(Gregory placed a collection of Basil's letters together with his own and gave them first place. Nicobulus appears to have been surprised by this and asked for the reason. Gregory explains it this way.)
(Gregory put a collection of Basil's letters with his own, and gave them the first place. Nicobulus seems to have been surprised at this, and asked the reason. Gregory explains as follows.)
I have always considered the Great Basil superior to myself, even though he thought the opposite. I still do now, both because it is true and because of our friendship. This is why I have placed his letters first and mine second. I hope the two of us will always be linked together, and I also wanted to provide others with an example of humility and deference.
I have always preferred the Great Basil to myself, though he was of the contrary opinion; and so I do now, not less for truth's sake than for friendship's. This is the reason why I have given his letters the first place and my own the second. For I hope we two will always be coupled together; and also I would supply others with an example of modesty and submission.