On Dreams (De Insomniis)

Warning: The manuscript leaf is torn along the left margin, resulting in the loss of the first few letters of each line. A large semi-transparent circular stamp from the "Vatican Library" covers most of the page, obscuring some details of the Greek script.

To my friend Eu?phronius: To be of benefit is to my? mouth? a preservative against corruption original: "misoseptron" or "misoseton" – Synesius uses this term to describe actions that prevent the "rot" of social or moral neglect; and behold the bold?ness of my eagerness. Then, having departed, matters? and grace. Much immoderation to? greet you and to value you, as I look? forward to your arrival here, choose [this]. Not much later, the virtues? or "powers" [will ensure] that the grace is not rejected; but now? accept it. What shall I give you? Let us? give ourselves to one another. We consider this sympathy our gain; to ...? Pyl?ades Pylades was the legendary companion of Orestes; Synesius often cites them as the ultimate example of loyal friendship. Do not be a hater of learning original: "misomathes" towards yourself, nor of? anyone. This matter is not as if it were meddlesome; [it is] a gift? and a pretext for us to see one another.

To Hercul?ian: an id?ea of himself and that this eagerness of his be practiced. We see that the like? has been affected? by these things, to? the point of [showing] philosophy as his own, dem?onstrating a lack of immoderation. And we by? our purpose shall be [constant]; it is? equal to the body, but not to you this? [matter] of my letters; not? even? this. To paint original: "zographe-", relating to a portrait or vivid description our? face; I will? contemplate a widow In the context of the full letter, this likely refers to the "widowed soul" or a specific person being described in a "living portrait" Synesius is mentally painting for his friend together with you, making her live, [one who is] of a? good age ...?