He was the eunuch of king Ptolemy [V Epiphanes] of Egypt, but had been brought up with the king from childhood. As his age advanced, he had the courage and character of a man rather than [that] of a eunuch. For he was also a military man by nature and spent most of his life among such men and in these [pursuits]. He was also sufficiently capable in conversation and had a liberal mentality, which is rare. In addition to these things this noble man was naturally disposed to benefitting mankind.