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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/2811-8.txt b/2811-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5c28e7c --- /dev/null +++ b/2811-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,10133 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Letters of Pliny, by Pliny + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost +no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it +under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this +eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Letters of Pliny + +Author: Pliny + +Editor: F. C. T. Bosanquet + +Translator: William Melmoth + +Release Date: September, 2001 [Etext #2811] + +Last Updated: May 13, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LETTERS OF PLINY *** + + + +Produced by David Reed and David Widger + + + +LETTERS OF PLINY + +By Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus + +Translated by William Melmoth + + +Revised by F. C. T. Bosanquet + + + +GAIUS PLINIUS CAECILIUS SECUNDUS, usually known as Pliny the Younger, +was born at Como in 62 A. D. He was only eight years old when his father +Caecilius died, and he was adopted by his uncle, the elder Pliny, author +of the Natural History. He was carefully educated, studying rhetoric +under Quintilian and other famous teachers, and he became the most +eloquent pleader of his time. In this and in much else he imitated +Cicero, who had by this time come to be the recognized master of Latin +style. While still young he served as military tribune in Syria, but he +does not seem to have taken zealously to a soldier's life. On his return +he entered politics under the Emperor Domitian; and in the year 100 A. +D. was appointed consul by Trajan and admitted to confidential +intercourse with that emperor. Later while he was governor of Bithynia, +he was in the habit of submitting every point of policy to his master, +and the correspondence between Trajan and him, which forms the last part +of the present selection, is of a high degree of interest, both on +account of the subjects discussed and for the light thrown on the +characters of the two men. He is supposed to have died about 113 A. D. +Pliny's speeches are now lost, with the exception of one, a panegyric on +Trajan delivered in thanksgiving for the consulate. This, though diffuse +and somewhat too complimentary for modern taste, became a model for this +kind of composition. The others were mostly of two classes, forensic and +political, many of the latter being, like Cicero's speech against +Verres, impeachments of provincial governors for cruelty and extortion +toward their subjects. In these, as in his public activities in general, +he appears as a man of public spirit and integrity; and in his relations +with his native town he was a thoughtful and munificent benefactor. + +The letters, on which to-day his fame mainly rests, were largely written +with a view to publication, and were arranged by Pliny himself. They +thus lack the spontaneity of Cicero's impulsive utterances, but to most +modern readers who are not special students of Roman history they are +even more interesting. They deal with a great variety of subjects: the +description of a Roman villa; the charms of country life; the reluctance +of people to attend author's readings and to listen when they were +present; a dinner party; legacy-hunting in ancient Rome; the acquisition +of a piece of statuary; his love for his young wife; ghost stories; +floating islands, a tame dolphin, and other marvels. But by far the best +known are those describing the great eruption of Vesuvius in which his +uncle perished, a martyr to scientific curiosity, and the letter to +Trajan on his attempts to suppress Christianity in Bithynia, with +Trajan's reply approving his policy. Taken altogether, these letters +give an absorbingly vivid picture of the days of the early empire, and +of the interests of a cultivated Roman gentleman of wealth. +Occasionally, as in the last letters referred to, they deal with +important historical events; but their chief value is in bringing before +us, in somewhat the same manner as "The Spectator" pictures the England +of the age of Anne, the life of a time which is not so unlike our own as +its distance in years might indicate. And in this time by no means the +least interesting figure is that of the letter-writer himself, with his +vanity and self-importance, his sensibility and generous affection, his +pedantry and his loyalty. + + + +CONTENTS + + + +LETTERS GAIUS PLINIUS CAECILIUS SECUNDUS + +I -- To SEPTITTUS + +II -- To ARRIANUS + +III -- To VOCONIUS ROMANUS + +IV -- To CORNELIUS TACITUS + +V -- To POMPEIUS SATURNINUS + +VI -- To ATRIUS CLEMENS + +VII -- To FABIUS JUSTUS + +VIII -- To CALESTRIUS TIRO + +IX -- To SOCIUS SENECIO + +X -- To JUNSUS MAURICUS + +XI -- To SEPTITIUS CLARUS + +XII -- To SUETONIUS TRANQUILLUS + +XIII -- To ROMANUS FIRMUS + +XIV -- TO CORNELIUS TACITUS + +XV -- To PATERNUS + +XVI -- To CATILIUS SEVERUS [27] + +XVII -- To VOCONIUS ROMANUS + +XVIII -- To NEPOS + +XIX -- To AVITUS + +XX -- To MACRINUS + +XXI -- To PAISCUS + +XXII -- To MAIMUS + +XXIII -- To GALLUS + +XXIV -- To CEREALIS + +XXV -- To CALVISIUS + +XXVI -- To CALVISIUS + +XXVII -- To BAEBIUS MACER + +XXVIII -- To ANNIUS SEVERUS + +XXIX -- To CANINIUS RUFUS + +XXX -- To SPURINNA AND COTTIA[53] + +XXXI -- To JULIUS GENITOR + +XXXII -- To CATILIUS SEVERUS + +XXXIII -- To ACILIUS + +XXXIV -- To NEPOS + +XXXV -- To SEVERUS + +XXXVI -- To CALVISIUS RUFUS + +XXXVII -- To CORNELIUS PRISCUS + +XXXVIII -- To FABATUS (HIS WIFE'S GRANDFATHER) + +XXXIX -- To ATTIUS CLEMENS + +XL -- To CATIUS LEPIDUS + +XLI -- To MATURUS ARRIANUS + +XLII -- To STATIUS SABINUS + +XLIII -- To CORNELIUS MINICIANUS + +XLV -- To ASINIUS + +XLVI -- To HISPULLA + +XLVII -- To ROMATIUS FIASIUS + +XLVIII -- To LICINIUS SURA + +XLIX -- To ANNIUS SEVERUS + +L -- To TITIUS ARISTO + +LI -- To NONIUS MAXIMUS + +LII -- To DOMITIUS APOLLINARIS + +LIII -- To CALVISIUS + +LIV -- To MARCELLINUS + +LV -- To SPURINNA + +LVI -- To PAULINUS + +LVII -- To RUFUS + +LVIII -- To ARRIANUS + +LIX -- To CALPURNIA[88] + +LX -- To CALPURNIA + +LXI -- To PRISCUS + +LXII -- To ALBINUS + +LXIII -- To MAXIMUS + +LXIV -- To ROMANUS + +LXV -- To TACITUS + +LXVI -- To CORNELIUS TACITUS + +LX VII -- To MACER + +LXVIII -- To SERVIANUS + +LXIX -- To SEVERUS + +LXX -- To FABATUS + +LXXI -- To CORNELIANUS + +LXXII -- To MAXIMUS + +LXXIII -- To RESTITUTUS + +LXXIV -- To CALPURNIA[111] + +LXXV -- To MACRINUS + +LXXVI -- To TUSCUS + +LXX VII -- To FABATUS (HIS WIFE'S GRANDFATHER) + +LXXVIII -- To CORELLIA + +LXXIX -- To CELER + +LXXX -- To PRISCUS + +LXXXI -- To GEMINIUS + +LXXXII -- To MAXIMUS + +LXXXIII -- To SURA + +LXXXIV -- To SEPTITIUS + +LXXXV -- To TACITUS + +LXXX VI -- To SEPTITIUS + +LXXXVII -- To CALVISIUS + +LXXX VIII -- To ROMANUS + +LXXXIX -- To ARISTO + +XC -- To PATERNUS + +XCI -- To MACRINUS + +XCII -- To RUFINUS + +XCIII -- To GALLUS + +XCIV -- To ARRIANUS + +XCV -- To MAXIMUS + +XCVI -- To PAULINUS + +XCVII -- To CALVISIUS + +XCVIII -- To ROMANUS + +XCIX -- To GEMINUS + +C -- To JUNIOR + +CI -- To QUADRATUS + +CII -- To GENITOR + +CIII -- To SABINIANUS + +CIV -- To MAXIMUS + +CV -- To SABINIANUS + +CVI -- To LUPERCUS + +CVII -- To CANINIUS + +CVIII -- To Fuscus + +CIX -- To PAULINUS + +CX -- To FUSCUS + +FOOTNOTES TO THE LETTERS OF PLINY] + + + +CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I -- TO THE EMPEROR TRAJAN[1001] + +II -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +III -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +IV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +V -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +VI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +VII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +VIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +X -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +XIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XIV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +XVI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XVII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +XVIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XIX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XXI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XXII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XXIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XXIV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XXV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XXVI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XXVII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XXVIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XXIX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XXX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XXXI -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +XXXII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XXXIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +XXXIV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XXXV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +XXXVI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XXX VII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +XXXVIII To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XXXIX -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +XL -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XLI -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +XLII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XLIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +XLIV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XLV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +XLVI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XLVII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +XLVIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XLIX -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +L -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LI -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +LII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +LIV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +LVI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LVII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +LVIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LIX -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +LX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LXI -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +LXII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LXIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +LXIV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LXV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +LXVI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LXVII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LX VIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +LXIX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LXX -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +LXXI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LXXII TRAJAN TO PLINY + +LXXIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LXX IV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +LXXV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LXXVI -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +LXXVII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LXXVIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +LXXIX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LXXX -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +LXXXI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LXXXII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +LXXXIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LXXXIV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +LXXXV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LXXXVI -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +LXXXVII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +LXXXVIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +LXXXIX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XC -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +XCI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XCII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +XCIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XCIV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +XCV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XCVI -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +XCVII To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +XCVIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +XCIX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +C -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +CI To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +CII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +CIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +CIV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +CV -- To TIlE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +CVI -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +CVII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +CVIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +CIX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +CX -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +CXI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +CXII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +CXIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +CXIV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +CXV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +CXVI -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +CXVII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +CXVIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +CXIX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +CXX -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +CXXI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +CXXII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +FOOTNOTES TO THE CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + + + +LETTERS GAIUS PLINIUS CAECILIUS SECUNDUS + + + +I -- To SEPTITTUS + +YOU have frequently pressed me to make a select collection of my Letters +(if there really be any deserving of a special preference) and give them +to the public. I have selected them accordingly; not, indeed, in their +proper order of time, for I was not compiling a history; but just as +each came to hand. And now I have only to wish that you may have no +reason to repent of your advice, nor I of my compliance: in that case, I +may probably enquire after the rest, which at present be neglected, and +preserve those I shall hereafter write. Farewell. + + + +II -- To ARRIANUS + +I FORESEE your journey in my direction is likely to be delayed, and +therefore send you the speech which I promised in my former; requesting +you, as usual, to revise and correct it. I desire this the more +earnestly as I never, I think, wrote with the same empressment in any of +my former speeches; for I have endeavoured to imitate your old favourite +Demosthenes and Calvus, who is lately become mine, at least in the +rhetorical forms of the speech; for to catch their sublime spirit, is +given, alone, to the "inspired few." My subject, indeed, seemed +naturally to lend itself to this (may I venture to call it?) emulation; +consisting, as it did, almost entirely in a vehement style of address, +even to a degree sufficient to have awakened me (if only I am capable of +being awakened) out of that indolence in which I have long reposed. I +have not however altogether neglected the flowers of rhetoric of my +favourite Marc-Tully, wherever I could with propriety step out of my +direct road, to enjoy a more flowery path: for it was energy, not +austerity, at which I aimed. I would not have you imagine by this that I +am bespeaking your indulgence: on the contrary, to make your correcting +pen more vigorous, I will confess that neither my friends nor myself are +averse from the publication of this piece, if only you should join in +the approval of what is perhaps my folly. The truth is, as I must +publish something, I wish it might be this performance rather than any +other, because it is already finished: (you hear the wish of laziness.) +At all events, however, something I must publish, and for many reasons; +chiefly because of the tracts which I have already sent in to the world, +though they have long since lost all their recommendation from novelty, +are still, I am told, in request; if, after all, the booksellers are not +tickling my ears. And let them; since, by that innocent deceit, I am +encouraged to pursue my studies. Farewell. + + + +III -- To VOCONIUS ROMANUS + +DID YOU ever meet with a more abject and mean-spirited creature than +Marcus Regulus since the death of Domitian, during whose reign his +conduct was no less infamous, though more concealed, than under Nero's? +He began to be afraid I was angry with him, and his apprehensions were +perfectly correct; I was angry. He had not only done his best to +increase the peril of the position in which Rusticus Arulenus[1] stood, +but had exulted in his death; insomuch that he actually recited and +published a libel upon his memory, in which he styles him "The Stoics' +Ape": adding, "stigmated[2] with the Vitellian scar."[3] You recognize +Regulus' eloquent strain! He fell with such fury upon the +character of Herennius Senecio that Metius Carus said to him, one day, +"What business have you with my dead? Did I ever interfere in the affair +of Crassus[4] or Camerinus?"[5] Victims, you know, to Regulus, in Nero's +time. For these reasons he imagined I was highly exasperated, and so at +the recitation of his last piece, I got no invitation. Besides, he had +not forgotten, it seems, with what deadly purpose he had once attacked +me in the Court of the Hundred.[6] Rusticus had desired me to act as +counsel for Arionilla, Titnon's wife: Regulus was engaged against me. In +one part of the case I was strongly insisting upon a particular judgment +given by Metius Modestus, an excellent man, at that time in banishment +by Domitian's order. Now then for Regulus. "Pray," says he, "what is +your opinion of Modestus?" You see what a risk I should have run had I +answered that I had a high opinion of him, how I should have disgraced +myself on the other hand if I had replied that I had a bad opinion of +him. But some guardian power, I am persuaded, must have stood by me to +assist me in this emergency. "I will tell you my opinion," I said, "if +that is a matter to be brought before the court." "I ask you," he +repeated, "what is your opinion of Modestus?" I replied that it was +customary to examine witnesses to the character of an accused man, not +to the character of one on whom sentence had already been passed. He +pressed me a third time. "I do not now enquire," said he, "your opinion +of Modestus in general, I only ask your opinion of his loyalty." "Since +you will have my opinion then," I rejoined, "I think it illegal even to +ask a question concerning a person who stands convicted." He sat down at +this, completely silenced; and I received applause and congratulation on +all sides, that without injuring my reputation by an advantageous, +perhaps, though ungenerous answer, I had not entangled myself in the +toils of so insidious a catch-question. Thoroughly frightened upon this +then, he first seizes upon Caecilius Celer, next he goes and begs of +Fabius Justus, that they would use their joint interest to bring about a +reconciliation between us. And lest this should not be sufficient, he +sets off to Spurinna as well; to whom he came in the humblest way (for +he is the most abject creature alive, where he has anything to be afraid +of) and says to him, "Do, I entreat of you, call on Pliny to-morrow +morning, certainly in the morning, no later (for I cannot endure this +anxiety of mind longer), and endeavour by any means in your power to +soften his resentment." I was already up, the next day, when a message +arrived from Spurinna, "I am coming to call on you." I sent word back, +"Nay, I will wait upon you;" however, both of us setting out to pay this +visit, we met under Livia's portico. He acquainted me with the +commission he had received from Regulus, and interceded for him as +became so worthy a man in behalf of one so totally dissimilar, without +greatly pressing the thing. "I will leave it to you," was my reply, "to +consider what answer to return Regulus; you ought not to be deceived by +me. I am waiting for Mauricus'[7] return" (for he had not yet come back +out of exile), "so that I cannot give you any definite answer either +way, as I mean to be guided entirely by his decision, for he ought to be +my leader here, and I simply to do as he says." Well, a few days after +this, Regulus met me as I was at the praetor's; he kept close to me +there and begged a word in private, when he said he was afraid I deeply +resented an expression he had once made use of in his reply to Satrius +and myself, before the Court of the Hundred, to this effect, "Satrius +Rufus, who does not endeavour to rival Cicero, and who is content with +the eloquence of our own day." I answered, now I perceived indeed, upon +his own confession, that he had meant it ill-naturedly; otherwise it +might have passed for a compliment. "For I am free to own," I said, +"that I do endeavour to rival Cicero, and am not content with the +eloquence of our own day. For I consider it the very height of folly not +to copy the best models of every kind. But, how happens it that you, who +have so good a recollection of what passed upon this occasion, should +have forgotten that other, when you asked me my opinion of the loyalty +of Modestus?" Pale as he always is, he turned simply pallid at this, and +stammered out, "I did not intend to hurt you when I asked this question, +but Modestus." Observe the vindictive cruelty of the fellow, who made no +concealment of his willingness to injure a banished man. But the reason +he alleged in justification of his conduct is pleasant. Modestus, he +explained, in a letter of his, which was read to Domitian, had used the +following expression, "Regulus, the biggest rascal that walks upon two +feet:" and what Modestus had written was the simple truth, beyond all +manner of controversy. Here, about, our conversation came to an end, for +I did not wish to proceed further, being desirous to keep matters open +until Mauricus returns. It is no easy matter, I am well aware of that, +to destroy Regulus; he is rich, and at the head of a party; courted[8] +by many, feared by more: a passion that will sometimes prevail even +beyond friendship itself. But, after all, ties of this sort are not so +strong but they may be loosened; for a bad man's credit is as shifty as +himself. However (to repeat), I am waiting until Mauricus comes back. He +is a man of sound judgment and great sagacity formed upon long +experience, and who, from his observations of the past, well knows how +to judge of the future. I shall talk the matter over with him, and +consider myself justified either in pursuing or dropping this affair, as +he shall advise. Meanwhile I thought I owed this account to our mutual +friendship, which gives you an undoubted right to know about not only +all my actions but all my plans as well. Farewell. + + + +IV -- To CORNELIUS TACITUS + +You will laugh (and you are quite welcome) when I tell you that your old +acquaintance is turned sportsman, and has taken three noble boars. +"What!" you exclaim, "Pliny!"--Even he. However, I indulged at the same +time my beloved inactivity; and, whilst I sat at my nets, you would have +found me, not with boar spear or javelin, but pencil and tablet, by my +side. I mused and wrote, being determined to return, if with all my +hands empty, at least with my memorandums full. Believe me, this way of +studying is not to be despised: it is wonderful how the mind is stirred +and quickened into activity by brisk bodily exercise. There is +something, too, in the solemnity of the venerable woods with which one +is surrounded, together with that profound silence which is observed on +these occasions, that forcibly disposes the mind to meditation. So for +the future, let me advise you, whenever you hunt, to take your tablets +along with you, as well as your basket and bottle, for be assured you +will find Minerva no less fond of traversing the hills than Diana. +Farewell. + + + +V -- To POMPEIUS SATURNINUS + +NOTHING could be more seasonable than the letter which I received from +you, in which you so earnestly beg me to send you some of my literary +efforts: the very thing I was intending to do. So you have only put +spurs into a willing horse and at once saved yourself the excuse of +refusing the trouble, and me the awkwardness of asking the favour. +Without hesitation then I avail myself of your offer; as you must now +take the consequence of it without reluctance. But you are not to expect +anything new from a lazy fellow, for I am going to ask you to revise +again the speech I made to my fellow-townsmen when I dedicated the +public library to their use. You have already, I remember, obliged me +with some annotations upon this piece, but only in a general way; and so +I now beg of you not only to take a general view of the whole speech, +but, as you usually do, to go over it in detail. When you have corrected +it, I shall still be at liberty to publish or suppress it: and the delay +in the meantime will be attended with one of these alternatives; for, +while we are deliberating whether it is fit for publishing, a frequent +revision will either make it so, or convince me that it is not. Though +indeed my principal difficulty respecting the publication of this +harangue arises not so much from the composition as out of the subject +itself, which has something in it, I am afraid, that will look too like +ostentation and self-conceit. For, be the style ever so plain and +unassuming, yet, as the occasion necessarily led me to speak not only of +the munificence of my ancestors, but of my own as well, my modesty will +be seriously embarrassed. A dangerous and slippery situation this, even +when one is led into it by plea of necessity! For, if mankind are not +very favourable to panegyric, even when bestowed upon others, how much +more difficult is it to reconcile them to it when it is a tribute which +we pay to ourselves or to our ancestors? Virtue, by herself, is +generally the object of envy, but particularly so when glory and +distinction attend her; and the world is never so little disposed to +detract from the rectitude of your conduct as when it passes unobserved +and unapplauded. For these reasons, I frequently ask myself whether I +composed this harangue, such as it is, merely from a personal +consideration, or with a view to the public as well; and I am sensible +that what may be exceedingly useful and proper in the prosecution of any +affair may lose all its grace and fitness the moment the business is +completed: for instance, in the case before us, what could be more to my +purpose than to explain at large the motives of my intended bounty? For, +first, it engaged my mind in good and ennobling thoughts; next, it +enabled me, by frequent dwelling upon them, to receive a perfect +impression of their loveliness, while it guarded at the same time +against that repentance which is sure to follow on an impulsive act of +generosity. There arose also a further advantage from this method, as it +fixed in me a certain habitual contempt of money. For, while mankind +seem to be universally governed by an innate passion to accumulate +wealth, the cultivation of a more generous affection in my own breast +taught me to emancipate myself from the slavery of so predominant a +principle: and I thought that my honest intentions would be the more +meritorious as they should appear to proceed, not from sudden impulse, +but from the dictates of cool and deliberate reflection. I considered, +besides, that I was not engaging myself to exhibit public games or +gladiatorial combats, but to establish an annual fund for the support +and education of young men of good families but scanty means. The +pleasures of the senses are so far from wanting the oratorical arts to +recommend them that we stand in need of all the powers of eloquence to +moderate and restrain rather than stir up their influence. But the work +of getting anybody to cheerfully undertake the monotony and drudgery of +education must be effected not by pay merely, but by a skilfully worked- +up appeal to the emotions as well. If physicians find it expedient to +use the most insinuating address in recommending to their patients a +wholesome though, perhaps, unpleasant regimen, how much more occasion +had he to exert all the powers of persuasion who, out of regard to the +public welfare, was endeavouring to reconcile it to a most useful though +not equally popular benefaction? Particularly, as my aim was to +recommend an institution, calculated solely for the benefit of those who +were parents to men who, at present, had no children; and to persuade +the greater number to wait patiently until they should be entitled to an +honour of which a few only could immediately partake. But as at that +time, when I attempted to explain and enforce the general design and +benefit of my institution, I considered more the general good of my +countrymen, than any reputation which might result to myself; so I am +apprehensive lest, if I publish that piece, it may perhaps look as if I +had a view rather to my own personal credit than the benefit of others. +Besides, I am very sensible how much nobler it is to place the reward of +virtue in the silent approbation of one's own breast than in the +applause of the world. Glory ought to be the consequence, not the +motive, of our actions; and although it happen not to attend the worthy +deed, yet it is by no means the less fair for having missed the applause +it deserved. But the world is apt to suspect that those who celebrate +their own beneficent acts performed them for no other motive than to +have the pleasure of extolling them. Thus, the splendour of an action +which would have been deemed illustrious if related by another is +totally extinguished when it becomes the subject of one's own applause. +Such is the disposition of mankind, if they cannot blast the action, +they will censure its display; and whether you do what does not deserve +particular notice, or set forth yourself what does, either way you incur +reproach. In my own case there is a peculiar circumstance that weighs +much with me: this speech was delivered not before the people, but the +Decurii;[9] not in the forum, but the senate; I am afraid therefore it +will look inconsistent that I, who, when I delivered it, seemed to avoid +popular applause, should now, by publishing this performance, appear to +court it: that I, who was so scrupulous as not to admit even these +persons to be present when I delivered this speech, who were interested +in my benefaction, lest it might be suspected I was actuated in this +affair by any ambitious views, should now seem to solicit admiration, by +forwardly displaying it to such as have no other concern in my +munificence than the benefit of example. These are the scruples which +have occasioned my delay in giving this piece to the public; but I +submit them entirely to your judgment, which I shall ever esteem as a +sufficient sanction of my conduct. Farewell. + + + +VI -- To ATRIUS CLEMENS + +IF ever polite literature flourished at Rome, it certainly flourishes +now; and I could give you many eminent instances: I will content myself, +however, with naming only Euphrates[10] the philosopher. I first became +acquainted with this excellent person in my youth, when I served in the +army in Syria. I had an opportunity of conversing with him familiarly, +and took some pains to gain his affection: though that, indeed, was not +very difficult, for he is easy of access, unreserved, and actuated by +those social principles he professes to teach. I should think myself +extremely happy if I had as fully answered the expectations he, at that +time, conceived of me, as he exceeds everything I had imagined of him. +But, perhaps, I admire his excellencies more now than I did then, +because I know better how to appreciate them; not that I sufficiently +appreciate them even now. For as none but those who are skilled in +painting, statuary, or the plastic art, can form a right judgment of any +performance in those respective modes of representation, so a man must, +himself, have made great advances in philosophy before he is capable of +forming a just opinion of a philosopher. However, as far as I am +qualified to determine, Euphrates is possessed of so many shining +talents that he cannot fail to attract and impress the most ordinarily +educated observer. He reasons with much force, acuteness, and elegance; +and frequently rises into all the sublime and luxuriant eloquence of +Plato. His style is varied and flowing, and at the same time so +wonderfully captivating that he forces the reluctant attention of the +most unwilling hearer. For the rest, a fine stature, a comely aspect, +long hair, and a large silver beard; circumstances which, though they +may probably be thought trifling and accidental, contribute, however, to +gain him much reverence. There is no affected negligence in his dress +and appearance; his countenance is grave but not austere; and his +approach commands respect without creating awe. Distinguished as he is +by the perfect blamelessness of his life, he is no less so by the +courtesy and engaging sweetness of his manner. He attacks vices, not +persons, and, without severity, reclaims the wanderer from the paths of +virtue. You follow his exhortations with rapt attention, hanging, as it +were, upon his lips; and even after the heart is convinced, the ear +still wishes to listen to the harmonious reasoner. His family consists +of three children (two of which are sons), whom he educates with the +utmost care. His father-in-law, Pompeius Julianus, as he greatly +distinguished himself in every other part of his life, so particularly +in this, that though he was himself of the highest rank in his province, +yet, among many considerable matches, he preferred Euphrates for his +son-in-law, as first in merit, though not in dignity. But why do I dwell +any longer upon the virtues of a man whose conversation I am so +unfortunate as not to have time sufficiently to enjoy? Is it to increase +my regret and vexation that I cannot enjoy it? My time is wholly taken +up in the execution of a very honourable, indeed, but equally +troublesome, employment; in hearing cases, signing petitions, making up +accounts, and writing a vast amount of the most illiterate literature. I +sometimes complain to Euphrates (for I have leisure at least to +complain) of these unpleasing occupations. He endeavours to console me, +by affirming that, to be engaged in the public service, to hear and +determine cases, to explain the laws, and administer justice, is a part, +and the noblest part, too, of philosophy; as it is reducing to practice +what her professors teach in speculation. But even his rhetoric will +never be able to convince me that it is better to be at this sort of +work than to spend whole days in attending his lectures and learning his +precepts. I cannot therefore but strongly recommend it to you, who have +the time for it, when next you come to town (and you will come, I +daresay, so much the sooner for this), to take the benefit of his +elegant and refined instructions. For I do not (as many do) envy others +the happiness I cannot share with them myself: on the contrary, it is a +very sensible pleasure to me when I find my friends in possession of an +enjoyment from which I have the misfortune to be excluded. Farewell. + + + +VII -- To FABIUS JUSTUS + +IT is a long time since I have had a letter from you, "There is nothing +to write about," you say: well then write and let me know just this, +that "there is nothing to write about," or tell me in the good old +style, _If you are well that's right, I am quite well_. This will do for +me, for it implies everything. You think I am joking? Let me assure you +I am in sober earnest. Do let me know how you are; for I cannot remain +ignorant any longer without growing exceedingly anxious about you. +Farewell. + + + +VIII -- To CALESTRIUS TIRO + +I HAVE suffered the heaviest loss; if that word be sufficiently strong +to express the misfortune which has deprived me of so excellent a man. +Corellius Rufus is dead; and dead, too, by his own act! A circumstance +of great aggravation to my affliction: as that sort of death which we +cannot impute either to the course of nature, or the hand of Providence, +is, of all others, the most to be lamented. It affords some consolation +in the loss of those friends whom disease snatches from us that they +fall by the general destiny of mankind; but those who destroy themselves +leave us under the inconsolable reflection, that they had it in their +power to have lived longer. It is true, Corellius had many inducements +to be fond of life; a blameless conscience, high reputation, and great +dignity of character, besides a daughter, a wife, a grandson, and +sisters; and, amidst these numerous pledges of happiness, faithful +friends. Still, it must be owned he had the highest motive (which to a +wise man will always have the force of destiny), urging him to this +resolution. He had long been tortured by so tedious and painful a +complaint that even these inducements to living on, considerable as they +are, were over-balanced by the reasons on the other side. In his thirty- +third year (as I have frequently heard him say) he was seized with the +gout in his feet. This was hereditary; for diseases, as well as +possessions, are sometimes handed down by a sort of inheritance. A life +of sobriety and continence had enabled him to conquer and keep down the +disease while he was still young, latterly as it grew upon him with +advancing years, he had to manfully bear it, suffering meanwhile the +most incredible and undeserved agonies; for the gout was now not only in +his feet, but had spread itself over his whole body. I remember, in +Domitian's reign, paying him a visit at his villa, near Rome. As soon as +I entered his chamber, his servants went out: for it was his rule, never +to allow them to be in the room when any intimate friend was with him; +nay, even his own wife, though she could have kept any secret, used to +go too. Casting his eyes round the room, "Why," he exclaimed, "do you +suppose I endure life so long under these cruel agonies? It is with the +hope that I may outlive, at least for one day, that villain." Had his +bodily strength been equal to his resolution, he would have carried his +desire into practical effect. God heard and answered his prayer; and +when he felt that he should now die a free, un-enslaved, Roman, he broke +through those other great, but now less forcible, attachments to the +world. His malady increased; and, as it now grew too violent to admit of +any relief from temperance, he resolutely determined to put an end to +its uninterrupted attacks, by an effort of heroism. He had refused all +sustenance during four days when his wife Hispulla sent our common +friend Geminius to me, with the melancholy news, that Corellius was +resolved to die; and that neither her own entreaties nor her daughter's +could move him from his purpose; I was the only person left who could +reconcile him to life. I ran to his house with the utmost precipitation. +As I approached it, I met a second messenger from Hispulla, Julius +Atticus, who informed me there was nothing to be hoped for now, even +from me, as he seemed more hardened than ever in his purpose. He had +said, indeed to his physician, who pressed him to take some nourishment, +"'Tis resolved": an expression which, as it raised my admiration of the +greatness of his soul, so it does my grief for the loss of him. I keep +thinking what a friend, what a man, I am deprived of. That he had +reached his sixty-seventh year, an age which even the strongest seldom +exceed, I well know; that he is released from a life of continual pain; +that he has left his dearest friends behind him, and (what was dearer to +him than all these) the state in a prosperous condition: all this I +know. Still I cannot forbear to lament him, as if he had been in the +prime and vigour of his days; and I lament him (shall I own my +weakness?) on my account. And--to confess to you as I did to Calvisius, +in the first transport of my grief--I sadly fear, now that I am no +longer under his eye, I shall not keep so strict a guard over my +conduct. Speak comfort to me then, not that he was old, he was infirm; +all this I know: but by supplying me with some reflections that are new +and resistless, which I have never heard, never read, anywhere else. For +all that I have heard, and all that I have read, occur to me of +themselves; but all these are by far too weak to support me under so +severe an affliction. Farewell. + + + +IX -- To SOCIUS SENECIO + +This year has produced a plentiful crop of poets: during the whole month +of April scarcely a day has passed on which we have not been entertained +with the recital of some poem. It is a pleasure to me to find that a +taste for polite literature still exists, and that men of genius do come +forward and make themselves known, notwithstanding the lazy attendance +they got for their pains. The greater part of the audience sit in the +lounging-places, gossip away their time there, and are perpetually +sending to enquire whether the author has made his entrance yet, whether +he has got through the preface, or whether he has almost finished the +piece. Then at length they saunter in with an air of the greatest +indifference, nor do they condescend to stay through the recital, but go +out before it is over, some slyly and stealthily, others again with +perfect freedom and unconcern. And yet our fathers can remember how +Claudius Cæsar walking one day in the palace, and hearing a great +shouting, enquired the cause: and being informed that Nonianus[11] was +reciting a composition of his, went immediately to the place, and +agreeably surprised the author with his presence. But now, were one to +bespeak the attendance of the idlest man living, and remind him of the +appointment ever so often, or ever so long beforehand; either he would +not come at all, or if he did would grumble about having "lost a day!" +for no other reason but because he had not lost it. So much the more do +those authors deserve our encouragement and applause who have resolution +to persevere in their studies, and to read out their compositions in +spite of this apathy or arrogance on the part of their audience. Myself +indeed, I scarcely ever miss being present upon any occasion; though, to +tell the truth, the authors have generally been friends of mine, as +indeed there are few men of literary tastes who are not. It is this +which has kept me in town longer than I had intended. I am now, however, +at liberty to go back into the country, and write something myself; +which I do not intend reciting, lest I should seem rather to have lent +than given my attendance to these recitations of my friends, for in +these, as in all other good offices, the obligation ceases the moment +you seem to expect a return. Farewell. + + + +X -- To JUNSUS MAURICUS + +You desire me to look out a proper husband for your niece: it is with +justice you enjoin me that office. You know the high esteem and +affection I bore that great man her father, and with what noble +instructions he nurtured my youth, and taught me to deserve those +praises he was pleased to bestow upon me. You could not give me, then, a +more important, or more agreeable, commission; nor could I be employed +in an office of higher honour, than that of choosing a young man worthy +of being father of the grandchildren of Rusticus Arulenus; a choice I +should be long in determining, were I not acquainted with Minutius +Aemilianus, who seems formed for our purpose. He loves me with all that +warmth of affection which is usual between young men of equal years (as +indeed I have the advance of him but by a very few), and reveres me at +the same time, with all the deference due to age; and, in a word, he is +no less desirous to model himself by my instructions than I was by those +of yourself and your brother. + +He is a native of Brixia, one of those provinces in Italy which still +retain much of the old modesty, frugal simplicity, and even rusticity, +of manner. He is the son of Minutius Macrinus, whose humble desires were +satisfied with standing at the head of the equestrian order: for though +he was nominated by Vespasian in the number of those whom that prince +dignified with the praetorian office, yet, with an inflexible greatness +of mind, he resolutely preferred an honourable repose, to the ambitious, +shall I call them, or exalted, pursuits, in which we public men are +engaged. His grandmother, on the mother's side, is Serrana Procula, of +Patavium:[12] you are no stranger to the character of its citizens; yet +Serrana is looked upon, even among these correct people, as an exemplary +instance of strict virtue. Acilius, his uncle, is a man of almost +exceptional gravity, wisdom, and integrity. In short, you will find +nothing throughout his family unworthy of yours. Minutius himself has +plenty of vivacity, as well as application, together with a most amiable +and becoming modesty. He has already, with considerable credit, passed +through the offices of quaestor, tribune, and praetor; so that you will +be spared the trouble of soliciting for him those honourable +employments. He has a fine, well-bred, countenance, with a ruddy, +healthy complexion, while his whole person is elegant and comely and his +mien graceful and senatorian: advantages, I think, by no means to be +slighted, and which I consider as the proper tribute to virgin +innocence. I think I may add that his father is very rich. When I +contemplate the character of those who require a husband of my choosing, +I know it is unnecessary to mention wealth; but when I reflect upon the +prevailing manners of the age, and even the laws of Rome, which rank a +man according to his possessions, it certainly claims some regard; and, +indeed, in establishments of this nature, where children and many other +circumstances are to be duly weighed, it is an article that well +deserves to be taken into the account. You will be inclined, perhaps, to +suspect that affection has had too great a share in the character I have +been drawing, and that I have heightened it beyond the truth: but I will +stake all my credit, you will find everything far beyond what I have +represented. I love the young fellow indeed (as he justly deserves) with +all the warmth of a most ardent affection; but for that very reason I +would not ascribe more to his merit than I know it will bear. Farewell. + + + +XI -- To SEPTITIUS CLARUS + +Ah! you are a pretty fellow! You make an engagement to come to supper +and then never appear. Justice shall be exacted;--you shall reimburse me +to the very last penny the expense I went to on your account; no small +sum, let me tell you. I had prepared, you must know, a lettuce a-piece, +three snails, two eggs, and a barley cake, with some sweet wine and +snow, (the snow most certainly I shall charge to your account, as a +rarity that will not keep.) Olives, beet-root, gourds, onions, and a +thousand other dainties equally sumptuous. You should likewise have been +entertained either with an interlude, the rehearsal of a poem, or a +piece of music, whichever you preferred; or (such was my liberality) +with all three. But the oysters, sows'-bellies, sea-urchins, and dancers +from Cadiz of a certain--I know not who, were, it seems, more to your +taste. You shall give satisfaction, how, shall at present be a secret. + +Oh! you have behaved cruelly, grudging your friend,--had almost said +yourself;--and upon second thoughts I do say so;--in this way: for how +agreeably should we have spent the evening, in laughing, trifling, and +literary amusements! You may sup, I confess, at many places more +splendidly; but nowhere with more unconstrained mirth, simplicity, and +freedom: only make the experiment, and if you do not ever after excuse +yourself to your other friends, to come to me, always put me off to go +to them. Farewell. + + + +XII -- To SUETONIUS TRANQUILLUS + +You tell me in your letter that you are extremely alarmed by a dream; +apprehending that it forebodes some ill success to you in the case you +have undertaken to defend; and, therefore, desire that I would get it +adjourned for a few days, or, at least, to the next. This will be no +easy matter, but I will try: + + +"For dreams descend from Jove." + +Meanwhile, it is very material for you to recollect whether your dreams +generally represent things as they afterwards fall out, or quite the +reverse. But if I may judge of yours by one that happened to myself, +this dream that alarms you seems to portend that you will acquit +yourself with great success. I had promised to stand counsel for Junius +Pastor; when I fancied in my sleep that my mother-in-law came to me, +and, throwing herself at my feet, earnestly entreated me not to plead. I +was at that time a very young man; the case was to be argued in the four +centumviral courts; my adversaries were some of the most important +personages in Rome, and particular favourites of Cæsar;[13] any of which +circumstances were sufficient, after such an inauspicious dream, to have +discouraged me. Notwithstanding this, I engaged in the cause, reflecting +that, + + +"Without a sign, his sword the brave man draws, And asks no omen but his +country's cause."<a href="#linknote-14" name="linknoteref-14" +id="linknoteref-14">[14]</a> + +for I looked upon the promise I had given to be as sacred to me as my +country, or, if that were possible, more so. The event happened as I +wished; and it was that very case which first procured me the favourable +attention of the public, and threw open to me the gates of Fame. +Consider then whether your dream, like this one I have related, may not +pre-signify success. But, after all, perhaps you will think it safer to +pursue this cautious maxim: "Never do a thing concerning the rectitude +of which you are in doubt;" if so, write me word. In the interval, I +will consider of some excuse, and will so plead your cause that you may +be able to plead it your self any day you like best. In this respect, +you are in a better situation than I was: the court of the centumviri, +where I was to plead, admits of no adjournment: whereas, in that where +your case is to be heard, though no easy matter to procure one, still, +however, it is possible. Farewell. + + + +XIII -- To ROMANUS FIRMUS + +As you are my towns-man, my school-fellow, and the earliest companion of +my youth; as there was the strictest friendship between my mother and +uncle and your father (a happiness which I also enjoyed as far as the +great inequality of our ages would admit); can I fail (thus biassed as I +am by so many and weighty considerations) to contribute all in my power +to the advancement of your honours? The rank you bear in our province, +as decurio, is a proof that you are possessed, at least, of an hundred +thousand sesterces;[15] but that we may also have the satisfaction of +seeing you a Roman Knight,[16] I present you with three hundred +thousand, in order to make up the sum requisite to entitle you to that +dignity. The long acquaintance we have had leaves me no room to +apprehend you will ever be forgetful of this instance of my friendship. +And I know your disposition too well to think it necessary to advise you +to enjoy this honour with the modesty that becomes a person who receives +it from me; for the advanced rank we possess through a friend's kindness +is a sort of sacred trust, in which we have his judgment, as well as our +own character, to maintain, and therefore to be guarded with the greater +caution. Farewell. + + + +XIV -- TO CORNELIUS TACITUS + +I HAVE frequent debates with a certain acquaintance of mine, a man of +skill and learning, who admires nothing so much in the eloquence of the +bar as conciseness. I agree with him, that where the case will admit of +this precision, it may with propriety be adopted; but insist that, to +leave out what is material to be mentioned,--or only briefly and +cursorily to touch upon those points which should be inculcated, +impressed, and urged well home upon the minds of the audience, is a +downright fraud upon one's client. In many cases, to deal with the +subject at greater length adds strength and weight to our ideas, which +frequently produce their impression upon the mind, as iron does upon +solid bodies, rather by repeated strokes than a single blow. In answer +to this, he usually has recourse to authorities, and produces Lysias[17] +amongst the Grecians, together with Cato and the two Gracchi, among our +own countrymen, many of whose speeches certainly are brief and +curtailed. In return, I name Demosthenes, Aeschines, Hyperides,[18] and +many others, in opposition to Lysias; while I confront Cato and the +Gracchi with Cæsar, Pollio,[19] Caelius,[20] but, above all, Cicero, +whose longest speech is generally considered his best. Why, no doubt +about it, in good compositions, as in everything else that is valuable, +the more there is of them, the better. You may observe in statues, +basso-relievos, pictures, and the human form, and even in animals and +trees, that nothing is more graceful than magnitude, if accompanied with +proportion. The same holds true in pleading; and even in books a large +volume carries a certain beauty and authority in its very size. My +antagonist, who is extremely dexterous at evading an argument, eludes +all this, and much more, which I usually urge to the same purpose, by +insisting that those very individuals, upon whose works I found my +opinion, made considerable additions to their speeches when they +published them. This I deny; and appeal to the harangues of numberless +orators, particularly to those of Cicero, for Murena and Varenus, in +which a short, bare notification of certain charges is expressed under +mere heads. Whence it appears that many things which he enlarged upon at +the time he delivered those speeches were retrenched when he gave them +to the public. The same excellent orator informs us that, agreeably to +the ancient custom, which allowed only of one counsel on a side, +Cluentius had no other advocate than himself; and he tells us further +that he employed four whole days in defence of Cornelius; by which it +plainly appears that those speeches which, when delivered at their full +length, had necessarily taken up so much time at the bar were +considerably cut down and pruned when he afterwards compressed them into +a single volume, though, I must confess, indeed, a large one. But good +pleading, it is objected, is one thing, just composition another. This +objection, I am aware, has had some favourers; nevertheless, I am +persuaded (though I may, perhaps, be mistaken) that, as it is possible +you may have a good pleading which is not a good speech, so a good +speech cannot be a bad pleading; for the speech on paper is the model +and, as it were, the archetype of the speech that was delivered. It is +for this reason we find, in many of the best speeches extant, numberless +extemporaneous turns of expression; and even in those which we are sure +were never spoken; as, for instance, in the following passage from the +speech against Verres: --"A certain mechanic--what's his name? Oh, thank +you for helping me to it: yes, I mean Polyclitus." It follows, then, +that the nearer approach a speaker makes to the rules of just +composition, the more perfect will he be in his art; always supposing, +however, that he has his due share of time allowed him; for, if he be +limited of that article, no blame can justly be fixed upon the advocate, +though much certainly upon the judge. The sense of the laws, I am sure, +is on my side, which are by no means sparing of the orator's time; it is +not conciseness, but fulness, a complete representation of every +material circumstance, which they recommend. Now conciseness cannot +effect this, unless in the most insignificant cases. Let me add what +experience, that unerring guide, has taught me: it has frequently been +my province to act both as an advocate and a judge; and I have often +also attended as an assessor.[21] Upon those occasions, I have ever +found the judgments of mankind are to be influenced by different modes +of application, and that the slightest circumstances frequently produce +the most important consequences. The dispositions and understandings of +men vary to such an extent that they seldom agree in their opinions +concerning any one point in debate before them; or, if they do, it is +generally from different motives. Besides, as every man is naturally +partial to his own discoveries, when he hears an argument urged which +had previously occurred to himself, he will be sure to embrace it as +extremely convincing. The orator, therefore, should so adapt himself to +his audience as to throw out something which every one of them, in turn, +may receive and approve as agreeable to his own particular views. I +recollect, once when Regulus and I were engaged on the same side, his +remarking to me, "You seem to think it necessary to go into every single +circumstance: whereas I always take aim at once at my adversary's +throat, and there I press him closely." ('Tis true, he keeps a tight +hold of whatever part he has once fixed upon; but the misfortune is, he +is extremely apt to fix upon the wrong place.) I replied, it might +possibly happen that what he called the throat was, in reality, the knee +or the ankle. As for myself, said I, who do not pretend to direct my aim +with so much precision, I test every part, I probe every opening; in +short, to use a vulgar proverb, I leave no stone unturned. And as in +agriculture, it is not my vineyards or my woods only, but my fields as +well, that I look after and cultivate, and (to carry on the metaphor) as +I do not content myself with sowing those fields simply with corn or +white wheat, but sprinkle in barley, pulse, and the other kinds of +grain; so, in my pleadings at the bar, I scatter broadcast various +arguments like so many kinds of seed, in order to reap whatever may +happen to come up. For the disposition of your judges is as hard to +fathom as uncertain, and as little to be relied on as that of soils and +seasons. The comic writer Eupolis,[22] I remember, mentions it in praise +of that excellent orator Pericles, that + + +"On his lips Persuasion hung, And powerful Reason rul'd his tongue: Thus +he alone could boast the art To charm at once, and pierce the heart." + +[23] But could Pericles, without the richest variety of expression, and +merely by the force of the concise or the rapid style, or both (for they +are very different), have thus charmed and pierced the heart. To delight +and to persuade requires time and great command of language; and to +leave a sting in the minds of the audience is an effect not to be +expected from an orator who merely pinks, but from him, and him only, +who thrusts in. Another comic poet,[24] speaking of the same orator, +says: + + +"His mighty words like Jove's own thunder roll; Greece hears, and +trembles to her inmost soul." + +But it is not the close and reserved; it is the copious, the majestic, +and the sublime orator, who thunders, who lightens, who, in short, bears +all before him in a confused whirl. There is, undeniably, a just mean in +everything; but he equally misses the mark who falls short of it, as he +who goes beyond it; he who is too limited as he who is too unrestrained. +Hence it is as common a thing to hear our orators condemned for being +too jejune and feeble as too excessive and redundant. One is said to +have exceeded the bounds of his subject, the other not to have reached +them. Both, no doubt, are equally in fault, with this difference, +however, that in the one the fault arises from an abundance, in the +other, from a deficiency; an error, in the former case, which, if it be +not the sign of a more correct, is certainly of a more fertile genius. +When I say this, I would not be understood to approve that everlasting +talker[25] mentioned in Homer, but that other' described in the +following lines: + + +"Frequent and soft, as falls the winter snow, Thus from his lips the +copious periods flow." + +Not but that I extremely admire him,[26] too, of whom the poet says, + + +"Few were his words, but wonderfully strong." + +Yet, if the choice were given me, I should give the preference to that +style resembling winter snow, that is, to the full, uninterrupted, and +diffusive; in short, to that pomp of eloquence which seems all heavenly +and divine. But (it is replied) the harangue of a more moderate length +is most generally admired. It is:--but only by indolent people; and to +fix the standard by their laziness and false delicacy would be simply +ridiculous. Were you to consult persons of this cast, they would tell +you, not only that it is best to say little, but that it is best to say +nothing at all. Thus, my friend, I have laid before you my opinions upon +this subject, and I am willing to change them if not agreeable to yours. +But should you disagree with me, pray let me know clearly your reasons +why. For, though I ought to yield in this case to your more enlightened +judgment, yet, in a point of such consequence, I had rather be convinced +by argument than by authority. So if I don't seem to you very wide of +the mark, a line or two from you in return, intimating your concurrence, +will be sufficient to confirm me in my opinion: on the other hand, if +you should think me mistaken, let me have your objections at full +length. Does it not look rather like bribery, my requiring only a short +letter, if you agree with me; but a very long one if you should be of a +different opinion. Farewell. + + + +XV -- To PATERNUS + +As I rely very much upon the soundness of your judgment, so I do upon +the goodness of your eyes: not because I think your discernment very +great (for I don't want to make you conceited), but because I think it +as good as mine: which, it must be confessed, is saying a great deal. +Joking apart, I like the look of the slaves which were purchased for me +on your recommendation very well; all I further care about is, that they +be honest: and for this I must depend upon their characters more than +their countenances. Farewell. + + + +XVI -- To CATILIUS SEVERUS [27] + +I AM at present (and have been a considerable time) detained in Rome, +under the most stunning apprehensions. Titus Aristo,[28] whom I have a +singular admiration and affection for, is fallen into a long and +obstinate illness, which troubles me. Virtue, knowledge, and good sense, +shine out with so superior a lustre in this excellent man that learning +herself, and every valuable endowment, seem involved in the danger of +his single person. How consummate his knowledge, both in the political +and civil laws of his country! How thoroughly conversant is he in every +branch of history or antiquity? In a word, there is nothing you might +wish to know which he could not teach you. As for me, whenever I would +acquaint myself with any abstruse point, I go to him as my store-house. +What an engaging sincerity, what dignity in his conversation! how +chastened and becoming is his caution! Though he conceives, at once, +every point in debate, yet he is as slow to decide as he is quick to +apprehend; calmly and deliberately sifting and weighing every opposite +reason that is offered, and tracing it, with a most judicious +penetration, from its source through all its remotest consequences. His +diet is frugal, his dress plain; and whenever I enter his chamber, and +view him reclined upon his couch, I consider the scene before me as a +true image of ancient simplicity, to which his illustrious mind reflects +the noblest ornament. He places no part of his happiness in ostentation, +but in the secret approbation of his conscience, seeking the reward of +his virtue, not in the clamorous applauses of the world, but in the +silent satisfaction which results from having acted well. In short, you +will not easily find his equal, even among our philosophers by outward +profession. No, he does not frequent the gymnasia or porticoes[29] nor +does he amuse his own and others' leisure with endless controversies, +but busies himself in the scenes of civil and active life. Many has he +assisted with his interest, still more with his advice, and withal in +the practice of temperance, piety, justice, and fortitude, he has no +superior. You would be astonished, were you there to see, at the +patience with which he bears his illness, how he holds out against pain, +endures thirst, and quietly submits to this raging fever and to the +pressure of those clothes which are laid upon him to promote +perspiration. He lately called me and a few more of his particular +friends to his bedside, requesting us to ask his physicians what turn +they apprehended his distemper would take; that, if they pronounced it +incurable, he might voluntarily put an end to his life; but if there +were hopes of a recovery, how tedious and difficult soever it might +prove, he would calmly wait the event; for so much, he thought, was due +to the tears and entreaties of his wife and daughter, and to the +affectionate intercession of his friends, as not voluntarily to abandon +our hopes, if they were not entirely desperate. A true hero's resolution +this, in my estimation, and worthy the highest applause. Instances are +frequent in the world, of rushing into the arms of death without +reflection and by a sort of blind impulse but deliberately to weigh the +reasons for life or death, and to be determined in our choice as either +side of the scale prevails, shows a great mind. We have had the +satisfaction to receive the opinion of his physicians in his favour: may +heaven favour their promises and relieve me at length from this painful +anxiety. Once easy in my mind, I shall go back to my favourite +Laurentum, or, in other words, to my books, my papers and studious +leisure. Just now, so much of my time and thoughts are taken up in +attendance upon my friend, and anxiety for him, that I have neither +leisure nor inclination for any reading or writing whatever. Thus you +have my fears, my wishes, and my after-plans. Write me in return, but in +a gayer strain, an account not only of what you are and have been doing, +but of what you intend doing too. It will be a very sensible consolation +to me in this disturbance of mind, to be assured that yours is easy. +Farewell. + + + +XVII -- To VOCONIUS ROMANUS + +ROME has not for many years beheld a more magnificent and memorable +spectacle than was lately exhibited in the public funeral of that great, +illustrious, and no less fortunate man, Verginius Rufus. He lived thirty +years after he had reached the zenith of his fame. He read poems +composed in his honour, he read histories of his achievements, and was +himself witness of his fame among posterity. He was thrice raised to the +dignity of consul, that he might at least be the highest of subjects, +who[30] had refused to be the first of princes. As he escaped the +resentment of those emperors to whom his virtues had given umbrage and +even rendered him odious, and ended his days when this best of princes, +this friend of mankind[31] was in quiet possession of the empire, it +seems as if Providence had purposely preserved him to these times, that +he might receive the honour of a public funeral. He reached his eighty- +fourth year, in full tranquillity and universally revered, having +enjoyed strong health during his lifetime, with the exception of a +trembling in his hands, which, however, gave him no pain. His last +illness, indeed, was severe and tedious, but even that circumstance +added to his reputation. As he was practising his voice with a view of +returning his public acknowledgements to the emperor, who had promoted +him to the consulship, a large volume he had taken into his hand, and +which happened to be too heavy for so old a man to hold standing up, +slid from his grasp. In hastily endeavouring to recover it, his foot +slipped on the smooth pavement, and he fell down and broke his thigh- +bone, which being clumsily set, his age as well being against him, did +not properly unite again. The funeral obsequies paid to the memory of +this great man have done honour to the emperor, to the age, and to the +bar. The consul Cornelius Tacitus[32] pronounced his funeral oration and +thus his good fortune was crowned by the public applause of so eloquent +an orator. He has departed from our midst, full of years, indeed, and of +glory; as illustrious by the honours he refused as by those he accepted. +Yet still we shall miss him and lament him, as the shining model of a +past age; I, especially, shall feel his loss, for I not only admired him +as a patriot, but loved him as a friend. We were of the same province, +and of neighbouring towns, and our estates were also contiguous. Besides +these accidental connections, he was left my guardian, and always +treated me with a parent's affection. Whenever I offered myself as a +candidate for any office in the state, he constantly supported me with +his interest; and although he had long since given up all such services +to friends, he would kindly leave his retirement and come to give me his +vote in person. On the day on which the priests nominate those they +consider most worthy of the sacred office[33] he constantly proposed me. +Even in his last illness, apprehending the possibility of the senate's +appointing him one of the five commissioners for reducing the public +expenses, he fixed upon me, young as I am, to bear his excuses, in +preference to so many other friends, elderly men too, and of consular +rank and said to me, "Had I a son of my own, I would entrust you with +this matter." And so I cannot but lament his death, as though it were +premature, and pour out my grief into your bosom; if indeed one has any +right to grieve, or to call it death at all, which to such a man +terminates his mortality, rather than ends his life. He lives, and will +live on for ever; and his fame will extend and be more celebrated by +posterity, now that he is gone from our sight. I had much else to write +to you but my mind is full of this. I keep thinking of Verginius: I see +him before me: I am for ever fondly yet vividly imagining that I hear +him, am speaking to him, embrace him. There are men amongst us, his +fellow-citizens, perhaps, who may rival him in virtue; but not one that +will ever approach him in glory. Farewell. + + + +XVIII -- To NEPOS + +THE great fame of Isaeus had already preceded him here; but we find him +even more wonderful than we had heard. He possesses the utmost +readiness, copiousness, and abundance of language: he always speaks +extempore, and his lectures are as finished as though he had spent a +long time over their written composition. His style is Greek, or rather +the genuine Attic. His exordiums are terse, elegant, attractive, and +occasionally impressive and majestic. He suggests several subjects for +discussion, allows his audience their choice, sometimes to even name +which side he shall take, rises, arranges himself, and begins. At once +he has everything almost equally at command. Recondite meanings of +things are suggested to you, and words--what words they are! exquisitely +chosen and polished. These extempore speeches of his show the wideness +of his reading, and how much practice he has had in composition. His +preface is to the point, his narrative lucid, his summing up forcible, +his rhetorical ornament imposing. In a word, he teaches, entertains, and +affects you; and you are at a loss to decide which of the three he does +best. His reflections are frequent, his syllogisms also are frequent, +condensed, and carefully finished, a result not easily attainable even +with the pen. As for his memory, you would hardly believe what it is +capable of. He repeats from a long way back what he has previously +delivered extempore, without missing a single word. This marvellous +faculty he has acquired by dint of great application and practice, for +night and day he does nothing, hears nothing, says nothing else. He has +passed his sixtieth year and is still only a rhetorician, and I know no +class of men more single-hearted, more genuine, more excellent than this +class. We who have to go through the rough work of the bar and of real +disputes unavoidably contract a certain unprincipled adroitness. The +school, the lecture-room, the imaginary case, all this, on the other +hand, is perfectly innocent and harmless, and equally enjoyable, +especially to old people, for what can be happier at that time of life +than to enjoy what we found pleasantest in our young days? I consider +Isaeus then, not only the most eloquent, but the happiest, of men, and +if you are not longing to make his acquaintance, you must be made of +stone and iron. So, if not upon my account, or for any other reason, +come, for the sake of hearing this man, at least. Have you never read of +a certain inhabitant of Cadiz who was so impressed with the name and +fame of Livy that he came from the remotest corner of the earth on +purpose to see him, and, his curiosity gratified, went straight home +again. It is utter want of taste, shows simple ignorance, is almost an +actual disgrace to a man, not to set any high value upon a proficiency +in so pleasing, noble, refining a science. "I have authors," you will +reply, "here in my own study, just as eloquent." True: but then those +authors you can read at any time, while you cannot always get the +opportunity of hearing eloquence. Besides, as the proverb says, "The +living voice is that which sways the soul;" yes, far more. For +notwithstanding what one reads is more clearly understood than what one +hears, yet the utterance, countenance, garb, aye and the very gestures +of the speaker, alike concur in fixing an impression upon the mind; that +is, unless we disbelieve the truth of Aeschines' statement, who, after +he had read to the Rhodians that celebrated speech of Demosthenes, upon +their expressing their admiration of it, is said to have added, "Ah! +what would you have said, could you have heard the wild beast himself?" +And Aeschines, if we may take Demosthenes' word for it, was no mean +elocutionist; yet, he could not but confess that the speech would have +sounded far finer from the lips of its author. I am saying all this with +a view to persuading you to hear Isaeus, if even for the mere sake of +being able to say you have heard him. Farewell. + + + +XIX -- To AVITUS + +IT would be a long story, and of no great importance, to tell you by +what accident I found myself dining the other day with an individual +with whom I am by no means intimate, and who, in his own opinion, does +things in good style and economically as well, but according to mine, +with meanness and extravagance combined. Some very elegant dishes were +served up to himself and a few more of us, whilst those placed before +the rest of the company consisted simply of cheap dishes and scraps. +There were, in small bottles, three different kinds of wine; not that +the guest might take their choice, but that they might not have any +option in their power; one kind being for himself, and for us; another +sort for his lesser friends (for it seems he has degrees of friends), +and the third for his own freedmen and ours. My neighbour,[34] reclining +next me, observing this, asked me if I approved the arrangement. Not at +all, I told him. "Pray then," he asked, "what is your method upon such +occasions?" "Mine," I returned, "is to give all my visitors the same +reception; for when I give an invitation, it is to entertain, not +distinguish, my company: I place every man upon my own level whom I +admit to my table." "Not excepting even your freedmen?" "Not excepting +even my freedmen, whom I consider on these occasions my guests, as much +as any of the rest." He replied, "This must cost you a great deal." "Not +in the least." "How can that be?" "Simply because, although my freedmen +don't drink the same wine as myself, yet I drink the same as they do." +And, no doubt about it, if a man is wise enough to moderate his +appetite, he will not find it such a very expensive thing to share with +all his visitors what he takes himself. Restrain it, keep it in, if you +wish to be true economist. You will find temperance a far better way of +saving than treating other people rudely can be. Why do I say all this? +Why, for fear a young man of your high character and promise should be +imposed upon by this immoderate luxury which prevails at some tables, +under the specious notion of frugality. Whenever any folly of this sort +falls under my eye, I shall, just because I care for you, point it out +to you as an example you ought to shun. Remember, then, nothing is more +to be avoided than this modern alliance of luxury with meanness; odious +enough when existing separate and distinct, but still more hateful where +you meet with them together. Farewell. + + + +XX -- To MACRINUS + +THE senate decreed yesterday, on the emperor's motion, a triumphal +statue to Vestricius Spurinna: not as they would to many others, who +never were in action, or saw a camp, or heard the sound of a trumpet, +unless at a show; but as it would be decreed to those who have justly +bought such a distinction with their blood, their exertions, and their +deeds. Spurinna forcibly restored the king of the Bructeri[35] to his +throne; and this by the noblest kind of victory; for he subdued that +warlike people by the terror of the mere display of his preparation for +the campaign. This is his reward as a hero, while, to console him for +the loss of his son Cottius, who died during his absence upon that +expedition, they also voted a statue to the youth; a very unusual honour +for one so young; but the services of the father deserved that the pain +of so severe a wound should be soothed by no common balm. Indeed Cottius +himself evinced such remarkable promise of the highest qualities that it +is but fitting his short limited term of life should be extended, as it +were, by this kind of immortality. He was so pure and blameless, so full +of dignity, and commanded such respect, that he might have challenged in +moral goodness much older men, with whom he now shares equal honours. +Honours, if I am not mistaken, conferred not only to perpetuate the +memory of the deceased youth, and in consolation to the surviving +father, but for the sake of public example also. This will rouse and +stimulate our young men to cultivate every worthy principle, when they +see such rewards bestowed upon one of their own years, provided he +deserve them: at the same time that men of quality will be encouraged to +beget children and to have the joy and satisfaction of leaving a worthy +race behind, if their children survive them, or of so glorious a +consolation, should they survive their children. Looking at it in this +light then, I am glad, upon public grounds, that a statue is decreed +Cottius: and for my own sake too, just as much; for I loved this most +favoured, gifted, youth, as ardently as I now grievously miss him +amongst us. So that it will be a great satisfaction to me to be able to +look at this figure from time to time as I pass by, contemplate it, +stand underneath, and walk to and fro before it. For if having the +pictures of the departed placed in our homes lightens sorrow, how much +more those public representations of them which are not only memorials +of their air and countenance, but of their glory and honour besides? +Farewell. + + + +XXI To PAISCUS + +As I know you eagerly embrace every opportunity of obliging me, so there +is no man whom I had rather be under an obligation to. I apply to you, +therefore, in preference to anyone else, for a favour which I am +extremely desirous of obtaining. You, who are commander-in-chief of a +very considerable army, have many opportunities of exercising your +generosity; and the length of time you have enjoyed that post must have +enabled you to provide for all your own friends. I hope you will now +turn your eyes upon some of mine: as indeed they are but a few Your +generous disposition, I know, would be better pleased if the number were +greater, but one or two will suffice my modest desires; at present I +will only mention Voconius Romanus. His father was of great distinction +among the Roman knights, and his father-in-law, or, I might more +properly call him, his second father, (for his affectionate treatment of +Voconius entitles him to that appellation) was still more conspicuous. +His mother was one of the most considerable ladies of Upper Spain: you +know what character the people of that province bear, and how remarkable +they are for their strictness of their manners. As for himself, he +lately held the post of flamen.[36] Now, from the time when we were +first students together, I have felt very tenderly attached to him. We +lived under the same roof, in town and country, we joked together, we +shared each other's serious thoughts: for where indeed could I have +found a truer friend or pleasanter companion than he? In his +conversation, and even in his very voice and countenance, there is a +rare sweetness; as at the bar he displays talents of a high order; +acuteness, elegance, ease, and skill: and he writes such letters too +that were you to read them you would imagine they had been dictated by +the Muses themselves. I have a very great affection for him, as he has +for me. Even in the earlier part of our lives, I warmly embraced every +opportunity of doing him all the good services which then lay in my +power, as I have lately obtained for him from our most gracious +prince[37] the privilege[38] granted to those who have three children: a +favour which, though Cæsar very rarely bestows, and always with great +caution, yet he conferred, at my request, in such a matter as to give it +the air and grace of being his own choice. + +The best way of showing that I think he deserves the kindnesses he has +already received from me is by increasing them, especially as he always +accepts my services so gratefully as to deserve more. Thus I have shown +you what manner of man Romanus is, how thoroughly I have proved his +worth, and how much I love him. Let me entreat you to honour him with +your patronage in a way suitable to the generosity of your heart, and +the eminence of your station. But above all let him have your affection; +for though you were to confer upon him the utmost you have in your power +to bestow, you can give him nothing more valuable than your friendship- +That you may see he is worthy of it, even to the closest degree of +intimacy, I send you this brief sketch of his tastes, character, his +whole life, in fact. I should continue my intercessions in his behalf, +but that I know you prefer not being pressed, and I have already +repeated them in every line of this letter: for, to show a good reason +for what one asks is true intercession, and of the most effectual kind. +Farewell. + + + +XXII -- To MAIMUS + +You guessed correctly: I am much engaged in pleading before the Hundred. +The business there is more fatiguing than pleasant. Trifling, +inconsiderable cases, mostly; it is very seldom that anything worth +speaking of, either from the importance of the question or the rank of +the persons concerned, comes before them. There are very few lawyers +either whom I take any pleasure in working with. The rest, a parcel of +impudent young fellows, many of whom one knows nothing whatever about, +come here to get some practice in speaking, and conduct themselves so +forwardly and with such utter want of deference that my friend Attilius +exactly hit it, I think, when he made the observation that "boys set out +at the bar with cases in the Court of the Hundred as they do at school +with Homer," intimating that at both places they begin where they should +end. But in former times (so my elders tell me) no youth, even of the +best families, was allowed in unless introduced by some person of +consular dignity. As things are now, since every fence of modesty and +decorum is broken down, and all distinctions are levelled and +confounded, the present young generation, so far from waiting to be +introduced, break in of their own free will. The audience at their heels +are fit attendants upon such orators; a low rabble of hired mercenaries, +supplied by contract. They get together in the middle of the court, +where the dole is dealt round to them as openly as if they were in a +dining-room: and at this noble price they run from court to court. The +Greeks have an appropriate name in their language for this sort of +people, importing that they are applauders by profession, and we +stigmatize them with the opprobrious title of table-flatterers: yet the +dirty business alluded to increases every day. It was only yesterday two +of my domestic officers, mere striplings, were hired to cheer somebody +or other, at three denarii apiece:[39] that is what the highest +eloquence goes for. Upon these terms we fill as many benches as we +please, and gather a crowd; this is how those rending shouts are raised, +as soon as the individual standing up in the middle of the ring gives +the signal. For, you must know, these honest fellows, who understand +nothing of what is said, or, if they did, could not hear it, would be at +a loss without a signal, how to time their applause: for many of them +don't hear a syllable, and are as noisy as any of the rest. If, at any +time, you should happen to be passing by when the court is sitting, and +feel at all interested to know how any speaker is acquitting himself, +you have no occasion to give yourself the trouble of getting up on the +judge's platform, no need to listen; it is easy enough to find out, for +you may be quite sure he that gets most applause deserves it the least. +Largius Licinus was the first to introduce this fashion; but then he +went no farther than to go round and solicit an audience. I know, I +remember hearing this from my tutor Quinctilian. "I used," he told me, +"to go and hear Domitius Afer, and as he was pleading once before the +Hundred in his usual slow and impressive manner, hearing, close to him, +a most immoderate and unusual noise, and being a good deal surprised at +this, he left off: the noise ceased, and he began again: he was +interrupted a second time, and a third. At last he enquired who it was +that was speaking? He was told, Licinus. Upon which, he broke off the +case, exclaiming, 'Eloquence is no more!'" The truth is it had only +begun to decline then, when in Afer's opinion it no longer existed -- +whereas now it is almost extinct. I am ashamed to tell you of the +mincing and affected pronunciation of the speakers, and of the shrill- +voiced applause with which their effusions are received; nothing seems +wanting to complete this sing-song performance except claps, or rather +cymbals and tambourines. Howlings indeed (for I can call such applause, +which would be indecent even in the theatre, by no other name) abound in +plenty. Up to this time the interest of my friends and the consideration +of my early time of life have kept me in this court, as I am afraid they +might think I was doing it to shirk work rather than to avoid these +indecencies, were I to leave it just yet: however, I go there less +frequently than I did, and am thus effecting a gradual retreat. +Farewell. + + + +XXIII -- To GALLUS + +You are surprised that I am so fond of my Laurentine, or (if you prefer +the name) my Laurens: but you will cease to wonder when I acquaint you +with the beauty of the villa, the advantages of its situation, and the +extensive view of the sea-coast. It is only seventeen miles from Rome: +so that when I have finished my business in town, I can pass my evenings +here after a good satisfactory day's work. There are two different roads +to it: if you go by that of Laurentum, you must turn off at the +fourteenth mile-stone; if by Astia, at the eleventh. Both of them are +sandy in places, which makes it a little heavier and longer by carriage, +but short and easy on horseback. The landscape affords plenty of +variety, the view in some places being closed in by woods, in others +extending over broad meadows, where numerous flocks of sheep and herds +of cattle, which the severity of the winter has driven from the +mountains, fatten in the spring warmth, and on the rich pasturage. My +villa is of a convenient size without being expensive to keep up. The +courtyard in front is plain, but not mean, through which you enter +porticoes shaped into the form of the letter D, enclosing a small but +cheerful area between. These make a capital retreat for bad weather, not +only as they are shut in with windows, but particularly as they are +sheltered by a projection of the roof. From the middle of these +porticoes you pass into a bright pleasant inner court, and out of that +into a handsome hall running out towards the sea-shore; so that when +there is a south-west breeze, it is gently washed with the waves, which +spend themselves at its base. On every side of this hall there are +either folding-doors or windows equally large, by which means you have a +view from the front and the two sides of three different seas, as it +were: from the back you see the middle court, the portico, and the area; +and from another point you look through the portico into the courtyard, +and out upon the woods and distant mountains beyond. On the left hand of +this hall, a little farther from the sea, lies a large drawing-room, and +beyond that, a second of a smaller size, which has one window to the +rising and another to the setting sun: this as well has a view of the +sea, but more distant and agreeable. The angle formed by the projection +of the dining-room with this drawing-room retains and intensifies the +warmth of the sun, and this forms our winter quarters and family +gymnasium, which is sheltered from all the winds except those which +bring on clouds, but the clear sky comes out again before the warmth has +gone out of the place. Adjoining this angle is a room forming the +segment of a circle, the windows of which are so arranged as to get the +sun all through the day: in the walls are contrived a sort of cases, +containing a collection of authors who can never be read too often. Next +to this is a bed-room, connected with it by a raised passage furnished +with pipes, which supply, at a wholesome temperature, and distribute to +all parts of this room, the heat they receive. The rest of this side of +the house is appropriated to the use of my slaves and freedmen; but most +of the rooms in it are respectable enough to put my guests into. In the +opposite wing is a most elegant, tastefully fitted up bed-room; next to +which lies another, which you may call either a large bed-room or a +modified dining-room; it is very warm and light, not only from the +direct rays of the sun, but by their reflection from the sea. Beyond +this is a bed-room with an ante-room, the height of which renders it +cool in summer, its thick walls warm in winter, for it is sheltered, +every way from the winds. To this apartment another anteroom is joined +by one common wall. From thence you enter into the wide and spacious +cooling-room belonging to the bath, from the opposite walls of which two +curved basins are thrown out, so to speak; which are more than large +enough if you consider that the sea is close at hand. Adjacent to this +is the anointing-room, then the sweating-room, and beyond that the bath- +heating room: adjoining are two other little bath-rooms, elegantly +rather than sumptuously fitted up: annexed to them is a warm bath of +wonderful construction, in which one can swim and take a view of the sea +at the same time. Not far from this stands the tennis-court, which lies +open to the warmth of the afternoon sun. From thence you go up a sort of +turret which has two rooms below, with the same number above, besides a +dining-room commanding a very extensive look-out on to the sea, the +coast, and the beautiful villas scattered along the shore line. At the +other end is a second turret, containing a room that gets the rising and +setting sun. Behind this is a large store-room and granary, and +underneath, a spacious dining-room, where only the murmur and break of +the sea can be heard, even in a storm: it looks out upon the garden, and +the gestatio,[40] running round the garden. The gestatio is bordered +round with box, and, where that is decayed, with rosemary: for the box, +wherever sheltered by the buildings, grows plentifully, but where it +lies open and exposed to the weather and spray from the sea, though at +some distance from the latter, it quite withers up. Next the gestatio, +and running along inside it, is a shady vine plantation, the path of +which is so soft and easy to the tread that you may walk bare-foot upon +it. The garden is chiefly planted with fig and mulberry trees, to which +this soil is as favourable as it is averse from all others. Here is a +dining-room, which, though it stands away from the sea enjoys the garden +view which is just as pleasant: two apartments run round the back part +of it, the windows of which look out upon the entrance of the villa, and +into a fine kitchen-garden. From here extends an enclosed portico which, +from its great length, you might take for a public one. It has a range +of windows on either side, but more on the side facing the sea, and +fewer on the garden side, and these, single windows and alternate with +the opposite rows. In calm, clear, weather these are all thrown open; +but if it blows, those on the weather side are closed, whilst those away +from the wind can remain open without any inconvenience. Before this +enclosed portico lies a terrace fragrant with the scent of violets, and +warmed by the reflection of the sun from the portico, which, while it +retains the rays, keeps away the north-east wind; and it is as warm on +this side as it is cool on the side opposite: in the same way it is a +protection against the wind from the south-west; and thus, in short, by +means of its several sides, breaks the force of the winds, from whatever +quarter they may blow. These are some of its winter advantages, they are +still more appreciable in the summer time; for at that season it throws +a shade upon the terrace during the whole of the forenoon, and upon the +adjoining portion of the gestatio and garden in the afternoon, casting a +greater or less shade on this side or on that as the day increases or +decreases. But the portico itself is coolest just at the time when the +sun is at its hottest, that is, when the rays fall directly upon the +roof. Also, by opening the windows you let in the western breezes in a +free current, which prevents the place getting oppressive with close and +stagnant air. At the upper end of the terrace and portico stands a +detached garden building, which I call my favourite; my favourite +indeed, as I put it up myself. It contains a very warm winter-room, one +side of which looks down upon the terrace, while the other has a view of +the sea, and both lie exposed to the sun. The bed-room opens on to the +covered portico by means of folding-doors, while its window looks out +upon the sea. On that side next the sea, and facing the middle wall, is +formed a very elegant little recess, which, by means of transparent[41] +windows, and a curtain drawn to or aside, can be made part of the +adjoining room, or separated from it. It contains a couch and two +chairs: as you lie upon this couch, from where your feet are you get a +peep of the sea; looking behind you see the neighbouring villas, and +from the head you have a view of the woods: these three views may be +seen either separately, from so many different windows, or blended +together in one. Adjoining this is a bed-room, which neither the +servants' voices, the murmuring of the sea, the glare of lightning, nor +daylight itself can penetrate, unless you open the windows. This +profound tranquillity and seclusion are occasioned by a passage +separating the wall of this room from that of the garden, and thus, by +means of this intervening space, every noise is drowned. Annexed to this +is a tiny stove-room, which, by opening or shutting a little aperture, +lets out or retains the heat from underneath, according as you require. +Beyond this lie a bed-room and ante-room, which enjoy the sun, though +obliquely indeed, from the time it rises, till the afternoon. When I +retire to this garden summer-house, I fancy myself a hundred miles away +from my villa, and take especial pleasure in it at the feast of the +Saturnalia,[42] when, by the licence of that festive season, every other +part of my house resounds with my servants' mirth: thus I neither +interrupt their amusement nor they my studies. Amongst the pleasures and +conveniences of this situation, there is one drawback, and that is, the +want of running water; but then there are wells about the place, or +rather springs, for they lie close to the surface. And, altogether, the +quality of this coast is remarkable; for dig where you may, you meet, +upon the first turning up of the ground, with a spring of water, quite +pure, not in the least salt, although so near the sea. The neighbouring +woods supply us with all the fuel we require, the other necessaries +Ostia furnishes. Indeed, to a moderate man, even the village (between +which and my house there is only one villa) would supply all ordinary +requirements. It has three public baths, which are a great convenience +if it happen that friends come in unexpectedly, or make too short a stay +to allow time in preparing my own. The whole coast is very pleasantly +sprinkled with villas either in rows or detached, which whether looking +at them from the sea or the shore, present the appearance of so many +different cities. The strand is, sometimes, after a long calm, perfectly +smooth, though, in general, through the storms driving the waves upon +it, it is rough and uneven. I cannot boast that our sea is plentiful in +choice fish; however, it supplies us with capital soles and prawns; but +as to other kinds of provisions, my villa aspires to excel even inland +countries, particularly in milk: for the cattle come up there from the +meadows in large numbers, in pursuit of water and shade. Tell me, now, +have I not good reason for living in, staying in, loving, such a +retreat, which, if you feel no appetite for, you must be morbidly +attached to town? And I only wish you would feel inclined to come down +to it, that to so many charms with which my little villa abounds, it +might have the very considerable addition of your company to recommend +it. Farewell. + + + +XXIV -- To CEREALIS + +You advise me to read my late speech before an assemblage of my friends. +I shall do so, as you advise it, though I have strong scruples. +Compositions of this sort lose, I well know, all their force and fire, +and even their very name almost, by a mere recital. It is the solemnity +of the tribunal, the concourse of advocates, the suspense of the event, +the fame of the several pleaders concerned, the different parties formed +amongst the audience; add to this the gestures, the pacing, aye the +actual running, to and fro, of the speaker, the body working[43] in +harmony with every inward emotion, that conspire to give a spirit and a +grace to what he delivers. This is the reason that those who plead +sitting, though they retain most of the advantages possessed by those +who stand up to plead, weaken the whole force of their oratory. The eyes +and hands of the reader, those important instruments of graceful +elocution, being engaged, it is no wonder that the attention of the +audience droops, without anything extrinsic to keep it up, no +allurements of gesture to attract, no smart, stinging impromptus to +enliven. To these general considerations I must add this particular +disadvantage which attends the speech in question, that it is of the +argumentative kind; and it is natural for an author to infer that what +he wrote with labour will not be read with pleasure. For who is there so +unprejudiced as not to prefer the attractive and sonorous to the sombre +and unornamented in style? It is very unreasonable that there should be +any distinction; however, it is certain the judges generally expect one +style of pleading, and the audience another; whereas an auditor ought to +be affected only by those parts which would especially strike him, were +he in the place of the judge. Nevertheless it is possible the objections +which lie against this piece may be surmounted in consideration of the +novelty it has to recommend it: the novelty I mean with respect to us; +for the Greek orators have a method of reasoning upon a different +occasion, not altogether unlike that which I have employed. They, when +they would throw out a law, as contrary to some former one unrepealed, +argue by comparing those together; so I, on the contrary, endeavour to +prove that the crime, which I was insisting upon as falling within the +intent and meaning of the law relating to public extortions, was +agreeable, not only to that law, but likewise to other laws of the same +nature. Those who are ignorant of the jurisprudence of their country can +have no taste for reasonings of this kind, but those who are not ought +to be proportionably the more favourable in the judgments they pass upon +them. I shall endeavour, therefore, if you persist in my reciting it, to +collect as learned an audience as I can. But before you determine this +point, do weigh impartially the different considerations I have laid +before you, and then decide as reason shall direct; for it is reason +that must justify you; obedience to your commands will be a sufficient +apology for me. Farewell. + + + +XXV -- To CALVISIUS + +GIVE me a penny, and I will tell you a story "worth gold," or, rather, +you shall hear two or three; for one brings to my mind another. It makes +no difference with which I begin. Verania, the widow of Piso, the Piso, +I mean, whom Galba adopted, lay extremely ill, and Regulus paid her a +visit. By the way, mark the assurance of the man, visiting a lady who +detested him herself, and to whose husband he was a declared enemy! Even +barely to enter her house would have been bad enough, but he actually +went and seated himself by her bed-side and began enquiring on what day +and hour she was born. Being informed of these important particulars, he +composes his countenance, fixes his eyes, mutters something to himself, +counts upon his fingers, and all this merely to keep the poor sick lady +in suspense. When he had finished, "You are," he says, "in one of your +climacterics; however, you will get over it. But for your greater +satisfaction, I will consult with a certain diviner, whose skill I have +frequently experienced." Accordingly off he goes, performs a sacrifice, +and returns with the strongest assurances that the omens confirmed what +he had promised on the part of the stars. Upon this the good woman, +whose danger made her credulous, calls for her will and gives Regulus a +legacy. She grew worse shortly after this; and in her last moments +exclaimed against this wicked, treacherous, and worse than perjured +wretch, who had sworn falsely to her by his own son's life. But +imprecations of this sort are as common with Regulus as they are +impious; and he continually devotes that unhappy youth to the curse of +those gods whose vengeance his own frauds every day provoke. + +Velleius Blaesus, a man of consular rank, and remarkable for his immense +wealth, in his last illness was anxious to make some alterations in his +will. Regulus, who had lately endeavoured to insinuate himself into his +good graces, hoped to get something from the new will, and accordingly +addresses himself to his physicians, and conjures them to exert all +their skill to prolong the poor man's life. But after the will was +signed, he changes his character, reversing his tone: "How long," says +he to these very same physicians, "do you intend keeping this man in +misery? Since you cannot preserve his life, why do you grudge him the +happy release of death?" Blaesus dies, and, as if he had overheard every +word that Regulus had said, has not left him one farthing.--And now have +you had enough? or are you for the third, according to rhetorical canon? +If so, Regulus will supply you. You must know, then, that Aurelia, a +lady of remarkable accomplishments, purposing to execute her will,[44] +had put on her smartest dress for the occasion. Regulus, who was present +as a witness, turned to the lady, and "Pray," says he, "leave me these +fine clothes." Aurelia thought the man was joking: but he insisted upon +it perfectly seriously, and, to be brief, obliged her to open her will, +and insert the dress she had on as a legacy to him, watching as she +wrote, and then looking over it to see that it was all down correctly. +Aurelia, however, is still alive: though Regulus, no doubt, when he +solicited this bequest, expected to enjoy it pretty soon. The fellow +gets estates, he gets legacies, conferred upon him, as if he really +deserved them! But why should I go on dwelling upon this in a city where +wickedness and knavery have, for this time past, received, the same, do +I say, nay, even greater encouragement, than modesty and virtue? Regulus +is a glaring instance of this truth, who, from a state of poverty, has +by a train of villainies acquired such immense riches that he once told +me, upon consulting the omens to know how soon he should be worth sixty +millions of sesterces,[45] he found them so favourable as to portend he +should possess double that sum. And possibly he may, if he continues to +dictate wills for other people in this way: a sort of fraud, in my +opinion, the most infamous of any. Farewell. + + + +XXVI -- To CALVISIUS + +I NEVER, I think, spent any time more agreeably than my time lately with +Spurinna. So agreeably, indeed, that if ever I should arrive at old age, +there is no man whom I would sooner choose for my model, for nothing can +be more perfect in arrangement than his mode of life. I look upon order +in human actions, especially at that advanced age, with the same sort of +pleasure as I behold the settled course of the heavenly bodies. In young +men, indeed, a little confusion and disarrangement is all well enough: +but in age, when business is unseasonable, and ambition indecent, all +should be composed and uniform. This rule Spurinna observes with the +most religious consistency. Even in those matters which one might call +insignificant, were they not of every-day occurrence, he observes a +certain periodical season and method. The early morning he passes on his +couch; at eight he calls for his slippers, and walks three miles, +exercising mind and body together. On his return, if he has any friends +in the house with him, he gets upon some entertaining and interesting +topic of conversation; if by himself, some book is read to him, +sometimes when visitors are there even, if agreeable to the company. +Then he has a rest, and after that either takes up a book or resumes his +conversation in preference to reading. By-and-by he goes out for a drive +in his carriage, either with his wife, a most admirable woman, or with +some friend: a happiness which lately was mine.--How agreeable, how +delightful it is getting a quiet time alone with him in this way! You +could imagine you were listening to some worthy of ancient times! What +deeds, what men you hear about, and with what noble precepts you are +imbued! Yet all delivered with so modest an air that there is not the +least appearance of dictating. When he has gone about seven miles, he +gets out of his chariot and walks a mile more, after which he returns +home, and either takes a rest or goes back to his couch and writing. For +he composes most elegant lyrics both in Greek and Latin. So wonderfully +soft, sweet, and gay they are, while the author's own unsullied life +lends them additional charm. When the baths are ready, which in winter +is about three o'clock, and in summer about two, he undresses himself +and, if there happen to be no wind, walks for some time in the sun. +After this he has a good brisk game of tennis: for by this sort of +exercise too, he combats the effects of old age. When he has bathed, he +throws himself upon his couch, but waits a little before he begins +eating, and in the meanwhile has some light and entertaining author read +to him. In this, as in all the rest, his friends are at full liberty to +share; or to employ themselves in any other way, just as they prefer. +You sit down to an elegant dinner, without extravagant display, which is +served up in antique plate of pure silver. He has another complete +service in Corinthian metal, which, though he admires as a curiosity, is +far from being his passion. During dinner he is frequently entertained +with the recital of some dramatic piece, by way of seasoning his very +pleasures with study; and although he continues at the table, even in +summer, till the night is somewhat advanced, yet he prolongs the +entertainment with so much affability and politeness that none of his +guests ever finds it tedious. By this method of living he has preserved +all his senses entire, and his body vigorous and active to his seventy- +eighth year, without showing any sign of old age except wisdom. This is +the sort of life I ardently aspire after; as I purpose enjoying it when +I shall arrive at those years which will justify a retreat from active +life. Meanwhile I am embarrassed with a thousand affairs, in which +Spurinna is at once my support and my example: for he too, so long as it +became him, discharged his professional duties, held magistracies, +governed provinces, and by toiling hard earned the repose he now enjoys. +I propose to myself the same career and the same limits: and I here give +it to you under my hand that I do so. If an ill-timed ambition should +carry me beyond those bounds, produce this very letter of mine in court +against me; and condemn me to repose, whenever I enjoy it without being +reproached with indolence. Farewell. + + + +XXVII -- To BAEBIUS MACER + +IT gives me great pleasure to find you such a reader of my uncle's works +as to wish to have a complete collection of them, and to ask me for the +names of them all. I will act as index then, and you shall know the very +order in which they were written, for the studious reader likes to know +this. The first work of his was a treatise in one volume, "On the Use of +the Dart by Cavalry"; this he wrote when in command of one of the +cavalry corps of our allied troops, and is drawn up with great care and +ingenuity. "The Life of Pomponius Secundus,"[46] in two volumes. +Pomponius had a great affection for him, and he thought he owed this +tribute to his memory. "The History of the Wars in Germany," in twenty +books, in which he gave an account of all the battles we were engaged in +against that nation. A dream he had while serving in the army in Germany +first suggested the design of this work to him. He imagined that Drusus +Nero[47] (who extended his conquest very far into that country, and +there lost his life) appeared to him in his sleep, and entreated him to +rescue his memory from oblivion. Next comes a work entitled "The +Student," in three parts, which from their length spread into six +volumes: a work in which is discussed the earliest training and +subsequent education of the orator. "Questions of Grammar and Style," in +eight books, written in the latter part of Nero's reign, when the +tyranny of the times made it dangerous to engage in literary pursuits +requiring freedom and elevation of tone. He has completed the history +which Aufidius Bassus[48] left unfinished, and has added to it thirty +books. And lastly he has left thirty-seven books on Natural History, a +work of great compass and learning, and as full of variety as nature +herself. You will wonder how a man as busy as he was could find time to +compose so many books, and some of them too involving such care and +labour. But you will be still more surprised when you hear that he +pleaded at the bar for some time, that he died in his sixty-sixth year, +that the intervening time was employed partly in the execution of the +highest official duties, partly in attendance upon those emperors who +honoured him with their friendship. But he had a quick apprehension, +marvellous power of application, and was of an exceedingly wakeful +temperament. He always began to study at midnight at the time of the +feast of Vulcan, not for the sake of good luck, but for learning's sake; +in winter generally at one in the morning, but never later than two, and +often at twelve.