Diogenes and Syrianus Arrive

Twenty-six months later, after Montanus had gone away, Diogenes the notary came. But he brought me no letter, we did not see each other, and he gave me no commands as coming from you. Then, when the general Syrianus entered Alexandria, certain reports were being spread abroad by the Arians, who declared that things would now go as they wished. So I asked whether he had brought any letters on the subject of these claims of theirs. I admit that I asked for letters containing your commands. [a]

When he said that he had brought none, I asked that Syrianus himself, or Maximus the prefect of Egypt, would write to me about this matter. I made this request because your Grace had written to me, asking that I not let myself be alarmed by anyone, nor pay attention to those who wanted to frighten me, but that I remain in the churches without fear. It was Palladius, the master of the palace, and Asterius, formerly military commander of Armenia, who brought me this letter. Allow me to read a copy of it. It is as follows: