VI

To ATRIUS CLEMENS

IF ever polite literature flourished at Rome, it certainly flourishes
now; and I could give you many eminent instances: I will content
myself, however, with naming only Euphrates10 the philosopher. I
first became acquainted with this excellent person in my youth,
when I served in the army in Syria. I had an opportunity of
conversing with him familiarly, and took some pains to gain his
affection: though that, indeed, was not very difficult, for he is easy
of access, unreserved, and actuated by those social principles he
professes to teach. I should think myself extremely happy if I had
as fully answered the expectations he, at that time, conceived of
me, as he exceeds everything I had imagined of him. But, perhaps,
I admire his excellencies more now than I did then, because I
know better how to appreciate them; not that I sufficiently
appreciate them even now. For as none but those who are skilled in
painting, statuary, or the plastic art, can form a right judgment of
any performance in those respective modes of representation, so a
man must, himself, have made great advances in philosophy before
he is capable of forming a just opinion of a philosopher. However,
as far as I am qualified to determine, Euphrates is possessed of so
many shining talents that he cannot fail to attract and impress the
most ordinarily educated observer. He reasons with much force,
acuteness, and elegance; and frequently rises into all the sublime
and luxuriant eloquence of Plato. His style is varied and flowing,
and at the same time so wonderfully captivating that he forces the
reluctant attention of the most unwilling hearer. For the rest, a fine
stature, a comely aspect, long hair, and a large silver beard;