To Apellion, for Celestinianus, a Refugee from Carthage

The sufferings of the people of Carthage would call for, and in their greatness would perhaps overtax, the power of the tragic language of an Aeschylus or a Sophocles. Carthage of old was taken by the Romans only with difficulty. Again and again she fought Rome for the mastery of the world, and brought Rome into danger of destruction. Now her ruin has been mere sport for barbarians. Now distinguished members of her far-famed senate wander all over the world, getting their living from the generosity of kind strangers, moving those who see them to tears, and teaching how uncertain and unstable the human lot is. [a] I have seen many who have come from there, and I have been afraid, for, as the Scripture says, I do not know “what tomorrow will bring.” Not least do I admire the admirable and most honorable Celestinianus, so bravely does he bear his misfortune. He makes the loss of his happiness an occasion for philosophy, praising the Governor of all and holding that whatever God either ordains or allows is good. For the wisdom of divine providence is beyond words. He is traveling with his wife and children, and I beg Your Excellency to treat him with hospitality like Abraham’s. With full confidence in your kindness I have undertaken to introduce him to you, and I am telling him how generous your right hand is. [b]