[49] He was a most ready sleeper, insomuch that he would +sometimes, whilst in the midst of his studies, fall off and then wake up +again. Before day-break he used to wait upon Vespasian' (who also used +his nights for transacting business in), and then proceed to execute the +orders he had received. As soon as he returned home, he gave what time +was left to study. After a short and light refreshment at noon +(agreeably to the good old custom of our ancestors) he would frequently +in the summer, if he was disengaged from business, lie down and bask in +the sun; during which time some author was read to him, while he took +notes and made extracts, for every book he read he made extracts out of, +indeed it was a maxim of his, that "no book was so bad but some good +might be got out of it." When this was over, he generally took a cold +bath, then some light refreshment and a little nap. After this, as if it +had been a new day, he studied till supper-time, when a book was again +read to him, which he would take down running notes upon. I remember +once his reader having mis-pronounced a word, one of my uncle's friends +at the table made him go back to where the word was and repeat it again; +upon which my uncle said to his friend, "Surely you understood it?" Upon +his acknowledging that he did, "Why then," said he, "did you make him go +back again? We have lost more than ten lines by this interruption." Such +an economist he was of time! In the summer he used to rise from supper +at daylight, and in winter as soon as it was dark: a rule he observed as +strictly as if it had been a law of the state. Such was his manner of +life amid the bustle and turmoil of the town: but in the country his +whole time was devoted to study, excepting only when he bathed. In this +exception I include no more than the time during which he was actually +in the bath; for all the while he was being rubbed and wiped, he was +employed either in hearing some book read to him or in dictating +himself. In going about anywhere, as though he were disengaged from all +other business, he applied his mind wholly to that single pursuit. A +shorthand writer constantly attended him, with book and tablets, who, in +the winter, wore a particular sort of warm gloves, that the sharpness of +the weather might not occasion any interruption to my uncle's studies: +and for the same reason, when in Rome, he was always carried in a chair. +I recollect his once taking me to task for walking. "You need not," he +said, "lose these hours." For he thought every hour gone that was not +given to study. Through this extraordinary application he found time to +compose the several treatises I have mentioned, besides one hundred and +sixty volumes of extracts which he left me in his will, consisting of a +kind of common-place, written on both sides, in very small hand, so that +one might fairly reckon the number considerably more. He used himself to +tell us that when he was comptroller of the revenue in Spain, he could +have sold these manuscripts to Largius Licinus for four hundred thousand +sesterces,[50] and then there were not so many of them. When you +consider the books he has read, and the volumes he has written, are you +not inclined to suspect that he never was engaged in public duties or +was ever in the confidence of his prince? On the other hand, when you +are told how indefatigable he was in his studies, are you not inclined +to wonder that he read and wrote no more than he did? For, on one side, +what obstacles would not the business of a court throw in his way? and +on the other, what is it that such intense application might not effect? +It amuses me then when I hear myself called a studious man, who in +comparison with him am the merest idler. But why do I mention myself, +who am diverted from these pursuits by numberless affairs both public +and private? Who amongst those whose whole lives are devoted to literary +pursuits would not blush and feel himself the most confirmed of +sluggards by the side of him? I see I have run out my letter farther +than I had originally intended, which was only to let you know, as you +asked me, what works he had left behind him. But I trust this will be no +less acceptable to you than the books themselves, as it may, possibly, +not only excite your curiosity to read his works, but also your +emulation to copy his example, by some attempts of a similar nature. +Farewell. + + + +XXVIII -- To ANNIUS SEVERUS + +I HAVE lately purchased with a legacy that was left me a small statue of +Corinthian brass. It is small indeed, but elegant and life-like, as far +as I can form any judgment, which most certainly in matters of this +sort, as perhaps in all others, is extremely defective. However, I do +see the beauties of this figure: for, as it is naked the faults, if +there be any, as well as the perfections, are the more observable. It +represents an old man, in an erect attitude. The bones, muscles, veins, +and the very wrinkles, give the Impression of breathing life. The hair +is thin and failing, the forehead broad, the face shrivelled, the throat +lank, the arms loose and hanging, the breast shrunken, and the belly +fallen in, as the whole turn and air of the figure behind too is equally +expressive of old age. It appears to be true antique, judging from the +colour of the brass. In short, it is such a masterpiece as would strike +the eyes of a connoisseur, and which cannot fail to charm an ordinary +observer: and this induced me, who am an absolute novice in this art, to +buy it. But I did so, not with any intention of placing it in my own +house (for I have nothing of the kind there), but with a design of +fixing it in some conspicuous place in my native province; I should like +it best in the temple of Jupiter, for it is a gift well worthy of a +temple, well worthy of a god. I desire therefore you would, with that +care with which you always perform my requests, undertake this +commission and give immediate orders for a pedestal to be made for it, +out of what marble you please, but let my name be engraved upon it, and, +if you think proper to add these as well, my titles. I will send the +statue by the first person I can find who will not mind the trouble of +it; or possibly (which I am sure you will like better) I may myself +bring it along with me: for I intend, if business can spare me that is +to say, to make an excursion over to you. I see joy in your looks when I +promise to come; but you will soon change your countenance when I add, +only for a few days: for the same business that at present keeps me here +will prevent my making a longer stay. Farewell. + + + +XXIX -- To CANINIUS RUFUS + +I HAVE just been informed that Silius Italicus[51] has starved himself +to death, at his villa near Naples. Ill-health was the cause. Being +troubled with an incurable cancerous humour, he grew weary of life and +therefore put an end to it with a determination not to be moved. He had +been extremely fortunate all through his life with the exception of the +death of the younger of his two sons; however, he has left behind him +the elder and the worthier man of the two in a position of distinction, +having even attained consular rank. His reputation had suffered a little +in Nero's time, as he was suspected of having officiously joined in some +of the informations in that reign; but he used his interest with +Vitellius, with great discretion and humanity. He acquired considerable +honour by his administration of the government of Asia, and, by his good +conduct after his retirement from business, cleared his character from +that stain which his former public exertions had thrown upon it. He +lived as a private nobleman, without power, and consequently without +envy. Though he was frequently confined to his bed, and always to his +room, yet he was highly respected, and much visited; not with an +interested view, but on his own account. He employed his time between +conversing with literary men and composing verses; which he sometimes +read out, by way of testing the public opinion: but they evidence more +industry than genius. In the decline of his years he entirely quitted +Rome, and lived altogether in Campania, from whence even the accession +of the new emperor[52] could not draw him. A circumstance which I +mention as much to the honour of Cæsar, who was not displeased with that +liberty, as of Italicus, who was not afraid to make use of it. He was +reproached with indulging his taste for the fine arts at an immoderate +expense. He had several villas in the same province, and the last +purchase was always the especial favourite, to the neglect of all the +rest, These residences overflowed with books, statues, and pictures, +which he more than enjoyed, he even adored; particularly that of Virgil, +of whom he was so passionate an admirer that he celebrated the +anniversary of that poet's birthday with more solemnity than his own, at +Naples especially where he used to approach his tomb as if it had been a +temple. In this tranquillity he passed his seventy-fifth year, with a +delicate rather than an infirm constitution. + +As he was the last person upon whom Nero conferred the consular office, +so he was the last survivor of all those who had been raised by him to +that dignity. It is also remarkable that, as he was the last to die of +Nero's consuls, so Nero died when he was consul. Recollecting this, a +feeling of pity for the transitory condition of mankind comes over me. +Is there anything in nature so short and limited as human life, even at +its longest? Does it not seem to you but yesterday that Nero was alive? +And yet not one of all those who were consuls in his reign now remains! +Though why should I wonder at this? Lucius Piso (the father of that Piso +who was so infamously assassinated by Valerius Festus in Africa) used to +say, he did not see one person in the senate whose opinion he had +consulted when he was consul: in so short a space is the very term of +life of such a multitude of beings comprised! so that to me those royal +tears seem not only worthy of pardon but of praise. For it is said that +Xerxes, on surveying his immense army, wept at the reflection that so +many thousand lives would in such a short space of time be extinct. The +more ardent therefore should be our zeal to lengthen out this frail and +transient portion of existence, if not by our deeds (for the +opportunities of this are not in our power) yet certainly by our +literary accomplishments; and since long life is denied us, let us +transmit to posterity some memorial that we have at least LIVED. I well +know you need no incitements, but the warmth of my affection for you +inclines me to urge you on in the course you are already pursuing, just +as you have so often urged me. "Happy rivalry" when two friends strive +in this way which of them shall animate the other most in their mutual +pursuit of immortal fame. Farewell. + + + +XXX -- To SPURINNA AND COTTIA[53] + +I DID not tell you, when I paid you my last visit, that I had composed +something in praise of your son; because, in the first place, I wrote it +not for the sake of talking about my performance, but simply to satisfy +my affection, to console my sorrow for the loss of him. Again, as you +told me, my dear Spurinna, that you had heard I had been reciting a +piece of mine, I imagined you had also heard at the same time what was +the subject of the recital, and besides I was afraid of casting a gloom +over your cheerfulness in that festive season, by reviving the +remembrance of that heavy sorrow. And even now I have hesitated a little +whether I should gratify you both, in your joint request, by sending +only what I recited, or add to it what I am thinking of keeping back for +another essay. It does not satisfy my feelings to devote only one little +tract to a memory so dear and sacred to me, and it seemed also more to +the interest of his fame to have it thus disseminated by separate +pieces. But the consideration, that it will be more open and friendly to +send you the whole now, rather than keep back some of it to another +time, has determined me to do the former, especially as I have your +promise that it shall not be communicated by either of you to anyone +else, until I shall think proper to publish it. The only remaining +favour I ask is, that you will give me a proof of the same unreserve by +pointing out to me what you shall judge would be best altered, omitted, +or added. It is difficult for a mind in affliction to concentrate itself +upon such little cares. However, as you would direct a painter or +sculptor who was representing the figure of your son what parts he +should retouch or express, so I hope you will guide and inform my hand +in this more durable or (as you are pleased to think it) this immortal +likeness which I am endeavouring to execute: for the truer to the +original, the more perfect and finished it is, so much the more lasting +it is likely to prove. Farewell. + + + +XXXI -- To JULIUS GENITOR + +IT is just like the generous disposition of Artemidorus to magnify the +kindnesses of his friends; hence he praises my deserts (though he is +really indebted to me) beyond their due. It is true indeed that when the +philosophers were expelled from Rome,[54] I visited him at his house +near the city, and ran the greater risk in paying him that civility, as +it was more noticeable then, I being praetor at the time. I supplied him +too with a considerable sum to pay certain debts he had contracted upon +very honourable occasions, without charging interest, though obliged to +borrow the money myself, while the rest of his rich powerful friends +stood by hesitating about giving him assistance. I did this at a time +when seven of my friends were either executed or banished; Senecio, +Rusticus, and Helvidius having just been put to death, while Mauricus, +Gratilla, Arria, and Fannia, were sent into exile; and scorched as it +were by so many lightning-bolts of the state thus hurled and flashing +round me, I augured by no uncertain tokens my own impending doom. But I +do not look upon myself, on that account, as deserving of the high +praises my friend bestows upon me: all I pretend to is the being clear +of the infamous guilt of abandoning him in his misfortunes. I had, as +far as the differences between our ages would admit, a friendship for +his father-in-law Musonius, whom I both loved and esteemed, while +Artemidorus himself I entered into the closest intimacy with when I was +serving as a military tribune in Syria. And I consider as a proof that +there is some good in me the fact of my being so early capable of +appreciating a man who is either a philosopher or the nearest +resemblance to one possible; for I am sure that, amongst all those who +at the present day call themselves philosophers, you will find hardly +any one of them so full of sincerity and truth as he. I forbear to +mention how patient he is of heat and cold alike, how indefatigable in +labour, how abstemious in his food, and what an absolute restraint he +puts upon all his appetites; for these qualities, considerable as they +would certainly be in any other character, are less noticeable by the +side of the rest of those virtues of his which recommended him to +Musonius for a son-in-law, in preference to so many others of all ranks +who paid their addresses to his daughter. And when I think of all these +things, I cannot help feeling pleasurably affected by those unqualified +terms of praise in which he speaks of me to you as well as to everyone +else. I am only apprehensive lest the warmth of his kind feeling carry +him beyond the due limits; for he, who is so free from all other errors, +is apt to fall into just this one good-natured one, of overrating the +merits of his friends. Farewell. + + + +XXXII -- To CATILIUS SEVERUS + +I WILL come to supper, but must make this agreement beforehand, that I +go when I please, that you treat me to nothing expensive, and that our +conversation abound only in Socratic discourse, while even that in +moderation. There are certain necessary visits of ceremony, bringing +people out before daylight, which Cato himself could not safely fall in +with; though I must confess that Julius Cæsar reproaches him with that +circumstance in such a manner as redounds to his praise; for he tells us +that the persons who met him reeling home blushed at the discovery, and +adds, "You would have thought that Cato had detected them, and not they +Cato." Could he place the dignity of Cato in a stronger light than by +representing him thus venerable even in his cups? But let our supper be +as moderate in regard to hours as in the preparation and expense: for we +are not of such eminent reputation that even our enemies cannot censure +our conduct without applauding it at the same time. Farewell. + + + +XXXIII -- To ACILIUS + +THE atrocious treatment that Largius Macedo, a man of praetorian rank, +lately received at the hands of his slaves is so extremely tragical that +it deserves a place rather in public history than in a private letter; +though it must at the same time be acknowledged there was a haughtiness +and severity in his behaviour towards them which shewed that he little +remembered, indeed almost entirely forgot, the fact that his own father +had once been in that station of life. He was bathing at his Formian +Villa, when he found himself suddenly surrounded by his slaves; one +seizes him by the throat, another strikes him on the mouth, whilst +others trampled upon his breast, stomach, and even other parts which I +need not mention. When they thought the breath must be quite out of his +body, they threw him down upon the heated pavement of the bath, to try +whether he were still alive, where he lay outstretched and motionless, +either really insensible or only feigning to be so, upon which they +concluded him to be actually dead. In this condition they brought him +out, pretending that he had got suffocated by the heat of the bath. Some +of his more trusty servants received him, and his mistresses came about +him shrieking and lamenting. The noise of their cries and the fresh air, +together, brought him a little to himself; he opened his eyes, moved his +body, and shewed them (as he now safely might) that he was not quite +dead. The murderers immediately made their escape; but most of them have +been caught again, and they are after the rest. He was with great +difficulty kept alive for a few days, and then expired, having however +the satisfaction of finding himself as amply revenged in his lifetime as +he would have been after his death. Thus you see to what affronts, +indignities, and dangers we are exposed. Lenity and kind treatment are +no safeguard; for it is malice and not reflection that arms such +ruffians against their masters. So much for this piece of news. And what +else? What else? Nothing else, or you should hear it, for I have still +paper, and time too (as it is holiday time with me) to spare for more, +and I can tell you one further circumstance relating to Macedo, which +now occurs to me. As he was in a public bath once, at Rome, a +remarkable, and (judging from the manner of his death) an ominous, +accident happened to him. A slave of his, in order to make way for his +master, laid his hand gently upon a Roman knight, who, turning suddenly +round, struck, not the slave who had touched him, but Macedo, so violent +a blow with his open palm that he almost knocked him down. Thus the bath +by a kind of gradation proved fatal to him; being first the scene of an +indignity he suffered, afterwards the scene of his death. Farewell. + + + +XXXIV -- To NEPOS + +I HAVE constantly observed that amongst the deeds and sayings of +illustrious persons of either sex, some have made more noise in the +world, whilst others have been really greater, although less talked +about; and I am confirmed in this opinion by a conversation I had +yesterday with Fannia. This lady is a grand-daughter to that celebrated +Arria, who animated her husband to meet death, by her own glorious +example. She informed me of several particulars relating to Arria, no +less heroic than this applauded action of hers, though taken less notice +of, and I think you will be as surprised to read the account of them as +I was to hear it. Her husband Caecinna Paetus, and her son, were both +attacked at the same time with a fatal illness, as was supposed; of +which the son died, a youth of remarkable beauty, and as modest as he +was comely, endeared indeed to his parents no less by his many graces +than from the fact of his being their son. His mother prepared his +funeral and conducted the usual ceremonies so privately that Paetus did +not know of his death. Whenever she came into his room, she pretended +her son was alive and actually better: and as often as he enquired after +his health, would answer, "He has had a good rest, and eaten his food +with quite an appetite." Then when she found the tears, she had so long +kept back, gushing forth in spite of herself, she would leave the room, +and having given vent to her grief, return with dry eyes and a serene +countenance, as though she had dismissed every feeling of bereavement at +the door of her husband's chamber. I must confess it was a brave +action[55] in her to draw the steel, plunge it into her breast, pluck +out the dagger, and present it to her husband with that ever memorable, +I had almost said that divine, expression, "Paetus, it is not painful." +But when she spoke and acted thus, she had the prospect of glory and +immortality before her; how far greater, without the support of any such +animating motives, to hide her tears, to conceal her grief, and +cheerfully to act the mother, when a mother no more! + +Scribonianus had taken up arms in Illyria against Clatidius, where he +lost his life, and Paetus, who was of his party, was brought a prisoner +to Rome. When they were going to put him on board ship, Arria besought +the soldiers that she might be permitted to attend him: "For surely," +she urged, "you will allow a man of consular rank some servants to dress +him, attend to him at meals, and put his shoes on for him; but if you +will take me, I alone will perform all these offices." Her request was +refused; upon which she hired a fishing-boat, and in that small vessel +followed the ship. On her return to Rome, meeting the wife of +Scribonianus in the emperor's palace, at the time when this woman +voluntarily gave evidence against the conspirators--"What," she +exclaimed, "shall I hear you even speak to me, you, on whose bosom your +husband Scribonianus was murdered, and yet you survive him?"--an +expression which plainly shews that the noble manner in which she put an +end to her life was no unpremeditated effect of sudden passion. +Moreover, when Thrasea, her son-in-law, was endeavouring to dissuade her +from her purpose of destroying herself, and, amongst other arguments +which he used, said to her, "Would you then advise your daughter to die +with me if my life were to be taken from me?" "Most certainly I would," +she replied, "if she had lived as long, and in as much harmony with you, +as I have with my Paetus." This answer greatly increased the alarm of +her family, and made them watch her for the future more narrowly; which, +when she perceived, "It is of no use," she said, "you may oblige me to +effect my death in a more painful way, but it is impossible you should +prevent it." Saying this, she sprang from her chair, and running her +head with the utmost violence against the wall, fell down, to all +appearance, dead; but being brought to herself again, "I told you," she +said, "if you would not suffer me to take an easy path to death, I +should find a way to it, however hard." Now, is there not, my friend, +something much greater in all this than in the so-much-talked-of +"Paetus, it is not painful," to which these led the way? And yet this +last is the favourite topic of fame, while all the former are passed +over in silence. Whence I cannot but infer, what I observed at the +beginning of my letter, that some actions are more celebrated, whilst +others are really greater. Farewell. + + + +XXXV -- To SEVERUS + +I WAS obliged by my consular office to compliment the emperor[56] in the +name of the republic; but after I had performed that ceremony in the +senate in the usual manner, and as fully as the time and place would +allow, I thought it agreeable to the affection of a good subject to +enlarge those general heads, and expand them into a complete discourse. +My principal object in doing so was, to confirm the emperor in his +virtues, by paying them that tribute of applause which they so justly +deserve; and at the same time to direct future princes, not in the +formal way of lecture, but by his more engaging example, to those paths +they must pursue if they would attain the same heights of glory. To +instruct princes how to form their conduct, is a noble, but difficult +task, and may, perhaps, be esteemed an act of presumption: but to +applaud the character of an accomplished prince, and to hold out to +posterity, by this means, a beacon-light as it were, to guide succeeding +monarchs, is a method equally useful, and much more modest. It afforded +me a very singular pleasure that when I wished to recite this panegyric +in a private assembly, my friends gave me their company, though I did +not solicit them in the usual form of notes or circulars, but only +desired their attendance, "should it be quite convenient to them," and +"if they should happen to have no other engagement." You know the +excuses generally made at Rome to avoid invitations of this kind; how +prior invitations are usually alleged; yet, in spite of the worst +possible weather, they attended the recital for two days together; and +when I thought it would be unreasonable to detain them any longer, they +insisted upon my going through with it the next day. Shall I consider +this as an honour done to myself or to literature? Rather let me suppose +to the latter, which, though well-nigh extinct, seems to be now again +reviving amongst us. Yet what was the subject which raised this uncommon +attention? No other than what formerly, even in the senate, where we had +to submit to it, we used to grudge even a few moments' attention to. But +now, you see, we have patience to recite and to attend to the same topic +for three days together; and the reason of this is, not that we have +more eloquent writing now than formerly, but we write under a fuller +sense of individual freedom, and consequently more genially than we used +to. It is an additional glory therefore to our present emperor that this +sort of harangue, which was once as disgusting as it was false, is now +as pleasing as it is sincere. But it was not only the earnest attention +of my audience which afforded me pleasure; I was greatly delighted too +with the justness of their taste: for I observed, that the more nervous +parts of my discourse gave them peculiar satisfaction. It is true, +indeed, this work, which was written for the perusal of the world in +general, was read only to a few; however, I would willingly look upon +their particular judgment as an earnest of that of the public, and +rejoice at their manly taste as if it were universally spread. It was +just the same in eloquence as it was in music, the vitiated ears of the +audience introduced a depraved style; but now, I am inclined to hope, as +a more refined judgment prevails in the public, our compositions of both +kinds will improve too; for those authors whose sole object is to please +will fashion their works according to the popular taste. I trust, +however, in subjects of this nature the florid style is most proper; and +am so far from thinking that the vivid colouring I have used will be +esteemed foreign and unnatural that I am most apprehensive that censure +will fall upon those parts where the diction is most simple and +unornate. Nevertheless, I sincerely wish the time may come, and that it +now were, when the smooth and luscious, which has affected our style, +shall give place, as it ought, to severe and chaste composition. -- Thus +have I given you an account of my doings of these last three days, that +your absence might not entirely deprive you of a pleasure which, from +your friendship to me, and the part you take in everything that concerns +the interest of literature, I know you would have received, had you been +there to hear. Farewell. + + + +XXXVI -- To CALVISIUS RUFUS + +I MUST have recourse to you, as usual, in an affair which concerns my +finances. An estate adjoining my land, and indeed running into it, is +for sale. There are several considerations strongly inclining me to this +purchase, while there are others no less weighty deterring me from it. +Its first recommendation is, the beauty which will result from uniting +this farm to my own lands; next, the advantage as well as pleasure of +being able to visit it without additional trouble and expense; to have +it superintended by the same steward, and almost by the same sub-agents, +and to have one villa to support and embellish, the other just to keep +in common repair. I take into this account furniture, housekeepers, +fancy-gardeners, artificers, and even hunting-apparatus, as it makes a +very great difference whether you get these altogether into one place or +scatter them about in several. On the other hand, I don't know whether +it is prudent to expose so large a property to the same climate, and the +same risks of accident happening; to distribute one's possessions about +seems a safer way of meeting the caprice of fortune, besides, there is +something extremely pleasant in the change of air and place, and the +going about between one's properties. And now, to come to the chief +consideration:--the lands are rich, fertile, and well-watered, +consisting chiefly of meadow-ground, vineyard, and wood, while the +supply of building timber and its returns, though moderate, still, keep +at the same rate. But the soil, fertile as it is, has been much +impoverished by not having been properly looked after. The person last +in possession used frequently to seize and sell the stock, by which +means, although he lessened his tenants' arrears for the time being, yet +he left them nothing to go on with and the arrears ran up again in +consequence. I shall be obliged, then, to provide them with slaves, +which I must buy, and at a higher than the usual price, as these will be +good ones; for I keep no fettered slaves[57] myself, and there are none +upon the estate. For the rest, the price, you must know, is three +millions of sesterces.[58] It has formerly gone over five millions,[59] +but owing, partly to the general hardness of the times, and partly to +its being thus stripped of tenants, the income of this estate is +reduced, and consequently its value. You will be inclined perhaps to +enquire whether I can easily raise the purchase-money? My estate, it is +true, is almost entirely in land, though I have some money out at +interest; but I shall find no difficulty in borrowing any sum I may +want. I can get it from my wife's mother, whose purse I may use with the +same freedom as my own; so that you need not trouble yourself at all +upon that point, should you have no other objections, which I should +like you very carefully to consider: for, as in everything else, so, +particularly in matters of economy, no man has more judgment and +experience than yourself. Farewell. + + + +XXXVII -- To CORNELIUS PRISCUS + +I HAVE just heard of Valerius Martial's death, which gives me great +concern. He was a man of an acute and lively genius, and his writings +abound in equal wit, satire, and kindliness. On his leaving Rome I made +him a present to defray his travelling expenses, which I gave him, not +only as a testimony of friendship, but also in return for the verses +with which he had complimented me. It was the custom of the ancients to +distinguish those poets with honours or pecuniary rewards, who had +celebrated particular individuals or cities in their verses; but this +good custom, along with every other fair and noble one, has grown out of +fashion now; and in consequence of our having ceased to act laudably, we +consider praise a folly and impertinence. You may perhaps be curious to +see the verses which merited this acknowledgment from me, and I believe +I can, from memory, partly satisfy your curiosity, without referring you +to his works: but if you should be pleased with this specimen of them, +you must turn to his poems for the rest. He addresses himself to his +muse, whom he directs to go to my house upon the Esquiline,[60] but to +approach it with respect. + + +"Go, wanton muse, but go with care, Nor meet, ill-tim'd, my Pliny's ear; +He, by sage Minerva taught, Gives the day to studious thought, And plans +that eloquence divine, Which shall to future ages shine, And rival, +wondrous Tully! thine. Then, cautious, watch the vacant hour, When +Bacchus reigns in all his pow'r; When, crowned with rosy chaplets gay, +Catos might read my frolic lay."<a href="#linknote-61" +name="linknoteref-61" id="linknoteref-61">[61]</a> + +Do you not think that the poet who wrote of me in such terms deserved +some friendly marks of my bounty then, and of my sorrow now? For he gave +me the very best he had to bestow, and would have given more had it been +in his power. Though indeed what can a man have conferred on him more +valuable than the honour of never-fading praise? But his poems will not +long survive their author, at least I think not, though he wrote them in +the expectation of their doing so. Farewell. + + + +XXXVIII -- To FABATUS (HIS WIFE'S GRANDFATHER) + +You have long desired a visit from your grand-daughter[62] accompanied +by me. Nothing, be assured, could be more agreeable to either of us; for +we equally wish to see you, and are determined to delay that pleasure no +longer. For this purpose we are already packing up, and hastening to you +with all the speed the roads will permit of. We shall make only one, +short, stoppage, for we intend turning a little out of our way to go +into Tuscany: not for the sake of looking upon our estate, and into our +family concerns, which we can postpone to another opportunity, but to +perform an indispensable duty. There is a town near my estate, called +Tifernum-upon-the-Tiber,[63] which, with more affection than wisdom, put +itself under my patronage when I was yet a youth. These people celebrate +my arrival among them, express the greatest concern when I leave them, +and have public rejoicings whenever they hear of my preferments. By way +of requiting their kindnesses (for what generous mind can bear to be +excelled in acts of friendship?) I have built a temple in this place, at +my own expense, and as it is finished, it would be a sort of impiety to +put off its dedication any longer. So we shall be there on the day on +which that ceremony is to be performed, and I have resolved to celebrate +it with a general feast. We may possibly stay on there for all the next +day, but shall make so much the greater haste in our journey afterwards. +May we have the happiness to find you and your daughter in good health! +In good spirits I am sure we shall, should we get to you all safely. +Farewell. + + + +XXXIX -- To ATTIUS CLEMENS + +REGULUS has lost his son; the only undeserved misfortune which could +have befallen him, in that I doubt whether he thinks it a misfortune. +The boy had quick parts, but there was no telling how he might turn out; +however, he seemed capable enough of going right, were he not to grow up +like his father. Regulus gave him his freedom,[64] in order to entitle +him to the estate left him by his mother; and when he got into +possession of it, (I speak of the current rumours, based upon the +character of the man,) fawned upon the lad with a disgusting shew of +fond affection which in a parent was utterly out of place. You may +hardly think this credible; but then consider what Regulus is. However, +he now expresses his concern for the loss of this youth in a most +extravagant manner. The boy had a number of ponies for riding and +driving, dogs both big and little, together with nightingales, parrots, +and blackbirds in abundance. All these Regulus slew round the funeral +pile. It was not grief, but an ostentatious parade of grief. He is +visited upon this occasion by a surprising number of people, who all +hate and detest the man, and yet are as assiduous in their attendance +upon him as if they really esteemed and loved him, and, to give you my +opinion in a word, in endeavouring to do Regulus a kindness, make +themselves exactly like him. He keeps himself in his park on the other +side the Tiber, where he has covered a vast extent of ground with his +porticoes, and crowded all the shore with his statues; for he unites +prodigality with excessive covetousness, and vain-glory with the height +of infamy. At this very unhealthy time of year he is boring society, and +he feels pleasure and consolation in being a bore. He says he wishes to +marry,--a piece of perversity, like all his other conduct. You must +expect, therefore, to hear shortly of the marriage of this mourner, the +marriage of this old man; too early in the former case, in the latter, +too late. You ask me why I conjecture this? Certainly not because he +says so himself (for a greater liar never stepped), but because there is +no doubt that Regulus will do whatever ought not to be done. Farewell. + + + +XL -- To CATIUS LEPIDUS + +I OFTEN tell you that there is a certain force of character about +Regulus: it is wonderful how he carries through what he has set his mind +to. He chose lately to be extremely concerned for the loss of his son: +accordingly he mourned for him as never man mourned before. He took it +into his head to have an immense number of statues and pictures of him; +immediately all the artisans in Rome are set to work. Canvas, wax, +brass, silver, gold, ivory, marble, all exhibit the figure of the young +Regulus. Not long ago he read, before a numerous audience, a memoir of +his son: a memoir of a mere boy! However he read it. He wrote likewise a +sort of circular letter to the several Decurii desiring them to choose +out one of their order who had a strong clear voice, to read this eulogy +to the people; it has been actually done. Now had this force of +character or whatever else you may call a fixed determination in +obtaining whatever one has a mind for, been rightly applied, what +infinite good it might have effected! The misfortune is, there is less +of this quality about good people than about bad people, and as +ignorance begets rashness, and thoughtfulness produces deliberation, so +modesty is apt to cripple the action of virtue, whilst confidence +strengthens vice. Regulus is a case in point: he has a weak voice, an +awkward delivery, an indistinct utterance, a slow imagination, and no +memory; in a word, he possesses nothing but a sort of frantic energy: +and yet, by the assistance of a flighty turn and much impudence, he +passes as an orator. Herennius Senecio admirably reversed Cato's +definition of an orator, and applied it to Regulus: "An orator," he +said, "is a bad man, unskilled in the art of speaking." And really +Cato's definition is not a more exact description of a true orator than +Seneclo's is of the character of this man. Would you make me a suitable +return for this letter? Let me know if you, or any of my friends in your +town, have, like a stroller in the marketplace, read this doleful +production of Regulus's, "raising," as Demosthenes says, "your voice +most merrily, and straining every muscle in your throat." For so absurd +a performance must excite laughter rather than compassion; and indeed +the composition is as puerile as the subject. Farewell. + + + +XLI -- To MATURUS ARRIANUS + +Mv advancement to the dignity of augur[65] is an honour that justly +indeed merits your congratulations; not only because it is highly +honourable to receive, even in the slightest instances, a testimony of +the approbation of so wise and discreet a prince,[66] but because it is +moreover an ancient and religious institution, which has this sacred and +peculiar privilege annexed to it, that it is for life. Other sacerdotal +offices, though they may, perhaps, be almost equal to this one in +dignity, yet as they are given so they may be taken away again: but +fortune has no further power over this than to bestow it. What +recommends this dignity still more highly is, that I have the honour to +succeed so illustrious a person as Julius Frontinus. He for many years, +upon the nomination-day of proper persons to be received into the sacred +college, constantly proposed me, as though he had a view to electing me +as his successor; and since it actually proved so in the event, I am +willing to look upon it as something more than mere accident. But the +circumstance, it seems, that most pleases you in this affair, is, that +Cicero enjoyed the same post; and you rejoice (you tell me) to find that +I follow his steps as closely in the path of honours as I endeavour to +do in that of eloquence. I wish, indeed, that as I had the advantage of +being admitted earlier into the same order of priesthood, and into the +consular office, than Cicero, that so I might, in my later years, catch +some spark, at least, of his divine genius! The former, indeed, being at +man's disposal, may be conferred on me and on many others, but the +latter it is as presumptuous to hope for as it is difficult to reach, +being in the gift of heaven alone. Farewell. + + + +XLII -- To STATIUS SABINUS + +YOUR letter informs me that Sabina, who appointed you and me her heirs, +though she has nowhere expressly directed that Modestus shall have his +freedom, yet has left him a legacy in the following words, "I give, &c.- +-To Modestus, whom I have ordered to have his freedom": upon which you +desire my opinion. I have consulted skilful lawyers upon the point, and +they all agree Modestus is not entitled to his liberty, since it is not +expressly given, and consequently that the legacy is void, as being +bequeathed to a slave.[67] But it evidently appears to be a mistake in +the testatrix; and therefore I think we ought to act in this case as +though Sabina had directed, in so many words, what, it is clear, she had +ordered. I am persuaded you will go with me in this opinion, who so +religiously regard the will of the deceased, which indeed where it can +be discovered will always be law to honest heirs. Honour is to you and +me as strong an obligation as the compulsion of law is to others. Let +Modestus then enjoy his freedom and his legacy as fully as if Sabina had +observed all the requisite forms, as indeed they effectually do who make +a judicious choice of their heirs. Farewell. + + + +XLIII -- To CORNELIUS MINICIANUS + +[68] Have you heard--I suppose, not yet, for the news has but just +arrived -- that Valerius Licinianus has become a professor in Sicily? +This unfortunate person, who lately enjoyed the dignity of praetor, and +was esteemed the most eloquent of our advocates, is now fallen from a +senator to an exile, from an orator to a teacher of rhetoric. +Accordingly in his inaugural speech he uttered, sorrowfully and +solemnly, the following words: "Oh! Fortune, how capriciously dost thou +sport with mankind! Thou makest rhetoricians of senators, and senators +of rhetoricians!" A sarcasm so poignant and full of gall that one might +almost imagine he fixed upon this profession merely for the sake of an +opportunity of applying it. And having made his first appearance in +school, clad in the Greek cloak (for exiles have no right to wear the +toga), after arranging himself and looking down upon his attire, "I am, +however," he said, "going to declaim in Latin." You will think, perhaps, +this situation, wretched and deplorable as it is, is what he well +deserves for having stained the honourable profession of an orator with +the crime of incest. It is true, indeed, he pleaded guilty to the +charge; but whether from a consciousness of his guilt, or from an +apprehension of worse consequences if he denied it, is not clear; for +Domitian generally raged most furiously where his evidence failed him +most hopelessly. That emperor had determined that Cornelia, chief of the +Vestal Virgins, should be buried alive, from an extravagant notion that +exemplary severities of this kind conferred lustre upon his reign. +Accordingly, by virtue of his office as supreme pontiff, or, rather, in +the exercise of a tyrant's cruelty, a despot's lawlessness, he convened +the sacred college, not in the pontifical court where they usually +assemble, but at his villa near Alba; and there, with a guilt no less +heinous than that which he professed to be punishing, he condemned her, +when she was not present to defend herself, on the charge of incest, +while he himself had been guilty, not only of debauching his own +brother's daughter, but was also accessory to her death: for that lady, +being a widow, in order to conceal her shame, endeavoured to procure an +abortion, and by that means lost her life. However, the priests were +directed to see the sentence immediately executed upon Cornelia. As they +were leading her to the place of execution, she called upon Vesta, and +the rest of the gods, to attest her innocence; and, amongst other +exclamations, frequently cried out, "Is it possible that Cæsar can think +me polluted, under the influence of whose sacred functions he has +conquered and triumphed?"[69] Whether she said this in flattery or +derision; whether it proceeded from a consciousness of her innocence, or +contempt of the emperor, is uncertain; but she continued exclaiming in +this manner, till she came to the place of execution, to which she was +led, whether innocent or guilty I cannot say, at all events with every +appearance and demonstration of innocence. As she was being lowered down +into the subterranean vault, her robe happening to catch upon something +in the descent, she turned round and disengaged it, when, the +executioner offering his assistance, she drew herself back with horror, +refusing to be so much as touched by him, as though it were a defilement +to her pure and unspotted chastity: still preserving the appearance of +sanctity up to the last moment; and, among all the other instances of +her modesty, + + +"She took great care to fall with decency."<a href="#linknote-70" +name="linknoteref-70" id="linknoteref-70">[70]</a> + +Celer likewise, a Roman knight, who was accused of an intrigue with her, +while they were scourging him with rods[71] in the Forum, persisted in +exclaiming, "What have I done?--I have done nothing." These declarations +of innocence had exasperated Domitian exceedingly, as imputing to him +acts of cruelty and injustice, accordingly Licinianus being seized by +the emperor's orders for having concealed a freedwoman of Cornelia's in +one of his estates, was advised, by those who took him in charge, to +confess the fact, if he hoped to obtain a remission of his punishment, +circumstance to add further, that a young nobleman, having had his tunic +torn, an ordinary occurrence in a crowd, stood with his gown thrown over +him, to hear me, and that during the seven hours I was speaking, whilst +my success more than counterbalanced the fatigue of so long a speech. So +let us set to and not screen our own indolence under pretence of that of +the public. Never, be very sure of that, will there be wanting hearers +and readers, so long as we can only supply them with speakers and +writers worth their attention. Farewell. + + + +XLV -- To ASINIUS + +You advise me, nay you entreat me, to undertake, in her absence, the +cause of Corellia, against C. Caecilius, consul elect. For your advice I +am grateful, of your entreaty I really must complain; without the first, +indeed, I should have been ignorant of this affair, but the last was +unnecessary, as I need no solicitations to comply, where it would be +ungenerous in me to refuse; for can I hesitate a moment to take upon +myself the protection of a daughter of Corellius? It is true, indeed, +though there is no particular intimacy between her adversary and myself, +still we are upon good enough terms. It is also true that he is a person +of rank, and one who has a high claim upon my especial regard, as +destined to enter upon an office which I have had the honour to fill; +and it is natural for a man to be desirous those dignities should be +held in the highest esteem which he himself once possessed. Yet all +these considerations appear indifferent and trifling when I reflect that +it is the daughter of Corellius whom I am to defend. The memory of that +excellent person, than whom this age has not produced a man of greater +dignity, rectitude, and acuteness, is indelibly imprinted upon my mind. +My regard for him sprang from my admiration of the man, and contrary to +what is usually the case, my admiration increased upon a thorough +knowledge of him, and indeed I did know him thoroughly, for he kept +nothing back from me, whether gay or serious, sad or joyous. When he was +but a youth, he esteemed, and (I will even venture to say) revered, me +as if I had been his equal. When I solicited any post of honour, he +supported me with his interest, and recommended me with his testimony; +when I entered upon it, he was my introducer and my companion; when I +exercised it, he was my guide and my counsellor. In a word, whenever my +interest was concerned, he exerted himself, in spite of his weakness and +declining years, with as much alacrity as though he were still young and +lusty. In private, in public, and at court, how often has he advanced +and supported my credit and interest! It happened once that the +conversation, in the presence of the emperor Nerva, turned upon the +promising young men of that time, and several of the company present +were pleased to mention me with applause; he sat for a little while +silent, which gave what he said the greater weight; and then, with that +air of dignity, to which you are no stranger, "I must be reserved," said +he, "in my praises of Pliny, because he does nothing without advice." By +which single sentence he bestowed upon me more than my most extravagant +wishes could aspire to, as he represented my conduct to be always such +as wisdom must approve, since it was wholly under the direction of one +of the wisest of men. Even in his last moments he said to his daughter +(as she often mentions), "I have in the course of a long life raised up +many friends to you, but there are none in whom you may more assuredly +confide than Pliny and Cornutus." A circumstance I cannot reflect upon +without being deeply sensible how incumbent it is upon me to endeavour +not to disappoint the confidence so excellent a judge of human nature +reposed in me. I shall therefore most readily give my assistance to +Corellia in this affair, and willingly risk any displeasure I may incur +by appearing in her behalf. Though I should imagine, if in the course of +my pleadings I should find an opportunity to explain and enforce more +fully and at large than the limits of a letter allow of the reasons I +have here mentioned, upon which I rest at once my apology and my glory; +her adversary (whose suit may perhaps, as you say, be entirely without +precedent, as it is against a woman) will not only excuse, but approve, +my conduct. Farewell. + + + +XLVI -- To HISPULLA + +As you are a model of all virtue, and loved your late excellent brother, +who had such a fondness for you, with an affection equal to his own; +regarding too his daughter[72] as your child, not only shewing her an +aunt's tenderness but supplying the place of the parent she had lost; I +know it will give you the greatest pleasure and joy to hear that she +proves worthy of her father, her grandfather, and yourself. She +possesses an excellent understanding together with a consummate +prudence, and gives the strongest evidence of the purity of her heart by +her fondness of her husband. Her affection for me, moreover, has given +her a taste for books, and my productions, which she takes a pleasure in +reading, and even in getting by heart, are continually in her hands. How +full of tender anxiety is she when I am going to speak in any case, how +rejoiced she feels when it is got through. While I am pleading, she +stations persons to inform her from time to time how I am heard, what +applauses I receive, and what success attends the case. When I recite my +works at any time, she conceals herself behind some curtain, and drinks +in my praises with greedy ears. She sings my verses too, adapting them +to her lyre, with no other master but love, that best of instructors, +for her guide. From these happy circumstances I derive my surest hopes, +that the harmony between us will increase with our days, and be as +lasting as our lives. For it is not my youth or person, which time +gradually impairs; it is my honour and glory that she cares for. But +what less could be expected from one who was trained by your hands, and +formed by your instructions; who was early familiarized under your roof +with all that is pure and virtuous, and who learnt to love me first +through your praises? And as you revered my mother with all the respect +due even to a parent, so you kindly directed and encouraged my tender +years, presaging from that early period all that my wife now fondly +imagines I really am. Accept therefore of our mutual thanks, mine, for +your giving me her, hers for your giving her me; for you have chosen us +out, as it were, for each other. Farewell. + + + +XLVII -- To ROMATIUS FIASIUS + +Look here! The next time the court sits, you must, at all events, take +your place there. In vain would your indolence repose itself under my +protection, for there is no absenting oneself with impunity. Look at +that severe, determined, praetor, Licinius Nepos, who fined even a +senator for the same neglect! The senator pleaded his cause in person, +but in suppliant tone. The fine, it is true, was remitted, but sore was +his dismay, humble his intercession, and he had to ask pardon. "All +praetors are not so severe as that," you will reply; you are mistaken -- +for though indeed to be the author and reviver of an example of this +kind may be an act of severity, yet, once introduced, even lenity +herself may follow the precedent. Farewell. + + + +XLVIII -- To LICINIUS SURA + +I HAVE brought you as a little present out of the country a query which +well deserves the consideration of your extensive knowledge. There is a +spring which rises in a neighbouring mountain, and running among the +rocks is received into a little banqueting-room, artificially formed for +that purpose, from whence, after being detained a short time, it falls +into the Larian lake. The nature of this spring is extremely curious; it +ebbs and flows regularly three times a day. The increase and decrease is +plainly visible, and exceedingly interesting to observe. You sit down by +the side of the fountain, and while you are taking a repast and drinking +its water, which is extremely cool, you see it gradually rise and fall. +If you place a ring, or anything else at the bottom, when it is dry, the +water creeps gradually up, first gently washing, finally covering it +entirely, and then little by little subsides again. If you wait long +enough, you may see it thus alternately advance and recede three +successive times. Shall we say that some secret current of air stops and +opens the fountain-head, first rushing in and checking the flow and +then, driven back by the counter-resistance of the water, escaping +again; as we see in bottles, and other vessels of that nature, where, +there not being a free and open passage, though you turn their necks +perpendicularly or obliquely downwards, yet, the outward air obstructing +the vent, they discharge their contents as it were by starts? Or, may +not this small collection of water be successively contracted and +enlarged upon the same principle as the ebb and flow of the sea? Or, +again, as those rivers which discharge themselves into the sea, meeting +with contrary winds and the swell of the ocean, are forced back in their +channels, so, in the same way, may there not be something that checks +this fountain, for a time, in its progress? Or is there rather a certain +reservoir that contains these waters in the bowels of the earth, and +while it is recruiting its discharges, the stream in consequence flows +more slowly and in less quantity, but, when it has collected its due +measure, runs on again in its usual strength and fulness? Or lastly, is +there I know not what kind of subterranean counterpoise, that throws up +the water when the fountain is dry, and keeps it back when it is full? +You, who are so well qualified for the enquiry, will examine into the +causes of this wonderful phenomenon; it will be sufficient for me if I +have given you an adequate description of it. Farewell. + + + +XLIX -- To ANNIUS SEVERUS + +A SMALL legacy was lately left me, yet one more acceptable than a far +larger bequest would have been. How more acceptable than a far larger +one? In this way. Pomponia Gratilla, having disinherited her son +Assidius Curianus, appointed me of one of her heirs, and Sertorius +Severus, of pretorian rank, together with several eminent Roman knights, +co-heirs along with me. The son applied to me to give him my share of +the inheritance, in order to use my name as an example to the rest of +the joint-heirs, but offered at the same time to enter into a secret +agreement to return me my proportion. I told him, it was by no means +agreeable to my character to seem to act one way while in reality I was +acting another, besides it was not quite honourable making presents to a +man of his fortune, who had no children; in a word, this would not at +all answer the purpose at which he was aiming, whereas, if I were to +withdraw my claim, it might be of some service to him, and this I was +ready and willing to do, if he could clearly prove to me that he was +unjustly disinherited. + +"Do then," he said, "be my arbitrator in this case." After a short pause +I answered him, "I will, for I don't see why I should not have as good +an opinion of my own impartial disinterestedness as you seem to have. +But, mind, I am not to be prevailed upon to decide the point in question +against your mother, if it should appear she had just reason for what +she has done." "As you please," he replied, "which I am sure is always +to act according to justice." I called in, as my assistants, Corellius +and Frontinus, two of the very best lawyers Rome at that time afforded. +With these in attendance, I heard the case in my own chamber. Curianus +said everything which he thought would favour his pretensions, to whom +(there being nobody but myself to defend the character of the deceased) +I made a short reply; after which I retired with my friends to +deliberate, and, being agreed upon our verdict, I said to him, +"Curianus, it is our opinion that your conduct has justly drawn upon you +your mother's displeasure." Sometime afterwards, Curianus commenced a +suit in the Court of the Hundred against all the co-heirs except myself. +The day appointed for the trial approaching, the rest of the co-heirs +were anxious to compromise the affair and have done with it, not out of +any diffidence of their cause, but from a distrust of the times. They +were apprehensive of what had happened to many others, happening to +them, and that from a civil suit it might end in a criminal one, as +there were some among them to whom the friendship of Gratilla and +Rusticus[73] might be extremely prejudicial: they therefore desired me +to go and talk with Curianus. We met in the temple of Concord; "Now +supposing," I said, "your mother had left you the fourth part of her +estate, or even suppose she had made you sole heir, but had exhausted so +much of the estate in legacies that there would not be more than a +fourth part remaining to you, could you justly complain? You ought to be +content, therefore, if, being absolutely disinherited as you are, the +heirs are willing to relinquish to you a fourth part, which however I +will increase by contributing my proportion. You know you did not +commence any suit against me, and two years have now elapsed, which +gives me legal and indisputable possession. But to induce you to agree +to the proposals on the part of the other co-heirs, and that you may be +no sufferer by the peculiar respect you shew me, I offer to advance my +proportion with them." The silent approval of my own conscience is not +the only result out of this transaction; it has contributed also to the +honour of my character. For it is this same Cunianus who has left me the +legacy I have mentioned in the beginning of my letter, and I received it +as a very notable mark of his approbation of my conduct, if I do not +flatter myself. I have written and told you all this, because in all my +joys and sorrows I am wont to look upon you as myself, and I thought it +would be unkind not to communicate to so tender a friend whatever +occasions me a sensible gratification; for I am not philosopher enough +to be indifferent, when I think I have acted like an honour-able man, +whether my actions meet with that approval which is in some sort their +due. Farewell. + + + +L -- To TITIUS ARISTO + +AMONG the many agreeable and obliging instances I have received of your +friendship, your not concealing from me the long conversations which +lately took place at your house concerning my verses, and the various +judgments passed upon them (which served to prolong the talk,) is by no +means the least. There were some, it seems, who did not disapprove of my +poems in themselves, but at the same time censured me in a free and +friendly way, for employing myself in composing and reciting them. I am +so far, however, from desiring to extenuate the charge that I willingly +acknowledge myself still more deserving of it, and confess that I +sometimes amuse myself with writing verses of the gayer sort. I compose +comedies, divert myself with pantomimes, read the lyric poets, and enter +into the spirit of the most wanton muse, besides that, I indulge myself +sometimes in laughter, mirth, and frolic, and, to sum up every kind of +innocent relaxation in one word, I am a man. I am not in the least +offended, though, at their low opinion of my morals, and that those who +are ignorant of the fact that the most learned, the wisest, and the best +of men have employed themselves in the same way, should be surprised at +the tone of my writings: but from those who know what noble and numerous +examples I follow, I shall, I am confident, easily obtain permission to +err with those whom it is an honour to imitate, not only in their most +serious occupations but their lightest triflings. Is it unbecoming me (I +will not name any living example, lest I should seem to flatter), but is +it unbecoming me to practise what became Tully, Calvus, Pollio, Messala, +Hortensius, Brutus, Sulla, Catulus, Scaevola, Sulpitius, Varro, the +Torquati, Memmius, Gaetulicus, Seneca, Lucceius, and, within our own +memory, Verginius Rufus? But if the examples of private men are not +sufficient to justify me, I can cite Julius Casar, Augustus, Nerva, and +Tiberius Casar. I forbear to add Nero to the catalogue, though I am +aware that what is practised by the worst of men does not therefore +degenerate into wrong: on the contrary, it still maintains its credit, +if frequently countenanced by the best. In that number, Virgil, +Cornelius Nepos, and prior to these, Ennius and Attius, justly deserve +the most distinguished place. These last indeed were not senators, but +goodness knows no distinction of rank or title. I recite my works, it is +true, and in this instance I am not sure I can support myself by their +examples. They, perhaps, might be satisfied with their own judgment, but +I have too humble an opinion of mine to suppose my compositions perfect, +because they appear so to my own mind. My reason then for reciting are, +that, for one thing, there is a certain deference for one's audience, +which excites a somewhat more vigorous application, and then again, I +have by this means an opportunity of settling any doubts I may have +concerning my performance, by observing the general opinion of the +audience. In a word, I have the advantage of receiving different hints +from different persons: and although they should not declare their +meaning in express terms, yet the expression of the countenance, the +movement of the head, the eyes, the motion of a hand, a whisper, or even +silence itself will easily distinguish their real opinion from the +language of politeness. And so if any one of my audience should have the +curiosity to read over the same performance which he heard me read, he +may find several things altered or omitted, and perhaps too upon his +particular judgment, though he did not say a single word to me. But I am +not defending my conduct in this particular, as if I had actually +recited my works in public, and not in my own house before my friends, a +numerous appearance of whom has upon many occasions been held an honour, +but never, surely, a reproach. Farewell. + + + +LI -- To NONIUS MAXIMUS + +I AM deeply afflicted with the news I have received of the death of +Fannius; in the first place, because I loved one so eloquent and +refined, in the next, because I was accustomed to be guided by his +judgment--and indeed he possessed great natural acuteness, improved by +practice, rendering him able to see a thing in an instant. There are +some circumstances about his death, which aggravate my concern. He left +behind him a will which had been made a considerable time before his +decease, by which it happens that his estate is fallen into the hands of +those who had incurred his displeasure, whilst his greatest favourites +are excluded. But what I particularly regret is, that he has left +unfinished a very noble work in which he was employed. Notwithstanding +his full practice at the bar, he had begun a history of those persons +who were put to death or banished by Nero, and completed three books of +it. They are written with great elegance and precision, the style is +pure, and preserves a proper medium between the plain narrative and the +historical: and as they were very favourably received by the public, he +was the more desirous of being able to finish the rest. The hand of +death is ever, in my opinion, too untimely and sudden when it falls upon +such as are employed in some immortal work. The sons of sensuality, who +have no outlook beyond the present hour, put an end every day to all +motives for living, but those who look forward to posterity, and +endeavour to transmit their names with honour to future generations by +their works--to such, death is always immature, as it still snatches +them from amidst some unfinished design. Fannius, long before his death, +had a presentiment of what has happened: he dreamed one night that as he +was lying on his couch, in an undress, all ready for his work, and with +his desk,[74] as usual, in front of him, Nero entered, and placing +himself by his side, took up the three first books of this history, +which he read through and then departed. This dream greatly alarmed him, +and he regarded it as an intimation, that he should not carry on his +history any farther than Nero had read, and so the event has proved. I +cannot reflect upon this accident without lamenting that he was +prevented from accomplishing a work which had cost him so many toilsome +vigils, as it suggests to me, at the same time, reflections on my own +mortality, and the fate of my writings: and I am persuaded the same +apprehensions alarm you for those in which you are at present employed. +Let us then, my friend, while life permits, exert all our endeavours, +that death, whenever it arrives, may find as little as possible to +destroy. Farewell. + + + +LII -- To DOMITIUS APOLLINARIS + +THE kind concern you expressed on hearing of my design to pass the +summer at my villa in Tuscany, and your obliging endeavours to dissuade +me from going to a place which you think unhealthy, are extremely +pleasing to me. It is quite true indeed that the air of that part of +Tuscany which lies towards the coast is thick and unwholesome: but my +house stands at a good distance from the sea, under one of the Apennines +which are singularly healthy. But, to relieve you from all anxiety on my +account, I will give you a description of the temperature of the +climate, the situation of the country, and the beauty of my villa, +which, I am persuaded, you will hear with as much pleasure as I shall +take in giving it. The air in winter is sharp and frosty, so that +myrtles, olives, and trees of that kind which delight in constant +warmth, will not flourish here: but the laurel thrives, and is +remarkably beautiful, though now and then the cold kills it--though not +oftener than it does in the neighbourhood of Rome. The summers are +extraordinarily mild, and there is always a refreshing breeze, seldom +high winds. This accounts for the number of old men we have about, you +would see grandfathers and great-grandfathers of those now grown up to +be young men, hear old stories and the dialect of our ancestors, and +fancy yourself born in some former age were you to come here. The +character of the country is exceedingly beautiful. Picture to yourself +an immense amphitheatre, such as nature only could create. Before you +lies a broad, extended plain bounded by a range of mountains, whose +summits are covered with tall and ancient woods, which are stocked with +all kinds of game. + +The descending slopes of the mountains are planted with underwood, among +which are a number of little risings with a rich soil, on which hardly a +stone is to be found. In fruitfulness they are quite equal to a valley, +and though their harvest is rather later, their crops are just as good. +At the foot of these, on the mountain-side, the eye, wherever it turns, +runs along one unbroken stretch of vineyards terminated by a belt of +shrubs. Next you have meadows and the open plain. The arable land is so +stiff that it is necessary to go over it nine times with the biggest +oxen and the strongest ploughs. The meadows are bright with flowers, and +produce trefoil and other kinds of herbage as fine and tender as if it +were but just sprung up, for all the soil is refreshed by never failing +streams. But though there is plenty of water, there are no marshes; for +the ground being on a slope, whatever water it receives without +absorbing runs off into the Tiber. This river, which winds through the +middle of the meadows, is navigable only in the winter and spring, at +which seasons it transports the produce of the lands to Rome: but in +summer it sinks below its banks, leaving the name of a great river to an +almost empty channel: towards the autumn, however, it begins again to +renew its claim to that title. You would be charmed by taking a view of +this country from the top of one of our neighbouring mountains, and +would fancy that not a real, but some imaginary landscape, painted by +the most exquisite pencil, lay before you, such an harmonious variety of +beautiful objects meets the eye, whichever way it turns. My house, +although at the foot of a hill, commands as good a view as if it stood +on its brow, yet you approach by so gentle and gradual a rise that you +find yourself on high ground without perceiving you have been making an +ascent. Behind, but at a great distance, is the Apennine range. In the +calmest days we get cool breezes from that quarter, not sharp and +cutting at all, being spent and broken by the long distance they have +travelled. The greater part of the house has a southern aspect, and +seems to invite the afternoon sun in summer (but rather earlier in the +winter) into a broad and proportionately long portico, consisting of +several rooms, particularly a court of antique fashion. In front of the +portico is a sort of terrace, edged with box and shrubs cut into +different shapes. You descend, from the terrace, by an easy slope +adorned with the figures of animals in box, facing each other, to a lawn +overspread with the soft, I had almost said the liquid, Acanthus: this +is surrounded by a walk enclosed with evergreens, shaped into a variety +of forms. Beyond it is the gestation laid out in the form of a circus +running round the multiform box-hedge and the dwarf-trees, which are cut +quite close. The whole is fenced in with a wall completely covered by +box cut into steps all the way up to the top. On the outside of the wall +lies a meadow that owes as many beauties to nature as all I have been +describing within does to art; at the end of which are open plain and +numerous other meadows and copses. From the extremity of the portico a +large dining-room runs out, opening upon one end of the terrace, while +from the windows there is a very extensive view over the meadows up into +the country, and from these you also see the terrace and the projecting +wing of the house together with the woods enclosing the adjacent +hippodrome. Almost opposite the centre of the portico, and rather to the +back, stands a summer-house, enclosing a small area shaded by four +plane-trees, in the midst of which rises a marble fountain which gently +plays upon the roots of the plane-trees and upon the grass-plots +underneath them. This summer-house has a bed-room in it free from every +sort of noise, and which the light itself cannot penetrate, together +with a common dining-room I use when I have none but intimate friends +with me. A second portico looks upon this little area, and has the same +view as the other I have just been describing. There is, besides, +another room, which, being situate close to the nearest plane-tree, +enjoys a constant shade and green. Its sides are encrusted with carved +marble up to the ceiling, while above the marble a foliage is painted +with birds among the branches, which has an effect altogether as +agreeable as that of the carving, at the foot of which a little +fountain, playing through several small pipes into a vase it encloses, +produces a most pleasing murmur. From a corner of the portico you enter +a very large bed-chamber opposite the large dining-room, which from some +of its windows has a view of the terrace, and from others, of the +meadow, as those in the front look upon a cascade, which entertains at +once both the eye and the ear; for the water, dashing from a great +height, foams over the marble basin which receives it below. This room +is extremely warm in winter, lying much exposed to the sun, and on a +cloudy day the heat of an adjoining stove very well supplies his +absence. Leaving this room, you pass through a good-sized, pleasant, +undressing-room into the cold-bath-room, in which is a large gloomy +bath: but if you are inclined to swim more at large, or in warmer water, +in the middle of the area stands a wide basin for that purpose, and near +it a reservoir from which you may be supplied with cold water to brace +yourself again, if you should find you are too much relaxed by the warm. +Adjoining the cold bath is one of a medium degree of heat, which enjoys +the kindly warmth of the sun, but not so intensely as the hot bath, +which projects farther. This last consists of three several +compartments, each of different degrees of heat; the two former lie open +to the full sun, the latter, though not much exposed to its heat, +receives an equal share of its light. Over the undressing-room is built +the tennis-court, which admits of different kinds of games and different +sets of players. Not far from the baths is the staircase leading to the +enclosed portico, three rooms intervening. One of these looks out upon +the little area with the four plane-trees round it, the other upon the +meadows, and from the third you have a view of several vineyards, so +that each has a different one, and looks towards a different point of +the heavens. At the upper end of the enclosed portico, and indeed taken +off from it, is a room that looks out upon the hippodrome, the +vineyards, and the mountains; adjoining is a room which has a full +exposure to the sun, especially in winter, and out of which runs another +connecting the hippodrome with the house. This forms the front. On the +side rises an enclosed portico, which not only looks out upon the +vineyards, but seems almost to touch them. From the middle of this +portico you enter a dining-room cooled by the wholesome breezes from the +Apennine valleys: from the windows behind, which are extremely large, +there is a close view of the vineyards, and from the folding doors +through the summer portico. Along that side of the dining-room where +there are no windows runs a private staircase for greater convenience in +serving up when I give an entertainment; at the farther end is a +sleeping-room with a look-out upon the vineyards, and (what is equally +agreeable) the portico. Underneath this room is an enclosed portico +resembling a grotto, which, enjoying in the midst of summer heats its +own natural coolness, neither admits nor wants external air. After you +have passed both these porticoes, at the end of the dining-room stands a +third, which according as the day is more or less advanced, serves +either for Winter or summer use. It leads to two different apartments, +one containing four chambers, the other, three, which enjoy by turns +both sun and shade. This arrangement of the different parts of my house +is exceedingly pleasant, though it is not to be compared with the beauty +of the hippodrome,' lying entirely open in the middle of the grounds, so +that the eye, upon your first entrance, takes it in entire in one view. +It is set round with plane-trees covered with ivy, so that, while their +tops flourish with their own green, towards the roots their verdure is +borrowed from the ivy that twines round the trunk and branches, spreads +from tree to tree, and connects them together. Between each plane-tree +are planted box-trees, and behind these stands a grove of laurels which +blend their shade with that of the planes. This straight boundary to the +hippodrome[75] alters its shape at the farther end, bending into a +semicircle, which is planted round, shut in with cypresses, and casts a +deeper and gloomier shade, while the inner circular walks (for there are +several), enjoying an open exposure, are filled with plenty of roses, +and correct, by a very pleasant contrast, the coolness of the shade with +the warmth of the sun. Having passed through these several winding +alleys, you enter a straight walk, which breaks out into a variety of +others, partitioned off by box-row hedges. In one place you have a +little meadow, in another the box is cut in a thousand different forms, +sometimes into letters, expressing the master's name, sometimes the +artificer's, whilst here and there rise little obelisks with fruit-trees +alternately intermixed, and then on a sudden, in the midst of this +elegant regularity, you are surprised with an imitation of the negligent +beauties of rural nature. In the centre of this lies a spot adorned with +a knot of dwarf plane-trees. Beyond these stands an acacia, smooth and +bending in places, then again various other shapes and names. At the +upper end is an alcove of white marble, shaded with vines and supported +by four small Carystian columns. From this semicircular couch, the +water, gushing up through several little pipes, as though pressed out by +the weight of the persons who recline themselves upon it, falls into a +stone cistern underneath, from whence it is received into a fine +polished marble basin, so skilfully contrived that it is always full +without ever overflowing. When I sup here, this basin serves as a table, +the larger sort of dishes being placed round the margin, while the +smaller ones swim about in the form of vessels and water-fowl. Opposite +this is a fountain which is incessantly emptying and filling, for the +water which it throws up to a great height, falling back again into it, +is by means of consecutive apertures returned as fast as it is received. +Facing the alcove (and reflecting upon it as great an ornament as it +borrows from it) stands a summer-house of exquisite marble, the doors of +which project and open into a green enclosure, while from its upper and +lower windows the eye falls upon a variety of different greens. Next to +this is a little private closet (which, though it seems distinct, may +form part of the same room), furnished with a couch, and notwithstanding +it has windows on every side, yet it enjoys a very agreeable gloom, by +means of a spreading vine which climbs to the top, and entirely +overshadows it. Here you may lie and fancy yourself in a wood, with this +only difference, that you are not exposed to the weather as you would be +there. Here too a fountain rises and instantly disappears--several +marble seats are set in different places, which are as pleasant as the +summer-house itself after one is tired out with walking. Near each is a +little fountain, and throughout the whole hippodrome several small rills +run murmuring along through pipes, wherever the hand of art has thought +proper to conduct them, watering here and there different plots of +green, and sometimes all parts at once. I should have ended before now, +for fear of being too chatty, had I not proposed in this letter to lead +you into every corner of my house and gardens. Nor did I apprehend your +thinking it a trouble to read the description of a place which I feel +sure would please you were you to see it; especially as you can stop +just when you please, and by throwing aside my letter, sit down as it +were, and give yourself a rest as often as you think proper. Besides, I +gave my little passion indulgence, for I have a passion for what I have +built, or finished, myself. In a word, (for why should I conceal from my +friend either my deliberate opinion or my prejudice?) I look upon it as +the first duty of every writer to frequently glance over his title-page +and consider well the subject he has proposed to himself; and he may be +sure, if he dwells on his subject, he cannot justly be thought tedious, +whereas if, on the contrary, he introduces and drags in anything +irrelevant, he will be thought exceedingly so. Homer, you know, has +employed many verses in the description of the arms of Achilles, as +Virgil has also in those of Aeneas, yet neither 'of them is prolix, +because they each keep within the limits of their original design. +Aratus, you observe, is not considered too circumstantial, though he +traces and enumerates the minutest stars, for he does not go out of his +way for that purpose, but only follows where his subject leads him. In +the same way (to compare small things with great), so long as, in +endeavouring to give you an idea of my house, I have not introduced +anything irrelevant or superfluous, it is not my letter which describes, +but my villa which is described, that is to be considered large. But to +return to where I began, lest I should justly be condemned by my own +law, if I continue longer in this digression, you see now the reasons +why I prefer my Tuscan villa to those which I possess at Tusculum, +Tiber, and Praeneste.[76] Besides the advantages already mentioned, I +enjoy here a cozier, more profound and undisturbed retirement than +anywhere else, as I am at a greater distance from the business of the +town and the interruption of troublesome clients. All is calm and +composed; which circumstances contribute no less than its clear air and +unclouded sky to that health of body and mind I particularly enjoy in +this place, both of which I keep in full swing by study and hunting. And +indeed there is no place which agrees better with my family, at least I +am sure I have not yet lost one (may the expression be allowed![77]) of +all those I brought here with me. And may the gods continue that +happiness to me, and that honour to my villa. Farewell. + + + +LIII -- To CALVISIUS + +IT is certain the law does not allow a corporate city to inherit any +estate by will, or to receive a legacy. Saturninus, however, who has +appointed me his heir, had left a fourth part of his estate to our +corporation of Comum; afterwards, instead of a fourth part, he +bequeathed four hundred thousand sesterces.[78] This bequest, in the eye +of the law, is null and void, but, considered as the clear and express +will of the deceased, ought to stand firm and valid. Myself, I consider +the will of the dead (though I am afraid what I say will not please the +lawyers) of higher authority than the law, especially when the interest +of one's native country is concerned. Ought I, who made them a present +of eleven hundred thousand sesterces[79] out of my own patrimony, to +withhold a benefaction of little more than a third part of that sum out +of an estate which has come quite by a chance into my hands? You, who +like a true patriot have the same affection for this our common country, +will agree with me in opinion, I feel sure. I wish therefore you would, +at the next meeting of the Decurii, acquaint them, just briefly and +respectfully, as to how the law stands in this case, and then add that I +offer them four hundred thousand sesterces according to the direction in +Saturninus' will. You will represent this donation as his present and +his liberality; I only claim the merit of complying with his request. I +did not trouble to write to their senate about this, fully relying as I +do upon our intimate friendship and your wise discretion, and being +quite satisfied that you are both able and willing to act for me upon +this occasion as I would for myself; besides, I was afraid I should not +seem to have so cautiously guarded my expressions in a letter as you +will be able to do in a speech. The countenance, the gesture, and even +the tone of voice govern and determine the sense of the speaker, whereas +a letter, being without these advantages, is more liable to malignant +misinterpretation. Farewell. + + + +LIV -- To MARCELLINUS + +I WRITE this to you in the deepest sorrow: the youngest daughter of my +friend Fundanus is dead! I have never seen a more cheerful and more +lovable girl, or one who better deserved to have enjoyed a long, I had +almost said an immortal, life! She was scarcely fourteen, and yet there +was in her a wisdom far beyond her years, a matronly gravity united with +girlish sweetness and virgin bashfulness. With what an endearing +fondness did she hang on her father's neck! How affectionately and +modestly she used to greet us his friends! With what a tender and +deferential regard she used to treat her nurses, tutors, teachers, each +in their respective offices! What an eager, industrious, intelligent, +reader she was! She took few amusements, and those with caution. How +self-controlled, how patient, how brave, she was, under her last +illness! She complied with all the directions of her physicians; she +spoke cheerful, comforting words to her sister and her father; and when +all her bodily strength was exhausted, the vigour of her mind sustained +her. That indeed continued even to her last moments, unbroken by the +pain of a long illness, or the terrors of approaching death; and it is a +reflection which makes us miss her, and grieve that she has gone from +us, the more. 0 melancholy, untimely, loss, too truly! She was engaged +to an excellent young man; the wedding-day was fixed, and we were all +invited. How our joy has been turned into sorrow! I cannot express in +words the inward pain I felt when I heard Fundanus himself (as grief is +ever finding out fresh circumstances to aggravate its affliction) +ordering the money he had intended laying out upon clothes, pearls, and +jewels for her marriage, to be employed in frankincense, ointments, and +perfumes for her funeral. He is a man of great learning and good sense, +who has applied himself from his earliest youth to the deeper studies +and the fine arts, but all the maxims of fortitude which he has received +from books, or advanced himself, he now absolutely rejects, and every +other virtue of his heart gives place to all a parent's tenderness. You +will excuse, you will even approve, his grief, when you consider what he +has lost. He has lost a daughter who resembled him in his manners, as +well as his person, and exactly copied out all her father. So, if you +should think proper to write to him upon the subject of so reasonable a +grief, let me remind you not to use the rougher arguments of +consolation, and such as seem to carry a sort of reproof with them, but +those of kind and sympathizing humanity. Time will render him more open +to the dictates of reason: for as a fresh wound shrinks back from the +hand of the surgeon, but by degrees submits to, and even seeks of its +own accord the means of its cure, so a mind under the first impression +of a misfortune shuns and rejects all consolations, but at length +desires and is lulled by their gentle application. Farewell. + + + +LV -- To SPURINNA + +KNOWING, as I do, how much you admire the polite arts, and what +satisfaction you take in seeing young men of quality pursue the steps of +their ancestors, I seize this earliest opportunity of informing you that +I went to-day to hear Calpurnius Piso read a beautiful and scholarly +production of his, entitled the Sports of Love. His numbers, which were +elegiac, were tender, sweet, and flowing, at the same time that they +occasionally rose to all the sublimity of diction which the nature of +his subject required. He varied his style from the lofty to the simple, +from the close to the copious, from the grave to the florid, with equal +genius and judgment. These beauties were further recommended by a most +harmonious voice; which a very becoming modesty rendered still more +pleasing. A confusion and concern in the countenance of a speaker +imparts a grace to all he utters; for diffidence, I know not how, is +infinitely more engaging than assurance and self-sufficiency. I might +mention several other circumstances to his advantage, which I am the +more inclined to point out, as they are exceedingly striking in one of +his age, and are most uncommon in a youth of his quality: but not to +enter into a farther detail of his merit, I will only add that, when he +had finished his poem, I embraced him very heartily, and being persuaded +that nothing is a greater encouragement than applause, I exhorted him to +go on as he had begun, and to shine out to posterity with the same +glorious lustre, which was reflected upon him from his ancestors. I +congratulated his excellent mother, and particularly his brother, who +gained as much honour by the generous affection he manifested upon this +occasion as Calpurnius did by his eloquence; so remarkable a solicitude +he showed for him when he began to recite his poem, and so much pleasure +in his success. May the gods grant me frequent occasions of giving you +accounts of this nature! for I have a partiality to the age in which I +live, and should rejoice to find it not barren of merit. I ardently +wish, therefore, our young men of quality would have something else to +show of honourable memorial in their houses than the images[80] of their +ancestors. As for those which are placed in the mansion of these +excellent youths, I now figure them to myself as silently applauding and +encouraging their pursuits, and (what is a sufficient degree of honour +to both brothers) as recognizing their kindred. Farewell. + + + +LVI -- To PAULINUS + +As I know the humanity with which you treat your own servants, I have +less reserve in confessing to you the indulgence I shew to mine. I have +ever in my mind that line of Homer's -- + +"Who swayed his people with a father's love": + +and this expression of ours, "father of a family." But were I harsher +and harder than I really am by nature, the ill state of health of my +freedman Zosimus (who has the stronger claim upon my tenderness, in that +he now stands in more especial need of it) would be sufficient to soften +me. He is a good, honest fellow, attentive in his services, and well- +read; but his chief talent, and indeed his distinguishing qualification, +is that of a comedian, in which he highly excels. His pronunciation is +distinct, correct in emphasis, pure, and graceful: he has a very skilled +touch, too, upon the lyre, and performs with better execution than is +necessary for one of his profession. To this I must add, he reads +history, oratory, and poetry, as well as if these had been the sole +objects of his study. I am the more particular in enumerating his +qualifications, to let you see how many agreeable services I receive +from this one servant alone. He is indeed endeared to me by the ties of +a long affection, which are strengthened by the danger he is now in. For +nature has so formed our hearts that nothing contributes more to incite +and kindle affection than the fear of losing the object of it: a fear +which I have suffered more than once on his account. Some years ago he +strained himself so much by too strong an exertion of his voice, that he +spit blood, upon which account I sent him into Egypt;[81] from whence, +after a long absence, belately returned with great benefit to his +health. But having again exerted himself for several days together +beyond his strength, he was reminded of his former malady by a slight +return of his cough, and a spitting of blood. For this reason I intend +to send him to your farm at Forum-Julii,[82] having frequently heard you +mention it as a healthy air, and recommend the milk of that place as +very salutary in disorders of his nature. I beg you would give +directions to your people to receive him into your house, and to supply +him with whatever he may have occasion for: which will not be much, for +he is so sparing and abstemious as not only to abstain from delicacies, +but even to deny himself the necessaries his ill state of health +requires. I shall furnish him towards his journey with what will be +sufficient for one of his moderate requirements, who is coming under +your roof. Farewell. + + + +LVII -- To RUFUS + +I WENT into the Julian[83] court to hear those lawyers to whom, +according to the last adjournment, I was to reply. The judges had taken +their seats, the decemviri[84] were arrived, the eyes of the audience +were fixed upon the counsel, and all was hushed silence and expectation, +when a messenger arrived from the praetor, and the Hundred are at once +dismissed, and the case postponed: an accident extremely agreeable to +me, who am never so well prepared but that I am glad of gaining further +time. The occasion of the court's rising thus abruptly was a short edict +of Nepos, the praetor for criminal causes, in which he directed all +persons concerned as plaintiffs or defendants in any cause before him to +take notice that he designed strictly to put in force the decree of the +senate annexed to his edict. Which decree was expressed in the following +words: + + +ALL PERSONS WHOSOEVER THAT HAVE ANY LAW-SUITS DEPENDING ARE HEREBY +REQUIRED AND COMMANDED, BEFORE ANY PROCEEDINGS BE HAD THEREON, TO TAKE +AN OATH THAT THEY HAVE NOT GIVEN, PROMISED, OR ENGAGED TO GIVE, ANY FEE +OR REWARD TO ANY ADVOCATE, UPON ACCOUNT OF HIS UNDERTAKING THEIR CAUSE. + +In these terms, and many others equally full and express, the lawyers +were prohibited to make their professions venal. However, after the case +is decided, they are permitted to accept a gratuity of ten thousand +sesterces.[85] The praetor for civil causes, being alarmed at this order +of Nepos, gave us this unexpected holiday in order to take time to +consider whether he should follow the example. Meanwhile the whole town +is talking, and either approving or condemning this edict of Nepos. We +have got then at last (say the latter with a sneer) a redressor of +abuses. But pray was there never a praetor before this man? Who is he +then who sets up in this way for a public reformer? Others, on the +contrary, say, "He has done perfectly right upon his entry into office; +he has paid obedience to the laws; considered the decrees of the senate, +repressed most indecent contracts, and will not suffer the most +honourable of all professions to be debased into a sordid lucre +traffic." This is what one hears all around one; but which side may +prevail, the event will shew. It is the usual method of the world +(though a very unequitable rule of estimation) to pronounce an action +either right or wrong, according as it is attended with good or ill +success; in consequence of which you may hear the very same conduct +attributed to zeal or folly, to liberty or licentiousness, upon +different several occasions. Farewell. + + + +LVIII -- To ARRIANUS + +SOMETIMES I miss Regulus in our courts. I cannot say I deplore his loss. +The man, it must be owned, highly respected his profession, grew pale +with study and anxiety over it, and used to write out his speeches +though he could not get them by heart. There was a practice he had of +painting round his right or left eye,[86] and wearing a white patch[87] +over one side or the other of his forehead, according as he was to plead +either for the plaintiff or defendant; of consulting the soothsayers +upon the issue of an action; still, all this excessive superstition was +really due to his extreme earnestness in his profession. And it was +acceptable enough being concerned in the same cause with him, as he +always obtained full indulgence in point of time, and never failed to +get an audience together; for what could be more convenient than, under +the protection of a liberty which you did not ask yourself, and all the +odium of the arrangement resting with another, and before an audience +which you had not the trouble of collecting, to speak on at your ease, +and as long as you thought proper? Nevertheless Regulus did well in +departing this life, though he would have done much better had he made +his exit sooner. He might really have lived now without any danger to +the public, in the reign of a prince under whom he would have had no +opportunity of doing any harm. I need not scruple therefore, I think, to +say I sometimes miss him: for since his death the custom has prevailed +of not allowing, nor indeed of asking more than an hour or two to plead +in, and sometimes not above half that time. The truth is, our advocates +take more pleasure in finishing a cause than in defending it; and our +judges had rather rise from the bench than sit upon it: such is their +indolence, and such their indifference to the honour of eloquence and +the interest of justice! But are we wiser than our ancestors? are we +more equitable than the laws which grant so many hours and days of +adjournments to a case? were our forefathers slow of apprehension, and +dull beyond measure? and are we clearer of speech, quicker in our +conceptions, or more scrupulous in our decisions, because we get over +our causes in fewer hours than they took days? O Regulus! it was by zeal +in your profession that you secured an advantage which is but rarely +given to the highest integrity. As for myself, whenever I sit upon the +bench (which is much oftener than I appear at the bar), I always give +the advocates as much time as they require: for I look upon it as highly +presuming to pretend to guess, before a case is heard, what time it will +require, and to set limits to an affair before one is acquainted with +its extent; especially as the first and most sacred duty of a judge is +patience, which constitutes an important part of justice. But this, it +is objected, would give an opening to much superfluous matter: I grant +it may; yet is it not better to hear too much than not to hear enough? +Besides, how shall you know that what an advocate has farther to offer +will be superfluous, until you have heard him? But this, and many other +public abuses, will be best reserved for a conversation when we meet; +for I know your affection to the commonwealth inclines you to wish that +some means might be found out to check at least those grievances, which +would now be very difficult absolutely to remove. But to return to +affairs of private concern: I hope all goes well in your family; mine +remains in its usual situation. The good which I enjoy grows more +acceptable to me by its continuance; as habit renders me less sensible +of the evils I suffer. Farewell. + + + +LIX -- To CALPURNIA[88] + +NEVER was business more disagreeable to me than when it prevented me not +only from accompanying you when you went into Campania for your health, +but from following you there soon after; for I want particularly to be +with you now, that I may learn from my own eyes whether you are growing +stronger and stouter, and whether the tranquillity, the amusements, and +plenty of that charming country really agree with you. Were you in +perfect health, yet I could ill support your absence; for even a +moment's uncertainty of the welfare of those we tenderly love causes a +feeling of suspense and anxiety: but now your sickness conspires with +your absence to trouble me grievously with vague and various anxieties. +I dread everything, fancy everything, and, as is natural to those who +fear, conjure up the very things I most dread. Let me the more earnestly +entreat you then to think of my anxiety, and write to me every day, and +even twice a day: I shall be more easy, at least while I am reading your +letters, though when I have read them, I shall immediately feel my fears +again. Farewell. + + + +LX -- To CALPURNIA + +You kindly tell me my absence very sensibly affects you, and that your +only consolation is in conversing with my works, which you frequently +substitute in my stead. I am glad that you miss me; I am glad that you +find some rest in these alleviations. In return, I read over your +letters again and again, and am continually taking them up, as if I had +just received them; but, alas! this only stirs in me a keener longing +for you; for how sweet must her conversation be whose letters have so +many charms? Let me receive them, however, as often as possible, +notwithstanding there is still a mixture of pain in the pleasure they +afford me. Farewell. + + + +LXI -- To PRISCUS + +You know Attilius Crescens, and you love him; who is there, indeed, of +any rank or worth, that does not? For myself, I profess to have a +friendship for him far exceeding ordinary attachments of the world. Our +native towns are separated only by a day's journey; and we got to care +for each other when we were very young; the season for passionate +friendships. Ours improved by years; and so far from being chilled, it +was confirmed by our riper judgments, as those who know us best can +witness. He takes pleasure in boasting everywhere of my friendship; as I +do to let the world know that his reputation, his ease, and his interest +are my peculiar concern. Insomuch that upon his expressing to me some +apprehension of insolent treatment from a certain person who was +entering upon the tribuneship of the people, I could not forbear +answering, -- + + +"Long as Achilles breathes this vital air, To touch thy head no impious +hand shall dare."<a href="#linknote-89" name="linknoteref-89" +id="linknoteref-89">[89]</a> + +What is my object in telling you these things? Why, to shew you that I +look upon every injury offered to Attilius as done to myself. "But what +is the object of all this?" you repeat. You must know then, Valerius +Varus, at his death, owed Attilius a sum of money. Though I am on +friendly terms with Maximus, his heir, yet there is a closer friendship +between him and you. I beg therefore, and entreat you by the affection +you have for me, to take care that Attilius is not only paid the capital +which is due to him, but all the long arrears of interest too. He +neither covets the property of others nor neglects the care of his own; +and as he is not engaged in any lucrative profession, he has nothing to +depend upon but his own frugality: for as to literature, in which he +greatly distinguishes himself, he pursues this merely from motives of +pleasure and ambition. In such a situation, the slightest loss presses +hard upon a man, and the more so because he has no opportunities of +repairing any injury done to his fortune. Remove then, I entreat you, +our uneasiness, and suffer me still to enjoy the pleasure of his wit and +bonhommie; for I cannot bear to see the cheerfulness of my friend over- +clouded, whose mirth and good humour dissipates every gloom of +melancholy in myself. In short, you know what a pleasant entertaining +fellow he is, and I hope you will not suffer any injury to engloom and +embitter his disposition. You may judge by the warmth of his affection +how severe his resentments would prove; for a generous and great mind +can ill brook an injury when coupled with contempt. But though he could +pass it over, yet cannot I: on the contrary, I shall regard it as a +wrong and indignity done to myself, and resent it as one offered to my +friend; that is, with double warmth. But, after all, why this air of +threatening? rather let me end in the same style in which I began, +namely, by begging, entreating you so to act in this affair that neither +Attilius may have reason to imagine (which I am exceedingly anxious he +should not) that I neglect his interest, nor that I may have occasion to +charge you with carelessness of mine: as undoubtedly I shall not if you +have the same regard for the latter as I have for the former. Farewell. + + + +LXII -- To ALBINUS + +I WAS lately at Alsium,[90] where my mother-in-law has a villa which +once belonged to Verginius Rufus. The place renewed in my mind the +sorrowful remembrance of that-great and excellent man. He was extremely +fond of this retirement, and used to call it the nest of his old age. +Whichever way I looked, I missed him, I felt his absence. I had an +inclination to visit his monument; but I repented having seen it, +afterwards: for I found it still unfinished, and this, not from any +difficulty residing in the work itself, for it is very plain, or rather +indeed slight; but through the neglect of him to whose care it was +entrusted. I could not see without a concern, mixed with indignation, +the remains of a man, whose fame filled the whole world, lie for ten +years after his death without an inscription, or a name. He had however +directed that the divine and immortal action of his life should be +recorded upon his tomb in the following lines: + + +"Here Rufus lies, who Vindex' arms withstood, Not for himself, but for +his country's good." + +But faithful friends are so rare, and the dead so soon forgotten, that +we shall be obliged ourselves to build even our very tombs, and +anticipate the office of our heirs. For who is there that has no reason +to fear for himself what we see has happened to Verginius, whose +eminence and distinction, while rendering such treatment more shameful, +so, in the same way, make it more notorious? Farewell. + + + +LXIII -- To MAXIMUS + +O WHAT a happy day I lately spent! I was called by the prefect of Rome, +to assist him in a certain case, and had the pleasure of hearing two +excellent young men, Fuscus Salinator and Numidius Quadratus, plead on +the opposite sides: their worth is equal, and each of them will one day, +I am persuaded, prove an ornament not only to the present age, but to +literature itself. They evinced upon this occasion an admirable probity, +supported by inflexible courage: their dress was decent, their elocution +distinct, their tones were manly, their memory retentive, their genius +elevated, and guided by an equal solidity of judgment. I took infinite +pleasure in observing them display these noble qualities; particularly +as I had the satisfaction to see that, while they looked upon me as +their guide and model, they appeared to the audience as my imitators and +rivals. It was a day (I cannot but repeat it again) which afforded me +the most exquisite happiness, and which I shall ever distinguish with +the fairest mark. For what indeed could be either more pleasing to me on +the public account than to observe two such noble youths building their +fame and glory upon the polite arts; or more desirable upon my own than +to be marked out as a worthy example to them in their pursuits of +virtue? May the gods still grant me the continuance of that pleasure! +And I implore the same gods, you are my witness, to make all these who +think me deserving of imitation far better than I am, Farewell. + + + +LXIV -- To ROMANUS + +You were not present at a very singular occurrence here lately: neither +was I, but the story reached me just after it had happened. Passienus +Paulus, a Roman knight, of good family, and a man of peculiar learning +and culture besides, composes elegies, a talent which runs in the +family, for Propertius is reckoned by him amongst his ancestors, as well +as being his countryman. He was lately reciting a poem which began thus: + + +"Priscus, at thy command"-- + +Whereupon Javolenus Priscus, who happened to be present as a particular +friend of the poet's, cried out--"But he is mistaken, I did not command +him." Think what laughter and merriment this occasioned. Priscus's wits, +you must know, are reckoned rather unsound,[91] though he takes a share +in public business, is summoned to consultations, and even publicly acts +as a lawyer, so that this behaviour of his was the more remarkable and +ridiculous: meanwhile Paulus was a good deal disconcerted by his +friend's absurdity. You see how necessary it is for those who are +anxious to recite their works in public to take care that the audience +as well as the author are perfectly sane. Farewell. + + + +LXV -- To TACITUS + +YOUR request that I would send you an account of my uncle's death, in +order to transmit a more exact relation of it to posterity, deserves my +acknowledgments; for, if this accident shall be celebrated by your pen, +the glory of it, I am well assured, will be rendered forever +illustrious. And notwithstanding he perished by a misfortune, which, as +it involved at the same time a most beautiful country in ruins, and +destroyed so many populous cities, seems to promise him an everlasting +remembrance; notwithstanding he has himself composed many and lasting +works; yet I am persuaded, the mentioning of him in your immortal +writings, will greatly contribute to render his name immortal. Happy I +esteem those to be to whom by provision of the gods has been granted the +ability either to do such actions as are worthy of being related or to +relate them in a manner worthy of being read; but peculiarly happy are +they who are blessed with both these uncommon talents: in the number of +which my uncle, as his own writings and your history will evidently +prove, may justly be ranked. It is with extreme willingness, therefore, +that I execute your commands; and should indeed have claimed the task if +you had not enjoined it. He was at that time with the fleet under his +command at Misenum.[92] On the 24th of August, about one in the +afternoon, my mother desired him to observe a cloud which appeared of a +very unusual size and shape. He had just taken a turn in the sun[93] +and, after bathing himself in cold water, and making a light luncheon, +gone back to his books: he immediately arose and went out upon a rising +ground from whence he might get a better sight of this very uncommon +appearance. A cloud, from which mountain was uncertain, at this distance +(but it was found afterwards to come from Mount Vesuvius), was +ascending, the appearance of which I cannot give you a more exact +description of than by likening it to that of a pine tree, for it shot +up to a great height in the form of a very tall trunk, which spread +itself out at the top into a sort of branches; occasioned, I imagine, +either by a sudden gust of air that impelled it, the force of which +decreased as it advanced upwards, or the cloud itself being pressed back +again by its own weight, expanded in the manner I have mentioned; it +appeared sometimes bright and sometimes dark and spotted, according as +it was either more or less impregnated with earth and cinders. This +phenomenon seemed to a man of such learning and research as my uncle +extraordinary and worth further looking into. He ordered a light vessel +to be got ready, and gave me leave, if I liked, to accompany him. I said +I had rather go on with my work; and it so happened, he had himself +given me something to write out. As he was coming out of the house, he +received a note from Rectina, the wife of Bassus, who was in the utmost +alarm at the imminent danger which threatened her; for her villa lying +at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, there was no way of escape but by sea; +she earnestly entreated him therefore to come to her assistance. He +accordingly changed his first intention, and what he had begun from a +philosophical, he now carries out in a noble and generous spirit. He +ordered the galleys to be put to sea, and went himself on board with an +intention of assisting not only Rectina, but the several other towns +which lay thickly strewn along that beautiful coast. Hastening then to +the place from whence others fled with the utmost terror, he steered his +course direct to the point of danger, and with so much calmness and +presence of mind as to be able to make and dictate his observations upon +the motion and all the phenomena of that dreadful scene. He was now so +close to the mountain that the cinders, which grew thicker and hotter +the nearer he approached, fell into the ships, together with pumice- +stones, and black pieces of burning rock: they were in danger too not +only of being aground by the sudden retreat of the sea, but also from +the vast fragments which rolled down from the mountain, and obstructed +all the shore. Here he stopped to consider whether he should turn back +again; to which the pilot advising him, "Fortune," said he, "favours the +brave; steer to where Pomponianus is." Pomponianus was then at +Stabiae,[94] separated by a bay, which the sea, after several insensible +windings, forms with the shore. He had already sent his baggage on +board; for though he was not at that time in actual danger, yet being +within sight of it, and indeed extremely near, if it should in the least +increase, he was determined to put to sea as soon as the wind, which was +blowing dead in-shore, should go down. It was favourable, however, for +carrying my uncle to Pomponianus, whom he found in the greatest +consternation: he embraced him tenderly, encouraging and urging him to +keep up his spirits, and, the more effectually to soothe his fears by +seeming unconcerned himself, ordered a bath to be got ready, and then, +after having bathed, sat down to supper with great cheerfulness, or at +least (what is just as heroic) with every appearance of it. Meanwhile +broad flames shone out in several places from Mount Vesuvius, which the +darkness of the night contributed to render still brighter and clearer. +But my uncle, in order to soothe the apprehensions of his friend, +assured him it was only the burning of the villages, which the country +people had abandoned to the flames: after this he retired to rest, and +it is most certain he was so little disquieted as to fall into a sound +sleep: for his breathing, which, on account of his corpulence, was +rather heavy and sonorous, was heard by the attendants outside. The +court which led to his apartment being now almost filled with stones and +ashes, if he had continued there any time longer, it would have been +impossible for him to have made his way out. So he was awoke and got up, +and went to Pomponianus and the rest of his company, who were feeling +too anxious to think of going to bed. They consulted together whether it +would be most prudent to trust to the houses, which now rocked from side +to side with frequent and violent concussions as though shaken from +their very foundations; or fly to the open fields, where the calcined +stones and cinders, though light indeed, yet fell in large showers, and +threatened destruction. In this choice of dangers they resolved for the +fields: a resolution which, while the rest of the company were hurried +into by their fears, my uncle embraced upon cool and deliberate +consideration. They went out then, having pillows tied upon their heads +with napkins; and this was their whole defence against the storm of +stones that fell round them. It was now day everywhere else, but there a +deeper darkness prevailed than in the thickest night; which however was +in some degree alleviated by torches and other lights of various kinds. +They thought proper to go farther down upon the shore to see if they +might safely put out to sea, but found the waves still running extremely +high, and boisterous. There my uncle, laying himself down upon a sail +cloth, which was spread for him, called twice for some cold water, which +he drank, when immediately the flames, preceded by a strong whiff of +sulphur, dispersed the rest of the party, and obliged him to rise. He +raised himself up with the assistance of two of his servants, and +instantly fell down dead; suffocated, as I conjecture, by some gross and +noxious vapour, having always had a weak throat, which was often +inflamed. As soon as it was light again, which was not till the third +day after this melancholy accident, his body was found entire, and +without any marks of violence upon it, in the dress in which he fell, +and looking more like a man asleep than dead. During all this time my +mother and I, who were at Miscnum--but this has no connection with your +history, and you did not desire any particulars besides those of my +uncle's death; so I will end here, only adding that I have faithfully +related to you what I was either an eye-witness of myself or received +immediately after the accident happened, and before there was time to +vary the truth. You will pick out of this narrative whatever is most +important: for a letter is one thing, a history another; it is one thing +writing to a friend, another thing writing to the public. Farewell. + + + +LXVI -- To CORNELIUS TACITUS + +THE letter which, in compliance with your request, I wrote to you +concerning the death of my uncle has raised, it seems, your curiosity to +know what terrors and dangers attended me while I continued at Misenum; +for there, I think, my account broke off: + + +"Though my shock'd soul recoils, my tongue shall tell." + +My uncle having left us, I spent such time as was left on my studies (it +was on their account indeed that I had stopped behind), till it was time +for my bath. After which I went to supper, and then fell into a short +and uneasy sleep. There had been noticed for many days before a +trembling of the earth, which did not alarm us much, as this is quite an +ordinary occurrence in Campania; but it was so particularly violent that +night that it not only shook but actually overturned, as it would seem, +everything about us. My mother rushed into my chamber, where she found +me rising, in order to awaken her. We sat down in the open court of the +house, which occupied a small space between the buildings and the sea. +As I was at that time but eighteen years of age, I know not whether I +should call my behaviour, in this dangerous juncture, courage or folly; +but I took up Livy, and amused myself with turning over that author, and +even making extracts from him, as if I had been perfectly at my leisure. +Just then, a friend of my uncle's, who had lately come to him from +Spain, joined us, and observing me sitting by my mother with a book in +my hand, reproved her for her calmness, and me at the same time for my +careless security: nevertheless I went on with my author. Though it was +now morning, the light was still exceedingly faint and doubtful; the +buildings all around us tottered, and though we stood upon open ground, +yet as the place was narrow and confined, there was no remaining without +imminent danger: we therefore resolved to quit the town. A panic- +stricken crowd followed us, and (as to a mind distracted with terror +every suggestion seems more prudent than its own) pressed on us in dense +array to drive us forward as we came out. Being at a convenient distance +from the houses, we stood still, in the midst of a most dangerous and +dreadful scene. The chariots, which we had ordered to be drawn out, were +so agitated backwards and forwards, though upon the most level ground, +that we could not keep them steady, even by supporting them with large +stones. The sea seemed to roll back upon itself, and to be driven from +its banks by the convulsive motion of the earth; it is certain at least +the shore was considerably enlarged, and several sea animals were left +upon it. On the other side, a black and dreadful cloud, broken with +rapid, zigzag flashes, revealed behind it variously shaped masses of +flame: these last were like sheet-lightning, but much larger. Upon this +our Spanish friend, whom I mentioned above, addressing himself to my +mother and me with great energy and urgency: "If your brother," he said, +"if your uncle be safe, he certainly wishes you may be so too; but if he +perished, it was his desire, no doubt, that you might both survive him: +why therefore do you delay your escape a moment?" We could never think +of our own safety, we said, while we were uncertain of his. Upon this +our friend left us, and withdrew from the danger with the utmost +precipitation. Soon afterwards, the cloud began to descend, and cover +the sea. It had already surrounded and concealed the island of Capreae +and the promontory of Misenum. My mother now besought, urged, even +commanded me to make my escape at any rate, which, as I was young, I +might easily do; as for herself, she said, her age and corpulency +rendered all attempts of that sort impossible; however, she would +willingly meet death if she could have the satisfaction of seeing that +she was not the occasion of mine. But I absolutely refused to leave her, +and, taking her by the hand, compelled her to go with me. She complied +with great reluctance, and not without many reproaches to herself for +retarding my flight. The ashes now began to fall upon us, though in no +great quantity. I looked back; a dense dark mist seemed to be following +us, spreading itself over the country like a cloud. "Let us turn out of +the high-road," I said, "while we can still see, for fear that, should +we fall in the road, we should be pressed to death in the dark, by the +crowds that are following us." We had scarcely sat down when night came +upon us, not such as we have when the sky is cloudy, or when there is no +moon, but that of a room when it is shut up, and all the lights put out. +You might hear the shrieks of women, the screams of children, and the +shouts of men; some calling for their children, others for their +parents, others for their husbands, and seeking to recognise each other +by the voices that replied; one lamenting his own fate, another that of +his family; some wishing to die, from the very fear of dying; some +lifting their hands to the gods; but the greater part convinced that +there were now no gods at all, and that the final endless night of which +we have heard had come upon the world.[95] Among these there were some +who augmented the real terrors by others imaginary or wilfully invented. +I remember some who declared that one part of Misenum had fallen, that +another was on fire; it was false, but they found people to believe +them. It now grew rather lighter, which we imagined to be rather the +forerunner of an approaching burst of flames (as in truth it was) than +the return of day: however, the fire fell at a distance from us: then +again we were immersed in thick darkness, and a heavy shower of ashes +rained upon us, which we were obliged every now and then to stand up to +shake off, otherwise we should have been crushed and buried in the heap. +I might boast that, during all this scene of horror, not a sigh, or +expression of fear, escaped me, had not my support been grounded in that +miserable, though mighty, consolation, that all mankind were involved in +the same calamity, and that I was perishing with the world itself. At +last this dreadful darkness was dissipated by degrees, like a cloud or +smoke; the real day returned, and even the sun shone out, though with a +lurid light, like when an eclipse is coming on. Every object that +presented itself to our eyes (which were extremely weakened) seemed +changed, being covered deep with ashes as if with snow. We returned to +Misenum, where we refreshed ourselves as well as we could, and passed an +anxious night between hope and fear; though, indeed, with a much larger +share of the latter: for the earthquake still continued, while many +frenzied persons ran up and down heightening their own and their +friends' calamities by terrible predictions. However, my mother and I, +notwithstanding the danger we had passed, and that which still +threatened us, had no thoughts of leaving the place, till we could +receive some news of my uncle. + +And now, you will read this narrative without any view of inserting it +in your history, of which it is not in the least worthy; and indeed you +must put it down to your own request if it should appear not worth even +the trouble of a letter. Farewell. + + + +LX VII -- To MACER + +How much does the fame of human actions depend upon the station of those +who perform them! The very same conduct shall be either applauded to the +skies or entirely overlooked, just as it may happen to proceed from a +person of conspicuous or obscure rank. I was sailing lately upon our +lake,[96] with an old man of my acquaintance, who desired me to observe +a villa situated upon its banks, which had a chamber overhanging the +water. "From that room," said he, "a woman of our city threw herself and +her husband." Upon enquiring into the cause, he informed me, "That her +husband having been long afflicted with an ulcer in those parts which +modesty conceals, she prevailed with him at last to let her inspect the +sore, assuring him at the same time that she would most sincerely give +her opinion whether there was a possibility of its being cured. +Accordingly, upon viewing the ulcer, she found the case hopeless, and +therefore advised him to put an end to his life: she herself +accompanying him, even leading the way by her example, and being +actually the means of his death; for tying herself to her husband, she +plunged with him into the lake." Though this happened in the very city +where I was born, I never heard it mentioned before; and yet that this +action is taken less notice of than that famous one of Arria's, is not +because it was less remarkable, but because the person who performed it +was more obscure. Farewell. + + + +LXVIII -- To SERVIANUS + +I AM extremely glad to hear that you intend your daughter for Fuscus +Salinator, and congratulate you upon it. His family is patrician,[97] +and both his father and mother are persons of the most distinguished +merit. As for himself, he is studious, learned, and eloquent, and, with +all the innocence of a child, unites the sprightliness of youth and the +wisdom of age. I am not, believe me, deceived by my affection, when I +give him this character; for though I love him, I confess, beyond +measure (as his friendship and esteem for me well deserve), yet +partiality has no share in my judgment: on the contrary, the stronger my +affection for him, the more exactingly I weigh his merit. I will +venture, then, to assure you (and I speak it upon my own experience) you +could not have, formed to your wishes, a more accomplished son-in-law. +May he soon present you with a grandson, who shall be the exact copy of +his father! and with what pleasure shall I receive from the arms of two +such friends their children or grand-children, whom I shall claim a sort +of right to embrace as my own! Farewell. + + + +LXIX -- To SEVERUS + +You desire me to consider what turn you should give to your speech in +honour of the emperor,[98] upon your being appointed consul elect.