The Life of Severus

— As I was examining the books of the booksellers who are in the Royal Stoa the marketplace/portico, for you know the desire I have for these things, one of those who sit and sell books gave me the book I mentioned, so that I might read it. In it, there is defamation, insult, and mockery, created against a philosopher referring to Severus. And you have known him from the beginning, before the episcopacy. However, he has distinguished himself through his conduct and the knowledge of the divine Scriptures holy texts that I know, and he reassures me that he is praised above Severus, and he has great wonder at his righteousness. And because of this, my soul is troubled, and I am fearful that such a mind the author of the pamphlet might be near. And thus, I judge his righteousness within myself.

* fol. 109 v° a. — If you are a lover of your brother, then why, my dear friend, are you so distressed over this person who is angry and full of spite from top to bottom? For how is it that, from what you have said, I see that you speak of him as one who boasts of his Christianity, yet you also see how he behaves? He desires the praises of the pagans, and in his hands, he carries insults against men who are counted as they are, and for the fear of God at all times, with that philosophical wisdom that they have shown us.