1
Although it is dangerous for us here in Athens to send a letter to Macedonia, not only now when we are at war with you,War between Athens and Macedon had recommenced in 340 B.C. but even in time of peace, nevertheless I have decided to write to you concerning Diodotus,This Diodotus is otherwise unknown. as I think it only right to esteem highly all those who have been my pupils and who have shown themselves worthy disciples, and not the least among them this man both because of his devotion to me and of the general probity of his character.
2
I wish that if possible I might have been the means of his introduction to you; since, however, he has already met you through the kindness of others, it remains for me to give my testimony concerning him and to strengthen the acquaintance which he already has with you. For although many men of various countries have been my pupilsFor Isocrates’ pupils, who became famous, see General Introd., Vol. I, p. xxix, L.C.L. Some of these were the orators Isaeus, Lycurgus, and Hypereides; the historians Ephorus and Theopompus; the philosopher Speusippus; and the statesman and general Timotheus; in Isoc. 15.93-94, Isocrates himself gives a list of his first students. and some of these are of great repute, and while of all the others some have proved to be distinguished for eloquence alone, and others in intellect and in practical affairs, and still others have indeed been men of sobriety of life and cultivated tastes, but for general usefulness in the practical affairs of life utterly devoid of natural ability,
3
yet Diodotus has been endowed with a nature so well balanced that in all the attributes I have named he is quite perfect.
3
All this I should not dare to say of him if I did not possess the most precise knowledge of him gained by experience, and if I were not anticipating that you would gain the same,