[99] +It is easy to find copies, not so easy to choose out of them; for his +virtues afford such abundant material. However, I will write and give +you my opinion, or (what I should prefer) I will let you have it in +person, after having laid before you the difficulties which occur to me. +I am doubtful, then, whether I should advise you to pursue the method +which I observed myself on the same occasion. When I was consul elect, I +avoided running into the usual strain of compliment, which, however far +from adulation, might yet look like it. Not that I affected firmness and +independence; but, as well knowing the sentiments of our amiable prince, +and being thoroughly persuaded that the highest praise I could offer to +him would be to show the world I was under no necessity of paying him +any. When I reflected what profusion of honours had been heaped upon the +very worst of his predecessors, nothing, I imagined, could more +distinguish a prince of his real virtues from those infamous emperors +than to address him in a different manner. And this I thought proper to +observe in my speech, lest it might be suspected I passed over his +glorious acts, not out of judgment, but inattention. Such was the method +I then observed; but I am sensible the same measures are neither +agreeable nor indeed suitable to all alike. Besides the propriety of +doing or omitting a thing depends not only upon persons, but time and +circumstances; and as the late actions of our illustrious prince afford +materials for panegyric, no less just than recent and glorious, I doubt +(as I said before) whether I should persuade you in the present instance +to adopt the same plan as I did myself. In this, however, I am clear, +that it was proper to offer you by way of advice the method I pursued. +Farewell. + + + +LXX -- To FABATUS + +I HAVE the best reason, certainly, for celebrating your birthday as my +own, since all the happiness of mine arises from yours, to whose care +and diligence it is owing that I am gay here and at my ease in town. -- +Your Camillian villa[100] in Campania has suffered by the injuries of +time, and is falling into decay; however, the most valuable parts of the +building either remain entire or are but slightly damaged, and it shall +be my care to see it put into thorough repair. -- Though I flatter +myself I have many friends, yet I have scarcely any of the sort you +enquire after, and which the affair you mention demands. All mine lie +among those whose employments engage them in town; whereas the conduct +of country business requires a person of a robust constitution, and bred +up to the country, to whom the work may not seem hard, nor the office +beneath him, and who does not feel a solitary life depressing. You think +most highly of Rufus, for he was a great friend of your son's; but of +what use he can be to us upon this occasion, I cannot conceive; though I +am sure he will be glad to do all he can for us. Farewell. + + + +LXXI -- To CORNELIANUS + +I RECEIVED lately the most exquisite satisfaction at Centumcellae[101] +(as it is now called), being summoned thither by Cæsar[102] to attend a +council. Could anything indeed afford a higher pleasure than to see the +emperor exercising his justice, his wisdom, and his affability, even in +retirement, where those virtues are most observable? Various were the +points brought in judgment before him, and which proved, in so many +different instances, the excellence of the judge. The cause of Claudius +Ariston came on first. He is an Ephesian nobleman, of great munificence +and unambitious popularity, whose virtues have rendered him obnoxious to +a set of people of far different characters; they had instigated an +informer against him, of the same infamous stamp with themselves; but he +was honourably acquitted. The next day, the case of Galitta, accused of +adultery, was heard. Her husband, who is a military tribune, was upon +the point of offering himself as a candidate for certain honours at +Rome, but she had stained her own good name and his by an intrigue with +a centurion.[103] The husband informed the consul's lieutenant, who +wrote to the emperor about it. Cæsar, having thoroughly sifted the +evidence, cashiered the centurion, and sentenced him to banishment. It +remained that some penalty should be inflicted likewise upon the other +party, as it is a crime of which both must necessarily be equally +guilty. But the husband's affection for his wife inclined him to drop +that part of the prosecution, not without some reflections on his +forbearance; for he continued to live with her even after he had +commenced this prosecution, content, it would seem, with having removed +his rival. But he was ordered to proceed in the suit: and, though he +complied with great reluctance, it was necessary, nevertheless, that she +should be condemned. Accordingly, she was sentenced to the punishment +directed by the Julian law.[104] The emperor thought proper to specify, +in his decree, the name and office of the centurion, that it might +appear he passed it in virtue of military discipline; lest it should be +imagined he claimed a particular cognizance in every cause of the same +nature. The third day was employed in examining into an affair which had +occasioned a good deal of talk and various reports; it was concerning +the codicils of Julius Tiro, part of which was plainly genuine, while +the other part, it was alleged, was forged. The persons accused of this +fraud were Sempronius Senecio, a Roman knight, and Eurythmus, Cæsar's +freedman and procurator.[105] The heirs jointly petitioned the emperor, +when he was in Dacia,[106] that he would reserve to himself the trial of +this cause; to which he consented. On his return from that expedition, +he appointed a day for the hearing; and when some of the heirs, as +though out of respect to Eurythmus, offered to withdraw the suit, the +emperor nobly replied, "He is not Polycletus,[107] nor am I Nero." +However, he indulged the petitioners with an adjournment, and the time +being expired, he now sat to hear the cause. Two of the heirs appeared, +and desired that either their whole number might be compelled to plead, +as they had all joined in the information, or that they also might have +leave to withdraw. Cæsar delivered his opinion with great dignity and +moderation; and when the counsel on the part of Senecio and Eurythmus +had represented that unless their clients were heard, they would remain +under the suspicion of guilt,--"I am not concerned," said the emperor, +"what suspicions they may lie under, it is I that am suspected;" and +then turning to us, "Advise me," said he, "how to act in this affair, +for you see they complain when allowed to withdraw their suit." At +length, by the advice of the counsel, he 'ordered notice to be given to +the heirs that they should either proceed with the case or each of them +justify their reasons for not doing so; otherwise that he would pass +sentence upon them as calumniators.[108] Thus you see how usefully and +seriously we spent our time, which however was diversified with +amusements of the most agreeable kind. We were every day invited to +Cæsar's table, which, for so great a prince, was spread with much +plainness and simplicity. There we were either entertained with +interludes or passed the night in the most pleasing conversation. When +we took our leave of him the last day, he made each of us presents; so +studiously polite is Cæsar! As for myself, I was not only charmed with +the dignity and wisdom of the judge, the honour done to the assessors, +the ease and unreserved freedom of our social intercourse, but with the +exquisite situation of the place itself. This delightful villa is +surrounded by the greenest meadows, and overlooks the shore, which bends +inwards, forming a complete harbour. The left arm of this port is +defended by exceedingly strong works, while the right is in process of +completion. An artificial island, which rises at the mouth of the +harbour, breaks the force of the waves, and affords a safe passage to +ships on either side. This island is formed by a process worth seeing: +stones of a most enormous size are transported hither in a large sort of +pontoons, and being piled one upon the other, are fixed by their own +weight, gradually accumulating in the manner, as it were, of a natural +mound. It already lifts its rocky back above the ocean, while the waves +which beat upon it, being broken and tossed to an immense height, foam +with a prodigious noise, and whiten all the surrounding sea. To these +stones are added wooden piers, which in process of time will give it the +appearance of a natural island. This haven is to be called by the name +of its great author,[109] and will prove of infinite benefit, by +affording a secure retreat to ships on that extensive and dangerous +coast. Farewell. + + + +LXXII -- To MAXIMUS + +You did perfectly right in promising a gladiatorial combat to our good +friends the citizens of Verona, who have long loved, looked up to, and +honoured, you; while it was from that city too you received that amiable +object of your most tender affection, your late excellent wife. And +since you owed some monument or public representation to her memory, +what other spectacle could you have exhibited more appropriate to the +occasion? Besides, you were so unanimously pressed to do so that to have +refused would have looked more like hardness than resolution. The +readiness too with which you granted their petition, and the magnificent +manner in which you performed it, is very much to your honour; for a +greatness of soul is seen in these smaller instances, as well as in +matters of higher moment. I wish the African panthers, which you had +largely provided for this purpose, had arrived on the day appointed, but +though they were delayed by the stormy weather, the obligation to you is +equally the same, since it was not your fault that they were not +exhibited. Farewell. + + + +LXXIII -- To RESTITUTUS + +THIS obstinate illness of yours alarms me; and though I know how +extremely temperate you are, yet I fear lest your disease should get the +better of your moderation. Let me entreat you then to resist it with a +determined abstemiousness: a remedy, be assured, of all others the most +laudable as well as the most salutary. Human nature itself admits the +practicability of what I recommend: it is a rule, at least, which I +always enjoin my family to observe with respect to myself. "I hope," I +say to them, "that should I be attacked with any disorder, I shall +desire nothing of which I ought either to be ashamed or have reason to +repent; however, if my distemper should prevail over my resolution, I +forbid that anything be given me but by the consent of my physicians; +and I shall resent your compliance with me in things improper as much as +another man would their refusal." I once had a most violent fever; when +the fit was a little abated, and I had been anointed,[110] my physician +offered me something to drink; I held out my hand, desiring he would +first feel my pulse, and upon his not seeming quite satisfied, I +instantly returned the cup, though it was just at my lips. Afterwards, +when I was preparing to go into the bath, twenty days from the first +attack of my illness, perceiving the physicians whispering together, I +enquired what they were saying. They replied they were of opinion I may +possibly bathe with safety, however that they were not without some +suspicion of risk. "What need is there," said I, "of my taking a bath at +all?" And so, with perfect calmness and tranquillity, I gave up a +pleasure I was upon the point of enjoying, and abstained from the bath +as serenely and composedly as though I were going into it. I mention +this, not only by way of enforcing my advice by example, but also that +this letter may be a sort of tie upon me to persevere in the same +resolute abstinence for the future. Farewell. + + + +LXXIV -- To CALPURNIA[111] + +You will not believe what a longing for you possesses me. The chief +cause of this is my love; and then we have not grown used to be apart. +So it comes to pass that I lie awake a great part of the night, thinking +of you; and that by day, when the hours return at which I was wont to +visit you, my feet take me, as it is so truly said, to your chamber, but +not finding you there, I return, sick and sad at heart, like an excluded +lover. The only time that is free from these torments is when I am being +worn out at the bar, and in the suits of my friends. Judge you what must +be my life when I find my repose in toil, my solace in wretchedness and +anxiety. Farewell. + + + +LXXV -- To MACRINUS + +A VERY singular and remarkable accident has happened in the affair of +Varenus,[112] the result of which is yet doubtful. The Bithynians, it is +said, have dropped their prosecution of him being convinced at last that +it was rashly undertaken. A deputy from that province is arrived, who +has brought with him a decree of their assembly; copies of which he has +delivered to Cæsar,[113] and to several of the leading men in Rome, and +also to us, the advocates for Varenus. Magnus,[114] nevertheless, whom I +mentioned in my last letter to you, persists in his charge, to support +which he is incessantly teasing the worthy Nigrinus. This excellent +person was counsel for him in his former petition to the consuls, that +Varenus might be compelled to produce his accounts. Upon this occasion, +as I attended Varenus merely as a friend, I determined to be silent. I +thought it highly imprudent for me, as I was appointed his counsel by +the senate, to attempt to defend him as an accused person, when it was +his business to insist that there was actually no charge subsisting +against him. However, when Nigrinus had finished his speech, the consuls +turning their eyes upon me, I rose up, and, "When you shall hear," I +said, "what the real deputies from the province have to object against +the motion of Nigrinus, you will see that my silence was not without +just reason." Upon this Nigrinus asked me, "To whom are these deputies +sent?" I replied, "To me among others; I have the decree of the province +in my hands." He returned, "That is a point which, though it may be +clear to you, I am not so well satisfied of." To this I answered, +"Though it may not be so evident to you, who are concerned to support +the accusation, it may be perfectly clear to me, who am on the more +favourable side." Then Polyaenus, the deputy from the province, +acquainted the senate with the reasons for superseding the prosecution, +but desired it might be without prejudice to Cæsar's determination. +Magnus answered him; Polyaenus replied; as for myself, I only now and +then threw in a word, observing in general a complete silence. For I +have learned that upon some occasions it is as much an orator's business +to be silent as to speak, and I remember, in some criminal cases, to +have done even more service to my clients by a discreet silence than I +could have expected from the most carefully prepared speech. To enter +into the subject of eloquence is indeed very foreign to the purpose of +my letter, yet allow me to give you one instance in proof of my last +observation. A certain lady having lost her son suspected that his +freedmen, whom he had appointed coheirs with her, were guilty of forging +the will and poisoning him. Accordingly she charged them with the fact +before the emperor, who directed Julianus Suburanus to try the cause. I +was counsel for the defendants, and the case being exceedingly +remarkable, and the counsel engaged on both sides of eminent ability, it +drew together a very numerous audience. The issue was, the servants +being put to the torture, my clients were acquitted. But the mother +applied a second time to the emperor, pretending she had discovered some +new evidence. Suburanus was therefore directed to hear the cause, and +see if she could produce any fresh proofs. Julius Africanus was counsel +for the mother, a young man of good parts, but slender experience. He is +grandson to the famous orator of that name, of whom it is reported that +Passienus Crispus, hearing him one day plead, archly said, "Very fine, I +must confess, very fine; but is all this fine speaking to the purpose?" +Julius Africanus, I say, having made a long harangue, and exhausted the +portion of time allotted to him, said, "I beg you, Suburanus, to allow +me to add one word more." When he had concluded, and the eyes of the +whole assembly had been fixed a considerable time upon me, I rose up. "I +would have answered Africanus," said I, "if he had added that one word +he begged leave to do, in which I doubt not he would have told us all +that we had not heard before." I do not remember to have gained so much +applause by any speech that I ever made as I did in this instance by +making none. Thus the little that I had hitherto said for Varenus was +received with the same general approbation. The consuls, agreeably to +the request of Polyaenus, reserved the whole affair for the +determination of the emperor, whose resolution I impatiently wait for; +as that will decide whether I may be entirely secure and easy with +respect to Varenus, or must again renew all my trouble and anxiety upon +his account. Farewell. + + + +LXXVI -- To TUSCUS + +You desire my opinion as to the method of study you should pursue, in +that retirement to which you have long since withdrawn. In the first +place, then, I look upon it as a very advantageous practice (and it is +what many recommend) to translate either from Greek into Latin or from +Latin into Greek. By this means you acquire propriety and dignity of +expression, and a variety of beautiful figures, and an ease and strength +of exposition, and in the imitation of the best models a facility of +creating such models for yourself. Besides, those things which you may +possibly have overlooked in an ordinary reading over cannot escape you +in translating: and this method will also enlarge your knowledge, and +improve your judgment. It may not be amiss, after you have read an +author, to turn, as it were, to his rival, and attempt something ol your +own upon the same topic, and then make a careful comparison between your +performance and his, in order to see in what points either you or he may +be the happier. You may congratulate yourself indeed if you shall find +in some things that you have the advantage of him, while it will be a +great mortification if he is always superior. You may sometimes select +very famous passages and compete with what you select. The competition +is daring enough, but, as it is private, cannot be called impudent. Not +but that we have seen instances of persons who have publicly entered +this sort of lists with great credit to themselves, and, while they did +not despair of overtaking, have gloriously outstripped those whom they +thought it sufficient honour to follow. A speech no longer fresh in your +memory, you may take up again. You will find plenty in it to leave +unaltered, but still more to reject; you will add a new thought here, +and alter another there. It is a laborious and tedious task, I own, thus +to re-enflame the mind after the first heat is over, to recover an +impulse when its force has been checked and spent, and, worse than all, +to put new limbs into a body already complete without disturbing the +old; but the advantage attending this method will overbalance the +difficulty. I know the bent of your present attention is directed +towards the eloquence of the bar; but I would not for that reason advise +you never to quit the polemic, if I may so call it, and contentious +style. As land is improved by sowing it with various seeds, constantly +changed, so is the mind by exercising it now with this subject of study, +now with that. I would recommend you, therefore, sometimes to take a +subject from history, and you might give more care to the composition of +your letters. For it frequently happens that in pleading one has +occasion to make use not only of historical, but even poetical, styles +of description; and then from letters you acquire a concise and simple +mode of expression. You will do quite right again in refreshing yourself +with poetry: when I say so, I do not mean that species of poetry which +turns upon subjects of great length and continuity (such being suitable +only for persons of leisure), but those little pieces of the sprightly +kind of poesy, which serve as proper reliefs to, and are consistent +with, employments of every sort. They commonly go under the title of +poetical amusements; but these amusements have sometimes gained their +authors as much reputation as works of a more serious nature; and thus +(for while I am exhorting you to poetry, why should I not turn poet +myself?) + + +"As yielding wax the artist's skill commands, Submissive shap'd beneath +his forming hands; Now dreadful stands in arms a Mars confest; Or now +with Venus's softer air imprest; A wanton Cupid now the mould belies; +Now shines, severely chaste, a Pallas wife: As not alone to quench the +raging flame, The sacred fountain pours her friendly stream; But sweetly +gliding through the flow'ry green, Spreads glad refreshment o'er the +smiling scene: So, form'd by science, should the ductile mind Receive, +distinct, each various art refin'd." + +In this manner the greatest men, as well as the greatest orators, used +either to exercise or amuse themselves, or rather indeed did both. It is +surprising how much the mind is enlivened and refreshed by these little +poetical compositions, as they turn upon love, hatred, satire, +tenderness, politeness, and everything, in short, that concerns life and +the affairs of the world. Besides, the same advantage attends these, as +every other sort of poems, that we turn from them to prose with so much +the more pleasure after having experienced the difficulty of being +constrained and fettered by metre. And now, perhaps, I have troubled you +upon this subject longer than you desired; however, there is one thing I +have left out: I have not told you what kind of authors you should read; +though indeed that was sufficiently implied when I told you on what you +should write. Remember to be careful in your choice of authors of every +kind: for, as it has been well observed, "though we should read much, we +should not read many books." Who those authors are, is so clearly +settled, and so generally known, that I need not particularly specify +them; besides, I have already extended this letter to such an immoderate +length that, while suggesting how you ought to study, I have, I fear, +been actually interrupting your studies. I will here resign you +therefore to your tablets, either to resume the studies in which you +were before engaged or to enter upon some of those I have recommended. +Farewell. + + + +LXX VII -- To FABATUS (HIS WIFE'S GRANDFATHER) + +You are surprised, I find, that my share of five-twelfths of the estate +which lately fell to me, and which I had directed to be sold to the best +bidder, should have been disposed of by my freedman Hermes to Corellia +(without putting it up to auction) at the rate of seven hundred thousand +sesterces[115] for the whole. And as you think it might have fetched +nine hundred thousand,[116] you are so much the more desirous to know +whether I am inclined to ratify what he has done. I am; and listen, +while I tell you why, for I hope that not only you will approve, but +also that my fellow-coheirs will excuse me for having, upon a motive of +superior obligation, separated my interest from theirs. I have the +highest esteem for Corellia, both as the sister of Rufus, whose memory +will always be a sacred one to me, and as my mother's intimate friend. +Besides, that excellent man Minutius Tuscus, her husband, has every +claim to my affection that a long friendship can give him; as there was +likewise the closest intimacy between her son and me, so much so indeed +that I fixed upon him to preside at the games which I exhibited when I +was elected praetor. This lady, when I was last in the country, +expressed a strong desire for some place upon the borders of our lake of +Comum; I therefore made her an offer, at her own price, of any part of +my land there, except what came to me from my father and mother; for +that I could not consent to part with, even to Corellia, and accordingly +when the inheritance in question fell to me, I wrote to let her know it +was to be sold. This letter I sent by Hermes, who, upon her requesting +him that he would immediately make over to her my proportion of it, +consented. Am I not then obliged to confirm what my freedman has thus +done in pursuance of my inclinations? I have only to entreat my fellow- +coheirs that they will not take it ill at my hands that I have made a +separate sale of what I had certainly a right to dispose of. They are +not bound in any way to follow my example, since they have not the same +connections with Corellia. They are at full liberty therefore to be +guided by interest, which in my own case I chose to sacrifice to +friendship. Farewell. + + + +LXXVIII -- To CORELLIA + +You are truly generous to desire and insist that I take for my share of +the estate you purchased of me, not after the rate of seven hundred +thousand sesterces for the whole, as my freedman sold it to you; but in +the proportion of nine hundred thousand, agreeably to what you gave to +the farmers of the twentieths for their part. But I must desire and +insist in my turn that you would consider not only what is suitable to +your character, but what is worthy of mine; and that you would suffer me +to oppose your inclination in this single instance, with the same warmth +that I obey it in all others. Farewell. + + + +LXXIX -- To CELER + +EVERY author has his particular reasons for reciting his works; mine, I +have often said, are, in order, if any error should have escaped my own +observation (as no doubt they do escape it sometimes), to have it +pointed out to me. I cannot therefore but be surprised to find (what +your letter assures me) that there are some who blame me for reciting my +speeches: unless, perhaps, they are of opinion that this is the single +species of composition that ought to be held exempt from any correction. +If so, I would willingly ask them why they allow (if indeed they do +allow) that history may be recited, since it is a work which ought to be +devoted to truth, not ostentation? or why tragedy, as it is composed for +action and the stage, not for being read to a private audience? or lyric +poetry, as it is not a reader, but a chorus of voices and instruments +that it requires? They will reply, perhaps, that in the instances +referred to custom has made the practice in question usual: I should be +glad to know, then, if they think the person who first introduced this +practice is to be condemned? Besides the rehearsal of speeches is no +unprecedented thing either with us or the Grecians. Still, perhaps, they +will insist that it can answer no purpose to recite a speech which has +already been delivered. True; if one were immediately to repeat the very +same speech word for word, and to the very same audience; but if you +make several additions and alterations; if your audience is composed +partly of the same, and partly of different persons, and the recital is +at some distance of time, why is there less propriety in rehearsing your +speech than in publishing it? "But it is difficult," the objectors urge, +"to give satisfaction to an audience by the mere recital of a speech;" +that is a consideration which concerns the particular skill and pains of +the person who rehearses, but by no means holds good against recitation +in general. The truth is, it is not whilst I am reading, but when I am +read, that I aim at approbation; and upon this principle I omit no sort +of correction. In the first place, I frequently go carefully over what I +have written, by myself, after this I read it out to two or three +friends, and then give it to others to make their remarks. If after this +I have any doubt concerning the justness of their observations, I +carefully weigh them again with a friend or two; and, last of all, I +recite them to a larger audience, then is the time, believe me, when I +correct most energetically and unsparingly; for my care and attention +rise in proportion to my anxiety; as nothing renders the judgment so +acute to detect error as that deference, modesty, and diffidence one +feels upon those occasions. For tell me, would you not be infinitely +less affected were you to speak before a single person only, though ever +so learned, than before a numerous assembly, even though composed of +none but illiterate people? When you rise up to plead, are you not at +that juncture, above all others, most self-distrustful? and do you not +wish, I will not say some particular parts only, but that the whole +arrangement of your intended speech were altered? especially if the +concourse should be large in which you are to speak? for there is +something even in a low and vulgar audience that strikes one with awe. +And if you suspect you are not well received at the first opening of +your speech, do you not find all your energy relaxed, and feel yourself +ready to give way? The reason I imagine to be that there is a certain +weight of collective opinion in a multitude, and although each +individual judgment is, perhaps, of little value, yet when united it +becomes considerable. Accordingly, Pomponius Secundus, the famous tragic +poet, whenever some very intimate friend and he differed about the +retaining or rejecting anything in his writings, used to say, "I +appeal[117] to the people"; and thus, by their silence or applause, +adopted either his own or his friend's opinion; such was the deference +he paid to the popular judgment! Whether justly or not, is no concern of +mine, as I am not in the habit of reciting my works publicly, but only +to a select circle, whose presence I respect, and whose judgment I +value; in a word, whose opinions I attend to as if they were so many +individuals I had separately consulted, at the same time that I stand in +as much awe before them as I should before the most numerous assembly. +What Cicero says of composing will, in my opinion, hold true of the +dread we have of the public: "Fear is the most rigid critic imaginable." +The very thought of reciting, the very entrance into an assembly, and +the agitated concern when one is there; each of these circumstances +tends to improve and perfect an author's performance. Upon the whole, +therefore, I cannot repent of a practice which I have found by +experience so exceedingly useful; and am so far from being discouraged +by the trifling objections of these censors that I request you would +point out to me if there is yet any other kind of correction, that I may +also adopt it; for nothing can sufficiently satisfy my anxiety to render +my compositions perfect. I reflect what an undertaking it is resigning +any work into the hands of the public; and I cannot but be persuaded +that frequent revisals, and many consultations, must go to the +perfecting of a performance, which one desires should universally and +forever please. Farewell. + + + +LXXX -- To PRISCUS + +THE illness of my friend Fannia gives me great concern. She contracted +it during her attendance on Junia, one of the Vestal virgins, engaging +in this good office at first voluntarily, Junia being her relation, and +afterwards being appointed to it by an order from the college of +priests: for these virgins, when excessive ill-health renders it +necessary to remove them from the temple of Vesta, are always delivered +over to the care and custody of some venerable matron. It was owing to +her assiduity in the execution of this charge that she contracted her +present dangerous disorder, which is a continual fever, attended with a +cough that increases daily. She is extremely emaciated, and every part +of her seems in a total decay except her spirits: those, indeed, she +fully keeps up; and in a way altogether worthy the wife of Helvidius, +and the daughter of Thrasea. In all other respects there is such a +falling away that I am more than apprehensive upon her account; I am +deeply afflicted. I grieve, my friend, that so excellent a woman is +going to be removed from the eyes of the world, which will never, +perhaps, again behold her equal. So pure she is, so pious, so wise and +prudent, so brave and steadfast! Twice she followed her husband into +exile, and the third time she was banished herself upon his account. For +Senecio, when arraigned for writing the life of Helvidius, having said +in his defence that he composed that work at the request of Fannia, +Metius Carus, with a stern and threatening air, asked her whether she +had made that request, and she replied, "I made it." Did she supply him +likewise with materials for the purpose? "I did." Was her mother privy +to this transaction? "She was not." In short, throughout her whole +examination, not a word escaped her which betrayed the smallest fear. On +the contrary, she had preserved a copy of those very books which the +senate, over-awed by the tyranny of the times, had ordered to be +suppressed, and at the same time the effects of the author to be +confiscated, and carried with her into exile the very cause of her +exile. How pleasing she is, how courteous, and (what is granted to few) +no less lovable than worthy of all esteem and admiration! Will she +hereafter be pointed out as a model to all wives; and perhaps be +esteemed worthy of being set forth as an example of fortitude even to +our sex; since, while we still have the pleasure of seeing and +conversing with her, we contemplate her with the same admiration, as +those heroines who are celebrated in ancient story? For myself, I +confess, I cannot but tremble for this illustrious house, which seems +shaken to its very foundations, and ready to fall; for though she will +leave descendants behind her, yet what a height of virtue must they +attain, what glorious deeds must they perform, ere the world will be +persuaded that she was not the last of her family! It is an additional +affliction and anguish to me that by her death I seem to lose her mother +a second time; that worthy mother (and what can I say higher in her +praise?) of so noble a woman! who, as she was restored to me in her +daughter, so she will now again be taken from me, and the loss of Fannia +will thus pierce my heart at once with a fresh, and at the same time re- +opened, wound. I so truly loved and honoured them both, that I know not +which I loved the best; a point they desired might ever remain +undetermined. In their prosperity and their adversity I did them every +kindness in my power, and was their comforter in exile, as well as their +avenger at their return. But I have not yet paid them what I owe, and am +so much the more solicitous for the recovery of this lady, that I may +have time to discharge my debt to her. Such is the anxiety and sorrow +under which I write this letter! But if some divine power should happily +turn it into joy, I shall not complain of the alarms I now suffer. +Farewell. + + + +LXXXI -- To GEMINIUS + +NUMIDIA QUADRATILLA is dead, having almost reached her eightieth year. +She enjoyed, up to her last illness, uninterrupted good health, and was +unusually stout and robust for one of her sex. She has left a very +prudent will, having disposed of two-thirds of her estate to her +grandson, and the rest to her grand-daughter. The young lady I know very +slightly, but the grandson is one of my most intimate friends. He is a +remarkable young man, and his merit entitles him to the affection of a +relation, even where his blood does not. Notwithstanding his remarkable +personal beauty, he escaped every malicious imputation both whilst a boy +and when a youth: he was a husband at four-and-twenty, and would have +been a father if Providence had not disappointed his hopes. He lived in +the family with his grandmother, who was exceedingly devoted to the +pleasures of the town, yet observed great severity of conduct himself, +while always perfectly deferential and submissive to her. She retained a +set of pantomimes, and was an encourager of this class of people to a +degree inconsistent with one of her sex and rank. But Quadratus never +appeared at these entertainments, whether she exhibited them in the +theatre or in her own house; nor indeed did she require him to be +present. I once heard her say, when she was recommending to me the +supervision of her grandson's studies, that it was her custom, in order +to pass away some of those unemployed hours with which female life +abounds, to amuse herself with playing at chess, or seeing the mimicry +of her pantomimes; but that, whenever she engaged in either of those +amusements, she constantly sent away her grandson to his studies: she +appeared to me to act thus as much out of reverence for the youth as +from affection. I was a good deal surprised, as I am sure you will be +too, at what he told me the last time the Pontifical games[118] were +exhibited. As we were coming out of the theatre together, where we had +been entertained with a show of these pantomimes, "Do you know," said +he, "to-day is the first time I ever saw my grandmother's freedman +dance?" Such was the grandson's speech! while a set of men of a far +different stamp, in order to do honour to Quadratilla (am ashamed to +call it honour), were running up and down the theatre, pretending to be +struck with the utmost admiration and rapture at the performances of +those pantomimes, and then imitating in musical chant the mien and +manner of their lady patroness. But now all the reward they have got, in +return for their theatrical performances, is just a few trivial +legacies, which they have the mortification to receive from an heir who +was never so much as present at these shows.--I send you this account, +knowing you do not dislike hearing town news, and because, too, when any +occurrence has given me pleasure, I love to renew it again by relating +it. And indeed this instance of affection in Quadratilla, and the honour +done therein to that excellent youth her grandson, has afforded me a +very sensible satisfaction; as I extremely rejoice that the house which +once belonged to Cassius,[119] the founder and chief of the Cassian +school, is come into the possession of one no less considerable than its +former master. For my friend will fill it and become it as he ought, and +its ancient dignity, lustre, and glory will again revive under +Quadratus, who, I am persuaded, will prove as eminent an orator as +Cassius was a lawyer. Farewell. + + + +LXXXII -- To MAXIMUS + +THE lingering disorder of a friend of mine gave me occasion lately to +reflect that we are never so good as when oppressed with illness. Where +is the sick man who is either solicited by avarice or inflamed with +lust? At such a season he is neither a slave of love nor the fool of +ambition; wealth he utterly disregards, and is content with ever so +small a portion of it, as being upon the point of leaving even that +little. It is then he recollects there are gods, and that he himself is +but a man: no mortal is then the object of his envy, his admiration, or +his contempt; and the tales of slander neither raise his attention nor +feed his curiosity: his dreams are only of baths and fountains. These +are the supreme objects of his cares and wishes, while he resolves, if +he should recover, to pass the remainder of his days in ease and +tranquillity, that is, to live innocently and happily. I may therefore +lay down to you and myself a short rule, which the philosophers have +endeavoured to inculcate at the expense of many words, and even many +volumes; that "we should try and realise in health those resolutions we +form in sickness." Farewell. + + + +LXXXIII -- To SURA + +THE present recess from business we are now enjoying affords you leisure +to give, and me to receive, instruction. I am extremely desirous +therefore to know whether you believe in the existence of ghosts, and +that they have a real form, and are a sort of divinities, or only the +visionary impressions of a terrified imagination. What particularly +inclines me to believe in their existence is a story which I heard of +Curtius Rufus. When he was in low circumstances and unknown in the +world, he attended the governor of Africa into that province. One +evening, as he was walking in the public portico, there appeared to him +the figure of a woman, of unusual size and of beauty more than human. +And as he stood there, terrified and astonished, she told him she was +the tutelary power that presided over Africa, and was come to inform him +of the future events of his life: that he should go back to Rome, to +enjoy high honours there, and return to that province invested with the +pro-consular dignity, and there should die. Every circumstance of this +prediction actually came to pass. It is said farther that upon his +arrival at Carthage, as he was coming out of the ship, the same figure +met him upon the shore. It is certain, at least, that being seized with +a fit of illness, though there were no symptoms in his case that led +those about him to despair, he instantly gave up all hope of recovery; +judging, apparently, of the truth of the future part of the prediction +by what had already been fulfilled, and of the approaching misfortune +from his former prosperity. Now the following story, which I am going to +tell you just as I heard it, is it not more terrible than the former, +while quite as wonderful? There was at Athens a large and roomy house, +which had a bad name, so that no one could live there. In the dead of +the night a noise, resembling the clashing of iron, was frequently +heard, which, if you listened more attentively, sounded like the +rattling of chains, distant at first, but approaching nearer by degrees: +immediately afterwards a spectre appeared in the form of an old man, of +extremely emaciated and squalid appearance, with a long beard and +dishevelled hair, rattling the chains on his feet and hands. The +distressed occupants meanwhile passed their wakeful nights under the +most dreadful terrors imaginable. This, as it broke their rest, ruined +their health, and brought on distempers, their terror grew upon them, +and death ensued. Even in the day time, though the spirit did not +appear, yet the impression remained so strong upon their imaginations +that it still seemed before their eyes, and kept them in perpetual +alarm, Consequently the house was at length deserted, as being deemed +absolutely uninhabitable; so that it was now entirely abandoned to the +ghost. However, in hopes that some tenant might be found who was +ignorant of this very alarming circumstance, a bill was put up, giving +notice that it was either to be let or sold. It happened that +Athenodorus[120] the philosopher came to Athens at this time, and, +reading the bill, enquired the price. The extraordinary cheapness raised +his suspicion; nevertheless, when he heard the whole story, he was so +far from being discouraged that he was more strongly inclined to hire +it, and, in short, actually did so. When it grew towards evening, he +ordered a couch to be prepared for him in the front part of the house, +and, after calling for a light, together with his pencil and tablets, +directed all his people to retire. But that his mind might not, for want +of employment, be open to the vain terrors of imaginary noises and +spirits, he applied himself to writing with the utmost attention. The +first part of the night passed in entire silence, as usual; at length a +clanking of iron and rattling of chains was heard: however, he neither +lifted up his eyes nor laid down his pen, but in order to keep calm and +collected tried to pass the sounds off to himself as something else. The +noise increased and advanced nearer, till it seemed at the door, and at +last in the chamber. He looked up, saw, and recognized the ghost exactly +as it had been described to him: it stood before him, beckoning with the +finger, like a person who calls another. Athenodorus in reply made a +sign with his hand that it should wait a little, and threw his eyes +again upon his papers; the ghost then rattled its chains over the head +of the philosopher, who looked up upon this, and seeing it beckoning as +before, immediately arose, and, light in hand, followed it. The ghost +slowly stalked along, as if encumbered with its chains, and, turning +into the area of the house, suddenly vanished. Athenodorus, being thus +deserted, made a mark with some grass and leaves on the spot where the +spirit left him. The next day he gave information to the magistrates, +and advised them to order that spot to be dug up. This was accordingly +done, and the skeleton of a man in chains was found there; for the body, +having lain a considerable time in the ground, was putrefied and +mouldered away from the fetters. The bones being collected together were +publicly buried, and thus after the ghost was appeased by the proper +ceremonies, the house was haunted no more. This story I believe upon the +credit of others; what I am going to mention, I give you upon my own. I +have a freedman named Marcus, who is by no means illiterate. One night, +as he and his younger brother were lying together, he fancied he saw +somebody upon his bed, who took out a pair of scissors, and cut off the +hair from the top part of his own head, and in the morning, it appeared +his hair was actually cut, and the clippings lay scattered about the +floor. A short time after this, an event of a similar nature contributed +to give credit to the former story. A young lad of my family was +sleeping in his apartment with the rest of his companions, when two +persons clad in white came in, as he says, through the windows, cut off +his hair as he lay, and then returned the same way they entered. The +next morning it was found that this boy had been served just as the +other, and there was the hair again, spread about the room. Nothing +remarkable indeed followed these events, unless perhaps that I escaped a +prosecution, in which, if Domitian (during whose reign this happened) +had lived some time longer, I should certainly have been involved. For +after the death of that emperor, articles of impeachment against me were +found in his scrutore, which had been exhibited by Carus. It may +therefore be conjectured, since it is customary for persons under any +public accusation to let their hair grow, this cutting off the hair of +my servants was a sign I should escape the imminent danger that +threatened me. Let me desire you then to give this question your mature +consideration. The subject deserves your examination; as, I trust, I am +not myself altogether unworthy a participation in the abundance of your +superior knowledge. And though you should, as usual, balance between two +opinions, yet I hope you will lean more on one side than on the other, +lest, whilst I consult you in order to have my doubt settled, you should +dismiss me in the same suspense and indecision that occasioned you the +present application. Farewell. + + + +LXXXIV -- To SEPTITIUS + +You tell me certain persons have blamed me in your company, as being +upon all occasions too lavish in the praise I give my friends. I not +only acknowledge the charge, but glory in it; for can there be a nobler +error than an overflowing benevolence? But still, who are these, let me +ask, that are better acquainted with my friends than I am myself? Yet +grant there are any such, why will they deny me the satisfaction of so +pleasing a mistake? For supposing my friends not to deserve the highest +encomiums I give them, yet I am happy in believing they do. Let them +recommend then this malignant zeal to those (and their number is not +inconsiderable) who imagine they show their judgment when they indulge +their censure upon their friends. As for myself, they will never be able +to persuade me I can be guilty of an excess[121] in friendship, +Farewell. + + + +LXXXV -- To TACITUS + +I PREDICT (and I am persuaded I shall not be deceived) that your +histories will be immortal. I frankly own therefore I so much the more +earnestly wish to find a place in them. If we are generally careful to +have our faces taken by the best artists, ought we not to desire that +our actions may be celebrated by an author of your distinguished +abilities? I therefore call your attention to the following matter, +which, though it cannot have escaped your notice, as it is mentioned in +the public journals, still I call your attention to, that you may the +more readily believe how agreeable it will be to me that this action, +greatly heightened by the risk which attended it, should receive +additional lustre from the testimony of a man of your powers. The senate +appointed Herennius Senecio, and myself, counsel for the province of +Baetica, in their impeachment of Boebius Massa. He was condemned, and +the house ordered his effects to be seized into the hands of the public +officer. Shortly after, Senecio, having learnt that the consuls intended +to sit to hear petitions, came and said to me, "Let us go together, and +petition them with the same unanimity in which we executed the office +which had been enjoined us, not to suffer Massa's effects to be +dissipated by those who were appointed to preserve them." I answered, +"As we were counsel in this affair by order of the senate, I recommend +it to your consideration whether it would be proper for us, after +sentence passed, to interpose any farther." "You are at liberty," said +he, "to prescribe what bounds you please to yourself, who have no +particular connections with the province, except what arise from your +late services to them; but then I was born there, and enjoyed the post +of quaestor among them." "If such," I replied, "is your determined +resolution, I am ready to accompany you, that whatever resentment may be +the consequence of this affair, it may not fall singly upon yourself." +We accordingly proceeded to the consuls, where Senecio said what was +pertinent to the affair, and I added a few words to the same effect. +Scarcely had we ended when Massa, complaining that Senecio had not acted +against him with the fidelity of an advocate, but the bitterness of an +enemy, desired he might be at liberty to prosecute him for treason. This +occasioned general consternation. Whereupon I rose up; "Most noble +consuls," said I, "I am afraid it should seem that Massa has tacitly +charged me with having favoured him in this cause, since he did not +think proper to join me with Senecio in the desired prosecution." This +short speech was immediately received with applause, and afterwards got +much talked about everywhere. The late emperor Nerva (who, though at +that time in a private station, yet interested himself in every +meritorious action performed in public) wrote a most impressive letter +to me upon the occasion, in which he not only congratulated me, but the +age which had produced an example so much in the spirit (as he was +pleased to call it) of the good old days. But, whatever be the actual +fact, it lies in your power to raise it into a grander and more +conspicuously illustrious position, though I am far from desiring you in +the least to exceed the bounds of reality. History ought to be guided by +strict truth, and worthy actions require nothing more. Farewell. + + + +LXXX VI -- To SEPTITIUS + +I HAD a good journey here, excepting only that some of my servants were +upset by the excessive heat. Poor Encolpius, my reader,[122] who is so +indispensable to me in my studies and amusements, was so affected with +the dust that it brought on a spitting of blood: an accident which will +prove no less unpleasant to me than unfortunate to himself, should he be +thereby rendered unfit for the literary work in which he so greatly +excels. If that should unhappily result, where shall I find one who will +read my works so well, or appreciate them so thoroughly as he? Whose +tones will my ears drink in as they do his? But the gods seem to favour +our better hopes, as the bleeding is stopped, and the pain abated. +Besides, he is extremely temperate; while no concern is wanting on my +part or care on his physician's. This, together with the wholesomeness +of the air, and the quiet of retirement, gives us reason to expect that +the country will contribute as much to the restoration of his health as +to his rest. Farewell. + + + +LXXXVII -- To CALVISIUS + +OTHER people visit their estates in order to recruit their purses; +whilst I go to mine only to return so much the poorer. I had sold my +vintage to the merchants, who were extremely eager to purchase it, +encouraged by the price it then bore, and what it was probable it would +rise to: however they were disappointed in their expectations. Upon this +occasion to have made the same general abatement to all would have been +much the easiest, though not so equitable a method. Now I hold it +particularly worthy of a man of honour to be governed by principles of +strict equity in his domestic as well as public conduct; in little +matters as in great ones; in his own concerns as well as in those of +others. And if every deviation from rectitude is equally criminal,[123] +every approach to it must be equally praiseworthy. So accordingly I +remitted to all in general one-eighth part of the price they had agreed +to give me, that none might go away without some compensation: next, I +particularly considered those who had advanced the largest sums towards +their purchase, and done me so much the more service, and been greater +sufferers themselves. To those, therefore, whose purchase amounted to +more than ten thousand sesterces,[124] I returned (over and above that +which I may call the general and common eighth) a tenth part of what +they had paid beyond that sum. I fear I do not express myself +sufficiently clearly; I will endeavour to explain my meaning more fully: +for instance, suppose a man had purchased of me to the value of fifteen +thousand sesterces,[125] I remitted to him one-eighth part of that whole +sum, and likewise one-tenth of five thousand.[126] Besides this, as +several had deposited, in different proportions, part of the price they +had agreed to pay, whilst others had advanced nothing, I thought it +would not be at all fair that all these should be favoured with the same +undistinguished remission. To those, therefore, who had made any +payments, I returned a tenth part upon the sums so paid. By this means I +made a proper acknowledgment to each, according to their respective +deserts, and likewise encouraged them, not only to deal with me for the +future, but to be prompt in their payments. This instance of my good- +nature or my judgment (call it which you please) was a considerable +expense to me. However, I found my account in it; for all the country +greatly approved both of the novelty of these abatements and the manner +in which I regulated them. Even those whom I did not "mete" (as they +say) "by the same measure," but distinguished according to their several +degrees, thought themselves obliged to me, in proportion to the probity +of their principles, and went away pleased with having experienced that +not with me + + +"The brave and mean an equal honour find."<a href="#linknote-127" +name="linknoteref-127" id="linknoteref-127">[127]</a> + +Farewell. + + + +LXXX VIII -- To ROMANUS + +HAVE you ever seen the source of the river Clitumnus? If you have not +(and I hardly think you can have seen it yet, or you would have told +me), go there as soon as possible. I saw it yesterday, and I blame +myself for not having seen it sooner. At the foot of a little hill, well +wooded with old cypress trees, a spring gushes out, which, breaking up +into different and unequal streams, forms itself, after several +windings, into a large, broad basin of water, so transparently clear +that you may count the shining pebbles, and the little pieces of money +thrown into it, as they lie at the bottom. From thence it is carried off +not so much by the declivity of the ground as by its own weight and +exuberance. A mere stream at its source, immediately, on quitting this, +you find it expanded into a broad river, fit for large vessels even, +allowing a free passage by each other, according as they sail with or +against the stream. The current runs so strong, though the ground is +level, that the large barges going down the river have no occasion to +make use of their oars; while those going up find it difficult to make +headway even with the assistance of oars and poles: and this alternate +interchange of ease and toil, according as you turn, is exceedingly +amusing when one sails up and down merely for pleasure. The banks are +well covered with ash and poplar, the shape and colour of the trees +being as clearly and distinctly reflected in the stream as if they were +actually sunk in it. The water is cold as snow, and as white too. Near +it stands an ancient and venerable temple, in which is placed the river- +god Clitumnus clothed in the usual robe of state; and indeed the +prophetic oracles here delivered sufficiently testify the immediate +presence of that divinity. Several little chapels are scattered round, +dedicated to particular gods, distinguished each by his own peculiar +name and form of worship, and some of them, too, presiding over +different fountains. For, besides the principal spring, which is, as it +were, the parent of all the rest, there are several other lesser +streams, which, taking their rise from various sources, lose themselves +in the river; over which a bridge is built that separates the sacred +part from that which lies open to common use. Vessels are allowed to +come above this bridge, but no person is permitted to swim except below +it. The Hispellates, to whom Augustus gave this place, furnish a public +bath, and likewise entertain all strangers, at their own expense. +Several villas, attracted by the beauty of this river, stand about on +its borders. In short, every surrounding object will afford you +entertainment. You may also amuse yourself with numberless inscriptions +upon the pillars and walls, by different persons, celebrating the +virtues of the fountain, and the divinity that presides over it. Many of +them you will admire, while some will make you laugh; but I must correct +myself when I say so; you are too humane, I know, to laugh upon such an +occasion. Farewell. + + + +LXXXIX -- To ARISTO + +As you are no less acquainted with the political laws of your country +(which include the customs and usages of the senate) than with the +civil, I am particularly desirous to have your opinion whether I was +mistaken in an affair which lately came before the house, or not. This I +request, not with a view of being directed in my judgment as to what is +passed (for that is now too late), but in order to know how to act in +any possible future case of the kind. You will, ask, perhaps, "Why do +you apply for information concerning a point on which you ought to be +well instructed?" Because the tyranny of former reigns,[128] as it +introduced a neglect and ignorance of all other parts of useful +knowledge, so particularly of what relates to the customs of the senate; +for who is there so tamely industrious as to desire to learn what he can +never have an opportunity of putting in practice? Besides, it is not +very easy to retain even the knowledge one has acquired where no +opportunity of employing it occurs. Hence it was that Liberty, on her +return[129] found us totally ignorant and inexperienced; and thus in the +warmth of our eagerness to taste her sweets, we are sometimes hurried +off to action, ere we are well instructed how we ought to act. But by +the institution of our ancestors, it was wisely provided that the young +should learn from the old, not only by precept, but by their own +observation, how to behave in that sphere in which they were one day +themselves to move; while these, again, in their turn, transmitted the +same mode of instruction to their children. Upon this principle it was +that the youth were sent early into the army, that by being taught to +obey they might learn to command, and, whilst they followed others, +might be trained by degrees to become leaders themselves. On the same +principle, when they were candidates for any office, they were obliged +to stand at the door of the senate-house, and were spectators of the +public council before they became members of it. The father of each +youth was his instructor upon these occasions, or if he had none, some +person of years and dignity supplied the place of a father. Thus they +were taught by that surest method of discipline, Example; how far the +right of proposing any law to the senate extended; what privileges a +senator had in delivering his opinion in the house; the power of the +magistrates in that assembly, and the rights of the rest of the members; +where it is proper to yield, and where to insist; when and how long to +speak, and when to be silent; how to make necessary distinctions between +contrary opinions, and how to improve upon a former motion: in a word, +they learnt by this means every senatorial usage. As for myself, it is +true indeed, I served in the army when I was a youth; but it was at a +time when courage was suspected, and want of spirit rewarded; when +generals were without authority, and soldiers without modesty; when +there was neither discipline nor obedience, but all was riot, disorder, +and confusion; in short, when it was happier to forget than to remember +what one learnt. I attended likewise in my youth the senate, but a +senate shrinking and speechless; where it was dangerous to utter one's +opinion, and mean and pitiable to be silent. What pleasure was there in +learning, or indeed what could be learnt, when the senate was convened +either to do nothing whatever or to give their sanction to some +consummate infamy! when they were assembled either for cruel or +ridiculous purposes, and when their deliberations were never serious, +though often sad! But I was not only a witness to this scene of +wretchedness, as a spectator; I bore my share of it too as a senator, +and both saw and suffered under it for many years; which so broke and +damped my spirits that they have not even yet been able fully to recover +themselves. It is within quite recently (for all time seems short in +proportion to its happiness) that we could take any pleasure in knowing +what relates to or in setting about the duties of our station. Upon +these considerations, therefore, I may the more reasonably entreat you, +in the first place, to pardon my error (if I have been guilty of one), +and, in the next, to lead me out of it by your superior knowledge: for +you have always been diligent to examine into the constitution of your +country, both with respect to its public and private, its ancient and +modern, its general and special laws. I am persuaded indeed the point +upon which I am going to consult you is such an unusual one that even +those whose great experience in public business must have made them, one +would have naturally supposed, acquainted with everything were either +doubtful or absolutely ignorant upon it. I shall be more excusable, +therefore, if I happen to have been mistaken; as you will earn the +higher praise if you can set me right in an affair which it is not clear +has ever yet fallen within your observation. The enquiry then before the +house was concerning the freedmen of Afranius Dexter, who being found +murdered, it was uncertain whether he fell by his own hands, or by those +of his household; and if the latter, whether they committed the fact in +obedience to the commands of Afranius, or were prompted to it by their +own villainy. After they had been put to the question, a certain senator +(it is of no importance to mention his name, but if you are desirous to +know, it was myself) was for acquitting them; another proposed that they +should be banished for a limited time; and a third that they should +suffer death. + +These several opinions were so extremely different that it was +impossible either of them could stand with the other. For what have +death and banishment in common with one another? Why, no more than +banishment and acquittal have together. Though an acquittal approaches +rather nearer a sentence of exile than a sentence of death does: for +both the former agree at least in this that they spare life, whereas the +latter takes it away. In the meanwhile, those senators who were for +punishing with death, and those who proposed banishment, sat together on +the same side of the house: and thus by a present appearance of +unanimity suspended their real disagreement. I moved, therefore, that +the votes for each of the three opinions should be separately taken, and +that two of them should not, under favour of a short truce between +themselves, join against the third. I insisted that such of the members +who were for capital punishment should divide from the others who voted +for banishment; and that these two distinct parties should not be +permitted to form themselves into a body, in opposition to those who +declared for acquittal, when they would immediately after disunite +again: for it was not material that they agreed in disliking one +proposal, since they differed with respect to the other two. It seemed +very extraordinary that he who moved the freedmen should be banished, +and the slaves suffer death, should not be allowed to join these two in +one motion, but that each question should be ordered to be put to the +house separately; and yet that the votes of one who was for inflicting +capital punishment upon the freedmen should be taken together with that +of one who was for banishing them. For if, in the former instance, it +was reasonable that the motion should be divided, because it +comprehended two distinct propositions, I could not see why, in the +latter case, suffrages so extremely different should be thrown into the +same scale. Permit me, then, notwithstanding the point is already +settled, to go over it again as if it were still undecided, and to lay +before you those reasons at my ease, which I offered to the house in the +midst of much interruption and clamour. Let us suppose there had been +only three judges appointed to hear this cause, one of whom was of +opinion that the parties in question deserved death; the other that they +should only be banished; and the third that they ought to be acquitted: +should the two former unite their weight to overpower the latter, or +should each be separately balanced? For the first and second are no more +compatible than the second and third. They ought therefore in the same +manner to be counted in the senate as contrary opinions, since they were +delivered as different ones. Suppose the same person had moved that they +should both have been banished and put to death, could they possibly, in +pursuance of this opinion, have suffered both punishments? Or could it +have been looked upon as one consistent motion when it united two such +different decisions? Why then should the same opinion, when delivered by +distinct persons, be considered as one and entire, which would not be +deemed so if it were proposed by a single man? Does not the law +manifestly imply that a distinction is to be made between those who are +for a capital conviction, and those who are for banishment, in the very +form of words made use of when the house is ordered to divide? You who +are of such an opinion, come to this side; you who are of any other, go +over to the side of him whose opinion you follow. Let us examine this +form, and weigh every sentence: You who are of this opinion: that is, +for instance, you who are for banishment, come on this side; namely, on +the side of him who moved for banishment. From whence it is clear he +cannot remain on this side of those who are for death. You who are for +any other: observe, the law is not content with barely saying another, +but it adds any. Now can there be a doubt as to whether they who declare +for a capital conviction are of any other opinion than those who propose +exile! Go over to the side of him whose opinion you follow: does not the +law seem, as it were, to call, compel, drive over, those who are of +different opinions, to contrary sides? Does not the consul himself point +out, not only by this solemn form of words, but by his hand and gesture, +the place in which every man is to remain, or to which he is to go over? +"But," it is objected, "if this separation is made between those who +vote for inflicting death, and those who are on the side of exile, the +opinion for acquitting the prisoners must necessarily prevail." But how +does that affect the parties who vote? Certainly it does not become them +to contend by every art, and urge every expedient, that the milder +sentence may not take place. "Still," say they, "those who are for +condemning the accused either capitally or to banishment should be first +set in opposition to those who are for acquitting them, and afterwards +weighed against each other." Thus, as, in certain public games, some +particular combatant is set apart by lot and kept to engage with the +conqueror; so, it seems, in the senate there is a first and second +combat, and of two different opinions, the prevailing one has still a +third to contend with. What? when any particular opinion is received, do +not all the rest fall of course? Is it reasonable, then, that one should +be thrown into the scale merely to weigh down another? To express my +meaning more plainly: unless the two parties who are respectively for +capital punishment and exile immediately separate upon the first +division of the house it would be to no purpose afterwards to dissent +from those with whom they joined before. But I am dictating instead of +receiving instruction. -- Tell me then whether you think these votes +should have been taken separately? My motion, it is true, prevailed; +nevertheless I am desirous to know whether you think I ought to have +insisted upon this point, or have yielded as that member did who +declared for capital punishment? For convinced, I will not say of the +legality, but at least of the equity of my proposal, he receded from his +opinion, and went over to the party for exile: fearing perhaps, if the +votes were taken separately (which he saw would be the case), the +freedmen would be acquitted: for the numbers were far greater on that +side than on either of the other two, separately counted. The +consequence was that those who had been influenced by his authority, +when they saw themselves forsaken by his going over to the other party, +gave up a motion which they found abandoned by the first proposer, and +deserted, as it were, with their leader. Thus the three opinions were +resolved at length into two; and of those two, one prevailed, and the +other was rejected; while the third, as it was not powerful enough to +conquer both the others, had only to choose to which of the two it would +yield. Farewell. + + + +XC -- To PATERNUS + +THE sickness lately in my family, which has carried off several of my +servants, some of them, too, in the prime of their years, has been a +great affliction to me. I have two consolations, however, which, though +by no means equivalent to such a grief, still are consolations. One is, +that as I have always readily manumitted my slaves, their death does not +seem altogether immature, if they lived long enough to receive their +freedom: the other, that I have allowed them to make a kind of +will,[130] which I observe as religiously as if they were legally +entitled to that privilege. I receive and obey their last requests and +injunctions as so many authoritative commands, suffering them to dispose +of their effects to whom they please; with this single restriction, that +they leave them to some one in my household, for to slaves the house +they are in is a kind of state and commonwealth, so to speak. But though +I endeavor to acquiesce under these reflections, yet the same tenderness +which led me to show them these indulgences weakens and gets the better +of me. However, I would not wish on that account to become harder: +though the generality of the world, I know, look upon losses of this +kind in no other view than as a diminution of their property, and fancy, +by cherishing such an unfeeling temper, they show a superior fortitude +and philosophy. Their fortitude and philosophy I will not dispute. But +humane, I am sure, they are not; for it is the very criterion of true +manhood to feel those impressions of sorrow which it endeavors to +resist, and to admit not to be above the want of consolation. But +perhaps I have detained you too long upon this subject, though not so +long as I would. There is a certain pleasure even in giving vent to +one's grief; especially when we weep on the bosom of a friend who will +approve, or, at least, pardon, our tears. Farewell. + + + +XCI -- To MACRINUS + +Is the weather with you as rude and boisterous as it is with us? All +here is in tempest and inundation. The Tiber has swelled its channel, +and overflowed its banks far and wide. Though the wise precaution of the +emperor had guarded against this evil, by cutting several outlets to the +river, it has nevertheless flooded all the fields and valleys and +entirely overspread the whole face of the flat country. It seems to have +gone out to meet those rivers which it used to receive and carry off in +one united stream, and has driven them back to deluge those countries it +could not reach itself. That most delightful of rivers, the Anio, which +seems invited and detained in its course by the villas built along its +banks, has almost entirely rooted up and carried away the woods which +shaded its borders. It has overthrown whole mountains, and, in +endeavouring to find a passage through the mass of ruins that obstructed +its way, has forced down houses, and risen and spread over the +desolation it has occasioned. The inhabitants of the hill countries, who +are situated above the reach of this inundation, have been the +melancholy spectators of its dreadful effects, having seen costly +furniture, instruments of husbandry, ploughs, and oxen with their +drivers, whole herds of cattle, together with the trunks of trees, and +beams of the neighbouring villas, floating about in different parts. Nor +indeed have these higher places themselves, to which the waters could +not reach up, escaped the calamity. A continued heavy rain and +tempestuous hurricane, as destructive as the river itself, poured down +upon them, and has destroyed all the enclosures which divided that +fertile country. It has damaged likewise, and even overturned, some of +the public buildings, by the fall of which great numbers have been +maimed, smothered, bruised. And thus lamentation over the fate of +friends has been added to losses. I am extremely uneasy lest this +extensive ruin should have spread to you: I beg therefore, if it has +not, you will immediately relieve my anxiety; and indeed I desire you +would inform me though it should have done so; for the difference is not +great between fearing a danger, and feeling it; except that the evil one +feels has some bounds, whereas one's apprehensions have none. For we can +suffer no more than what actually has happened but we fear all that +possibly could happen. Farewell. + + + +XCII -- To RUFINUS + +The common notion is certainly quite a false one, that a man's will is a +kind of mirror in which we may clearly discern his real character, for +Domitius Tullus appears a much better man since his death than he did +during his lifetime. After having artfully encouraged the expectations +of those who paid court to him, with a view to being his heirs, he has +left his estate to his niece whom he adopted. He has given likewise +several very considerable legacies among his grandchildren, and also to +his great-grandson. In a word, he has shown himself a most kind relation +throughout his whole will; which is so much the more to be admired as it +was not expected of him. This affair has been very much talked about, +and various opinions expressed: some call him false, ungrateful, and +forgetful, and, while thus railing at him in this way as if they were +actually disinherited kindred, betray their own dishonest designs: +others, on the contrary, applaud him extremely for having disappointed +the hopes of this infamous tribe of men, whom, considering the +disposition of the times, it is but prudence to deceive. They add that +he was not at liberty to make any other will, and that he cannot so +properly be said to have bequeathed, as returned, his estate to his +adopted daughter, since it was by her means it came to him. For +Curtilius Mancia, whose daughter Domitius Lucanus, brother to this +Tullus, married, having taken a dislike to his son-in-law, made this +young lady (who was the issue of that marriage) his heiress, upon +condition that Lucanus her father would emancipate her. He accordingly +did so, but she being afterwards adopted by Tullus, her uncle, the +design of Mancia's will was entirely frustrated. For these two brothers +having never divided their patrimony, but living together as joint- +tenants of one common estate, the daughter of Lucanus, notwithstanding +the act of emancipation, returned back again, together with her large +fortune, under the dominion of her father, by means of this fraudulent +adoption. It seems indeed to have been the fate of these two brothers to +be enriched by those who had the greatest aversion to them. For Domitius +Afer, by whom they were adopted, left a will in their favour, which he +had made eighteen years before his death; though it was plain he had +since altered his opinion with regard to the family, because he was +instrumental in procuring the confiscation of their father's estate. +There is something extremely singular in the resentment of Afer, and the +good fortune of the other two; as it was very extraordinary, on the one +hand, that Domitius should endeavour to extirpate from the privileges of +society a man whose children he had adopted, and, on the other, that +these brothers should find a parent in the very person that ruined their +father. But Tullus acted justly, after having been appointed sole heir +by his brother, in prejudice to his own daughter, to make her amends by +transferring to her this estate, which came to him from Afer, as well as +all the rest which he had gained in partnership with his brother. His +will therefore deserves the higher praise, having been dictated by +nature, justice, and sense of honour; in which he has returned his +obligations to his several relations, according to their respective good +offices towards him, not forgetting his wife, having bequeathed to that +excellent woman, who patiently endured much for his sake, several +delightful villas, besides a large sum of money. And indeed she deserved +so much the more at his hands, in proportion to the displeasure she +incurred on her marriage with him. It was thought unworthy a person of +her birth and repute, so long left a widow by her former husband, by +whom she had issue, to marry, in the decline of her life, an old man, +merely for his wealth, and who was so sickly and infirm that, even had +he passed the best years of his youth and health with her, she might +well have been heartily tired of him. He had so entirely lost the use of +all his limbs that he could not move himself in bed without assistance; +and the only enjoyment he had of his riches was to contemplate them. He +was even (sad and disgusting to relate) reduced to the necessity of +having his teeth washed and scrubbed by others: in allusion to which he +used frequently to say, when he was complaining of the indignities which +his infirmities obliged him to suffer, that he was every day compelled +to lick his servant's fingers. Still, however, he lived on, and was +willing to accept of life upon such terms. That he lived so long as he +did was particularly owing, indeed, to the care of his wife, who, +whatever reputation she might lose at first by her marriage, acquired +great honour by her unwearied devotion as his wife. -- Thus I have given +you all the news of the town, where nothing is talked of but Tullus. It +is expected his curiosities will shortly be sold by auction. He had such +an abundant collection of very old statues that he actually filled an +extensive garden with them, the very same day he purchased it; not to +mention numberless other antiques, lying neglected in his lumber-room. +If you have anything worth telling me in return, I hope you will not +refuse the trouble of writing to me: not only as we are all of us +naturally fond, you know, of news, but because example has a very +beneficial influence upon our own conduct. Farewell. + + + +XCIII -- To GALLUS + +THOSE works of art or nature which are usually the motives of our +travels are often overlooked and neglected if they lie within our reach: +whether it be that we are naturally less inquisitive concerning those +things which are near us, while our curiosity is excited by remote +objects; or because the easiness of gratifying a desire is always sure +to damp it; or, perhaps, that we put off from time to time going and +seeing what we know we have an opportunity of seeing when we please. +Whatever the reason be, it is certain there are numberless curiosities +in and near Rome which we have not only never seen, but even never so +much as heard of: and yet had they been the produce of Greece, or Egypt, +or Asia, or any other country which we admire as fertile and productive +of belief in wonders, we should long since have heard of them, read of +them, and enquired into them. For myself at least, I confess, I have +lately been entertained with one of these curiosities, to which I was an +entire stranger before. My wife's grandfather desired I would look over +his estate near Ameria.[131] As I was walking over his grounds, 1 was +shown a lake that lies below them, called Vadirnon,[132] about which +several very extraordinary things are told. I went up to this lake. It +is perfectly circular in form, like a wheel lying on the ground; there +is not the least curve or projection of the shore, but all is regular, +even, and just as if it had been hollowed and cut out by the hand of +art. The water is of a clear sky-blue, though with somewhat of a +greenish tinge; its smell is sulphurous, and its flavour has medicinal +properties, and is deemed of great efficacy in all fractures of the +limbs, which it is supposed to heal. Though of but moderate extent, yet +the winds have a great effect upon it, throwing it into violent +agitation. No vessels are suffered to sail here, as its waters are held +sacred; but several floating islands swim about it, covered with reeds +and rushes, and with whatever other plants the surrounding marshy ground +and the edge itself of the lake produce in greater abundance. Each +island has its peculiar shape and size, but the edges of all of them are +worn away by their frequent collision with the shore and one another. +They are all of the same height and motion; as their respective roots, +which are formed like the keel of a boat, may be seen hanging not very +far down in the water, and at an equal depth, on whichever side you +stand. Sometimes they move in a cluster, and seem to form one entire +little continent; sometimes they are dispersed into different quarters +by the wind; at other times, when it is calm, they float up and down +separately. You may frequently see one of the larger islands sailing +along with a lesser joined to it, like a ship with its long boat; or, +perhaps, seeming to strive which shall out-swim the other: then again +they are all driven to the same spot, and by joining themselves to the +shore, sometimes on one side and sometimes on the other, lessen or +restore the size of the lake in this part or that, accordingly, till at +last uniting in the centre they restore it to its usual size. The sheep +which graze upon the borders of this lake frequently go upon these +islands to feed, without perceiving that they have left the shore, until +they are alarmed by finding themselves surrounded with water; as though +they had been forcibly conveyed and placed there. Afterwards, when the +wind drives them back again, they as little perceive their return as +their departure. This lake empties itself into a river, which, after +running a little way, sinks under ground, and, if anything is thrown in, +it brings it up again where the stream emerges.--I have given you this +account because I imagined it would not be less new, nor less agreeable, +to you than it was to me; as I know you take the same pleasure as myself +in contemplating the works of nature. Farewell. + + + +XCIV -- To ARRIANUS + +NOTHING, in my opinion, gives a more amiable and becoming grace to our +studies, as well as manners, than to temper the serious with the gay, +lest the former should degenerate into melancholy, and the latter run up +into levity. Upon this plan it is that I diversify my graver works with +compositions of a lighter nature. I had chosen a convenient place and +season for some productions of that sort to make their appearance in; +and designing to accustom them early to the tables of the idle, I fixed +upon the month of July, which is usually a time of vacation to the +courts of justice, in order to read them to some of my friends I had +collected together; and accordingly I placed a desk before each couch. +But as I happened that morning to be unexpectedly called away to attend +a cause, I took occasion to preface my recital with an apology. I +entreated my audience not to impute it to me as any want of due regard +for the business to which I had invited them that on the very day I had +appointed for reading my performances to a small circle of my friends I +did not refuse my services to others in their law affairs. I assured +them I would observe the same rule in my writings, and should always +give the preference to business, before pleasure; to serious engagements +before amusing ones; and to my friends before myself. The poems I +recited consisted of a variety of subjects in different metres. It is +thus that we who dare not rely for much upon our abilities endeavour to +avoid satiating our readers. In compliance with the earnest solicitation +of my audience, I recited for two days successively; but not in the +manner that several practise, by passing over the feebler passages, and +making a merit of so doing: on the contrary, I omitted nothing, and +freely confessed it. I read the whole, that I might correct the whole; +which it is impossible those who only select particular passages can do. +The latter method, indeed, may have more the appearance of modesty, and +perhaps respect; but the former shows greater simplicity, as well as a +more affectionate disposition towards the audience. For the belief that +a man's friends have so much regard for him as not to be weary on these +occasions, is a sure indication of the love he bears them. Otherwise, +what good do friends do you who assemble merely for their own amusement? +He who had rather find his friend's performance correct, than make it +so, is to be regarded as a stranger, or one who is too lackadaisical to +give himself any trouble. Your affection for me leaves me no room to +doubt that you are impatient to read my book, even in its present very +imperfect condition. And so you shall, but not until I have made those +corrections which were the principal inducement of my recital. You are +already acquainted with some parts of it; but even those, after they +have been improved (or perhaps spoiled, as is sometimes the case by the +delay of excessive revision) will seem quite new to you. For when a +piece has undergone various changes, it gets to look new, even in those +very parts which remain unaltered. Farewell. + + + +XCV -- To MAXIMUS + +My affection for you obliges me, not indeed to direct you (for you are +far above the want of a guide), but to admonish you carefully to observe +and resolutely to put in practice what you already know, that is, in +other words, to know it to better purpose. Consider that you are sent to +that noble province, Achaia, the real and genuine Greece, where +politeness, learning, and even agriculture itself, are supposed to have +taken their first rise; sent to regulate the condition of free cities; +sent, that is, to a society of men who breathe the spirit of true +manhood and liberty; who have maintained the rights they received from +Nature, by courage, by virtue, by alliances; in a word, by civil and +religious faith. Revere the gods their founders; their ancient glory, +and even that very antiquity itself which, venerable in men, is sacred +in states. Honour them therefore for their deeds of old renown, nay, +their very legendary traditions. Grant to every one his full dignity, +privileges, yes, and the indulgence of his very vanity. Remember it was +from this nation we derived our laws; that she did not receive ours by +conquest, but gave us hers by favour. Remember, it is Athens to which +you go; it is Lacedaemon you govern; and to deprive such a people of the +declining shadow, the remaining name of liberty, would be cruel, +inhuman, barbarous. Physicians, you see, though in sickness there is no +difference between freedom and slavery, yet treat persons of the former +rank with more tenderness than those of the latter. Reflect what these +cities once were; but so reflect as not to despise them for what they +are now. Far be pride and asperity from my friend; nor fear, by a proper +condescension, to lay yourself open to contempt. Can he who is vested +with the power and bears the ensigns of authority, can he fail of +meeting with respect, unless by pursuing base and sordid measures, and +first breaking through that reverence he owes to himself? Ill, believe +me, is power proved by insult; ill can terror command veneration, and +far more effectual is affection in obtaining one's purpose than fear. +For terror operates no longer than its object is present, but love +produces its effects with its object at a distance: and as absence +changes the former into hatred, it raises the latter into respect. And +therefore you ought (and I cannot but repeat it too often), you ought to +well consider the nature of your office, and to represent to yourself +how great and important the task is of governing a free state. For what +can be better for society than such government, what can be more +precious than freedom? How ignominious then must his conduct be who +turns good government into anarchy, and liberty into slavery? To these +considerations let me add, that you have an established reputation to +maintain: the fame you acquired by the administration of the +quaestorship in Bithynia,[133] the good opinion of the emperor, the +credit you obtained when you were tribune and praetor, in a word, this +very government, which may be looked upon as the reward of your former +services, are all so many glorious weights which are incumbent upon you +to support with suitable dignity. The more strenuously therefore you +ought to endeavour that it may not be said you showed greater urbanity, +integrity, and ability in a province remote from Rome, than in one which +lies so much nearer the capital; in the midst of a nation of slaves, +than among a free people; that it may not be remarked, that it was +chance, and not judgment, appointed you to this office; that your +character was unknown and unexperienced, not tried and approved. For +(and it is a maxim which your reading and conversation must have often +suggested to you) it is a far greater disgrace losing the name one has +once acquired than never to have attained it. I again beg you to be +persuaded that I did not write this letter with a design of instruction, +but of reminder. Though indeed, if I had, it would have only been in +consequence of the great affection I bear you: a sentiment which I am in +no fear of carrying beyond its just bounds: for there can be no danger +of excess where one cannot love too well. Farewell. + + + +XCVI -- To PAULINUS + +OTHERS may think as they please; but the happiest man, in my opinion, is +he who lives in the conscious anticipation of an honest and enduring +name, and secure of future glory in the eyes of posterity. I confess, if +I had not the reward of an immortal reputation in view, I should prefer +a life of uninterrupted ease and indolent retirement to any other. There +seems to be two points worthy every man's attention: endless fame, or +the short duration of life. Those who are actuated by the former motive +ought to exert themselves to the very utmost of their power; while such +as are influenced by the latter should quietly resign themselves to +repose, and not wear out a short life in perishable pursuits, as we see +so many doing--and then sink at last into utter self-contempt, in the +midst of a wretched and fruitless course of false industry. These are my +daily reflections, which I communicate to you, in order to renounce them +if you do not agree with them; as undoubtedly you will, who are for ever +meditating some glorious and immortal enterprise. Farewell. + + + +XCVII -- To CALVISIUS + +I HAVE spent these several days past, in reading and writing, with the +most pleasing tranquillity imaginable. You will ask, "How that can +possibly be in the midst of Rome?" It was the time of celebrating the +Circensian games; an entertainment for which I have not the least taste. +They have no novelty, no variety to recommend them, nothing, in short, +one would wish to see twice. It does the more surprise me therefore that +so many thousand people should be possessed with the childish passion of +desiring so often to see a parcel of horses gallop, and men standing +upright in their chariots. If, indeed, it were the swiftness of the +horses, or the skill of the men that attracted them, there might be some +pretence of reason for it. But it is the dress[134] they like; it is the +dress that takes their fancy. And if, in the midst of the course and +contest, the different parties were to change colours, their different +partisans would change sides, and instantly desert the very same men and +horses whom just before they were eagerly following with their eyes, as +far as they could see, and shouting out their names with all their +might. Such mighty charms, such wondrous power reside in the colour of a +paltry tunic! And this not only with the common crowd (more contemptible +than the dress they espouse), but even with serious-thinking people. +When I observe such men thus insatiably fond of so silly, so low, so +uninteresting, so common an entertainment, I congratulate myself on my +indifference to these pleasures: and am glad to employ the leisure of +this season upon my books, which others throw away upon the most idle +occupations. Farewell. + + + +XCVIII -- To ROMANUS + +I AM pleased to find by your letter that you are engaged in building; +for I may now defend my own conduct by your example. I am myself +employed in the same sort of work; and since I have you, who shall deny +I have reason on my side? Our situations too are not dissimilar; your +buildings are carried on upon the sea-coast, mine are rising upon the +side of the Larian lake. I have several villas upon the borders of this +lake, but there are two particularly in which, as I take most delight, +so they give me most employment. They are both situated like those at +Baiae:[135] one of them stands upon a rock, and overlooks the lake; the +other actually touches it. The first, supported as it were by the lofty +buskin,[136] I call my tragic; the other, as resting upon the humble +rock, my comic villa. Each has its own peculiar charm, recommending it +to its possessor so much more on account of this very difference. The +former commands a wider, the latter enjoys a nearer view of the lake. +One, by a gentle curve, embraces a little bay; the other, being built +upon a greater height, forms two. Here you have a strait walk extending +itself along the banks of the lake; there, a spacious terrace that falls +by a gentle descent towards it. The former does not feel the force of +the waves; the latter breaks them; from that you see the fishing- +vessels; from this you may fish yourself, and throw your line out of +your room, and almost from your bed, as from off a boat. It is the +beauties therefore these agreeable villas possess that tempt me to add +to them those which are wanting.--But I need not assign a reason to you; +who, undoubtedly, will think it a sufficient one that I follow your +example. Farewell. + + + +XCIX -- To GEMINUS + +YOUR letter was particularly acceptable to me, as it mentioned your +desire that I would send you something of mine, addressed to you, to +insert in your works. I shall find a more appropriate occasion of +complying with your request than that which you propose, the subject you +point out to me being attended with some objections; and when you +reconsider it, you will think so.--As I did not imagine there were any +booksellers at Lugdunum,[137] I am so much the more pleased to learn +that my works are sold there. I rejoice to find they maintain the +character abroad which they raised at home, and I begin to flatter +myself they have some merit, since persons of such distant countries are +agreed in their opinion with regard to them. Farewell. + + + +C -- To JUNIOR + +A CERTAIN friend of mine lately chastised his son, in my presence, for +being somewhat too expensive in the matter of dogs and horses. "And +pray," I asked him, when the youth had left us, "did you never commit a +fault yourself which deserved your father's correction? Did you never? I +repeat. Nay, are you not sometimes even now guilty of errors which your +son, were he in your place, might with equal gravity reprove? Are not +all mankind subject to indiscretions? And have we not each of us our +particular follies in which we fondly indulge ourselves?"[138] + +The great affection I have for you induced me to set this instance of +unreasonable severity before you--a caution not to treat your son with +too much harshness and severity. Consider, he is but a boy, and that +there was a time when you were so too. In exerting, therefore, the +authority of a father, remember always that you are a man, and the +parent of a man. Farewell. + + + +CI -- To QUADRATUS + +THE pleasure and attention with which you read the vindication I +published of Helvidius,[139] has greatly raised your curiosity, it +seems, to be informed of those particulars relating to that affair, +which are not mentioned in the defence; as you were too young to be +present yourself at that transaction. When Domitian was assassinated, a +glorious opportunity, I thought, offered itself to me of pursuing the +guilty, vindicating the injured, and advancing my own reputation. But +amidst an infinite variety of the blackest crimes, none appeared to me +more atrocious than that a senator, of praetorian dignity, and invested +with the sacred character of a judge, should, even in the very senate +itself, lay violent hands upon a member[140] of that body, one of +consular rank, and who then stood arraigned before him. Besides this +general consideration, I also happened to be on terms of particular +intimacy with Helvidius, as far as this was possible with one who, +through fear of the times, endeavoured to veil the lustre of his fame, +and his virtues, in obscurity and retirement. Arria likewise, and her +daughter Fannia, who was mother-in-law to Helvidius, were in the number +of my friends. But it was not so much private attachments as the honour +of the public, a just indignation at the action, and the danger of the +example if it should pass unpunished, that animated me upon the +occasion. At the first restoration of liberty every man singled out his +own particular enemy (though it must be confessed, those only of a lower +rank), and, in the midst of much clamour and confusion, no sooner +brought the charge than procured the condemnation. But for myself, I +thought it would be more reasonable and more effectual, not to take +advantage of the general resentment of the public, but to crush this +criminal with the single weight of his own enormous guilt. When +therefore the first heat of public indignation began to cool, and +declining passion gave way to justice, though I was at that time under +great affliction for the loss of my wife,[142] I sent to Anteia, the +widow of Helvidius, and desired her to come to me, as my late misfortune +prevented me from appearing in public. When she arrived, I said to her, +"I am resolved not to suffer the injuries your husband has received, to +pass unrevenged; let Arria and Fannia" (who were just returned from +exile) "know this; and consider together whether you would care to join +with me in the prosecution. Not that I want an associate, but I am not +so jealous of my own glory as to refuse to share it with you in this +affair." She accordingly carried this message; and they all agreed to +the proposal without the least hesitation. It happened very opportunely +that the senate was to meet within three days. It was a general rule +with me to consult, in all my affairs, with Corellius, a person of the +greatest far-sightedness and wisdom this age has produced. However, in +the present case, I relied entirely upon my own discretion, being +apprehensive he would not approve of my design, as he was very cautious +and deliberate. But though I did not previously take counsel with him +(experience having taught me, never to do so with a person concerning a +question we have already determined, where he has a right to expect that +one shall be decided by his judgment), yet I could not forbear +acquainting him with my resolution at the time I intended to carry it +into execution. The senate being assembled, I came into the house, and +begged I might have leave to make a motion; which I did in few words, +and with general assent. When I began to touch upon the charge, and +point out the person I intended to accuse (though as yet without +mentioning him by name), I was attacked on all sides. "Let us know," +exclaims one, "who is the subject of this informal motion?" "Who is it," +(asked another) "that is thus accused, without acquainting the house +with his name, and his crime?" "Surely," (added a third) "we who have +survived the late dangerous times may expect now, at least, to remain in +security." I heard all this with perfect calmness, and without being in +the least alarmed. Such is the effect of conscious integrity; and so +much difference is there with respect to inspiring confidence or fear, +whether the world had only rather one should forbear a certain act, or +absolutely condemn it. It would be too tedious to relate all that was +advanced, by different parties, upon this occasion. At length the consul +said, "You will be at liberty, Secundus, to propose what you think +proper when your turn comes to give your opinion upon the order of the +day."[143] I replied, "You must allow me a liberty which you never yet +refused to any;" and so sat down: when immediately the house went upon +another business. In the meanwhile, one of my consular friends took me +aside, and, with great earnestness telling me he thought I had carried +on this affair with more boldness than prudence, used every method of +reproof and persuasion to prevail with me to desist; adding at the same +time that I should certainly, if I persevered, render myself obnoxious +to some future prince. "Be it so," I returned, "should he prove a bad +one." Scarcely had he left me when a second came up: "Whatever," said +he, "are you attempting? Why ever will you ruin yourself? Do you +consider the risks you expose yourself to? Why will you presume too much +on the present situation of public affairs, when it is so uncertain what +turn they may hereafter take? You are attacking a man who is actually at +the head of the treasury, and will shortly be consul. Besides, recollect +what credit he has, and with what powerful friendships he is supported?" +Upon which he named a certain person, who (not without several strong +and suspicious rumours) was then at the head of a powerful army in the +east. I replied, + +"'All I've foreseen, and oft in thought revolv'd;[144] and am willing, +if fate shall so decree, to suffer in an honest cause, provided I can +draw vengeance down upon a most infamous one." The time for the members +to give their opinions was now arrived. Domitius Apollinaris, the consul +elect, spoke first; after him Fabricius Vejento, then Fabius Maximinus, +Vettius Proculus next (who married my wife's mother, and who was the +colleague of Publicius Certus, the person on whom the debate turned), +and last of all Ammius Flaccus. They all defended Certus, as if I had +named him (though I had not yet so much as once mentioned him), and +entered upon his justification as if I had exhibited a specific charge. +It is not necessary to repeat in this place what they respectively said, +having given it all at length in their words in the speech above- +mentioned. Avidius Quietus and Cornutus Tertullus answered them. The +former observed, "that it was extremely unjust not to hear the +complaints of those who thought themselves injured, and therefore that +Arria and Fannia ought not to be denied the privilege of laying their +grievances before the house; and that the point for the consideration of +the senate was not the rank of the person, but the merit of the cause." + +Then Cornutus rose up and acquainted the house, "that, as he was +appointed guardian to the daughter of Helvidius by the consuls, upon the +petition of her mother and her father-in-law, he felt himself compelled +to fulfil the duty of his trust. In the execution of which, however, he +would endeavour to set some bounds to his indignation by following that +great example of moderation which those excellent women[145] had set, +who contented themselves with barely informing the senate of the +cruelties which Certus committed in order to carry on his infamous +adulation; and therefore," he said, "he would move only that, if a +punishment due to a crime so notoriously known should be remitted, +Certus might at least be branded with some mark of the displeasure of +that august assembly." Satrius Rufus spoke next, and, meaning to steer a +middle course, expressed himself with considerable ambiguity. "I am of +opinion," said he, "that great injustice will be done to Certus if he is +not acquitted (for I do not scruple to mention his name, since the +friends of Arria and Fannia, as well as his own, have done so too), nor +indeed have we any occasion for anxiety upon this account. We who think +well of the man shall judge him with the same impartiality as the rest; +but if he is innocent, as I hope he is, and shall be glad to find, I +think this house may very justly deny the present motion till some +charge has been proved against him." Thus, according to the respective +order in which they were called upon, they delivered their several +opinions. When it came to my turn, I rose up, and, using the same +introduction to my speech as I have published in the defence, I replied +to them severally. It is surprising with what attention, what clamorous +applause I was heard, even by those who just before were loudest against +me: such a wonderful change was wrought either by the importance of the +affair, the successful progress of the speech, or the resolution of the +advocate. After I had finished, Vejento attempted to reply; but the +general clamour raised against him not permitting him to go on, "I +entreat you, conscript fathers,"[146] said he, "not to oblige me to +implore the assistance of the tribunes."[147] Immediately the tribune +Murena cried out, "You have my permission, most illustrious Vejento, to +go on." But still the clamour was renewed. In the interval, the consul +ordered the house to divide, and having counted the voices, dismissed +the senate, leaving Vejento in the midst, still attempting to speak. He +made great complaints of this affront (as he called it), applying the +following lines of Homer to himself: + + +"Great perils, father, wait the unequal fight; Those younger champions +will thy strength o'ercome."<a href="#linknote-148" name="linknoteref- +148" id="linknoteref-148">[148]</a> + +There was hardly a man in the senate that did not embrace and kiss me, +and all strove who should applaud me most, for having, at the cost of +private enmities, revived a custom so long disused, of freely consulting +the senate upon affairs that concern the honour of the public; in a +word, for having wiped off that reproach which was thrown upon it by +other orders in the state, "that the senators mutually favoured the +members of their own body, while they were very severe in animadverting +upon the rest of their fellow-citizens." All this was transacted in the +absence of Certus; who kept out of the way either because he suspected +something of this nature was intended to be moved, or (as was alleged in +his excuse) that he was really unwell. Cæsar, however, did not refer the +examination of this matter to the senate. But I succeeded, nevertheless, +in my aim, another person being appointed to succeed Certus in the +consulship, while the election of his colleague to that office was +confirmed. And thus, the wish with which I concluded my speech, was +actually accomplished: "May he be obliged," said I, "to renounce, under +a virtuous prince,[149] that reward he received from an infamous +one!"[150] Some time after I recollected, as well as I could, the speech +I had made upon this occasion; to which I made several additions. It +happened (though indeed it had the appearance of being something more +than casual) that a few days after I had published this piece, Certus +was taken ill and died. I was told that his imagination was continually +haunted with this affair, and kept picturing me ever before his eyes, as +a man pursuing him with a drawn sword. Whether there was any truth in +this rumour, I will not venture to assert; but, for the sake of example, +however, I could wish it might gain credit. And now I have sent you a +letter which (considering it is a letter) is as long as the defence you +say you have read: but you must thank yourself for not being content +with such information as that piece could afford you. Farewell. + + + +CII -- To GENITOR + +I HAVE received your letter, in which you complain of having been highly +disgusted lately at a very splendid entertainment, by a set of buffoons, +mummers, and wanton prostitutes, who were dancing about round the +tables.[151] But let me advise you to smooth your knitted brow somewhat. +I confess, indeed, I admit nothing of this kind at my own house; +however, I bear with it in others. "And why, then," you will be ready to +ask, "not have them yourself?" + +The truth is, because the gestures of the wanton, the pleasantries of +the buffoon, or the extravagancies of the mummer, give me no pleasure, +as they give me no surprise. It is my particular taste, you see, not my +judgment, that I plead against them. And indeed, what numbers are there +who think the entertainments with which you and I are most delighted no +better than impertinent follies! How many are there who, as soon as a +reader, a lyrist, or a comedian is introduced, either take their leave +of the company or, if they remain, show as much dislike to this sort of +thing as you did to those monsters, as you call them! Let us bear +therefore, my friend, with others in their amusements, that they, in +return, may show indulgence to ours. Farewell. + + + +CIII -- To SABINIANUS + +YOUR freedman, whom you lately mentioned to me with displeasure, has +been with me, and threw himself at my feet with as much submission as he +could have fallen at yours. He earnestly requested me with many tears, +and even with all the eloquence of silent sorrow, to intercede for him; +in short, he convinced me by his whole behaviour that he sincerely +repents of his fault. I am persuaded he is thoroughly reformed, because +he seems deeply sensible of his guilt. I know you are angry with him, +and I know, too, it is not without reason; but clemency can never exert +itself more laudably than when there is the most cause for resentment. +You once had an affection for this man, and, I hope, will have again; +meanwhile, let me only prevail with you to pardon him. If he should +incur your displeasure hereafter, you will have so much the stronger +plea in excuse for your anger as you show yourself more merciful to him +now. Concede something to his youth, to his tears, and to your own +natural mildness of temper: do not make him uneasy any longer, and I +will add too, do not make yourself so; for a man of your kindness of +heart cannot be angry without feeling great uneasiness. I am afraid, +were I to join my entreaties with his, I should seem rather to compel +than request you to forgive him. Yet I will not scruple even to write +mine with his; and in so much the stronger terms as I have very sharply +and severely reproved him, positively threatening never to interpose +again in his behalf. But though it was proper to say this to him, in +order to make him more fearful of offending, I do not say so to you. I +may perhaps, again have occasion to entreat you upon this account, and +again obtain your forgiveness; supposing, I mean, his fault should be +such as may become me to intercede for, and you to pardon. Farewell. + + + +CIV -- To MAXIMUS + +IT has frequently happened, as I have been pleading before the Court of +the Hundred, that these venerable judges, after having preserved for a +long period the gravity and solemnity suitable to their character, have +suddenly, as though urged by irresistible impulse, risen up to a man and +applauded me. I have often likewise gained as much glory in the senate +as my utmost wishes could desire: but I never felt a more sensible +pleasure than by an account which I lately received from Cornelius +Tacitus. He informed me that, at the last Circensian games, he sat next +to a Roman knight, who, after conversation had passed between them upon +various points of learning, asked him, "Are you an Italian, or a +provincial?" Tacitus replied, "Your acquaintance with literature must +surely have informed you who I am." "Pray, then, is it Tacitus or Pliny +I am talking with?" I cannot express how highly I am pleased to find +that our names are not so much the proper appellatives of men as a kind +of distinction for learning herself; and that eloquence renders us known +to those who would otherwise be ignorant of us. An accident of the same +kind happened to me a few days ago. Fabius Rufinus, a person of +distinguished merit, was placed next to me at table; and below him a +countryman of his, who had just then come to Rome for the first time. +Rufinus, calling his friend's attention to me, said to him, "You see +this man?" and entered into a conversation upon the subject of my +pursuits: to whom the other immediately replied, "This must undoubtedly +be Pliny." To confess the truth, I look upon these instances as a very +considerable recompense of my labours. If Demosthenes had reason to be +pleased with the old woman of Athens crying out, "This is Demosthenes!" +may not I, then, be allowed to congratulate myself upon the celebrity my +name has acquired? Yes, my friend, I will rejoice in it, and without +scruple admit that I do. As I only mention the judgment of others, not +my own, I am not afraid of incurring the censure of vanity; especially +from you, who, whilst envying no man's reputation, are particularly +zealous for mine. Farewell. + + + +CV -- To SABINIANUS + +I GREATLY approve of your having, in compliance with my letter,[152] +received again into your favour and family a discarded freedman, who you +once admitted into a share of your affection. This will afford you, I +doubt not, great satisfaction. It certainly has me, both as a proof that +your passion can be controlled, and as an instance of your paying so +much regard to me, as either to yield to my authority or to comply with +my request. Let me, therefore, at once both praise and thank you. At the +same time I must advise you to be disposed for the future to pardon the +faults of your people, though there should be none to intercede in their +behalf. Farewell. + + + +CVI -- To LUPERCUS + +I SAID once (and, I think, not inaptly) of a certain orator of the +present age, whose compositions are extremely regular and correct, but +deficient in grandeur and embellishment, "His only fault is that he has +none." Whereas he, who is possessed of the true spirit of oratory, +should be bold and elevated, and sometimes even flame out, be hurried +away, and frequently tread upon the brink of a precipice: for danger is +generally near whatever is towering and exalted. The plain, it is true, +affords a safer, but for that reason a more humble and inglorious, path: +they who run are more likely to stumble than they who creep; but the +latter gain no honour by not slipping, while the former even fall with +glory. It is with eloquence as with some other arts; she is never more +pleasing than when she risks most. Have you not observed what +acclamations our rope-dancers excite at the instant of imminent danger? +Whatever is most entirely unexpected, or as the Greeks more strongly +express it, whatever is most perilous, most excites our admiration. The +pilot's skill is by no means equally proved in a calm as in a storm: in +the former case he tamely enters the port, unnoticed and unapplauded; +but when the cordage cracks, the mast bends, and the rudder groans, then +it is that he shines out in all his glory, and is hailed as little +inferior to a sea-god. + +The reason of my making this observation is, because, if I mistake not, +you have marked some passages in my writings for being tumid, exuberant, +and over-wrought, which, in my estimation, are but adequate to the +thought, or boldly sublime. But it is material to consider whether your +criticism turns upon such points as are real faults, or only striking +and remarkable expressions. Whatever is elevated is sure to be observed; +but it requires a very nice judgment to distinguish the bounds between +true and false grandeur; between loftiness and exaggeration. To give an +instance out of Homer, the author who can, with the greatest propriety, +fly from one extreme of style to another. + + +"Heav'n in loud thunder bids the trumpet sound; And wide beneath them +groans the rending ground."<a href="#linknote-153" name="linknoteref- +153" id="linknoteref-153">[153]</a> + +Again, + + +"Reclin'd on clouds his steed and armour lay."<a href="#linknote-154" +name="linknoteref-154" id="linknoteref-154">[154]</a> + +So in this passage: + + +"As torrents roll, increas'd by numerous rills, With rage impetuous down +their echoing hills, Rush to the vales, and pour'd along the plain, Roar +through a thousand channels to the main." + +It requires, I say, the nicest balance to poise these metaphors, and +determine whether they are incredible and meaningless, or majestic and +sublime. Not that I think anything which I have written, or can write, +admits of comparison with these. I am not quite so foolish; but what I +would be understood to contend for is, that we should give eloquence +free rein, and not restrain the force and impetuosity of genius within +too narrow a compass. But it will be said, perhaps, that one law applies +to orators, another to poets. As if, in truth, Marc Tully were not as +bold in his metaphors as any of the poets! But not to mention particular +instances from him, in a point where, I imagine, there can be no +dispute; does Demosthenes[155] himself, that model and standard of true +oratory, does Demosthenes check and repress the fire of his indignation, +in that well-known passage which begins thus: "These wicked men, these +flatterers, and these destroyers of mankind," &c. And again: "It is +neither with stones nor bricks that I have fortified this city," &c. -- +And afterwards: "I have thrown up these out-works before Attica, and +pointed out to you all the resources which human prudence can suggest," +&c.