82 This is my offering to you, Basil, uttered by the tongue which once was the sweetest of all to you, of him who was your fellow in age and rank. If it have approached your deserts, thanks are due to you, for it was from confidence in you that I undertook to speak of you. But if it fall far short of your expectations, what must be our feelings, who are worn out with age and disease and regret for you? Yet God is pleased, when we do what we can. Yet may thou gaze upon us from above, thou divine and sacred person; either stay by your entreaties our thorn in the flesh, given to us by God for our discipline, or prevail upon us to bear it boldly, and guide all our life towards that which is most for our profit.
And if we be translated, do thou receive us there also in your own tabernacle, that, as we dwell together, and gaze together more clearly and more perfectly upon the holy and blessed Trinity, of Which we have now in some degree received the image, our longing may at last be satisfied, by gaining this recompense for all the battles we have fought and the assaults we have endured. Such are our words on your behalf: who will there be to praise us, since we leave this life after you, even if we offer any topic worthy of words or praise in Christ Jesus our Lord, to Whom be glory forever? Amen.
Source: Orations (New Advent)