Letter from Emperor Commodus
I Eleusis 513 Date: 183-190 ADFragment a
Fragment c
I . . . (5) the (ambassador?)
the . . . your . . . uncertain number of lines missing
Fragment b
. . . and
having taken part in the Mysteries
(10) in order that through that
I could rightly agree also to be
a Eumolpid, and could also accept
the title of archon,[3] as you thought appropriate,
(15) in order that the secrets of the ceremony (teletēs) of the
Mysteries may be rendered to the Goddesses
in an even more splendid
and solemn manner,
if they receive some additional support,
(20) also by aid of the archon of the
genos of the Eumolpidai whom you
have elected, and to avoid that I myself,
having been enrolled beforehand
among the Eumolpidai,
(25) might seem now to refuse the service (ergon) that belongs with
the honour (teimēs),[4] the fruits of which I enjoyed (ekarpōsamēn) ahead of
this office.
Be well.