Letter 989: An appeal for fair treatment of Priscianus during Siburius' Palestinian administration.

When I first saw you, I saw you with the greatest pleasure; fixing my eyes on you, I thought I was seeing two men, you and your father. We often spoke about him, about your journey to Palestine, the kind of province and cities you would govern, and how you would make them better. In these conversations Priscian's name came up often: one man described what he was like as an advocate, another what he was like as a teacher. There was also mention of his character as just, disciplined, and fitting for a company of young men. I said that Priscian, following your great and brilliant actions, would not be distressed at being unable to make an equal speech, for no one else could either. You took pleasure in hearing this and said you would love the man and make him more honored. While I hoped to hear of the crowds at his displays, messengers came with the opposite report: that he was silent and that you did not wish to know him. I want to learn whether this is because he has done wrong, or whether he is the same man as before and has been slandered. If so, hate the slanderer and restore to Priscian the place he deserves.