To Salustius the Governor, Sending a Water-Finder

When rulers keep the scales of justice true and let them hang evenly, they bring every kind of benefit to their subjects. If they are also gifted with good judgment, and show loving-kindness besides to those who need it, those who live under their rule gain many advantages from it. Your people enjoyed these good things through your excellency, having experienced them in your former term of office, and so they are now filled with joy at the news that the helm of government has been entrusted to your generosity. I pray that they may gain still greater good, that your excellency may win still higher praise, and that those who sing your praises may be proved right, when to all your other honorable claims to fame is added the crowning touch of all good things: true religion. [a]

Since I had to spend several days in Hierapolis, I hoped to have the pleasure of meeting your excellency, and I kept asking newcomers whether the insignia of office had been brought to you. But the divine feast of salvation compelled me to hurry back to the city entrusted to me. Now, however, I have received your excellency’s letter, and with very great pleasure I return your greeting. Without delay I have sent, as you asked, the honorable and devout deacon who by God’s grace is a water-finder. May the Lord in his loving-kindness grant him to do the city good service and to add to your excellency’s glory.