--And in another place: "O Athenians, I swear by the immortal gods +that he is intoxicated with the grandeur of his own actions," &c.[156] - +- But what can be more daring and beautiful than that long digression, +which begins in this manner: "A terrible disease?" -- The following +passage likewise, though somewhat shorter, is equally boldly conceived: +-- "Then it was I rose up in opposition to the daring Pytho, who poured +forth a torrent of menaces against you," &c.[157] -- The subsequent +stricture is of the same stamp: "When a man has strengthened himself, as +Philip has, in avarice and wickedness, the first pretence, the first +false step, be it ever so inconsiderable, has overthrown and destroyed +all," &c.[158]--So in the same style with the foregoing is this: -- +"Railed off, as it were, from the privileges of society, by the +concurrent and just judgments of the three tribunals in the city." -- +And in the same place: "O Aristogiton! you have betrayed that mercy +which used to be shown to offences of this nature, or rather, indeed, +you have wholly destroyed it. In vain then would you fly for refuge to a +port, which you have shut up, and encompassed with rocks."--He has said +before: "I am afraid, therefore, you should appear in the judgment of +some, to have erected a public seminary of faction: for there is a +weakness in all wickedness which renders it apt to betray itself!" -- +And a little lower: "I see none of these resources open to him; but all +is precipice gulf, and profound abyss."--And again: "Nor do I imagine +that our ancestors erected those courts of judicature that men of his +character should be planted there, but on the contrary', eradicated, +that none may emulate their evil actions."--And afterwards: "If he is +then the artificer of every wickedness, if he only makes it his trade +and traffic," &c.--And a thousand other passages which I might cite to +the same purpose; not to mention those expressions which Aeschines calls +not words, but wonders.--You will tell me, perhaps, I have unwarily +mentioned Aeschines, since Demosthenes is condemned even by him, for +running into these figurative expressions. But observe, I entreat you, +how far superior the former orator is to his critic, and superior too in +the very passage to which he objects; for in others, the force of his +genius, in those above quoted, its loftiness, makes itself manifest. But +does Aeschines himself avoid those errors which he reproves in +Demosthenes? "The orator," says he, "Athenians, and the law, ought to +speak the same language; but when the voice of the law declares one +thing, and that of the orator another we should give our vote to the +justice of the law, not to the impudence of the orator."[159]--And in +another place: "He afterwards manifestly discovered the design he had, +of concealing his fraud under cover of the decree, having expressly +declared therein that the ambassadors sent to the Oretae gave the five +talents, not to you, but to Callias. And that you may be convinced of +the truth of what I say (after having stripped the decree of its +gallies, its trim, and its arrogant ostentation) the clause itself." -- +And in another part: "Suffer him not to break cover and escape out of +the limits of the question." A metaphor he is so fond of that he repeats +it again. "But remaining firm and confident in the assembly, drive him +into the merits of the question, and observe well how he doubles."--Is +his style more reserved and simple when he says: "But you are ever +wounding our ears, and are more concerned in the success of your daily +harangues than for the salvation of the city?"--What follows is +conceived in a yet higher strain of metaphor: "Will you not expel this +man as the common calamity of Greece? Will you not seize and punish this +pirate of the state, who sails about in quest of favourable +conjunctures," &c.--With many other passages of a similar nature. And +now I expect you will make the same attacks upon certain expressions in +this letter as you did upon those I have been endeavouring to defend. +The rudder that groans, and the pilot compared to a sea-god, will not, I +imagine, escape your criticism: for I perceive, while I am suing for +indulgence to my former style, I have fallen into the same kind of +figurative diction which you condemn. But attack them if you please +provided you will immediately appoint a day when we may meet to discuss +these matters in person: you will then either teach me to be less daring +or I shall teach you to be more bold. Farewell. + + + +CVII -- To CANINIUS + +I HAVE met with a story, which, although authenticated by undoubted +evidence, looks very like fable, and would afford a worthy field for the +exercise of so exuberant, lofty, and truly poetical a genius as your +own. It was related to me the other day over the dinner table, where the +conversation happened to run upon various kinds of marvels. The person +who told the story was a man of unsuspected veracity:--but what has a +poet to do with truth? However, you might venture to rely upon his +testimony, even though you had the character of a faithful historian to +support. There is in Africa a town called Hippo, situated not far from +the sea-coast: it stands upon a navigable lake, communicating with an +estuary in the form of a river, which alternately flows into the lake, +or into the ocean, according to the ebb and flow of the tide. People of +all ages amuse themselves here with fishing, sailing, or swimming; +especially boys, whom love of play brings to the spot. With these it is +a fine and manly achievement to be able to swim the farthest; and he +that leaves the shore and his companions at the greatest distance gains +the victory. It happened, in one of these trials of skill, that a +certain boy, bolder than the rest, launched out towards the opposite +shore. He was met by a dolphin, who sometimes swam before him, and +sometimes behind him, then played round him, and at last took him upon +his back, and set him down, and afterwards took him up again; and thus +he carried the poor frightened fellow out into the deepest part; when +immediately he turns back again to the shore, and lands him among his +companions. The fame of this remarkable accident spread through the +town, and crowds of people flocked round the boy (whom they viewed as a +kind of prodigy) to ask him questions and hear him relate the story. The +next day the shore was thronged with spectators, all attentively +watching the ocean, and (what indeed is almost itself an ocean) the +lake. Meanwhile the boys swam as usual, and among the rest, the boy I am +speaking of went into the lake, but with more caution than before. The +dolphin appeared again and came to the boy, who, together with his +companions, swam away with the utmost precipitation. The dolphin, as +though to invite and call them back, leaped and dived up and down, in a +series of circular movements. This he practised the next day, the day +after, and for several days together, till the people (accustomed from +their infancy to the sea) began to be ashamed of their timidity. They +ventured, therefore, to advance nearer, playing with him and calling him +to them, while he, in return, suffered himself to be touched and +stroked. Use rendered them courageous. The boy, in particular, who first +made the experiment, swam by the side of him, and, leaping upon his +back, was carried backwards and forwards in that manner, and thought the +dolphin knew him and was fond of him, while he too had grown fond of the +dolphin. There seemed, now, indeed, to be no fear on either side, the +confidence of the one and tameness of the other mutually increasing; the +rest of the boys, in the meanwhile, surrounding and encouraging their +companion. It is very remarkable that this dolphin was followed by a +second, which seemed only as a spectator and attendant on the former; +for he did not at all submit to the same familiarities as the first, but +only escorted him backwards and forwards, as the boys did their comrade. +But what is further surprising, and no less true than what I have +already related, is that this dolphin, who thus played with the boys and +carried them upon his back, would come upon the shore, dry himself in +the sand, and, as soon as he grew warm, roll back into the sea. It is a +fact that Octavius Avitus, deputy governor of the province, actuated by +an absurd piece of superstition, poured some ointment[160] over him as +he lay on the shore: the novelty and smell of which made him retire into +the ocean, and it was not till several days after that he was seen +again, when he appeared dull and languid; however, he recovered his +strength and continued his usual playful tricks. All the magistrates +round flocked hither to view this sight, whose arrival, and prolonged +stay, was an additional expense, which the slender finances of this +little community would ill afford; besides, the quiet and retirement of +the place was utterly destroyed. It was thought proper, therefore, to +remove the occasion of this concourse, by privately killing the poor +dolphin. And now, with what a flow of tenderness will you describe this +affecting catastrophe![161] and how will your genius adorn and heighten +this moving story! Though, indeed, the subject does not require any +fictitious embellishments; it will be sufficient to describe the actual +facts of the case without suppression or diminution. Farewell. + + + +CVIII -- TO FUSCUS + +You want to know how I portion out my day, in my summer villa at Tuscum? +I get up just when I please; generally about sunrise, often earlier, but +seldom later than this. I keep the shutters closed, as darkness and +silence wonderfully promote meditation. Thus free and abstracted from +these outward objects which dissipate attention, I am left to my own +thoughts; nor suffer my mind to wander with my eyes, but keep my eyes in +subjection to my mind, which, when they are not distracted by a +multiplicity of external objects, see nothing but what the imagination +represents to them. If I have any work in hand, this is the time I +choose for thinking it out, word for word, even to the minutest accuracy +of expression. In this way I compose more or less, according as the +subject is more or less difficult, and I find myself able to retain it. +I then call my secretary, and, opening the shutters, dictate to him what +I have put into shape, after which I dismiss him, then call him in +again, and again dismiss him. About ten or eleven o'clock (for I do not +observe one fixed hour), according to the weather, I either walk upon my +terrace or in the covered portico, and there I continue to meditate or +dictate what remains upon the subject in which I am engaged. This +completed, I get into my chariot, where I employ myself as before, when +I was walking, or in my study; and find this change of scene refreshes +and keeps up my attention. On my return home, I take a little nap, then +a walk, and after that repeat out loud and distinctly some Greek or +Latin speech, not so much for the sake of strengthening my voice as my +digestion;[162] though indeed the voice at the same time is strengthened +by this practice. I then take another walk, am anointed, do my +exercises, and go into the bath. At supper, if I have only my wife or a +few friends with me, some author is read to us; and after supper we are +entertained either with music or an interlude. When that is finished, I +take my walk with my family, among whom I am not without some scholars. +Thus we pass our evenings in varied conversation; and the day, even when +at the longest, steals imperceptibly away. Upon some occasions I change +the order in certain of the articles abovementioned. For instance, if I +have studied longer or walked more than usual, after my second sleep, +and reading a speech or two aloud, instead of using my chariot I get on +horseback; by which means I ensure as much exercise and lose less time. +The visits of my friends from the neighbouring villages claim some part +of the day; and sometimes, by an agreeable interruption, they come in +very seasonably to relieve me when I am feeling tired. I now and then +amuse myself with hunting, but always take my tablets into the field, +that, if I should meet with no game, I may at least bring home +something. Part of my time too (though not so much as they desire) is +allotted to my tenants; whose rustic complaints, along with these city +occupations, make my literary studies still more delightful to me. +Farewell. -- + + + +CIX -- To PAULINUS + +As you are not of a disposition to expect from your friends the ordinary +ceremonial observances of society when they cannot observe them without +inconvenience to themselves, so I love you too steadfastly to be +apprehensive of your taking otherwise than I wish you should my not +waiting upon you on the first day of your entrance upon the consular +office, especially as I am detained here by the necessity of letting my +farms upon long leases. I am obliged to enter upon an entirely new plan +with my tenants: for under the former leases, though I made them very +considerable abatements, they have run greatly in arrear. For this +reason several of them have not only taken no sort of care to lessen a +debt which they found themselves incapable of wholly discharging, but +have even seized and consumed all the produce of the land, in the belief +that it would now be of no advantage to themselves to spare it. I must +therefore obviate this increasing evil, and endeavour to find out some +remedy against it. The only one I can think of is, not to reserve my +rent in money, but in kind, and so place some of my servants to overlook +the tillage, and guard the stock; as indeed there is no sort of revenue +more agreeable to reason than what arises from the bounty of the soil, +the seasons, and the climate. It is true, this method will require great +honesty, sharp eyes, and many hands. However, I must risk the +experiment, and, as in an inveterate complaint, try every change of +remedy. You see, it is not any pleasurable indulgence that prevents my +attending you on the first day of your consulship. I shall celebrate it +nevertheless, as much as if I were present, and pay my vows for you +here, with all the warmest tokens of joy and congratulation. Farewell. + + + +CX -- To FUSCUS + +You are much pleased, I find, with the account I gave you in my former +letter of how I spend the summer season at Tuscum, and desire to know +what alteration I make in my method when I am at Laurentum in the +winter. None at all, except abridging myself of my sleep at noon, and +borrowing a good piece of the night before daybreak and after sunset for +study: and if business is very urgent (which in winter very frequently +happens), instead of having interludes or music after supper, I +reconsider whatever I have previously dictated, and improve my memory at +the same time by this frequent mental revision. Thus I have given you a +general sketch of my mode of life in summer and winter; to which you may +add the intermediate seasons of spring and autumn, in which, while +losing nothing out of the day, I gain but little from the night. +Farewell. + +] + + + +FOOTNOTES TO THE LETTERS OF PLINY] 1 (return) [ A pupil and intimate +friend of Paetus Thrasea, the distinguished Stoic philosopher. Arulenus +was put to death by Domitian for writing a panegyric upon Thrasea.] + + +2 (return) [ The impropriety of this expression, in the original, seems +to be in the word stigmosum, which Regulus, probably either coined +through affectation or used through ignorance. It is a word, at least, +which does not occur in any author of authority: the translator has +endeavoured, therefore, to preserve the same sort of impropriety, by +using an expression of like unwarranted stamp in his own tongue. M.] + + +3 (return) [ An allusion to a wound he had received in the war between +Vitellius and Vespasian.] + + +4 (return) [ A brother of Piso Galba's adopted son. He was put to death +by Nero.] + + +5 (return) [ Sulpicius Camerinus, put to death by the same emperor, upon +some frivolous charge.] + + +6 (return) [ A select body of men who formed a court of judicature, +called the centurnviral court. Their jurisdiction extended chiefly, if +not entirely, to questions of wills and intestate estates. Their number, +it would seem, amounted to 100. M.] + + +7 (return) [ Junius Mauricus, the brother of Rusticus Arulenus. Both +brothers were sentenced on the same day, Arulenue to execution and +Mauricui to banishment.] + + +8 (return) [ There seems to have been a cast of uncommon blackness in +the character of this Regulus; otherwise the benevolent Pliny would +scarcely have singled him out, as he has in this and some following +letters, for the subject of his warmest contempt and indignation. Yet, +infamous as he was, he had his flatterers and admirers; and a +contemporary poet frequently represents him as one of the most finished +characters of the age, both in eloquence and virtue. M.] + + +9 (return) [ The Decurii were a sort of senators in the municipal or +corporate cities of Italy. M.] + + +10 (return) [ "Euphrates was a native of Tyre, or, according to others, +of Byzantium. He belonged to the Stoic school of philosophy. In his old +age he became tired of life, and asked and obtained from Hadrian +permission to put an end to himself by poison." Smith's Dict. of Greek +and Roman Biog.] + + +11 (return) [ A pleader and historian of some distinction, mentioned by +Tacitus, Ann. XIV. 19, and by Quintilian, X, I, 102.] + + +12 (return) [ Padua.] + + +13 (return) [ Domitian] + + +14 (return) [ Iliad, XII. 243. Pope.] + + +15 (return) [ Equal to about $4,000 of our money. After the reign of +Augustus the value of the sesterces.] + + +16 (return) [ "The equestrian dignity, or that order of the Roman people +which we commonly call knights, had nothing in it analogous to any order +of modern knighthood, but depended entirely upon a valuation of their +estates; and every citizen, whose entire fortune amounted to 400,000 +sesterces, that is, to about $16,000 of our money, was enrolled, of +course, in the list of knights, who were considered as a middle order +between the senators and common people, yet, without any other +distinction than the privilege of wearing a gold ring, which was the +peculiar badge of their order." Life of Cicero, Vol. I. III. in note. +M.] + + +17 (return) [ An elegant Attic orator, remarkable for the grace and +lucidity of his style, also for his vivid and accurate delineations of +character.] + + +18 (return) [ A graceful and powerful orator, and friend of +Densosthenes.] + + +19 (return) [ A Roman orator of the Augustan age. He was a poet and +historian as well, but gained most distinction as an orator.] + + +20 (return) [ A man of considerable taste, talent, and eloquence, but +profligate and extravagant. He was on terms of some intimacy with +Cicero.] + + +21 (return) [ The praetor was assisted by ten assessors, five of whom +were senators, and the rest knights. With these he was obliged to +consult before he pronounced sentence. M.] + + +22 (return) [ A contemporary and rival of Aristophanes.] + + +23 (return) [ Aristophanes, Ach. 531] + + +24 (return) [ Thersites. Iliad, II. V. 212.] + + +25 (return) [ Ulysses. Iliad, III. V. 222.] + + +26 (return) [ Menelaua. Iliad, III. V. 214.] + + +27 (return) [ Great-grandfather of the Emperor M. Aurelius.] + + +28 (return) [ An eminent lawyer of Trajan's reign.] + + +29 (return) [ The philosophers used to hold their disputations in the +gymnasia and porticoes, being places of the most public resort for +walking, &c. M.] + + +30 (return) [ "Verginius Rufus was governor of Upper Germany at the time +of the revolt of Julius Vindex in Gaul. A.D. 68. The soldiers of +Verginius wished to raise him to the empire, but he refused the honour, +and marched against Vindex, who perished before Vesontio. After the +death of Nero, Verginius supported the claims of Galba, and accompanied +him to Rome. Upon Otho's death, the soldiers again attempted to proclaim +Verginius emperor, and in consequence of his refusal of the honour, he +narrowly escaped with his life." (See Smith's Dict. of Greek and Rom. +Biog., &c.)] + + +31 (return) [ Nerva.] + + +32 (return) [ The historian,] + + +33 (return) [ Namely, of augurs. "This college, as regulated by Sylla, +consisted of fifteen, who were all persons of the first distinction in +Rome; it was a priesthood for life, of a character indelible, which no +crime or forfeiture could efface; it was necessary that every candidate +should be nominated to the people by two augurs, who gave a solemn +testimony upon, oath of his dignity and fitness for that office." +Middleton's Life of Cicero, I. 547. M.] + + +34 (return) [ The ancient Greeks and Romans did not sit up at the table +as we do, but reclined round it on couches, three and sometimes even +four occupying one conch, at least this latter was the custom among the +Romans. Each guest lay flat upon his chest while eating, reaching out +his hand from time to time to the table, for what he might require. As +soon as he had made a sufficient meal, he turned over upon his left +side, leaning on the elbow.] + + +35 (return) [ A people of Germany.] + + +36 (return) [ "Any Roman priest devoted to the service of one particular +god was designated Flamen, receiving a distinguishing epithet from the +deity to whom he ministered. The office was understood to last for life; +but a flamen might be compelled to resign for a breach of duty, or even +on account of the occurrence of an ill-omened accident while discharging +his functions." Smith's Dictionary of Antiquities.] + + +37 (return) [ Trajan.] + + +38 (return) [ By a law passed A. D. 76, it was enacted that every +citizen of Rome who had three children should be excused from all +troublesome offices where he lived. This privilege the emperors +sometimes extended to those who were not legally entitled to it.] + + +39 (return) [ About 54 cents.] + + +40 (return) [ Avenue] + + +41 (return) [ "Windows made of a transparent stone called lapis +specularis (mica), which was first found in Hispania Citerior, and +afterwards in Cyprus, Cappadocia, Sicily, and Africa; but the best caine +from Spain and Cappadocia. It was easily split into the thinnest sheets. +Windows, made of this stone were called specularia." Smith's Dictionary +of Antiquities.] + + +42 (return) [ A feast held in honour of the god Saturn, which began on +the 19th of December, and continued as some say, for seven days. It was +a time of general rejoicing, particularly among the slaves, who had at +this season the privilege of taking great liberties with their masters. +M.] + + +43 (return) [ Cicero and Quintilian have laid down rules how far, and in +what instances, this liberty was allowable, and both agree it ought to +be used with great sagacity and judgment. The latter of these excellent +critics mentions a witticism of Flavius Virginius, who asked one of +these orators, "Quot nillia assuum deciamassett." How many miles he had +declaimed. M.] + + +44 (return) [ This was an act of great ceremony; and if Aurelia's dress +was of the kind which some of the Roman ladies used, the legacy must +have been considerable which Regulus had the impudence to ask. M.] + + +45 (return) [ $3,350,000.] + + +46 (return) [ A poet to whom Quintilian assigns the highest rank, as a +Writer of tragedies, among his contemporaries (book X. C. I. 98). +Tacitus also speaks of him in terms of high appreciation (Annals, v. +8).] + + +47 (return) [ Stepson of Augustus and brother to Tiberius. An amiable +and popular prince. He died at the close of his third campaign, from a +fracture received by falling from his horse.] + + +48 (return) [ A historian under Augustus and Tiberius. He wrote part of +a history of Rome, which was continued by the elder Pliny; also an +account of the German war, to which Quintilian makes allusion (Inst. X. +103), pronouncing him, as a historian, "estimable in all respects, yet +in some things failing to do himself justice."] + + +49 (return) [ The distribution of time among the Romans was very +different from ours. They divided the night into four equal parts, which +they called watches, each three hours in length; and part of these they +devoted either to the pleasures of the table or to study. The natural +day they divided into twelve hours, the first beginning with sunrise, +and the last ending with sunset; by which means their hours were of +unequal length, varying according to the different seasons of the year. +The time for business began with sunrise, and continued to the fifth +hour, being that of dinner, which with them was only a slight repast. +From thence to the seventh hour was a time of repose; a custom which +still prevails in Italy. The eighth hour was employed in bodily +exercises; after which they constantly bathed, and from thence went to +supper. M.] + + +50 (return) [ $16,000.] + + +51 (return) [ Born about A. D. 25. He acquired some distinction as an +advocate. The only poem of his which has come down to us is a heavy +prosaic performance in seventeen books, entitled "Tunica," and +containing an account of the events of the Second Punic War, from the +capture of Saguntum to the triumph of Scipio Africanus. See Smith's +Dict. of Gr. and Roin. Biog.] + + +52 (return) [ Trajan.] + + +53 (return) [ Spurinna's wife.] + + +54 (return) [ Domitian banished the philosophers not only from Rome, but +Italy, as Suetonius (Dom. C. X.) and Aulus Gellius (Noct. Att. b. XV. +CXI. 3, 4, 5) Inform us among these was the celebrated Epictetus. M.] + + +55 (return) [ The following is the story, as related by several of the +ancient historians. Paetus, having joined Scribonianus, who was in arms, +in Illyria, against Claudius, was taken after the death of Scribonianus, +and condemned to death. Arria having, in vain, solicited his life, +persuaded him to destroy himself, rather than suffer the ignominy of +falling by the executioner's hands; and, in order to encourage him to an +act, to which, it seems, he was not particularly inclined, she set him +the example in the manner Pliny relates. M.] + + +56 (return) [ Trajan.] + + +57 (return) [ The Roman, used to employ their criminals in the lower +ones of husbandry, such as ploughing, &c. Pun. H. N. 1. 18, 3. M.] + + +58 (return) [ About $500,000.] + + +59 (return) [ About $800,000.] + + +60 (return) [ One of the famous seven hills upon which Rome was +situated.] + + +61 (return) [ Mart. LX. 19.] + + +62 (return) [ Calpurnia, Pliny's wife.] + + +63 (return) [ Now Citta di Castello.] + + +64 (return) [ The Romans had an absolute power over their children, of +which no age or station of the latter deprived them.] + + +65 (return) [ Their business was to interpret dreams, oracles, +prodigies, &c., and to foretell whether any action should be fortunate +or prejudicial, to particular persons, or to the whole commonwealth. +Upon this account, they very often occasioned the displacing of +magistrates, the deferring of public assemblies, &c. Kennet's Ron,. +Antig. M.] + + +66 (return) [ Trajan.] + + +67 (return) [ A slave was incapable of property; and, therefore, +whatever he acquired became the right of his master. M.] + + +68 (return) [ "Their office was to attend upon the rites of Vests, the +chief part of which was the preservation of the holy fire. If this fire +happened to go out, it was considered impiety to light it at any common +flame, but they made use of the pure and unpolluted rays of the sun for +that purpose. There were various other duties besides connected with +their office. The chief rules prescribed them were, to vow the strictest +chastity, for the space of thirty years. After this term was completed, +they had liberty to leave the order. If they broke their vow of +virginity, they were buried alive in a place allotted to that peculiar +use." Kennet's Antiq. Their reputation for sanctity was so high that +Livy mentions the fact of two of those virgins having violated their +vows, as a prodigy that, threatened destruction to the Roman state. Lib. +XXII. C. 57. And Suetonius inform, us that Augiastus had so high an +opinion of this religious order, that he consigned the care of his will +to the Vestal Virgins. Suet, in vit. Aug. C. XCI. M.] + + +69 (return) [ It was usual with Domitian to triumph, not only without a +victory, but even after a defeat, M.] + + +70 (return) [ Euripides' Hecuba,] + + +71 (return) [ The punishment inflicted upon the violators of Vestal +chastity was to be scourged to death. M.] + + +72 (return) [ Calpurnia, Pliny's wife.] + + +73 (return) [ Gratilla was the wife of Rusticus: Rusticus was put to +death by Domitian, and Gratilla banished. It was sufficient crime in the +reign of that execrable prince to be even a friend of those who were +obnoxious to him. M.] + + +74 (return) [ In the original, scrinium, box for holding MSS.] + + +75 (return) [ The hippodromus, in its proper signification, was a place, +among the Grecians, set apart for horse-racing and other exercises of +that kind. But it seems here to be nothing more than a particular walk, +to which Pliny perhaps gave that name, from its bearing some resemblance +in its form to the public places so called. M.] + + +76 (return) [ Now called Frascati, Tivoli, and Palestrina, all of them +situated in the Campagna di Roma, and at no great distance from Rome. +M.] + + +77 (return) [ "This is said in allusion to the idea of Nemesis supposed +to threaten excessive prosperity." (Church and Brodribb.)] + + +78 (return) [ About $15,000.] + + +79 (return) [ About $42,000.] + + +80 (return) [ None had the right of using family pictures or statues but +those whose ancestors or themselves had borne some of the highest +dignities. So that the jus imaginis was much the same thing among the +Romans as the right of bearing a coat of arms among us. Ken. Antiq. M.] + + +81 (return) [ The Roman physicians used to send their patients in +consumptive cases into Egypt, particularly to Alexandria. M.] + + +82 (return) [ Frejus, in Provence, the southern part of France. M.] + + +83 (return) [ A court of justice erected by Julius Cæsar in the forum, +and opposite to the basilica Aemilia.] + + +84 (return) [ The deceniviri seem to have been magistrates for the +administration of justice, subordinate to the praetors, who (to give the +English reader a general notion of their office) may be termed lords +chief justices, as the judges here mentioned were something in the +nature of our juries. M.] + + +85 (return) [ About $400.] + + +86 (return) [ This silly piece of superstition seems to have been +peculiar to Regulus, and not of any general practice; at least it is a +custom of which we find no other mention in antiquity. M.] + + +87 (return) [ "We gather from Martial that the wearing of these was not +an unusual practice with fops and dandies." See Epig. II. 29, in which +he ridicules a certain Rufus, and hints that if you were to "strip off +the 'splenia (plasters)' from his face, you would find out that he was a +branded runaway slave." (Church and Brodribb.)] + + +88 (return) [ His wife.] + + +89 (return) [ Hom. II. lib, I. V. 88.] + + +90 (return) [ Now Alzia, not far from Corno.] + + +91 (return) [ Nevertheless, Javolentis Priscus was one of the most +eminent lawyers of his time, and is frequently quoted in the Digesta of +Justinian.] + + +92 (return) [ In the Bay of Naples.] + + +93 (return) [ The Romans used to lie or walk naked in the sun, after +anointing their bodies with oil, which was esteemed as greatly +contributing to health, and therefore daily practised by them. This +custom, however, of anointing themselves, is inveighed against by the +Satirists as in the number of their luxurious indulgences: but since we +find the elder Pliny here, and the amiable Spurinna in a former letter, +practising this method, we can not suppose the thing itself was esteemed +unmanly, but only when it was attended with some particular +circumstances of an over-refined delicacy. M.] + + +94 (return) [ Now called Castelamare, in the Bay of Naples. M.] + + +95 (return) [ The Stoic and Epicurean philosophers held that the world +was to be destroyed by fire, and all things fall again into original +chaos; not excepting even the national gods themselves from the +destruction of this general conflagration. M.] + + +96 (return) [ The lake Larius.] + + +97 (return) [ Those families were styled patrician whose ancestors had +been members of the senate in the earliest times of the regal or +consular government. M.] + + +98 (return) [ Trajan] + + +99 (return) [ The consuls, though they were chosen in August, did not +enter upon their office till the first of January, during which interval +they were styled consules designati, consuls elect. It was usual for +them upon that occasion to compliment the emperor, by whose appointment, +after the dissolution of the republican government, they were chosen. +M.] + + +100 (return) [ So called, because it formerly belonged to Camillus. M.] + + +101 (return) [ Civita Vecchia.] + + +102 (return) [ Trajan.] + + +103 (return) [ An officer in the Roman legions, answering in some sort +to a captain In our companies. M.] + + +104 (return) [ This law was made by Augustus Cæsar; but it nowhere +clearly appears what was the peculiar punishment it inflicted. M.] + + +105 (return) [ An officer employed by the emperor to receive and +regulate the public revenue in the provinces. M.] + + +106 (return) [ Comprehending Transylvania, Moldavia, and Walaehia. M.] + + +107 (return) [ Polycletus was a freedman, and great favourite of Nero. +M.] + + +108 (return) [ Memmius, or Rhemmius (the critics are not agreed which), +was author of a law by which it was enacted that whosoever was convicted +of calumny and false accusation should be stigmatised with a mark in his +forehead; and by the law of the twelve tables, false accusers were to +suffer the same punishment as would have been inflicted upon the person +unjustly accused if the crime had been proved. M.] + + +109 (return) [ Trajan.] + + +110 (return) [ Unction was much esteemed and prescribed by the ancients. +Celsus expressly recommends it in the remission of acute distempers: +"ungi leniterque pertractari corpus, etiam in acutic et recentibus +niorbis opartet; us rernissione fumen," &c. Celsi Med. ed. Aliucloveen, +p. 88. M.] + + +111 (return) [ His wife.] + + +112 (return) [ See book V. letter XX.] + + +113 (return) [ Trajan.] + + +114 (return) [ One of the Bithynians employed to manage the trial. M.] + + +115 (return) [ About $28,000.] + + +116 (return) [ About $26,000.] + + +117 (return) [ There is a kind of witticism in this expression, which +will be lost to the mere English reader unless he be informed that the +Romans had a privilege, confirmed to them by several laws which passed +in the earlier ages of the republic, of appealing from the decisions of +the magistrates to the general assembly of the people: and they did so +in the form of words which Pomponius here applies to a different +purpose. M.] + + +118 (return) [ The priests, as well as other magistrates, exhibited +public games to the people when they entered upon their office. M.] + + +119 (return) [ A famous lawyer who flourished in the reign of the +emperor Claudius: those who followed his opinions were said to be +Cassians, or of the school of Cassius. M.] + + +120 (return) [ A Stoic philosopher and native of Tarsus. He was tutor +for some time to Octavius, afterwards Augustus, Cæsar.] + + +121 (return) [ Balzac very prettily observes: "Il y a des riviere: qui +ne font jamais tact de bien que quand elles se dibordent; de eneme, +l'amitie n'a mealleur quo l'exces." M.] + + +122 (return) [ Persons of rank and literature among the Romans retained +in their families a domestic whose sole business was to read to them. +M.] + + +123 (return) [ It was a doctrine maintained by the Stoics that all +crimes are equal M.] + + +124 (return) [ About $400.] + + +125 (return) [ About $600.] + + +126 (return) [ About $93.] + + +127 (return) [ Hom. II. lib. IX. V. 319.] + + +128 (return) [ Those of Nero and Domitian. M.] + + +129 (return) [ When Nerva and Trajan received the empire. M.] + + +130 (return) [ A slave could acquire no property, and consequently was +incapable bylaw of making a will. M.] + + +131 (return) [ Now called Amelia, a town in Ombria. M.] + + +132 (return) [ Now Laghetto di Bassano. M.] + + +133 (return) [ A province in Anatolia, or Asia Minor. M.] + + +134 (return) [ The performers at these games were divided into +companies, distinguished by the particular colour of their habits; the +principal of which were the white, the red, the blue, and the green. +Accordingly the spectators favoured one or the other colour, as humour +and caprice inclined them. In the reign of Justinian a tumult arose in +Constantinople, occasioned merely by a contention among the partisans of +these several colours, wherein no less than 30,000 men lost their lives. +M.] + + +135 (return) [ Now called Castello di Baia, in Terra di Lavoro. It was +the place the Romans chose for their winter retreat; and which they +frequented upon account of its warm baths. Some few ruins of the +beautiful villas that once covered this delightful coast still remain; +and nothing can give one a higher idea of the prodigious expense and +magnificence of the Romans in their private buildings than the manner in +which some of these were situated. It appears from this letter, as well +as from several other passages in the classic writers, that they +actually projected into the sea, being erected upon vast piles, sunk for +that purpose.] + + +136 (return) [ The buskin was a kind of high shoe worn upon the stage by +the actors of tragedy, in order to give them a more heroical elevation +of stature; as the sock was something between a shoe and stocking, it +was appropriated to the comic players. M.] + + +137 (return) [ Lyons.] + + +138 (return) [ He was accused of treason, under pretence that in a +dramatic piece which he composed he had, in the characters of Paris and +Oenone, reflected upon Domitian for divorcing his wife Domitia. Suet, in +Vit. Domit. C. 10. M.] + + +139 (return) [ Helvidius.] + + +140 (return) [ Upon the accession of Nerva to the empire, after the +death of Domitian. M.] + + +142 (return) [ Our authors first wife; of whom we have no particular +account. After her death, he married his favourite Calpurnia. M.] + + +143 (return) [ It is very remarkable that, when any senator was asked +his opinion in the house, he had the privilege of speaking as long as he +pleased upon any other affair before he came to the point in question. +Aul. Gell. IV. C. 10. M.] + + +144 (return) [ Aeneid, LIB. VI. V. 105.] + + +145 (return) [ Arria and Fannia.] + + +146 (return) [ The appellation by which the senate was addressed. M.] + + +147 (return) [ The tribunes were magistrates chosen at first out of the +body of the commons, for the defence of their liberties, and to +interpose in all grievances offered by their superiors. Their authority +extended even to the deliberations of the senate. M.] + + +148 (return) [ Diomed's speech to Nestor, advising him to retire from +the field of battle. Iliad, VIII. 302. Pope. M.] + + +149 (return) [ Nerva.] + + +150 (return) [ Domitian; by whom he had been appointed consul elect, +though he had not yet entered upon that office. M.] + + +151 (return) [ These persons were introduced at most of the tables of +the great, for the purposes of mirth and gaiety, and constituted an +essential part in all polite entertainments among the Romans. It is +surprising how soon this great people fell off from their original +severity of manners, and were tainted with the stale refinements of +foreign luxury. Livy dates the rise of this and other unmanly delicacies +from the conquest of Scipio Asiaticus over Antiochus; that is when the +Roman name had scarce subsisted above a hundred and threescore years. +"Luxuriae peregrinae origio," says he, "exercitu Asiatico in urbem +invecta est." This triumphant army caught, it seems, the contagious +softness of the people it subdued; and, on its return to Rome, spread an +infection among their countrymen, which worked by slow degrees, till it +effected their total destruction. Thus did Eastern luxury revenge itself +on Roman arms. It may be wondered that Pliny should keep his own temper, +and check the indignation of his friends at a scene which was fit only +for the dissolute revels of the infamous Trimalchio. But it will not, +perhaps, be doing justice to our author to take an estimate of his real +sentiments upon this point from the letter before us. Genitor, it seems, +was a man of strict, but rather of too austere morals for the free turn +of the age: "emendatus et gravis: paulo etiam horridior et durior ut in +hac licentia teniporuni" (Ep. III. 1. 3). But as there is a certain +seasonable accommodation to the manners of the times, not only extremely +Consistent with, but highly conducive to, the interests of virtue, +Pliny, probably, may affect a greater latitude than he in general +approved, in order to draw off his friend from that stiffness and +unyielding disposition which might prejudice those of a gayer turn +against him, and consequently lessen the beneficial influence of his +virtues upon the world. M.] + + +152 (return) [ See letter CIII.] + + +153 (return) [ Iliad, XXI. 387. Pope. M.] + + +154 (return) [ Iliad, V. 356, speaking of Mars. M.; Iliad, IV. 452. +Pope.] + + +155 (return) [ The design of Pliny in this letter is to justify the +figurative expressions he had employed, probably, in same oration, by +instances of the same warmth of colouring from those great masters of +eloquence, Demosthenes and his rival Aesehines. But the force of the +passages which he produces from those orators must necessarily be +greatly weakened to a mere modern reader, some of them being only hinted +at, as generally well known; and the metaphors in several of the others +have either lost much of their original spirit and boldness, by being +introduced and received in Common language, or cannot, perhaps, he +preserved in an English translation. M.] + + +156 (return) [ See 1st Philippic.] + + +157 (return) [ See Demosthenes' speech in defence of Cteisphon.] + + +158 (return) [ See end Olynthiac.] + + +159 (return) [ See Aesehines' speech against Ctesiphon.] + + +160 (return) [ It was a religious ceremony practised by the ancients to +pour precious ointments upon the statues of their gods: Avitus, it is +probable, imagined this dolphin was some sea-divinity, and therefore +expressed his veneration of him by the solemnity of a sacred unction. +M.] + + +161 (return) [ The overflowing humanity of Pliny's temper breaks out +upon all occasions, but he discovers it in nothing more strongly than by +the impression which this little story appears to have made upon him. +True benevolence, indeed, extends itself through the whole compass of +existence, and sympathises with the distress of every creature of +sensation. Little minds may be apt to consider a compassion of this +inferior kind as an instance of weakness; but it is undoubtedly the +evidence of a noble nature. Homer thought it not unbecoming the +character even of a hero to melt into tears at a distress of this sort, +and has given us a most amiable and affecting picture of Ulysses weeping +over his faithful dog Argus, when he expires at his feet: + + +"Soft pity touch'd the mighty master's soul; Adown his cheek the tear +unbidden stole, Stole unperceived; he turn'd his head and dry'd The drop +humane.". (Odyss. XVII. Pope.) M.] + +162 (return) [ By the regimen which Pliny here follows, one would +imagine, if he had not told us who were his physicians, that the +celebrated Celsus was in the number. That author expressly recommends +reading aloud, and afterwards walking, as beneficial in disorders of the +stomach: "Si quis stomacho laborat, leqere clare debet; post lectionem +ambulare," &c. Celsi Medic. 1. I. C. 8. M.] + + + +CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + + + +I -- TO THE EMPEROR TRAJAN[1001] + +THE pious affection you bore, most sacred Emperor, to your august father +induced you to wish it might be late ere you succeeded him. But the +immortal gods thought proper to hasten the advancement of those virtues +to the helm of the commonwealth which had already shared in the +steerage.[1002] May you then, and the world through your means, enjoy +every prosperity worthy of your reign: to which let me add my wishes, +most excellent Emperor, upon a private as well as public account, that +your health and spirits may be preserved firm and unbroken. + + + +II -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +You have occasioned me, Sir, an inexpressible pleasure in deeming me +worthy of enjoying the privilege which the laws confer on those who have +three children. For although it was from an indulgence to the request of +the excellent Julius Servianus, your own most devoted servant, that you +granted this favour, yet I have the satisfaction to find by the words of +your rescript that you complied the more willingly as his application +was in my behalf. I cannot but look upon myself as in possession of my +utmost wish, after having thus received, at the beginning of your most +auspicious reign, so distinguishing a mark of your peculiar favour; at +the same time that it considerably heightens my desire of leaving a +family behind me. I was not entirely without this desire even in the +late most unhappy times: as my two marriages will induce you to believe. +But the gods decreed it better, by reserving every valuable privilege to +the bounty of your generous dispensations. And indeed the pleasure of +being a father will be so much more acceptable to me now, that I can +enjoy it in full security and happiness. + + + +III -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE experience, most excellent Emperor, I have had of your unbounded +generosity to me, in my own person, encourages me to hope I may be yet +farther obliged to it, in that of my friends. Voconius Romanus (who was +my schoolfellow and companion from our earliest years) claims the first +rank in that number; in consequence of which I petitioned your sacred +father to promote him to the dignity of the senatorial order. But the +completion of my request is reserved to your goodness; for his mother +had not then advanced, in the manner the law directs, the liberal +gift[1003] of four hundred thousand sesterces, which she engaged to give +him, in her letter to the late emperor, your father. This, however, by +my advice she has since done, having made over certain estates to him, +as well as completed every other act necessary to make the conveyance +valid. The difficulties therefore being removed which deferred the +gratification of our wishes, it is with full confidence I venture to +assure you of the worth of my friend Romanus, heightened and adorned as +it is not only by liberal culture, but by his extraordinary tenderness +to his parents as well. It is to that virtue he owes the present +liberality of his mother; as well as his immediate succession to his +late father's estate, and his adoption by his father-in-law. To these +personal qualifications, the wealth and rank of his family give +additional lustre; and I persuade myself it will be some further +recommendation that I solicit in his behalf. Let me, then, entreat you, +Sir, to enable me to congratulate Romanus on so desirable an occasion, +and at the same time to indulge an eager and, I hope, laudable ambition, +of having it in my power to boast that your favourable regards are +extended not only to myself, but also to my friend. + + + +IV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +WHEN by your gracious indulgence, Sir, I was appointed to preside at the +treasury of Saturn, I immediately renounced all engagements of the bar +(as indeed I never blended business of that kind with the functions of +the state), that no avocations might call off my attention from the post +to which I was appointed. For this reason, when the province of Africa +petitioned the senate that I might undertake their cause against Marius +Priscus, I excused myself from that office; and my excuse was allowed. +But when afterwards the consul elect proposed that the senate should +apply to us again, and endeavour to prevail with us to yield to its +inclinations, and suffer our names to be thrown into the urn, I thought +it most agreeable to that tranquillity and good order which so happily +distinguishes your times not to oppose (especially in so reasonable an +instance) the will of that august assembly. And, as I am desirous that +all my words and actions may receive the sanction of your exemplary +virtue, I hope you approve of my compliance. + + + +V -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You acted as became a good citizen and a worthy senator, by paying +obedience to the just requisition of that august assembly: and I have +full confidence you will faithfully discharge the business you have +undertaken. + + + +VI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +HAVING been attacked last year by a very severe and dangerous illness, I +employed a physician, whose care and diligence, Sir, I cannot +sufficiently reward, but by your gracious assistance. I entreat you +therefore to make him a denizen of Rome; for as he is the freedman of a +foreign lady, he is, consequently, himself also a foreigner. His name is +Harpocras; his patroness (who has been dead a considerable time) was +Thermuthis, the daughter of Theon. I further entreat you to bestow the +full privileges of a Roman citizen upon Hedia and Antonia Harmeris, the +freedwomen of Antonia Maximilla, a lady of great merit. It is at her +desire I make this request. + + + +VII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I RETURN YOU thanks, Sir, for your ready compliance with my desire, in +granting the complete privileges of a Roman to the freedwomen of a lady +to whom I am allied and also for making Harpocras, my physician, a +denizen of Rome. But when, agreeably to your directions, I gave in an +account of his age, and estate, I was informed by those who are better +skilled in the affairs than I pretend to be that, as he is an Egyptian, +I ought first to have obtained for him the freedom of Alexandria before +he was made free of Rome. I confess, indeed, as I was ignorant of any +difference in this case between those of Egypt and other countries, I +contented myself with only acquainting you that he had been manumitted +by a foreign lady long since deceased. However, it is an ignorance I +cannot regret, since it affords me an opportunity of receiving from you +a double obligation in favour of the same person. That I may legally +therefore enjoy the benefit of your goodness, I beg you would be pleased +to grant him the freedom of the city of Alexandria, as well as that of +Rome. And that your gracious intentions may not meet with any further +obstacles, I have taken care, as you directed, to send an account to +your freedman of his age and possessions. + + + +VIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +IT is my resolution, in pursuance of the maxim observed by the princes +my predecessors, to be extremely cautious in granting the freedom of the +city of Alexandria: however, since you have obtained of me the freedom +of Rome for your physician Harpocras, I cannot refuse you this other +request. You must let me know to what district he belongs, that I may +give you a letter to my friend Pompeius Planta, governor of Egypt. + + + +IX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I CANNOT express, Sir, the pleasure your letter gave me, by which I am +informed that you have made my physician Harpocras a denizen of +Alexandria; notwithstanding your resolution to follow the maxim of your +predecessors in this point, by being extremely cautious in granting that +privilege. Agreeably to your directions, I acquaint you that Harpocras +belongs to the district of Memphis.[1004] I entreat you then, most +gracious Emperor, to send me, as you promised, a letter to your friend +Pompeius Planta, governor of Egypt. As I purpose (in order to have the +earliest enjoyment of your presence, so ardently wished for here) to +come to meet you, I beg, Sir, you would permit me to extend my journey +as far as possible. + + + +X -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I WAS greatly obliged, Sir, in my late illness, to Posthumius Marinus, +my physician; and I cannot make him a suitable return, but by the +assistance of your wonted gracious indulgence. I entreat you then to +make Chrysippus Mithridates and his wife Stratonica (who are related to +Marinus) denizens of Rome. I entreat likewise the same privilege in +favour of Epigonus and Mithridates, the two sons of Chrysippus; but with +this restriction [1005] that they may remain under the dominion of their +father, and yet reserve their right of patronage over their own +freedmen. I further entreat you to grant the full privileges of a Roman +to L. Satrius Abascantius, P. Caesius Phosphorus, and Pancharia Soteris. +This request I make with the consent of their patrons.[1005] + + + +XI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +AFTER your late sacred father, Sir, had, in a noble speech, as well as +by his own generous example, exhorted and encouraged the public to acts +of munificence, I implored his permission to remove the several statues +which I had of the former emperors to my corporation, and at the same +time requested permission to add his own to the number. For as I had +hitherto let them remain in the respective places in which they stood +when they were left to me by several different inheritances, they were +dispersed in distant parts of my estate. He was pleased to grant my +request, and at the same time to give me a very ample testimony of his +approbation. I immediately, therefore, wrote to the decurii, to desire +they would allot a piece of ground, upon which I might build a temple at +my own expense; and they, as a mark of honour to my design, offered me +the choice of any site I might think proper. However, my own ill-health +in the first place, and later that of your father, together with the +duties of that employment which you were both pleased to entrust me, +prevented my proceeding with that design. But I have now, I think, a +convenient opportunity of making an excursion for the purpose, as my +monthly attendances ends on the 1st of September, and there are several +festivals in the month following. My first request, then, is that you +would permit me to adorn the temple I am going to erect with your +statue, and next (in order to the execution of my design with all the +expedition possible) that you would indulge me with leave of absence. It +would ill become the sincerity I profess, were I to dissemble that your +goodness in complying with this desire will at the same time be +extremely serviceable to me in my own private affairs. It is absolutely +necessary I should not defer any longer the letting of my lands in that +province; for, besides that they amount to above four hundred thousand +sesterces,[1006] the time for dressing the vineyards is approaching, and +that business must fall upon my new tenants.[1007] The unfruitfulness of +the seasons besides, for several years past, obliges me to think of +making some abatements in my rents; which I cannot possibly settle +unless I am present. I shall be indebted then to your indulgence, Sir, +for the expedition of my work of piety, and the settlement of my own +private affairs, if you will be pleased to grant me leave of +absence[1008] for thirty days. I cannot give myself a shorter time, as +the town and the estate of which I am speaking lie above a hundred and +fifty miles from Rome. + + + +XII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You have given me many private reasons, and every public one, why you +desire leave of absence; but I need no other than that it is your +desire: and I doubt not of your returning as soon as possible to the +duty of an office which so much requires your attendance. As I would not +seem to check any instance of your affection towards me, I shall not +oppose your erecting my statue in the place you desire; though in +general I am extremely cautious in giving any encouragement to honours +of that kind. + + + +XIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +[1009] As I am sensible, Sir, that the highest applause my actions can +receive is to be distinguished by so excellent a prince, I beg you would +be graciously pleased to add either the office of augur or septemvir [1009] +(both which are now vacant) to the dignity I already enjoy by your +indulgence; that I may have the satisfaction of publicly offering up +those vows for your prosperity, from the duty of my office, which I +daily prefer to the gods in private, from the affection of my heart. + + + +XIV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +HAVING safely passed the promontory of Malea, I am arrived at Ephesus +with all my retinue, notwithstanding I was detained for some time by +contrary winds: a piece of information, Sir, in which, I trust, you will +feel yourself concerned. I propose pursuing the remainder of my journey +to the province[1010] partly in light vessels, and partly in post- +chaises: for as the excessive heats will prevent my travelling +altogether by land, so the Etesian winds,[1011] which are now set in, +will not permit me to proceed entirely by sea. + + + +XV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +YOUR information, my dear Pliny, was extremely agreeable to mc, as it +does concern me to know in what manner you arrive at your province. It +is a wise intention of yours to travel either by sea or land, as you +shall find most convenient. + + + +XVI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +As I had a very favourable voyage to Ephesus, so in travelling by post- +chaise from thence I was extremely troubled by the heats, and also by +some slight feverish attacks, which kept me some time at Pergamus. From +there, Sir, I got on board a coasting vessel, but, being again detained +by contrary winds, did not arrive at Bithynia so soon as I had hoped. +However, I have no reason to complain of this delay, since (which indeed +was the most auspicious circumstance that could attend me) I reached the +province in time to celebrate your birthday. I am at present engaged in +examining the finances of the Prusenses,[1012] their expenses, revenues, +and credits; and the farther I proceed in this work, the more I am +convinced of the necessity of my enquiry. Several large sums of money +are owing to the city from private persons, which they neglect to pay +upon various pretences; as, on the other hand, I find the public funds +are, in some instances, very unwarrantably applied. This, Sir, I write +to you immediately on my arrival. I entered this province on the 17th of +September,[1013] and found in it that obedience and loyalty towards +yourself which you justly merit from all mankind. You will consider, +Sir, whether it would not be proper to send a surveyor here; for I am +inclined to think much might be deducted from what is charged by those +who have the conduct of the public works if a faithful admeasurement +were to be taken: at least I am of that opinion from what I have already +seen of the accounts of this city, which I am now going into as fully as +is possible. + + + +XVII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I SHOULD have rejoiced to have heard that you arrived at Bithynia +without the smallest inconvenience to yourself or any of your retinue, +and that your journey from Ephesus had been as easy as your voyage to +that place was favourable. For the rest, your letter informs me, my +dearest Secundus, on what day you reached Bithynia. The people of that +province will be convinced, I persuade myself, that I am attentive to +their interest: as your conduct towards them will make it manifest that +I could have chosen no more proper person to supply my place. The +examination of the public accounts ought certainly to be your first +employment, as they are evidently in great disorder. I have scarcely +surveyors sufficient to inspect those works[1014] which I am carrying on +at Rome, and in the neighbourhood; but persons of integrity and skill in +this art may be found, most certainly, in every province, so that they +will not fail you if only you will make due enquiry. + + + +XVIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THOUGH I am well assured, Sir, that you, who never omit any opportunity +of exerting your generosity, are not unmindful of the request I lately +made to you, yet, as you have often indulged me in this manner, give me +leave to remind and earnestly entreat you to bestow the praetorship now +vacant upon Attius Sura. Though his ambition is extremely moderate, yet +the quality of his birth, the inflexible integrity he has preserved in a +very narrow fortune, and, more than all, the felicity of your times, +which encourages conscious virtue to claim your favour, induce him to +hope he may experience it in the present instance. + + + +XIX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I CONGRATULATE both you and the public, most excellent Emperor, upon the +great and glorious victory you have obtained; so agreeable to the +heroism of ancient Rome. May the immortal gods grant the same happy +success to all your designs, that, under the administration of so many +princely virtues, the splendour of the empire may shine out, not only in +its former, but with additional lustre.[1015] + + + +XX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +Mv lieutenant, Servilius Pudens, came to Nicomedia,[1016] Sir, on the +24th of November, and by his arrival freed me, at length, from the +anxiety of a very uneasy expectation. + + + +XXI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +YOUR generosity to me, Sir, was the occasion of uniting me to Rosianus +Geminus, by the strongest ties; for he was my quaestor when I was +consul. His behaviour to me during the continuance of our offices was +highly respectful, and he has treated me ever since with so peculiar a +regard that, besides the many obligations I owe him upon a public +account, I am indebted to him for the strongest pledges of private +friendship. I entreat you, then, to comply with my request for the +advancement of one whom (if my recommendation has any weight) you will +even distinguish with your particular favour; and whatever trust you +shall repose in him, he will endeavour to show himself still deserving +of an higher. But I am the more sparing in my praises of him, being +persuaded his integrity, his probity, and his vigilance are well known +to you, not only from those high posts which he has exercised in Rome +within your immediate inspection, but from his behaviour when he served +under you in the army. One thing, however, my affection for him inclines +me to think, I have not yet sufficiently done; and therefore, Sir, I +repeat my entreaties that you will give me the pleasure, as early as +possible, of rejoicing in the advancement of my quaestor, or, in other +words, of receiving an addition to my own honours, in the person of my +friend. + + + +XXII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +IT is not easy, Sir, to express the joy I received when I heard you had, +in compliance with the request of my mother-in-law and myself, granted +Coelius Clemens the proconsulship of this province after the expiration +of his consular office; as it is from thence I learn the full extent of +your goodness towards me, which thus graciously extends itself through +my whole family. As I dare not pretend to make an equal return to those +obligations I so justly owe you, I can only have recourse to vows, and +ardently implore the gods that I may not be found unworthy of those +favours which you are repeatedly conferring upon me. + + + +XXIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I RECEIVED, Sir, a dispatch from your freedman, Lycormas, desiring me, +if any embassy from Bosporus[1017] should come here on the way to Rome, +that I would detain it till his arrival. None has yet arrived, at least +in the city[1018] where I now am. But a courier passing through this +place from the king of Sarmatia,[1019] I embrace the opportunity which +accidentally offers itself, of sending with him the messenger which +Lycormas despatched hither, that you might be informed by both their +letters of what, perhaps, it may be expedient you should be acquainted +with at one and the same time. + + + +XXIV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I AM informed by a letter from the king of Sarmatia that there are +certain affairs of which you ought to be informed as soon as possible. +In order, therefore, to hasten the despatches which his courier was +charged with to you, I granted him an order to make use of the public +post.[1020] + + + +XXV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE ambassador from the king of Sarmatia having remained two days, by +his own choice, at Nicea, I did not think it reasonable, Sir, to detain +him any longer: because, in the first place, it was still uncertain when +your freedman, Lycormas, would arrive, and then again some indispensable +affairs require my presence in a different part of the province. Of this +I thought it necessary that you should be informed, because I lately +acquainted you in a letter that Lycormas had desired, if any embassy +should come this way from Bosporus, that I would detain it till his +arrival. But I saw no plausible pretext for keeping him back any longer, +especially as the despatches from Lycormas, which (as I mentioned +before) I was not willing to detain, would probably reach you some days +sooner than this ambassador. + + + +XXVI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I RECEIVED a letter, Sir, from Apuleius, a military man, belonging to +the garrison at Nicomedia, informing me that one Callidromus, being +arrested by Maximus and Dionysius (two bakers, to whom he had hired +himself), fled for refuge to your statue;[1021] that, being brought +before a magistrate, he declared he, was formerly slave to Laberius +Maximus, but being taken prisoner by Susagus[1022] in Moesia,[1023] he +was sent as a present from Decebalus to Pacorus, king of Parthia, in +whose service he continued several years, from whence he made his +escape, and came to Nicomedia. When he was examined before me, he +confirmed this account, for which reason I thought it necessary to +send[1024] him to you. This I should have done sooner, but I delayed his +journey in order to make an inquiry concerning a seal ring which he said +was taken from him, upon which was engraven the figure of Pacorus in his +royal robes; I was desirous (if it could have been found) of +transmitting this curiosity to you, with a small gold nugget which he +says he brought from out of the Parthian mines. I have affixed my seal +to it, the impression of which is a chariot drawn by four horses. + + + +XXVII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +YOUR freedman and procurator,[1025] Maximus, behaved, Sir, during all +the time we were together, with great probity, attention, and diligence; +as one strongly attached to your interest, and strictly observant of +discipline. This testimony I willingly give him; and I give it with all +the fidelity I owe you. + + + +XXVIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +AFTER having experienced, Sir, in Gabius Bassus, who commands on the +Pontic[1026] coast, the greatest integrity, honour, and diligence, as +well as the most particular respect to myself, I cannot refuse him my +best wishes and suffrage; and I give them to him with all that fidelity +which is due to you. I have found him abundantly qualified by having +served in the army under you; and it is owing to the advantages of your +discipline that he has learned to merit your favour. The soldiery and +the people here, who have had full experience of his justice and +humanity, rival each other in that glorious testimony they give of his +conduct, both in public and in private; and I certify this with all the +sincerity you have a right to expect from me. + + + +XXIX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +NYMPHIDIUS Lupus,[1027] Sir, and myself, served in the army together; he +commanded a body of the auxiliary forces at the same time that I was +military tribune; and it was from thence my affection for him began. A +long acquaintance has since mutually endeared and strengthened our +friendship. For this reason I did violence to his repose, and insisted +upon his attending me into Bithynia, as my assessor in council. He most +readily granted me this proof of his friendship; and without any regard +to the plea of age, or the ease of retirement, he shared, and continues +to share, with me, the fatigue of public business. I consider his +relations, therefore, as my own; in which number Nymphidius Lupus, his +son, claims my particular regard. He is a youth of great merit and +indefatigable application, and in every respect well worthy of so +excellent a father. The early proof he gave of his merit, when he +commanded a regiment of foot, shows him to be equal to any honour you +may think proper to confer upon him; and it gained him the strongest +testimony of approbation from those most illustrious personages, Julius +Ferox and Fuscus Salinator. And I will add, Sir, that I shall rejoice in +any accession of dignity which he shall receive as an occasion of +particular satisfaction to myself. + + + +XXX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I BEG your determination, Sir, on a point I am exceedingly doubtful +about: it is whether I should place the public slaves[1028] as sentries +round the prisons of the several cities in this province (as has been +hitherto the practice) or employ a party of soldiers for that purpose? +On the one hand, I am afraid the public slaves will not attend this duty +with the fidelity they ought; and on the other, that it will engage too +large a body of the soldiery. In the meanwhile I have joined a few of +the latter with the former. I am apprehensive, however, there may be +some danger that this method will occasion a general neglect of duty, as +it will afford them a mutual opportunity of throwing the blame upon each +other. + + + +XXXI -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +THERE is no occasion, my dearest Secundus, to draw off any soldiers in +order to guard the prisons. Let us rather persevere in the ancient +customs observed in this province, of employing the public slaves for +that purpose; and the fidelity with which they shall execute their duty +will depend much upon your care and strict discipline. It is greatly to +be feared, as you observe, if the soldiers should be mixed with the +public slaves, they will mutually trust to each other, and by that means +grow so much the more negligent. But my principal objection is that as +few soldiers as possible should be withdrawn from their standard. + + + +XXXII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +GABIUS BASSUS, who commands upon the frontiers of Pontica, in a manner +suitable to the respect and duty which he owes you, came to me, and has +been with me, Sir, for several days. As far as I could observe, he is a +person of great merit and worthy of your favour. I acquainted him it was +your order that he should retain only ten beneficiary[1029] soldiers, +two horse-guards, and one centurion out of the troops which you were +pleased to assign to my command. He assured me those would not be +sufficient, and that he would write to you accordingly; for which reason +I thought it proper not immediately to recall his supernumeraries. + + + +XXXIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I HAVE received from Gabius Bassus the letter you mention, acquainting +me that the number of soldiers I had ordered him was not sufficient; and +for your information I have directed my answer to be hereunto annexed. +It is very material to distinguish between what the exigency of affairs +requires and what an ambitious desire of extending power may think +necessary. As for ourselves, the public welfare must be our only guide: +accordingly it is incumbent upon us to take all possible care that the +soldiers shall not be absent from their standard. + + + +XXXIV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE PRUSENSES, Sir, having an ancient bath which lies in a ruinous +state, desire your leave to repair it; but, upon examination, I am of +opinion it ought to be rebuilt. I think, therefore, you may indulge them +in this request, as there will be a sufficient fund for that purpose, +partly from those debts which are due from private persons to the public +which I am now collecting in; and partly from what they raise among +themselves towards furnishing the bath with oil, which they are willing +to apply to the carrying on of this building; a work which the dignity +of the city and the splendour of your times seem to demand. + + + +XXXV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +IF the erecting a public bath will not be too great a charge upon the +Prusenses, we may comply with their request; provided, however, that no +new tax be levied for this purpose, nor any of those taken off which are +appropriated to necessary services. + + + +XXXVI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I AM assured, Sir, by your freedman and receiver-general Maximus, that +it is necessary he should have a party of soldiers assigned to him, over +and besides the beneficiarii, which by your orders I allotted to the +very worthy Gemellinus. Those therefore which I found in his service, I +thought proper he should retain, especially as he was going into +Paphlagonia,[1030] in order to procure corn. For his better protection +likewise, and because it was his request, I added two of the cavalry. +But I beg you would inform me, in your next despatches, what method you +would have me observe for the future in points of this nature. + + + +XXX VII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +As my freedman Maximus was going upon an extraordinary commission to +procure corn, I approve of your having supplied him with a file of +soldiers. But when he shall return to the duties of his former post, I +think two from you and as many from his coadjutor, my receiver-general +Virdius Gemelhinus, will be sufficient. + + + +XXXVIII To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE very excellent young man Sempronius Caelianus, having discovered two +slaves[1031] among the recruits, has sent them to me. But I deferred +passing sentence till I had consulted you, the restorer and upholder of +military discipline, concerning the punishment proper to be inflicted +upon them. My principal doubt is that, whether, although they have taken +the military oath, they are yet entered into any particular legion. I +request you therefore, Sir, to inform me what course I should pursue in +this affair, especially as it concerns example. + + + +XXXIX -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +SEMPRONIUS CAELINUS has acted agreeably to my orders, in sending such +persons to be tried before you as appear to deserve capital punishment. +It is material however, in the case in question, to inquire whether +these slaves in-listed themselves voluntarily, or were chosen by the +officers, or presented as substitutes for others. If they were chosen, +the officer is guilty; if they are substitutes, the blame rests with +those who deputed them; but if, conscious of the legal inabilities of +their station, they presented themselves voluntarily, the punishment +must fall upon their own heads. That they are not yet entered into any +legion, makes no great difference in their case; for they ought to have +given a true account of themselves immediately, upon their being +approved as fit for the service. + + + +XL -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +As I have your permission, Sir, to address myself to you in all my +doubts, you will not consider it beneath your dignity to descend to +those humbler affairs which concern my administration of this province. +I find there are in several cities, particularly those of Nicomedia and +Nicea, certain persons who take upon themselves to act as public slaves, +and receive an annual stipend accordingly; notwithstanding they have +been condemned either to the mines, the public games,[1032] or other +punishments of the like nature. Having received information of this +abuse I have been long debating with myself what I ought to do. On the +one hand, to send them back again to their respective punishments (many +of them being now grown old, and behaving, as I am assured, with +sobriety and modesty) would, I thought, be proceeding against them too +severely; on the other, to retain convicted criminals in the public +service, seemed not altogether decent. I considered at the same time to +support these people in idleness would be an useless expense to the +public; and to leave them to starve would be dangerous. I was obliged +therefore to suspend the determination of this matter till I could +consult with you. You will be desirous, perhaps, to be informed how it +happened that these persons escaped the punishments to which they were +condemned. This enquiry I have also made, but cannot return you any +satisfactory answer. The decrees against them were indeed produced; but +no record appears of their having ever been reversed. It was asserted, +however, that these people were pardoned upon their petition to the +proconsuls, or their lieutenants; which seems likely to be the truth, as +it is improbable any person would have dared to set them at liberty +without authority. + + + +XLI -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You will remember you were sent into Bithynia for the particular purpose +of correcting those many abuses which appeared in need of reform. Now +none stands more so than that of criminals who have been sentenced to +punishment should not only be set at liberty (as your letter informs me) +without authority; but even appointed to employments which ought only to +be exercised by persons whose characters are irreproachable. Those +therefore among them who have been convicted within these ten years, and +whose sentence has not been reversed by proper authority, must be sent +back again to their respective punishments: but where more than ten +years have elapsed since their conviction, and they are grown old and +infirm, let them he disposed of in such employments as are but few +degrees removed from the punishments to which they were sentenced; that +is, either to attend upon the public baths, cleanse the common sewers, +or repair the streets and highways, the usual offices assigned to such +persons. + + + +XLII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +WHILE I was making a progress in a different part of the province, a +most extensive fire broke out at Nicomedia, which not only consumed +several private houses, but also two public buildings; the town-house +and the temple of Isis, though they stood on contrary sides of the +street. The occasion of its spreading thus far was partly owing to the +violence of the wind, and partly to the indolence of the people, who, +manifestly, stood idle and motionless spectators of this terrible +calamity. The truth is the city was not furnished with either engines, +[1033]buckets, or any single instrument suitable for extinguishing +fires; which I have now however given directions to have prepared. You +will consider, Sir, whether it may not be advisable to institute a +company of fire-men, consisting only of one hundred and fifty members. I +will take care none but those of that business shall be admitted into +it, and that the privileges granted them shall not be applied to any +other purpose. As this corporate body will be restricted to so small a +number of members, it will be easy to keep them under proper regulation. + + + +XLIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You are of opinion it would be proper to establish a company of firemen +in Nicomedia, agreeably to what has been practised in several other +cities. But it is to be remembered that societies of this sort have +greatly disturbed the peace of the province in general, and of those +cities in particular. Whatever name we give them, and for whatever +purposes they may be founded, they will not fail to form themselves into +factious assemblies, however short their meetings may be. It will +therefore be safer to provide such machines as are of service in +extinguishing fires, enjoining the owners of houses to assist in +preventing the mischief from spreading, and, if it should be necessary, +to call in the aid of the populace. + + + +XLIV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +WE have acquitted, Sir, and renewed our annual vows[1034] for your +prosperity, in which that of the empire is essentially involved, +imploring the gods to grant us ever thus to pay and thus to repeat them. + + + +XLV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I RECEIVED the satisfaction, my dearest Secundus, of being informed by +your letter that you, together with the people under your government, +have both discharged and renewed your vows to the immortal gods for my +health and happiness. + + + +XLVI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE citizens of Nicomedia, Sir, have expended three millions three +hundred and twenty-nine sesterces[1035] in building an aqueduct; but, +not being able to finish it, the works are entirely falling to ruin. +They made a second attempt in another place, where they laid out two +millions.[1036] But this likewise is discontinued; so that, after having +been at an immense charge to no purpose, they must still be at a further +expense, in order to be accommodated with water. I have examined a fine +spring from whence the water may be conveyed over arches (as was +attempted in their first design) in such a manner that the higher as +well as level and low parts of the city may be supplied. There are still +remaining a very few of the old arches; and the square stones, however, +employed in the former building, may be used in turning the new arches. +I am of opinion part should be raised with brick, as that will be the +easier and cheaper material. But that this work may not meet with the +same ill-success as the former, it will be necessary to send here an +architect, or some one skilled in the construction of this kind of +waterworks. And I will venture to say, from the beauty and usefulness of +the design, it will be an erection well worthy the splendour of your +times. + + + +XLVII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +CARE must be taken to supply the city of Nicomedia with water; and that +business, I am well persuaded, you will perform with all the diligence +you ought. But really it is no less incumbent upon you to examine by +whose misconduct it has happened that such large sums have been thrown +away upon this, lest they apply the money to private purposes, and the +aqueduct in question, like the preceding, should be begun, and +afterwards left unfinished. You will let me know the result of your +inquiry. + + + +XLVIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE citizens of Nicea, Sir; are building a theatre, which, though it is +not yet finished, has already exhausted, as I am informed (for I have +not examined the account myself), above ten millions of sesterces;[1037] +and, what is worse, I fear to no purpose. For either from the foundation +being laid in soft, marshy ground, or that the stone itself is light and +crumbling, the walls are sinking, and cracked from top to bottom. It +deserves your consideration, therefore, whether it would be best to +carry on this work, or entirely discontinue it, or rather, perhaps, +whether it would not be most prudent absolutely to destroy it: for the +buttresses and foundations by means of which it is from time to time +kept up appear to me more expensive than solid. Several private persons +have undertaken to build the compartment of this theatre at their own +expense, some engaging to erect the portico, others the galleries over +the pit:[1038] but this design cannot be executed, as the principal +building which ought first to be completed is now at a stand. This city +is also rebuilding, upon a far more enlarged plan, the gymnasium,[1039] +which was burnt down before my arrival in the province. They have +already been at some (and, I rather fear, a fruitless) expense. The +structure is not only irregular and ill-proportioned, but the present +architect (who, it must be owned, is a rival to the person who was first +employed) asserts that the walls, although twenty-two feet[1040] in +thickness, are not strong enough to support the superstructure, as the +interstices are filled up with quarrystones, and the walls are not +overlaid with brickwork. Also the inhabitants of Claudiopolis[1041] are +sinking (I cannot call it erecting) a large public bath, upon a low spot +of ground which lies at the foot of a mountain. The fund appropriated +for the carrying on of this work arises from the money which those +honorary members you were pleased to add to the senate paid (or, at +least, are ready to pay whenever I call upon them) for their +admission.[1042] As I am afraid, therefore, the public money in the city +of Nicea, and (what is infinitely more valuable than any pecuniary +consideration) your bounty in that of Nicopolis, should be ill applied, +I must desire you to send hither an architect to inspect, not only the +theatre, but the bath; in order to consider whether, after all the +expense which has already been laid out, it will be better to finish +them upon the present plan, or alter the one, and remove the other, in +as far as may seem necessary: for otherwise we may perhaps throw away +our future cost in endeavoring not to lose what we have already +expended. + + + +XLIX -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You, who are upon the spot, will best be able to consider and determine +what is proper to be done concerning the theatre which the inhabitants +of Nicea are building; as for myself, it will be sufficient if you let +me know your determination. With respect to the particular parts of this +theatre which are to be raised at a private charge, you will see those +engagements fulfilled when the body of the building to which they are to +be annexed shall be finished. -- These paltry Greeks[1043] are, I know, +immoderately fond of gymnastic diversions, and therefore, perhaps, the +citizens of Nicea have planned a more magnificent building for this +purpose than is necessary; however, they must be content with such as +will be sufficient to answer the purpose for which it is intended. I +leave it entirely to you to persuade the Claudiopolitani as you shall +think proper with regard to their bath, which they have placed, it +seems, in a very improper situation. As there is no province that is not +furnished with men of skill and ingenuity, you cannot possibly want +architects; unless you think it the shortest way to procure them from +Rome, when it is generally from Greece that they come to us. + + + +L -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +WHEN I reflect upon the splendour of your exalted station, and the +magnanimity of your spirit, nothing, I am persuaded, can be more +suitable to both than to point out to you such works as are worthy of +your glorious and immortal name, as being no less useful than +magnificent. Bordering upon the territories of the city of Nicomedia is +a most extensive lake; over which marbles, fruits, woods, and all kinds +of materials, the commodities of the country, are brought over in boats +up to the high-road, at little trouble and expense, but from thence are +conveyed in carriages to the sea-side, at a much greater charge and with +great labour. To remedy this inconvenience, many hands will be in +request; but upon such an occasion they cannot be wanting: for the +country, and particularly the city, is exceedingly populous; and one may +assuredly hope that every person will readily engage in a work which +will be of universal benefit. It only remains then to send hither, if +you shall think proper, a surveyor or an architect, in order to examine +whether the lake lies above the level of the sea; the engineers of this +province being of opinion that the former is higher by forty +cubits,[1044] I find there is in the neighbourhood of this place a large +canal, which was cut by a king of this country; but as it is left +unfinished, it is uncertain whether it was for the purpose of draining +the adjacent fields, or making a communication between the lake and the +river. It is equally doubtful too whether the death of the king, or the +despair of being able to accomplish the design, prevented the completion +of it. If this was the reason, I am so much the more eager and warmly +desirous, for the sake of your illustrious character (and I hope you +will pardon me the ambition), that you may have the glory of executing +what kings could only attempt. + + + +LI -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +THERE is something in the scheme you propose of opening a communication +between the lake and the sea, which may, perhaps, tempt me to consent. +But you must first carefully examine the situation of this body of +water, what quantity it contains, and from whence it is supplied; lest, +by giving it an opening into the sea, it should be totally drained. You +may apply to Calpurnius Macer for an engineer, and I will also send you +from hence some one skilled in works of this nature. + + + +LII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +UPON examining into the public expenses of the city of Byzantium, which, +I find, are extremely great, I was informed, Sir, that the appointments +of the ambassador whom they send yearly to you with their homage, and +the decree which passes in the senate upon that occasion, amount to +twelve thousand sesterces.[1045] But knowing the generous maxims of your +government, I thought proper to send the decree without the ambassador, +that, at the same time they discharged their public duty to you, their +expense incurred in the manner of paying it might be lightened. This +city is likewise taxed with the sum of three thousand sesterces[1046] +towards defraying the expense of an envoy, whom they annually send to +compliment the governor of Moesia: this expense I have also directed to +be spared. I beg, Sir, you would deign either to confirm my judgment or +correct my error in these points, by acquainting me with your +sentiments. + + + +LIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I ENTIRELY approve, my dearest Secundus, of your having excused the +Byzantines that expense of twelve thousand sesterces in sending an +ambassador to me. I shall esteem their duty as sufficiently paid, though +I only receive the act of their senate through your hands. The governor +of Moesia must likewise excuse them if they compliment him at a less +expense. + + + +LIV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I BEG, Sir, you would settle a doubt I have concerning your +diplomas;[1047] whether you think proper that those diplomas the dates +of which are expired shall continue in force, and for how long? For I am +apprehensive I may, through ignorance, either confirm such of these +instruments as are illegal or prevent the effect of those which are +necessary. + + + +LV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +THE diplomas whose dates are expired must by no means be made use of. +For which reason it is an inviolable rule with me to send new +instruments of this kind into all the provinces before they are +immediately wanted. + + + +LVI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +UPON intimating, Sir, my intention to the city of Apamea,[1048] of +examining into the state of their public dues, their revenue and +expenses, they told me they were all extremely willing I should inspect +their accounts, but that no proconsul had ever yet looked them over, as +they had a privilege (and that of a very ancient date) of administering +the affairs of their corporation in the manner they thought proper. I +required them to draw up a memorial of what they then asserted, which I +transmit to you precisely as I received it; though I am sensible it +contains several things foreign to the question. I beg you will deign to +instruct me as to how I am to act in this affair, for I should be +extremely sorry either to exceed or fall short of the duties of my +commission. + + + +LVII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +THE memorial of the Apanieans annexed to your letter has saved me the +necessity of considering the reasons they suggest why the former +proconsuls forbore to inspect their accounts, since they are willing to +submit them to your examination. Their honest compliance deserves to be +rewarded; and they may be assured the enquiry you are to make in +pursuance of my orders shall be with a full reserve to their privileges. + + + +LVIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE Nicomedians, Sir, before my arrival in this province, had begun to +build a new forum adjoining their former, in a corner of which stands an +ancient temple dedicated to the mother of the gods.[1049] This fabric +must either be repaired or removed, and for this reason chiefly, because +it is a much lower building than that very lofty one which is now in +process of erection. Upon enquiry whether this temple had been +consecrated, I was informed that their ceremonies of dedication differ +from ours. You will be pleased therefore, Sir, to consider whether a +temple which has not been consecrated according to our rites may be +removed,[1040b] consistently with the reverence due to religion: for, if +there should be no objection from that quarter, the removal in every +other respect would be extremely convenient. + + + +LIX -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You may without scruple, my dearest Secundus, if the situation requires +it, remove the temple of the mother of the gods, from the place where it +now stands, to any other spot more convenient. You need be under no +difficulty with respect to the act of dedication; for the ground of a +foreign city [1041b] is not capable of receiving that kind of +consecration which is sanctified by our laws. + + + +LX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +WE have celebrated, Sir (with those sentiments of joy your virtues so +justly merit), the day of your accession to the empire, which was also +its preservation, imploring the gods to preserve you in health and +prosperity; for upon your welfare the security and repose of the world +depends. I renewed at the same time the oath of allegiance at the head +of the army, which repeated it after me in the usual form, the people of +the province zealously concurring in the same oath. + + + +LXI -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +YOUR letter, my dearest Secundus, was extremely acceptable, as it +informed me of the zeal and affection with which you, together with the +army and the provincials, solemnised the day of my accession to the +empire. + + + +LXII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE debts which we are owing to the public are, by the prudence, Sir, of +your counsels, and the care of my administration, either actually paid +in or now being collected: but I am afraid the money must lie +unemployed. For as on one side there are few or no opportunities of +purchasing land, so, on the other, one cannot meet with any person who +is willing to borrow of the public [1042b] (especially at 12 per cent, +interest) when they can raise money upon the same terms from private +sources. You will consider then, Sir, whether it may not be advisable, +in order to invite responsible persons to take this money, to lower the +interest; or if that scheme should not succeed, to place it in the hands +of the decurii, upon their giving sufficient security to the public. And +though they should not be willing to receive it, yet as the rate of +interest will be diminished, the hardship will be so much the less. + + + +LXIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I AGREE with you, my dear Pliny, that there seems to be no other method +of facilitating the placing out of the public money than by lowering the +interest; the measure of which you will determine according to the +number of the borrowers. But to compel persons to receive it who are not +disposed to do so, when possibly they themselves may have no opportunity +of employing it, is by no means consistent with the justice of my +government. + + + +LXIV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I RETURN you my warmest acknowledgments, Sir, that, among the many +important occupations in which you are engaged you have condescended to +be my guide on those points on which I have consulted you: a favour +which I must now again beseech you to grant me. A certain person +presented himself with a complaint that his adversaries, who had been +banished for three years by the illustrious Servilius Calvus, still +remained in the province: they, on the contrary, affirmed that Calvus +had revoked their sentence, and produced his edict to that effect. I +thought it necessary therefore to refer the whole affair to you. For as +I have your express orders not to restore any person who has been +sentenced to banishment either by myself or others so I have no +directions with respect to those who, having been banished by some of my +predecessors in this government, have by them also been restored. It is +necessary for me, therefore, to beg you would inform me, Sir, how I am +to act with regard to the above- mentioned persons, as well as others, +who, after having been condemned to perpetual banishment, have been +found in the province without permission to return; for cases of that +nature have likewise fallen under my cognisance. A person was brought +before me who had been sentenced to perpetual exile by the proconsul +Julius Bassus, but knowing that the acts of Bassus, during his +administration, had been rescinded, and that the senate had granted +leave to all those who had fallen under his condemnation of appealing +from his decision at any time within the space of two years, I enquired +of this man whether he had, accordingly, stated his case to the +proconsul. He replied he had not. I beg then you would inform me whether +you would have him sent back into exile or whether you think some more +severe and what kind of punishment should be inflicted upon him, and +such others who may hereafter be found under the same circumstances. I +have annexed to my letter the decree of Calvus, and the edict by which +the persons above-mentioned were restored, as also the decree of Bassus. + + + +LXV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I WILL let you know my determination concerning those exiles which were +banished for three years by the proconsul P. Servilius Calvus, and soon +afterwards restored to the province by his edict, when I shall have +informed myself from him of the reasons of this proceeding. With respect +to that person who was sentenced to perpetual banishment by Julius +Bassus, yet continued to remain in the province, without making his +appeal if he thought himself aggrieved (though he had two years given +him for that purpose), I would have sent in chains to my praetorian +prefects: [1043b] for, only to remand him back to a punishment which he +has contumaciously eluded will by no means be a sufficient punishment. + + + +LXVI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +WHEN I cited the judges, Sir, to attend me at a sessions [1044b] which I +was going to hold, Flavius Archippus claimed the privilege of being +excused as exercising the profession of a philosopher. [1045b] It was +alleged by some who were present that he ought not only to be excused +from that office, but even struck out of the rolls of judges, and +remanded back to the punishment from which he had escaped, by breaking +his chains. At the same time a sentence of the proconsul Velius Paullus +was read, by which it appeared that Archippus had been condemned to the +mines for forgery. He had nothing to produce in proof of this sentence +having ever been reversed. He alleged, however, in favour of his +restitution, a petition which he presented to Domitian, together with a +letter from that prince, and a decree of the Prusensians in his honour. +To these he subjoined a letter which he had received from you; as also +an edict and a letter of your august father confirming the grants which +had been made to him by Domitian. For these reasons, notwithstandng +crimes of so atrocious a nature were laid to his charge, I did not think +proper to determine anything concerning him, without first consulting +with you, as it is an affair which seems to merit your particular +decision. I have transmitted to you, with this letter, the several +allegations on both sides. + +DOMITIAN'S LETTER TO TERENTIUS MAXIMUS + +"Flavius Archippus the philosopher has prevailed with me to give an +order that six hundred thousand sesterces [1046b] be laid out in the +purchase of an estate for the support of him and his family, in the +neighbourhood of Prusias, [1047b] his native country. Let this be +accordingly done; and place that sum to the account of my benefactions." + +FROM THE SAME TO L. APPIUS MAXIMUS + +"I recommend, my dear Maximus, to your protection that worthy +philosopher Archippus; a person whose moral conduct is agreeable to the +principles of the philosophy he professes; and I would have you pay +entire regard to whatever he shall reasonably request." + +THE EDICT OF THE EMPEROR NERVA + +"There are some points no doubt, Quirites, concerning which the happy +tenour of my government is a sufficient indication of my sentiments; and +a good prince need not give an express declaration in matters wherein +his intention cannot but be clearly understood. Every citizen in the +empire will bear me witness that I gave up my private repose to the +security of the public, and in order that I might have the pleasure of +dispensing new bounties of my own, as also of confirming those which had +been granted by predecessors. But lest the memory of him [1048b] who +conferred these grants, or the diffidence of those who received them, +should occasion any interruption to the public joy, I thought it as +necessary as it is agreeable to me to obviate these suspicions by +assuring them of my indulgence. I do not wish any man who has obtained a +private or a public privilege from one of the former emperors to imagine +he is to be deprived of such a privilege, merely that he may owe the +restoration of it to me; nor need any who have received the +gratifications of imperial favour petition me to have them confirmed. +Rather let them leave me at leisure for conferring new grants, under the +assurance that I am only to be solicited for those bounties which have +not already been obtained, and which the happier fortune of the empire +has put it in my power to bestow." + +FROM THE SAME TO TULLIUS JUSTUS + +"Since I have publicly decreed that all acts begun and accomplished in +former reigns should be confirmed, the letters of Domitian must remain +valid." + + + +LXVII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +FLAVIUS ARCHIPPUS has conjured me, by all my vows for your prosperity, +and by your immortal glory, that I would transmit to you the memorial +which he presented to me. I could not refuse a request couched in such +terms; however, I acquainted the prosecutrix with this my intention, +from whom I have also received a memorial on her part. I have annexed +them both to this letter; that by hearing, as it were, each party, you +may the better be enabled to decide. + + + +LX VIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +IT is possible that Domitian might have been ignorant of the +circumstances in which Archippus was when he wrote the letter so much to +that philosopher's credit. However, it is more agreeable to my +disposition to suppose that prince designed he should be restored to his +former situation; especially since he so often had the honour of a +statue decreed to him by those who could not be ignorant of the sentence +pronounced against him by the proconsul Paullus. But I do not mean to +intimate, my dear Pliny, that if any new charge should be brought +against him, you should be the less disposed to hear his accusers. I +have examined the memorial of his prosecutrix, Furia Prima, as well as +that of Archippus himself, which you sent with your last letter. + + + +LXIX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE apprehensions you express, Sir, that the lake will be in danger of +being entirely drained if a communication should be opened between that +and the sea, by means of the river, are agreeable to that prudence and +forethought you so eminently possess; but I think I have found a method +to obviate that inconvenience. A channel may be cut from the lake up to +the river so as not quite to join them, leaving just a narrow strip of +land between, preserving the lake; by this means it will not only be +kept quite separate from the river, but all the same purposes will be +answered as if they were united: for it will be extremely easy to convey +over that little intervening ridge whatever goods shall be brought down +by the canal. This is a scheme which may be pursued, if it should be +found necessary; but I hope there will be no occasion to have recourse +to it. For, in the first place, the lake itself is pretty deep; and in +the next, by damming up the river which runs from it on the opposite +side and turning its course as we shall find expedient, the same +quantity of water may be retained. Besides, there are several brooks +near the place where it is proposed the channel shall be cut which, if +skilfully collected, will supply the lake with water in proportion to +what it shall discharge. But if you should rather approve of the +channel's being extended farther and cut narrower, and so conveyed +directly into the sea, without running into the river, the reflux of the +tide will return whatever it receives from the lake. After all, if the +nature of the place should not admit of any of these schemes, the course +of the water may be checked by sluices. These, however, and many other +particulars, will be more skilfully examined into by the engineer, whom, +indeed, Sir, you ought to send, according to your promise, for it is an +enterprise well worthy of your attention and magnificence. In the +meanwhile, I have written to the illustrious Calpurnius Macer, in +pursuance of your orders, to send me the most skilful engineer to be +had. + + + +LXX -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +IT is evident, my dearest Secundus, that neither your prudence nor your +care has been wanting in this affair of the lake, since, in order to +render it of more general benefit, you have provided so many expedients +against the danger of its being drained. I leave it to your own choice +to pursue whichever of the schemes shall be thought most proper. +Calpurnius Macer will furnish you, no doubt, with an engineer, as +artificers of that kind are not wanting in his province. + + + +LXXI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +A VERY considerable question, Sir, in which the whole province is +interested, has been lately started, concerning the state [1049b] and +maintenance of deserted children.[1050] I have examined the +constitutions of former princes upon this head, but not finding anything +in them relating, either in general or particular, to the Bithynians, I +thought it necessary to apply to you for your directions: for in a point +which seems to require the special interposition of your authority, I +could not content myself with following precedents. An edict of the +emperor Augustus (as pretended) was read to me, concerning one Annia; as +also a letter from Vespasian to the Lacedaemonians, and another from +Titus to the same, with one likewise from him to the Achaeans, also some +letters from Domitian, directed to the proconsuls Avidius Nigrinus and +Armenius Brocchus, together with one from that prince to the +Lacedaemonians: but I have not transmitted them to you, as they were not +correct (and some of them too of doubtful authenticity), and also +because I imagine the true copies are preserved in your archives. + + + +LXXII TRAJAN TO PLINY + +THE question concerning children who were exposed by their parents, and +afterwards preserved by others, and educated in a state of servitude, +though born free, has been frequently discussed; but I do not find in +the constitutions of the princes my predecessors any general regulation +upon this head, extending to all the provinces. There are, indeed, some +rescripts of Domitian to Avidius Nigrinus and Armenhis Brocchus, which +ought to be observed; but Bithynia is not comprehended in the provinces +therein mentioned. I am of opinion therefore that the claims of those +who assert their right of freedom upon this footing should be allowed; +without obliging them to purchase their liberty by repaying the money +advanced for their maintenance.[1051] + + + +LXXIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +HAVING been petitioned by some persons to grant them the liberty +(agreeably to the practice of former proconsuls) of removing the relics +of their deceased relations, upon the suggestion that either their +monuments were decayed by age or ruined by the inundations of the river, +or for other reasons of the same kind, I thought proper, Sir, knowing +that in cases of this nature it is usual at Rome to apply to the college +of priests, to consult you, who are the sovereign of that sacred order, +as to how you would have me act in this case. + + + +LXX IV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +IT will be a hardship upon the provincials to oblige them to address +themselves to the college of priests whenever they may have just reasons +for removing the ashes of their ancestors. In this case, therefore, it +will be better you should follow the example of the governors your +predecessors, and grant or deny them this liberty as you shall see +reasonable. + + + +LXXV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I HAVE enquired, Sir, at Prusa, for a proper place on which to erect the +bath you were pleased to allow that city to build, and I have found one +to my satisfaction. It is upon the site where formerly, I am told, stood +a very beautiful mansion, but which is now entirely fallen into ruins. +By fixing upon that spot, we shall gain the advantage of ornamenting the +city in a part which at present is exceedingly deformed, and enlarging +it at the same time without removing any of the buildings; only +restoring one which is fallen to decay. There are some circumstances +attending this structure of which it is proper I should inform you. +Claudius Polyaenus bequeathed it to the emperor Claudius Cæsar, with +directions that a temple should be erected to that prince in a +colonnade-court, and that the remainder of the house should be let in +apartments. The city received the rents for a considerable time; but +partly by its having been plundered, and partly by its being neglected, +the whole house, colonnade-court, and all, is entirely gone to ruin, and +there is now scarcely anything remaining of it but the ground upon which +it stood. If you shall think proper, Sir, either to give or sell this +spot of ground to the city, as it lies so conveniently for their +purpose, they will receive it as a most particular favour. I intend, +with your permission, to place the bath in the vacant area, and to +extend a range of porticoes with seats in that part where the former +edifice stood. This new erection I purpose dedicating to you, by whose +bounty it will rise with all the elegance and magnificence worthy of +your glorious name. I have sent you a copy of the will, by which, though +it is inaccurate, you will see that Polyaenus left several articles of +ornament for the embellishment of this house; but these also are lost +with all the rest: I will, however, make the strictest enquiry after +them that I am able. + + + +LXXVI -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +1 HAVE no objection to the Prusenses making use of the ruined court and +house, which you say are untenanted, for the erection of their bath. But +it is not sufficiently clear by your letter whether the temple in the +centre of the colonnade-court was actually dedicated to Claudius or not; +for if it were, it is still consecrated ground.[1052] + + + +LXXVII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I HAVE been pressed by some persons to take upon myself the enquiry of +causes relating to claims of freedom by birth-right, agreeably to a +rescript of Domitian's to Minucius Rufus, and the practice of former +proconsuls. But upon casting my eye on the decree of the senate +concerning cases of this nature, I find it only mentions the proconsular +provinces.[1053] I have therefore, Sir, deferred interfering in this +affair, till I shall receive your instructions as to how you would have +me proceed. + + + +LXXVIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +IF you will send me the decree of the senate, which occasioned your +doubt, I shall be able to judge whether it is proper you should take +upon yourself the enquiry of causes relating to claims of freedom by +birth-right. + + + +LXXIX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +JULIUS LARGUS, of Ponus[1054] (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[1055] for my own use, and to apply the remainder for +the benefit of the cities of Heraclea and Tios,[1056] 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. + + + +LXXX -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +By the prudent choice Julius Largus has made of a trustee, one would +imagine he had known you perfectly well. You will consider then what +will most tend to perpetuate his memory, under the circumstances of the +respective cities, and make your option accordingly. + + + +LXXXI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +You acted agreeably, Sir, to your usual prudence and foresight in +ordering the illustrious Calpurnius Macer to send a legionary centurion +to Byzantium: you will consider whether the city of Juliopolis' does not +deserve the same regard, which, though it is extremely small, sustains +very great burthens, and is so much the more exposed to injuries as it +is less capable of resisting them. Whatever benefits you shall confer +upon that city will in effect be advantageous to the whole country; for +it is situated at the entrance of Bithynia, and is the town through +which all who travel into this province generally pass. + + + +LXXXII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +THE circumstances of the city of Byzantium are such, by the great +confluence of strangers to it, that I held it incumbent upon me, and +consistent with the customs of former reigns, to send thither a +legionary centurion's guard to preserve the privileges of that state. +But if we should distinguish the city of Juliopolis[1057] in the same +way, it will be introducing a precedent for many others, whose claim to +that favour will rise in proportion to their want of strength. I have so +much confidence, however, in your administration as to believe you will +omit no method of protecting them from injuries. If any persons shall +act contrary to the discipline I have enjoined, let them be instantly +corrected; or if they happen to be soldiers, and their crimes should be +too enormous for immediate chastisement, I would have them sent to their +officers, with an account of the particular misdemeanour you shall find +they have been guilty of; but if the delinquents should be on their way +to Rome, inform me by letter. + + + +LXXXIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +BY a law of Pompey's[1058] concerning the Bithynians, it is enacted, +Sir, that no person shall be a magistrate, or be chosen into the senate, +under the age of thirty. By the same law it is declared that those who +have exercised the office of magistrate are qualified to be members of +the senate. Subsequent to this law, the emperor Augustus published an +edict, by which it was ordained that persons of the age of twenty-two +should be capable of being magistrates. The question therefore is +whether those who have exercised the functions of a magistrate before +the age of thirty may be legally chosen into the senate by the +censors?