Diogenes Laertius

...left as the leader of those who have practiced philosophy with us, let all things be conducted.) As for the dowry of the girl This refers to the daughter of Metrodorus, who was left under Epicurus's care, when she reaches marriageable age, let Amynomachus and Timocrates grant it, taking from the available goods as much as their capacity allows, according to the judgment of Hermarchus.

In addition, let them take care of Nicanor, just as we have done; so that as many of those who have practiced philosophy with us as have provided the use of their own goods, and who have demonstrated every kind of friendship and chosen to grow old with us in philosophy, shall not lack any of the necessities of life, so far as it lies within our power.

Furthermore, I order that all the books I possess be given to Hermarchus.

If anything human should happen to Hermarchus A common euphemism for death before the children of Metrodorus reach adulthood, I wish Amynomachus and Timocrates to apply themselves to the task of ensuring that nothing is done for them except with dignity, and to give them their necessities (as far as is right) from the income I leave behind.

As for the rest, let them see to it that everything we have established is carried out as far as possible.

I manumit To release from slavery from among my slaves Mus, Nicias, and Lycon. I also order that Phaedria be set free.

Now, when he was near death, he wrote this letter to Idomeneus: "While we were spending a happy day, and the same was our last day of life, we wrote these things to you. Such great pains were present in the bladder and intestines that nothing could be added to their magnitude. Yet, against all these, the joy of my mind was balanced, which I took from the memory of our reasoning and our discoveries. But you, as is worthy of your goodwill toward me and toward Philosophy which you have held since your youth, see to it that you protect the children of Metrodorus." This, then, was his testament.

Moreover, he had many disciples, but especially the very famous Metrodorus of Lampsacus. From the time Metrodorus first knew the man, he never left his side, except for only six months when he returned to his own home, after which he immediately returned. He was a good man in every respect, as Epicurus himself writes when discussing prominent men. He also gives testimony to him elsewhere in the third book inscribed to Timocrates.

...of those who practice philosophy with us, let each thing be done). As for the dowry for the girl when she comes of age, let Amynomachus and Timocrates distribute it, taking as much as is possible from the existing assets, with the approval of Hermarchus.

And let them take care of Nicanor, just as we did, so that those who practiced philosophy with us and shared their own resources, and who showed all friendship and chose to grow old with us in philosophy, might not be in need of any necessities according to our ability.

And give all the books that belong to us to Hermarchus.

If anything of human fate original: τῶν ἀνθρωπίνων; a reference to death happens to Hermarchus before the children of Metrodorus come of age, let Amynomachus and Timocrates give what is necessary from the income left by us, so that each thing may be done for them in an orderly way as far as possible.

And for all other things we have arranged, let them take care that each thing happens according to what is possible.

I set free from the house-slaves Mus, Nicias, and Lycon. I also set Phaedria free.

When he was already at the end of his life, he wrote this letter to Idomeneus: "On this happy day, which is also the last day of my life, I write these things to you. Strangury A condition characterized by painful or difficult urination and dysenteric ailments have followed me, leaving nothing to be added to their own greatness. But against all these things, the joy in my soul was arrayed, based on the memory of the rational arguments we have made. You, in a manner worthy of your devotion from your youth toward me and philosophy, take care of the children of Metrodorus." Such was his will.

He had many students, and especially the very famous Metrodorus of Lampsacus. From the moment he met the man, he did not depart from him, except for six months when he went back to his home. He was a good man in all things, as Epicurus writes in his announcements. He also bears witness to this in the third book to Timocrates.