A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

3. Of CAPPADOCIA, a New Platonist, was a pupil of Iamblichus and Aedesius. When the latter was obliged to quit Cappadocia, Eustathius was left behind in his place. Eunapius, to whom alone we are indebted for our knowledge of Eustathius, declares that he was the best man and a great orator, whose speech in sweetness equalled the songs of the Seirens. His reputation was so great, that when the Persians besieged Antioch, and the empire was threatened with a war, the emperor Constantius was prevailed upon to send Eustathius, although he was a pagan, as ambassador to king Sapor, in A. D. 358, who is said to have been quite enchanted by the oratory of the Greek. this countrymen and friends who longed for his return, sent deputies to him, but he refused to come back to his country on account of certain signs and prodigies. His wife Sosipatra is said to have even excelled her husband in talent and learning. (Eunap. Vit. Soph. pp. 21, 47, &c. ed. Hadr. Junius; comp. Brucker, Hist. Crit. Philos. vol. ii. p. 273, &c.)