[1059] And if so, whether, by the same kind of construction, +they may be elected senators, at the age which entitles them to be +magistrates, though they should not actually have borne any office? A +custom which, it seems, has hitherto been observed, and is said to be +expedient, as it is rather better that persons of noble birth should be +admitted into the senate than those of plebeian rank. The censors elect +having desired my sentiments upon this point, I was of opinion that both +by the law of Pompey and the edict of Augustus those who had exercised +the magistracy before the age of thirty might be chosen into the senate; +and for this reason, because the edict allows the office of magistrate +to be undertaken before thirty; and the law declares that whoever has +been a magistrate should be eligible for the senate. But with respect to +those who never discharged any office in the state, though they were of +the age required for that purpose, I had some doubt: and therefore, Sir, +I apply to you for your directions. I have subjoined to this letter the +heads of the law, together with the edict of Augustus. + + + +LXXXIV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I AGREE with you, my dearest Secundus, in your construction, and am of +opinion that the law of Pompey is so far repealed by the edict of the +emperor Augustus that those persons who are not less than twenty-two +years of age may execute the office of magistrates, and, when they have, +may be received into the senate of their respective cities. But I think +that they who are under thirty years of age, and have not discharged the +function of a magistrate, cannot, upon pretence that in point of years +they were competent to the office, legally be elected into the senate of +their several communities. + + + +LXXXV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +WHILST I was despatching some public affairs, Sir, at my apartments in +Prusa, at the foot of Olympus, with the intention of leaving that city +the same day, the magistrate Asclepiades informed me that Eumolpus had +appealed to me from a motion which Cocceianus Dion made in their senate. +Dion, it seems, having been appointed supervisor of a public building, +desired that it might be assigned[1060] to the city in form. Eumolpus, +who was counsel for Flavius Archippus, insisted that Dion should first +be required to deliver in his accounts relating to this work, before it +was assigned to the corporation; suggesting that he had not acted in the +manner he ought. He added, at the same time, that in this building, in +which your statue is erected, the bodies of Dion's wife and son are +entombed,[1061] and urged me to hear this cause in the public court of +judicature. Upon my at once assenting to his request, and deferring my +journey for that purpose, he desired a longer day in order to prepare +matters for hearing, and that I would try this cause in some other city. +I appointed the city of Nicea; where, when I had taken my seat, the same +Eumolpus, pretending not to be yet sufficiently instructed, moved that +the trial might be again put off: Dion, on the contrary, insisted it +should be heard. They debated this point very fully on both sides, and +entered a little into the merits of the cause; when being of opinion +that it was reasonable it should be adjourned, and thinking it proper to +consult with you in an affair which was of consequence in point of +precedent, I directed them to exhibit the articles of their respective +allegations in writing; for I was desirous you should judge from their +own representations of the state of the question between them. Dion +promised to comply with this direction and Eumolpus also assured me he +would draw up a memorial of what he had to allege on the part of the +community. But he added that, being only concerned as advocate on behalf +of Archippus, whose instructions he had laid before me, he had no charge +to bring with respect to the sepulchres. Archippus, however, for whom +Eulnolpus was counsel here, as at Prusa, assured me he would himself +present a charge in form upon this head. But neither Eumolpus nor +Archippus (though I have waited several days for that purpose) have yet +performed their engagement: Dion indeed has; and I have annexed his +memorial to this letter. I have inspected the buildings in question, +where I find your statue is placed in a library, and as to the edifice +in which the bodies of Dion's wife and son are said to be deposited, it +stands in the middle of a court, which is enclosed with a colonnade. +Deign, therefore, I entreat you, Sir, to direct my judgment in the +determination of this cause above all others as it is a point to which +the public is greatly attentive, and necessarily so, since the fact is +not only acknowledged, but countenanced by many precedents. + + + +LXXXVI -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You well know, my dearest Secundus, that it is my standing maxim not to +create an awe of my person by severe and rigorous measures, and by +construing every slight offence into an act of treason; you had no +reason, therefore, to hesitate a moment upon the point concerning which +you thought proper to consult me. Without entering therefore into the +merits of that question (to which I would by no means give any +attention, though there were ever so many instances of the same kind), I +recommend to your care the examination of Dion's accounts relating to +the public works which he has finished; as it is a case in which the +interest of the city is concerned, and as Dion neither ought nor, it +seems, does refuse to submit to the examination. + + + +LXXXVII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE Niceans having, in the name of their community, conjured me, Sir, by +all my hopes and wishes for your prosperity and immortal glory (an +adjuration which is and ought to be most sacred to me), to present to +you their petition, I did not think myself at liberty to refuse them: I +have therefore annexed it to this letter. + + + +LXXXVIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +THE Niceans I find, claim a right, by an edict of Augustus, to the +estate of every citizen who dies intestate. You will therefore summon +the several parties interested in this question, and, examining these +pretensions, with the assistance of the procurators Virdius Gemellinus, +and Epimachus, my freedman (having duly weighed every argument that +shall be alleged against the claim), determine as shall appear most +equitable. + + + +LXXXIX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +MAY this and many succeeding birthdays be attended, Sir, with the +highest felicity to you; and may you, in the midst of an uninterrupted +course of health and prosperity, be still adding to the increase of that +immortal glory which your virtues justly merit! + + + +XC -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +YOUR wishes, my dearest Secundus, for my enjoyment of many happy +birthdays amidst the glory and prosperity of the republic were extremely +agreeable to me. + + + +XCI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE inhabitants of Sinope[1062] are ill supplied, Sir, with water, which +however may be brought thither from about sixteen miles' distance in +great plenty and perfection. The ground, indeed, near the source of this +spring is, for rather over a mile, of a very suspicious and marshy +nature; but I have directed an examination to be made (which will be +effected at a small expense) whether it is sufficiently firm to support +any superstructure. I have taken care to provide a sufficient fund for +this purpose, if you should approve, Sir, of a work so conducive to the +health and enjoyment of this colony, greatly distressed by a scarcity of +water. + + + +XCII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I WOULD have you proceed, my dearest Secundus, in carefully examining +whether the ground you suspect is firm enough to support an aqueduct. +For I have no manner of doubt that the Sinopian colony ought to be +supplied with water; provided their finances will bear the expense of a +work so conducive to their health and pleasure. + + + +XCIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE free and confederate city of the Amiseni[1063] enjoys, by your +indulgence, the privilege of its own laws. A memorial being presented to +me there, concerning a charitable institution,[1064] I have subjoined it +to this letter, that you may consider, Sir, whether, and how far, this +society ought to be licensed or prohibited. + + + +XCIV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +IF the petition of the Amiseni which you have transmitted to me, +concerning the establishment of a charitable society, be agreeable to +their own laws, which by the articles of alliance it is stipulated they +shall enjoy, I shall not oppose it; especially if these contributions +are employed, not for the purpose of riot and faction, but for the +support of the indigent. In other cities, however, which are subject to +our laws, I would have all assemblies of this nature prohibited. + + + +XCV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +SUETONIUS TRANQUILLUS, Sir, is a most excellent, honour-able, and +learned man. I was so much pleased with his tastes and disposition that +I have long since invited him into my family, as my constant guest and +domestic friend; and my affection for him increased the more I knew of +him. Two reasons concur to render the privileges which the law grants to +those who have three children particularly necessary to him; I mean the +bounty of his friends, and the ill-success of his marriage. Those +advantages, therefore, which nature has denied to him, he hopes to +obtain from your goodness, by my intercession. I am thoroughly sensible, +Sir, of the value of the privilege I am asking; but I know, too, I am +asking it from one whose gracious compliance with all my desires I have +amply experienced. How passionately I wish to do so in the present +instance, you will judge by my thus requesting it in my absence; which I +would not, had it not been a favour which I am more than ordinarily +anxious to obtain.[1065] + + + +XCVI -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You cannot but be sensible, my dearest Secundus, how reserved I am in +granting favours of the kind you desire; having frequently declared in +the senate that I had not exceeded the number of which I assured that +illustrious order I would be contented with. I have yielded, however, to +your request, and have directed an article to be inserted in my +register, that I have conferred upon Tranquillus, on my usual +conditions, the privilege which the law grants to these who have three +children. + + + +XCVII To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN[1066] + +IT is my invariable rule, Sir, to refer to you in all matters where I +feel doubtful; for who is more capable of removing my scruples, or +informing my ignorance? Having never been present at any trials +concerning those who profess Christianity, I am unacquainted not only +with the nature of their crimes, or the measure of their punishment, but +how far it is proper to enter into an examination concerning them. +Whether, therefore, any difference is usually made with respect to ages, +or no distinction is to be observed between the young and the adult; +whether repentance entitles them to a pardon; or if a man has been once +a Christian, it avails nothing to desist from his error; whether the +very profession of Christianity, unattended with any criminal act, or +only the crimes themselves inherent in the profession are punishable; on +all these points I am in great doubt. In the meanwhile, the method I +have observed towards those who have been brought before me as +Christians is this: I asked them whether they were Christians; if they +admitted it, I repeated the question twice, and threatened them with +punishment; if they persisted, I ordered them to be at once punished: +for I was persuaded, whatever the nature of their opinions might be, a +contumacious and inflexible obstinacy certainly deserved correction. +There were others also brought before me possessed with the same +infatuation, but being Roman citizens,[1067] I directed them to be sent +to Rome. But this crime spreading (as is usually the case) while it was +actually under prosecution, several instances of the same nature +occurred. An anonymous information was laid before me containing a +charge against several persons, who upon examination denied they were +Christians, or had ever been so. They repeated after me an invocation to +the gods, and offered religious rites with wine and incense before your +statue (which for that purpose I had ordered to be brought, together +with those of the gods), and even reviled the name of Christ: whereas +there is no forcing, it is said, those who are really Christians into +any of these compliances: I thought it proper, therefore, to discharge +them. Some among those who were accused by a witness in person at first +confessed themselves Christians, but immediately after denied it; the +rest owned indeed that they had been of that number formerly, but had +now (some above three, others more, and a few above twenty years ago) +renounced that error. They all worshipped your statue and the images of +the gods, uttering imprecations at the same time against the name of +Christ. They affirmed the whole of their guilt, or their error, was, +that they met on a stated day before it was light, and addressed a form +of prayer to Christ, as to a divinity, binding themselves by a solemn +oath, not for the purposes of any wicked design, but never to commit any +fraud, theft, or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust +when they should be called upon to deliver it up; after which it was +their custom to separate, and then reassemble, to eat in common a +harmless meal. From this custom, however, they desisted after the +publication of my edict, by which, according to your commands, I forbade +the meeting of any assemblies. After receiving this account, I judged it +so much the more necessary to endeavor to extort the real truth, by +putting two female slaves to the torture, who were said to officiate' in +their religious rites: but all I could discover was evidence of an +absurd and extravagant superstition. I deemed it expedient, therefore, +to adjourn all further proceedings, in order to consult you. For it +appears to be a matter highly deserving your consideration, more +especially as great numbers must be involved in the danger of these +prosecutions, which have already extended, and are still likely to +extend, to persons of all ranks and ages, and even of both sexes. In +fact, this contagious superstition is not confined to the cities only, +but has spread its infection among the neighbouring villages and +country. Nevertheless, it still seems possible to restrain its progress. +The temples, at least, which were once almost deserted, begin now to be +frequented; and the sacred rites, after a long intermission, are again +revived; while there is a general demand for the victims, which till +lately found very few purchasers. From all this it is easy to conjecture +what numbers might be reclaimed if a general pardon were granted to +those who shall repent of their error.[1068] + + + +XCVIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You have adopted the right course, my dearest Secundtis, in +investigating the charges against the Christians who were brought before +you. It is not possible to lay down any general rule for all such cases. +Do not go out of your way to look for them. If indeed they should be +brought before you, and the crime is proved, they must be +punished;[1069] with the restriction, however, that where the party +denies he is a Christian, and shall make it evident that he is not, by +invoking our gods, let him (notwithstanding any former suspicion) be +pardoned upon his repentance. Anonymous informations ought not to be +received in any sort of prosecution. It is introducing a very dangerous +precedent, and is quite foreign to the spirit of our age. + + + +XCIX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE elegant and beautiful city of Amastris,[1070] Sir, has, among other +principal constructions, a very fine street and of considerable length, +on one entire side of which runs what is called indeed a river, but in +fact is no other than a vile common sewer, extremely offensive to the +eye, and at the same time very pestilential on account of its noxious +smell. It will be advantageous, therefore, in point of health, as well +as decency, to have it covered; which shall be done with your +permission: as I will take care, on my part, that money be not wanting +for executing so noble and necessary a work. + + + +C -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +IT IS highly reasonable, my dearest Secundus, if the water which runs +through the city of Amastris is prejudicial, while uncovered, to the +health of the inhabitants, that it should be covered up. I am well +assured you will, with your usual application, take care that the money +necessary for this work shall not be wanting. + + + +CI To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +WE have celebrated, Sir, with great joy and festivity, those votive +soleninities which were publicly proclaimed as formerly, and renewed +them the present year, accompanied by the soldiers and provincials, who +zealously joined with us in imploring the gods that they would be +graciously pleased to preserve you and the republic in that state of +prosperity which your many and great virtues, particularly your piety +and reverence towards them, so justly merit. + + + +CII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +IT was agreeable to me to learn by your letter that the army and the +provincials seconded you, with the most joyful unanimity, in those vows +which you paid and renewed to the immortal gods for my preservation and +prosperity. + + + +CIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +WE have celebrated, with all the warmth of that pious zeal we justly +ought, the day on which, by a most happy succession, the protection of +mankind was committed over into your hands; recommending to the gods, +from whom you received the empire, the object of your public vows and +congratulations. + + + +CIV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I WAS extremely well pleased to be informed by your letter that you had, +at the head of the soldiers and the provincials, solemnised my accession +to the empire with all due joy and zeal. + + + +CV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +VALERIUS PAULINUS, Sir, having bequeathed to me the right of +patronage[1071] over all his freedmen, except one, I intreat you to +grant the freedom of Rome to three of them. To desire you to extend this +favour to all of them would, I fear, be too unreasonable a trespass upon +your indulgence; which, in proportion as I have amply experienced, I +ought to be so much the more cautious in troubling. The persons for whom +I make this request are C. Valerius Astraeus, C. Valerius Dionysius, and +C. Valerius Aper. + + + +CVI -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +YOU act most generously in so early soliciting in favour of those whom +Valerius Paulinus has confided to your trust. I have accordingly granted +the freedom of the city to such of his freedmen for whom you requested +it, and have directed the patent to be registered: I am ready to confer +the same on the rest, whenever you shall desire me. + + + +CVII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +P. ATTIUS AQUILA, a centurion of the sixth equestrian cohort, requested +me, Sir, to transmit his petition to you, in favour of his daughter. I +thought it would be unkind to refuse him this service, knowing, as I do, +with what patience and kindness you attend to the petitions of the +soldiers. + + + +CVIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I HAVE read the petition of P. Attius Aquila, centurion of the sixth +equestrian cohort, which you sent to me; and in compliance with his +request, I have conferred upon his daughter the freedom of the city of +Rome. I send you at the same time the patent, which you will deliver to +him. + + + +CIX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I REQUEST, Sir, your directions with respect to the recovering those +debts which are due to the cities of Bithynia and Pontus, either for +rent, or goods sold, or upon any other consideration. I find they have a +privilege conceded to them by several proconsuls, of being preferred to +other creditors; and this custom has prevailed as if it had been +established by law. Your prudence, I imagine, will think it necessary to +enact some settled rule, by which their rights may always be secured. +For the edicts of others, how wisely however founded, are but feeble and +temporary ordinances, unless confirmed and sanctioned by your authority. + + + +CX -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +THE right which the cities either of Pontus or Bithynia claim relating +to the recovery of debts of whatever kind, due to their several +communities, must be determined agreeably to their respective laws. +Where any of these communities enjoy the privilege of being preferred to +other creditors, it must be maintained; but, where no such privilege +prevails, it is not just I should establish one, in prejudice of private +property. + + + +CXI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE solicitor to the treasury of the city of Amisis instituted a claim, +Sir, before me against Julius Piso of about forty thousand +denarii,[1072] presented to him by the public above twenty years ago, +with the consent of the general council and assembly of the city: and he +founded his demand upon certain of your edicts, by which donations of +this kind are prohibited. Piso, on the other hand, asserted that he had +conferred large sums of money upon the community, and, indeed, had +thereby expended almost the whole of his estate. He insisted upon the +length of time which had intervened since this donation, and hoped that +he should not be compelled, to the ruin of the remainder of his +fortunes, to refund a present which had been granted him long since, in +return for many good offices he had done the city. For this reason, Sir, +I thought it necessary to suspend giving any judgment in this cause till +I shall receive your directions. + + + +CXII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +THOUGH by my edicts I have ordained that no largesses shall be given out +of the public money, yet, that numberless private persons may not be +disturbed in the secure possession of their fortunes, those donations +which have been made long since ought not to be called in question or +revoked. We will not therefore enquire into anything that has been +transacted in this affair so long ago as twenty years; for I would be no +less attentive to secure the repose of every private man than to +preserve the treasure of every public community. + + + +CXIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE Pompeian law, Sir, which is observed in Pontus and Bithynia, does +not direct that any money for their admission shall be paid in by those +who are elected into the senate by the censors. It has, however, been +usual for such members as have been admitted into those assemblies, in +pursuance of the privilege which you were pleased to grant to some +particular cities, of receiving above their legal number, to pay +one[1073] or two thousand denarii[1074] on their election. Subsequent to +this, the proconsul Anicius Maximus ordained (though indeed his edict +related to some few cities only) that those who were elected by the +censors should also pay into the treasury a certain sum, which varied in +different places. It remains, therefore, for your consideration whether +it would not be proper to settle a certain sum for each member who is +elected into the councils to pay upon his entrance; for it well becomes +you, whose every word and action deserves to be immortalized, to +establish laws that shall endure for ever. + + + +CXIV -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I CAN give no general directions applicable to all the cities of +Bithynia, in relation to those who are elected members of their +respective councils, whether they shall pay an honorary fee upon their +admittance or not. I think that the safest method which can be pursued +is to follow the particular laws of each city; and I also think that the +censors ought to make the sum less for those who are chosen into the +senate contrary to their inclinations than for the rest. + + + +CXV -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE Pompeian law, Sir, allows the Bithynians to give the freedom of +their respective cities to any person they think proper, provided he is +not a foreigner, but native of some of the cities of this province. The +same law specifies the particular causes for which the censors may expel +any member of the senate, but makes no mention of foreigners. Certain of +the censors therefore have desired my opinion whether they ought to +expel a member if he should happen to be a foreigner. But I thought it +necessary to receive your instructions in this case; not only because +the law, though it forbids foreigners to be admitted citizens, does not +direct that a senator shall be expelled for the same reason, but because +I am informed that in every city in the province a great number of the +senators are foreigners. If, therefore, this clause of the law, which +seems to be antiquated by a long custom to the contrary, should be +enforced, many cities, as well as private persons, must be injured by +it. I have annexed the heads of this law to my letter. + + + +CXVI -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You might well be doubtful, my dearest Secundus, what reply to give to +the censors, who consulted you concerning their right to elect into the +senate foreign citizens, though of the same province. The authority of +the law on one side, and long custom prevailing against it on the other, +might justly occasion you to hesitate, The proper mean to observe in +this case will be to make no change in what is past, but to allow those +senators who are already elected, though contrary to law, to keep their +seats, to whatever city they may belong; in all future elections, +however, to pursue the directions of the Pompeian law: for to give it a +retrospective operation would necessarily introduce great confusion. + + + +CXVII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +IT is customary here upon any person taking the manly robe, solemnising +his marriage, entering upon the office of a magistrate, or dedicating +any public work, to invite the whole senate, together with a +considerable part of the commonalty, and distribute to each of the +company one or two denarii.[1075] I request you to inform me whether you +think proper this ceremony should be observed, or how far you approve of +it. For myself, though I am of opinion that upon some occasions, +especially those of public festivals, this kind of invitation may be +permitted, yet, when carried so far as to draw together a thousand +persons, and sometimes more, it seems to be going beyond a reasonable +number, and has somewhat the appearance of ambitious largesses. + + + +CXVIII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You very justly apprehended that those public invitations which extend +to an immoderate number of people, and where the dole is distributed, +not singly to a few acquaintances, but, as it were, to whole collective +bodies, may be turned to the factious purposes of ambition. But I +appointed you to your present government, fully relying upon your +prudence, and in the persuasion that you would take proper measures for +regulating the manners and settling the peace of the province. + + + +CXIX -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE athletic victors, Sir, in the Iselastic[1076] games, conceive that +the stipend you have established for the conquerors becomes due from the +day they are crowned: for it is not at all material, they say, what time +they were triumphantly conducted into their country, but when they +merited that honour. On the contrary, when I consider the meaning of the +term Iselastic, I am strongly inclined to think that it is intended the +stipend should commence from the time of their public entry. They +likewise petition to be allowed the treat you give at those combats +which you have converted into Iselastic, though they were conquerors +before the appointment of that institution: for it is but reasonable, +they assert, that they should receive the reward in this instance, as +they are deprived of it at those games which have been divested of the +honour of being Iselastic, since their victory. But I am very doubtful, +whether a retrospect should be admitted in the case in question, and a +reward given, to which the claimants had no right at the time they +obtained the victory. I beg, therefore, you would be pleased to direct +my judgment in these points, by explaining the intention of your own +benefactions. + + + +CXX -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +THE stipend appointed for the conqueror in the Iselastic games ought +not, I think, to commence till he makes his triumphant entry into his +city. Nor are the prizes, at those combats which I thought proper to +make Iselastic, to be extended backwards to those who were victors +before that alteration took place. With regard to the plea which these +athletic combatants urge, that they ought to receive the Iselastic prize +at those combats which have been made Iselastic subsequent to their +conquests, as they are denied it in the same case where the games have +ceased to be so, it proves nothing in their favour; for notwithstanding +any new arrangements which has been made relating to these games, they +are not called upon to return the recompense which they received prior +to such alteration. + + + +CXXI -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I HAVE hitherto never, Sir, granted an order for post-chaises to any +person, or upon any occasion, but in affairs that relate to your +administration. I find myself, however, at present under a sort of +necessity of breaking through this fixed rule. My wife having received +an account of her grandfather's death, and being desirous to wait upon +her aunt with all possible expedition, I thought it would be unkind to +deny her the use of this privilege; as the grace of so tender an office +consists in the early discharge of it, and as I well knew a journey +which was founded in filial piety could not fail of your approbation. I +should think myself highly ungrateful therefore, were I not to +acknowledge that, among other great obligations which I owe to your +indulgence, I have this in particular, that, in confidence of your +favour, I have ventured to do, without consulting you, what would have +been too late had I waited for your consent. + + + +CXXII -- TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You did me justice, my dearest Secundus, in confiding in my affection +towards you. Without doubt, if you had waited for my consent to forward +your wife in her journey by means of those warrants which I have +entrusted to your care, the use of them would not have answered your +purpose; since it was proper this visit to her aunt should have the +additional recommendation of being paid with all possible expedition. + + + +FOOTNOTES TO THE CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE EMPEROR TRAJAN 1001 (return) [ +The greater part of the following letters were written by Pliny during +his administration in the province of Bithynia. They are of a style and +character extremely different from those in the preceding collection; +whence some critics have injudiciously inferred that they are the +production of another hand: not considering that the occasion +necessarily required a different manner. In letters of business, as +these chiefly are, turn and sentiment would be foreign and impertinent; +politeness and elegance of expression being the essentials that +constitute perfection in this kind: and in that view, though they may be +less entertaining, they have not less merit than the former. But besides +their particular excellence as letters, they have a farther +recommendation as so many valuable pieces of history, by throwing a +strong light upon the character of one of the most amiable and glorious +princes in the Roman annals. Trajan appears throughout in the most +striking attitude that majesty can be placed in; in the exertion of +power to the godlike purposes of justice and benevolence: and what one +of the ancient historians has said of him is here clearly verified, that +"he rather chose to be loved than flattered by his people." To have been +distinguished by the favour and friendship of a monarch of so exalted a +character is an honour that reflects the brightest lustre upon our +author; as to have been served and celebrated by a courtier of Pliny's +genius and virtues is the noblest monunient of glory that could have +been raised to Trajan. M.] + + +1002 (return) [ Nerva, who succeeded Domitian, reigned but sixteen +months and a few days. Before his death he not only adopted Trajan, and +named him for his successor, but actually admitted him into a share of +the government; giving him the titles of Cæsar, Germanicus and +Imperator. Vid. Plin. Paneg. M.] + + +1003 (return) [ $16,000.] + + +1004 (return) [ One of the four governments of Lower Egypt. M.] + + +1005 (return) [ The extensive power of paternal authority was (as has +been observed in the notes above) peculiar to the Romans. But after +Chrysippus was made a denizen of Rome, he was not, it would seem, +consequentially entitled to that privilege over those children which +were born before his denization. On the other hand, if it was expressly +granted him, his children could not preserve their right of patronage +over their own freedmen, because that right would of course devolve to +their father, by means of this acquired dominion over them. The +denization therefore of his children is as expressly solicited as his +own. But both parties becoming quirites, the children by this creation, +and not pleading in right of their father, would be patres fam. To +prevent which the clause is added, "ita ut sint in patris potestate:" as +there is another to save to them their rights of patronage over their +freedmen, though they were reduced in patriam potestate. M.] + + +1006 (return) [ Pliny enjoyed the office of treasurer in conjunction +with Cornutus Tertullus. It was the custom at Rome for those who had +colleagues to administer the duties of their posts by monthly turns. +Buchner. M.] + + +1007 (return) [ About $16,000; the annual income of Pliny's estate in +Tuscany. He mentions another near Comum in Milan, the yearly value of +which does not appear. We find him likewise meditating the purchase of +an estate, for which he was to give about $117,000 of our money; but +whether he ever completed that purchase is uncertain. This, however, we +are sure of, that his fortunes were but moderate, considering his high +station and necessary expenses: and yet, by the advantage of a judicious +economy, we have seen him in the course of these letters, exercising a +liberality of which after ages have furnished no parallel. M.] + + +1008 (return) [ The senators were not allowed to go from Rome into the +provinces without having first obtained leave of the emperor. Sicily, +however, had the privilege to be excepted out of that law; as Gallia +Narbonensis afterwards was, by Claudius Cæsar. Tacit. Ann. XII. C. 23. +M.] + + +1009 (return) [ One of the seven priests who presided over the feasts +appointed in honour of Jupiter and the other gods, an office, as +appears, of high dignity, since Pliny ranks it with the augurship.] + + +1010 (return) [ Bithynia, a province in Anatolia, or Asia Minor, of +which Pliny was appointed governor by Trajan, in the sixth year of his +reign, A. D. 103, not as an ordinary proconsul, but as that emperor's +own lieutenant, with powers extraordinary. (See Dio.) The following +letters were written during his administration of that province. M.] + + +1011 (return) [ A north wind in the Grecian seas, which rises yearly +some time in July, and continues to the end of August; though others +extend it to the middle of September. They blow only in the day-time. +Varenius's Geogr. V.I. p. 513. M.] + + +1012 (return) [ The inhabitants of Prusa (Brusa), a principal city of +Bithynia.] + + +1013 (return) [ In the sixth year of Trajan's reign, A. D. 103, and the +41st of our author's age: he continued in this province about eighteen +months. Vid. Mass, in Vit. Phin. 129. M.] + + +1014 (return) [ Among other noble works which this glorious emperor +executed, the forum or square which went by his name seems to have been +the most magnificent. It was built with the foreign spoils he had taken +in war. The covering of this edifice was all brass, the porticoes +exceedingly beautiful and magnificent, with pillars of more than +ordinary height and dimensions. In the centre of this forum was erected +the famous pillar which has been already described.] + + +1015 (return) [ It is probable the victory here alluded to was that +famous one which Trajan gained over the Daciaiss; some account of which +has been given in the notes above. It is certain, at least, Pliny lived +to see his wish accomplished, this emperor having carried the Roman +splendour to its highest pitch, and extended the dominions of the empire +farther than any of his predecessors; as after his death it began to +decline. M.] + + +1016 (return) [ The capital of Bithynia; its modern name is Izmid.] + + +1017 (return) [ The town of Panticapoeum, also called Bosporus, standing +on the European side of the Cimmerian Bosporus (Straits of Kaffa), in +the modern Crimea.] + + +1018 (return) [ Nicea (as appears by the 15th letter of this book), a +city in Bithynia, now called Iznik. M.] + + +1019 (return) [ Sarmatia was divided into European, Asiatic, and German +Sarmatia. It is not exactly known what bounds the ancients gave to this +extensive region; however, in general, it comprehended the northern part +of Russia, and the greater part of Poland, &c. M.] + + +1020 (return) [ The first invention of public couriers is ascribed to +Cyrus, who, in order to receive the earliest intelligence from the +governors of the several provinces, erected post-houses throughout the +kingdom of Persia, at equal distances, which supplied men and horses to +forward the public despatches. Augustus was the first who introduced +this most useful institution among the Romans, by employing post- +chaises, disposed at convenient distances, for the purpose of political +intelligence. The magistrates of every city were obliged to furnish +horses for these messengers, upon producing a diploma, or a kind of +warrant, either from the emperor himself or from those who had that +authority under him. Sometimes, though upon very extraordinary +occasions, persons who travelled upon their private affairs, were +allowed the use of these post-chaises. It is surprising they were not +sooner used for the purposes of commerce and private communication. +Louis XI. first established them in France, in the year 1414; but it was +not till later (date uncertain) that the post-office was settled in +England by Act of Parliament, M.] + + +1021 (return) [ Particular temples, altars, and statues were allowed +among the Romans as places of privilege and sanctuary to slaves, debtors +and malefactors. This custom was introduced by Romulus, who borrowed it +probably from the Greeks; but during the free state of Rome, few of +these asylums were permitted. This custom prevailed most under the +emperors, till it grew so scandalous that the Emperor Pius found it +necessary to restrain those privileged places by an edict. See Lipsii +Excurs. ad Taeiti Ann. III, C. 36, M.] + + +1022 (return) [ General under Deeebalus, king of the Dacians. M.] + + +1023 (return) [ A province in Daeia, comprehending the southern parts of +Servia and part of Bulgaria. M.] + + +1024 (return) [ The second expedition of Trajan against Decebalus was +undertaken the same year that Pliny went governor into this province; +the reason therefore why Pliny sent this Calhidromus to the emperor +seems to be that some use might possibly be made of him in favour of +that design, M.] + + +1025 (return) [ Receiver of the finances. M.] + + +1026 (return) [ The coast round the Black Sea.] + + +1027 (return) [ The text calls him primipilarem, that is, one who had +been Prirnipilus, in officer in the army, whose post was both highly +honourable and profitable; among other parts of his office he had the +care of the eagle, or chief standard of the legion. M.] + + +1028 (return) [ Slaves who were purchased by the public. M.] + + +1029 (return) [ The most probable conjecture (for it is a point of a +good deal of obscurity) concerning the beneficiary seems to be that they +were a certain number of soldiers exempted from the usual duty of their +office, in order to be employed as a sort of body-guards to the general. +These were probably foot; as the equites here mentioned were perhaps of +the same nature, only that they served on horseback. Equites singulares +Cæsaris Augusti, &c., are frequently met with upon ancient inscriptions, +and are generally supposed to mean the bodyguards of the emperor. M.] + + +1030 (return) [ A province in Asia Minor, bounded by the Black Sea on +the north, Bithynia on the west, Pontus on the east, and Phrygia on the +south.] + + +1031 (return) [ The Roman policy excluded slaves from entering into +military service, and it was death if they did so. However, upon cases +of great necessity, this maxim was dispensed with; but then they were +first made free before they were received into the army, excepting only +(as Servius in his notes upon Virgil) observes after the fatal battle of +Cannae; when the public distress was so great that the Romans recruited +their army with their slaves, though they had not time to give them +their freedom. One reason, perhaps, of this policy might be that they +did not think it safe to arm so considerable a body of men, whose +numbers, in the times when the Roman luxury was at its highest, we may +have some idea of by the instance which Pun the naturalist mentions of +Claudius Isodorus, who at the time of his death was possessed of no less +than 4,116 slaves, notwithstanding he had lost great numbers in the +civil wars. Pun. Hist. Nat. XXXIII. 10. M.] + + +1032 (return) [ A punishment among the Romans, usually inflicted upon +slaves, by which they were to engage with wild beasts, or perform the +part of gladiators, in the public shows. M.] + + +1033 (return) [ It has been generally imagined that the ancients had not +the art of raising water by engines; but this passage seems to favour +the contrary opinion. The word in the original is sipho, which Hesychius +explains (as one of the commentators observes) "instrumentuns ad +jaculandas aquas adversas incendia; an instrument to throw up water +against fires." But there is a passage in Seneca which seems to put this +matter beyond conjecture, though none of the critics upon this place +have taken notice of it: "Solemiss," says he, "duabus manibus inter se +junctis aguam concipere, et com pressa utrinque palma in modum ciphonis +exprimere" (Q. N. 1. II. 16) where we plainly see the use of this sipho +was to throw UP water, and consequently the Romans were acquainted with +that art. The account which Pliny gives of his fountains at Tuscum is +likewise another evident proof. M.] + + +1034 (return) [ This was an anniversary custom observed throughout the +empire on the 30th of December. M.] + + +1035 (return) [ About $132,000.] + + +1036 (return) [ About $80,000.] + + +1037 (return) [ About $400,000. To those who are not acquainted with the +immense riches of the ancients, it may seem incredible that a city, and +not the capital one either, of a conquered province should expend so +large a sum of money upon only the shell (as it appears to be) of a +theatre: but Asia was esteemed the most considerable part of the world +for wealth; its fertility and exportations (as Tully observes) exceeding +that of all other countries. M.] + + +1038 (return) [ The word carte, in the original, comprehends more than +what we call the pit in our theatres, as at means the whole space lit +which the spectators sat. These theatres being open at the top, the +galleries here mentioned were for the convenience of retiring in bad +weather. M.] + + +1039 (return) [ A place in which the athletic exercises were performed, +and where the philosophers also used to read their lectures. M.] + + +1040 (return) [ The Roman foot consisted of 11.71 inches of our +standard, M.] + + +1041 (return) [ A colony in the district of Cataonia, in Cappadocia.] + + +1042 (return) [ The honorary senators, that is, such who were not +received into the council of the city by election, but by the +appointment of the emperor, paid a certain sum of money upon their +admission into the senate. M.] + + +1043 (return) [ "Graeculi. Even under the empire, with its relaxed +morality and luxurious tone, the Romans continued to apply this +contemptuous designation to people to whom they owed what taste for art +and culture they possessed." Church and Brodribb.] + + +1044 (return) [ A Roman cubit is equal to a foot 5.406 inches of our +measure. Arbuthanot's Tab. M.] + + +1045 (return) [ About $480.] + + +1046 (return) [ About $120.] + + +1047 (return) [ A diploma is properly a grant of certain privileges +either to particular places or persons. It signifies also grants of +other kinds; and it sometimes means post-warrants, as, perhaps, it does +in this place. M.] + + +1048 (return) [ A city in Bithynia. M.] + + +1049 (return) [ Cybele, Rhea, or Ops, as she is otherwise called; from +whom, according to the pagan creed, the rest of the gods are supposed to +have descended. M.] + + +1040b (return) [ Whatever was legally consecrated was ever afterwards +unapplicable to profane uses. M.] + + +1041b (return) [ That is, a city not admitted to enjoy the laws and +privileges of Rome. M.] + + +1042b (return) [ The reason why they did not choose to borrow of the +public at the same rate of interest which they paid to private persons +was (as one of the Commentators observes) because in the former instance +they were obliged to give security, whereas in the latter they could +raise money upon their personal credit. M.] + + +1043b (return) [ These, in the original institution as settled by +Augustus, were only commanders of his body-guards; but in the later +times of the Roman empire they were next in authority under the emperor, +to whom they seem to have acted as a sort of prime ministers. M.] + + +1044b (return) [ The provinces were divided into, a kind of circuits +called conventus, whither the proconsuls used to go in order to +administer justice. The judges here mentioned must not be understood to +mean the same sort of judicial officers as with us: they rather answered +to our juries. M.] + + +1045b (return) [ By the imperial constitutions the philosophers were +exempted from all public functions. Catariscus. M.] + + +1046b (return) [ About $24,000.] + + +1047b (return) [ Geographers are not agreed where to place this city; +Cellarius conjectures it may possibly be the same with Prusa ad Olympum, +Prusa at the foot of Mount Olympus in Mysia.] + + +1048b (return) [ Domitian.] + + +1049b (return) [ That is, whether they should be considered in a state +of freedom or slavery. M.] + + +1050 (return) [ "Parents throughout the entire ancient world had the +right to expose their children and leave them to their fate. Hence would +sometimes arise the question whether such a child, if found and brought +up by another, was entitled to his freedom, whether also the person thus +adopting him must grant him his freedom without repayment for the cost +of maintenance." Church and Brodribb.] + + +1051 (return) [ "This decision of Trajan, the effect of which would be +that persons would be slow to adopt an abandoned child which, when +brought up, its natural parents could claim back without any +compensation for its nurture, seems harsh, and we find that it was +disregarded by the later emperors in their legal decisions on the +subject." Church and Brodribb.] + + +1052 (return) [ And consequently by the Roman laws unapplicable to any +other purpose. M.] + + +1053 (return) [ The Roman provinces in the times of the emperors were of +two sorts: those which were distinguished by the name of the provinciae +Cæsaris and the provinciae senatus. The provinciae Cæsaris, or imperial +provinces, were such as the emperor, for reasons of policy, reserved to +his own immediate administration, or of those whom he thought proper to +appoint: the provinciae senatus, or proconsular provinces, were such as +he left to the government of proconsuls or praetors, chosen in the +ordinary method of election. (Vid. Suet, in Aug. V. 47.) Of the former +kind was Bithynis, at the time when our author presided there. (Vid. +Masson. Vit. Plin. p. 133.) M.] + + +1054 (return) [ A province in Asia, bordering upon the Black Sea, and by +some ancient geographers considered as one province with Bithynia. M.] + + +1055 (return) [ About $2,000. M.] + + +1056 (return) [ Cities of Pontus near the Euxine or Black Sea. M.] + + +1057 (return) [ Gordium, the old capital of Phrygia. It afterwards, in +the reign of the Emperor Augustus, received the name of Juliopolis. (See +Smith's Classical Diet.)] + + +1058 (return) [ Pompey the Great having subdued Mithridates, and by that +means enlarged the Roman empire, passed several laws relating to the +newly conquered provinces, and, among others, that which is here +mentioned. M.] + + +1059 (return) [ The right of electing Senators did not originally belong +to the censors, who were only, as Cicero somewhere calls them, guardians +of the discipline and manners of the city; but in process of time they +engrossed the whole privilege of conferring that honour. M.] + + +1060 (return) [ This, probably, was some act whereby the city was to +ratify and confirm the proceedings of Dion under the commission assigned +to him.] + + +1061 (return) [ It was a notion which generally prevailed with the +ancients, in the Jewish as well as heathen world, that there was a +pollution in the contact of dead bodies, and this they extended to the +very house in which the corpse lay, and even to the uncovered vessels +that stood in the same room. (Vid. Pot. Antiq. V. II. 181.) From some +such opinion as this it is probable that the circumstance, here +mentioned, of placing Trajan's statue where these bodies were deposited, +was esteemed as a mark of disrespect to his person.] + + +1062 (return) [ A thriving Greek colony in the territory of Sinopis, on +the Euxine.] + + +1063 (return) [ A colony of Athenians in the province of Pontus. Their +town, Amisus, on the coast, was one of the residences of Mithridates.] + + +1064 (return) [ Casaubon, in his observations upon Theophrastus (as +cited by one of the commentators) informs us that there were at Athens +and other cities of Greece Certain fraternities which paid into a common +chest a monthly contribution towards the support of such of their +members who had fallen into misfortunes; upon condition that, if ever +they arrived to more prosperous circumstances, they should repay into +the general fund the money so advanced. M.] + + +1065 (return) [ By the law for encouragement of matrimony (some account +of which has already been given in the notes above), as a penalty upon +those who lived bachelors, they were declared incapable of inheriting +any legacy by will; so likewise, if being married, they had no children, +they could not claim the full advantage of benefactions of that kind.] + + +1066 (return) [ This letter is esteemed as almost the only genuine +monument of ecclesiastical antiquity relating to the times immediately +succeeding the Apostles, it being written at most not above forty years +after the death of St. Paul. It was preserved by the Christians +themselves as a clear and unsuspicious evidence of the purity of their +doctrines, and is frequently appealed to by the early writers of the +Church against the calumnies of their adversaries. M.] + + +1067 (return) [ It was one of the privileges of a Roman citizen, secured +by the Semprorian law, that he could not be capitally convicted but by +the suffrage of the people; which seems to have been still so far in +force as to make it necessary to send the persons here mentioned to +Rome. M.] + + +1068 (return) [ These women, it is supposed, exercised the same office +as Phoebe mentioned by St. Paul, whom he styles deaconess of the church +of Cenchrea. Their business was to tend the poor and sick, and other +charitable offices; as also to assist at the ceremony of female baptism, +for the more decent performance of that rite: as Vossius observes upon +this passage. M.] + + +1069 (return) [ If we impartially examine this prosecution of the +Christians, we shall find it to have been grounded on the ancient +constitution of the state, and not to have proceeded from a cruel or +arbitrary temper in Trajan. The Roman legislature appears to have been +early jealous of any innovation in point of public worship; and we find +the magistrates, during the old republic frequently interposing in cases +of that nature. Valerius Maximus has collected some instances to that +purpose (L. I. C. 3), and Livy mentions it as an established principle +of the earlier ages of the commonwealth, to guard against the +introduction of foreign ceremonies of religion. It was an old and fixed +maxim likewise of the Roman government not to suffer any unlicensed +assemblies of the people. From hence it seems evident that the +Christians had rendered themselves obnoxious not so much to Trajan as to +the ancient and settled laws of the state, by introducing a foreign +worship, and assembling themselves without authority. M.] + + +1070 (return) [ On the coast of Paphlagonia.] + + +1071 (return) [ By the Papian law, which passed in the consulship of M. +Papius Mutilus and Q. Poppeas Secundus, u. c. 761, if a freedman died +worth a hundred thousand sesterces (or about $4,000 of our money), +leaving only one child, his patron (that is, the master from whom he +received his liberty) was entitled to half his estate; if he left two +children, to one-third; but if more than two, then the patron was +absolutely excluded. This was afterwards altered by Justinian, Inst. 1. +III. tit. 8. M.] + + +1072 (return) [ About $7,000.] + + +1073 (return) [ About $175] + + +1074 (return) [ About $350.] + + +1075 (return) [ The denarius=7 cents. The sum total, then, distributed +among one thousand persons at the rate of, say, two denara a piece would +amount to about $350.] + + +1076 (return) [ These games are called Iselastic from the Greek word +invehor, because the victors, drawn by white horses, and wearing crowns +on their heads, were conducted with great pomp into their respective +cities, which they entered through a breach in the walls made for that +purpose; intimating, as Plutarch observes, that a City which produced +such able and victorious citizens, had little occasion for the defence +of walls (Catanaeus). They received also annually a certain honourable +stipend from the public. M.] + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Letters of Pliny, by Pliny + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LETTERS OF PLINY *** + +***** This file should be named 2811-8.txt or 2811-8.zip ***** This and +all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/1/2811/ + +Produced by David Reed and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will be +renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one +owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and +you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission +and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, set forth in the +General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to copying and +distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the +PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Letters of Pliny + +Author: Pliny + +Editor: F. C. T. Bosanquet + +Translator: William Melmoth + +Release Date: September, 2001 [Etext #2811] +Last Updated: May 13, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LETTERS OF PLINY *** + + + + +Produced by David Reed and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + LETTERS OF PLINY + </h1> + <h2> + By Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Translated by William Melmoth <br /><br /><br /> Revised by F. C. T. + Bosanquet + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + GAIUS PLINIUS CAECILIUS SECUNDUS, usually known as Pliny the Younger, was + born at Como in 62 A. D. He was only eight years old when his father + Caecilius died, and he was adopted by his uncle, the elder Pliny, author + of the Natural History. He was carefully educated, studying rhetoric under + Quintilian and other famous teachers, and he became the most eloquent + pleader of his time. In this and in much else he imitated Cicero, who had + by this time come to be the recognized master of Latin style. While still + young he served as military tribune in Syria, but he does not seem to have + taken zealously to a soldier's life. On his return he entered politics + under the Emperor Domitian; and in the year 100 A. D. was appointed consul + by Trajan and admitted to confidential intercourse with that emperor. + Later while he was governor of Bithynia, he was in the habit of submitting + every point of policy to his master, and the correspondence between Trajan + and him, which forms the last part of the present selection, is of a high + degree of interest, both on account of the subjects discussed and for the + light thrown on the characters of the two men. He is supposed to have died + about 113 A. D. Pliny's speeches are now lost, with the exception of one, + a panegyric on Trajan delivered in thanksgiving for the consulate. This, + though diffuse and somewhat too complimentary for modern taste, became a + model for this kind of composition. The others were mostly of two classes, + forensic and political, many of the latter being, like Cicero's speech + against Verres, impeachments of provincial governors for cruelty and + extortion toward their subjects. In these, as in his public activities in + general, he appears as a man of public spirit and integrity; and in his + relations with his native town he was a thoughtful and munificent + benefactor. + </p> + <p> + The letters, on which to-day his fame mainly rests, were largely written + with a view to publication, and were arranged by Pliny himself. They thus + lack the spontaneity of Cicero's impulsive utterances, but to most modern + readers who are not special students of Roman history they are even more + interesting. They deal with a great variety of subjects: the description + of a Roman villa; the charms of country life; the reluctance of people to + attend author's readings and to listen when they were present; a dinner + party; legacy-hunting in ancient Rome; the acquisition of a piece of + statuary; his love for his young wife; ghost stories; floating islands, a + tame dolphin, and other marvels. But by far the best known are those + describing the great eruption of Vesuvius in which his uncle perished, a + martyr to scientific curiosity, and the letter to Trajan on his attempts + to suppress Christianity in Bithynia, with Trajan's reply approving his + policy. Taken altogether, these letters give an absorbingly vivid picture + of the days of the early empire, and of the interests of a cultivated + Roman gentleman of wealth. Occasionally, as in the last letters referred + to, they deal with important historical events; but their chief value is + in bringing before us, in somewhat the same manner as "The Spectator" + pictures the England of the age of Anne, the life of a time which is not + so unlike our own as its distance in years might indicate. And in this + time by no means the least interesting figure is that of the letter-writer + himself, with his vanity and self-importance, his sensibility and generous + affection? his pedantry and his loyalty. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <big><b>LETTERS GAIUS PLINIUS CAECILIUS SECUNDUS</b></big> + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> I — To SEPTITTUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> II — To ARRIANUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> III — To VOCONIUS ROMANUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> IV — To CORNELIUS TACITUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> V — To POMPEIUS SATURNINUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> VI — To ATRIUS CLEMENS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> VII — To FABIUS JUSTUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> VIII — To CALESTRIUS TIRO </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> IX — To SOCIUS SENECIO </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> X — To JUNSUS MAURICUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> XI — To SEPTITIUS CLARUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> XII — To SUETONIUS TRANQUILLUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> XIII — To ROMANUS FIRMUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> XIV — TO CORNELIUS TACITUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> XV — To PATERNUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> XVI — To CATILIUS SEVERUS [27] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> XVII — To VOCONIUS ROMANUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> XVIII — To NEPOS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> XIX — To AVITUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> XX — To MACRINUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> XXI — To PAISCUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> XXII — To MAIMUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> XXIII — To GALLUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> XXIV — To CEREALIS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> XXV — To CALVISIUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> XXVI — To CALVISIUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> XXVII — To BAEBIUS MACER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0029"> XXVIII — To ANNIUS SEVERUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> XXIX — To CANINIUS RUFUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> XXX — To SPURINNA AND COTTIA[53] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0032"> XXXI — To JULIUS GENITOR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0033"> XXXII — To CATILIUS SEVERUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> XXXIII — To ACILIUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0035"> XXXIV — To NEPOS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0036"> XXXV — To SEVERUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0037"> XXXVI — To CALVISIUS RUFUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0038"> XXXVII — To CORNELIUS PRISCUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0039"> XXXVIII — To FABATUS (HIS WIFE'S + GRANDFATHER) </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0040"> XXXIX — To ATTIUS CLEMENS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0041"> XL — To CATIUS LEPIDUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0042"> XLI — To MATURUS ARRIANUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0043"> XLII — To STATIUS SABINUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0044"> XLIII — To CORNELIUS MINICIANUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0045"> XLV — To ASINIUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0046"> XLVI — To HISPULLA </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0047"> XLVII — To ROMATIUS FIASIUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0048"> XLVIII — To LICINIUS SURA </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0049"> XLIX — To ANNIUS SEVERUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0050"> L — To TITIUS ARISTO </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0051"> LI — To NONIUS MAXIMUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0052"> LII — To DOMITIUS APOLLINARIS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0053"> LIII — To CALVISIUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0054"> LIV — To MARCELLINUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0055"> LV — To SPURINNA </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0056"> LVI — To PAULINUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0057"> LVII — To RUFUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0058"> LVIII — To ARRIANUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0059"> LIX — To CALPURNIA[88] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0060"> LX — To CALPURNIA </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0061"> LXI — To PRISCUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0062"> LXII — To ALBINUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0063"> LXIII — To MAXIMUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0064"> LXIV — To ROMANUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0065"> LXV — To TACITUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0066"> LXVI — To CORNELIUS TACITUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0067"> LX VII — To MACER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0068"> LXVIII — To SERVIANUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0069"> LXIX — To SEVERUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0070"> LXX — To FABATUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0071"> LXXI — To CORNELIANUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0072"> LXXII — To MAXIMUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0073"> LXXIII — To RESTITUTUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0074"> LXXIV — To CALPURNIA[111] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0075"> LXXV — To MACRINUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0076"> LXXVI — To TUSCUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0077"> LXX VII — To FABATUS (HIS WIFE'S + GRANDFATHER) </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0078"> LXXVIII — To CORELLIA </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0079"> LXXIX — To CELER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0080"> LXXX — To PRISCUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0081"> LXXXI — To GEMINIUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0082"> LXXXII — To MAXIMUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0083"> LXXXIII — To SURA </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0084"> LXXXIV — To SEPTITIUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0085"> LXXXV — To TACITUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0086"> LXXX VI — To SEPTITIUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0087"> LXXXVII — To CALVISIUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0088"> LXXX VIII — To ROMANUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0089"> LXXXIX — To ARISTO </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0090"> XC — To PATERNUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0091"> XCI — To MACRINUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0092"> XCII — To RUFINUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0093"> XCIII — To GALLUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0094"> XCIV — To ARRIANUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0095"> XCV — To MAXIMUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0096"> XCVI — To PAULINUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0097"> XCVII — To CALVISIUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0098"> XCVIII — To ROMANUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0099"> XCIX — To GEMINUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0100"> C — To JUNIOR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0101"> CI — To QUADRATUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0102"> CII — To GENITOR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0103"> CIII — To SABINIANUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0104"> CIV — To MAXIMUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0105"> CV — To SABINIANUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0106"> CVI — To LUPERCUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0107"> CVII — To CANINIUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0108"> CVIII — To Fuscus </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0109"> CIX — To PAULINUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0110"> CX — To FUSCUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES TO THE LETTERS OF PLINY] </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0112"> <big><b>CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE EMPEROR TRAJAN</b></big> + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0113"> I — TO THE EMPEROR TRAJAN[1001] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0114"> II — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0115"> III — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0116"> IV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0117"> V — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0118"> VI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0119"> VII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0120"> VIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0121"> X — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0122"> XI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0123"> XII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0124"> XIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0125"> XIV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0126"> XV — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0127"> XVI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0128"> XVII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0129"> XVIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0130"> XIX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0131"> XX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0132"> XXI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0133"> XXII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0134"> XXIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0135"> XXIV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0136"> XXV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0137"> XXVI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0138"> XXVII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0139"> XXVIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0140"> XXIX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0141"> XXX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0142"> XXXI — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0143"> XXXII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0144"> XXXIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0145"> XXXIV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0146"> XXXV — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0147"> XXXVI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0148"> XXX VII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0149"> XXXVIII To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0150"> XXXIX — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0151"> XL — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0152"> XLI — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0153"> XLII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0154"> XLIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0155"> XLIV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0156"> XLV — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0157"> XLVI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0158"> XLVII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0160"> XLVIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0161"> XLIX — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0162"> L — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0163"> LI — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0164"> LII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0165"> LIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0166"> LIV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0167"> LV — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0168"> LVI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0169"> LVII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0170"> LVIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0171"> LIX — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0172"> LX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0173"> LXI — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0174"> LXII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0175"> LXIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0176"> LXIV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0177"> LXV — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0178"> LXVI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0179"> LXVII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0180"> LX VIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0181"> LXIX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0182"> LXX — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0183"> LXXI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0184"> LXXII TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0185"> LXXIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0186"> LXX IV — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0187"> LXXV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0188"> LXXVI — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0189"> LXXVII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0190"> LXXVIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0191"> LXXIX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0192"> LXXX — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0193"> LXXXI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0194"> LXXXII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0195"> LXXXIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0196"> LXXXIV — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0197"> LXXXV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0198"> LXXXVI — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0199"> LXXXVII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0200"> LXXXVIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0201"> LXXXIX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0202"> XC — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0203"> XCI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0204"> XCII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0205"> XCIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0206"> XCIV — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0207"> XCV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0208"> XCVI — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0209"> XCVII To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0210"> XCVIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0211"> XCIX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0212"> C — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0213"> CI To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0214"> CII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0215"> CIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0216"> CIV — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0217"> CV — To TIlE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0219"> CVI — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0220"> CVII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0221"> CVIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0222"> CIX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0223"> CX — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0224"> CXI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0225"> CXII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0226"> CXIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0227"> CXIV — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0228"> CXV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0229"> CXVI — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0230"> CXVII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0231"> CXVIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0232"> CXIX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0233"> CXX — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0234"> CXXI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0235"> CXXII — TRAJAN TO PLINY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_FOOT2"> FOOTNOTES TO THE CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE EMPEROR + TRAJAN </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + LETTERS GAIUS PLINIUS CAECILIUS SECUNDUS + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I — To SEPTITTUS + </h2> + <p> + YOU have frequently pressed me to make a select collection of my Letters + (if there really be any deserving of a special preference) and give them + to the public. I have selected them accordingly; not, indeed, in their + proper order of time, for I was not compiling a history; but just as each + came to hand. And now I have only to wish that you may have no reason to + repent of your advice, nor I of my compliance: in that case, I may + probably enquire after the rest, which at present be neglected, and + preserve those I shall hereafter write. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II — To ARRIANUS + </h2> + <p> + I FORESEE your journey in my direction is likely to be delayed, and + therefore send you the speech which I promised in my former; requesting + you, as usual, to revise and correct it. I desire this the more earnestly + as I never, I think, wrote with the same empressment in any of my former + speeches; for I have endeavoured to imitate your old favourite Demosthenes + and Calvus, who is lately become mine, at least in the rhetorical forms of + the speech; for to catch their sublime spirit, is given, alone, to the + "inspired few." My subject, indeed, seemed naturally to lend itself to + this (may I venture to call it?) emulation; consisting, as it did, almost + entirely in a vehement style of address, even to a degree sufficient to + have awakened me (if only I am capable of being awakened) out of that + indolence in which I have long reposed. I have not however altogether + neglected the flowers of rhetoric of my favourite Marc-Tully, wherever I + could with propriety step out of my direct road, to enjoy a more flowery + path: for it was energy, not austerity, at which I aimed. I would not have + you imagine by this that I am bespeaking your indulgence: on the contrary, + to make your correcting pen more vigorous, I will confess that neither my + friends nor myself are averse from the publication of this piece, if only + you should join in the approval of what is perhaps my folly. The truth is, + as I must publish something, I wish it might be this performance rather + than any other, because it is already finished: (you hear the wish of + laziness.) At all events, however, something I must publish, and for many + reasons; chiefly because of the tracts which I have already sent in to the + world, though they have long since lost all their recommendation from + novelty, are still, I am told, in request; if, after all, the booksellers + are not tickling my ears. And let them; since, by that innocent deceit, I + am encouraged to pursue my studies. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + III — To VOCONIUS ROMANUS + </h2> + <p> + DID YOU ever meet with a more abject and mean-spirited creature than + Marcus Regulus since the death of Domitian, during whose reign his conduct + was no less infamous, though more concealed, than under Nero's? He began + to be afraid I was angry with him, and his apprehensions were perfectly + correct; I was angry. He had not only done his best to increase the peril + of the position in which Rusticus Arulenus<a href="#linknote-1" + name="linknoteref-1" id="linknoteref-1">[1]</a> stood, but had exulted in + his death; insomuch that he actually recited and published a libel upon + his memory, in which he styles him "The Stoics' Ape": adding, "stigmated<a + href="#linknote-2" name="linknoteref-2" id="linknoteref-2">[2]</a> with + the Vitellian scar."<a href="#linknote-3" name="linknoteref-3" + id="linknoteref-3">[3]</a> You recognize Regulus' eloquent strain! <a + href="#linknote-4" name="linknoteref-4" id="linknoteref-4">[4]</a><br /> <a + href="#linknote-5" name="linknoteref-5" id="linknoteref-5">[5]</a><br /> <a + href="#linknote-6" name="linknoteref-6" id="linknoteref-6">[6]</a><br /> He + fell with such fury upon the character of Herennius Senecio that Metius + Carus said to him, one day, "What business have you with my dead? Did I + ever interfere in the affair of Crassus' or Camerinus'?" Victims, you + know, to Regulus, in Nero's time. For these reasons he imagined I was + highly exasperated, and so at the recitation of his last piece, I got no + invitation. Besides, he had not forgotten, it seems, with what deadly + purpose he had once attacked me in the Court of the Hundred. Rusticus had + desired me to act as counsel for Arionilla, Titnon's wife: Regulus was + engaged against me. In one part of the case I was strongly insisting upon + a particular judgment given by Metius Modestus, an excellent man, at that + time in banishment by Domitian's order. Now then for Regulus. "Pray," says + he, "what is your opinion of Modestus?" You see what a risk I should have + run had I answered that I had a high opinion of him, how I should have + disgraced myself on the other hand if I had replied that I had a bad + opinion of him. But some guardian power, I am persuaded, must have stood + by me to assist me in this emergency. "I will tell you my opinion," I + said, "if that is a matter to be brought before the court." "I ask you," + he repeated, "what is your opinion of Modestus?" I replied that it was + customary to examine witnesses to the character of an accused man, not to + the character of one on whom sentence had already been passed. He pressed + me a third time. "I do not now enquire," said he, "your opinion of + Modestus in general, I only ask your opinion of his loyalty." "Since you + will have my opinion then," I rejoined, "I think it illegal even to ask a + question concerning a person who stands convicted." He sat down at this, + completely silenced; and I received applause and congratulation on all + sides, that without injuring my reputation by an advantageous, perhaps, + though ungenerous answer, I had not entangled myself in the toils of so + insidious a catch-question. Thoroughly frightened upon this then, he first + seizes upon Caecilius Celer, next he goes and begs of Fabius Justus, that + they would use their joint interest to bring about a reconciliation + between us. And lest this should not be sufficient, he sets off to + Spurinna as well; to whom he came in the humblest way (for he is the most + abject creature alive, where he has anything to be afraid of) and says to + him, "Do, I entreat of you, call on Pliny to-morrow morning, certainly in + the morning, no later (for I cannot endure this anxiety of mind longer), + and endeavour by any means in your power to soften his resentment." I was + already up, the next day, when a message arrived from Spurinna, "I am + coming to call on you." I sent word back, "Nay, I will wait upon you;" + however, both of us setting out to pay this visit, we met under Livia's + portico. He acquainted me with the commission he had received from + Regulus, and interceded for him as became so worthy a man in behalf of one + so totally dissimilar, without greatly pressing the thing. "I will leave + it to you," was my reply, "to consider what answer to return Regulus; you + ought not to be deceived by me. I am waiting for Mauricus'<a + href="#linknote-7" name="linknoteref-7" id="linknoteref-7">[7]</a> return" + (for he had not yet come back out of exile), "so that I cannot give you + any definite answer either way, as I mean to be guided entirely by his + decision, for he ought to be my leader here, and I simply to do as he + says." Well, a few days after this, Regulus met me as I was at the + praetor's; he kept close to me there and begged a word in private, when he + said he was afraid I deeply resented an expression he had once made use of + in his reply to Satrius and myself, before the Court of the Hundred, to + this effect, "Satrius Rufus, who does not endeavour to rival Cicero, and + who is content with the eloquence of our own day." I answered, now I + perceived indeed, upon his own confession, that he had meant it + ill-naturedly; otherwise it might have passed for a compliment. "For I am + free to own," I said, "that I do endeavour to rival Cicero, and am not + content with the eloquence of our own day. For I consider it the very + height of folly not to copy the best models of every kind. But, how + happens it that you, who have so good a recollection of what passed upon + this occasion, should have forgotten that other, when you asked me my + opinion of the loyalty of Modestus?" Pale as he always is, he turned + simply pallid at this, and stammered out, "I did not intend to hurt you + when I asked this question, but Modestus." Observe the vindictive cruelty + of the fellow, who made no concealment of his willingness to injure a + banished man. But the reason he alleged in justification of his conduct is + pleasant. Modestus, he explained, in a letter of his, which was read to + Domitian, had used the following expression, "Regulus, the biggest rascal + that walks upon two feet:" and what Modestus had written was the simple + truth, beyond all manner of controversy. Here, about, our conversation + came to an end, for I did not wish to proceed further, being desirous to + keep matters open until Mauricus returns. It is no easy matter, I am well + aware of that, to destroy Regulus; he is rich, and at the head of a party; + courted<a href="#linknote-8" name="linknoteref-8" id="linknoteref-8">[8]</a> + by many, feared by more: a passion that will sometimes prevail even beyond + friendship itself. But, after all, ties of this sort are not so strong but + they may be loosened; for a bad man's credit is as shifty as himself. + However (to repeat), I am waiting until Mauricus comes back. He is a man + of sound judgment and great sagacity formed upon long experience, and who, + from his observations of the past, well knows how to judge of the future. + I shall talk the matter over with him, and consider myself justified + either in pursuing or dropping this affair, as he shall advise. Meanwhile + I thought I owed this account to our mutual friendship, which gives you an + undoubted right to know about not only all my actions but all my plans as + well. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IV — To CORNELIUS TACITUS + </h2> + <p> + You will laugh (and you are quite welcome) when I tell you that your old + acquaintance is turned sportsman, and has taken three noble boars. "What!" + you exclaim, "Pliny!"—Even he. However, I indulged at the same time + my beloved inactivity; and, whilst I sat at my nets, you would have found + me, not with boar spear or javelin, but pencil and tablet, by my side. I + mused and wrote, being determined to return, if with all my hands empty, + at least with my memorandums full. Believe me, this way of studying is not + to be despised: it is wonderful how the mind is stirred and quickened into + activity by brisk bodily exercise. There is something, too, in the + solemnity of the venerable woods with which one is surrounded, together + with that profound silence which is observed on these occasions, that + forcibly disposes the mind to meditation. So for the future, let me advise + you, whenever you hunt, to take your tablets along with you, as well as + your basket and bottle, for be assured you will find Minerva no less fond + of traversing the hills than Diana. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + V — To POMPEIUS SATURNINUS + </h2> + <p> + NOTHING could be more seasonable than the letter which I received from + you, in which you so earnestly beg me to send you some of my literary + efforts: the very thing I was intending to do. So you have only put spurs + into a willing horse and at once saved yourself the excuse of refusing the + trouble, and me the awkwardness of asking the favour. Without hesitation + then I avail myself of your offer; as you must now take the consequence of + it without reluctance. But you are not to expect anything new from a lazy + fellow, for I am going to ask you to revise again the speech I made to my + fellow-townsmen when I dedicated the public library to their use. You have + already, I remember, obliged me with some annotations upon this piece, but + only in a general way; and so I now beg of you not only to take a general + view of the whole speech, but, as you usually do, to go over it in detail. + When you have corrected it, I shall still be at liberty to publish or + suppress it: and the delay in the meantime will be attended with one of + these alternatives; for, while we are deliberating whether it is fit for + publishing, a frequent revision will either make it so, or convince me + that it is not. Though indeed my principal difficulty respecting the + publication of this harangue arises not so much from the composition as + out of the subject itself, which has something in it, I am afraid, that + will look too like ostentation and self-conceit. For, be the style ever so + plain and unassuming, yet, as the occasion necessarily led me to speak not + only of the munificence of my ancestors, but of my own as well, my modesty + will be seriously embarrassed. A dangerous and slippery situation this, + even when one is led into it by plea of necessity! For, if mankind are not + very favourable to panegyric, even when bestowed upon others, how much + more difficult is it to reconcile them to it when it is a tribute which we + pay to ourselves or to our ancestors? Virtue, by herself, is generally the + object of envy, but particularly so when glory and distinction attend her; + and the world is never so little disposed to detract from the rectitude of + your conduct as when it passes unobserved and unapplauded. For these + reasons, I frequently ask myself whether I composed this harangue, such as + it is, merely from a personal consideration, or with a view to the public + as well; and I am sensible that what may be exceedingly useful and proper + in the prosecution of any affair may lose all its grace and fitness the + moment the business is completed: for instance, in the case before us, + what could be more to my purpose than to explain at large the motives of + my intended bounty? For, first, it engaged my mind in good and ennobling + thoughts; next, it enabled me, by frequent dwelling upon them, to receive + a perfect impression of their loveliness, while it guarded at the same + time against that repentance which is sure to follow on an impulsive act + of generosity. There arose also a further advantage from this method, as + it fixed in me a certain habitual contempt of money. For, while mankind + seem to be universally governed by an innate passion to accumulate wealth, + the cultivation of a more generous affection in my own breast taught me to + emancipate myself from the slavery of so predominant a principle: and I + thought that my honest intentions would be the more meritorious as they + should appear to proceed, not from sudden impulse, but from the dictates + of cool and deliberate reflection. I considered, besides, that I was not + engaging myself to exhibit public games or gladiatorial combats, but to + establish an annual fund for the support and education of young men of + good families but scanty means. The pleasures of the senses are so far + from wanting the oratorical arts to recommend them that we stand in need + of all the powers of eloquence to moderate and restrain rather than stir + up their influence. But the work of getting anybody to cheerfully + undertake the monotony and drudgery of education must be effected not by + pay merely, but by a skilfully worked-up appeal to the emotions as well. + If physicians find it expedient to use the most insinuating address in + recommending to their patients a wholesome though, perhaps, unpleasant + regimen, how much more occasion had he to exert all the powers of + persuasion who, out of regard to the public welfare, was endeavouring to + reconcile it to a most useful though not equally popular benefaction? + Particularly, as my aim was to recommend an institution, calculated solely + for the benefit of those who were parents to men who, at present, had no + children; and to persuade the greater number to wait patiently until they + should be entitled to an honour of which a few only could immediately + partake. But as at that time, when I attempted to explain and enforce the + general design and benefit of my institution, I considered more the + general good of my countrymen, than any reputation which might result to + myself; so I am apprehensive lest, if I publish that piece, it may perhaps + look as if I had a view rather to my own personal credit than the benefit + of others, Besides, I am very sensible how much nobler it is to place the + reward of virtue in the silent approbation of one's own breast than in the + applause of the world. Glory ought to be the consequence, not the motive, + of our actions; and although it happen not to attend the worthy deed, yet + it is by no means the less fair for having missed the applause it + deserved. But the world is apt to suspect that those who celebrate their + own beneficent acts performed them for no other motive than to have the + pleasure of extolling them. Thus, the splendour of an action which would + have been deemed illustrious if related by another is totally extinguished + when it becomes the subject of one's own applause. Such is the disposition + of mankind, if they cannot blast the action, they will censure its + display; and whether you do what does not deserve particular notice, or + set forth yourself what does, either way you incur reproach. In my own + case there is a peculiar circumstance that weighs much with me: this + speech was delivered not before the people, but the Decurii;<a + href="#linknote-9" name="linknoteref-9" id="linknoteref-9">[9]</a> not in + the forum, but the senate; I am afraid therefore it will look inconsistent + that I, who, when I delivered it, seemed to avoid popular applause, should + now, by publishing this performance, appear to court it: that I, who was + so scrupulous as not to admit even these persons to be present when I + delivered this speech, who were interested in my benefaction, lest it, + might be suspected I was actuated in this affair by any ambitious views, + should now seem to solicit admiration, by forwardly displaying it to such + as have no other concern in my munificence than the benefit of example. + These are the scruples which have occasioned my delay in giving this piece + to the public; but I submit them entirely to your judgment, which I shall + ever esteem as a sufficient sanction of my conduct. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VI — To ATRIUS CLEMENS + </h2> + <p> + IF ever polite literature flourished at Rome, it certainly flourishes now; + and I could give you many eminent instances: I will content myself, + however, with naming only Euphrates<a href="#linknote-10" + name="linknoteref-10" id="linknoteref-10">[10]</a> the philosopher. I + first became acquainted with this excellent person in my youth, when I + served in the army in Syria. I had an opportunity of conversing with him + familiarly, and took some pains to gain his affection: though that, + indeed, was not very difficult, for he is easy of access, unreserved, and + actuated by those social principles he professes to teach. I should think + myself extremely happy if I had as fully answered the expectations he, at + that time, conceived of me, as he exceeds everything I had imagined of + him. But, perhaps, I admire his excellencies more now than I did then, + because I know better how to appreciate them; not that I sufficiently + appreciate them even now. For as none but those who are skilled in + painting, statuary, or the plastic art, can form a right judgment of any + performance in those respective modes of representation, so a man must, + himself, have made great advances in philosophy before he is capable of + forming a just opinion of a philosopher. However, as far as I am qualified + to determine, Euphrates is possessed of so many shining talents that he + cannot fail to attract and impress the most ordinarily educated observer. + He reasons with much force, acuteness, and elegance; and frequently rises + into all the sublime and luxuriant eloquence of Plato. His style is varied + and flowing, and at the same time so wonderfully captivating that he + forces the reluctant attention of the most unwilling hearer. For the rest, + a fine stature, a comely aspect, long hair, and a large silver beard; + circumstances which, though they may probably be thought trifling and + accidental, contribute, however, to gain him much reverence. There is no + affected negligence in his dress and appearance; his countenance is grave + but not austere; and his approach commands respect without creating awe. + Distinguished as he is by the perfect blamelessness of his life, he is no + less so by the courtesy and engaging sweetness of his manner. He attacks + vices, not persons, and, without severity, reclaims the wanderer from the + paths of virtue. You follow his exhortations with rapt attention, hanging, + as it were, upon his lips; and even after the heart is convinced, the ear + still wishes to listen to the harmonious reasoner. His family consists of + three children (two of which are sons), whom he educates with the utmost + care. His father-in-law, Pompeius Julianus, as he greatly distinguished + himself in every other part of his life, so particularly in this, that + though he was himself of the highest rank in his province, yet, among many + considerable matches, he preferred Euphrates for his son-in-law, as first + in merit, though not in dignity. But why do I dwell any longer upon the + virtues of a man whose conversation I am so unfortunate as not to have + time sufficiently to enjoy? Is it to increase my regret and vexation that + I cannot enjoy it? My time is wholly taken up in the execution of a very + honourable, indeed, but equally troublesome, employment; in hearing cases, + signing petitions, making up accounts, and writing a vast amount of the + most illiterate literature. I sometimes complain to Euphrates (for I have + leisure at least to complain) of these unpleasing occupations. He + endeavours to console me, by affirming that, to be engaged in the public + service, to hear and determine cases, to explain the laws, and administer + justice, is a part, and the noblest part, too, of philosophy; as it is + reducing to practice what her professors teach in speculation. But even + his rhetoric will never be able to convince me that it is better to be at + this sort of work than to spend whole days in attending his lectures and + learning his precepts. I cannot therefore but strongly recommend it to + you, who have the time for it, when next you come to town (and you will + come, I daresay, so much the sooner for this), to take the benefit of his + elegant and refined instructions. For I do not (as many do) envy others + the happiness I cannot share with them myself: on the contrary, it is a + very sensible pleasure to me when I find my friends in possession of an + enjoyment from which I have the misfortune to be excluded. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VII — To FABIUS JUSTUS + </h2> + <p> + IT is a long time since I have had a letter from you, "There is nothing to + write about," you say: well then write and let me know just this, that + "there is nothing to write about," or tell me in the good old style, If + you are well that's right, I am quite well. This will do for me, for it + implies everything. You think I am joking? Let me assure you I am in sober + earnest. Do let me know how you are; for I cannot remain ignorant any + longer without growing exceedingly anxious about you. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VIII — To CALESTRIUS TIRO + </h2> + <p> + I HAVE suffered the heaviest loss; if that word be sufficiently strong to + express the misfortune which has deprived me of so excellent a man. + Corellius Rufus is dead; and dead, too, by his own act! A circumstance of + great aggravation to my affliction: as that sort of death which we cannot + impute either to the course of nature, or the hand of Providence, is, of + all others, the most to be lamented. It affords some consolation in the + loss of those friends whom disease snatches from us that they fall by the + general destiny of mankind; but those who destroy themselves leave us + under the inconsolable reflection, that they had it in their power to have + lived longer. It is true, Corellius had many inducements to be fond of + life; a blameless conscience, high reputation, and great dignity of + character, besides a daughter, a wife, a grandson, and sisters; and, + amidst these numerous pledges of happiness, faithful friends. Still, it + must be owned he had the highest motive (which to a wise man will always + have the force of destiny), urging him to this resolution. He had long + been tortured by so tedious and painful a complaint that even these + inducements to living on, considerable as they are, were over-balanced by + the reasons on the other side. In his thirty-third year (as I have + frequently heard him say) he was seized with the gout in his feet. This + was hereditary; for diseases, as well as possessions, are sometimes handed + down by a sort of inheritance. A life of sobriety and continence had + enabled him to conquer and keep down the disease while he was still young, + latterly as it grew upon him with advancing years, he had to manfully bear + it, suffering meanwhile the most incredible and undeserved agonies; for + the gout was now not only in his feet, but had spread itself over his + whole body. I remember, in Domitian's reign, paying him a visit at his + villa, near Rome. As soon as I entered his chamber, his servants went out: + for it was his rule, never to allow them to be in the room when any + intimate friend was with him; nay, even his own wife, though she could + have kept any secret, used to go too. Casting his eyes round the room, + "Why," he exclaimed, "do you suppose I endure life so long under these + cruel agonies? It is with the hope that I may outlive, at least for one + day, that villain." Had his bodily strength been equal to his resolution, + he would have carried his desire into practical effect. God heard and + answered his prayer; and when he felt that he should now die a free, + un-enslaved, Roman, he broke through those other great, but now less + forcible, attachments to the world. His malady increased; and, as it now + grew too violent to admit of any relief from temperance, he resolutely + determined to put an end to its uninterrupted attacks, by an effort of + heroism. He had refused all sustenance during four days when his wife + Hispulla sent our common friend Geminius to me, with the melancholy news, + that Corellius was resolved to die; and that neither her own entreaties + nor her daughter's could move him from his purpose; I was the only person + left who could reconcile him to life. I ran to his house with the utmost + precipitation. As I approached it, I met a second messenger from Hispulla, + Julius Atticus, who informed me there was nothing to be hoped for now, + even from me, as he seemed more hardened than ever in his purpose. He had + said, indeed to his physician, who pressed him to take some nourishment, + "'Tis resolved": an expression which, as it raised my admiration of the + greatness of his soul, so it does my grief for the loss of him. I keep + thinking what a friend, what a man, I am deprived of. That he had reached + his sixty-seventh year, an age which even the strongest seldom exceed, I + well know; that he is released from a life of continual pain; that he has + left his dearest friends behind him, and (what was dearer to him than all + these) the state in a prosperous condition: all this I know. Still I + cannot forbear to lament him, as if he had been in the prime and vigour of + his days; and I lament him (shall I own my weakness?) on my account. And—to + confess to you as I did to Calvisius, in the first transport of my grief—I + sadly fear, now that I am no longer under his eye, I shall not keep so + strict a guard over my conduct. Speak comfort to me then, not that he was + old, he was infirm; all this I know: but by supplying me with some + reflections that are new and resistless, which I have never heard, never + read, anywhere else. For all that I have heard, and all that I have read, + occur to me of themselves; but all these are by far too weak to support me + under so severe an affliction. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IX — To SOCIUS SENECIO + </h2> + <p> + This year has produced a plentiful crop of poets: during the whole month + of April scarcely a day has passed on which we have not been entertained + with the recital of some poem. It is a pleasure to me to find that a taste + for polite literature still exists, and that men of genius do come forward + and make themselves known, notwithstanding the lazy attendance they got + for their pains. The greater part of the audience sit in the + lounging-places, gossip away their time there, and are perpetually sending + to enquire whether the author has made his entrance yet, whether he has + got through the preface, or whether he has almost finished the piece. Then + at length they saunter in with an air of the greatest indifference, nor do + they condescend to stay through the recital, but go out before it is over, + some slyly and stealthily, others again with perfect freedom and + unconcern. And yet our fathers can remember how Claudius Cæsar walking one + day in the palace, and hearing a great shouting, enquired the cause: and + being informed that Nonianus<a href="#linknote-11" name="linknoteref-11" + id="linknoteref-11">[11]</a> was reciting a composition of his, went + immediately to the place, and agreeably surprised the author with his + presence. But now, were one to bespeak the attendance of the idlest man + living, and remind him of the appointment ever so often, or ever so long + beforehand; either he would not come at all, or if he did would grumble + about having "lost a day!" for no other reason but because he had not lost + it. So much the more do those authors deserve our encouragement and + applause who have resolution to persevere in their studies, and to read + out their compositions in spite of this apathy or arrogance on the part of + their audience. Myself indeed, I scarcely ever miss being present upon any + occasion; though, to tell the truth, the authors have generally been + friends of mine, as indeed there are few men of literary tastes who are + not. It is this which has kept me in town longer than I had intended. I am + now, however, at liberty to go back into the country, and write something + myself; which I do not intend reciting, lest I should seem rather to have + lent than given my attendance to these recitations of my friends, for in + these, as in all other good offices, the obligation ceases the moment you + seem to expect a return. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + X — To JUNSUS MAURICUS + </h2> + <p> + You desire me to look out a proper husband for your niece: it is with + justice you enjoin me that office. You know the high esteem and affection + I bore that great man her father, and with what noble instructions he + nurtured my youth, and taught me to deserve those praises he was pleased + to bestow upon me. You could not give me, then, a more important, or more + agreeable, commission; nor could I be employed in an office of higher + honour, than that of choosing a young man worthy of being father of the + grandchildren of Rusticus Arulenus; a choice I should be long in + determining, were I not acquainted with Minutius Aemilianus, who seems + formed for our purpose. He loves me with all that warmth of affection + which is usual between young men of equal years (as indeed I have the + advance of him but by a very few), and reveres me at the same time, with + all the deference due to age; and, in a word, he is no less desirous to + model himself by my instructions than I was by those of yourself and your + brother. + </p> + <p> + He is a native of Brixia, one of those provinces in Italy which still + retain much of the old modesty, frugal simplicity, and even rusticity, of + manner. He is the son of Minutius Macrinus, whose humble desires were + satisfied with standing at the head of the equestrian order: for though he + was nominated by Vespasian in the number of those whom that prince + dignified with the praetorian office, yet, with an inflexible greatness of + mind, he resolutely preferred an honourable repose, to the ambitious, + shall I call them, or exalted, pursuits, in which we public men are + engaged. His grandmother, on the mother's side, is Serrana Procula, of + Patavium:<a href="#linknote-12" name="linknoteref-12" id="linknoteref-12">[12]</a> + you are no stranger to the character of its citizens; yet Serrana is + looked upon, even among these correct people, as an exemplary instance of + strict virtue, Acilius, his uncle, is a man of almost exceptional gravity, + wisdom, and integrity. In short, you will find nothing throughout his + family unworthy of yours. Minutius himself has plenty of vivacity, as well + as application, together with a most amiable and becoming modesty. He has + already, with considerable credit, passed through the offices of quaestor, + tribune, and praetor; so that you will be spared the trouble of soliciting + for him those honourable employments. He has a fine, well-bred, + countenance, with a ruddy, healthy complexion, while his whole person is + elegant and comely and his mien graceful and senatorian: advantages, I + think, by no means to be slighted, and which I consider as the proper + tribute to virgin innocence. I think I may add that his father is very + rich. When I contemplate the character of those who require a husband of + my choosing, I know it is unnecessary to mention wealth; but when I + reflect upon the prevailing manners of the age, and even the laws of Rome, + which rank a man according to his possessions, it certainly claims some + regard; and, indeed, in establishments of this nature, where children and + many other circumstances are to be duly weighed, it is an article that + well deserves to be taken into the account. You will be inclined, perhaps, + to suspect that affection has had too great a share in the character I + have been drawing, and that I have heightened it beyond the truth: but I + will stake all my credit, you will find everything far beyond what I have + represented. I love the young fellow indeed (as he justly deserves) with + all the warmth of a most ardent affection; but for that very reason I + would not ascribe more to his merit than I know it will bear. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XI — To SEPTITIUS CLARUS + </h2> + <p> + Ah! you are a pretty fellow! You make an engagement to come to supper and + then never appear. Justice shall be exacted;—you shall reimburse me + to the very last penny the expense I went to on your account; no small + sum, let me tell you. I had prepared, you must know, a lettuce a-piece, + three snails, two eggs, and a barley cake, with some sweet wine and snow, + (the snow most certainly I shall charge to your account, as a rarity that + will not keep.) Olives, beet-root, gourds, onions, and a thousand other + dainties equally sumptuous. You should likewise have been entertained + either with an interlude, the rehearsal of a poem, or a piece of music, + whichever you preferred; or (such was my liberality) with all three. But + the oysters, sows'-bellies, sea-urchins, and dancers from Cadiz of a + certain—I know not who, were, it seems, more to your taste. You + shall give satisfaction, how, shall at present be a secret. + </p> + <p> + Oh! you have behaved cruelly, grudging your friend,—had almost said + yourself;—and upon second thoughts I do say so;—in this way: + for how agreeably should we have spent the evening, in laughing, trifling, + and literary amusements! You may sup, I confess, at many places more + splendidly; but nowhere with more unconstrained mirth, simplicity, and + freedom: only make the experiment, and if you do not ever after excuse + yourself to your other friends, to come to me, always put me off to go to + them. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XII — To SUETONIUS TRANQUILLUS + </h2> + <p> + You tell me in your letter that you are extremely alarmed by a dream; + apprehending that it forebodes some ill success to you in the case you + have undertaken to defend; and, therefore, desire that I would get it + adjourned for a few days, or, at least, to the next. This will be no easy + matter, but I will try: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "For dreams descend from Jove." +</pre> + <p> + Meanwhile, it is very material for you to recollect whether your dreams + generally represent things as they afterwards fall out, or quite the + reverse. But if I may judge of yours by one that happened to myself, this + dream that alarms you seems to portend that you will acquit yourself with + great success. I had promised to stand counsel for Junius Pastor; when I + fancied in my sleep that my mother-in-law came to me, and, throwing + herself at my feet, earnestly entreated me not to plead. I was at that + time a very young man; the case was to be argued in the four centumviral + courts; my adversaries were some of the most important personages in Rome, + and particular favourites of Cæsar;<a href="#linknote-13" + name="linknoteref-13" id="linknoteref-13">[13]</a> any of which + circumstances were sufficient, after such an inauspicious dream, to have + discouraged me. Notwithstanding this, I engaged in the cause, reflecting + that, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Without a sign, his sword the brave man draws, + And asks no omen but his country's cause."<a href="#linknote-14" + name="linknoteref-14" id="linknoteref-14">[14]</a> +</pre> + <p> + for I looked upon the promise I had given to be as sacred to me as my + country, or, if that were possible, more so. The event happened as I + wished; and it was that very case which first procured me the favourable + attention of the public, and threw open to me the gates of Fame. Consider + then whether your dream, like this one I have related, may not pre-signify + success. But, after all, perhaps you will think it safer to pursue this + cautious maxim: "Never do a thing concerning the rectitude of which you + are in doubt;" if so, write me word. In the interval, I will consider of + some excuse, and will so plead your cause that you may be able to plead it + your self any day you like best. In this respect, you are in a better + situation than I was: the court of the centumviri, where I was to plead, + admits of no adjournment: whereas, in that where your case is to be heard, + though no easy matter to procure one, still, however, it is possible. + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XIII — To ROMANUS FIRMUS + </h2> + <p> + As you are my towns-man, my school-fellow, and the earliest companion of + my youth; as there was the strictest friendship between my mother and + uncle and your father (a happiness which I also enjoyed as far as the + great inequality of our ages would admit); can I fail (thus biassed as I + am by so many and weighty considerations) to contribute all in my power to + the advancement of your honours? The rank you bear in our province, as + decurio, is a proof that you are possessed, at least, of an hundred + thousand sesterces;<a href="#linknote-15" name="linknoteref-15" + id="linknoteref-15">[15]</a> but that we may also have the satisfaction of + seeing you a Roman Knight,<a href="#linknote-16" name="linknoteref-16" + id="linknoteref-16">[16]</a> I present you with three hundred thousand, in + order to make up the sum requisite to entitle you to that dignity. The + long acquaintance we have had leaves me no room to apprehend you will ever + be forgetful of this instance of my friendship. And I know your + disposition too well to think it necessary to advise you to enjoy this + honour with the modesty that becomes a person who receives it from me; for + the advanced rank we possess through a friend's kindness is a sort of + sacred trust, in which we have his judgment, as well as our own character, + to maintain, and therefore to be guarded with the greater caution. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XIV — TO CORNELIUS TACITUS + </h2> + <p> + I HAVE frequent debates with a certain acquaintance of mine, a man of + skill and learning, who admires nothing so much in the eloquence of the + bar as conciseness. I agree with him, that where the case will admit of + this precision, it may with propriety be adopted; but insist that, to + leave out what is material to be mentioned,—or only briefly and + cursorily to touch upon those points which should be inculcated, + impressed, and urged well home upon the minds of the audience, is a + downright fraud upon one's client. In many cases, to deal with the subject + at greater length adds strength and weight to our ideas, which frequently + produce their impression upon the mind, as iron does upon solid bodies, + rather by repeated strokes than a single blow. In answer to this, he + usually has recourse to authorities, and produces Lysias<a + href="#linknote-17" name="linknoteref-17" id="linknoteref-17">[17]</a> + amongst the Grecians, together with Cato and the two Gracchi, among our + own countrymen, many of whose speeches certainly are brief and curtailed. + In return, I name Demosthenes, Aeschines, Hyperides,<a href="#linknote-18" + name="linknoteref-18" id="linknoteref-18">[18]</a> and many others, in + opposition to Lysias; while I confront Cato and the Gracchi with Cæsar, + Pollio,<a href="#linknote-19" name="linknoteref-19" id="linknoteref-19">[19]</a> + Caelius,<a href="#linknote-20" name="linknoteref-20" id="linknoteref-20">[20]</a> + but, above all, Cicero, whose longest speech is generally considered his + best. Why, no doubt about it, in good compositions, as in everything else + that is valuable, the more there is of them, the better. You may observe + in statues, basso-relievos, pictures, and the human form, and even in + animals and trees, that nothing is more graceful than magnitude, if + accompanied with proportion. The same holds true in pleading; and even in + books a large volume carries a certain beauty and authority in its very + size. My antagonist, who is extremely dexterous at evading an argument, + eludes all this, and much more, which I usually urge to the same purpose, + by insisting that those very individuals, upon whose works I found my + opinion, made considerable additions to their speeches when they published + them. This I deny; and appeal to the harangues of numberless orators, + particularly to those of Cicero, for Murena and Varenus, in which a short, + bare notification of certain charges is expressed under mere heads. Whence + it appears that many things which he enlarged upon at the time he + delivered those speeches were retrenched when he gave them to the public. + The same excellent orator informs us that, agreeably to the ancient + custom, which allowed only of one counsel on a side, Cluentius had no + other advocate than himself; and he tells us further that he employed four + whole days in defence of Cornelius; by which it plainly appears that those + speeches which, when delivered at their full length, had necessarily taken + up so much time at the bar were considerably cut down and pruned when he + afterwards compressed them into a single volume, though, I must confess, + indeed, a large one. But good pleading, it is objected, is one thing, just + composition another. This objection, I am aware, has had some favourers; + nevertheless, I am persuaded (though I may, perhaps, be mistaken) that, as + it is possible you may have a good pleading which is not a good speech, so + a good speech cannot be a bad pleading; for the speech on paper is the + model and, as it were, the archetype of the speech that was delivered. It + is for this reason we find, in many of the best speeches extant, + numberless extemporaneous turns of expression; and even in those which we + are sure were never spoken; as, for instance, in the following passage + from the speech against Verres: —"A certain mechanic—what's + his name? Oh, thank you for helping me to it: yes, I mean Polyclitus." It + follows, then, that the nearer approach a speaker makes to the rules of + just composition, the more perfect will he be in his art; always + supposing, however, that he has his due share of time allowed him; for, if + he be limited of that article, no blame can justly be fixed upon the + advocate, though much certainly upon the judge. The sense of the laws, I + am sure, is on my side, which are by no means sparing of the orator's + time; it is not conciseness, but fulness, a complete representation of + every material circumstance, which they recommend. Now conciseness cannot + effect this, unless in the most insignificant cases. Let me add what + experience, that unerring guide, has taught me: it has frequently been my + province to act both as an advocate and a judge; and I have often also + attended as an assessor.