LXXIX TO THE EMPEROR TRAJAN
JULIUS LARGUS, of Pontus〖A province in Asia, bordering upon the Black Sea, and by some ancient geographers considered as one province with Bithynia. M.
〗 (a person whom I never saw, nor indeed ever heard his name till lately), in confidence, Sir, of your distinguishing judgment in my favour, has entrusted me with the execution of the last instance of his loyalty towards you. He has left me, by his will, his estate upon trust, in the first place to receive out of it fifty thousand sesterces〖About $2,000. M.〗 for my own use, and to apply the remainder for the benefit of the cities of Heraclea and Tios,〖Cities of Pontus near the Euxine or Black Sea. M.〗 either by erecting some public edifice dedicated to your honour or instituting athletic games, according as I shall judge proper. These games are to be celebrated every five years, and to be called Trajan's games. My principal reason for acquainting you with this bequest is that I may receive your directions which of the respective alternatives to choose.