Letters of Julian/Letter 46

by Julian

46. To Ecdicius, Prefect of Egypt

[362, about October, from Antioch]

Even though you do not write to me^[1] on other matters, you ought at least to have written about that enemy of the gods, Athanasius,^[2] especially since, for a long time past, you have known my just decrees. I swear by mighty Serapis that, if Athanasius the enemy of the gods does not depart from that city, or rather from all Egypt, before the December Kalends, I shall fine the cohort which you command a hundred pounds^[3] of gold. And you know that, though I am slow to condemn, I am even much slower to remit when I have once condemned. Added with his own hand.^[4] It vexes me greatly that my orders are neglected. By all the gods there is nothing I should be so glad to see, or rather hear reported as achieved by you, as that Athanasius has been expelled beyond the frontiers of Egypt. Infamous man! He has had the audacity to baptise Greek women of rank^[5] during my reign! Let him be driven forth!^[6]

Footnotes

1. Egypt was the peculiar property of the Roman Emperors and reports were made by the prefect to them.
2. Athanasius had disregarded the order to leave Alexandria, but he now, on October 24th, went into exile in Upper Egypt; Socrates 3. 14; Sozomen 5. 15; see p. 75.
3. The Greek word used is the equivalent of the Latin libra = 12 ounces.
4. For similar postscripts see pp. 15, 19.
5. Or "wives of distinguished men."
6. In the Neapolitanus MS. the following has been added by a Christian: μακάριος οὗτος, κυὼν μιαρὲ καὶ τρισκατάρατε παράβατα καὶ τρισάθλιε. — "This man is a blessed saint, O vile dog of an apostate, thrice accursed and thrice miserable! "