Theodoret of Cyrrhus → Zeno, General and

To Zeno, General and Consul,

Your courage has won universal admiration -- courage tempered by gentleness and meekness, showing kindness to your household and boldness to your enemies. These are the qualities of an admirable general. In a soldier's character the chief ornament is bravery, but in a commander prudence takes precedence. After these come self-discipline and fairness, by which a whole treasury of virtue is assembled. Such wealth is the reward of a soul that reaches after the good and, with its eyes fixed on the sweetness of the fruit, finds the labor well worth bearing.

For virtue's athletes, the God of all -- like some great master of the games -- has offered prizes: some in this life, some in the life beyond that has no end. Those belonging to this present life your excellency has already enjoyed; you have reached the highest honor. May it also be your lot to obtain the lasting, eternal blessings -- to receive not only the consul's robe but the garment that is beyond description and divine. This is the common prayer of all who understand the greatness of that gift.