<a href="#linknote-21" name="linknoteref-21" + id="linknoteref-21">[21]</a> Upon those occasions, I have ever found the + judgments of mankind are to be influenced by different modes of + application, and that the slightest circumstances frequently produce the + most important consequences. The dispositions and understandings of men + vary to such an extent that they seldom agree in their opinions concerning + any one point in debate before them; or, if they do, it is generally from + different motives. Besides, as every man is naturally partial to his own + discoveries, when he hears an argument urged which had previously occurred + to himself, he will be sure to embrace it as extremely convincing. The + orator, therefore, should so adapt himself to his audience as to throw out + something which every one of them, in turn, may receive and approve as + agreeable to his own particular views. I recollect, once when Regulus and + I were engaged on the same side, his remarking to me, "You seem to think + it necessary to go into every single circumstance: whereas I always take + aim at once at my adversary's throat, and there I press him closely." + ('Tis true, he keeps a tight hold of whatever part he has once fixed upon; + but the misfortune is, he is extremely apt to fix upon the wrong place.) I + replied, it might possibly happen that what he called the throat was, in + reality, the knee or the ankle. As for myself, said I, who do not pretend + to direct my aim with so much precision, I test every part, I probe every + opening; in short, to use a vulgar proverb, I leave no stone unturned. And + as in agriculture, it is not my vineyards or my woods only, but my fields + as well, that I look after and cultivate, and (to carry on the metaphor) + as I do not content myself with sowing those fields simply with corn or + white wheat, but sprinkle in barley, pulse, and the other kinds of grain; + so, in my pleadings at the bar, I scatter broadcast various arguments like + so many kinds of seed, in order to reap whatever may happen to come up. + For the disposition of your judges is as hard to fathom as uncertain, and + as little to be relied on as that of soils and seasons. The comic writer + Eupolis,<a href="#linknote-22" name="linknoteref-22" id="linknoteref-22">[22]</a> + I remember, mentions it in praise of that excellent orator Pericles, that + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "On his lips Persuasion hung, + And powerful Reason rul'd his tongue: + Thus he alone could boast the art + To charm at once, and pierce the heart." +</pre> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-23" name="linknoteref-23" id="linknoteref-23">[23]</a> + But could Pericles, without the richest variety of expression, and merely + by the force of the concise or the rapid style, or both (for they are very + different), have thus charmed and pierced the heart. To delight and to + persuade requires time and great command of language; and to leave a sting + in the minds of the audience is an effect not to be expected from an + orator who merely pinks, but from him, and him only, who thrusts in. + Another comic poet,<a href="#linknote-24" name="linknoteref-24" + id="linknoteref-24">[24]</a> speaking of the same orator, says: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "His mighty words like Jove's own thunder roll; + Greece hears, and trembles to her inmost soul." +</pre> + <p> + But it is not the close and reserved; it is the copious, the majestic, and + the sublime orator, who thunders, who lightens, who, in short, bears all + before him in a confused whirl. There is, undeniably, a just mean in + everything; but he equally misses the mark who falls short of it, as he + who goes beyond it; he who is too limited as he who is too unrestrained. + Hence it is as common a thing to hear our orators condemned for being too + jejune and feeble as too excessive and redundant. One is said to have + exceeded the bounds of his subject, the other not to have reached them. + Both, no doubt, are equally in fault, with this difference, however, that + in the one the fault arises from an abundance, in the other, from a + deficiency; an error, in the former case, which, if it be not the sign of + a more correct, is certainly of a more fertile genius. When I say this, I + would not be understood to approve that everlasting talker<a + href="#linknote-25" name="linknoteref-25" id="linknoteref-25">[25]</a> + mentioned in Homer, but that other' described in the following lines: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Frequent and soft, as falls the winter snow, + Thus from his lips the copious periods flow." +</pre> + <p> + Not but that I extremely admire him,<a href="#linknote-26" + name="linknoteref-26" id="linknoteref-26">[26]</a> too, of whom the poet + says, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Few were his words, but wonderfully strong." +</pre> + <p> + Yet, if the choice were given me, I should give the preference to that + style resembling winter snow, that is, to the full, uninterrupted, and + diffusive; in short, to that pomp of eloquence which seems all heavenly + and divine. But (it is replied) the harangue of a more moderate length is + most generally admired. It is:—but only by indolent people; and to + fix the standard by their laziness and false delicacy would be simply + ridiculous. Were you to consult persons of this cast, they would tell you, + not only that it is best to say little, but that it is best to say nothing + at all. Thus, my friend, I have laid before you my opinions upon this + subject, and I am willing to change them if not agreeable to yours. But + should you disagree with me, pray let me know clearly your reasons why. + For, though I ought to yield in this case to your more enlightened + judgment, yet, in a point of such consequence, I had rather be convinced + by argument than by authority. So if I don't seem to you very wide of the + mark, a line or two from you in return, intimating your concurrence, will + be sufficient to confirm me in my opinion: on the other hand, if you + should think me mistaken, let me have your objections at full length. Does + it not look rather like bribery, my requiring only a short letter, if you + agree with me; but a very long one if you should be of a different + opinion. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XV — To PATERNUS + </h2> + <p> + As I rely very much upon the soundness of your judgment, so I do upon the + goodness of your eyes: not because I think your discernment very great + (for I don't want to make you conceited), but because I think it as good + as mine: which, it must be confessed, is saying a great deal. Joking + apart, I like the look of the slaves which were purchased for me on your + recommendation very well; all I further care about is, that they be + honest: and for this I must depend upon their characters more than their + countenances. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XVI — To CATILIUS SEVERUS <a href="#linknote-27" + name="linknoteref-27" id="linknoteref-27">[27]</a> + </h2> + <p> + I AM at present (and have been a considerable time) detained in Rome, + under the most stunning apprehensions. Titus Aristo,<a href="#linknote-28" + name="linknoteref-28" id="linknoteref-28">[28]</a> whom I have a singular + admiration and affection for, is fallen into a long and obstinate illness, + which troubles me. Virtue, knowledge, and good sense, shine out with so + superior a lustre in this excellent man that learning herself, and every + valuable endowment, seem involved in the danger of his single person. How + consummate his knowledge, both in the political and civil laws of his + country! How thoroughly conversant is he in every branch of history or + antiquity? In a word, there is nothing you might wish to know which he + could not teach you. As for me, whenever I would acquaint myself with any + abstruse point, I go to him as my store-house. What an engaging + sincerity, what dignity in his conversation! how chastened and becoming is + his caution! Though he conceives, at once, every point in debate, yet he + is as slow to decide as he is quick to apprehend; calmly and deliberately + sifting and weighing every opposite reason that is offered, and tracing + it, with a most judicious penetration, from its source through all its + remotest consequences. His diet is frugal, his dress plain; and whenever I + enter his chamber, and view him reclined upon his couch, I consider the + scene before me as a true image of ancient simplicity, to which his + illustrious mind reflects the noblest ornament. He places no part of his + happiness in ostentation, but in the secret approbation of his conscience, + seeking the reward of his virtue, not in the clamorous applauses of the + world, but in the silent satisfaction which results from having acted + well. In short, you will not easily find his equal, even among our + philosophers by outward profession. No, he does not frequent the gymnasia + or porticoes<a href="#linknote-29" name="linknoteref-29" + id="linknoteref-29">[29]</a> nor does he amuse his own and others' leisure + with endless controversies, but busies himself in the scenes of civil and + active life. Many has he assisted with his interest, still more with his + advice, and withal in the practice of temperance, piety, justice, and + fortitude, he has no superior. You would be astonished, were you there to + see, at the patience with which he bears his illness, how he holds out + against pain, endures thirst, and quietly submits to this raging fever and + to the pressure of those clothes which are laid upon him to promote + perspiration. He lately called me and a few more of his particular friends + to his bedside, requesting us to ask his physicians what turn they + apprehended his distemper would take; that, if they pronounced it + incurable, he might voluntarily put an end to his life; but if there were + hopes of a recovery, how tedious and difficult soever it might prove, he + would calmly wait the event; for so much, he thought, was due to the tears + and entreaties of his wife and daughter, and to the affectionate + intercession of his friends, as not voluntarily to abandon our hopes, if + they were not entirely desperate. A true hero's resolution this, in my + estimation, and worthy the highest applause. Instances are frequent in the + world, of rushing into the arms of death without reflection and by a sort + of blind impulse but deliberately to weigh the reasons for life or death, + and to be determined in our choice as either side of the scale prevails, + shows a great mind. We have had the satisfaction to receive the opinion of + his physicians in his favour: may heaven favour their promises and relieve + me at length from this painful anxiety. Once easy in my mind, I shall go + back to my favourite Laurentum, or, in other words, to my books, my papers + and studious leisure. Just now, so much of my time and thoughts are taken + up in attendance upon my friend, and anxiety for him, that I have neither + leisure nor inclination for any reading or writing whatever. Thus you have + my fears, my wishes, and my after-plans. Write me in return, but in a + gayer strain, an account not only of what you are and have been doing, but + of what you intend doing too. It will be a very sensible consolation to me + in this disturbance of mind, to be assured that yours is easy. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XVII — To VOCONIUS ROMANUS + </h2> + <p> + ROME has not for many years beheld a more magnificent and memorable + spectacle than was lately exhibited in the public funeral of that great, + illustrious, and no less fortunate man, Verginius Rufus. He lived thirty + years after he had reached the zenith of his fame. He read poems composed + in his honour, he read histories of his achievements, and was himself + witness of his fame among posterity. He was thrice raised to the dignity + of consul, that he might at least be the highest of subjects, who<a + href="#linknote-30" name="linknoteref-30" id="linknoteref-30">[30]</a> had + refused to be the first of princes. As he escaped the resentment of those + emperors to whom his virtues had given umbrage and even rendered him + odious, and ended his days when this best of princes, this friend of + mankind<a href="#linknote-31" name="linknoteref-31" id="linknoteref-31">[31]</a> + was in quiet possession of the empire, it seems as if Providence had + purposely preserved him to these times, that he might receive the honour + of a public funeral. He reached his eighty-fourth year, in full + tranquillity and universally revered, having enjoyed strong health during + his lifetime, with the exception of a trembling in his hands, which, + however, gave him no pain. His last illness, indeed, was severe and + tedious, but even that circumstance added to his reputation. As he was + practising his voice with a view of returning his public acknowledgements + to the emperor, who had promoted him to the consulship, a large volume he + had taken into his hand, and which happened to be too heavy for so old a + man to hold standing up, slid from his grasp. In hastily endeavouring to + recover it, his foot slipped on the smooth pavement, and he fell down and + broke his thigh-bone, which being clumsily set, his age as well being + against him, did not properly unite again. The funeral obsequies paid to + the memory of this great man have done honour to the emperor, to the age, + and to the bar. The consul Cornelius Tacitus<a href="#linknote-32" + name="linknoteref-32" id="linknoteref-32">[32]</a> pronounced his funeral + oration and thus his good fortune was crowned by the public applause of so + eloquent an orator. He has departed from our midst, full of years, indeed, + and of glory; as illustrious by the honours he refused as by those he + accepted. Yet still we shall miss him and lament him, as the shining model + of a past age; I, especially, shall feel his loss, for I not only admired + him as a patriot, but loved him as a friend. We were of the same province, + and of neighbouring towns, and our estates were also contiguous. Besides + these accidental connections, he was left my guardian, and always treated + me with a parent's affection. Whenever I offered myself as a candidate for + any office in the state, he constantly supported me with his interest; and + although he had long since given up all such services to friends, he would + kindly leave his retirement and come to give me his vote in person. On + the day on which the priests nominate those they consider most worthy of + the sacred office<a href="#linknote-33" name="linknoteref-33" + id="linknoteref-33">[33]</a> he constantly proposed me. Even in his last + illness, apprehending the possibility of the senate's appointing him one + of the five commissioners for reducing the public expenses, he fixed upon + me, young as I am, to bear his excuses, in preference to so many other + friends, elderly men too, and of consular rank and said to me, "Had I a + son of my own, I would entrust you with this matter." And so I cannot but + lament his death, as though it were premature, and pour out my grief into + your bosom; if indeed one has any right to grieve, or to call it death at + all, which to such a man terminates his mortality, rather than ends his + life. He lives, and will live on for ever; and his fame will extend and be + more celebrated by posterity, now that he is gone from our sight. I had + much else to write to you but my mind is full of this. I keep thinking of + Verginius: I see him before me: I am for ever fondly yet vividly imagining + that I hear him, am speaking to him, embrace him. There are men amongst + us, his fellow-citizens, perhaps, who may rival him in virtue; but not one + that will ever approach him in glory. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XVIII — To NEPOS + </h2> + <p> + THE great fame of Isaeus had already preceded him here; but we find him + even more wonderful than we had heard. He possesses the utmost readiness, + copiousness, and abundance of language: he always speaks extempore, and + his lectures are as finished as though he had spent a long time over their + written composition. His style is Greek, or rather the genuine Attic. His + exordiums are terse, elegant, attractive, and occasionally impressive and + majestic. He suggests several subjects for discussion, allows his audience + their choice, sometimes to even name which side he shall take, rises, + arranges himself, and begins. At once he has everything almost equally at + command. Recondite meanings of things are suggested to you, and words—what + words they are! exquisitely chosen and polished. These extempore speeches + of his show the wideness of his reading, and how much practice he has had + in composition. His preface is to the point, his narrative lucid, his + summing up forcible, his rhetorical ornament imposing. In a word, he + teaches, entertains, and affects you; and you are at a loss to decide + which of the three he does best. His reflections are frequent, his + syllogisms also are frequent, condensed, and carefully finished, a result + not easily attainable even with the pen. As for his memory, you would + hardly believe what it is capable of. He repeats from a long way back what + he has previously delivered extempore, without missing a single word. This + marvellous faculty he has acquired by dint of great application and + practice, for night and day he does nothing, hears nothing, says nothing + else. He has passed his sixtieth year and is still only a rhetorician, and + I know no class of men more single-hearted, more genuine, more excellent + than this class. We who have to go through the rough work of the bar and + of real disputes unavoidably contract a certain unprincipled adroitness. + The school, the lecture-room, the imaginary case, all this, on the other + hand, is perfectly innocent and harmless, and equally enjoyable, + especially to old people, for what can be happier at that time of life + than to enjoy what we found pleasantest in our young days? I consider + Isaeus then, not only the most eloquent, but the happiest, of men, and if + you are not longing to make his acquaintance, you must be made of stone + and iron. So, if not upon my account, or for any other reason, come, for + the sake of hearing this man, at least. Have you never read of a certain + inhabitant of Cadiz who was so impressed with the name and fame of Livy + that he came from the remotest corner of the earth on purpose to see him, + and, his curiosity gratified, went straight home again. It is utter want + of taste, shows simple ignorance, is almost an actual disgrace to a man, + not to set any high value upon a proficiency in so pleasing, noble, + refining a science. "I have authors," you will reply, "here in my own + study, just as eloquent." True: but then those authors you can read at any + time, while you cannot always get the opportunity of hearing eloquence. + Besides, as the proverb says, "The living voice is that which sways the + soul;" yes, far more. For notwithstanding what one reads is more clearly + understood than what one hears, yet the utterance, countenance, garb, aye + and the very gestures of the speaker, alike concur in fixing an impression + upon the mind; that is, unless we disbelieve the truth of Aeschines' + statement, who, after he had read to the Rhodians that celebrated speech + of Demosthenes, upon their expressing their admiration of it, is said to + have added, "Ah! what would you have said, could you have heard the wild + beast himself?" And Aeschines, if we may take Demosthenes' word for it, + was no mean elocutionist; yet, he could not but confess that the speech + would have sounded far finer from the lips of its author. I am saying all + this with a view to persuading you to hear Isaeus, if even for the mere + sake of being able to say you have heard him. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XIX — To AVITUS + </h2> + <p> + IT would be a long story, and of no great importance, to tell you by what + accident I found myself dining the other day with an individual with whom + I am by no means intimate, and who, in his own opinion, does things in + good style and economically as well, but according to mine, with meanness + and extravagance combined. Some very elegant dishes were served up to + himself and a few more of us, whilst those placed before the rest of the + company consisted simply of cheap dishes and scraps. There were, in small + bottles, three different kinds of wine; not that the guest might take + their choice, but that they might not have any option in their power; one + kind being for himself, and for us; another sort for his lesser friends + (for it seems he has degrees of friends), and the third for his own + freedmen and ours. My neighbour,<a href="#linknote-34" + name="linknoteref-34" id="linknoteref-34">[34]</a> reclining next me, + observing this, asked me if I approved the arrangement. Not at all, I told + him. "Pray then," he asked, "what is your method upon such occasions?" + "Mine," I returned, "is to give all my visitors the same reception; for + when I give an invitation, it is to entertain, not distinguish, my + company: I place every man upon my own level whom I admit to my table." + "Not excepting even your freedmen?" "Not excepting even my freedmen, whom + I consider on these occasions my guests, as much as any of the rest." He + replied, "This must cost you a great deal." "Not in the least." "How can + that be?" "Simply because, although my freedmen don't drink the same wine + as myself, yet I drink the same as they do." And, no doubt about it, if a + man is wise enough to moderate his appetite, he will not find it such a + very expensive thing to share with all his visitors what he takes himself. + Restrain it, keep it in, if you wish to be true economist. You will find + temperance a far better way of saving than treating other people rudely + can be. Why do I say all this? Why, for fear a young man of your high + character and promise should be imposed upon by this immoderate luxury + which prevails at some tables, under the specious notion of frugality. + Whenever any folly of this sort falls under my eye, I shall, just because + I care for you, point it out to you as an example you ought to shun. + Remember, then, nothing is more to be avoided than this modern alliance of + luxury with meanness; odious enough when existing separate and distinct, + but still more hateful where you meet with them together. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XX — To MACRINUS + </h2> + <p> + THE senate decreed yesterday, on the emperor's motion, a triumphal statue + to Vestricius Spurinna: not as they would to many others, who never were + in action, or saw a camp, or heard the sound of a trumpet, unless at a + show; but as it would be decreed to those who have justly bought such a + distinction with their blood, their exertions, and their deeds. Spurinna + forcibly restored the king of the Bructeri<a href="#linknote-35" + name="linknoteref-35" id="linknoteref-35">[35]</a> to his throne; and this + by the noblest kind of victory; for he subdued that warlike people by the + terror of the mere display of his preparation for the campaign. This is + his reward as a hero, while, to console him for the loss of his son + Cottius, who died during his absence upon that expedition, they also voted + a statue to the youth; a very unusual honour for one so young; but the + services of the father deserved that the pain of so severe a wound should + be soothed by no common balm. Indeed Cottius himself evinced such + remarkable promise of the highest qualities that it is but fitting his + short limited term of life should be extended, as it were, by this kind of + immortality. He was so pure and blameless, so full of dignity, and + commanded such respect, that he might have challenged in moral goodness + much older men, with whom he now shares equal honours. Honours, if I am + not mistaken, conferred not only to perpetuate the memory of the deceased + youth, and in consolation to the surviving father, but for the sake of + public example also. This will rouse and stimulate our young men to + cultivate every worthy principle, when they see such rewards bestowed upon + one of their own years, provided he deserve them: at the same time that + men of quality will be encouraged to beget children and to have the joy + and satisfaction of leaving a worthy race behind, if their children + survive them, or of so glorious a consolation, should they survive their + children. Looking at it in this light then, I am glad, upon public + grounds, that a statue is decreed Cottius: and for my own sake too, just + as much; for I loved this most favoured, gifted, youth, as ardently as I + now grievously miss him amongst us. So that it will be a great + satisfaction to me to be able to look at this figure from time to time as + I pass by, contemplate it, stand underneath, and walk to and fro before + it. For if having the pictures of the departed placed in our homes + lightens sorrow, how much more those public representations of them which + are not only memorials of their air and countenance, but of their glory + and honour besides? Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXI To PAISCUS + </h2> + <p> + As I know you eagerly embrace every opportunity of obliging me, so there + is no man whom I had rather be under an obligation to. I apply to you, + therefore, in preference to anyone else, for a favour which I am extremely + desirous of obtaining. You, who are commander-in-chief of a very + considerable army, have many opportunities of exercising your generosity; + and the length of time you have enjoyed that post must have enabled you to + provide for all your own friends. I hope you will now turn your eyes upon + some of mine: as indeed they are but a few Your generous disposition, I + know, would be better pleased if the number were greater, but one or two + will suffice my modest desires; at present I will only mention Voconius + Romanus. His father was of great distinction among the Roman knights, and + his father-in-law, or, I might more properly call him, his second father, + (for his affectionate treatment of Voconius entitles him to that + appellation) was still more conspicuous. His mother was one of the most + considerable ladies of Upper Spain: you know what character the people of + that province bear, and how remarkable they are for their strictness of + their manners. As for himself, he lately held the post of flamen.<a + href="#linknote-36" name="linknoteref-36" id="linknoteref-36">[36]</a> + Now, from the time when we were first students together, I have felt very + tenderly attached to him. We lived under the same roof, in town and + country, we joked together, we shared each other's serious thoughts: for + where indeed could I have found a truer friend or pleasanter companion + than he? In his conversation, and even in his very voice and countenance, + there is a rare sweetness; as at the bar he displays talents of a high + order; acuteness, elegance, ease, and skill: and he writes such letters + too that were you to read them you would imagine they had been dictated by + the Muses themselves. I have a very great affection for him, as he has for + me. Even in the earlier part of our lives, I warmly embraced every + opportunity of doing him all the good services which then lay in my power, + as I have lately obtained for him from our most gracious prince<a + href="#linknote-37" name="linknoteref-37" id="linknoteref-37">[37]</a> the + privilege<a href="#linknote-38" name="linknoteref-38" id="linknoteref-38">[38]</a> + granted to those who have three children: a favour which, though Cæsar + very rarely bestows, and always with great caution, yet he conferred, at + my request, in such a matter as to give it the air and grace of being his + own choice. + </p> + <p> + The best way of showing that I think he deserves the kindnesses he has + already received from me is by increasing them, especially as he always + accepts my services so gratefully as to deserve more. Thus I have shown + you what manner of man Romanus is, how thoroughly I have proved his worth, + and how much I love him. Let me entreat you to honour him with your + patronage in a way suitable to the generosity of your heart, and the + eminence of your station. But above all let him have your affection; for + though you were to confer upon him the utmost you have in your power to + bestow, you can give him nothing more valuable than your friendship-That + you may see he is worthy of it, even to the closest degree of intimacy, I + send you this brief sketch of his tastes, character, his whole life, in + fact. I should continue my intercessions in his behalf, but that I know + you prefer not being pressed, and I have already repeated them in every + line of this letter: for, to show a good reason for what one asks is true + intercession, and of the most effectual kind. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXII — To MAIMUS + </h2> + <p> + You guessed correctly: I am much engaged in pleading before the Hundred. + The business there is more fatiguing than pleasant. Trifling, + inconsiderable cases, mostly; it is very seldom that anything worth + speaking of, either from the importance of the question or the rank of the + persons concerned, comes before them. There are very few lawyers either + whom I take any pleasure in working with. The rest, a parcel of impudent + young fellows, many of whom one knows nothing whatever about, come here to + get some practice in speaking, and conduct themselves so forwardly and + with such utter want of deference that my friend Attilius exactly hit it, + I think, when he made the observation that "boys set out at the bar with + cases in the Court of the Hundred as they do at school with Homer," + intimating that at both places they begin where they should end. But in + former times (so my elders tell me) no youth, even of the best families, + was allowed in unless introduced by some person of consular dignity. As + things are now, since every fence of modesty and decorum is broken down, + and all distinctions are levelled and confounded, the present young + generation, so far from waiting to be introduced, break in of their own + free will. The audience at their heels are fit attendants upon such + orators; a low rabble of hired mercenaries, supplied by contract. They get + together in the middle of the court, where the dole is dealt round to them + as openly as if they were in a dining-room: and at this noble price they + run from court to court. The Greeks have an appropriate name in their + language for this sort of people, importing that they are applauders by + profession, and we stigmatize them with the opprobrious title of + table-flatterers: yet the dirty business alluded to increases every day. + It was only yesterday two of my domestic officers, mere striplings, were + hired to cheer somebody or other, at three denarii apiece:<a + href="#linknote-39" name="linknoteref-39" id="linknoteref-39">[39]</a> + that is what the highest eloquence goes for. Upon these terms we fill as + many benches as we please, and gather a crowd; this is how those rending + shouts are raised, as soon as the individual standing up in the middle of + the ring gives the signal. For, you must know, these honest fellows, who + understand nothing of what is said, or, if they did, could not hear it, + would be at a loss without a signal, how to time their applause: for many + of them don't hear a syllable, and are as noisy as any of the rest. If, at + any time, you should happen to be passing by when the court is sitting, + and feel at all interested to know how any speaker is acquitting himself, + you have no occasion to give yourself the trouble of getting up on the + judge's platform, no need to listen; it is easy enough to find out, for + you may be quite sure he that gets most applause deserves it the least. + Largius Licinus was the first to introduce this fashion; but then he went + no farther than to go round and solicit an audience. I know, I remember + hearing this from my tutor Quinctilian. "I used," he told me, "to go and + hear Domitius Afer, and as he was pleading once before the Hundred in his + usual slow and impressive manner, hearing, close to him, a most immoderate + and unusual noise, and being a good deal surprised at this, he left off: + the noise ceased, and he began again: he was interrupted a second time, + and a third. At last he enquired who it was that was speaking? He was + told, Licinus. Upon which, he broke off the case, exclaiming, 'Eloquence + is no more!'" The truth is it had only begun to decline then, when in + Afer's opinion it no longer existed — whereas now it is almost + extinct. I am ashamed to tell you of the mincing and affected + pronunciation of the speakers, and of the shrill-voiced applause with + which their effusions are received; nothing seems wanting to complete this + sing-song performance except claps, or rather cymbals and tambourines. + Howlings indeed (for I can call such applause, which would be indecent + even in the theatre, by no other name) abound in plenty. Up to this time + the interest of my friends and the consideration of my early time of life + have kept me in this court, as I am afraid they might think I was doing it + to shirk work rather than to avoid these indecencies, were I to leave it + just yet: however, I go there less frequently than I did, and am thus + effecting a gradual retreat. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXIII — To GALLUS + </h2> + <p> + You are surprised that I am so fond of my Laurentine, or (if you prefer + the name) my Laurens: but you will cease to wonder when I acquaint you + with the beauty of the villa, the advantages of its situation, and the + extensive view of the sea-coast. It is only seventeen miles from Rome: so + that when I have finished my business in town, I can pass my evenings here + after a good satisfactory day's work. There are two different roads to it: + if you go by that of Laurentum, you must turn off at the fourteenth + mile-stone; if by Astia, at the eleventh. Both of them are sandy in + places, which makes it a little heavier and longer by carriage, but short + and easy on horseback. The landscape affords plenty of variety, the view + in some places being closed in by woods, in others extending over broad + meadows, where numerous flocks of sheep and herds of cattle, which the + severity of the winter has driven from the mountains, fatten in the spring + warmth, and on the rich pasturage. My villa is of a convenient size + without being expensive to keep up. The courtyard in front is plain, but + not mean, through which you enter porticoes shaped into the form of the + letter D, enclosing a small but cheerful area between. These make a + capital retreat for bad weather, not only as they are shut in with + windows, but particularly as they are sheltered by a projection of the + roof. From the middle of these porticoes you pass into a bright pleasant + inner court, and out of that into a handsome hall running out towards the + sea-shore; so that when there is a south-west breeze, it is gently washed + with the waves, which spend themselves at its base. On every side of this + hall there are either folding-doors or windows equally large, by which + means you have a view from the front and the two sides of three different + seas, as it were: from the back you see the middle court, the portico, and + the area; and from another point you look through the portico into the + courtyard, and out upon the woods and distant mountains beyond. On the + left hand of this hall, a little farther from the sea, lies a large + drawing-room, and beyond that, a second of a smaller size, which has one + window to the rising and another to the setting sun: this as well has a + view of the sea, but more distant and agreeable. The angle formed by the + projection of the dining-room with this drawing-room retains and + intensifies the warmth of the sun, and this forms our winter quarters and + family gymnasium, which is sheltered from all the winds except those which + bring on clouds, but the clear sky comes out again before the warmth has + gone out of the place. Adjoining this angle is a room forming the segment + of a circle, the windows of which are so arranged as to get the sun all + through the day: in the walls are contrived a sort of cases, containing a + collection of authors who can never be read too often. Next to this is a + bed-room, connected with it by a raised passage furnished with pipes, + which supply, at a wholesome temperature, and distribute to all parts of + this room, the heat they receive. The rest of this side of the house is + appropriated to the use of my slaves and freedmen; but most of the rooms + in it are respectable enough to put my guests into. In the opposite wing + is a most elegant, tastefully fitted up bed-room; next to which lies + another, which you may call either a large bed-room or a modified + dining-room; it is very warm and light, not only from the direct rays of + the sun, but by their reflection from the sea. Beyond this is a bed-room + with an ante-room, the height of which renders it cool in summer, its + thick walls warm in winter, for it is sheltered, every way from the winds. + To this apartment another anteroom is joined by one common wall. From + thence you enter into the wide and spacious cooling-room belonging to the + bath, from the opposite walls of which two curved basins are thrown out, + so to speak; which are more than large enough if you consider that the sea + is close at hand. Adjacent to this is the anointing-room, then the + sweating-room, and beyond that the bath-heating room: adjoining are two + other little bath-rooms, elegantly rather than sumptuously fitted up: + annexed to them is a warm bath of wonderful construction, in which one can + swim and take a view of the sea at the same time. Not far from this stands + the tennis-court, which lies open to the warmth of the afternoon sun. From + thence you go up a sort of turret which has two rooms below, with the same + number above, besides a dining-room commanding a very extensive look-out + on to the sea, the coast, and the beautiful villas scattered along the + shore line. At the other end is a second turret, containing a room that + gets the rising and setting sun. Behind this is a large store-room and + granary, and underneath, a spacious dining-room, where only the murmur and + break of the sea can be heard, even in a storm: it looks out upon the + garden, and the gestatio,<a href="#linknote-40" name="linknoteref-40" + id="linknoteref-40">[40]</a> running round the garden. The gestatio is + bordered round with box, and, where that is decayed, with rosemary: for + the box, wherever sheltered by the buildings, grows plentifully, but where + it lies open and exposed to the weather and spray from the sea, though at + some distance from the latter, it quite withers up. Next the gestatio, and + running along inside it, is a shady vine plantation, the path of which is + so soft and easy to the tread that you may walk bare-foot upon it. The + garden is chiefly planted with fig and mulberry trees, to which this soil + is as favourable as it is averse from all others. Here is a dining-room, + which, though it stands away from the sea enjoys the garden view which is + just as pleasant: two apartments run round the back part of it, the + windows of which look out upon the entrance of the villa, and into a fine + kitchen-garden. From here extends an enclosed portico which, from its + great length, you might take for a public one. It has a range of windows + on either side, but more on the side facing the sea, and fewer on the + garden side, and these, single windows and alternate with the opposite + rows. In calm, clear, weather these are all thrown open; but if it blows, + those on the weather side are closed, whilst those away from the wind can + remain open without any inconvenience. Before this enclosed portico lies a + terrace fragrant with the scent of violets, and warmed by the reflection + of the sun from the portico, which, while it retains the rays, keeps away + the north-east wind; and it is as warm on this side as it is cool on the + side opposite: in the same way it is a protection against the wind from + the south-west; and thus, in short, by means of its several sides, breaks + the force of the winds, from whatever quarter they may blow. These are + some of its winter advantages, they are still more appreciable in the + summer time; for at that season it throws a shade upon the terrace during + the whole of the forenoon, and upon the adjoining portion of the gestatio + and garden in the afternoon, casting a greater or less shade on this side + or on that as the day increases or decreases. But the portico itself is + coolest just at the time when the sun is at its hottest, that is, when the + rays fall directly upon the roof. Also, by opening the windows you let in + the western breezes in a free current, which prevents the place getting + oppressive with close and stagnant air. At the upper end of the terrace + and portico stands a detached garden building, which I call my favourite; + my favourite indeed, as I put it up myself. It contains a very warm + winter-room, one side of which looks down upon the terrace, while the + other has a view of the sea, and both lie exposed to the sun. The bed-room + opens on to the covered portico by means of folding-doors, while its + window looks out upon the sea. On that side next the sea, and facing the + middle wall, is formed a very elegant little recess, which, by means of + transparent<a href="#linknote-41" name="linknoteref-41" id="linknoteref-41">[41]</a> + windows, and a curtain drawn to or aside, can be made part of the + adjoining room, or separated from it. It contains a couch and two chairs: + as you lie upon this couch, from where your feet are you get a peep of the + sea; looking behind you see the neighbouring villas, and from the head you + have a view of the woods: these three views may be seen either separately, + from so many different windows, or blended together in one. Adjoining this + is a bed-room, which neither the servants' voices, the murmuring of the + sea, the glare of lightning, nor daylight itself can penetrate, unless you + open the windows. This profound tranquillity and seclusion are occasioned + by a passage separating the wall of this room from that of the garden, and + thus, by means of this intervening space, every noise is drowned. Annexed + to this is a tiny stove-room, which, by opening or shutting a little + aperture, lets out or retains the heat from underneath, according as you + require. Beyond this lie a bed-room and ante-room, which enjoy the sun, + though obliquely indeed, from the time it rises, till the afternoon. When + I retire to this garden summer-house, I fancy myself a hundred miles away + from my villa, and take especial pleasure in it at the feast of the + Saturnalia,<a href="#linknote-42" name="linknoteref-42" id="linknoteref-42">[42]</a> + when, by the licence of that festive season, every other part of my house + resounds with my servants' mirth: thus I neither interrupt their amusement + nor they my studies. Amongst the pleasures and conveniences of this + situation, there is one drawback, and that is, the want of running water; + but then there are wells about the place, or rather springs, for they lie + close to the surface. And, altogether, the quality of this coast is + remarkable; for dig where you may, you meet, upon the first turning up of + the ground, with a spring of water, quite pure, not in the least salt, + although so near the sea. The neighbouring woods supply us with all the + fuel we require, the other necessaries Ostia furnishes. Indeed, to a + moderate man, even the village (between which and my house there is only + one villa) would supply all ordinary requirements. It has three public + baths, which are a great convenience if it happen that friends come in + unexpectedly, or make too short a stay to allow time in preparing my own. + The whole coast is very pleasantly sprinkled with villas either in rows or + detached, which whether looking at them from the sea or the shore, present + the appearance of so many different cities. The strand is, sometimes, + after a long calm, perfectly smooth, though, in general, through the + storms driving the waves upon it, it is rough and uneven. I cannot boast + that our sea is plentiful in choice fish; however, it supplies us with + capital soles and prawns; but as to other kinds of provisions, my villa + aspires to excel even inland countries, particularly in milk: for the + cattle come up there from the meadows in large numbers, in pursuit of + water and shade. Tell me, now, have I not good reason for living in, + staying in, loving, such a retreat, which, if you feel no appetite for, + you must be morbidly attached to town? And I only wish you would feel + inclined to come down to it, that to so many charms with which my little + villa abounds, it might have the very considerable addition of your + company to recommend it. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXIV — To CEREALIS + </h2> + <p> + You advise me to read my late speech before an assemblage of my friends. I + shall do so, as you advise it, though I have strong scruples. Compositions + of this sort lose, I well know, all their force and fire, and even their + very name almost, by a mere recital. It is the solemnity of the tribunal, + the concourse of advocates, the suspense of the event, the fame of the + several pleaders concerned, the different parties formed amongst the + audience; add to this the gestures, the pacing, aye the actual running, to + and fro, of the speaker, the body working<a href="#linknote-43" + name="linknoteref-43" id="linknoteref-43">[43]</a> in harmony with every + inward emotion, that conspire to give a spirit and a grace to what he + delivers. This is the reason that those who plead sitting, though they + retain most of the advantages possessed by those who stand up to plead, + weaken the whole force of their oratory. The eyes and hands of the reader, + those important instruments of graceful elocution, being engaged, it is no + wonder that the attention of the audience droops, without anything + extrinsic to keep it up, no allurements of gesture to attract, no smart, + stinging impromptus to enliven. To these general considerations I must add + this particular disadvantage which attends the speech in question, that it + is of the argumentative kind; and it is natural for an author to infer + that what he wrote with labour will not be read with pleasure. For who is + there so unprejudiced as not to prefer the attractive and sonorous to the + sombre and unornamented in style? It is very unreasonable that there + should be any distinction; however, it is certain the judges generally + expect one style of pleading, and the audience another; whereas an auditor + ought to be affected only by those parts which would especially strike + him, were he in the place of the judge. Nevertheless it is possible the + objections which lie against this piece may be surmounted in consideration + of the novelty it has to recommend it: the novelty I mean with respect to + us; for the Greek orators have a method of reasoning upon a different + occasion, not altogether unlike that which I have employed. They, when + they would throw out a law, as contrary to some former one unrepealed, + argue by comparing those together; so I, on the contrary, endeavour to + prove that the crime, which I was insisting upon as falling within the + intent and meaning of the law relating to public extortions, was + agreeable, not only to that law, but likewise to other laws of the same + nature. Those who are ignorant of the jurisprudence of their country can + have no taste for reasonings of this kind, but those who are not ought to + be proportionably the more favourable in the judgments they pass upon + them. I shall endeavour, therefore, if you persist in my reciting it, to + collect as learned an audience as I can. But before you determine this + point, do weigh impartially the different considerations I have laid + before you, and then decide as reason shall direct; for it is reason that + must justify you; obedience to your commands will be a sufficient apology + for me. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXV — To CALVISIUS + </h2> + <p> + GIVE me a penny, and I will tell you a story "worth gold," or, rather, you + shall hear two or three; for one brings to my mind another. It makes no + difference with which I begin. Verania, the widow of Piso, the Piso, I + mean, whom Galba adopted, lay extremely ill, and Regulus paid her a visit. + By the way, mark the assurance of the man, visiting a lady who detested + him herself, and to whose husband he was a declared enemy! Even barely to + enter her house would have been bad enough, but he actually went and + seated himself by her bed-side and began enquiring on what day and hour + she was born. Being informed of these important particulars, he composes + his countenance, fixes his eyes, mutters something to himself, counts upon + his fingers, and all this merely to keep the poor sick lady in suspense. + When he had finished, "You are," he says, "in one of your climacterics; + however, you will get over it. But for your greater satisfaction, I will + consult with a certain diviner, whose skill I have frequently + experienced." Accordingly off he goes, performs a sacrifice, and returns + with the strongest assurances that the omens confirmed what he had + promised on the part of the stars. Upon this the good woman, whose danger + made her credulous, calls for her will and gives Regulus a legacy. She + grew worse shortly after this; and in her last moments exclaimed against + this wicked, treacherous, and worse than perjured wretch, who had sworn + falsely to her by his own son's life. But imprecations of this sort are as + common with Regulus as they are impious; and he continually devotes that + unhappy youth to the curse of those gods whose vengeance his own frauds + every day provoke. + </p> + <p> + Velleius Blaesus, a man of consular rank, and remarkable for his immense + wealth, in his last illness was anxious to make some alterations in his + will. Regulus, who had lately endeavoured to insinuate himself into his + good graces, hoped to get something from the new will, and accordingly + addresses himself to his physicians, and conjures them to exert all their + skill to prolong the poor man's life. But after the will was signed, he + changes his character, reversing his tone: "How long," says he to these + very same physicians, "do you intend keeping this man in misery? Since you + cannot preserve his life, why do you grudge him the happy release of + death?" Blaesus dies, and, as if he had overheard every word that Regulus + had said, has not left him one farthing.—And now have you had + enough? or are you for the third, according to rhetorical canon? If so, + Regulus will supply you. You must know, then, that Aurelia, a lady of + remarkable accomplishments, purposing to execute her will,<a + href="#linknote-44" name="linknoteref-44" id="linknoteref-44">[44]</a> had + put on her smartest dress for the occasion. Regulus, who was present as a + witness, turned to the lady, and "Pray," says he, "leave me these fine + clothes." Aurelia thought the man was joking: but he insisted upon it + perfectly seriously, and, to be brief, obliged her to open her will, and + insert the dress she had on as a legacy to him, watching as she wrote, and + then looking over it to see that it was all down correctly. Aurelia, + however, is still alive: though Regulus, no doubt, when he solicited this + bequest, expected to enjoy it pretty soon. The fellow gets estates, he + gets legacies, conferred upon him, as if he really deserved them! But why + should I go on dwelling upon this in a city where wickedness and knavery + have, for this time past, received, the same, do I say, nay, even greater + encouragement, than modesty and virtue? Regulus is a glaring instance of + this truth, who, from a state of poverty, has by a train of villainies + acquired such immense riches that he once told me, upon consulting the + omens to know how soon he should be worth sixty millions of sesterces,<a + href="#linknote-45" name="linknoteref-45" id="linknoteref-45">[45]</a> he + found them so favourable as to portend he should possess double that sum. + And possibly he may, if he continues to dictate wills for other people in + this way: a sort of fraud, in my opinion, the most infamous of any. + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0027" id="link2H_4_0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXVI — To CALVISIUS + </h2> + <p> + I NEVER, I think, spent any time more agreeably than my time lately with + Spurinna. So agreeably, indeed, that if ever I should arrive at old age, + there is no man whom I would sooner choose for my model, for nothing can + be more perfect in arrangement than his mode of life. I look upon order in + human actions, especially at that advanced age, with the same sort of + pleasure as I behold the settled course of the heavenly bodies. In young + men, indeed, a little confusion and disarrangement is all well enough: but + in age, when business is unseasonable, and ambition indecent, all should + be composed and uniform. This rule Spurinna observes with the most + religious consistency. Even in those matters which one might call + insignificant, were they not of every-day occurrence, he observes a + certain periodical season and method. The early morning he passes on his + couch; at eight he calls for his slippers, and walks three miles, + exercising mind and body together. On his return, if he has any friends in + the house with him, he gets upon some entertaining and interesting topic + of conversation; if by himself, some book is read to him, sometimes when + visitors are there even, if agreeable to the company. Then he has a rest, + and after that either takes up a book or resumes his conversation in + preference to reading. By-and-by he goes out for a drive in his carriage, + either with his wife, a most admirable woman, or with some friend: a + happiness which lately was mine.—How agreeable, how delightful it is + getting a quiet time alone with him in this way! You could imagine you + were listening to some worthy of ancient times! What deeds, what men you + hear about, and with what noble precepts you are imbued! Yet all delivered + with so modest an air that there is not the least appearance of dictating. + When he has gone about seven miles, he gets out of his chariot and walks a + mile more, after which he returns home, and either takes a rest or goes + back to his couch and writing. For he composes most elegant lyrics both in + Greek and Latin. So wonderfully soft, sweet, and gay they are, while the + author's own unsullied life lends them additional charm. When the baths + are ready, which in winter is about three o'clock, and in summer about + two, he undresses himself and, if there happen to be no wind, walks for + some time in the sun. After this he has a good brisk game of tennis: for + by this sort of exercise too, he combats the effects of old age. When he + has bathed, he throws himself upon his couch, but waits a little before he + begins eating, and in the meanwhile has some light and entertaining author + read to him. In this, as in all the rest, his friends are at full liberty + to share; or to employ themselves in any other way, just as they prefer. + You sit down to an elegant dinner, without extravagant display, which is + served up in antique plate of pure silver. He has another complete service + in Corinthian metal, which, though he admires as a curiosity, is far from + being his passion. During dinner he is frequently entertained with the + recital of some dramatic piece, by way of seasoning his very pleasures + with study; and although he continues at the table, even in summer, till + the night is somewhat advanced, yet he prolongs the entertainment with so + much affability and politeness that none of his guests ever finds it + tedious. By this method of living he has preserved all his senses entire, + and his body vigorous and active to his seventy-eighth year, without + showing any sign of old age except wisdom. This is the sort of life I + ardently aspire after; as I purpose enjoying it when I shall arrive at + those years which will justify a retreat from active life. Meanwhile I am + embarrassed with a thousand affairs, in which Spurinna is at once my + support and my example: for he too, so long as it became him, discharged + his professional duties, held magistracies, governed provinces, and by + toiling hard earned the repose he now enjoys. I propose to myself the same + career and the same limits: and I here give it to you under my hand that I + do so. If an ill-timed ambition should carry me beyond those bounds, + produce this very letter of mine in court against me; and condemn me to + repose, whenever I enjoy it without being reproached with indolence. + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXVII — To BAEBIUS MACER + </h2> + <p> + IT gives me great pleasure to find you such a reader of my uncle's works + as to wish to have a complete collection of them, and to ask me for the + names of them all. I will act as index then, and you shall know the very + order in which they were written, for the studious reader likes to know + this. The first work of his was a treatise in one volume, "On the Use of + the Dart by Cavalry"; this he wrote when in command of one of the cavalry + corps of our allied troops, and is drawn up with great care and ingenuity. + "The Life of Pomponius Secundus,"<a href="#linknote-46" + name="linknoteref-46" id="linknoteref-46">[46]</a> in two volumes. + Pomponius had a great affection for him, and he thought he owed this + tribute to his memory. "The History of the Wars in Germany," in twenty + books, in which he gave an account of all the battles we were engaged in + against that nation. A dream he had while serving in the army in Germany + first suggested the design of this work to him. He imagined that Drusus + Nero<a href="#linknote-47" name="linknoteref-47" id="linknoteref-47">[47]</a> + (who extended his conquest very far into that country, and there lost his + life) appeared to him in his sleep, and entreated him to rescue his memory + from oblivion. Next comes a work entitled "The Student," in three parts, + which from their length spread into six volumes: a work in which is + discussed the earliest training and subsequent education of the orator. + "Questions of Grammar and Style," in eight books, written in the latter + part of Nero's reign, when the tyranny of the times made it dangerous to + engage in literary pursuits requiring freedom and elevation of tone. He + has completed the history which Aufidius Bassus<a href="#linknote-48" + name="linknoteref-48" id="linknoteref-48">[48]</a> left unfinished, and + has added to it thirty books. And lastly he has left thirty-seven books on + Natural History, a work of great compass and learning, and as full of + variety as nature herself. You will wonder how a man as busy as he was + could find time to compose so many books, and some of them too involving + such care and labour. But you will be still more surprised when you hear + that he pleaded at the bar for some time, that he died in his sixty-sixth + year, that the intervening time was employed partly in the execution of + the highest official duties, partly in attendance upon those emperors who + honoured him with their friendship. But he had a quick apprehension, + marvellous power of application, and was of an exceedingly wakeful + temperament. He always began to study at midnight at the time of the feast + of Vulcan, not for the sake of good luck, but for learning's sake; in + winter generally at one in the morning, but never later than two, and + often at twelve.<a href="#linknote-49" name="linknoteref-49" + id="linknoteref-49">[49]</a> He was a most ready sleeper, insomuch that he + would sometimes, whilst in the midst of his studies, fall off and then + wake up again. Before day-break he used to wait upon Vespasian' (who also + used his nights for transacting business in), and then proceed to execute + the orders he had received. As soon as he returned home, he gave what time + was left to study. After a short and light refreshment at noon (agreeably + to the good old custom of our ancestors) he would frequently in the + summer, if he was disengaged from business, lie down and bask in the sun; + during which time some author was read to him, while he took notes and + made extracts, for every book he read he made extracts out of, indeed it + was a maxim of his, that "no book was so bad but some good might be got + out of it." When this was over, he generally took a cold bath, then some + light refreshment and a little nap. After this, as if it had been a new + day, he studied till supper-time, when a book was again read to him, which + he would take down running notes upon. I remember once his reader having + mis-pronounced a word, one of my uncle's friends at the table made him go + back to where the word was and repeat it again; upon which my uncle said + to his friend, "Surely you understood it?" Upon his acknowledging that he + did, "Why then," said he, "did you make him go back again? We have lost + more than ten lines by this interruption." Such an economist he was of + time! In the summer he used to rise from supper at daylight, and in winter + as soon as it was dark: a rule he observed as strictly as if it had been a + law of the state. Such was his manner of life amid the bustle and turmoil + of the town: but in the country his whole time was devoted to study, + excepting only when he bathed. In this exception I include no more than + the time during which he was actually in the bath; for all the while he + was being rubbed and wiped, he was employed either in hearing some book + read to him or in dictating himself. In going about anywhere, as though he + were disengaged from all other business, he applied his mind wholly to + that single pursuit. A shorthand writer constantly attended him, with book + and tablets, who, in the winter, wore a particular sort of warm gloves, + that the sharpness of the weather might not occasion any interruption to + my uncle's studies: and for the same reason, when in Rome, he was always + carried in a chair. I recollect his once taking me to task for walking. + "You need not," he said, "lose these hours." For he thought every hour + gone that was not given to study. Through this extraordinary application + he found time to compose the several treatises I have mentioned, besides + one hundred and sixty volumes of extracts which he left me in his will, + consisting of a kind of common-place, written on both sides, in very small + hand, so that one might fairly reckon the number considerably more. He + used himself to tell us that when he was comptroller of the revenue in + Spain, he could have sold these manuscripts to Largius Licinus for four + hundred thousand sesterces,<a href="#linknote-50" name="linknoteref-50" + id="linknoteref-50">[50]</a> and then there were not so many of them. When + you consider the books he has read, and the volumes he has written, are + you not inclined to suspect that he never was engaged in public duties or + was ever in the confidence of his prince? On the other hand, when you are + told how indefatigable he was in his studies, are you not inclined to + wonder that he read and wrote no more than he did? For, on one side, what + obstacles would not the business of a court throw in his way? and on the + other, what is it that such intense application might not effect? It + amuses me then when I hear myself called a studious man, who in comparison + with him am the merest idler. But why do I mention myself, who am diverted + from these pursuits by numberless affairs both public and private? Who + amongst those whose whole lives are devoted to literary pursuits would not + blush and feel himself the most confirmed of sluggards by the side of him? + I see I have run out my letter farther than I had originally intended, + which was only to let you know, as you asked me, what works he had left + behind him. But I trust this will be no less acceptable to you than the + books themselves, as it may, possibly, not only excite your curiosity to + read his works, but also your emulation to copy his example, by some + attempts of a similar nature. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0029" id="link2H_4_0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXVIII — To ANNIUS SEVERUS + </h2> + <p> + I HAVE lately purchased with a legacy that was left me a small statue of + Corinthian brass. It is small indeed, but elegant and life-like, as far as + I can form any judgment, which most certainly in matters of this sort, as + perhaps in all others, is extremely defective. However, I do see the + beauties of this figure: for, as it is naked the faults, if there be any, + as well as the perfections, are the more observable. It represents an old + man, in an erect attitude. The bones, muscles, veins, and the very + wrinkles, give the Impression of breathing life. The hair is thin and + failing, the forehead broad, the face shrivelled, the throat lank, the + arms loose and hanging, the breast shrunken, and the belly fallen in, as + the whole turn and air of the figure behind too is equally expressive of + old age. It appears to be true antique, judging from the colour of the + brass. In short, it is such a masterpiece as would strike the eyes of a + connoisseur, and which cannot fail to charm an ordinary observer: and this + induced me, who am an absolute novice in this art, to buy it. But I did + so, not with any intention of placing it in my own house (for I have + nothing of the kind there), but with a design of fixing it in some + conspicuous place in my native province; I should like it best in the + temple of Jupiter, for it is a gift well worthy of a temple, well worthy + of a god. I desire therefore you would, with that care with which you + always perform my requests, undertake this commission and give immediate + orders for a pedestal to be made for it, out of what marble you please, + but let my name be engraved upon it, and, if you think proper to add these + as well, my titles. I will send the statue by the first person I can find + who will not mind the trouble of it; or possibly (which I am sure you will + like better) I may myself bring it along with me: for I intend, if + business can spare me that is to say, to make an excursion over to you. I + see joy in your looks when I promise to come; but you will soon change + your countenance when I add, only for a few days: for the same business + that at present keeps me here will prevent my making a longer stay. + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0030" id="link2H_4_0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXIX — To CANINIUS RUFUS + </h2> + <p> + I HAVE just been informed that Silius Italicus<a href="#linknote-51" + name="linknoteref-51" id="linknoteref-51">[51]</a> has starved himself to + death, at his villa near Naples. Ill-health was the cause. Being troubled + with an incurable cancerous humour, he grew weary of life and therefore + put an end to it with a determination not to be moved. He had been + extremely fortunate all through his life with the exception of the death + of the younger of his two sons; however, he has left behind him the elder + and the worthier man of the two in a position of distinction, having even + attained consular rank. His reputation had suffered a little in Nero's + time, as he was suspected of having officiously joined in some of the + informations in that reign; but he used his interest with Vitellius, with + great discretion and humanity. He acquired considerable honour by his + administration of the government of Asia, and, by his good conduct after + his retirement from business, cleared his character from that stain which + his former public exertions had thrown upon it. He lived as a private + nobleman, without power, and consequently without envy. Though he was + frequently confined to his bed, and always to his room, yet he was highly + respected, and much visited; not with an interested view, but on his own + account. He employed his time between conversing with literary men and + composing verses; which he sometimes read out, by way of testing the + public opinion: but they evidence more industry than genius. In the + decline of his years he entirely quitted Rome, and lived altogether in + Campania, from whence even the accession of the new emperor<a + href="#linknote-52" name="linknoteref-52" id="linknoteref-52">[52]</a> + could not draw him. A circumstance which I mention as much to the honour + of Cæsar, who was not displeased with that liberty, as of Italicus, who + was not afraid to make use of it. He was reproached with indulging his + taste for the fine arts at an immoderate expense. He had several villas in + the same province, and the last purchase was always the especial + favourite, to the neglect of all the rest, These residences overflowed + with books, statues, and pictures, which he more than enjoyed, he even + adored; particularly that of Virgil, of whom he was so passionate an + admirer that he celebrated the anniversary of that poet's birthday with + more solemnity than his own, at Naples especially where he used to + approach his tomb as if it had been a temple. In this tranquillity he + passed his seventy-fifth year, with a delicate rather than an infirm + constitution. + </p> + <p> + As he was the last person upon whom Nero conferred the consular office, so + he was the last survivor of all those who had been raised by him to that + dignity. It is also remarkable that, as he was the last to die of Nero's + consuls, so Nero died when he was consul. Recollecting this, a feeling of + pity for the transitory condition of mankind comes over me. Is there + anything in nature so short and limited as human life, even at its + longest? Does it not seem to you but yesterday that Nero was alive? And + yet not one of all those who were consuls in his reign now remains! Though + why should I wonder at this? Lucius Piso (the father of that Piso who was + so infamously assassinated by Valerius Festus in Africa) used to say, he + did not see one person in the senate whose opinion he had consulted when + he was consul: in so short a space is the very term of life of such a + multitude of beings comprised! so that to me those royal tears seem not + only worthy of pardon but of praise. For it is said that Xerxes, on + surveying his immense army, wept at the reflection that so many thousand + lives would in such a short space of time be extinct. The more ardent + therefore should be our zeal to lengthen out this frail and transient + portion of existence, if not by our deeds (for the opportunities of this + are not in our power) yet certainly by our literary accomplishments; and + since long life is denied us, let us transmit to posterity some memorial + that we have at least LIVED. I well know you need no incitements, but the + warmth of my affection for you inclines me to urge you on in the course + you are already pursuing, just as you have so often urged me. "Happy + rivalry" when two friends strive in this way which of them shall animate + the other most in their mutual pursuit of immortal fame. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXX — To SPURINNA AND COTTIA<a href="#linknote-53" + name="linknoteref-53" id="linknoteref-53">[53]</a> + </h2> + <p> + I DID not tell you, when I paid you my last visit, that I had composed + something in praise of your son; because, in the first place, I wrote it + not for the sake of talking about my performance, but simply to satisfy my + affection, to console my sorrow for the loss of him. Again, as you told + me, my dear Spurinna, that you had heard I had been reciting a piece of + mine, I imagined you had also heard at the same time what was the subject + of the recital, and besides I was afraid of casting a gloom over your + cheerfulness in that festive season, by reviving the remembrance of that + heavy sorrow. And even now I have hesitated a little whether I should + gratify you both, in your joint request, by sending only what I recited, + or add to it what I am thinking of keeping back for another essay. It does + not satisfy my feelings to devote only one little tract to a memory so + dear and sacred to me, and it seemed also more to the interest of his fame + to have it thus disseminated by separate pieces. But the consideration, + that it will be more open and friendly to send you the whole now, rather + than keep back some of it to another time, has determined me to do the + former, especially as I have your promise that it shall not be + communicated by either of you to anyone else, until I shall think proper + to publish it. The only remaining favour I ask is, that you will give me a + proof of the same unreserve by pointing out to me what you shall judge + would be best altered, omitted, or added. It is difficult for a mind in + affliction to concentrate itself upon such little cares. However, as you + would direct a painter or sculptor who was representing the figure of your + son what parts he should retouch or express, so I hope you will guide and + inform my hand in this more durable or (as you are pleased to think it) + this immortal likeness which I am endeavouring to execute: for the truer + to the original, the more perfect and finished it is, so much the more + lasting it is likely to prove. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0032" id="link2H_4_0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXI — To JULIUS GENITOR + </h2> + <p> + IT is just like the generous disposition of Artemidorus to magnify the + kindnesses of his friends; hence he praises my deserts (though he is + really indebted to me) beyond their due. It is true indeed that when the + philosophers were expelled from Rome,<a href="#linknote-54" + name="linknoteref-54" id="linknoteref-54">[54]</a> I visited him at his + house near the city, and ran the greater risk in paying him that civility, + as it was more noticeable then, I being praetor at the time. I supplied + him too with a considerable sum to pay certain debts he had contracted + upon very honourable occasions, without charging interest, though obliged + to borrow the money myself, while the rest of his rich powerful friends + stood by hesitating about giving him assistance. I did this at a time when + seven of my friends were either executed or banished; Senecio, Rusticus, + and Helvidius having just been put to death, while Mauricus, Gratilla, + Arria, and Fannia, were sent into exile; and scorched as it were by so + many lightning-bolts of the state thus hurled and flashing round me, I + augured by no uncertain tokens my own impending doom. But I do not look + upon myself, on that account, as deserving of the high praises my friend + bestows upon me: all I pretend to is the being clear of the infamous guilt + of abandoning him in his misfortunes. I had, as far as the differences + between our ages would admit, a friendship for his father-in-law Musonius, + whom I both loved and esteemed, while Artemidorus himself I entered into + the closest intimacy with when I was serving as a military tribune in + Syria. And I consider as a proof that there is some good in me the fact of + my being so early capable of appreciating a man who is either a + philosopher or the nearest resemblance to one possible; for I am sure + that, amongst all those who at the present day call themselves + philosophers, you will find hardly any one of them so full of sincerity + and truth as he. I forbear to mention how patient he is of heat and cold + alike, how indefatigable in labour, how abstemious in his food, and what + an absolute restraint he puts upon all his appetites; for these qualities, + considerable as they would certainly be in any other character, are less + noticeable by the side of the rest of those virtues of his which + recommended him to Musonius for a son-in-law, in preference to so many + others of all ranks who paid their addresses to his daughter. And when I + think of all these things, I cannot help feeling pleasurably affected by + those unqualified terms of praise in which he speaks of me to you as well + as to everyone else. I am only apprehensive lest the warmth of his kind + feeling carry him beyond the due limits; for he, who is so free from all + other errors, is apt to fall into just this one good-natured one, of + overrating the merits of his friends. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0033" id="link2H_4_0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXII — To CATILIUS SEVERUS + </h2> + <p> + I WILL come to supper, but must make this agreement beforehand, that I go + when I please, that you treat me to nothing expensive, and that our + conversation abound only in Socratic discourse, while even that in + moderation. There are certain necessary visits of ceremony, bringing + people out before daylight, which Cato himself could not safely fall in + with; though I must confess that Julius Cæsar reproaches him with that + circumstance in such a manner as redounds to his praise; for he tells us + that the persons who met him reeling home blushed at the discovery, and + adds, "You would have thought that Cato had detected them, and not they + Cato." Could he place the dignity of Cato in a stronger light than by + representing him thus venerable even in his cups? But let our supper be as + moderate in regard to hours as in the preparation and expense: for we are + not of such eminent reputation that even our enemies cannot censure our + conduct without applauding it at the same time. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0034" id="link2H_4_0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXIII — To ACILIUS + </h2> + <p> + THE atrocious treatment that Largius Macedo, a man of praetorian rank, + lately received at the hands of his slaves is so extremely tragical that + it deserves a place rather in public history than in a private letter; + though it must at the same time be acknowledged there was a haughtiness + and severity in his behaviour towards them which shewed that he little + remembered, indeed almost entirely forgot, the fact that his own father + had once been in that station of life. He was bathing at his Formian + Villa, when he found himself suddenly surrounded by his slaves; one seizes + him by the throat, another strikes him on the mouth, whilst others + trampled upon his breast, stomach, and even other parts which I need not + mention. When they thought the breath must be quite out of his body, they + threw him down upon the heated pavement of the bath, to try whether he + were still alive, where he lay outstretched and motionless, either really + insensible or only feigning to be so, upon which they concluded him to be + actually dead. In this condition they brought him out, pretending that he + had got suffocated by the heat of the bath. Some of his more trusty + servants received him, and his mistresses came about him shrieking and + lamenting. The noise of their cries and the fresh air, together, brought + him a little to himself; he opened his eyes, moved his body, and shewed + them (as he now safely might) that he was not quite dead. The murderers + immediately made their escape; but most of them have been caught again, + and they are after the rest. He was with great difficulty kept alive for a + few days, and then expired, having however the satisfaction of finding + himself as amply revenged in his lifetime as he would have been after his + death. Thus you see to what affronts, indignities, and dangers we are + exposed. Lenity and kind treatment are no safeguard; for it is malice and + not reflection that arms such ruffians against their masters. So much for + this piece of news. And what else? What else? Nothing else, or you should + hear it, for I have still paper, and time too (as it is holiday time with + me) to spare for more, and I can tell you one further circumstance + relating to Macedo, which now occurs to me. As he was in a public bath + once, at Rome, a remarkable, and (judging from the manner of his death) an + ominous, accident happened to him. A slave of his, in order to make way + for his master, laid his hand gently upon a Roman knight, who, turning + suddenly round, struck, not the slave who had touched him, but Macedo, so + violent a blow with his open palm that he almost knocked him down. Thus + the bath by a kind of gradation proved fatal to him; being first the scene + of an indignity he suffered, afterwards the scene of his death. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0035" id="link2H_4_0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXIV — To NEPOS + </h2> + <p> + I HAVE constantly observed that amongst the deeds and sayings of + illustrious persons of either sex, some have made more noise in the world, + whilst others have been really greater, although less talked about; and I + am confirmed in this opinion by a conversation I had yesterday with + Fannia. This lady is a grand-daughter to that celebrated Arria, who + animated her husband to meet death, by her own glorious example. She + informed me of several particulars relating to Arria, no less heroic than + this applauded action of hers, though taken less notice of, and I think + you will be as surprised to read the account of them as I was to hear it. + Her husband Caecinna Paetus, and her son, were both attacked at the same + time with a fatal illness, as was supposed; of which the son died, a youth + of remarkable beauty, and as modest as he was comely, endeared indeed to + his parents no less by his many graces than from the fact of his being + their son. His mother prepared his funeral and conducted the usual + ceremonies so privately that Paetus did not know of his death. Whenever + she came into his room, she pretended her son was alive and actually + better: and as often as he enquired after his health, would answer, "He + has had a good rest, and eaten his food with quite an appetite." Then when + she found the tears, she had so long kept back, gushing forth in spite of + herself, she would leave the room, and having given vent to her grief, + return with dry eyes and a serene countenance, as though she had dismissed + every feeling of bereavement at the door of her husband's chamber. I must + confess it was a brave action<a href="#linknote-55" name="linknoteref-55" + id="linknoteref-55">[55]</a> in her to draw the steel, plunge it into her + breast, pluck out the dagger, and present it to her husband with that ever + memorable, I had almost said that divine, expression, "Paetus, it is not + painful." But when she spoke and acted thus, she had the prospect of glory + and immortality before her; how far greater, without the support of any + such animating motives, to hide her tears, to conceal her grief, and + cheerfully to act the mother, when a mother no more! + </p> + <p> + Scribonianus had taken up arms in Illyria against Clatidius, where he lost + his life, and Paetus, who was of his party, was brought a prisoner to + Rome. When they were going to put him on board ship, Arria besought the + soldiers that she might be permitted to attend him: "For surely," she + urged, "you will allow a man of consular rank some servants to dress him, + attend to him at meals, and put his shoes on for him; but if you will take + me, I alone will perform all these offices." Her request was refused; upon + which she hired a fishing-boat, and in that small vessel followed the + ship. On her return to Rome, meeting the wife of Scribonianus in the + emperor's palace, at the time when this woman voluntarily gave evidence + against the conspirators—"What," she exclaimed, "shall I hear you + even speak to me, you, on whose bosom your husband Scribonianus was + murdered, and yet you survive him?"—an expression which plainly + shews that the noble manner in which she put an end to her life was no + unpremeditated effect of sudden passion. Moreover, when Thrasea, her + son-in-law, was endeavouring to dissuade her from her purpose of + destroying herself, and, amongst other arguments which he used, said to + her, "Would you then advise your daughter to die with me if my life were + to be taken from me?" "Most certainly I would," she replied, "if she had + lived as long, and in as much harmony with you, as I have with my Paetus." + This answer greatly increased the alarm of her family, and made them watch + her for the future more narrowly; which, when she perceived, "It is of no + use," she said, "you may oblige me to effect my death in a more painful + way, but it is impossible you should prevent it." Saying this, she sprang + from her chair, and running her head with the utmost violence against the + wall, fell down, to all appearance, dead; but being brought to herself + again, "I told you," she said, "if you would not suffer me to take an easy + path to death, I should find a way to it, however hard." Now, is there + not, my friend, something much greater in all this than in the + so-much-talked-of "Paetus, it is not painful," to which these led the way? + And yet this last is the favourite topic of fame, while all the former are + passed over in silence. Whence I cannot but infer, what I observed at the + beginning of my letter, that some actions are more celebrated, whilst + others are really greater. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0036" id="link2H_4_0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXV — To SEVERUS + </h2> + <p> + I WAS obliged by my consular office to compliment the emperor<a + href="#linknote-56" name="linknoteref-56" id="linknoteref-56">[56]</a> in + the name of the republic; but after I had performed that ceremony in the + senate in the usual manner, and as fully as the time and place would + allow, I thought it agreeable to the affection of a good subject to + enlarge those general heads, and expand them into a complete discourse. My + principal object in doing so was, to confirm the emperor in his virtues, + by paying them that tribute of applause which they so justly deserve; and + at the same time to direct future princes, not in the formal way of + lecture, but by his more engaging example, to those paths they must pursue + if they would attain the same heights of glory. To instruct princes how to + form their conduct, is a noble, but difficult task, and may, perhaps, be + esteemed an act of presumption: but to applaud the character of an + accomplished prince, and to hold out to posterity, by this means, a + beacon-light as it were, to guide succeeding monarchs, is a method equally + useful, and much more modest. It afforded me a very singular pleasure that + when I wished to recite this panegyric in a private assembly, my friends + gave me their company, though I did not solicit them in the usual form of + notes or circulars, but only desired their attendance, "should it be quite + convenient to them," and "if they should happen to have no other + engagement." You know the excuses generally made at Rome to avoid + invitations of this kind; how prior invitations are usually alleged; yet, + in spite of the worst possible weather, they attended the recital for two + days together; and when I thought it would be unreasonable to detain them + any longer, they insisted upon my going through with it the next day. + Shall I consider this as an honour done to myself or to literature? Rather + let me suppose to the latter, which, though well-nigh extinct, seems to be + now again reviving amongst us. Yet what was the subject which raised this + uncommon attention? No other than what formerly, even in the senate, where + we had to submit to it, we used to grudge even a few moments' attention + to. But now, you see, we have patience to recite and to attend to the same + topic for three days together; and the reason of this is, not that we have + more eloquent writing now than formerly, but we write under a fuller sense + of individual freedom, and consequently more genially than we used to. It + is an additional glory therefore to our present emperor that this sort of + harangue, which was once as disgusting as it was false, is now as pleasing + as it is sincere. But it was not only the earnest attention of my audience + which afforded me pleasure; I was greatly delighted too with the justness + of their taste: for I observed, that the more nervous parts of my + discourse gave them peculiar satisfaction. It is true, indeed, this work, + which was written for the perusal of the world in general, was read only + to a few; however, I would willingly look upon their particular judgment + as an earnest of that of the public, and rejoice at their manly taste as + if it were universally spread. It was just the same in eloquence as it was + in music, the vitiated ears of the audience introduced a depraved style; + but now, I am inclined to hope, as a more refined judgment prevails in the + public, our compositions of both kinds will improve too; for those authors + whose sole object is to please will fashion their works according to the + popular taste. I trust, however, in subjects of this nature the florid + style is most proper; and am so far from thinking that the vivid colouring + I have used will be esteemed foreign and unnatural that I am most + apprehensive that censure will fall upon those parts where the diction is + most simple and unornate. Nevertheless, I sincerely wish the time may + come, and that it now were, when the smooth and luscious, which has + affected our style, shall give place, as it ought, to severe and chaste + composition. — Thus have I given you an account of my doings of + these last three days, that your absence might not entirely deprive you of + a pleasure which, from your friendship to me, and the part you take in + everything that concerns the interest of literature, I know you would have + received, had you been there to hear. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0037" id="link2H_4_0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXVI — To CALVISIUS RUFUS + </h2> + <p> + I MUST have recourse to you, as usual, in an affair which concerns my + finances. An estate adjoining my land, and indeed running into it, is for + sale. There are several considerations strongly inclining me to this + purchase, while there are others no less weighty deterring me from it. Its + first recommendation is, the beauty which will result from uniting this + farm to my own lands; next, the advantage as well as pleasure of being + able to visit it without additional trouble and expense; to have it + superintended by the same steward, and almost by the same sub-agents, and + to have one villa to support and embellish, the other just to keep in + common repair. I take into this account furniture, housekeepers, + fancy-gardeners, artificers, and even hunting-apparatus, as it makes a + very great difference whether you get these altogether into one place or + scatter them about in several. On the other hand, I don't know whether it + is prudent to expose so large a property to the same climate, and the same + risks of accident happening; to distribute one's possessions about seems a + safer way of meeting the caprice of fortune, besides, there is something + extremely pleasant in the change of air and place, and the going about + between one's properties. And now, to come to the chief consideration:—the + lands are rich, fertile, and well-watered, consisting chiefly of + meadow-ground, vineyard, and wood, while the supply of building timber and + its returns, though moderate, still, keep at the same rate. But the soil, + fertile as it is, has been much impoverished by not having been properly + looked after. The person last in possession used frequently to seize and + sell the stock, by which means, although he lessened his tenants' arrears + for the time being, yet he left them nothing to go on with and the arrears + ran up again in consequence. I shall be obliged, then, to provide them + with slaves, which I must buy, and at a higher than the usual price, as + these will be good ones; for I keep no fettered slaves<a + href="#linknote-57" name="linknoteref-57" id="linknoteref-57">[57]</a> + myself, and there are none upon the estate. For the rest, the price, you + must know, is three millions of sesterces.<a href="#linknote-58" + name="linknoteref-58" id="linknoteref-58">[58]</a> It has formerly gone + over five millions,<a href="#linknote-59" name="linknoteref-59" + id="linknoteref-59">[59]</a> but owing, partly to the general hardness of + the times, and partly to its being thus stripped of tenants, the income of + this estate is reduced, and consequently its value. You will be inclined + perhaps to enquire whether I can easily raise the purchase-money? My + estate, it is true, is almost entirely in land, though I have some money + out at interest; but I shall find no difficulty in borrowing any sum I may + want. I can get it from my wife's mother, whose purse I may use with the + same freedom as my own; so that you need not trouble yourself at all upon + that point, should you have no other objections, which I should like you + very carefully to consider: for, as in everything else, so, particularly + in matters of economy, no man has more judgment and experience than + yourself. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0038" id="link2H_4_0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXVII — To CORNELIUS PRISCUS + </h2> + <p> + I HAVE just heard of Valerius Martial's death, which gives me great + concern. He was a man of an acute and lively genius, and his writings + abound in equal wit, satire, and kindliness. On his leaving Rome I made + him a present to defray his travelling expenses, which I gave him, not + only as a testimony of friendship, but also in return for the verses with + which he had complimented me. It was the custom of the ancients to + distinguish those poets with honours or pecuniary rewards, who had + celebrated particular individuals or cities in their verses; but this good + custom, along with every other fair and noble one, has grown out of + fashion now; and in consequence of our having ceased to act laudably, we + consider praise a folly and impertinence. You may perhaps be curious to + see the verses which merited this acknowledgment from me, and I believe I + can, from memory, partly satisfy your curiosity, without referring you to + his works: but if you should be pleased with this specimen of them, you + must turn to his poems for the rest. He addresses himself to his muse, + whom he directs to go to my house upon the Esquiline,<a href="#linknote-60" + name="linknoteref-60" id="linknoteref-60">[60]</a> but to approach it with + respect. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Go, wanton muse, but go with care, + Nor meet, ill-tim'd, my Pliny's ear; + He, by sage Minerva taught, + Gives the day to studious thought, + And plans that eloquence divine, + Which shall to future ages shine, + And rival, wondrous Tully! thine. + Then, cautious, watch the vacant hour, + When Bacchus reigns in all his pow'r; + When, crowned with rosy chaplets gay, + Catos might read my frolic lay."<a href="#linknote-61" name="linknoteref-61" + id="linknoteref-61">[61]</a> +</pre> + <p> + Do you not think that the poet who wrote of me in such terms deserved some + friendly marks of my bounty then, and of my sorrow now? For he gave me the + very best he had to bestow, and would have given more had it been in his + power. Though indeed what can a man have conferred on him more valuable + than the honour of never-fading praise? But his poems will not long + survive their author, at least I think not, though he wrote them in the + expectation of their doing so. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0039" id="link2H_4_0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXVIII — To FABATUS (HIS WIFE'S GRANDFATHER) + </h2> + <p> + You have long desired a visit from your grand-daughter<a + href="#linknote-62" name="linknoteref-62" id="linknoteref-62">[62]</a> + accompanied by me. Nothing, be assured, could be more agreeable to either + of us; for we equally wish to see you, and are determined to delay that + pleasure no longer. For this purpose we are already packing up, and + hastening to you with all the speed the roads will permit of. We shall + make only one, short, stoppage, for we intend turning a little out of our + way to go into Tuscany: not for the sake of looking upon our estate, and + into our family concerns, which we can postpone to another opportunity, + but to perform an indispensable duty. There is a town near my estate, + called Tifernum-upon-the-Tiber,<a href="#linknote-63" name="linknoteref-63" + id="linknoteref-63">[63]</a> which, with more affection than wisdom, put + itself under my patronage when I was yet a youth. These people celebrate + my arrival among them, express the greatest concern when I leave them, and + have public rejoicings whenever they hear of my preferments. By way of + requiting their kindnesses (for what generous mind can bear to be excelled + in acts of friendship?) I have built a temple in this place, at my own + expense, and as it is finished, it would be a sort of impiety to put off + its dedication any longer. So we shall be there on the day on which that + ceremony is to be performed, and I have resolved to celebrate it with a + general feast. We may possibly stay on there for all the next day, but + shall make so much the greater haste in our journey afterwards. May we + have the happiness to find you and your daughter in good health! In good + spirits I am sure we shall, should we get to you all safely. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0040" id="link2H_4_0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXIX — To ATTIUS CLEMENS + </h2> + <p> + REGULUS has lost his son; the only undeserved misfortune which could have + befallen him, in that I doubt whether he thinks it a misfortune. The boy + had quick parts, but there was no telling how he might turn out; however, + he seemed capable enough of going right, were he not to grow up like his + father. Regulus gave him his freedom,<a href="#linknote-64" + name="linknoteref-64" id="linknoteref-64">[64]</a> in order to entitle him + to the estate left him by his mother; and when he got into possession of + it, (I speak of the current rumours, based upon the character of the man,) + fawned upon the lad with a disgusting shew of fond affection which in a + parent was utterly out of place. You may hardly think this credible; but + then consider what Regulus is. However, he now expresses his concern for + the loss of this youth in a most extravagant manner. The boy had a number + of ponies for riding and driving, dogs both big and little, together with + nightingales, parrots, and blackbirds in abundance. All these Regulus slew + round the funeral pile. It was not grief, but an ostentatious parade of + grief. He is visited upon this occasion by a surprising number of people, + who all hate and detest the man, and yet are as assiduous in their + attendance upon him as if they really esteemed and loved him, and, to give + you my opinion in a word, in endeavouring to do Regulus a kindness, make + themselves exactly like him. He keeps himself in his park on the other + side the Tiber, where he has covered a vast extent of ground with his + porticoes, and crowded all the shore with his statues; for he unites + prodigality with excessive covetousness, and vain-glory with the height of + infamy. At this very unhealthy time of year he is boring society, and he + feels pleasure and consolation in being a bore. He says he wishes to + marry,—a piece of perversity, like all his other conduct. You must + expect, therefore, to hear shortly of the marriage of this mourner, the + marriage of this old man; too early in the former case, in the latter, too + late. You ask me why I conjecture this? Certainly not because he says so + himself (for a greater liar never stepped), but because there is no doubt + that Regulus will do whatever ought not to be done. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0041" id="link2H_4_0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XL — To CATIUS LEPIDUS + </h2> + <p> + I OFTEN tell you that there is a certain force of character about Regulus: + it is wonderful how he carries through what he has set his mind to. He + chose lately to be extremely concerned for the loss of his son: + accordingly he mourned for him as never man mourned before. He took it + into his head to have an immense number of statues and pictures of him; + immediately all the artisans in Rome are set to work. Canvas, wax, brass, + silver, gold, ivory, marble, all exhibit the figure of the young Regulus. + Not long ago he read, before a numerous audience, a memoir of his son: a + memoir of a mere boy! However he read it. He wrote likewise a sort of + circular letter to the several Decurii desiring them to choose out one of + their order who had a strong clear voice, to read this eulogy to the + people; it has been actually done. Now had this force of character or + whatever else you may call a fixed determination in obtaining whatever one + has a mind for, been rightly applied, what infinite good it might have + effected! The misfortune is, there is less of this quality about good + people than about bad people, and as ignorance begets rashness, and + thoughtfulness produces deliberation, so modesty is apt to cripple the + action of virtue, whilst confidence strengthens vice. Regulus is a case in + point: he has a weak voice, an awkward delivery, an indistinct utterance, + a slow imagination, and no memory; in a word, he possesses nothing but a + sort of frantic energy: and yet, by the assistance of a flighty turn and + much impudence, he passes as an orator. Herennius Senecio admirably + reversed Cato's definition of an orator, and applied it to Regulus: "An + orator," he said, "is a bad man, unskilled in the art of speaking." And + really Cato's definition is not a more exact description of a true orator + than Seneclo's is of the character of this man. Would you make me a + suitable return for this letter? Let me know if you, or any of my friends + in your town, have, like a stroller in the marketplace, read this doleful + production of Regulus's, "raising," as Demosthenes says, "your voice most + merrily, and straining every muscle in your throat." For so absurd a + performance must excite laughter rather than compassion; and indeed the + composition is as puerile as the subject. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0042" id="link2H_4_0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XLI — To MATURUS ARRIANUS + </h2> + <p> + Mv advancement to the dignity of augur<a href="#linknote-65" + name="linknoteref-65" id="linknoteref-65">[65]</a> is an honour that + justly indeed merits your congratulations; not only because it is highly + honourable to receive, even in the slightest instances, a testimony of the + approbation of so wise and discreet a prince,<a href="#linknote-66" + name="linknoteref-66" id="linknoteref-66">[66]</a> but because it is + moreover an ancient and religious institution, which has this sacred and + peculiar privilege annexed to it, that it is for life. Other sacerdotal + offices, though they may, perhaps, be almost equal to this one in dignity, + yet as they are given so they may be taken away again: but fortune has no + further power over this than to bestow it. What recommends this dignity + still more highly is, that I have the honour to succeed so illustrious a + person as Julius Frontinus. He for many years, upon the nomination-day of + proper persons to be received into the sacred college, constantly proposed + me, as though he had a view to electing me as his successor; and since it + actually proved so in the event, I am willing to look upon it as something + more than mere accident. But the circumstance, it seems, that most pleases + you in this affair, is, that Cicero enjoyed the same post; and you rejoice + (you tell me) to find that I follow his steps as closely in the path of + honours as I endeavour to do in that of eloquence. I wish, indeed, that as + I had the advantage of being admitted earlier into the same order of + priesthood, and into the consular office, than Cicero, that so I might, in + my later years, catch some spark, at least, of his divine genius! The + former, indeed, being at man's disposal, may be conferred on me and on + many others, but the latter it is as presumptuous to hope for as it is + difficult to reach, being in the gift of heaven alone. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0043" id="link2H_4_0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XLII — To STATIUS SABINUS + </h2> + <p> + YOUR letter informs me that Sabina, who appointed you and me her heirs, + though she has nowhere expressly directed that Modestus shall have his + freedom, yet has left him a legacy in the following words, "I give, &c.—To + Modestus, whom I have ordered to have his freedom": upon which you desire + my opinion. I have consulted skilful lawyers upon the point, and they all + agree Modestus is not entitled to his liberty, since it is not expressly + given, and consequently that the legacy is void, as being bequeathed to a + slave.<a href="#linknote-67" name="linknoteref-67" id="linknoteref-67">[67]</a> + But it evidently appears to be a mistake in the testatrix; and therefore I + think we ought to act in this case as though Sabina had directed, in so + many words, what, it is clear, she had ordered. I am persuaded you will go + with me in this opinion, who so religiously regard the will of the + deceased, which indeed where it can be discovered will always be law to + honest heirs. Honour is to you and me as strong an obligation as the + compulsion of law is to others. Let Modestus then enjoy his freedom and + his legacy as fully as if Sabina had observed all the requisite forms, as + indeed they effectually do who make a judicious choice of their heirs. + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0044" id="link2H_4_0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XLIII — To CORNELIUS MINICIANUS + </h2> +<a href="#linknote-68" name="linknoteref-68" id="linknoteref-68">[68]</a> + <p> + Have you heard—I suppose, not yet, for the news has but just arrived + — that Valerius Licinianus has become a professor in Sicily? This + unfortunate person, who lately enjoyed the dignity of praetor, and was + esteemed the most eloquent of our advocates, is now fallen from a senator + to an exile, from an orator to a teacher of rhetoric. Accordingly in his + inaugural speech he uttered, sorrowfully and solemnly, the following + words: "Oh! Fortune, how capriciously dost thou sport with mankind! Thou + makest rhetoricians of senators, and senators of rhetoricians!" A sarcasm + so poignant and full of gall that one might almost imagine he fixed upon + this profession merely for the sake of an opportunity of applying it. And + having made his first appearance in school, clad in the Greek cloak (for + exiles have no right to wear the toga), after arranging himself and + looking down upon his attire, "I am, however," he said, "going to declaim + in Latin." You will think, perhaps, this situation, wretched and + deplorable as it is, is what he well deserves for having stained the + honourable profession of an orator with the crime of incest. It is true, + indeed, he pleaded guilty to the charge; but whether from a consciousness + of his guilt, or from an apprehension of worse consequences if he denied + it, is not clear; for Domitian generally raged most furiously where his + evidence failed him most hopelessly. That emperor had determined that + Cornelia, chief of the Vestal Virgins, should be buried alive, from an + extravagant notion that exemplary severities of this kind conferred lustre + upon his reign. Accordingly, by virtue of his office as supreme pontiff, + or, rather, in the exercise of a tyrant's cruelty, a despot's lawlessness, + he convened the sacred college, not in the pontifical court where they + usually assemble, but at his villa near Alba; and there, with a guilt no + less heinous than that which he professed to be punishing, he condemned + her, when she was not present to defend herself, on the charge of incest, + while he himself had been guilty, not only of debauching his own brother's + daughter, but was also accessory to her death: for that lady, being a + widow, in order to conceal her shame, endeavoured to procure an abortion, + and by that means lost her life. However, the priests were directed to see + the sentence immediately executed upon Cornelia. As they were leading her + to the place of execution, she called upon Vesta, and the rest of the + gods, to attest her innocence; and, amongst other exclamations, frequently + cried out, "Is it possible that Cæsar can think me polluted, under the + influence of whose sacred functions he has conquered and triumphed?"<a + href="#linknote-69" name="linknoteref-69" id="linknoteref-69">[69]</a> + Whether she said this in flattery or derision; whether it proceeded from a + consciousness of her innocence, or contempt of the emperor, is uncertain; + but she continued exclaiming in this manner, till she came to the place of + execution, to which she was led, whether innocent or guilty I cannot say, + at all events with every appearance and demonstration of innocence. As she + was being lowered down into the subterranean vault, her robe happening to + catch upon something in the descent, she turned round and disengaged it, + when, the executioner offering his assistance, she drew herself back with + horror, refusing to be so much as touched by him, as though it were a + defilement to her pure and unspotted chastity: still preserving the + appearance of sanctity up to the last moment; and, among all the other + instances of her modesty, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "She took great care to fall with decency."<a href="#linknote-70" + name="linknoteref-70" id="linknoteref-70">[70]</a> +</pre> + <p> + Celer likewise, a Roman knight, who was accused of an intrigue with her, + while they were scourging him with rods<a href="#linknote-71" + name="linknoteref-71" id="linknoteref-71">[71]</a> in the Forum, persisted + in exclaiming, "What have I done?—I have done nothing." These + declarations of innocence had exasperated Domitian exceedingly, as + imputing to him acts of cruelty and injustice, accordingly Licinianus + being seized by the emperor's orders for having concealed a freedwoman of + Cornelia's in one of his estates, was advised, by those who took him in + charge, to confess the fact, if he hoped to obtain a remission of his + punishment, circumstance to add further, that a young nobleman, having had + his tunic torn, an ordinary occurrence in a crowd, stood with his gown + thrown over him, to hear me, and that during the seven hours I was + speaking, whilst my success more than counterbalanced the fatigue of so + long a speech. So let us set to and not screen our own indolence under + pretence of that of the public. Never, be very sure of that, will there be + wanting hearers and readers, so long as we can only supply them with + speakers and writers worth their attention. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0045" id="link2H_4_0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XLV — To ASINIUS + </h2> + <p> + You advise me, nay you entreat me, to undertake, in her absence, the cause + of Corellia, against C. Caecilius, consul elect. For your advice I am + grateful, of your entreaty I really must complain; without the first, + indeed, I should have been ignorant of this affair, but the last was + unnecessary, as I need no solicitations to comply, where it would be + ungenerous in me to refuse; for can I hesitate a moment to take upon + myself the protection of a daughter of Corellius? It is true, indeed, + though there is no particular intimacy between her adversary and myself, + still we are upon good enough terms. It is also true that he is a person + of rank, and one who has a high claim upon my especial regard, as destined + to enter upon an office which I have had the honour to fill; and it is + natural for a man to be desirous those dignities should be held in the + highest esteem which he himself once possessed. Yet all these + considerations appear indifferent and trifling when I reflect that it is + the daughter of Corellius whom I am to defend. The memory of that + excellent person, than whom this age has not produced a man of greater + dignity, rectitude, and acuteness, is indelibly imprinted upon my mind. My + regard for him sprang from my admiration of the man, and contrary to what + is usually the case, my admiration increased upon a thorough knowledge of + him, and indeed I did know him thoroughly, for he kept nothing back from + me, whether gay or serious, sad or joyous. When he was but a youth, he + esteemed, and (I will even venture to say) revered, me as if I had been + his equal. When I solicited any post of honour, he supported me with his + interest, and recommended me with his testimony; when I entered upon it, + he was my introducer and my companion; when I exercised it, he was my + guide and my counsellor. In a word, whenever my interest was concerned, he + exerted himself, in spite of his weakness and declining years, with as + much alacrity as though he were still young and lusty. In private, in + public, and at court, how often has he advanced and supported my credit + and interest! It happened once that the conversation, in the presence of + the emperor Nerva, turned upon the promising young men of that time, and + several of the company present were pleased to mention me with applause; + he sat for a little while silent, which gave what he said the greater + weight; and then, with that air of dignity, to which you are no stranger, + "I must be reserved," said he, "in my praises of Pliny, because he does + nothing without advice." By which single sentence he bestowed upon me more + than my most extravagant wishes could aspire to, as he represented my + conduct to be always such as wisdom must approve, since it was wholly + under the direction of one of the wisest of men. Even in his last moments + he said to his daughter (as she often mentions), "I have in the course of + a long life raised up many friends to you, but there are none in whom you + may more assuredly confide than Pliny and Cornutus." A circumstance I + cannot reflect upon without being deeply sensible how incumbent it is upon + me to endeavour not to disappoint the confidence so excellent a judge of + human nature reposed in me. I shall therefore most readily give my + assistance to Corellia in this affair, and willingly risk any displeasure + I may incur by appearing in her behalf. Though I should imagine, if in the + course of my pleadings I should find an opportunity to explain and enforce + more fully and at large than the limits of a letter allow of the reasons I + have here mentioned, upon which I rest at once my apology and my glory; + her adversary (whose suit may perhaps, as you say, be entirely without + precedent, as it is against a woman) will not only excuse, but approve, my + conduct. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0046" id="link2H_4_0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XLVI — To HISPULLA + </h2> + <p> + As you are a model of all virtue, and loved your late excellent brother, + who had such a fondness for you, with an affection equal to his own; + regarding too his daughter<a href="#linknote-72" name="linknoteref-72" + id="linknoteref-72">[72]</a> as your child, not only shewing her an aunt's + tenderness but supplying the place of the parent she had lost; I know it + will give you the greatest pleasure and joy to hear that she proves worthy + of her father, her grandfather, and yourself. She possesses an excellent + understanding together with a consummate prudence, and gives the strongest + evidence of the purity of her heart by her fondness of her husband. Her + affection for me, moreover, has given her a taste for books, and my + productions, which she takes a pleasure in reading, and even in getting by + heart, are continually in her hands. How full of tender anxiety is she + when I am going to speak in any case, how rejoiced she feels when it is + got through. While I am pleading, she stations persons to inform her from + time to time how I am heard, what applauses I receive, and what success + attends the case. When I recite my works at any time, she conceals herself + behind some curtain, and drinks in my praises with greedy ears. She sings + my verses too, adapting them to her lyre, with no other master but love, + that best of instructors, for her guide. From these happy circumstances I + derive my surest hopes, that the harmony between us will increase with our + days, and be as lasting as our lives. For it is not my youth or person, + which time gradually impairs; it is my honour and glory that she cares + for. But what less could be expected from one who was trained by your + hands, and formed by your instructions; who was early familiarized under + your roof with all that is pure and virtuous, and who learnt to love me + first through your praises? And as you revered my mother with all the + respect due even to a parent, so you kindly directed and encouraged my + tender years, presaging from that early period all that my wife now fondly + imagines I really am. Accept therefore of our mutual thanks, mine, for + your giving me her, hers for your giving her me; for you have chosen us + out, as it were, for each other. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0047" id="link2H_4_0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XLVII — To ROMATIUS FIASIUS + </h2> + <p> + Look here! The next time the court sits, you must, at all events, take + your place there. In vain would your indolence repose itself under my + protection, for there is no absenting oneself with impunity. Look at that + severe, determined, praetor, Licinius Nepos, who fined even a senator for + the same neglect! The senator pleaded his cause in person, but in + suppliant tone. The fine, it is true, was remitted, but sore was his + dismay, humble his intercession, and he had to ask pardon. "All praetors + are not so severe as that," you will reply; you are mistaken — for + though indeed to be the author and reviver of an example of this kind may + be an act of severity, yet, once introduced, even lenity herself may + follow the precedent. