Nilus of Ancyra→Aphrodisius|c. 415 AD|nilus ancyra|From Ancyra|AI-assisted
To Aphrodisius the Scriniarius. [a scriniarius was a keeper of records or secretary in the imperial administration]
Why do you suppose that you escape our notice, being a malicious and treacherous man, and being one inclined by nature to plot against many excellent and good men, while you conceal yourself behind the mask of a love of purity? For behold, we know the tree from its fruits, and in no way could a wolf be hidden though it is wrapped in a sheep's skin; for indeed from its teeth and its claws it will easily be recognized. And the Scripture also says: "A decoy partridge shut up in a cage: such is the heart of the proud." [Sirach 11:30] For you are in truth proud and envious, a serpent that bites in silence, and a dog that tears without barking; you are recognized by all, even though in secret you go about everywhere as an evildoer, most insufferable, and a concealer of your thoughts. But those who are plotted against by you have need of God, so that they may say the words contained in the passage cited: "He himself will rescue us from the snare of the hunters, and from troublesome speech." [Psalm 90:3 LXX (91:3)] For by your keeping silent you yourself cast into confusion those against whom you plot.
To Aphrodisius the Scriniarius. [a scriniarius was a keeper of records or secretary in the imperial administration]
Why do you suppose that you escape our notice, being a malicious and treacherous man, and being one inclined by nature to plot against many excellent and good men, while you conceal yourself behind the mask of a love of purity? For behold, we know the tree from its fruits, and in no way could a wolf be hidden though it is wrapped in a sheep's skin; for indeed from its teeth and its claws it will easily be recognized. And the Scripture also says: "A decoy partridge shut up in a cage: such is the heart of the proud." [Sirach 11:30] For you are in truth proud and envious, a serpent that bites in silence, and a dog that tears without barking; you are recognized by all, even though in secret you go about everywhere as an evildoer, most insufferable, and a concealer of your thoughts. But those who are plotted against by you have need of God, so that they may say the words contained in the passage cited: "He himself will rescue us from the snare of the hunters, and from troublesome speech." [Psalm 90:3 LXX (91:3)] For by your keeping silent you yourself cast into confusion those against whom you plot.
AI-assisted translation - This translation was produced with AI assistance and has not been peer-reviewed. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek below for scholarly use.