leaked into the Greek): ἀεδοσπίσγοιν, νοΐ) πὶ (ἰν] συ ]λίι ἢ) δγαὶ, οἱ δι ΗΠ ΠΓΟΥΊΠΙ 21}}0Γ᾽5 ΘΟ ροΓί 5 511η1) νοοιοπὸμι ὃς6 Γὸγου 81} μεἾ} δα! μοὶ εἰ αἰ. Εἰτ᾿ 1ἱ αυϊάεαι ξαρῖι (δεϊϊδηι, ἴῃ τιϊγὶ συ πὶ οἱ ἃς [Γλιγ18 Πἰ 1:6 ΔΏΡΟΙΣ πη ρυ ογ8, δι 14Πη161} 808 16 οἱ {ΓἀϊΓ5 {|| ΟΟυ]05 ᾿πη880 γ γα θαι Γῳ τ ἢ 406 ἴη ρα! ρθέγι8 ΡΙἢ]Ποσυρ ἑαΒ αἱ} }145 651, ἐμ Υἱ γι θιῃ πὴ βιδίυπν Θ0η θεπίοενι αὐἀνέγεμηι υ08, ἃ αὐ [286 οἱ [118 μθιϊοιοϊηί; ἸπδπΠΟΥΪἃ ΠΟῚ ἔδπεο : (ΟΓΟ δυίθπὶ Δ85 ΓΑ Γ μη δδρίθαηιξ, οἱ υἱγιυκίβ, εἱ (δου δι18 ἴυ8586, ΠΟΏ πιοάο ΔἸυὰ ἱπιρτίπιϊδ, ρα πρὶ ἷρβα, 4υ ἃ ποῃηυ δ ἴτυν. δὶ οπίτη βοϊ γι 8 μος. βαρ πηι, ναὶ π}4}18 ἐρθὶβ → .

Cite (SBL): Synesius, Ep. 56 (PG 66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/56). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/synesius-epistulae/56

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (archive.org / library-scan OCR; Migne's Latin and variants removed by logged corrections); no public-domain English translation exists, so each batch was re-read against the Greek.