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0048" id="link2H_4_0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XLVIII — To LICINIUS SURA + </h2> + <p> + I HAVE brought you as a little present out of the country a query which + well deserves the consideration of your extensive knowledge. There is a + spring which rises in a neighbouring mountain, and running among the rocks + is received into a little banqueting-room, artificially formed for that + purpose, from whence, after being detained a short time, it falls into the + Larian lake. The nature of this spring is extremely curious; it ebbs and + flows regularly three times a day. The increase and decrease is plainly + visible, and exceedingly interesting to observe. You sit down by the side + of the fountain, and while you are taking a repast and drinking its water, + which is extremely cool, you see it gradually rise and fall. If you place + a ring, or anything else at the bottom, when it is dry, the water creeps + gradually up, first gently washing, finally covering it entirely, and then + little by little subsides again. If you wait long enough, you may see it + thus alternately advance and recede three successive times. Shall we say + that some secret current of air stops and opens the fountain-head, first + rushing in and checking the flow and then, driven back by the + counter-resistance of the water, escaping again; as we see in bottles, and + other vessels of that nature, where, there not being a free and open + passage, though you turn their necks perpendicularly or obliquely + downwards, yet, the outward air obstructing the vent, they discharge their + contents as it were by starts? Or, may not this small collection of water + be successively contracted and enlarged upon the same principle as the ebb + and flow of the sea? Or, again, as those rivers which discharge themselves + into the sea, meeting with contrary winds and the swell of the ocean, are + forced back in their channels, so, in the same way, may there not be + something that checks this fountain, for a time, in its progress? Or is + there rather a certain reservoir that contains these waters in the bowels + of the earth, and while it is recruiting its discharges, the stream in + consequence flows more slowly and in less quantity, but, when it has + collected its due measure, runs on again in its usual strength and + fulness? Or lastly, is there I know not what kind of subterranean + counterpoise, that throws up the water when the fountain is dry, and keeps + it back when it is full? You, who are so well qualified for the enquiry, + will examine into the causes of this wonderful phenomenon; it will be + sufficient for me if I have given you an adequate description of it. + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0049" id="link2H_4_0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XLIX — To ANNIUS SEVERUS + </h2> + <p> + A SMALL legacy was lately left me, yet one more acceptable than a far + larger bequest would have been. How more acceptable than a far larger one? + In this way. Pomponia Gratilla, having disinherited her son Assidius + Curianus, appointed me of one of her heirs, and Sertorius Severus, of + pretorian rank, together with several eminent Roman knights, co-heirs + along with me. The son applied to me to give him my share of the + inheritance, in order to use my name as an example to the rest of the + joint-heirs, but offered at the same time to enter into a secret agreement + to return me my proportion. I told him, it was by no means agreeable to my + character to seem to act one way while in reality I was acting another, + besides it was not quite honourable making presents to a man of his + fortune, who had no children; in a word, this would not at all answer the + purpose at which he was aiming, whereas, if I were to withdraw my claim, + it might be of some service to him, and this I was ready and willing to + do, if he could clearly prove to me that he was unjustly disinherited. + </p> + <p> + "Do then," he said, "be my arbitrator in this case." After a short pause I + answered him, "I will, for I don't see why I should not have as good an + opinion of my own impartial disinterestedness as you seem to have. But, + mind, I am not to be prevailed upon to decide the point in question + against your mother, if it should appear she had just reason for what she + has done." "As you please," he replied, "which I am sure is always to act + according to justice." I called in, as my assistants, Corellius and + Frontinus, two of the very best lawyers Rome at that time afforded. With + these in attendance, I heard the case in my own chamber. Curianus said + everything which he thought would favour his pretensions, to whom (there + being nobody but myself to defend the character of the deceased) I made a + short reply; after which I retired with my friends to deliberate, and, + being agreed upon our verdict, I said to him, "Curianus, it is our opinion + that your conduct has justly drawn upon you your mother's displeasure." + Sometime afterwards, Curianus commenced a suit in the Court of the Hundred + against all the co-heirs except myself. The day appointed for the trial + approaching, the rest of the co-heirs were anxious to compromise the + affair and have done with it, not out of any diffidence of their cause, + but from a distrust of the times. They were apprehensive of what had + happened to many others, happening to them, and that from a civil suit it + might end in a criminal one, as there were some among them to whom the + friendship of Gratilla and Rusticus<a href="#linknote-73" + name="linknoteref-73" id="linknoteref-73">[73]</a> might be extremely + prejudicial: they therefore desired me to go and talk with Curianus. We + met in the temple of Concord; "Now supposing," I said, "your mother had + left you the fourth part of her estate, or even suppose she had made you + sole heir, but had exhausted so much of the estate in legacies that there + would not be more than a fourth part remaining to you, could you justly + complain? You ought to be content, therefore, if, being absolutely + disinherited as you are, the heirs are willing to relinquish to you a + fourth part, which however I will increase by contributing my proportion. + You know you did not commence any suit against me, and two years have now + elapsed, which gives me legal and indisputable possession. But to induce + you to agree to the proposals on the part of the other co-heirs, and that + you may be no sufferer by the peculiar respect you shew me, I offer to + advance my proportion with them." The silent approval of my own conscience + is not the only result out of this transaction; it has contributed also to + the honour of my character. For it is this same Cunianus who has left me + the legacy I have mentioned in the beginning of my letter, and I received + it as a very notable mark of his approbation of my conduct, if I do not + flatter myself. I have written and told you all this, because in all my + joys and sorrows I am wont to look upon you as myself, and I thought it + would be unkind not to communicate to so tender a friend whatever + occasions me a sensible gratification; for I am not philosopher enough to + be indifferent, when I think I have acted like an honour-able man, whether + my actions meet with that approval which is in some sort their due. + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0050" id="link2H_4_0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + L — To TITIUS ARISTO + </h2> + <p> + AMONG the many agreeable and obliging instances I have received of your + friendship, your not concealing from me the long conversations which + lately took place at your house concerning my verses, and the various + judgments passed upon them (which served to prolong the talk,) is by no + means the least. There were some, it seems, who did not disapprove of my + poems in themselves, but at the same time censured me in a free and + friendly way, for employing myself in composing and reciting them. I am so + far, however, from desiring to extenuate the charge that I willingly + acknowledge myself still more deserving of it, and confess that I + sometimes amuse myself with writing verses of the gayer sort. I compose + comedies, divert myself with pantomimes, read the lyric poets, and enter + into the spirit of the most wanton muse, besides that, I indulge myself + sometimes in laughter, mirth, and frolic, and, to sum up every kind of + innocent relaxation in one word, I am a man. I am not in the least + offended, though, at their low opinion of my morals, and that those who + are ignorant of the fact that the most learned, the wisest, and the best + of men have employed themselves in the same way, should be surprised at + the tone of my writings: but from those who know what noble and numerous + examples I follow, I shall, I am confident, easily obtain permission to + err with those whom it is an honour to imitate, not only in their most + serious occupations but their lightest triflings. Is it unbecoming me (I + will not name any living example, lest I should seem to flatter), but is + it unbecoming me to practise what became Tully, Calvus, Pollio, Messala, + Hortensius, Brutus, Sulla, Catulus, Scaevola, Sulpitius, Varro, the + Torquati, Memmius, Gaetulicus, Seneca, Lucceius, and, within our own + memory, Verginius Rufus? But if the examples of private men are not + sufficient to justify me, I can cite Julius Casar, Augustus, Nerva, and + Tiberius Casar. I forbear to add Nero to the catalogue, though I am aware + that what is practised by the worst of men does not therefore degenerate + into wrong: on the contrary, it still maintains its credit, if frequently + countenanced by the best. In that number, Virgil, Cornelius Nepos, and + prior to these, Ennius and Attius, justly deserve the most distinguished + place. These last indeed were not senators, but goodness knows no + distinction of rank or title. I recite my works, it is true, and in this + instance I am not sure I can support myself by their examples. They, + perhaps, might be satisfied with their own judgment, but I have too humble + an opinion of mine to suppose my compositions perfect, because they appear + so to my own mind. My reason then for reciting are, that, for one thing, + there is a certain deference for one's audience, which excites a somewhat + more vigorous application, and then again, I have by this means an + opportunity of settling any doubts I may have concerning my performance, + by observing the general opinion of the audience. In a word, I have the + advantage of receiving different hints from different persons: and + although they should not declare their meaning in express terms, yet the + expression of the countenance, the movement of the head, the eyes, the + motion of a hand, a whisper, or even silence itself will easily + distinguish their real opinion from the language of politeness. And so if + any one of my audience should have the curiosity to read over the same + performance which he heard me read, he may find several things altered or + omitted, and perhaps too upon his particular judgment, though he did not + say a single word to me. But I am not defending my conduct in this + particular, as if I had actually recited my works in public, and not in my + own house before my friends, a numerous appearance of whom has upon many + occasions been held an honour, but never, surely, a reproach. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0051" id="link2H_4_0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LI — To NONIUS MAXIMUS + </h2> + <p> + I AM deeply afflicted with the news I have received of the death of + Fannius; in the first place, because I loved one so eloquent and refined, + in the next, because I was accustomed to be guided by his judgment—and + indeed he possessed great natural acuteness, improved by practice, + rendering him able to see a thing in an instant. There are some + circumstances about his death, which aggravate my concern. He left behind + him a will which had been made a considerable time before his decease, by + which it happens that his estate is fallen into the hands of those who had + incurred his displeasure, whilst his greatest favourites are excluded. But + what I particularly regret is, that he has left unfinished a very noble + work in which he was employed. Notwithstanding his full practice at the + bar, he had begun a history of those persons who were put to death or + banished by Nero, and completed three books of it. They are written with + great elegance and precision, the style is pure, and preserves a proper + medium between the plain narrative and the historical: and as they were + very favourably received by the public, he was the more desirous of being + able to finish the rest. The hand of death is ever, in my opinion, too + untimely and sudden when it falls upon such as are employed in some + immortal work. The sons of sensuality, who have no outlook beyond the + present hour, put an end every day to all motives for living, but those + who look forward to posterity, and endeavour to transmit their names with + honour to future generations by their works—to such, death is always + immature, as it still snatches them from amidst some unfinished design. + Fannius, long before his death, had a presentiment of what has happened: + he dreamed one night that as he was lying on his couch, in an undress, all + ready for his work, and with his desk,<a href="#linknote-74" + name="linknoteref-74" id="linknoteref-74">[74]</a> as usual, in front of + him, Nero entered, and placing himself by his side, took up the three + first books of this history, which he read through and then departed. This + dream greatly alarmed him, and he regarded it as an intimation, that he + should not carry on his history any farther than Nero had read, and so the + event has proved. I cannot reflect upon this accident without lamenting + that he was prevented from accomplishing a work which had cost him so many + toilsome vigils, as it suggests to me, at the same time, reflections on my + own mortality, and the fate of my writings: and I am persuaded the same + apprehensions alarm you for those in which you are at present employed. + Let us then, my friend, while life permits, exert all our endeavours, that + death, whenever it arrives, may find as little as possible to destroy. + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0052" id="link2H_4_0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LII — To DOMITIUS APOLLINARIS + </h2> + <p> + THE kind concern you expressed on hearing of my design to pass the summer + at my villa in Tuscany, and your obliging endeavours to dissuade me from + going to a place which you think unhealthy, are extremely pleasing to me. + It is quite true indeed that the air of that part of Tuscany which lies + towards the coast is thick and unwholesome: but my house stands at a good + distance from the sea, under one of the Apennines which are singularly + healthy. But, to relieve you from all anxiety on my account, I will give + you a description of the temperature of the climate, the situation of the + country, and the beauty of my villa, which, I am persuaded, you will hear + with as much pleasure as I shall take in giving it. The air in winter is + sharp and frosty, so that myrtles, olives, and trees of that kind which + delight in constant warmth, will not flourish here: but the laurel + thrives, and is remarkably beautiful, though now and then the cold kills + it—though not oftener than it does in the neighbourhood of Rome. The + summers are extraordinarily mild, and there is always a refreshing breeze, + seldom high winds. This accounts for the number of old men we have about, + you would see grandfathers and great-grandfathers of those now grown up to + be young men, hear old stories and the dialect of our ancestors, and fancy + yourself born in some former age were you to come here. The character of + the country is exceedingly beautiful. Picture to yourself an immense + amphitheatre, such as nature only could create. Before you lies a broad, + extended plain bounded by a range of mountains, whose summits are covered + with tall and ancient woods, which are stocked with all kinds of game. + </p> + <p> + The descending slopes of the mountains are planted with underwood, among + which are a number of little risings with a rich soil, on which hardly a + stone is to be found. In fruitfulness they are quite equal to a valley, + and though their harvest is rather later, their crops are just as good. At + the foot of these, on the mountain-side, the eye, wherever it turns, runs + along one unbroken stretch of vineyards terminated by a belt of shrubs. + Next you have meadows and the open plain. The arable land is so stiff that + it is necessary to go over it nine times with the biggest oxen and the + strongest ploughs. The meadows are bright with flowers, and produce + trefoil and other kinds of herbage as fine and tender as if it were but + just sprung up, for all the soil is refreshed by never failing streams. + But though there is plenty of water, there are no marshes; for the ground + being on a slope, whatever water it receives without absorbing runs off + into the Tiber. This river, which winds through the middle of the meadows, + is navigable only in the winter and spring, at which seasons it transports + the produce of the lands to Rome: but in summer it sinks below its banks, + leaving the name of a great river to an almost empty channel: towards the + autumn, however, it begins again to renew its claim to that title. You + would be charmed by taking a view of this country from the top of one of + our neighbouring mountains, and would fancy that not a real, but some + imaginary landscape, painted by the most exquisite pencil, lay before you, + such an harmonious variety of beautiful objects meets the eye, whichever + way it turns. My house, although at the foot of a hill, commands as good a + view as if it stood on its brow, yet you approach by so gentle and gradual + a rise that you find yourself on high ground without perceiving you have + been making an ascent. Behind, but at a great distance, is the Apennine + range. In the calmest days we get cool breezes from that quarter, not + sharp and cutting at all, being spent and broken by the long distance they + have travelled. The greater part of the house has a southern aspect, and + seems to invite the afternoon sun in summer (but rather earlier in the + winter) into a broad and proportionately long portico, consisting of + several rooms, particularly a court of antique fashion. In front of the + portico is a sort of terrace, edged with box and shrubs cut into different + shapes. You descend, from the terrace, by an easy slope adorned with the + figures of animals in box, facing each other, to a lawn overspread with + the soft, I had almost said the liquid, Acanthus: this is surrounded by a + walk enclosed with evergreens, shaped into a variety of forms. Beyond it + is the gestation laid out in the form of a circus running round the + multiform box-hedge and the dwarf-trees, which are cut quite close. The + whole is fenced in with a wall completely covered by box cut into steps + all the way up to the top. On the outside of the wall lies a meadow that + owes as many beauties to nature as all I have been describing within does + to art; at the end of which are open plain and numerous other meadows and + copses. From the extremity of the portico a large dining-room runs out, + opening upon one end of the terrace, while from the windows there is a + very extensive view over the meadows up into the country, and from these + you also see the terrace and the projecting wing of the house together + with the woods enclosing the adjacent hippodrome. Almost opposite the + centre of the portico, and rather to the back, stands a summer-house, + enclosing a small area shaded by four plane-trees, in the midst of which + rises a marble fountain which gently plays upon the roots of the + plane-trees and upon the grass-plots underneath them. This summer-house + has a bed-room in it free from every sort of noise, and which the light + itself cannot penetrate, together with a common dining-room I use when I + have none but intimate friends with me. A second portico looks upon this + little area, and has the same view as the other I have just been + describing. There is, besides, another room, which, being situate close to + the nearest plane-tree, enjoys a constant shade and green. Its sides are + encrusted with carved marble up to the ceiling, while above the marble a + foliage is painted with birds among the branches, which has an effect + altogether as agreeable as that of the carving, at the foot of which a + little fountain, playing through several small pipes into a vase it + encloses, produces a most pleasing murmur. From a corner of the portico + you enter a very large bed-chamber opposite the large dining-room, which + from some of its windows has a view of the terrace, and from others, of + the meadow, as those in the front look upon a cascade, which entertains at + once both the eye and the ear; for the water, dashing from a great height, + foams over the marble basin which receives it below. This room is + extremely warm in winter, lying much exposed to the sun, and on a cloudy + day the heat of an adjoining stove very well supplies his absence. Leaving + this room, you pass through a good-sized, pleasant, undressing-room into + the cold-bath-room, in which is a large gloomy bath: but if you are + inclined to swim more at large, or in warmer water, in the middle of the + area stands a wide basin for that purpose, and near it a reservoir from + which you may be supplied with cold water to brace yourself again, if you + should find you are too much relaxed by the warm. Adjoining the cold bath + is one of a medium degree of heat, which enjoys the kindly warmth of the + sun, but not so intensely as the hot bath, which projects farther. This + last consists of three several compartments, each of different degrees of + heat; the two former lie open to the full sun, the latter, though not much + exposed to its heat, receives an equal share of its light. Over the + undressing-room is built the tennis-court, which admits of different kinds + of games and different sets of players. Not far from the baths is the + staircase leading to the enclosed portico, three rooms intervening. One of + these looks out upon the little area with the four plane-trees round it, + the other upon the meadows, and from the third you have a view of several + vineyards, so that each has a different one, and looks towards a different + point of the heavens. At the upper end of the enclosed portico, and indeed + taken off from it, is a room that looks out upon the hippodrome, the + vineyards, and the mountains; adjoining is a room which has a full + exposure to the sun, especially in winter, and out of which runs another + connecting the hippodrome with the house. This forms the front. On the + side rises an enclosed portico, which not only looks out upon the + vineyards, but seems almost to touch them. From the middle of this portico + you enter a dining-room cooled by the wholesome breezes from the Apennine + valleys: from the windows behind, which are extremely large, there is a + close view of the vineyards, and from the folding doors through the summer + portico. Along that side of the dining-room where there are no windows + runs a private staircase for greater convenience in serving up when I give + an entertainment; at the farther end is a sleeping-room with a look-out + upon the vineyards, and (what is equally agreeable) the portico. + Underneath this room is an enclosed portico resembling a grotto, which, + enjoying in the midst of summer heats its own natural coolness, neither + admits nor wants external air. After you have passed both these porticoes, + at the end of the dining-room stands a third, which according as the day + is more or less advanced, serves either for Winter or summer use. It leads + to two different apartments, one containing four chambers, the other, + three, which enjoy by turns both sun and shade. This arrangement of the + different parts of my house is exceedingly pleasant, though it is not to + be compared with the beauty of the hippodrome,' lying entirely open in the + middle of the grounds, so that the eye, upon your first entrance, takes it + in entire in one view. It is set round with plane-trees covered with ivy, + so that, while their tops flourish with their own green, towards the roots + their verdure is borrowed from the ivy that twines round the trunk and + branches, spreads from tree to tree, and connects them together. Between + each plane-tree are planted box-trees, and behind these stands a grove of + laurels which blend their shade with that of the planes. This straight + boundary to the hippodrome<a href="#linknote-75" name="linknoteref-75" + id="linknoteref-75">[75]</a> alters its shape at the farther end, bending + into a semicircle, which is planted round, shut in with cypresses, and + casts a deeper and gloomier shade, while the inner circular walks (for + there are several), enjoying an open exposure, are filled with plenty of + roses, and correct, by a very pleasant contrast, the coolness of the shade + with the warmth of the sun. Having passed through these several winding + alleys, you enter a straight walk, which breaks out into a variety of + others, partitioned off by box-row hedges. In one place you have a little + meadow, in another the box is cut in a thousand different forms, sometimes + into letters, expressing the master's name, sometimes the artificer's, + whilst here and there rise little obelisks with fruit-trees alternately + intermixed, and then on a sudden, in the midst of this elegant regularity, + you are surprised with an imitation of the negligent beauties of rural + nature. In the centre of this lies a spot adorned with a knot of dwarf + plane-trees. Beyond these stands an acacia, smooth and bending in places, + then again various other shapes and names. At the upper end is an alcove + of white marble, shaded with vines and supported by four small Carystian + columns. From this semicircular couch, the water, gushing up through + several little pipes, as though pressed out by the weight of the persons + who recline themselves upon it, falls into a stone cistern underneath, + from whence it is received into a fine polished marble basin, so skilfully + contrived that it is always full without ever overflowing. When I sup + here, this basin serves as a table, the larger sort of dishes being placed + round the margin, while the smaller ones swim about in the form of vessels + and water-fowl. Opposite this is a fountain which is incessantly emptying + and filling, for the water which it throws up to a great height, falling + back again into it, is by means of consecutive apertures returned as fast + as it is received. Facing the alcove (and reflecting upon it as great an + ornament as it borrows from it) stands a summer-house of exquisite marble, + the doors of which project and open into a green enclosure, while from its + upper and lower windows the eye falls upon a variety of different greens. + Next to this is a little private closet (which, though it seems distinct, + may form part of the same room), furnished with a couch, and + notwithstanding it has windows on every side, yet it enjoys a very + agreeable gloom, by means of a spreading vine which climbs to the top, and + entirely overshadows it. Here you may lie and fancy yourself in a wood, + with this only difference, that you are not exposed to the weather as you + would be there. Here too a fountain rises and instantly disappears—several + marble seats are set in different places, which are as pleasant as the + summer-house itself after one is tired out with walking. Near each is a + little fountain, and throughout the whole hippodrome several small rills + run murmuring along through pipes, wherever the hand of art has thought + proper to conduct them, watering here and there different plots of green, + and sometimes all parts at once. I should have ended before now, for fear + of being too chatty, had I not proposed in this letter to lead you into + every corner of my house and gardens. Nor did I apprehend your thinking it + a trouble to read the description of a place which I feel sure would + please you were you to see it; especially as you can stop just when you + please, and by throwing aside my letter, sit down as it were, and give + yourself a rest as often as you think proper. Besides, I gave my little + passion indulgence, for I have a passion for what I have built, or + finished, myself. In a word, (for why should I conceal from my friend + either my deliberate opinion or my prejudice?) I look upon it as the first + duty of every writer to frequently glance over his title-page and consider + well the subject he has proposed to himself; and he may be sure, if he + dwells on his subject, he cannot justly be thought tedious, whereas if, on + the contrary, he introduces and drags in anything irrelevant, he will be + thought exceedingly so. Homer, you know, has employed many verses in the + description of the arms of Achilles, as Virgil has also in those of + Aeneas, yet neither 'of them is prolix, because they each keep within the + limits of their original design. Aratus, you observe, is not considered + too circumstantial, though he traces and enumerates the minutest stars, + for he does not go out of his way for that purpose, but only follows where + his subject leads him. In the same way (to compare small things with + great), so long as, in endeavouring to give you an idea of my house, I + have not introduced anything irrelevant or superfluous, it is not my + letter which describes, but my villa which is described, that is to be + considered large. But to return to where I began, lest I should justly be + condemned by my own law, if I continue longer in this digression, you see + now the reasons why I prefer my Tuscan villa to those which I possess at + Tusculum, Tiber, and Praeneste.<a href="#linknote-76" name="linknoteref-76" + id="linknoteref-76">[76]</a> Besides the advantages already mentioned, I + enjoy here a cozier, more profound and undisturbed retirement than + anywhere else, as I am at a greater distance from the business of the town + and the interruption of troublesome clients. All is calm and composed; + which circumstances contribute no less than its clear air and unclouded + sky to that health of body and mind I particularly enjoy in this place, + both of which I keep in full swing by study and hunting. And indeed there + is no place which agrees better with my family, at least I am sure I have + not yet lost one (may the expression be allowed!<a href="#linknote-77" + name="linknoteref-77" id="linknoteref-77">[77]</a>) of all those I brought + here with me. And may the gods continue that happiness to me, and that + honour to my villa. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0053" id="link2H_4_0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LIII — To CALVISIUS + </h2> + <p> + IT is certain the law does not allow a corporate city to inherit any + estate by will, or to receive a legacy. Saturninus, however, who has + appointed me his heir, had left a fourth part of his estate to our + corporation of Comum; afterwards, instead of a fourth part, he bequeathed + four hundred thousand sesterces.<a href="#linknote-78" + name="linknoteref-78" id="linknoteref-78">[78]</a> This bequest, in the + eye of the law, is null and void, but, considered as the clear and express + will of the deceased, ought to stand firm and valid. Myself, I consider + the will of the dead (though I am afraid what I say will not please the + lawyers) of higher authority than the law, especially when the interest of + one's native country is concerned. Ought I, who made them a present of + eleven hundred thousand sesterces<a href="#linknote-79" + name="linknoteref-79" id="linknoteref-79">[79]</a> out of my own + patrimony, to withhold a benefaction of little more than a third part of + that sum out of an estate which has come quite by a chance into my hands? + You, who like a true patriot have the same affection for this our common + country, will agree with me in opinion, I feel sure. I wish therefore you + would, at the next meeting of the Decurii, acquaint them, just briefly and + respectfully, as to how the law stands in this case, and then add that I + offer them four hundred thousand sesterces according to the direction in + Saturninus' will. You will represent this donation as his present and his + liberality; I only claim the merit of complying with his request. I did + not trouble to write to their senate about this, fully relying as I do + upon our intimate friendship and your wise discretion, and being quite + satisfied that you are both able and willing to act for me upon this + occasion as I would for myself; besides, I was afraid I should not seem to + have so cautiously guarded my expressions in a letter as you will be able + to do in a speech. The countenance, the gesture, and even the tone of + voice govern and determine the sense of the speaker, whereas a letter, + being without these advantages, is more liable to malignant + misinterpretation. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0054" id="link2H_4_0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LIV — To MARCELLINUS + </h2> + <p> + I WRITE this to you in the deepest sorrow: the youngest daughter of my + friend Fundanus is dead! I have never seen a more cheerful and more + lovable girl, or one who better deserved to have enjoyed a long, I had + almost said an immortal, life! She was scarcely fourteen, and yet there + was in her a wisdom far beyond her years, a matronly gravity united with + girlish sweetness and virgin bashfulness. With what an endearing fondness + did she hang on her father's neck! How affectionately and modestly she + used to greet us his friends! With what a tender and deferential regard + she used to treat her nurses, tutors, teachers, each in their respective + offices! What an eager, industrious, intelligent, reader she was! She took + few amusements, and those with caution. How self-controlled, how patient, + how brave, she was, under her last illness! She complied with all the + directions of her physicians; she spoke cheerful, comforting words to her + sister and her father; and when all her bodily strength was exhausted, the + vigour of her mind sustained her. That indeed continued even to her last + moments, unbroken by the pain of a long illness, or the terrors of + approaching death; and it is a reflection which makes us miss her, and + grieve that she has gone from us, the more. 0 melancholy, untimely, loss, + too truly! She was engaged to an excellent young man; the wedding-day was + fixed, and we were all invited. How our joy has been turned into sorrow! I + cannot express in words the inward pain I felt when I heard Fundanus + himself (as grief is ever finding out fresh circumstances to aggravate its + affliction) ordering the money he had intended laying out upon clothes, + pearls, and jewels for her marriage, to be employed in frankincense, + ointments, and perfumes for her funeral. He is a man of great learning and + good sense, who has applied himself from his earliest youth to the deeper + studies and the fine arts, but all the maxims of fortitude which he has + received from books, or advanced himself, he now absolutely rejects, and + every other virtue of his heart gives place to all a parent's tenderness. + You will excuse, you will even approve, his grief, when you consider what + he has lost. He has lost a daughter who resembled him in his manners, as + well as his person, and exactly copied out all her father. So, if you + should think proper to write to him upon the subject of so reasonable a + grief, let me remind you not to use the rougher arguments of consolation, + and such as seem to carry a sort of reproof with them, but those of kind + and sympathizing humanity. Time will render him more open to the dictates + of reason: for as a fresh wound shrinks back from the hand of the surgeon, + but by degrees submits to, and even seeks of its own accord the means of + its cure, so a mind under the first impression of a misfortune shuns and + rejects all consolations, but at length desires and is lulled by their + gentle application. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0055" id="link2H_4_0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LV — To SPURINNA + </h2> + <p> + KNOWING, as I do, how much you admire the polite arts, and what + satisfaction you take in seeing young men of quality pursue the steps of + their ancestors, I seize this earliest opportunity of informing you that I + went to-day to hear Calpurnius Piso read a beautiful and scholarly + production of his, entitled the Sports of Love. His numbers, which were + elegiac, were tender, sweet, and flowing, at the same time that they + occasionally rose to all the sublimity of diction which the nature of his + subject required. He varied his style from the lofty to the simple, from + the close to the copious, from the grave to the florid, with equal genius + and judgment. These beauties were further recommended by a most harmonious + voice; which a very becoming modesty rendered still more pleasing. A + confusion and concern in the countenance of a speaker imparts a grace to + all he utters; for diffidence, I know not how, is infinitely more engaging + than assurance and self-sufficiency. I might mention several other + circumstances to his advantage, which I am the more inclined to point out, + as they are exceedingly striking in one of his age, and are most uncommon + in a youth of his quality: but not to enter into a farther detail of his + merit, I will only add that, when he had finished his poem, I embraced him + very heartily, and being persuaded that nothing is a greater encouragement + than applause, I exhorted him to go on as he had begun, and to shine out + to posterity with the same glorious lustre, which was reflected upon him + from his ancestors. I congratulated his excellent mother, and particularly + his brother, who gained as much honour by the generous affection he + manifested upon this occasion as Calpurnius did by his eloquence; so + remarkable a solicitude he showed for him when he began to recite his + poem, and so much pleasure in his success. May the gods grant me frequent + occasions of giving you accounts of this nature! for I have a partiality + to the age in which I live, and should rejoice to find it not barren of + merit. I ardently wish, therefore, our young men of quality would have + something else to show of honourable memorial in their houses than the + images<a href="#linknote-80" name="linknoteref-80" id="linknoteref-80">[80]</a> + of their ancestors. As for those which are placed in the mansion of these + excellent youths, I now figure them to myself as silently applauding and + encouraging their pursuits, and (what is a sufficient degree of honour to + both brothers) as recognizing their kindred. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0056" id="link2H_4_0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LVI — To PAULINUS + </h2> + <p> + As I know the humanity with which you treat your own servants, I have less + reserve in confessing to you the indulgence I shew to mine. I have ever in + my mind that line of Homer's — + </p> + <p> + "Who swayed his people with a father's love": + </p> + <p> + and this expression of ours, "father of a family." But were I harsher and + harder than I really am by nature, the ill state of health of my freedman + Zosimus (who has the stronger claim upon my tenderness, in that he now + stands in more especial need of it) would be sufficient to soften me. He + is a good, honest fellow, attentive in his services, and well-read; but + his chief talent, and indeed his distinguishing qualification, is that of + a comedian, in which he highly excels. His pronunciation is distinct, + correct in emphasis, pure, and graceful: he has a very skilled touch, too, + upon the lyre, and performs with better execution than is necessary for + one of his profession. To this I must add, he reads history, oratory, and + poetry, as well as if these had been the sole objects of his study. I am + the more particular in enumerating his qualifications, to let you see how + many agreeable services I receive from this one servant alone. He is + indeed endeared to me by the ties of a long affection, which are + strengthened by the danger he is now in. For nature has so formed our + hearts that nothing contributes more to incite and kindle affection than + the fear of losing the object of it: a fear which I have suffered more + than once on his account. Some years ago he strained himself so much by + too strong an exertion of his voice, that he spit blood, upon which + account I sent him into Egypt;<a href="#linknote-81" name="linknoteref-81" + id="linknoteref-81">[81]</a> from whence, after a long absence, belately + returned with great benefit to his health. But having again exerted + himself for several days together beyond his strength, he was reminded of + his former malady by a slight return of his cough, and a spitting of + blood. For this reason I intend to send him to your farm at Forum-Julii,<a + href="#linknote-82" name="linknoteref-82" id="linknoteref-82">[82]</a> + having frequently heard you mention it as a healthy air, and recommend the + milk of that place as very salutary in disorders of his nature. I beg you + would give directions to your people to receive him into your house, and + to supply him with whatever he may have occasion for: which will not be + much, for he is so sparing and abstemious as not only to abstain from + delicacies, but even to deny himself the necessaries his ill state of + health requires. I shall furnish him towards his journey with what will be + sufficient for one of his moderate requirements, who is coming under your + roof. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0057" id="link2H_4_0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LVII — To RUFUS + </h2> + <p> + I WENT into the Julian<a href="#linknote-83" name="linknoteref-83" + id="linknoteref-83">[83]</a> court to hear those lawyers to whom, + according to the last adjournment, I was to reply. The judges had taken + their seats, the decemviri<a href="#linknote-84" name="linknoteref-84" + id="linknoteref-84">[84]</a> were arrived, the eyes of the audience were + fixed upon the counsel, and all was hushed silence and expectation, when a + messenger arrived from the praetor, and the Hundred are at once dismissed, + and the case postponed: an accident extremely agreeable to me, who am + never so well prepared but that I am glad of gaining further time. The + occasion of the court's rising thus abruptly was a short edict of Nepos, + the praetor for criminal causes, in which he directed all persons + concerned as plaintiffs or defendants in any cause before him to take + notice that he designed strictly to put in force the decree of the senate + annexed to his edict. Which decree was expressed in the following words: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ALL PERSONS WHOSOEVER THAT HAVE ANY LAW-SUITS DEPENDING ARE + HEREBY REQUIRED AND COMMANDED, BEFORE ANY PROCEEDINGS BE HAD + THEREON, TO TAKE AN OATH THAT THEY HAVE NOT GIVEN, PROMISED, + OR ENGAGED TO GIVE, ANY FEE OR REWARD TO ANY ADVOCATE, UPON + ACCOUNT OF HIS UNDERTAKING THEIR CAUSE. +</pre> + <p> + In these terms, and many others equally full and express, the lawyers were + prohibited to make their professions venal. However, after the case is + decided, they are permitted to accept a gratuity of ten thousand + sesterces.<a href="#linknote-85" name="linknoteref-85" id="linknoteref-85">[85]</a> + The praetor for civil causes, being alarmed at this order of Nepos, gave + us this unexpected holiday in order to take time to consider whether he + should follow the example. Meanwhile the whole town is talking, and either + approving or condemning this edict of Nepos. We have got then at last (say + the latter with a sneer) a redressor of abuses. But pray was there never a + praetor before this man? Who is he then who sets up in this way for a + public reformer? Others, on the contrary, say, "He has done perfectly + right upon his entry into office; he has paid obedience to the laws; + considered the decrees of the senate, repressed most indecent contracts, + and will not suffer the most honourable of all professions to be debased + into a sordid lucre traffic." This is what one hears all around one; but + which side may prevail, the event will shew. It is the usual method of the + world (though a very unequitable rule of estimation) to pronounce an + action either right or wrong, according as it is attended with good or ill + success; in consequence of which you may hear the very same conduct + attributed to zeal or folly, to liberty or licentiousness, upon different + several occasions. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0058" id="link2H_4_0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LVIII — To ARRIANUS + </h2> + <p> + SOMETIMES I miss Regulus in our courts. I cannot say I deplore his loss. + The man, it must be owned, highly respected his profession, grew pale with + study and anxiety over it, and used to write out his speeches though he + could not get them by heart. There was a practice he had of painting round + his right or left eye,<a href="#linknote-86" name="linknoteref-86" + id="linknoteref-86">[86]</a> and wearing a white patch<a + href="#linknote-87" name="linknoteref-87" id="linknoteref-87">[87]</a> + over one side or the other of his forehead, according as he was to plead + either for the plaintiff or defendant; of consulting the soothsayers upon + the issue of an action; still, all this excessive superstition was really + due to his extreme earnestness in his profession. And it was acceptable + enough being concerned in the same cause with him, as he always obtained + full indulgence in point of time, and never failed to get an audience + together; for what could be more convenient than, under the protection of + a liberty which you did not ask yourself, and all the odium of the + arrangement resting with another, and before an audience which you had not + the trouble of collecting, to speak on at your ease, and as long as you + thought proper? Nevertheless Regulus did well in departing this life, + though he would have done much better had he made his exit sooner. He + might really have lived now without any danger to the public, in the reign + of a prince under whom he would have had no opportunity of doing any harm. + I need not scruple therefore, I think, to say I sometimes miss him: for + since his death the custom has prevailed of not allowing, nor indeed of + asking more than an hour or two to plead in, and sometimes not above half + that time. The truth is, our advocates take more pleasure in finishing a + cause than in defending it; and our judges had rather rise from the bench + than sit upon it: such is their indolence, and such their indifference to + the honour of eloquence and the interest of justice! But are we wiser than + our ancestors? are we more equitable than the laws which grant so many + hours and days of adjournments to a case? were our forefathers slow of + apprehension, and dull beyond measure? and are we clearer of speech, + quicker in our conceptions, or more scrupulous in our decisions, because + we get over our causes in fewer hours than they took days? O Regulus! it + was by zeal in your profession that you secured an advantage which is but + rarely given to the highest integrity. As for myself, whenever I sit upon + the bench (which is much oftener than I appear at the bar), I always give + the advocates as much time as they require: for I look upon it as highly + presuming to pretend to guess, before a case is heard, what time it will + require, and to set limits to an affair before one is acquainted with its + extent; especially as the first and most sacred duty of a judge is + patience, which constitutes an important part of justice. But this, it is + objected, would give an opening to much superfluous matter: I grant it + may; yet is it not better to hear too much than not to hear enough? + Besides, how shall you know that what an advocate has farther to offer + will be superfluous, until you have heard him? But this, and many other + public abuses, will be best reserved for a conversation when we meet; for + I know your affection to the commonwealth inclines you to wish that some + means might be found out to check at least those grievances, which would + now be very difficult absolutely to remove. But to return to affairs of + private concern: I hope all goes well in your family; mine remains in its + usual situation. The good which I enjoy grows more acceptable to me by its + continuance; as habit renders me less sensible of the evils I suffer. + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0059" id="link2H_4_0059"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LIX — To CALPURNIA<a href="#linknote-88" name="linknoteref-88" + id="linknoteref-88">[88]</a> + </h2> + <p> + NEVER was business more disagreeable to me than when it prevented me not + only from accompanying you when you went into Campania for your health, + but from following you there soon after; for I want particularly to be + with you now, that I may learn from my own eyes whether you are growing + stronger and stouter, and whether the tranquillity, the amusements, and + plenty of that charming country really agree with you. Were you in perfect + health, yet I could ill support your absence; for even a moment's + uncertainty of the welfare of those we tenderly love causes a feeling of + suspense and anxiety: but now your sickness conspires with your absence to + trouble me grievously with vague and various anxieties. I dread + everything, fancy everything, and, as is natural to those who fear, + conjure up the very things I most dread. Let me the more earnestly entreat + you then to think of my anxiety, and write to me every day, and even twice + a day: I shall be more easy, at least while I am reading your letters, + though when I have read them, I shall immediately feel my fears again. + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0060" id="link2H_4_0060"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LX — To CALPURNIA + </h2> + <p> + You kindly tell me my absence very sensibly affects you, and that your + only consolation is in conversing with my works, which you frequently + substitute in my stead. I am glad that you miss me; I am glad that you + find some rest in these alleviations. In return, I read over your letters + again and again, and am continually taking them up, as if I had just + received them; but, alas! this only stirs in me a keener longing for you; + for how sweet must her conversation be whose letters have so many charms? + Let me receive them, however, as often as possible, notwithstanding there + is still a mixture of pain in the pleasure they afford me. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0061" id="link2H_4_0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXI — To PRISCUS + </h2> + <p> + You know Attilius Crescens, and you love him; who is there, indeed, of any + rank or worth, that does not? For myself, I profess to have a friendship + for him far exceeding ordinary attachments of the world. Our native towns + are separated only by a day's journey; and we got to care for each other + when we were very young; the season for passionate friendships. Ours + improved by years; and so far from being chilled, it was confirmed by our + riper judgments, as those who know us best can witness. He takes pleasure + in boasting everywhere of my friendship; as I do to let the world know + that his reputation, his ease, and his interest are my peculiar concern. + Insomuch that upon his expressing to me some apprehension of insolent + treatment from a certain person who was entering upon the tribuneship of + the people, I could not forbear answering, — + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Long as Achilles breathes this vital air, + To touch thy head no impious hand shall dare."<a href="#linknote-89" + name="linknoteref-89" id="linknoteref-89">[89]</a> +</pre> + <p> + What is my object in telling you these things? Why, to shew you that I + look upon every injury offered to Attilius as done to myself. "But what is + the object of all this?" you repeat. You must know then, Valerius Varus, + at his death, owed Attilius a sum of money. Though I am on friendly terms + with Maximus, his heir, yet there is a closer friendship between him and + you. I beg therefore, and entreat you by the affection you have for me, to + take care that Attilius is not only paid the capital which is due to him, + but all the long arrears of interest too. He neither covets the property + of others nor neglects the care of his own; and as he is not engaged in + any lucrative profession, he has nothing to depend upon but his own + frugality: for as to literature, in which he greatly distinguishes + himself, he pursues this merely from motives of pleasure and ambition. In + such a situation, the slightest loss presses hard upon a man, and the more + so because he has no opportunities of repairing any injury done to his + fortune. Remove then, I entreat you, our uneasiness, and suffer me still + to enjoy the pleasure of his wit and bonhommie; for I cannot bear to see + the cheerfulness of my friend over-clouded, whose mirth and good humour + dissipates every gloom of melancholy in myself. In short, you know what a + pleasant entertaining fellow he is, and I hope you will not suffer any + injury to engloom and embitter his disposition. You may judge by the + warmth of his affection how severe his resentments would prove; for a + generous and great mind can ill brook an injury when coupled with + contempt. But though he could pass it over, yet cannot I: on the contrary, + I shall regard it as a wrong and indignity done to myself, and resent it + as one offered to my friend; that is, with double warmth. But, after all, + why this air of threatening? rather let me end in the same style in which + I began, namely, by begging, entreating you so to act in this affair that + neither Attilius may have reason to imagine (which I am exceedingly + anxious he should not) that I neglect his interest, nor that I may have + occasion to charge you with carelessness of mine: as undoubtedly I shall + not if you have the same regard for the latter as I have for the former. + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0062" id="link2H_4_0062"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXII — To ALBINUS + </h2> + <p> + I WAS lately at Alsium,<a href="#linknote-90" name="linknoteref-90" + id="linknoteref-90">[90]</a> where my mother-in-law has a villa which once + belonged to Verginius Rufus. The place renewed in my mind the sorrowful + remembrance of that-great and excellent man. He was extremely fond of this + retirement, and used to call it the nest of his old age. Whichever way I + looked, I missed him, I felt his absence. I had an inclination to visit + his monument; but I repented having seen it, afterwards: for I found it + still unfinished, and this, not from any difficulty residing in the work + itself, for it is very plain, or rather indeed slight; but through the + neglect of him to whose care it was entrusted. I could not see without a + concern, mixed with indignation, the remains of a man, whose fame filled + the whole world, lie for ten years after his death without an inscription, + or a name. He had however directed that the divine and immortal action of + his life should be recorded upon his tomb in the following lines: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Here Rufus lies, who Vindex' arms withstood, + Not for himself, but for his country's good." +</pre> + <p> + But faithful friends are so rare, and the dead so soon forgotten, that we + shall be obliged ourselves to build even our very tombs, and anticipate + the office of our heirs. For who is there that has no reason to fear for + himself what we see has happened to Verginius, whose eminence and + distinction, while rendering such treatment more shameful, so, in the same + way, make it more notorious? Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0063" id="link2H_4_0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXIII — To MAXIMUS + </h2> + <p> + O WHAT a happy day I lately spent! I was called by the prefect of Rome, to + assist him in a certain case, and had the pleasure of hearing two + excellent young men, Fuscus Salinator and Numidius Quadratus, plead on the + opposite sides: their worth is equal, and each of them will one day, I am + persuaded, prove an ornament not only to the present age, but to + literature itself. They evinced upon this occasion an admirable probity, + supported by inflexible courage: their dress was decent, their elocution + distinct, their tones were manly, their memory retentive, their genius + elevated, and guided by an equal solidity of judgment. I took infinite + pleasure in observing them display these noble qualities; particularly as + I had the satisfaction to see that, while they looked upon me as their + guide and model, they appeared to the audience as my imitators and rivals. + It was a day (I cannot but repeat it again) which afforded me the most + exquisite happiness, and which I shall ever distinguish with the fairest + mark. For what indeed could be either more pleasing to me on the public + account than to observe two such noble youths building their fame and + glory upon the polite arts; or more desirable upon my own than to be + marked out as a worthy example to them in their pursuits of virtue? May + the gods still grant me the continuance of that pleasure! And I implore + the same gods, you are my witness, to make all these who think me + deserving of imitation far better than I am, Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0064" id="link2H_4_0064"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXIV — To ROMANUS + </h2> + <p> + You were not present at a very singular occurrence here lately: neither + was I, but the story reached me just after it had happened. Passienus + Paulus, a Roman knight, of good family, and a man of peculiar learning and + culture besides, composes elegies, a talent which runs in the family, for + Propertius is reckoned by him amongst his ancestors, as well as being his + countryman. He was lately reciting a poem which began thus: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Priscus, at thy command"— +</pre> + <p> + Whereupon Javolenus Priscus, who happened to be present as a particular + friend of the poet's, cried out—"But he is mistaken, I did not + command him." Think what laughter and merriment this occasioned. Priscus's + wits, you must know, are reckoned rather unsound,<a href="#linknote-91" + name="linknoteref-91" id="linknoteref-91">[91]</a> though he takes a share + in public business, is summoned to consultations, and even publicly acts + as a lawyer, so that this behaviour of his was the more remarkable and + ridiculous: meanwhile Paulus was a good deal disconcerted by his friend's + absurdity. You see how necessary it is for those who are anxious to recite + their works in public to take care that the audience as well as the author + are perfectly sane. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0065" id="link2H_4_0065"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXV — To TACITUS + </h2> + <p> + YOUR request that I would send you an account of my uncle's death, in + order to transmit a more exact relation of it to posterity, deserves my + acknowledgments; for, if this accident shall be celebrated by your pen, + the glory of it, I am well assured, will be rendered forever illustrious. + And notwithstanding he perished by a misfortune, which, as it involved at + the same time a most beautiful country in ruins, and destroyed so many + populous cities, seems to promise him an everlasting remembrance; + notwithstanding he has himself composed many and lasting works; yet I am + persuaded, the mentioning of him in your immortal writings, will greatly + contribute to render his name immortal. Happy I esteem those to be to whom + by provision of the gods has been granted the ability either to do such + actions as are worthy of being related or to relate them in a manner + worthy of being read; but peculiarly happy are they who are blessed with + both these uncommon talents: in the number of which my uncle, as his own + writings and your history will evidently prove, may justly be ranked. It + is with extreme willingness, therefore, that I execute your commands; and + should indeed have claimed the task if you had not enjoined it. He was at + that time with the fleet under his command at Misenum.<a + href="#linknote-92" name="linknoteref-92" id="linknoteref-92">[92]</a> On + the 24th of August, about one in the afternoon, my mother desired him to + observe a cloud which appeared of a very unusual size and shape. He had + just taken a turn in the sun<a href="#linknote-93" name="linknoteref-93" + id="linknoteref-93">[93]</a> and, after bathing himself in cold water, and + making a light luncheon, gone back to his books: he immediately arose and + went out upon a rising ground from whence he might get a better sight of + this very uncommon appearance. A cloud, from which mountain was uncertain, + at this distance (but it was found afterwards to come from Mount + Vesuvius), was ascending, the appearance of which I cannot give you a more + exact description of than by likening it to that of a pine tree, for it + shot up to a great height in the form of a very tall trunk, which spread + itself out at the top into a sort of branches; occasioned, I imagine, + either by a sudden gust of air that impelled it, the force of which + decreased as it advanced upwards, or the cloud itself being pressed back + again by its own weight, expanded in the manner I have mentioned; it + appeared sometimes bright and sometimes dark and spotted, according as it + was either more or less impregnated with earth and cinders. This + phenomenon seemed to a man of such learning and research as my uncle + extraordinary and worth further looking into. He ordered a light vessel to + be got ready, and gave me leave, if I liked, to accompany him. I said I + had rather go on with my work; and it so happened, he had himself given me + something to write out. As he was coming out of the house, he received a + note from Rectina, the wife of Bassus, who was in the utmost alarm at the + imminent danger which threatened her; for her villa lying at the foot of + Mount Vesuvius, there was no way of escape but by sea; she earnestly + entreated him therefore to come to her assistance. He accordingly changed + his first intention, and what he had begun from a philosophical, he now + carries out in a noble and generous spirit. He ordered the galleys to be + put to sea, and went himself on board with an intention of assisting not + only Rectina, but the several other towns which lay thickly strewn along + that beautiful coast. Hastening then to the place from whence others fled + with the utmost terror, he steered his course direct to the point of + danger, and with so much calmness and presence of mind as to be able to + make and dictate his observations upon the motion and all the phenomena of + that dreadful scene. He was now so close to the mountain that the cinders, + which grew thicker and hotter the nearer he approached, fell into the + ships, together with pumice-stones, and black pieces of burning rock: they + were in danger too not only of being aground by the sudden retreat of the + sea, but also from the vast fragments which rolled down from the mountain, + and obstructed all the shore. Here he stopped to consider whether he + should turn back again; to which the pilot advising him, "Fortune," said + he, "favours the brave; steer to where Pomponianus is." Pomponianus was + then at Stabiae,<a href="#linknote-94" name="linknoteref-94" + id="linknoteref-94">[94]</a> separated by a bay, which the sea, after + several insensible windings, forms with the shore. He had already sent his + baggage on board; for though he was not at that time in actual danger, yet + being within sight of it, and indeed extremely near, if it should in the + least increase, he was determined to put to sea as soon as the wind, which + was blowing dead in-shore, should go down. It was favourable, however, for + carrying my uncle to Pomponianus, whom he found in the greatest + consternation: he embraced him tenderly, encouraging and urging him to + keep up his spirits, and, the more effectually to soothe his fears by + seeming unconcerned himself, ordered a bath to be got ready, and then, + after having bathed, sat down to supper with great cheerfulness, or at + least (what is just as heroic) with every appearance of it. Meanwhile + broad flames shone out in several places from Mount Vesuvius, which the + darkness of the night contributed to render still brighter and clearer. + But my uncle, in order to soothe the apprehensions of his friend, assured + him it was only the burning of the villages, which the country people had + abandoned to the flames: after this he retired to rest, and it is most + certain he was so little disquieted as to fall into a sound sleep: for his + breathing, which, on account of his corpulence, was rather heavy and + sonorous, was heard by the attendants outside. The court which led to his + apartment being now almost filled with stones and ashes, if he had + continued there any time longer, it would have been impossible for him to + have made his way out. So he was awoke and got up, and went to Pomponianus + and the rest of his company, who were feeling too anxious to think of + going to bed. They consulted together whether it would be most prudent to + trust to the houses, which now rocked from side to side with frequent and + violent concussions as though shaken from their very foundations; or fly + to the open fields, where the calcined stones and cinders, though light + indeed, yet fell in large showers, and threatened destruction. In this + choice of dangers they resolved for the fields: a resolution which, while + the rest of the company were hurried into by their fears, my uncle + embraced upon cool and deliberate consideration. They went out then, + having pillows tied upon their heads with napkins; and this was their + whole defence against the storm of stones that fell round them. It was now + day everywhere else, but there a deeper darkness prevailed than in the + thickest night; which however was in some degree alleviated by torches and + other lights of various kinds. They thought proper to go farther down upon + the shore to see if they might safely put out to sea, but found the waves + still running extremely high, and boisterous. There my uncle, laying + himself down upon a sail cloth, which was spread for him, called twice for + some cold water, which he drank, when immediately the flames, preceded by + a strong whiff of sulphur, dispersed the rest of the party, and obliged + him to rise. He raised himself up with the assistance of two of his + servants, and instantly fell down dead; suffocated, as I conjecture, by + some gross and noxious vapour, having always had a weak throat, which was + often inflamed. As soon as it was light again, which was not till the + third day after this melancholy accident, his body was found entire, and + without any marks of violence upon it, in the dress in which he fell, and + looking more like a man asleep than dead. During all this time my mother + and I, who were at Miscnum—but this has no connection with your + history, and you did not desire any particulars besides those of my + uncle's death; so I will end here, only adding that I have faithfully + related to you what I was either an eye-witness of myself or received + immediately after the accident happened, and before there was time to vary + the truth. You will pick out of this narrative whatever is most important: + for a letter is one thing, a history another; it is one thing writing to a + friend, another thing writing to the public. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0066" id="link2H_4_0066"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXVI — To CORNELIUS TACITUS + </h2> + <p> + THE letter which, in compliance with your request, I wrote to you + concerning the death of my uncle has raised, it seems, your curiosity to + know what terrors and dangers attended me while I continued at Misenum; + for there, I think, my account broke off: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Though my shock'd soul recoils, my tongue shall tell." +</pre> + <p> + My uncle having left us, I spent such time as was left on my studies (it + was on their account indeed that I had stopped behind), till it was time + for my bath. After which I went to supper, and then fell into a short and + uneasy sleep. There had been noticed for many days before a trembling of + the earth, which did not alarm us much, as this is quite an ordinary + occurrence in Campania; but it was so particularly violent that night that + it not only shook but actually overturned, as it would seem, everything + about us. My mother rushed into my chamber, where she found me rising, in + order to awaken her. We sat down in the open court of the house, which + occupied a small space between the buildings and the sea. As I was at that + time but eighteen years of age, I know not whether I should call my + behaviour, in this dangerous juncture, courage or folly; but I took up + Livy, and amused myself with turning over that author, and even making + extracts from him, as if I had been perfectly at my leisure. Just then, a + friend of my uncle's, who had lately come to him from Spain, joined us, + and observing me sitting by my mother with a book in my hand, reproved her + for her calmness, and me at the same time for my careless security: + nevertheless I went on with my author. Though it was now morning, the + light was still exceedingly faint and doubtful; the buildings all around + us tottered, and though we stood upon open ground, yet as the place was + narrow and confined, there was no remaining without imminent danger: we + therefore resolved to quit the town. A panic-stricken crowd followed us, + and (as to a mind distracted with terror every suggestion seems more + prudent than its own) pressed on us in dense array to drive us forward as + we came out. Being at a convenient distance from the houses, we stood + still, in the midst of a most dangerous and dreadful scene. The chariots, + which we had ordered to be drawn out, were so agitated backwards and + forwards, though upon the most level ground, that we could not keep them + steady, even by supporting them with large stones. The sea seemed to roll + back upon itself, and to be driven from its banks by the convulsive motion + of the earth; it is certain at least the shore was considerably enlarged, + and several sea animals were left upon it. On the other side, a black and + dreadful cloud, broken with rapid, zigzag flashes, revealed behind it + variously shaped masses of flame: these last were like sheet-lightning, + but much larger. Upon this our Spanish friend, whom I mentioned above, + addressing himself to my mother and me with great energy and urgency: "If + your brother," he said, "if your uncle be safe, he certainly wishes you + may be so too; but if he perished, it was his desire, no doubt, that you + might both survive him: why therefore do you delay your escape a moment?" + We could never think of our own safety, we said, while we were uncertain + of his. Upon this our friend left us, and withdrew from the danger with + the utmost precipitation. Soon afterwards, the cloud began to descend, and + cover the sea. It had already surrounded and concealed the island of + Capreae and the promontory of Misenum. My mother now besought, urged, even + commanded me to make my escape at any rate, which, as I was young, I might + easily do; as for herself, she said, her age and corpulency rendered all + attempts of that sort impossible; however, she would willingly meet death + if she could have the satisfaction of seeing that she was not the occasion + of mine. But I absolutely refused to leave her, and, taking her by the + hand, compelled her to go with me. She complied with great reluctance, and + not without many reproaches to herself for retarding my flight. The ashes + now began to fall upon us, though in no great quantity. I looked back; a + dense dark mist seemed to be following us, spreading itself over the + country like a cloud. "Let us turn out of the high-road," I said, "while + we can still see, for fear that, should we fall in the road, we should be + pressed to death in the dark, by the crowds that are following us." We had + scarcely sat down when night came upon us, not such as we have when the + sky is cloudy, or when there is no moon, but that of a room when it is + shut up, and all the lights put out. You might hear the shrieks of women, + the screams of children, and the shouts of men; some calling for their + children, others for their parents, others for their husbands, and seeking + to recognise each other by the voices that replied; one lamenting his own + fate, another that of his family; some wishing to die, from the very fear + of dying; some lifting their hands to the gods; but the greater part + convinced that there were now no gods at all, and that the final endless + night of which we have heard had come upon the world.<a href="#linknote-95" + name="linknoteref-95" id="linknoteref-95">[95]</a> Among these there were + some who augmented the real terrors by others imaginary or wilfully + invented. I remember some who declared that one part of Misenum had + fallen, that another was on fire; it was false, but they found people to + believe them. It now grew rather lighter, which we imagined to be rather + the forerunner of an approaching burst of flames (as in truth it was) than + the return of day: however, the fire fell at a distance from us: then + again we were immersed in thick darkness, and a heavy shower of ashes + rained upon us, which we were obliged every now and then to stand up to + shake off, otherwise we should have been crushed and buried in the heap. I + might boast that, during all this scene of horror, not a sigh, or + expression of fear, escaped me, had not my support been grounded in that + miserable, though mighty, consolation, that all mankind were involved in + the same calamity, and that I was perishing with the world itself. At last + this dreadful darkness was dissipated by degrees, like a cloud or smoke; + the real day returned, and even the sun shone out, though with a lurid + light, like when an eclipse is coming on. Every object that presented + itself to our eyes (which were extremely weakened) seemed changed, being + covered deep with ashes as if with snow. We returned to Misenum, where we + refreshed ourselves as well as we could, and passed an anxious night + between hope and fear; though, indeed, with a much larger share of the + latter: for the earthquake still continued, while many frenzied persons + ran up and down heightening their own and their friends' calamities by + terrible predictions. However, my mother and I, notwithstanding the danger + we had passed, and that which still threatened us, had no thoughts of + leaving the place, till we could receive some news of my uncle. + </p> + <p> + And now, you will read this narrative without any view of inserting it in + your history, of which it is not in the least worthy; and indeed you must + put it down to your own request if it should appear not worth even the + trouble of a letter. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0067" id="link2H_4_0067"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LX VII — To MACER + </h2> + <p> + How much does the fame of human actions depend upon the station of those + who perform them! The very same conduct shall be either applauded to the + skies or entirely overlooked, just as it may happen to proceed from a + person of conspicuous or obscure rank. I was sailing lately upon our lake,<a + href="#linknote-96" name="linknoteref-96" id="linknoteref-96">[96]</a> + with an old man of my acquaintance, who desired me to observe a villa + situated upon its banks, which had a chamber overhanging the water. "From + that room," said he, "a woman of our city threw herself and her husband." + Upon enquiring into the cause, he informed me, "That her husband having + been long afflicted with an ulcer in those parts which modesty conceals, + she prevailed with him at last to let her inspect the sore, assuring him + at the same time that she would most sincerely give her opinion whether + there was a possibility of its being cured. Accordingly, upon viewing the + ulcer, she found the case hopeless, and therefore advised him to put an + end to his life: she herself accompanying him, even leading the way by her + example, and being actually the means of his death; for tying herself to + her husband, she plunged with him into the lake." Though this happened in + the very city where I was born, I never heard it mentioned before; and yet + that this action is taken less notice of than that famous one of Arria's, + is not because it was less remarkable, but because the person who + performed it was more obscure. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0068" id="link2H_4_0068"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXVIII — To SERVIANUS + </h2> + <p> + I AM extremely glad to hear that you intend your daughter for Fuscus + Salinator, and congratulate you upon it. His family is patrician,<a + href="#linknote-97" name="linknoteref-97" id="linknoteref-97">[97]</a> and + both his father and mother are persons of the most distinguished merit. As + for himself, he is studious, learned, and eloquent, and, with all the + innocence of a child, unites the sprightliness of youth and the wisdom of + age. I am not, believe me, deceived by my affection, when I give him this + character; for though I love him, I confess, beyond measure (as his + friendship and esteem for me well deserve), yet partiality has no share in + my judgment: on the contrary, the stronger my affection for him, the more + exactingly I weigh his merit. I will venture, then, to assure you (and I + speak it upon my own experience) you could not have, formed to your + wishes, a more accomplished son-in-law. May he soon present you with a + grandson, who shall be the exact copy of his father! and with what + pleasure shall I receive from the arms of two such friends their children + or grand-children, whom I shall claim a sort of right to embrace as my + own! Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0069" id="link2H_4_0069"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXIX — To SEVERUS + </h2> + <p> + You desire me to consider what turn you should give to your speech in + honour of the emperor,<a href="#linknote-98" name="linknoteref-98" + id="linknoteref-98">[98]</a> upon your being appointed consul elect.<a + href="#linknote-99" name="linknoteref-99" id="linknoteref-99">[99]</a> It + is easy to find copies, not so easy to choose out of them; for his virtues + afford such abundant material. However, I will write and give you my + opinion, or (what I should prefer) I will let you have it in person, after + having laid before you the difficulties which occur to me. I am doubtful, + then, whether I should advise you to pursue the method which I observed + myself on the same occasion. When I was consul elect, I avoided running + into the usual strain of compliment, which, however far from adulation, + might yet look like it. Not that I affected firmness and independence; + but, as well knowing the sentiments of our amiable prince, and being + thoroughly persuaded that the highest praise I could offer to him would be + to show the world I was under no necessity of paying him any. When I + reflected what profusion of honours had been heaped upon the very worst of + his predecessors, nothing, I imagined, could more distinguish a prince of + his real virtues from those infamous emperors than to address him in a + different manner. And this I thought proper to observe in my speech, lest + it might be suspected I passed over his glorious acts, not out of + judgment, but inattention. Such was the method I then observed; but I am + sensible the same measures are neither agreeable nor indeed suitable to + all alike. Besides the propriety of doing or omitting a thing depends not + only upon persons, but time and circumstances; and as the late actions of + our illustrious prince afford materials for panegyric, no less just than + recent and glorious, I doubt (as I said before) whether I should persuade + you in the present instance to adopt the same plan as I did myself. In + this, however, I am clear, that it was proper to offer you by way of + advice the method I pursued. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0070" id="link2H_4_0070"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXX — To FABATUS + </h2> + <p> + I HAVE the best reason, certainly, for celebrating your birthday as my + own, since all the happiness of mine arises from yours, to whose care and + diligence it is owing that I am gay here and at my ease in town. — + Your Camillian villa<a href="#linknote-100" name="linknoteref-100" + id="linknoteref-100">[100]</a> in Campania has suffered by the injuries of + time, and is falling into decay; however, the most valuable parts of the + building either remain entire or are but slightly damaged, and it shall be + my care to see it put into thorough repair. — Though I flatter + myself I have many friends, yet I have scarcely any of the sort you + enquire after, and which the affair you mention demands. All mine lie + among those whose employments engage them in town; whereas the conduct of + country business requires a person of a robust constitution, and bred up + to the country, to whom the work may not seem hard, nor the office beneath + him, and who does not feel a solitary life depressing. You think most + highly of Rufus, for he was a great friend of your son's; but of what use + he can be to us upon this occasion, I cannot conceive; though I am sure he + will be glad to do all he can for us. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0071" id="link2H_4_0071"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXI — To CORNELIANUS + </h2> + <p> + I RECEIVED lately the most exquisite satisfaction at Centumcellae<a + href="#linknote-101" name="linknoteref-101" id="linknoteref-101">[101]</a> + (as it is now called), being summoned thither by Cæsar<a + href="#linknote-102" name="linknoteref-102" id="linknoteref-102">[102]</a> + to attend a council. Could anything indeed afford a higher pleasure than + to see the emperor exercising his justice, his wisdom, and his affability, + even in retirement, where those virtues are most observable? Various were + the points brought in judgment before him, and which proved, in so many + different instances, the excellence of the judge. The cause of Claudius + Ariston came on first. He is an Ephesian nobleman, of great munificence + and unambitious popularity, whose virtues have rendered him obnoxious to a + set of people of far different characters; they had instigated an informer + against him, of the same infamous stamp with themselves; but he was + honourably acquitted. The next day, the case of Galitta, accused of + adultery, was heard. Her husband, who is a military tribune, was upon the + point of offering himself as a candidate for certain honours at Rome, but + she had stained her own good name and his by an intrigue with a centurion.<a + href="#linknote-103" name="linknoteref-103" id="linknoteref-103">[103]</a> + The husband informed the consul's lieutenant, who wrote to the emperor + about it. Cæsar, having thoroughly sifted the evidence, cashiered the + centurion, and sentenced him to banishment. It remained that some penalty + should be inflicted likewise upon the other party, as it is a crime of + which both must necessarily be equally guilty. But the husband's affection + for his wife inclined him to drop that part of the prosecution, not + without some reflections on his forbearance; for he continued to live with + her even after he had commenced this prosecution, content, it would seem, + with having removed his rival. But he was ordered to proceed in the suit: + and, though he complied with great reluctance, it was necessary, + nevertheless, that she should be condemned. Accordingly, she was sentenced + to the punishment directed by the Julian law.<a href="#linknote-104" + name="linknoteref-104" id="linknoteref-104">[104]</a> The emperor thought + proper to specify, in his decree, the name and office of the centurion, + that it might appear he passed it in virtue of military discipline; lest + it should be imagined he claimed a particular cognizance in every cause of + the same nature. The third day was employed in examining into an affair + which had occasioned a good deal of talk and various reports; it was + concerning the codicils of Julius Tiro, part of which was plainly genuine, + while the other part, it was alleged, was forged. The persons accused of + this fraud were Sempronius Senecio, a Roman knight, and Eurythmus, Cæsar's + freedman and procurator.<a href="#linknote-105" name="linknoteref-105" + id="linknoteref-105">[105]</a> The heirs jointly petitioned the emperor, + when he was in Dacia,<a href="#linknote-106" name="linknoteref-106" + id="linknoteref-106">[106]</a> that he would reserve to himself the trial + of this cause; to which he consented. On his return from that expedition, + he appointed a day for the hearing; and when some of the heirs, as though + out of respect to Eurythmus, offered to withdraw the suit, the emperor + nobly replied, "He is not Polycletus,<a href="#linknote-107" + name="linknoteref-107" id="linknoteref-107">[107]</a> nor am I Nero." + However, he indulged the petitioners with an adjournment, and the time + being expired, he now sat to hear the cause. Two of the heirs appeared, + and desired that either their whole number might be compelled to plead, as + they had all joined in the information, or that they also might have leave + to withdraw. Cæsar delivered his opinion with great dignity and + moderation; and when the counsel on the part of Senecio and Eurythmus had + represented that unless their clients were heard, they would remain under + the suspicion of guilt,—"I am not concerned," said the emperor, + "what suspicions they may lie under, it is I that am suspected;" and then + turning to us, "Advise me," said he, "how to act in this affair, for you + see they complain when allowed to withdraw their suit." At length, by the + advice of the counsel, he 'ordered notice to be given to the heirs that + they should either proceed with the case or each of them justify their + reasons for not doing so; otherwise that he would pass sentence upon them + as calumniators.<a href="#linknote-108" name="linknoteref-108" + id="linknoteref-108">[108]</a> Thus you see how usefully and seriously we + spent our time, which however was diversified with amusements of the most + agreeable kind. We were every day invited to Cæsar's table, which, for so + great a prince, was spread with much plainness and simplicity. There we + were either entertained with interludes or passed the night in the most + pleasing conversation. When we took our leave of him the last day, he made + each of us presents; so studiously polite is Cæsar! As for myself, I was + not only charmed with the dignity and wisdom of the judge, the honour done + to the assessors, the ease and unreserved freedom of our social + intercourse, but with the exquisite situation of the place itself. This + delightful villa is surrounded by the greenest meadows, and overlooks the + shore, which bends inwards, forming a complete harbour. The left arm of + this port is defended by exceedingly strong works, while the right is in + process of completion. An artificial island, which rises at the mouth of + the harbour, breaks the force of the waves, and affords a safe passage to + ships on either side. This island is formed by a process worth seeing: + stones of a most enormous size are transported hither in a large sort of + pontoons, and being piled one upon the other, are fixed by their own + weight, gradually accumulating in the manner, as it were, of a natural + mound. It already lifts its rocky back above the ocean, while the waves + which beat upon it, being broken and tossed to an immense height, foam + with a prodigious noise, and whiten all the surrounding sea. To these + stones are added wooden piers, which in process of time will give it the + appearance of a natural island. This haven is to be called by the name of + its great author,<a href="#linknote-109" name="linknoteref-109" + id="linknoteref-109">[109]</a> and will prove of infinite benefit, by + affording a secure retreat to ships on that extensive and dangerous coast. + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0072" id="link2H_4_0072"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXII — To MAXIMUS + </h2> + <p> + You did perfectly right in promising a gladiatorial combat to our good + friends the citizens of Verona, who have long loved, looked up to, and + honoured, you; while it was from that city too you received that amiable + object of your most tender affection, your late excellent wife. And since + you owed some monument or public representation to her memory, what other + spectacle could you have exhibited more appropriate to the occasion? + Besides, you were so unanimously pressed to do so that to have refused + would have looked more like hardness than resolution. The readiness too + with which you granted their petition, and the magnificent manner in which + you performed it, is very much to your honour; for a greatness of soul is + seen in these smaller instances, as well as in matters of higher moment. I + wish the African panthers, which you had largely provided for this + purpose, had arrived on the day appointed, but though they were delayed by + the stormy weather, the obligation to you is equally the same, since it + was not your fault that they were not exhibited. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0073" id="link2H_4_0073"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXIII — To RESTITUTUS + </h2> + <p> + THIS obstinate illness of yours alarms me; and though I know how extremely + temperate you are, yet I fear lest your disease should get the better of + your moderation. Let me entreat you then to resist it with a determined + abstemiousness: a remedy, be assured, of all others the most laudable as + well as the most salutary. Human nature itself admits the practicability + of what I recommend: it is a rule, at least, which I always enjoin my + family to observe with respect to myself. "I hope," I say to them, "that + should I be attacked with any disorder, I shall desire nothing of which I + ought either to be ashamed or have reason to repent; however, if my + distemper should prevail over my resolution, I forbid that anything be + given me but by the consent of my physicians; and I shall resent your + compliance with me in things improper as much as another man would their + refusal." I once had a most violent fever; when the fit was a little + abated, and I had been anointed,<a href="#linknote-110" + name="linknoteref-110" id="linknoteref-110">[110]</a> my physician offered + me something to drink; I held out my hand, desiring he would first feel my + pulse, and upon his not seeming quite satisfied, I instantly returned the + cup, though it was just at my lips. Afterwards, when I was preparing to go + into the bath, twenty days from the first attack of my illness, perceiving + the physicians whispering together, I enquired what they were saying. They + replied they were of opinion I may possibly bathe with safety, however + that they were not without some suspicion of risk. "What need is there," + said I, "of my taking a bath at all?" And so, with perfect calmness and + tranquillity, I gave up a pleasure I was upon the point of enjoying, and + abstained from the bath as serenely and composedly as though I were going + into it. I mention this, not only by way of enforcing my advice by + example, but also that this letter may be a sort of tie upon me to + persevere in the same resolute abstinence for the future. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0074" id="link2H_4_0074"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXIV — To CALPURNIA<a href="#linknote-111" name="linknoteref-111" + id="linknoteref-111">[111]</a> + </h2> + <p> + You will not believe what a longing for you possesses me. The chief cause + of this is my love; and then we have not grown used to be apart. So it + comes to pass that I lie awake a great part of the night, thinking of you; + and that by day, when the hours return at which I was wont to visit you, + my feet take me, as it is so truly said, to your chamber, but not finding + you there, I return, sick and sad at heart, like an excluded lover. The + only time that is free from these torments is when I am being worn out at + the bar, and in the suits of my friends. Judge you what must be my life + when I find my repose in toil, my solace in wretchedness and anxiety. + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0075" id="link2H_4_0075"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXV — To MACRINUS + </h2> + <p> + A VERY singular and remarkable accident has happened in the affair of + Varenus,<a href="#linknote-112" name="linknoteref-112" id="linknoteref-112">[112]</a> + the result of which is yet doubtful. The Bithynians, it is said, have + dropped their prosecution of him being convinced at last that it was + rashly undertaken. A deputy from that province is arrived, who has brought + with him a decree of their assembly; copies of which he has delivered to + Cæsar,<a href="#linknote-113" name="linknoteref-113" id="linknoteref-113">[113]</a> + and to several of the leading men in Rome, and also to us, the advocates + for Varenus. Magnus,<a href="#linknote-114" name="linknoteref-114" + id="linknoteref-114">[114]</a> nevertheless, whom I mentioned in my last + letter to you, persists in his charge, to support which he is incessantly + teasing the worthy Nigrinus. This excellent person was counsel for him in + his former petition to the consuls, that Varenus might be compelled to + produce his accounts. Upon this occasion, as I attended Varenus merely as + a friend, I determined to be silent. I thought it highly imprudent for me, + as I was appointed his counsel by the senate, to attempt to defend him as + an accused person, when it was his business to insist that there was + actually no charge subsisting against him. However, when Nigrinus had + finished his speech, the consuls turning their eyes upon me, I rose up, + and, "When you shall hear," I said, "what the real deputies from the + province have to object against the motion of Nigrinus, you will see that + my silence was not without just reason." Upon this Nigrinus asked me, "To + whom are these deputies sent?" I replied, "To me among others; I have the + decree of the province in my hands." He returned, "That is a point which, + though it may be clear to you, I am not so well satisfied of." To this I + answered, "Though it may not be so evident to you, who are concerned to + support the accusation, it may be perfectly clear to me, who am on the + more favourable side." Then Polyaenus, the deputy from the province, + acquainted the senate with the reasons for superseding the prosecution, + but desired it might be without prejudice to Cæsar's determination. Magnus + answered him; Polyaenus replied; as for myself, I only now and then threw + in a word, observing in general a complete silence. For I have learned + that upon some occasions it is as much an orator's business to be silent + as to speak, and I remember, in some criminal cases, to have done even + more service to my clients by a discreet silence than I could have + expected from the most carefully prepared speech. To enter into the + subject of eloquence is indeed very foreign to the purpose of my letter, + yet allow me to give you one instance in proof of my last observation. A + certain lady having lost her son suspected that his freedmen, whom he had + appointed coheirs with her, were guilty of forging the will and poisoning + him. Accordingly she charged them with the fact before the emperor, who + directed Julianus Suburanus to try the cause. I was counsel for the + defendants, and the case being exceedingly remarkable, and the counsel + engaged on both sides of eminent ability, it drew together a very numerous + audience. The issue was, the servants being put to the torture, my clients + were acquitted. But the mother applied a second time to the emperor, + pretending she had discovered some new evidence. Suburanus was therefore + directed to hear the cause, and see if she could produce any fresh proofs. + Julius Africanus was counsel for the mother, a young man of good parts, + but slender experience. He is grandson to the famous orator of that name, + of whom it is reported that Passienus Crispus, hearing him one day plead, + archly said, "Very fine, I must confess, very fine; but is all this fine + speaking to the purpose?" Julius Africanus, I say, having made a long + harangue, and exhausted the portion of time allotted to him, said, "I beg + you, Suburanus, to allow me to add one word more." When he had concluded, + and the eyes of the whole assembly had been fixed a considerable time upon + me, I rose up. "I would have answered Africanus," said I, "if he had added + that one word he begged leave to do, in which I doubt not he would have + told us all that we had not heard before." I do not remember to have + gained so much applause by any speech that I ever made as I did in this + instance by making none. Thus the little that I had hitherto said for + Varenus was received with the same general approbation. The consuls, + agreeably to the request of Polyaenus, reserved the whole affair for the + determination of the emperor, whose resolution I impatiently wait for; as + that will decide whether I may be entirely secure and easy with respect to + Varenus, or must again renew all my trouble and anxiety upon his account. + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0076" id="link2H_4_0076"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXVI — To TUSCUS + </h2> + <p> + You desire my opinion as to the method of study you should pursue, in that + retirement to which you have long since withdrawn. In the first place, + then, I look upon it as a very advantageous practice (and it is what many + recommend) to translate either from Greek into Latin or from Latin into + Greek. By this means you acquire propriety and dignity of expression, and + a variety of beautiful figures, and an ease and strength of exposition, + and in the imitation of the best models a facility of creating such models + for yourself. Besides, those things which you may possibly have overlooked + in an ordinary reading over cannot escape you in translating: and this + method will also enlarge your knowledge, and improve your judgment. It may + not be amiss, after you have read an author, to turn, as it were, to his + rival, and attempt something ol your own upon the same topic, and then + make a careful comparison between your performance and his, in order to + see in what points either you or he may be the happier. You may + congratulate yourself indeed if you shall find in some things that you + have the advantage of him, while it will be a great mortification if he is + always superior. You may sometimes select very famous passages and compete + with what you select. The competition is daring enough, but, as it is + private, cannot be called impudent. Not but that we have seen instances of + persons who have publicly entered this sort of lists with great credit to + themselves, and, while they did not despair of overtaking, have gloriously + outstripped those whom they thought it sufficient honour to follow. A + speech no longer fresh in your memory, you may take up again. You will + find plenty in it to leave unaltered, but still more to reject; you will + add a new thought here, and alter another there. It is a laborious and + tedious task, I own, thus to re-enflame the mind after the first heat is + over, to recover an impulse when its force has been checked and spent, + and, worse than all, to put new limbs into a body already complete without + disturbing the old; but the advantage attending this method will + overbalance the difficulty. I know the bent of your present attention is + directed towards the eloquence of the bar; but I would not for that reason + advise you never to quit the polemic, if I may so call it, and contentious + style. As land is improved by sowing it with various seeds, constantly + changed, so is the mind by exercising it now with this subject of study, + now with that. I would recommend you, therefore, sometimes to take a + subject from history, and you might give more care to the composition of + your letters. For it frequently happens that in pleading one has occasion + to make use not only of historical, but even poetical, styles of + description; and then from letters you acquire a concise and simple mode + of expression. You will do quite right again in refreshing yourself with + poetry: when I say so, I do not mean that species of poetry which turns + upon subjects of great length and continuity (such being suitable only for + persons of leisure), but those little pieces of the sprightly kind of + poesy, which serve as proper reliefs to, and are consistent with, + employments of every sort. They commonly go under the title of poetical + amusements; but these amusements have sometimes gained their authors as + much reputation as works of a more serious nature; and thus (for while I + am exhorting you to poetry, why should I not turn poet myself?) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "As yielding wax the artist's skill commands, + Submissive shap'd beneath his forming hands; + Now dreadful stands in arms a Mars confest; + Or now with Venus's softer air imprest; + A wanton Cupid now the mould belies; + Now shines, severely chaste, a Pallas wife: + As not alone to quench the raging flame, + The sacred fountain pours her friendly stream; + But sweetly gliding through the flow'ry green, + Spreads glad refreshment o'er the smiling scene: + So, form'd by science, should the ductile mind + Receive, distinct, each various art refin'd." +</pre> + <p> + In this manner the greatest men, as well as the greatest orators, used + either to exercise or amuse themselves, or rather indeed did both. It is + surprising how much the mind is enlivened and refreshed by these little + poetical compositions, as they turn upon love, hatred, satire, tenderness, + politeness, and everything, in short, that concerns life and the affairs + of the world. Besides, the same advantage attends these, as every other + sort of poems, that we turn from them to prose with so much the more + pleasure after having experienced the difficulty of being constrained and + fettered by metre. And now, perhaps, I have troubled you upon this subject + longer than you desired; however, there is one thing I have left out: I + have not told you what kind of authors you should read; though indeed that + was sufficiently implied when I told you on what you should write. + Remember to be careful in your choice of authors of every kind: for, as it + has been well observed, "though we should read much, we should not read + many books." Who those authors are, is so clearly settled, and so + generally known, that I need not particularly specify them; besides, I + have already extended this letter to such an immoderate length that, while + suggesting how you ought to study, I have, I fear, been actually + interrupting your studies. I will here resign you therefore to your + tablets, either to resume the studies in which you were before engaged or + to enter upon some of those I have recommended. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0077" id="link2H_4_0077"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXX VII — To FABATUS (HIS WIFE'S GRANDFATHER) + </h2> + <p> + You are surprised, I find, that my share of five-twelfths of the estate + which lately fell to me, and which I had directed to be sold to the best + bidder, should have been disposed of by my freedman Hermes to Corellia + (without putting it up to auction) at the rate of seven hundred thousand + sesterces<a href="#linknote-115" name="linknoteref-115" + id="linknoteref-115">[115]</a> for the whole. And as you think it might + have fetched nine hundred thousand,<a href="#linknote-116" + name="linknoteref-116" id="linknoteref-116">[116]</a> you are so much the + more desirous to know whether I am inclined to ratify what he has done. I + am; and listen, while I tell you why, for I hope that not only you will + approve, but also that my fellow-coheirs will excuse me for having, upon a + motive of superior obligation, separated my interest from theirs. I have + the highest esteem for Corellia, both as the sister of Rufus, whose memory + will always be a sacred one to me, and as my mother's intimate friend. + Besides, that excellent man Minutius Tuscus, her husband, has every claim + to my affection that a long friendship can give him; as there was likewise + the closest intimacy between her son and me, so much so indeed that I + fixed upon him to preside at the games which I exhibited when I was + elected praetor. This lady, when I was last in the country, expressed a + strong desire for some place upon the borders of our lake of Comum; I + therefore made her an offer, at her own price, of any part of my land + there, except what came to me from my father and mother; for that I could + not consent to part with, even to Corellia, and accordingly when the + inheritance in question fell to me, I wrote to let her know it was to be + sold. This letter I sent by Hermes, who, upon her requesting him that he + would immediately make over to her my proportion of it, consented. Am I + not then obliged to confirm what my freedman has thus done in pursuance of + my inclinations? I have only to entreat my fellow-coheirs that they will + not take it ill at my hands that I have made a separate sale of what I had + certainly a right to dispose of. They are not bound in any way to follow + my example, since they have not the same connections with Corellia. They + are at full liberty therefore to be guided by interest, which in my own + case I chose to sacrifice to friendship. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0078" id="link2H_4_0078"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXVIII — To CORELLIA + </h2> + <p> + You are truly generous to desire and insist that I take for my share of + the estate you purchased of me, not after the rate of seven hundred + thousand sesterces for the whole, as my freedman sold it to you; but in + the proportion of nine hundred thousand, agreeably to what you gave to the + farmers of the twentieths for their part. But I must desire and insist in + my turn that you would consider not only what is suitable to your + character, but what is worthy of mine; and that you would suffer me to + oppose your inclination in this single instance, with the same warmth that + I obey it in all others. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0079" id="link2H_4_0079"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXIX — To CELER + </h2> + <p> + EVERY author has his particular reasons for reciting his works; mine, I + have often said, are, in order, if any error should have escaped my own + observation (as no doubt they do escape it sometimes), to have it pointed + out to me. I cannot therefore but be surprised to find (what your letter + assures me) that there are some who blame me for reciting my speeches: + unless, perhaps, they are of opinion that this is the single species of + composition that ought to be held exempt from any correction. If so, I + would willingly ask them why they allow (if indeed they do allow) that + history may be recited, since it is a work which ought to be devoted to + truth, not ostentation? or why tragedy, as it is composed for action and + the stage, not for being read to a private audience? or lyric poetry, as + it is not a reader, but a chorus of voices and instruments that it + requires? They will reply, perhaps, that in the instances referred to + custom has made the practice in question usual: I should be glad to know, + then, if they think the person who first introduced this practice is to be + condemned? Besides the rehearsal of speeches is no unprecedented thing + either with us or the Grecians. Still, perhaps, they will insist that it + can answer no purpose to recite a speech which has already been delivered. + True; if one were immediately to repeat the very same speech word for + word, and to the very same audience; but if you make several additions and + alterations; if your audience is composed partly of the same, and partly + of different persons, and the recital is at some distance of time, why is + there less propriety in rehearsing your speech than in publishing it? "But + it is difficult," the objectors urge, "to give satisfaction to an audience + by the mere recital of a speech;" that is a consideration which concerns + the particular skill and pains of the person who rehearses, but by no + means holds good against recitation in general. The truth is, it is not + whilst I am reading, but when I am read, that I aim at approbation; and + upon this principle I omit no sort of correction. In the first place, I + frequently go carefully over what I have written, by myself, after this I + read it out to two or three friends, and then give it to others to make + their remarks. If after this I have any doubt concerning the justness of + their observations, I carefully weigh them again with a friend or two; + and, last of all, I recite them to a larger audience, then is the time, + believe me, when I correct most energetically and unsparingly; for my care + and attention rise in proportion to my anxiety; as nothing renders the + judgment so acute to detect error as that deference, modesty, and + diffidence one feels upon those occasions. For tell me, would you not be + infinitely less affected were you to speak before a single person only, + though ever so learned, than before a numerous assembly, even though + composed of none but illiterate people? When you rise up to plead, are you + not at that juncture, above all others, most self-distrustful? and do you + not wish, I will not say some particular parts only, but that the whole + arrangement of your intended speech were altered? especially if the + concourse should be large in which you are to speak? for there is + something even in a low and vulgar audience that strikes one with awe. And + if you suspect you are not well received at the first opening of your + speech, do you not find all your energy relaxed, and feel yourself ready + to give way? The reason I imagine to be that there is a certain weight of + collective opinion in a multitude, and although each individual judgment + is, perhaps, of little value, yet when united it becomes considerable. + Accordingly, Pomponius Secundus, the famous tragic poet, whenever some + very intimate friend and he differed about the retaining or rejecting + anything in his writings, used to say, "I appeal<a href="#linknote-117" + name="linknoteref-117" id="linknoteref-117">[117]</a> to the people"; and + thus, by their silence or applause, adopted either his own or his friend's + opinion; such was the deference he paid to the popular judgment! Whether + justly or not, is no concern of mine, as I am not in the habit of reciting + my works publicly, but only to a select circle, whose presence I respect, + and whose judgment I value; in a word, whose opinions I attend to as if + they were so many individuals I had separately consulted, at the same time + that I stand in as much awe before them as I should before the most + numerous assembly. What Cicero says of composing will, in my opinion, hold + true of the dread we have of the public: "Fear is the most rigid critic + imaginable." The very thought of reciting, the very entrance into an + assembly, and the agitated concern when one is there; each of these + circumstances tends to improve and perfect an author's performance. Upon + the whole, therefore, I cannot repent of a practice which I have found by + experience so exceedingly useful; and am so far from being discouraged by + the trifling objections of these censors that I request you would point + out to me if there is yet any other kind of correction, that I may also + adopt it; for nothing can sufficiently satisfy my anxiety to render my + compositions perfect. I reflect what an undertaking it is resigning any + work into the hands of the public; and I cannot but be persuaded that + frequent revisals, and many consultations, must go to the perfecting of a + performance, which one desires should universally and forever please. + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0080" id="link2H_4_0080"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXX — To PRISCUS + </h2> + <p> + THE illness of my friend Fannia gives me great concern. She contracted it + during her attendance on Junia, one of the Vestal virgins, engaging in + this good office at first voluntarily, Junia being her relation, and + afterwards being appointed to it by an order from the college of priests: + for these virgins, when excessive ill-health renders it necessary to + remove them from the temple of Vesta, are always delivered over to the + care and custody of some venerable matron. It was owing to her assiduity + in the execution of this charge that she contracted her present dangerous + disorder, which is a continual fever, attended with a cough that increases + daily. She is extremely emaciated, and every part of her seems in a total + decay except her spirits: those, indeed, she fully keeps up; and in a way + altogether worthy the wife of Helvidius, and the daughter of Thrasea. In + all other respects there is such a falling away that I am more than + apprehensive upon her account; I am deeply afflicted. I grieve, my friend, + that so excellent a woman is going to be removed from the eyes of the + world, which will never, perhaps, again behold her equal. So pure she is, + so pious, so wise and prudent, so brave and steadfast! Twice she followed + her husband into exile, and the third time she was banished herself upon + his account. For Senecio, when arraigned for writing the life of + Helvidius, having said in his defence that he composed that work at the + request of Fannia, Metius Carus, with a stern and threatening air, asked + her whether she had made that request, and she replied, "I made it." Did + she supply him likewise with materials for the purpose? "I did." Was her + mother privy to this transaction? "She was not." In short, throughout her + whole examination, not a word escaped her which betrayed the smallest + fear. On the contrary, she had preserved a copy of those very books which + the senate, over-awed by the tyranny of the times, had ordered to be + suppressed, and at the same time the effects of the author to be + confiscated, and carried with her into exile the very cause of her exile. + How pleasing she is, how courteous, and (what is granted to few) no less + lovable than worthy of all esteem and admiration! Will she hereafter be + pointed out as a model to all wives; and perhaps be esteemed worthy of + being set forth as an example of fortitude even to our sex; since, while + we still have the pleasure of seeing and conversing with her, we + contemplate her with the same admiration, as those heroines who are + celebrated in ancient story? For myself, I confess, I cannot but tremble + for this illustrious house, which seems shaken to its very foundations, + and ready to fall; for though she will leave descendants behind her, yet + what a height of virtue must they attain, what glorious deeds must they + perform, ere the world will be persuaded that she was not the last of her + family! It is an additional affliction and anguish to me that by her death + I seem to lose her mother a second time; that worthy mother (and what can + I say higher in her praise?) of so noble a woman! who, as she was restored + to me in her daughter, so she will now again be taken from me, and the + loss of Fannia will thus pierce my heart at once with a fresh, and at the + same time re-opened, wound. I so truly loved and honoured them both, that + I know not which I loved the best; a point they desired might ever remain + undetermined. In their prosperity and their adversity I did them every + kindness in my power, and was their comforter in exile, as well as their + avenger at their return. But I have not yet paid them what I owe, and am + so much the more solicitous for the recovery of this lady, that I may have + time to discharge my debt to her. Such is the anxiety and sorrow under + which I write this letter! But if some divine power should happily turn it + into joy, I shall not complain of the alarms I now suffer. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0081" id="link2H_4_0081"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXXI — To GEMINIUS + </h2> + <p> + NUMIDIA QUADRATILLA is dead, having almost reached her eightieth year. She + enjoyed, up to her last illness, uninterrupted good health, and was + unusually stout and robust for one of her sex. She has left a very prudent + will, having disposed of two-thirds of her estate to her grandson, and the + rest to her grand-daughter. The young lady I know very slightly, but the + grandson is one of my most intimate friends. He is a remarkable young man, + and his merit entitles him to the affection of a relation, even where his + blood does not. Notwithstanding his remarkable personal beauty, he escaped + every malicious imputation both whilst a boy and when a youth: he was a + husband at four-and-twenty, and would have been a father if Providence had + not disappointed his hopes. He lived in the family with his grandmother, + who was exceedingly devoted to the pleasures of the town, yet observed + great severity of conduct himself, while always perfectly deferential and + submissive to her. She retained a set of pantomimes, and was an encourager + of this class of people to a degree inconsistent with one of her sex and + rank. But Quadratus never appeared at these entertainments, whether she + exhibited them in the theatre or in her own house; nor indeed did she + require him to be present. I once heard her say, when she was recommending + to me the supervision of her grandson's studies, that it was her custom, + in order to pass away some of those unemployed hours with which female + life abounds, to amuse herself with playing at chess, or seeing the + mimicry of her pantomimes; but that, whenever she engaged in either of + those amusements, she constantly sent away her grandson to his studies: + she appeared to me to act thus as much out of reverence for the youth as + from affection. I was a good deal surprised, as I am sure you will be too, + at what he told me the last time the Pontifical games<a + href="#linknote-118" name="linknoteref-118" id="linknoteref-118">[118]</a> + were exhibited. As we were coming out of the theatre together, where we + had been entertained with a show of these pantomimes, "Do you know," said + he, "to-day is the first time I ever saw my grandmother's freedman dance?" + Such was the grandson's speech! while a set of men of a far different + stamp, in order to do honour to Quadratilla (am ashamed to call it + honour), were running up and down the theatre, pretending to be struck + with the utmost admiration and rapture at the performances of those + pantomimes, and then imitating in musical chant the mien and manner of + their lady patroness. But now all the reward they have got, in return for + their theatrical performances, is just a few trivial legacies, which they + have the mortification to receive from an heir who was never so much as + present at these shows.—I send you this account, knowing you do not + dislike hearing town news, and because, too, when any occurrence has given + me pleasure, I love to renew it again by relating it. And indeed this + instance of affection in Quadratilla, and the honour done therein to that + excellent youth her grandson, has afforded me a very sensible + satisfaction; as I extremely rejoice that the house which once belonged to + Cassius,<a href="#linknote-119" name="linknoteref-119" id="linknoteref-119">[119]</a> + the founder and chief of the Cassian school, is come into the possession + of one no less considerable than its former master. For my friend will + fill it and become it as he ought, and its ancient dignity, lustre, and + glory will again revive under Quadratus, who, I am persuaded, will prove + as eminent an orator as Cassius was a lawyer. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0082" id="link2H_4_0082"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXXII — To MAXIMUS + </h2> + <p> + THE lingering disorder of a friend of mine gave me occasion lately to + reflect that we are never so good as when oppressed with illness. Where is + the sick man who is either solicited by avarice or inflamed with lust? At + such a season he is neither a slave of love nor the fool of ambition; + wealth he utterly disregards, and is content with ever so small a portion + of it, as being upon the point of leaving even that little. It is then he + recollects there are gods, and that he himself is but a man: no mortal is + then the object of his envy, his admiration, or his contempt; and the + tales of slander neither raise his attention nor feed his curiosity: his + dreams are only of baths and fountains. These are the supreme objects of + his cares and wishes, while he resolves, if he should recover, to pass the + remainder of his days in ease and tranquillity, that is, to live + innocently and happily. I may therefore lay down to you and myself a short + rule, which the philosophers have endeavoured to inculcate at the expense + of many words, and even many volumes; that "we should try and realise in + health those resolutions we form in sickness." Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0083" id="link2H_4_0083"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXXIII — To SURA + </h2> + <p> + THE present recess from business we are now enjoying affords you leisure + to give, and me to receive, instruction. I am extremely desirous therefore + to know whether you believe in the existence of ghosts, and that they have + a real form, and are a sort of divinities, or only the visionary + impressions of a terrified imagination. What particularly inclines me to + believe in their existence is a story which I heard of Curtius Rufus. When + he was in low circumstances and unknown in the world, he attended the + governor of Africa into that province. One evening, as he was walking in + the public portico, there appeared to him the figure of a woman, of + unusual size and of beauty more than human. And as he stood there, + terrified and astonished, she told him she was the tutelary power that + presided over Africa, and was come to inform him of the future events of + his life: that he should go back to Rome, to enjoy high honours there, and + return to that province invested with the pro-consular dignity, and there + should die. Every circumstance of this prediction actually came to pass. + It is said farther that upon his arrival at Carthage, as he was coming out + of the ship, the same figure met him upon the shore. It is certain, at + least, that being seized with a fit of illness, though there were no + symptoms in his case that led those about him to despair, he instantly + gave up all hope of recovery; judging, apparently, of the truth of the + future part of the prediction by what had already been fulfilled, and of + the approaching misfortune from his former prosperity. Now the following + story, which I am going to tell you just as I heard it, is it not more + terrible than the former, while quite as wonderful? There was at Athens a + large and roomy house, which had a bad name, so that no one could live + there. In the dead of the night a noise, resembling the clashing of iron, + was frequently heard, which, if you listened more attentively, sounded + like the rattling of chains, distant at first, but approaching nearer by + degrees: immediately afterwards a spectre appeared in the form of an old + man, of extremely emaciated and squalid appearance, with a long beard and + dishevelled hair, rattling the chains on his feet and hands. The + distressed occupants meanwhile passed their wakeful nights under the most + dreadful terrors imaginable. This, as it broke their rest, ruined their + health, and brought on distempers, their terror grew upon them, and death + ensued. Even in the day time, though the spirit did not appear, yet the + impression remained so strong upon their imaginations that it still seemed + before their eyes, and kept them in perpetual alarm, Consequently the + house was at length deserted, as being deemed absolutely uninhabitable; so + that it was now entirely abandoned to the ghost. However, in hopes that + some tenant might be found who was ignorant of this very alarming + circumstance, a bill was put up, giving notice that it was either to be + let or sold. It happened that Athenodorus<a href="#linknote-120" + name="linknoteref-120" id="linknoteref-120">[120]</a> the philosopher came + to Athens at this time, and, reading the bill, enquired the price. The + extraordinary cheapness raised his suspicion; nevertheless, when he heard + the whole story, he was so far from being discouraged that he was more + strongly inclined to hire it, and, in short, actually did so. When it grew + towards evening, he ordered a couch to be prepared for him in the front + part of the house, and, after calling for a light, together with his + pencil and tablets, directed all his people to retire. But that his mind + might not, for want of employment, be open to the vain terrors of + imaginary noises and spirits, he applied himself to writing with the + utmost attention. The first part of the night passed in entire silence, as + usual; at length a clanking of iron and rattling of chains was heard: + however, he neither lifted up his eyes nor laid down his pen, but in order + to keep calm and collected tried to pass the sounds off to himself as + something else. The noise increased and advanced nearer, till it seemed at + the door, and at last in the chamber. He looked up, saw, and recognized + the ghost exactly as it had been described to him: it stood before him, + beckoning with the finger, like a person who calls another. Athenodorus in + reply made a sign with his hand that it should wait a little, and threw + his eyes again upon his papers; the ghost then rattled its chains over the + head of the philosopher, who looked up upon this, and seeing it beckoning + as before, immediately arose, and, light in hand, followed it. The ghost + slowly stalked along, as if encumbered with its chains, and, turning into + the area of the house, suddenly vanished. Athenodorus, being thus + deserted, made a mark with some grass and leaves on the spot where the + spirit left him. The next day he gave information to the magistrates, and + advised them to order that spot to be dug up. This was accordingly done, + and the skeleton of a man in chains was found there; for the body, having + lain a considerable time in the ground, was putrefied and mouldered away + from the fetters. The bones being collected together were publicly buried, + and thus after the ghost was appeased by the proper ceremonies, the house + was haunted no more. This story I believe upon the credit of others; what + I am going to mention, I give you upon my own. I have a freedman named + Marcus, who is by no means illiterate. One night, as he and his younger + brother were lying together, he fancied he saw somebody upon his bed, who + took out a pair of scissors, and cut off the hair from the top part of his + own head, and in the morning, it appeared his hair was actually cut, and + the clippings lay scattered about the floor. A short time after this, an + event of a similar nature contributed to give credit to the former story. + A young lad of my family was sleeping in his apartment with the rest of + his companions, when two persons clad in white came in, as he says, + through the windows, cut off his hair as he lay, and then returned the + same way they entered. The next morning it was found that this boy had + been served just as the other, and there was the hair again, spread about + the room. Nothing remarkable indeed followed these events, unless perhaps + that I escaped a prosecution, in which, if Domitian (during whose reign + this happened) had lived some time longer, I should certainly have been + involved. For after the death of that emperor, articles of impeachment + against me were found in his scrutore, which had been exhibited by Carus. + It may therefore be conjectured, since it is customary for persons under + any public accusation to let their hair grow, this cutting off the hair of + my servants was a sign I should escape the imminent danger that threatened + me. Let me desire you then to give this question your mature + consideration. The subject deserves your examination; as, I trust, I am + not myself altogether unworthy a participation in the abundance of your + superior knowledge. And though you should, as usual, balance between two + opinions, yet I hope you will lean more on one side than on the other, + lest, whilst I consult you in order to have my doubt settled, you should + dismiss me in the same suspense and indecision that occasioned you the + present application. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0084" id="link2H_4_0084"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXXIV — To SEPTITIUS + </h2> + <p> + You tell me certain persons have blamed me in your company, as being upon + all occasions too lavish in the praise I give my friends. I not only + acknowledge the charge, but glory in it; for can there be a nobler error + than an overflowing benevolence? But still, who are these, let me ask, + that are better acquainted with my friends than I am myself? Yet grant + there are any such, why will they deny me the satisfaction of so pleasing + a mistake? For supposing my friends not to deserve the highest encomiums I + give them, yet I am happy in believing they do. Let them recommend then + this malignant zeal to those (and their number is not inconsiderable) who + imagine they show their judgment when they indulge their censure upon + their friends. As for myself, they will never be able to persuade me I can + be guilty of an excess<a href="#linknote-121" name="linknoteref-121" + id="linknoteref-121">[121]</a> in friendship, Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0085" id="link2H_4_0085"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXXV — To TACITUS + </h2> + <p> + I PREDICT (and I am persuaded I shall not be deceived) that your histories + will be immortal. I frankly own therefore I so much the more earnestly + wish to find a place in them. If we are generally careful to have our + faces taken by the best artists, ought we not to desire that our actions + may be celebrated by an author of your distinguished abilities? I + therefore call your attention to the following matter, which, though it + cannot have escaped your notice, as it is mentioned in the public + journals, still I call your attention to, that you may the more readily + believe how agreeable it will be to me that this action, greatly + heightened by the risk which attended it, should receive additional lustre + from the testimony of a man of your powers. The senate appointed Herennius + Senecio, and myself, counsel for the province of Baetica, in their + impeachment of Boebius Massa. He was condemned, and the house ordered his + effects to be seized into the hands of the public officer. Shortly after, + Senecio, having learnt that the consuls intended to sit to hear petitions, + came and said to me, "Let us go together, and petition them with the same + unanimity in which we executed the office which had been enjoined us, not + to suffer Massa's effects to be dissipated by those who were appointed to + preserve them." I answered, "As we were counsel in this affair by order of + the senate, I recommend it to your consideration whether it would be + proper for us, after sentence passed, to interpose any farther." "You are + at liberty," said he, "to prescribe what bounds you please to yourself, + who have no particular connections with the province, except what arise + from your late services to them; but then I was born there, and enjoyed + the post of quaestor among them." "If such," I replied, "is your + determined resolution, I am ready to accompany you, that whatever + resentment may be the consequence of this affair, it may not fall singly + upon yourself." We accordingly proceeded to the consuls, where Senecio + said what was pertinent to the affair, and I added a few words to the same + effect. Scarcely had we ended when Massa, complaining that Senecio had not + acted against him with the fidelity of an advocate, but the bitterness of + an enemy, desired he might be at liberty to prosecute him for treason. + This occasioned general consternation. Whereupon I rose up; "Most noble + consuls," said I, "I am afraid it should seem that Massa has tacitly + charged me with having favoured him in this cause, since he did not think + proper to join me with Senecio in the desired prosecution." This short + speech was immediately received with applause, and afterwards got much + talked about everywhere. The late emperor Nerva (who, though at that time + in a private station, yet interested himself in every meritorious action + performed in public) wrote a most impressive letter to me upon the + occasion, in which he not only congratulated me, but the age which had + produced an example so much in the spirit (as he was pleased to call it) + of the good old days. But, whatever be the actual fact, it lies in your + power to raise it into a grander and more conspicuously illustrious + position, though I am far from desiring you in the least to exceed the + bounds of reality. History ought to be guided by strict truth, and worthy + actions require nothing more. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0086" id="link2H_4_0086"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXX VI — To SEPTITIUS + </h2> + <p> + I HAD a good journey here, excepting only that some of my servants were + upset by the excessive heat. Poor Encolpius, my reader,<a + href="#linknote-122" name="linknoteref-122" id="linknoteref-122">[122]</a> + who is so indispensable to me in my studies and amusements, was so + affected with the dust that it brought on a spitting of blood: an accident + which will prove no less unpleasant to me than unfortunate to himself, + should he be thereby rendered unfit for the literary work in which he so + greatly excels. If that should unhappily result, where shall I find one + who will read my works so well, or appreciate them so thoroughly as he? + Whose tones will my ears drink in as they do his? But the gods seem to + favour our better hopes, as the bleeding is stopped, and the pain abated. + Besides, he is extremely temperate; while no concern is wanting on my part + or care on his physician's. This, together with the wholesomeness of the + air, and the quiet of retirement, gives us reason to expect that the + country will contribute as much to the restoration of his health as to his + rest. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0087" id="link2H_4_0087"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXXVII — To CALVISIUS + </h2> + <p> + OTHER people visit their estates in order to recruit their purses; whilst + I go to mine only to return so much the poorer. I had sold my vintage to + the merchants, who were extremely eager to purchase it, encouraged by the + price it then bore, and what it was probable it would rise to: however + they were disappointed in their expectations. Upon this occasion to have + made the same general abatement to all would have been much the easiest, + though not so equitable a method. Now I hold it particularly worthy of a + man of honour to be governed by principles of strict equity in his + domestic as well as public conduct; in little matters as in great ones; in + his own concerns as well as in those of others. And if every deviation + from rectitude is equally criminal,<a href="#linknote-123" + name="linknoteref-123" id="linknoteref-123">[123]</a> every approach to it + must be equally praiseworthy. So accordingly I remitted to all in general + one-eighth part of the price they had agreed to give me, that none might + go away without some compensation: next, I particularly considered those + who had advanced the largest sums towards their purchase, and done me so + much the more service, and been greater sufferers themselves. To those, + therefore, whose purchase amounted to more than ten thousand sesterces,<a + href="#linknote-124" name="linknoteref-124" id="linknoteref-124">[124]</a> + I returned (over and above that which I may call the general and common + eighth) a tenth part of what they had paid beyond that sum. I fear I do + not express myself sufficiently clearly; I will endeavour to explain my + meaning more fully: for instance, suppose a man had purchased of me to the + value of fifteen thousand sesterces,<a href="#linknote-125" + name="linknoteref-125" id="linknoteref-125">[125]</a> I remitted to him + one-eighth part of that whole sum, and likewise one-tenth of five + thousand.<a href="#linknote-126" name="linknoteref-126" + id="linknoteref-126">[126]</a> Besides this, as several had deposited, in + different proportions, part of the price they had agreed to pay, whilst + others had advanced nothing, I thought it would not be at all fair that + all these should be favoured with the same undistinguished remission. To + those, therefore, who had made any payments, I returned a tenth part upon + the sums so paid. By this means I made a proper acknowledgment to each, + according to their respective deserts, and likewise encouraged them, not + only to deal with me for the future, but to be prompt in their payments. + This instance of my good-nature or my judgment (call it which you please) + was a considerable expense to me. However, I found my account in it; for + all the country greatly approved both of the novelty of these abatements + and the manner in which I regulated them. Even those whom I did not "mete" + (as they say) "by the same measure," but distinguished according to their + several degrees, thought themselves obliged to me, in proportion to the + probity of their principles, and went away pleased with having experienced + that not with me + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The brave and mean an equal honour find."<a href="#linknote-127" + name="linknoteref-127" id="linknoteref-127">[127]</a> +</pre> + <p> + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0088" id="link2H_4_0088"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXX VIII — To ROMANUS + </h2> + <p> + HAVE you ever seen the source of the river Clitumnus? If you have not (and + I hardly think you can have seen it yet, or you would have told me), go + there as soon as possible. I saw it yesterday, and I blame myself for not + having seen it sooner. At the foot of a little hill, well wooded with old + cypress trees, a spring gushes out, which, breaking up into different and + unequal streams, forms itself, after several windings, into a large, broad + basin of water, so transparently clear that you may count the shining + pebbles, and the little pieces of money thrown into it, as they lie at the + bottom. From thence it is carried off not so much by the declivity of the + ground as by its own weight and exuberance. A mere stream at its source, + immediately, on quitting this, you find it expanded into a broad river, + fit for large vessels even, allowing a free passage by each other, + according as they sail with or against the stream. The current runs so + strong, though the ground is level, that the large barges going down the + river have no occasion to make use of their oars; while those going up + find it difficult to make headway even with the assistance of oars and + poles: and this alternate interchange of ease and toil, according as you + turn, is exceedingly amusing when one sails up and down merely for + pleasure. The banks are well covered with ash and poplar, the shape and + colour of the trees being as clearly and distinctly reflected in the + stream as if they were actually sunk in it. The water is cold as snow, and + as white too. Near it stands an ancient and venerable temple, in which is + placed the river-god Clitumnus clothed in the usual robe of state; and + indeed the prophetic oracles here delivered sufficiently testify the + immediate presence of that divinity. Several little chapels are scattered + round, dedicated to particular gods, distinguished each by his own + peculiar name and form of worship, and some of them, too, presiding over + different fountains. For, besides the principal spring, which is, as it + were, the parent of all the rest, there are several other lesser streams, + which, taking their rise from various sources, lose themselves in the + river; over which a bridge is built that separates the sacred part from + that which lies open to common use. Vessels are allowed to come above this + bridge, but no person is permitted to swim except below it. The + Hispellates, to whom Augustus gave this place, furnish a public bath, and + likewise entertain all strangers, at their own expense. Several villas, + attracted by the beauty of this river, stand about on its borders. In + short, every surrounding object will afford you entertainment. You may + also amuse yourself with numberless inscriptions upon the pillars and + walls, by different persons, celebrating the virtues of the fountain, and + the divinity that presides over it. Many of them you will admire, while + some will make you laugh; but I must correct myself when I say so; you are + too humane, I know, to laugh upon such an occasion. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0089" id="link2H_4_0089"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXXIX — To ARISTO + </h2> + <p> + As you are no less acquainted with the political laws of your country + (which include the customs and usages of the senate) than with the civil, + I am particularly desirous to have your opinion whether I was mistaken in + an affair which lately came before the house, or not. This I request, not + with a view of being directed in my judgment as to what is passed (for + that is now too late), but in order to know how to act in any possible + future case of the kind. You will, ask, perhaps, "Why do you apply for + information concerning a point on which you ought to be well instructed?" + Because the tyranny of former reigns,<a href="#linknote-128" + name="linknoteref-128" id="linknoteref-128">[128]</a> as it introduced a + neglect and ignorance of all other parts of useful knowledge, so + particularly of what relates to the customs of the senate; for who is + there so tamely industrious as to desire to learn what he can never have + an opportunity of putting in practice? Besides, it is not very easy to + retain even the knowledge one has acquired where no opportunity of + employing it occurs. Hence it was that Liberty, on her return<a + href="#linknote-129" name="linknoteref-129" id="linknoteref-129">[129]</a> + found us totally ignorant and inexperienced; and thus in the warmth of our + eagerness to taste her sweets, we are sometimes hurried off to action, ere + we are well instructed how we ought to act. But by the institution of our + ancestors, it was wisely provided that the young should learn from the + old, not only by precept, but by their own observation, how to behave in + that sphere in which they were one day themselves to move; while these, + again, in their turn, transmitted the same mode of instruction to their + children. Upon this principle it was that the youth were sent early into + the army, that by being taught to obey they might learn to command, and, + whilst they followed others, might be trained by degrees to become leaders + themselves. On the same principle, when they were candidates for any + office, they were obliged to stand at the door of the senate-house, and + were spectators of the public council before they became members of it. + The father of each youth was his instructor upon these occasions, or if he + had none, some person of years and dignity supplied the place of a father. + Thus they were taught by that surest method of discipline, Example; how + far the right of proposing any law to the senate extended; what privileges + a senator had in delivering his opinion in the house; the power of the + magistrates in that assembly, and the rights of the rest of the members; + where it is proper to yield, and where to insist; when and how long to + speak, and when to be silent; how to make necessary distinctions between + contrary opinions, and how to improve upon a former motion: in a word, + they learnt by this means every senatorial usage. As for myself, it is + true indeed, I served in the army when I was a youth; but it was at a time + when courage was suspected, and want of spirit rewarded; when generals + were without authority, and soldiers without modesty; when there was + neither discipline nor obedience, but all was riot, disorder, and + confusion; in short, when it was happier to forget than to remember what + one learnt. I attended likewise in my youth the senate, but a senate + shrinking and speechless; where it was dangerous to utter one's opinion, + and mean and pitiable to be silent. What pleasure was there in learning, + or indeed what could be learnt, when the senate was convened either to do + nothing whatever or to give their sanction to some consummate infamy! when + they were assembled either for cruel or ridiculous purposes, and when + their deliberations were never serious, though often sad! But I was not + only a witness to this scene of wretchedness, as a spectator; I bore my + share of it too as a senator, and both saw and suffered under it for many + years; which so broke and damped my spirits that they have not even yet + been able fully to recover themselves. It is within quite recently (for + all time seems short in proportion to its happiness) that we could take + any pleasure in knowing what relates to or in setting about the duties of + our station. Upon these considerations, therefore, I may the more + reasonably entreat you, in the first place, to pardon my error (if I have + been guilty of one), and, in the next, to lead me out of it by your + superior knowledge: for you have always been diligent to examine into the + constitution of your country, both with respect to its public and private, + its ancient and modern, its general and special laws. I am persuaded + indeed the point upon which I am going to consult you is such an unusual + one that even those whose great experience in public business must have + made them, one would have naturally supposed, acquainted with everything + were either doubtful or absolutely ignorant upon it. I shall be more + excusable, therefore, if I happen to have been mistaken; as you will earn + the higher praise if you can set me right in an affair which it is not + clear has ever yet fallen within your observation. The enquiry then before + the house was concerning the freedmen of Afranius Dexter, who being found + murdered, it was uncertain whether he fell by his own hands, or by those + of his household; and if the latter, whether they committed the fact in + obedience to the commands of Afranius, or were prompted to it by their own + villainy. After they had been put to the question, a certain senator (it + is of no importance to mention his name, but if you are desirous to know, + it was myself) was for acquitting them; another proposed that they should + be banished for a limited time; and a third that they should suffer death. + </p> + <p> + These several opinions were so extremely different that it was impossible + either of them could stand with the other. For what have death and + banishment in common with one another? Why, no more than banishment and + acquittal have together. Though an acquittal approaches rather nearer a + sentence of exile than a sentence of death does: for both the former agree + at least in this that they spare life, whereas the latter takes it away. + In the meanwhile, those senators who were for punishing with death, and + those who proposed banishment, sat together on the same side of the + house: and thus by a present appearance of unanimity suspended their real + disagreement. I moved, therefore, that the votes for each of the three + opinions should be separately taken, and that two of them should not, + under favour of a short truce between themselves, join against the third. + I insisted that such of the members who were for capital punishment should + divide from the others who voted for banishment; and that these two + distinct parties should not be permitted to form themselves into a body, + in opposition to those who declared for acquittal, when they would + immediately after disunite again: for it was not material that they agreed + in disliking one proposal, since they differed with respect to the other + two. It seemed very extraordinary that he who moved the freedmen should be + banished, and the slaves suffer death, should not be allowed to join these + two in one motion, but that each question should be ordered to be put to + the house separately; and yet that the votes of one who was for inflicting + capital punishment upon the freedmen should be taken together with that of + one who was for banishing them. For if, in the former instance, it was + reasonable that the motion should be divided, because it comprehended two + distinct propositions, I could not see why, in the latter case, suffrages + so extremely different should be thrown into the same scale. Permit me, + then, notwithstanding the point is already settled, to go over it again as + if it were still undecided, and to lay before you those reasons at my + ease, which I offered to the house in the midst of much interruption and + clamour. Let us suppose there had been only three judges appointed to hear + this cause, one of whom was of opinion that the parties in question + deserved death; the other that they should only be banished; and the third + that they ought to be acquitted: should the two former unite their weight + to overpower the latter, or should each be separately balanced? For the + first and second are no more compatible than the second and third. They + ought therefore in the same manner to be counted in the senate as contrary + opinions, since they were delivered as different ones. Suppose the same + person had moved that they should both have been banished and put to + death, could they possibly, in pursuance of this opinion, have suffered + both punishments? Or could it have been looked upon as one consistent + motion when it united two such different decisions? Why then should the + same opinion, when delivered by distinct persons, be considered as one and + entire, which would not be deemed so if it were proposed by a single man? + Does not the law manifestly imply that a distinction is to be made between + those who are for a capital conviction, and those who are for banishment, + in the very form of words made use of when the house is ordered to divide? + You who are of such an opinion, come to this side; you who are of any + other, go over to the side of him whose opinion you follow. Let us examine + this form, and weigh every sentence: You who are of this opinion: that is, + for instance, you who are for banishment, come on this side; namely, on + the side of him who moved for banishment. From whence it is clear he + cannot remain on this side of those who are for death. You who are for any + other: observe, the law is not content with barely saying another, but it + adds any. Now can there be a doubt as to whether they who declare for a + capital conviction are of any other opinion than those who propose exile! + Go over to the side of him whose opinion you follow: does not the law + seem, as it were, to call, compel, drive over, those who are of different + opinions, to contrary sides? Does not the consul himself point out, not + only by this solemn form of words, but by his hand and gesture, the place + in which every man is to remain, or to which he is to go over? "But," it + is objected, "if this separation is made between those who vote for + inflicting death, and those who are on the side of exile, the opinion for + acquitting the prisoners must necessarily prevail." But how does that + affect the parties who vote? Certainly it does not become them to contend + by every art, and urge every expedient, that the milder sentence may not + take place. "Still," say they, "those who are for condemning the accused + either capitally or to banishment should be first set in opposition to + those who are for acquitting them, and afterwards weighed against each + other." Thus, as, in certain public games, some particular combatant is + set apart by lot and kept to engage with the conqueror; so, it seems, in + the senate there is a first and second combat, and of two different + opinions, the prevailing one has still a third to contend with. What? when + any particular opinion is received, do not all the rest fall of course? Is + it reasonable, then, that one should be thrown into the scale merely to + weigh down another? To express my meaning more plainly: unless the two + parties who are respectively for capital punishment and exile immediately + separate upon the first division of the house it would be to no purpose + afterwards to dissent from those with whom they joined before. But I am + dictating instead of receiving instruction. — Tell me then whether + you think these votes should have been taken separately? My motion, it is + true, prevailed; nevertheless I am desirous to know whether you think I + ought to have insisted upon this point, or have yielded as that member did + who declared for capital punishment? For convinced, I will not say of the + legality, but at least of the equity of my proposal, he receded from his + opinion, and went over to the party for exile: fearing perhaps, if the + votes were taken separately (which he saw would be the case), the freedmen + would be acquitted: for the numbers were far greater on that side than on + either of the other two, separately counted. The consequence was that + those who had been influenced by his authority, when they saw themselves + forsaken by his going over to the other party, gave up a motion which they + found abandoned by the first proposer, and deserted, as it were, with + their leader. Thus the three opinions were resolved at length into two; + and of those two, one prevailed, and the other was rejected; while the + third, as it was not powerful enough to conquer both the others, had only + to choose to which of the two it would yield. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0090" id="link2H_4_0090"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XC — To PATERNUS + </h2> + <p> + THE sickness lately in my family, which has carried off several of my + servants, some of them, too, in the prime of their years, has been a great + affliction to me. I have two consolations, however, which, though by no + means equivalent to such a grief, still are consolations. One is, that as + I have always readily manumitted my slaves, their death does not seem + altogether immature, if they lived long enough to receive their freedom: + the other, that I have allowed them to make a kind of will,<a + href="#linknote-130" name="linknoteref-130" id="linknoteref-130">[130]</a> + which I observe as religiously as if they were legally entitled to that + privilege. I receive and obey their last requests and injunctions as so + many authoritative commands, suffering them to dispose of their effects to + whom they please; with this single restriction, that they leave them to + some one in my household, for to slaves the house they are in is a kind of + state and commonwealth, so to speak. But though I endeavor to acquiesce + under these reflections, yet the same tenderness which led me to show them + these indulgences weakens and gets the better of me. However, I would not + wish on that account to become harder: though the generality of the world, + I know, look upon losses of this kind in no other view than as a + diminution of their property, and fancy, by cherishing such an unfeeling + temper, they show a superior fortitude and philosophy. Their fortitude and + philosophy I will not dispute. But humane, I am sure, they are not; for it + is the very criterion of true manhood to feel those impressions of sorrow + which it endeavors to resist, and to admit not to be above the want of + consolation. But perhaps I have detained you too long upon this subject, + though not so long as I would. There is a certain pleasure even in giving + vent to one's grief; especially when we weep on the bosom of a friend who + will approve, or, at least, pardon, our tears. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0091" id="link2H_4_0091"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XCI — To MACRINUS + </h2> + <p> + Is the weather with you as rude and boisterous as it is with us? All here + is in tempest and inundation. The Tiber has swelled its channel, and + overflowed its banks far and wide. Though the wise precaution of the + emperor had guarded against this evil, by cutting several outlets to the + river, it has nevertheless flooded all the fields and valleys and entirely + overspread the whole face of the flat country. It seems to have gone out + to meet those rivers which it used to receive and carry off in one united + stream, and has driven them back to deluge those countries it could not + reach itself. That most delightful of rivers, the Anio, which seems + invited and detained in its course by the villas built along its banks, + has almost entirely rooted up and carried away the woods which shaded its + borders. It has overthrown whole mountains, and, in endeavouring to find a + passage through the mass of ruins that obstructed its way, has forced down + houses, and risen and spread over the desolation it has occasioned. The + inhabitants of the hill countries, who are situated above the reach of + this inundation, have been the melancholy spectators of its dreadful + effects, having seen costly furniture, instruments of husbandry, ploughs, + and oxen with their drivers, whole herds of cattle, together with the + trunks of trees, and beams of the neighbouring villas, floating about in + different parts. Nor indeed have these higher places themselves, to which + the waters could not reach up, escaped the calamity. A continued heavy + rain and tempestuous hurricane, as destructive as the river itself, poured + down upon them, and has destroyed all the enclosures which divided that + fertile country. It has damaged likewise, and even overturned, some of the + public buildings, by the fall of which great numbers have been maimed, + smothered, bruised. And thus lamentation over the fate of friends has been + added to losses. I am extremely uneasy lest this extensive ruin should + have spread to you: I beg therefore, if it has not, you will immediately + relieve my anxiety; and indeed I desire you would inform me though it + should have done so; for the difference is not great between fearing a + danger, and feeling it; except that the evil one feels has some bounds, + whereas one's apprehensions have none. For we can suffer no more than what + actually has happened but we fear all that possibly could happen. + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0092" id="link2H_4_0092"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XCII — To RUFINUS + </h2> + <p> + The common notion is certainly quite a false one, that a man's will is a + kind of mirror in which we may clearly discern his real character, for + Domitius Tullus appears a much better man since his death than he did + during his lifetime. After having artfully encouraged the expectations of + those who paid court to him, with a view to being his heirs, he has left + his estate to his niece whom he adopted. He has given likewise several + very considerable legacies among his grandchildren, and also to his + great-grandson. In a word, he has shown himself a most kind relation + throughout his whole will; which is so much the more to be admired as it + was not expected of him. This affair has been very much talked about, and + various opinions expressed: some call him false, ungrateful, and + forgetful, and, while thus railing at him in this way as if they were + actually disinherited kindred, betray their own dishonest designs: others, + on the contrary, applaud him extremely for having disappointed the hopes + of this infamous tribe of men, whom, considering the disposition of the + times, it is but prudence to deceive. They add that he was not at liberty + to make any other will, and that he cannot so properly be said to have + bequeathed, as returned, his estate to his adopted daughter, since it was + by her means it came to him. For Curtilius Mancia, whose daughter Domitius + Lucanus, brother to this Tullus, married, having taken a dislike to his + son-in-law, made this young lady (who was the issue of that marriage) his + heiress, upon condition that Lucanus her father would emancipate her. He + accordingly did so, but she being afterwards adopted by Tullus, her uncle, + the design of Mancia's will was entirely frustrated. For these two + brothers having never divided their patrimony, but living together as + joint-tenants of one common estate, the daughter of Lucanus, + notwithstanding the act of emancipation, returned back again, together + with her large fortune, under the dominion of her father, by means of this + fraudulent adoption. It seems indeed to have been the fate of these two + brothers to be enriched by those who had the greatest aversion to them. + For Domitius Afer, by whom they were adopted, left a will in their favour, + which he had made eighteen years before his death; though it was plain he + had since altered his opinion with regard to the family, because he was + instrumental in procuring the confiscation of their father's estate. There + is something extremely singular in the resentment of Afer, and the good + fortune of the other two; as it was very extraordinary, on the one hand, + that Domitius should endeavour to extirpate from the privileges of society + a man whose children he had adopted, and, on the other, that these + brothers should find a parent in the very person that ruined their father. + But Tullus acted justly, after having been appointed sole heir by his + brother, in prejudice to his own daughter, to make her amends by + transferring to her this estate, which came to him from Afer, as well as + all the rest which he had gained in partnership with his brother. His will + therefore deserves the higher praise, having been dictated by nature, + justice, and sense of honour; in which he has returned his obligations to + his several relations, according to their respective good offices towards + him, not forgetting his wife, having bequeathed to that excellent woman, + who patiently endured much for his sake, several delightful villas, + besides a large sum of money. And indeed she deserved so much the more at + his hands, in proportion to the displeasure she incurred on her marriage + with him. It was thought unworthy a person of her birth and repute, so + long left a widow by her former husband, by whom she had issue, to marry, + in the decline of her life, an old man, merely for his wealth, and who was + so sickly and infirm that, even had he passed the best years of his youth + and health with her, she might well have been heartily tired of him. He + had so entirely lost the use of all his limbs that he could not move + himself in bed without assistance; and the only enjoyment he had of his + riches was to contemplate them. He was even (sad and disgusting to relate) + reduced to the necessity of having his teeth washed and scrubbed by + others: in allusion to which he used frequently to say, when he was + complaining of the indignities which his infirmities obliged him to + suffer, that he was every day compelled to lick his servant's fingers. + Still, however, he lived on, and was willing to accept of life upon such + terms. That he lived so long as he did was particularly owing, indeed, to + the care of his wife, who, whatever reputation she might lose at first by + her marriage, acquired great honour by her unwearied devotion as his wife. + — Thus I have given you all the news of the town, where nothing is + talked of but Tullus. It is expected his curiosities will shortly be sold + by auction. He had such an abundant collection of very old statues that he + actually filled an extensive garden with them, the very same day he + purchased it; not to mention numberless other antiques, lying neglected in + his lumber-room. If you have anything worth telling me in return, I hope + you will not refuse the trouble of writing to me: not only as we are all + of us naturally fond, you know, of news, but because example has a very + beneficial influence upon our own conduct. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0093" id="link2H_4_0093"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XCIII — To GALLUS + </h2> + <p> + THOSE works of art or nature which are usually the motives of our travels + are often overlooked and neglected if they lie within our reach: whether + it be that we are naturally less inquisitive concerning those things which + are near us, while our curiosity is excited by remote objects; or because + the easiness of gratifying a desire is always sure to damp it; or, + perhaps, that we put off from time to time going and seeing what we know + we have an opportunity of seeing when we please. Whatever the reason be, + it is certain there are numberless curiosities in and near Rome which we + have not only never seen, but even never so much as heard of: and yet had + they been the produce of Greece, or Egypt, or Asia, or any other country + which we admire as fertile and productive of belief in wonders, we should + long since have heard of them, read of them, and enquired into them. For + myself at least, I confess, I have lately been entertained with one of + these curiosities, to which I was an entire stranger before. My wife's + grandfather desired I would look over his estate near Ameria.<a + href="#linknote-131" name="linknoteref-131" id="linknoteref-131">[131]</a> + As I was walking over his grounds, 1 was shown a lake that lies below + them, called Vadirnon,<a href="#linknote-132" name="linknoteref-132" + id="linknoteref-132">[132]</a> about which several very extraordinary + things are told. I went up to this lake. It is perfectly circular in form, + like a wheel lying on the ground; there is not the least curve or + projection of the shore, but all is regular, even, and just as if it had + been hollowed and cut out by the hand of art. The water is of a clear + sky-blue, though with somewhat of a greenish tinge; its smell is + sulphurous, and its flavour has medicinal properties, and is deemed of + great efficacy in all fractures of the limbs, which it is supposed to + heal. Though of but moderate extent, yet the winds have a great effect + upon it, throwing it into violent agitation. No vessels are suffered to + sail here, as its waters are held sacred; but several floating islands + swim about it, covered with reeds and rushes, and with whatever other + plants the surrounding marshy ground and the edge itself of the lake + produce in greater abundance. Each island has its peculiar shape and size, + but the edges of all of them are worn away by their frequent collision + with the shore and one another. They are all of the same height and + motion; as their respective roots, which are formed like the keel of a + boat, may be seen hanging not very far down in the water, and at an equal + depth, on whichever side you stand. Sometimes they move in a cluster, and + seem to form one entire little continent; sometimes they are dispersed + into different quarters by the wind; at other times, when it is calm, they + float up and down separately. You may frequently see one of the larger + islands sailing along with a lesser joined to it, like a ship with its + long boat; or, perhaps, seeming to strive which shall out-swim the other: + then again they are all driven to the same spot, and by joining themselves + to the shore, sometimes on one side and sometimes on the other, lessen or + restore the size of the lake in this part or that, accordingly, till at + last uniting in the centre they restore it to its usual size. The sheep + which graze upon the borders of this lake frequently go upon these islands + to feed, without perceiving that they have left the shore, until they are + alarmed by finding themselves surrounded with water; as though they had + been forcibly conveyed and placed there. Afterwards, when the wind drives + them back again, they as little perceive their return as their departure. + This lake empties itself into a river, which, after running a little way, + sinks under ground, and, if anything is thrown in, it brings it up again + where the stream emerges.—I have given you this account because I + imagined it would not be less new, nor less agreeable, to you than it was + to me; as I know you take the same pleasure as myself in contemplating the + works of nature. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0094" id="link2H_4_0094"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XCIV — To ARRIANUS + </h2> + <p> + NOTHING, in my opinion, gives a more amiable and becoming grace to our + studies, as well as manners, than to temper the serious with the gay, lest + the former should degenerate into melancholy, and the latter run up into + levity. Upon this plan it is that I diversify my graver works with + compositions of a lighter nature. I had chosen a convenient place and + season for some productions of that sort to make their appearance in; and + designing to accustom them early to the tables of the idle, I fixed upon + the month of July, which is usually a time of vacation to the courts of + justice, in order to read them to some of my friends I had collected + together; and accordingly I placed a desk before each couch. But as I + happened that morning to be unexpectedly called away to attend a cause, I + took occasion to preface my recital with an apology. I entreated my + audience not to impute it to me as any want of due regard for the business + to which I had invited them that on the very day I had appointed for + reading my performances to a small circle of my friends I did not refuse + my services to others in their law affairs. I assured them I would observe + the same rule in my writings, and should always give the preference to + business, before pleasure; to serious engagements before amusing ones; and + to my friends before myself. The poems I recited consisted of a variety of + subjects in different metres. It is thus that we who dare not rely for + much upon our abilities endeavour to avoid satiating our readers. In + compliance with the earnest solicitation of my audience, I recited for two + days successively; but not in the manner that several practise, by passing + over the feebler passages, and making a merit of so doing: on the + contrary, I omitted nothing, and freely confessed it. I read the whole, + that I might correct the whole; which it is impossible those who only + select particular passages can do. The latter method, indeed, may have + more the appearance of modesty, and perhaps respect; but the former shows + greater simplicity, as well as a more affectionate disposition towards the + audience. For the belief that a man's friends have so much regard for him + as not to be weary on these occasions, is a sure indication of the love he + bears them. Otherwise, what good do friends do you who assemble merely for + their own amusement? He who had rather find his friend's performance + correct, than make it so, is to be regarded as a stranger, or one who is + too lackadaisical to give himself any trouble. Your affection for me + leaves me no room to doubt that you are impatient to read my book, even in + its present very imperfect condition. And so you shall, but not until I + have made those corrections which were the principal inducement of my + recital. You are already acquainted with some parts of it; but even those, + after they have been improved (or perhaps spoiled, as is sometimes the + case by the delay of excessive revision) will seem quite new to you. For + when a piece has undergone various changes, it gets to look new, even in + those very parts which remain unaltered. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0095" id="link2H_4_0095"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XCV — To MAXIMUS + </h2> + <p> + My affection for you obliges me, not indeed to direct you (for you are far + above the want of a guide), but to admonish you carefully to observe and + resolutely to put in practice what you already know, that is, in other + words, to know it to better purpose. Consider that you are sent to that + noble province, Achaia, the real and genuine Greece, where politeness, + learning, and even agriculture itself, are supposed to have taken their + first rise; sent to regulate the condition of free cities; sent, that is, + to a society of men who breathe the spirit of true manhood and liberty; + who have maintained the rights they received from Nature, by courage, by + virtue, by alliances; in a word, by civil and religious faith. Revere the + gods their founders; their ancient glory, and even that very antiquity + itself which, venerable in men, is sacred in states. Honour them therefore + for their deeds of old renown, nay, their very legendary traditions. Grant + to every one his full dignity, privileges, yes, and the indulgence of his + very vanity. Remember it was from this nation we derived our laws; that + she did not receive ours by conquest, but gave us hers by favour. + Remember, it is Athens to which you go; it is Lacedaemon you govern; and + to deprive such a people of the declining shadow, the remaining name of + liberty, would be cruel, inhuman, barbarous. Physicians, you see, though + in sickness there is no difference between freedom and slavery, yet treat + persons of the former rank with more tenderness than those of the latter. + Reflect what these cities once were; but so reflect as not to despise them + for what they are now. Far be pride and asperity from my friend; nor fear, + by a proper condescension, to lay yourself open to contempt. Can he who is + vested with the power and bears the ensigns of authority, can he fail of + meeting with respect, unless by pursuing base and sordid measures, and + first breaking through that reverence he owes to himself? Ill, believe me, + is power proved by insult; ill can terror command veneration, and far more + effectual is affection in obtaining one's purpose than fear. For terror + operates no longer than its object is present, but love produces its + effects with its object at a distance: and as absence changes the former + into hatred, it raises the latter into respect. And therefore you ought + (and I cannot but repeat it too often), you ought to well consider the + nature of your office, and to represent to yourself how great and + important the task is of governing a free state. For what can be better + for society than such government, what can be more precious than freedom? + How ignominious then must his conduct be who turns good government into + anarchy, and liberty into slavery? To these considerations let me add, + that you have an established reputation to maintain: the fame you acquired + by the administration of the quaestorship in Bithynia,<a + href="#linknote-133" name="linknoteref-133" id="linknoteref-133">[133]</a> + the good opinion of the emperor, the credit you obtained when you were + tribune and praetor, in a word, this very government, which may be looked + upon as the reward of your former services, are all so many glorious + weights which are incumbent upon you to support with suitable dignity. The + more strenuously therefore you ought to endeavour that it may not be said + you showed greater urbanity, integrity, and ability in a province remote + from Rome, than in one which lies so much nearer the capital; in the midst + of a nation of slaves, than among a free people; that it may not be + remarked, that it was chance, and not judgment, appointed you to this + office; that your character was unknown and unexperienced, not tried and + approved. For (and it is a maxim which your reading and conversation must + have often suggested to you) it is a far greater disgrace losing the name + one has once acquired than never to have attained it. I again beg you to + be persuaded that I did not write this letter with a design of + instruction, but of reminder. Though indeed, if I had, it would have only + been in consequence of the great affection I bear you: a sentiment which I + am in no fear of carrying beyond its just bounds: for there can be no + danger of excess where one cannot love too well. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0096" id="link2H_4_0096"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XCVI — To PAULINUS + </h2> + <p> + OTHERS may think as they please; but the happiest man, in my opinion, is + he who lives in the conscious anticipation of an honest and enduring name, + and secure of future glory in the eyes of posterity. I confess, if I had + not the reward of an immortal reputation in view, I should prefer a life + of uninterrupted ease and indolent retirement to any other. There seems to + be two points worthy every man's attention: endless fame, or the short + duration of life. Those who are actuated by the former motive ought to + exert themselves to the very utmost of their power; while such as are + influenced by the latter should quietly resign themselves to repose, and + not wear out a short life in perishable pursuits, as we see so many doing—and + then sink at last into utter self-contempt, in the midst of a wretched and + fruitless course of false industry. These are my daily reflections, which + I communicate to you, in order to renounce them if you do not agree with + them; as undoubtedly you will, who are for ever meditating some glorious + and immortal enterprise. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0097" id="link2H_4_0097"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XCVII — To CALVISIUS + </h2> + <p> + I HAVE spent these several days past, in reading and writing, with the + most pleasing tranquillity imaginable. You will ask, "How that can + possibly be in the midst of Rome?" It was the time of celebrating the + Circensian games; an entertainment for which I have not the least taste. + They have no novelty, no variety to recommend them, nothing, in short, one + would wish to see twice. It does the more surprise me therefore that so + many thousand people should be possessed with the childish passion of + desiring so often to see a parcel of horses gallop, and men standing + upright in their chariots. If, indeed, it were the swiftness of the + horses, or the skill of the men that attracted them, there might be some + pretence of reason for it. But it is the dress<a href="#linknote-134" + name="linknoteref-134" id="linknoteref-134">[134]</a> they like; it is the + dress that takes their fancy. And if, in the midst of the course and + contest, the different parties were to change colours, their different + partisans would change sides, and instantly desert the very same men and + horses whom just before they were eagerly following with their eyes, as + far as they could see, and shouting out their names with all their might. + Such mighty charms, such wondrous power reside in the colour of a paltry + tunic! And this not only with the common crowd (more contemptible than the + dress they espouse), but even with serious-thinking people. When I observe + such men thus insatiably fond of so silly, so low, so uninteresting, so + common an entertainment, I congratulate myself on my indifference to these + pleasures: and am glad to employ the leisure of this season upon my books, + which others throw away upon the most idle occupations. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0098" id="link2H_4_0098"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XCVIII — To ROMANUS + </h2> + <p> + I AM pleased to find by your letter that you are engaged in building; for + I may now defend my own conduct by your example. I am myself employed in + the same sort of work; and since I have you, who shall deny I have reason + on my side? Our situations too are not dissimilar; your buildings are + carried on upon the sea-coast, mine are rising upon the side of the Larian + lake. I have several villas upon the borders of this lake, but there are + two particularly in which, as I take most delight, so they give me most + employment. They are both situated like those at Baiae:<a + href="#linknote-135" name="linknoteref-135" id="linknoteref-135">[135]</a> + one of them stands upon a rock, and overlooks the lake; the other actually + touches it. The first, supported as it were by the lofty buskin,<a + href="#linknote-136" name="linknoteref-136" id="linknoteref-136">[136]</a> + I call my tragic; the other, as resting upon the humble rock, my comic + villa. Each has its own peculiar charm, recommending it to its possessor + so much more on account of this very difference. The former commands a + wider, the latter enjoys a nearer view of the lake. One, by a gentle + curve, embraces a little bay; the other, being built upon a greater + height, forms two. Here you have a strait walk extending itself along the + banks of the lake; there, a spacious terrace that falls by a gentle + descent towards it. The former does not feel the force of the waves; the + latter breaks them; from that you see the fishing-vessels; from this you + may fish yourself, and throw your line out of your room, and almost from + your bed, as from off a boat. It is the beauties therefore these agreeable + villas possess that tempt me to add to them those which are wanting.—But + I need not assign a reason to you; who, undoubtedly, will think it a + sufficient one that I follow your example. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0099" id="link2H_4_0099"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XCIX — To GEMINUS + </h2> + <p> + YOUR letter was particularly acceptable to me, as it mentioned your desire + that I would send you something of mine, addressed to you, to insert in + your works. I shall find a more appropriate occasion of complying with + your request than that which you propose, the subject you point out to me + being attended with some objections; and when you reconsider it, you will + think so.—As I did not imagine there were any booksellers at + Lugdunum,<a href="#linknote-137" name="linknoteref-137" + id="linknoteref-137">[137]</a> I am so much the more pleased to learn that + my works are sold there. I rejoice to find they maintain the character + abroad which they raised at home, and I begin to flatter myself they have + some merit, since persons of such distant countries are agreed in their + opinion with regard to them. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0100" id="link2H_4_0100"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + C — To JUNIOR + </h2> + <p> + A CERTAIN friend of mine lately chastised his son, in my presence, for + being somewhat too expensive in the matter of dogs and horses. "And pray," + I asked him, when the youth had left us, "did you never commit a fault + yourself which deserved your father's correction? Did you never? I repeat. + Nay, are you not sometimes even now guilty of errors which your son, were + he in your place, might with equal gravity reprove? Are not all mankind + subject to indiscretions? And have we not each of us our particular + follies in which we fondly indulge ourselves?"<a href="#linknote-138" + name="linknoteref-138" id="linknoteref-138">[138]</a> + </p> + <p> + The great affection I have for you induced me to set this instance of + unreasonable severity before you—a caution not to treat your son + with too much harshness and severity. Consider, he is but a boy, and that + there was a time when you were so too. In exerting, therefore, the + authority of a father, remember always that you are a man, and the parent + of a man. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0101" id="link2H_4_0101"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CI — To QUADRATUS + </h2> + <p> + THE pleasure and attention with which you read the vindication I published + of Helvidius,<a href="#linknote-139" name="linknoteref-139" + id="linknoteref-139">[139]</a> has greatly raised your curiosity, it + seems, to be informed of those particulars relating to that affair, which + are not mentioned in the defence; as you were too young to be present + yourself at that transaction. When Domitian was assassinated, a glorious + opportunity, I thought, offered itself to me of pursuing the guilty, + vindicating the injured, and advancing my own reputation. But amidst an + infinite variety of the blackest crimes, none appeared to me more + atrocious than that a senator, of praetorian dignity, and invested with + the sacred character of a judge, should, even in the very senate itself, + lay violent hands upon a member<a href="#linknote-140" + name="linknoteref-140" id="linknoteref-140">[140]</a> of that body, one of + consular rank, and who then stood arraigned before him. Besides this + general consideration, I also happened to be on terms of particular + intimacy with Helvidius, as far as this was possible with one who, through + fear of the times, endeavoured to veil the lustre of his fame, and his + virtues, in obscurity and retirement. Arria likewise, and her daughter + Fannia, who was mother-in-law to Helvidius, were in the number of my + friends. But it was not so much private attachments as the honour of the + public, a just indignation at the action, and the danger of the example if + it should pass unpunished, that animated me upon the occasion. At the + first restoration of liberty every man singled out his own particular + enemy (though it must be confessed, those only of a lower rank), and, in + the midst of much clamour and confusion, no sooner brought the charge than + procured the condemnation. But for myself, I thought it would be more + reasonable and more effectual, not to take advantage of the general + resentment of the public, but to crush this criminal with the single + weight of his own enormous guilt. When therefore the first heat of public + indignation began to cool, and declining passion gave way to justice, + though I was at that time under great affliction for the loss of my wife,<a + href="#linknote-142" name="linknoteref-142" id="linknoteref-142">[142]</a> + I sent to Anteia, the widow of Helvidius, and desired her to come to me, + as my late misfortune prevented me from appearing in public. When she + arrived, I said to her, "I am resolved not to suffer the injuries your + husband has received, to pass unrevenged; let Arria and Fannia" (who were + just returned from exile) "know this; and consider together whether you + would care to join with me in the prosecution. Not that I want an + associate, but I am not so jealous of my own glory as to refuse to share + it with you in this affair." She accordingly carried this message; and + they all agreed to the proposal without the least hesitation. It happened + very opportunely that the senate was to meet within three days. It was a + general rule with me to consult, in all my affairs, with Corellius, a + person of the greatest far-sightedness and wisdom this age has produced. + However, in the present case, I relied entirely upon my own discretion, + being apprehensive he would not approve of my design, as he was very + cautious and deliberate. But though I did not previously take counsel with + him (experience having taught me, never to do so with a person concerning + a question we have already determined, where he has a right to expect that + one shall be decided by his judgment), yet I could not forbear acquainting + him with my resolution at the time I intended to carry it into execution. + The senate being assembled, I came into the house, and begged I might have + leave to make a motion; which I did in few words, and with general assent. + When I began to touch upon the charge, and point out the person I intended + to accuse (though as yet without mentioning him by name), I was attacked + on all sides. "Let us know," exclaims one, "who is the subject of this + informal motion?" "Who is it," (asked another) "that is thus accused, + without acquainting the house with his name, and his crime?" "Surely," + (added a third) "we who have survived the late dangerous times may expect + now, at least, to remain in security." I heard all this with perfect + calmness, and without being in the least alarmed. Such is the effect of + conscious integrity; and so much difference is there with respect to + inspiring confidence or fear, whether the world had only rather one should + forbear a certain act, or absolutely condemn it. It would be too tedious + to relate all that was advanced, by different parties, upon this occasion. + At length the consul said, "You will be at liberty, Secundus, to propose + what you think proper when your turn comes to give your opinion upon the + order of the day."<a href="#linknote-143" name="linknoteref-143" + id="linknoteref-143">[143]</a> I replied, "You must allow me a liberty + which you never yet refused to any;" and so sat down: when immediately the + house went upon another business. In the meanwhile, one of my consular + friends took me aside, and, with great earnestness telling me he thought I + had carried on this affair with more boldness than prudence, used every + method of reproof and persuasion to prevail with me to desist; adding at + the same time that I should certainly, if I persevered, render myself + obnoxious to some future prince. "Be it so," I returned, "should he prove + a bad one." Scarcely had he left me when a second came up: "Whatever," + said he, "are you attempting? Why ever will you ruin yourself? Do you + consider the risks you expose yourself to? Why will you presume too much + on the present situation of public affairs, when it is so uncertain what + turn they may hereafter take? You are attacking a man who is actually at + the head of the treasury, and will shortly be consul. Besides, recollect + what credit he has, and with what powerful friendships he is supported?" + Upon which he named a certain person, who (not without several strong and + suspicious rumours) was then at the head of a powerful army in the east. I + replied, + </p> + <p> + "'All I've foreseen, and oft in thought revolv'd;<a href="#linknote-144" + name="linknoteref-144" id="linknoteref-144">[144]</a> and am willing, if + fate shall so decree, to suffer in an honest cause, provided I can draw + vengeance down upon a most infamous one." The time for the members to give + their opinions was now arrived. Domitius Apollinaris, the consul elect, + spoke first; after him Fabricius Vejento, then Fabius Maximinus, Vettius + Proculus next (who married my wife's mother, and who was the colleague of + Publicius Certus, the person on whom the debate turned), and last of all + Ammius Flaccus. They all defended Certus, as if I had named him (though I + had not yet so much as once mentioned him), and entered upon his + justification as if I had exhibited a specific charge. It is not necessary + to repeat in this place what they respectively said, having given it all + at length in their words in the speech above-mentioned. Avidius Quietus + and Cornutus Tertullus answered them. The former observed, "that it was + extremely unjust not to hear the complaints of those who thought + themselves injured, and therefore that Arria and Fannia ought not to be + denied the privilege of laying their grievances before the house; and that + the point for the consideration of the senate was not the rank of the + person, but the merit of the cause." + </p> + <p> + Then Cornutus rose up and acquainted the house, "that, as he was appointed + guardian to the daughter of Helvidius by the consuls, upon the petition of + her mother and her father-in-law, he felt himself compelled to fulfil the + duty of his trust. In the execution of which, however, he would endeavour + to set some bounds to his indignation by following that great example of + moderation which those excellent women<a href="#linknote-145" + name="linknoteref-145" id="linknoteref-145">[145]</a> had set, who + contented themselves with barely informing the senate of the cruelties + which Certus committed in order to carry on his infamous adulation; and + therefore," he said, "he would move only that, if a punishment due to a + crime so notoriously known should be remitted, Certus might at least be + branded with some mark of the displeasure of that august assembly." + Satrius Rufus spoke next, and, meaning to steer a middle course, expressed + himself with considerable ambiguity. "I am of opinion," said he, "that + great injustice will be done to Certus if he is not acquitted (for I do + not scruple to mention his name, since the friends of Arria and Fannia, as + well as his own, have done so too), nor indeed have we any occasion for + anxiety upon this account. We who think well of the man shall judge him + with the same impartiality as the rest; but if he is innocent, as I hope + he is, and shall be glad to find, I think this house may very justly deny + the present motion till some charge has been proved against him." Thus, + according to the respective order in which they were called upon, they + delivered their several opinions. When it came to my turn, I rose up, and, + using the same introduction to my speech as I have published in the + defence, I replied to them severally. It is surprising with what + attention, what clamorous applause I was heard, even by those who just + before were loudest against me: such a wonderful change was wrought either + by the importance of the affair, the successful progress of the speech, or + the resolution of the advocate. After I had finished, Vejento attempted to + reply; but the general clamour raised against him not permitting him to go + on, "I entreat you, conscript fathers,"<a href="#linknote-146" + name="linknoteref-146" id="linknoteref-146">[146]</a> said he, "not to + oblige me to implore the assistance of the tribunes."<a + href="#linknote-147" name="linknoteref-147" id="linknoteref-147">[147]</a> + Immediately the tribune Murena cried out, "You have my permission, most + illustrious Vejento, to go on." But still the clamour was renewed. In the + interval, the consul ordered the house to divide, and having counted the + voices, dismissed the senate, leaving Vejento in the midst, still + attempting to speak. He made great complaints of this affront (as he + called it), applying the following lines of Homer to himself: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Great perils, father, wait the unequal fight; + Those younger champions will thy strength o'ercome."<a href="#linknote-148" + name="linknoteref-148" id="linknoteref-148">[148]</a> +</pre> + <p> + There was hardly a man in the senate that did not embrace and kiss me, and + all strove who should applaud me most, for having, at the cost of private + enmities, revived a custom so long disused, of freely consulting the + senate upon affairs that concern the honour of the public; in a word, for + having wiped off that reproach which was thrown upon it by other orders in + the state, "that the senators mutually favoured the members of their own + body, while they were very severe in animadverting upon the rest of their + fellow-citizens." All this was transacted in the absence of Certus; who + kept out of the way either because he suspected something of this nature + was intended to be moved, or (as was alleged in his excuse) that he was + really unwell. Cæsar, however, did not refer the examination of this + matter to the senate. But I succeeded, nevertheless, in my aim, another + person being appointed to succeed Certus in the consulship, while the + election of his colleague to that office was confirmed. And thus, the wish + with which I concluded my speech, was actually accomplished: "May he be + obliged," said I, "to renounce, under a virtuous prince,<a + href="#linknote-149" name="linknoteref-149" id="linknoteref-149">[149]</a> + that reward he received from an infamous one!"<a href="#linknote-150" + name="linknoteref-150" id="linknoteref-150">[150]</a> Some time after I + recollected, as well as I could, the speech I had made upon this occasion; + to which I made several additions. It happened (though indeed it had the + appearance of being something more than casual) that a few days after I + had published this piece, Certus was taken ill and died. I was told that + his imagination was continually haunted with this affair, and kept + picturing me ever before his eyes, as a man pursuing him with a drawn + sword. Whether there was any truth in this rumour, I will not venture to + assert; but, for the sake of example, however, I could wish it might gain + credit. And now I have sent you a letter which (considering it is a + letter) is as long as the defence you say you have read: but you must + thank yourself for not being content with such information as that piece + could afford you. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0102" id="link2H_4_0102"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CII — To GENITOR + </h2> + <p> + I HAVE received your letter, in which you complain of having been highly + disgusted lately at a very splendid entertainment, by a set of buffoons, + mummers, and wanton prostitutes, who were dancing about round the tables.<a + href="#linknote-151" name="linknoteref-151" id="linknoteref-151">[151]</a> + But let me advise you to smooth your knitted brow somewhat. I confess, + indeed, I admit nothing of this kind at my own house; however, I bear with + it in others. "And why, then," you will be ready to ask, "not have them + yourself?" + </p> + <p> + The truth is, because the gestures of the wanton, the pleasantries of the + buffoon, or the extravagancies of the mummer, give me no pleasure, as they + give me no surprise. It is my particular taste, you see, not my judgment, + that I plead against them. And indeed, what numbers are there who think + the entertainments with which you and I are most delighted no better than + impertinent follies! How many are there who, as soon as a reader, a + lyrist, or a comedian is introduced, either take their leave of the + company or, if they remain, show as much dislike to this sort of thing as + you did to those monsters, as you call them! Let us bear therefore, my + friend, with others in their amusements, that they, in return, may show + indulgence to ours. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0103" id="link2H_4_0103"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CIII — To SABINIANUS + </h2> + <p> + YOUR freedman, whom you lately mentioned to me with displeasure, has been + with me, and threw himself at my feet with as much submission as he could + have fallen at yours. He earnestly requested me with many tears, and even + with all the eloquence of silent sorrow, to intercede for him; in short, + he convinced me by his whole behaviour that he sincerely repents of his + fault. I am persuaded he is thoroughly reformed, because he seems deeply + sensible of his guilt. I know you are angry with him, and I know, too, it + is not without reason; but clemency can never exert itself more laudably + than when there is the most cause for resentment. You once had an + affection for this man, and, I hope, will have again; meanwhile, let me + only prevail with you to pardon him. If he should incur your displeasure + hereafter, you will have so much the stronger plea in excuse for your + anger as you show yourself more merciful to him now. Concede something to + his youth, to his tears, and to your own natural mildness of temper: do + not make him uneasy any longer, and I will add too, do not make yourself + so; for a man of your kindness of heart cannot be angry without feeling + great uneasiness. I am afraid, were I to join my entreaties with his, I + should seem rather to compel than request you to forgive him. Yet I will + not scruple even to write mine with his; and in so much the stronger terms + as I have very sharply and severely reproved him, positively threatening + never to interpose again in his behalf. But though it was proper to say + this to him, in order to make him more fearful of offending, I do not say + so to you. I may perhaps, again have occasion to entreat you upon this + account, and again obtain your forgiveness; supposing, I mean, his fault + should be such as may become me to intercede for, and you to pardon. + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0104" id="link2H_4_0104"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CIV — To MAXIMUS + </h2> + <p> + IT has frequently happened, as I have been pleading before the Court of + the Hundred, that these venerable judges, after having preserved for a + long period the gravity and solemnity suitable to their character, have + suddenly, as though urged by irresistible impulse, risen up to a man and + applauded me. I have often likewise gained as much glory in the senate as + my utmost wishes could desire: but I never felt a more sensible pleasure + than by an account which I lately received from Cornelius Tacitus. He + informed me that, at the last Circensian games, he sat next to a Roman + knight, who, after conversation had passed between them upon various + points of learning, asked him, "Are you an Italian, or a provincial?" + Tacitus replied, "Your acquaintance with literature must surely have informed + you who I am." "Pray, then, is it Tacitus or Pliny I am talking with?" I + cannot express how highly I am pleased to find that our names are not so + much the proper appellatives of men as a kind of distinction for learning + herself; and that eloquence renders us known to those who would otherwise + be ignorant of us. An accident of the same kind happened to me a few days + ago. Fabius Rufinus, a person of distinguished merit, was placed next to + me at table; and below him a countryman of his, who had just then come to + Rome for the first time. Rufinus, calling his friend's attention to me, + said to him, "You see this man?" and entered into a conversation upon the + subject of my pursuits: to whom the other immediately replied, "This must + undoubtedly be Pliny." To confess the truth, I look upon these instances + as a very considerable recompense of my labours. If Demosthenes had reason + to be pleased with the old woman of Athens crying out, "This is + Demosthenes!" may not I, then, be allowed to congratulate myself upon the + celebrity my name has acquired? Yes, my friend, I will rejoice in it, and + without scruple admit that I do. As I only mention the judgment of others, + not my own, I am not afraid of incurring the censure of vanity; especially + from you, who, whilst envying no man's reputation, are particularly + zealous for mine. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0105" id="link2H_4_0105"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CV — To SABINIANUS + </h2> + <p> + I GREATLY approve of your having, in compliance with my letter,<a + href="#linknote-152" name="linknoteref-152" id="linknoteref-152">[152]</a> + received again into your favour and family a discarded freedman, who you + once admitted into a share of your affection. This will afford you, I + doubt not, great satisfaction. It certainly has me, both as a proof that + your passion can be controlled, and as an instance of your paying so much + regard to me, as either to yield to my authority or to comply with my + request. Let me, therefore, at once both praise and thank you. At the same + time I must advise you to be disposed for the future to pardon the faults + of your people, though there should be none to intercede in their behalf. + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0106" id="link2H_4_0106"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CVI — To LUPERCUS + </h2> + <p> + I SAID once (and, I think, not inaptly) of a certain orator of the present + age, whose compositions are extremely regular and correct, but deficient + in grandeur and embellishment, "His only fault is that he has none." + Whereas he, who is possessed of the true spirit of oratory, should be bold + and elevated, and sometimes even flame out, be hurried away, and + frequently tread upon the brink of a precipice: for danger is generally + near whatever is towering and exalted. The plain, it is true, affords a + safer, but for that reason a more humble and inglorious, path: they who + run are more likely to stumble than they who creep; but the latter gain no + honour by not slipping, while the former even fall with glory. It is with + eloquence as with some other arts; she is never more pleasing than when + she risks most. Have you not observed what acclamations our rope-dancers + excite at the instant of imminent danger? Whatever is most entirely + unexpected, or as the Greeks more strongly express it, whatever is most + perilous, most excites our admiration. The pilot's skill is by no means + equally proved in a calm as in a storm: in the former case he tamely + enters the port, unnoticed and unapplauded; but when the cordage cracks, + the mast bends, and the rudder groans, then it is that he shines out in + all his glory, and is hailed as little inferior to a sea-god. + </p> + <p> + The reason of my making this observation is, because, if I mistake not, + you have marked some passages in my writings for being tumid, exuberant, + and over-wrought, which, in my estimation, are but adequate to the + thought, or boldly sublime. But it is material to consider whether your + criticism turns upon such points as are real faults, or only striking and + remarkable expressions. Whatever is elevated is sure to be observed; but + it requires a very nice judgment to distinguish the bounds between true + and false grandeur; between loftiness and exaggeration. To give an + instance out of Homer, the author who can, with the greatest propriety, + fly from one extreme of style to another. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Heav'n in loud thunder bids the trumpet sound; + And wide beneath them groans the rending ground."<a href="#linknote-153" + name="linknoteref-153" id="linknoteref-153">[153]</a> +</pre> + <p> + Again, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Reclin'd on clouds his steed and armour lay."<a href="#linknote-154" + name="linknoteref-154" id="linknoteref-154">[154]</a> +</pre> + <p> + So in this passage: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "As torrents roll, increas'd by numerous rills, + With rage impetuous down their echoing hills, + Rush to the vales, and pour'd along the plain, + Roar through a thousand channels to the main." +</pre> + <p> + It requires, I say, the nicest balance to poise these metaphors, and + determine whether they are incredible and meaningless, or majestic and + sublime. Not that I think anything which I have written, or can write, + admits of comparison with these. I am not quite so foolish; but what I + would be understood to contend for is, that we should give eloquence free + rein, and not restrain the force and impetuosity of genius within too + narrow a compass. But it will be said, perhaps, that one law applies to + orators, another to poets. As if, in truth, Marc Tully were not as bold in + his metaphors as any of the poets! But not to mention particular instances + from him, in a point where, I imagine, there can be no dispute; does + Demosthenes<a href="#linknote-155" name="linknoteref-155" + id="linknoteref-155">[155]</a> himself, that model and standard of true + oratory, does Demosthenes check and repress the fire of his indignation, + in that well-known passage which begins thus: "These wicked men, these + flatterers, and these destroyers of mankind," &c. And again: "It is + neither with stones nor bricks that I have fortified this city," &c. + — And afterwards: "I have thrown up these out-works before Attica, + and pointed out to you all the resources which human prudence can + suggest," &c.—And in another place: "O Athenians, I swear by the + immortal gods that he is intoxicated with the grandeur of his own + actions," &c.<a href="#linknote-156" name="linknoteref-156" + id="linknoteref-156">[156]</a> — But what can be more daring and + beautiful than that long digression, which begins in this manner: "A + terrible disease?" — The following passage likewise, though somewhat + shorter, is equally boldly conceived: — "Then it was I rose up in + opposition to the daring Pytho, who poured forth a torrent of menaces + against you," &c.<a href="#linknote-157" name="linknoteref-157" + id="linknoteref-157">[157]</a> — The subsequent stricture is of the + same stamp: "When a man has strengthened himself, as Philip has, in + avarice and wickedness, the first pretence, the first false step, be it + ever so inconsiderable, has overthrown and destroyed all," &c.<a + href="#linknote-158" name="linknoteref-158" id="linknoteref-158">[158]</a>—So + in the same style with the foregoing is this: — "Railed off, as it + were, from the privileges of society, by the concurrent and just judgments + of the three tribunals in the city." — And in the same place: "O + Aristogiton! you have betrayed that mercy which used to be shown to + offences of this nature, or rather, indeed, you have wholly destroyed it. + In vain then would you fly for refuge to a port, which you have shut up, + and encompassed with rocks."—He has said before: "I am afraid, + therefore, you should appear in the judgment of some, to have erected a + public seminary of faction: for there is a weakness in all wickedness + which renders it apt to betray itself!" — And a little lower: "I see + none of these resources open to him; but all is precipice gulf, and + profound abyss."—And again: "Nor do I imagine that our ancestors + erected those courts of judicature that men of his character should be + planted there, but on the contrary', eradicated, that none may emulate + their evil actions."—And afterwards: "If he is then the artificer of + every wickedness, if he only makes it his trade and traffic," &c.—And + a thousand other passages which I might cite to the same purpose; not to + mention those expressions which Aeschines calls not words, but wonders.—You + will tell me, perhaps, I have unwarily mentioned Aeschines, since + Demosthenes is condemned even by him, for running into these figurative + expressions. But observe, I entreat you, how far superior the former + orator is to his critic, and superior too in the very passage to which he + objects; for in others, the force of his genius, in those above quoted, + its loftiness, makes itself manifest. But does Aeschines himself avoid + those errors which he reproves in Demosthenes? "The orator," says he, + "Athenians, and the law, ought to speak the same language; but when the + voice of the law declares one thing, and that of the orator another we + should give our vote to the justice of the law, not to the impudence of + the orator."<a href="#linknote-159" name="linknoteref-159" + id="linknoteref-159">[159]</a>—And in another place: "He afterwards + manifestly discovered the design he had, of concealing his fraud under + cover of the decree, having expressly declared therein that the + ambassadors sent to the Oretae gave the five talents, not to you, but to + Callias. And that you may be convinced of the truth of what I say (after + having stripped the decree of its gallies, its trim, and its arrogant + ostentation) the clause itself." — And in another part: "Suffer him + not to break cover and escape out of the limits of the question." A + metaphor he is so fond of that he repeats it again. "But remaining firm + and confident in the assembly, drive him into the merits of the question, + and observe well how he doubles."—Is his style more reserved and + simple when he says: "But you are ever wounding our ears, and are more + concerned in the success of your daily harangues than for the salvation of + the city?"—What follows is conceived in a yet higher strain of + metaphor: "Will you not expel this man as the common calamity of Greece? + Will you not seize and punish this pirate of the state, who sails about in + quest of favourable conjunctures," &c.—With many other passages + of a similar nature. And now I expect you will make the same attacks upon + certain expressions in this letter as you did upon those I have been + endeavouring to defend. The rudder that groans, and the pilot compared to + a sea-god, will not, I imagine, escape your criticism: for I perceive, + while I am suing for indulgence to my former style, I have fallen into the + same kind of figurative diction which you condemn. But attack them if you + please provided you will immediately appoint a day when we may meet to + discuss these matters in person: you will then either teach me to be less + daring or I shall teach you to be more bold. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0107" id="link2H_4_0107"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CVII — To CANINIUS + </h2> + <p> + I HAVE met with a story, which, although authenticated by undoubted + evidence, looks very like fable, and would afford a worthy field for the + exercise of so exuberant, lofty, and truly poetical a genius as your own. + It was related to me the other day over the dinner table, where the + conversation happened to run upon various kinds of marvels. The person who + told the story was a man of unsuspected veracity:—but what has a + poet to do with truth? However, you might venture to rely upon his + testimony, even though you had the character of a faithful historian to + support. There is in Africa a town called Hippo, situated not far from the + sea-coast: it stands upon a navigable lake, communicating with an estuary + in the form of a river, which alternately flows into the lake, or into the + ocean, according to the ebb and flow of the tide. People of all ages amuse + themselves here with fishing, sailing, or swimming; especially boys, whom + love of play brings to the spot. With these it is a fine and manly + achievement to be able to swim the farthest; and he that leaves the shore + and his companions at the greatest distance gains the victory. It + happened, in one of these trials of skill, that a certain boy, bolder than + the rest, launched out towards the opposite shore. He was met by a + dolphin, who sometimes swam before him, and sometimes behind him, then + played round him, and at last took him upon his back, and set him down, + and afterwards took him up again; and thus he carried the poor frightened + fellow out into the deepest part; when immediately he turns back again to + the shore, and lands him among his companions. The fame of this remarkable + accident spread through the town, and crowds of people flocked round the + boy (whom they viewed as a kind of prodigy) to ask him questions and hear + him relate the story. The next day the shore was thronged with spectators, + all attentively watching the ocean, and (what indeed is almost itself an + ocean) the lake. Meanwhile the boys swam as usual, and among the rest, the + boy I am speaking of went into the lake, but with more caution than + before. The dolphin appeared again and came to the boy, who, together with + his companions, swam away with the utmost precipitation. The dolphin, as + though to invite and call them back, leaped and dived up and down, in a + series of circular movements. This he practised the next day, the day + after, and for several days together, till the people (accustomed from + their infancy to the sea) began to be ashamed of their timidity. They + ventured, therefore, to advance nearer, playing with him and calling him + to them, while he, in return, suffered himself to be touched and stroked. + Use rendered them courageous. The boy, in particular, who first made the + experiment, swam by the side of him, and, leaping upon his back, was + carried backwards and forwards in that manner, and thought the dolphin + knew him and was fond of him, while he too had grown fond of the dolphin. + There seemed, now, indeed, to be no fear on either side, the confidence of + the one and tameness of the other mutually increasing; the rest of the + boys, in the meanwhile, surrounding and encouraging their companion. It is + very remarkable that this dolphin was followed by a second, which seemed + only as a spectator and attendant on the former; for he did not at all + submit to the same familiarities as the first, but only escorted him + backwards and forwards, as the boys did their comrade. But what is further + surprising, and no less true than what I have already related, is that + this dolphin, who thus played with the boys and carried them upon his + back, would come upon the shore, dry himself in the sand, and, as soon as + he grew warm, roll back into the sea. It is a fact that Octavius Avitus, + deputy governor of the province, actuated by an absurd piece of + superstition, poured some ointment<a href="#linknote-160" + name="linknoteref-160" id="linknoteref-160">[160]</a> over him as he lay + on the shore: the novelty and smell of which made him retire into the + ocean, and it was not till several days after that he was seen again, when + he appeared dull and languid; however, he recovered his strength and + continued his usual playful tricks. All the magistrates round flocked + hither to view this sight, whose arrival, and prolonged stay, was an + additional expense, which the slender finances of this little community + would ill afford; besides, the quiet and retirement of the place was + utterly destroyed. It was thought proper, therefore, to remove the + occasion of this concourse, by privately killing the poor dolphin. And + now, with what a flow of tenderness will you describe this affecting + catastrophe!<a href="#linknote-161" name="linknoteref-161" + id="linknoteref-161">[161]</a> and how will your genius adorn and heighten + this moving story! Though, indeed, the subject does not require any + fictitious embellishments; it will be sufficient to describe the actual + facts of the case without suppression or diminution. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0108" id="link2H_4_0108"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CVIII — TO FUSCUS + </h2> + <p> + You want to know how I portion out my day, in my summer villa at Tuscum? I + get up just when I please; generally about sunrise, often earlier, but + seldom later than this. I keep the shutters closed, as darkness and + silence wonderfully promote meditation. Thus free and abstracted from + these outward objects which dissipate attention, I am left to my own + thoughts; nor suffer my mind to wander with my eyes, but keep my eyes in + subjection to my mind, which, when they are not distracted by a + multiplicity of external objects, see nothing but what the imagination + represents to them. If I have any work in hand, this is the time I choose + for thinking it out, word for word, even to the minutest accuracy of + expression. In this way I compose more or less, according as the subject + is more or less difficult, and I find myself able to retain it. I then + call my secretary, and, opening the shutters, dictate to him what I have + put into shape, after which I dismiss him, then call him in again, and + again dismiss him. About ten or eleven o'clock (for I do not observe one + fixed hour), according to the weather, I either walk upon my terrace or in + the covered portico, and there I continue to meditate or dictate what + remains upon the subject in which I am engaged. This completed, I get into + my chariot, where I employ myself as before, when I was walking, or in my + study; and find this change of scene refreshes and keeps up my attention. + On my return home, I take a little nap, then a walk, and after that repeat + out loud and distinctly some Greek or Latin speech, not so much for the + sake of strengthening my voice as my digestion;<a href="#linknote-162" + name="linknoteref-162" id="linknoteref-162">[162]</a> though indeed the + voice at the same time is strengthened by this practice. I then take + another walk, am anointed, do my exercises, and go into the bath. At + supper, if I have only my wife or a few friends with me, some author is + read to us; and after supper we are entertained either with music or an + interlude. When that is finished, I take my walk with my family, among + whom I am not without some scholars. Thus we pass our evenings in varied + conversation; and the day, even when at the longest, steals imperceptibly + away. Upon some occasions I change the order in certain of the articles + abovementioned. For instance, if I have studied longer or walked more than + usual, after my second sleep, and reading a speech or two aloud, instead + of using my chariot I get on horseback; by which means I ensure as much + exercise and lose less time. The visits of my friends from the + neighbouring villages claim some part of the day; and sometimes, by an + agreeable interruption, they come in very seasonably to relieve me when I + am feeling tired. I now and then amuse myself with hunting, but always + take my tablets into the field, that, if I should meet with no game, I may + at least bring home something. Part of my time too (though not so much as + they desire) is allotted to my tenants; whose rustic complaints, along + with these city occupations, make my literary studies still more + delightful to me. Farewell. — + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0109" id="link2H_4_0109"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CIX — To PAULINUS + </h2> + <p> + As you are not of a disposition to expect from your friends the ordinary + ceremonial observances of society when they cannot observe them without + inconvenience to themselves, so I love you too steadfastly to be + apprehensive of your taking otherwise than I wish you should my not + waiting upon you on the first day of your entrance upon the consular + office, especially as I am detained here by the necessity of letting my + farms upon long leases. I am obliged to enter upon an entirely new plan + with my tenants: for under the former leases, though I made them very + considerable abatements, they have run greatly in arrear. For this reason + several of them have not only taken no sort of care to lessen a debt which + they found themselves incapable of wholly discharging, but have even + seized and consumed all the produce of the land, in the belief that it + would now be of no advantage to themselves to spare it. I must therefore + obviate this increasing evil, and endeavour to find out some remedy + against it. The only one I can think of is, not to reserve my rent in + money, but in kind, and so place some of my servants to overlook the + tillage, and guard the stock; as indeed there is no sort of revenue more + agreeable to reason than what arises from the bounty of the soil, the + seasons, and the climate. It is true, this method will require great + honesty, sharp eyes, and many hands. However, I must risk the experiment, + and, as in an inveterate complaint, try every change of remedy. You see, + it is not any pleasurable indulgence that prevents my attending you on the + first day of your consulship. I shall celebrate it nevertheless, as much + as if I were present, and pay my vows for you here, with all the warmest + tokens of joy and congratulation. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0110" id="link2H_4_0110"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CX — To FUSCUS + </h2> + <p> + You are much pleased, I find, with the account I gave you in my former + letter of how I spend the summer season at Tuscum, and desire to know what + alteration I make in my method when I am at Laurentum in the winter. None + at all, except abridging myself of my sleep at noon, and borrowing a good + piece of the night before daybreak and after sunset for study: and if + business is very urgent (which in winter very frequently happens), instead + of having interludes or music after supper, I reconsider whatever I have + previously dictated, and improve my memory at the same time by this + frequent mental revision. Thus I have given you a general sketch of my + mode of life in summer and winter; to which you may add the intermediate + seasons of spring and autumn, in which, while losing nothing out of the + day, I gain but little from the night. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + ] <a name="link2H_FOOT" id="link2H_FOOT"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FOOTNOTES TO THE LETTERS OF PLINY] + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1" id="linknote-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#linknoteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ A pupil and intimate friend + of Paetus Thrasea, the distinguished Stoic philosopher. Arulenus was put + to death by Domitian for writing a panegyric upon Thrasea.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-2" id="linknote-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#linknoteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ The impropriety of this + expression, in the original, seems to he in the word stigmosum, which + Regulus, probably either coined through affectation or used through + ignorance. It is a word, at least, which does not occur in any author of + authority: the translator has endeavoured, therefore, to preserve the same + sort of impropriety, by using an expression of like unwarranted stamp in + his own tongue. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-3" id="linknote-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#linknoteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ An allusion to a wound he + had received in the war between Vitellius and Vespasian.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-4" id="linknote-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#linknoteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ A brother of Piso Galba's + adopted son. He was put to death by Nero.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-5" id="linknote-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#linknoteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ Sulpicius Camerinus, put to + death by the same emperor, upon some frivolous charge.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6" id="linknote-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#linknoteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ A select body of men who + formed a court of judicature, called the centurnviral court. Their + jurisdiction extended chiefly, if not entirely, to questions of wills and + intestate estates. Their number, it would seem, amounted to 100. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7" id="linknote-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#linknoteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ Junius Mauricus, the + brother of Rusticus Arulenus. Both brothers were sentenced on the same + day, Arulenue to execution and Mauricui to banishment.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-8" id="linknote-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#linknoteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ There seems to have been a + cast of uncommon blackness in the character of this Regulus; otherwise the + benevolent Pliny would scarcely have singled him out, as he has in this + and some following letters, for the subject of his warmest contempt and + indignation. Yet, infamous as he was, he had his flatterers and admirers; + and a contemporary poet frequently represents him as one of the most + finished characters of the age, both in eloquence and virtue. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-9" id="linknote-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#linknoteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ The Decurii were a sort of + senators in the municipal or corporate cities of Italy. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-10" id="linknote-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#linknoteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ "Euphrates was a native + of Tyre, or, according to others, of Byzantium. He belonged to the Stoic + school of philosophy. In his old age he became tired of life, and asked + and obtained from Hadrian permission to put an end to himself by poison." + Smith's Dict. of Greek and Roman Biog.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-11" id="linknote-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#linknoteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ A pleader and historian + of some distinction, mentioned by Tacitus, Ann. XIV. 19, and by + Quintilian, X, I, 102.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-12" id="linknote-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#linknoteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ Padua.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-13" id="linknote-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#linknoteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ Domitian] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-14" id="linknote-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#linknoteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ Iliad, XII. 243. Pope.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-15" id="linknote-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#linknoteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ Equal to about $4,000 of + our money. After the reign of Augustus the value of the sesterces.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-16" id="linknote-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#linknoteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ "The equestrian dignity, + or that order of the Roman people which we commonly call knights, had + nothing in it analogous to any order of modern knighthood, but depended + entirely upon a valuation of their estates; and every citizen, whose + entire fortune amounted to 400,000 sesterces, that is, to about $16000 of + our money, was enrolled, of course, in the list of knights, who were + considered as a middle order between the senators and common people, yet, + without any other distinction than the privilege of wearing a gold ring, + which was the peculiar badge of their order." Life of Cicero, Vol. I. III. + in note. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-17" id="linknote-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#linknoteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ An elegant Attic orator, + remarkable for the grace and lucidity of his style, also for his vivid and + accurate delineations of character.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-18" id="linknote-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#linknoteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ A graceful and powerful + orator, and friend of Densosthenes.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-19" id="linknote-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#linknoteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ A Roman orator of the + Augustan age. He was a poet and historian as well, but gained most + distinction as an orator.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-20" id="linknote-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#linknoteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ A man of considerable + taste, talent, and eloquence, but profligate and extravagant. He was on + terms of some intimacy with Cicero.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-21" id="linknote-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#linknoteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ The praetor was assisted + by ten assessors, five of whom were senators, and the rest knights. With + these he was obliged to consult before he pronounced sentence. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-22" id="linknote-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#linknoteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ A contemporary and rival + of Aristophanes.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-23" id="linknote-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#linknoteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ Aristophanes, Ach. 531] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-24" id="linknote-24"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#linknoteref-24">return</a>)<br /> [ Thersites. Iliad, II. V. + 212.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-25" id="linknote-25"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#linknoteref-25">return</a>)<br /> [ Ulysses. Iliad, III. V. + 222.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-26" id="linknote-26"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 26 (<a href="#linknoteref-26">return</a>)<br /> [ Menelaua. Iliad, III. V. + 214.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-27" id="linknote-27"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 27 (<a href="#linknoteref-27">return</a>)<br /> [ Great-grandfather of the + Emperor M. Aurelius.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-28" id="linknote-28"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 28 (<a href="#linknoteref-28">return</a>)<br /> [ An eminent lawyer of + Trajan's reign.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-29" id="linknote-29"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 29 (<a href="#linknoteref-29">return</a>)<br /> [ The philosophers used to + hold their disputations in the gymnasia and porticoes, being places of the + most public resort for walking, &c. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-30" id="linknote-30"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 30 (<a href="#linknoteref-30">return</a>)<br /> [ "Verginius Rufus was + governor of Upper Germany at the time of the revolt of Julius Vindex in + Gaul. A.D. 68. The soldiers of Verginius wished to raise him to the + empire, but he refused the honour, and marched against Vindex, who + perished before Vesontio. After the death of Nero, Verginius supported the + claims of Galba, and accompanied him to Rome. Upon Otho's death, the + soldiers again attempted to proclaim Verginius emperor, and in consequence + of his refusal of the honour, he narrowly escaped with his life." (See + Smith's Dict. of Greek and Rom. Biog., &c.)] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-31" id="linknote-31"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 31 (<a href="#linknoteref-31">return</a>)<br /> [ Nerva.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-32" id="linknote-32"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 32 (<a href="#linknoteref-32">return</a>)<br /> [ The historian,] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-33" id="linknote-33"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 33 (<a href="#linknoteref-33">return</a>)<br /> [ Namely, of augurs. "This + college, as regulated by Sylla, consisted of fifteen, who were all persons + of the first distinction in Rome; it was a priesthood for life, of a + character indelible, which no crime or forfeiture could efface; it was + necessary that every candidate should be nominated to the people by two + augurs, who gave a solemn testimony upon, oath of his dignity and fitness + for that office." Middleton's Life of Cicero, I. 547. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-34" id="linknote-34"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 34 (<a href="#linknoteref-34">return</a>)<br /> [ The ancient Greeks and + Romans did not sit up at the table as we do, but reclined round it on + couches, three and sometimes even four occupying one conch, at least this + latter was the custom among the Romans. Each guest lay flat upon his chest + while eating, reaching out his hand from time to time to the table, for + what he might require. As soon as he had made a sufficient meal, he turned + over upon his left side, leaning on the elbow.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-35" id="linknote-35"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 35 (<a href="#linknoteref-35">return</a>)<br /> [ A people of Germany.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-36" id="linknote-36"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 36 (<a href="#linknoteref-36">return</a>)<br /> [ "Any Roman priest devoted + to the service of one particular god was designated Flamen, receiving a + distinguishing epithet from the deity to whom he ministered. The office + was understood to last for life; but a flamen might be compelled to resign + for a breach of duty, or even on account of the occurrence of an + ill-omened accident while discharging his functions." Smith's Dictionary + of Antiquities.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-37" id="linknote-37"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 37 (<a href="#linknoteref-37">return</a>)<br /> [ Trajan.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-38" id="linknote-38"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 38 (<a href="#linknoteref-38">return</a>)<br /> [ By a law passed A. D. + 76, it was enacted that every citizen of Rome who had three children + should be excused from all troublesome offices where he lived. This + privilege the emperors sometimes extended to those who were not legally + entitled to it.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-39" id="linknote-39"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 39 (<a href="#linknoteref-39">return</a>)<br /> [ About 54 cents.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-40" id="linknote-40"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 40 (<a href="#linknoteref-40">return</a>)<br /> [ Avenue] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-41" id="linknote-41"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 41 (<a href="#linknoteref-41">return</a>)<br /> [ "Windows made of a + transparent stone called lapis specularis (mica), which was first found in + Hispania Citerior, and afterwards in Cyprus, Cappadocia, Sicily, and + Africa; but the best caine from Spain and Cappadocia. It was easily split + into the thinnest sheets. Windows, made of this stone were called + specularia." Smith's Dictionary of Antiquities.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-42" id="linknote-42"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 42 (<a href="#linknoteref-42">return</a>)<br /> [ A feast held in honour of + the god Saturn, which began on the 19th of December, and continued as some + say, for seven days. It was a time of general rejoicing, particularly + among the slaves, who had at this season the privilege of taking great + liberties with their masters. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-43" id="linknote-43"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 43 (<a href="#linknoteref-43">return</a>)<br /> [ Cicero and Quintilian + have laid down rules how far, and in what instances, this liberty was + allowable, and both agree it ought to be used with great sagacity and + judgment. The latter of these excellent critics mentions a witticism of + Flavius Virginius, who asked one of these orators, "Quot nillia assuum + deciamassett." How many miles he had declaimed. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-44" id="linknote-44"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 44 (<a href="#linknoteref-44">return</a>)<br /> [ This was an act of great + ceremony; and if Aurelia's dress was of the kind which some of the Roman + ladies used, the legacy must have been considerable which Regulus had the + impudence to ask. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-45" id="linknote-45"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 45 (<a href="#linknoteref-45">return</a>)<br /> [ $3,350,000.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-46" id="linknote-46"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 46 (<a href="#linknoteref-46">return</a>)<br /> [ A poet to whom Quintilian + assigns the highest rank, as a Writer of tragedies, among his + contemporaries (book X. C. I. 98). Tacitus also speaks of him in terms of + high appreciation (Annals, v. 8).] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-47" id="linknote-47"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 47 (<a href="#linknoteref-47">return</a>)<br /> [ Stepson of Augustus and + brother to Tiberius. An amiable and popular prince. He died at the close + of his third campaign, from a fracture received by falling from his + horse.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-48" id="linknote-48"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 48 (<a href="#linknoteref-48">return</a>)<br /> [ A historian under + Augustus and Tiberius. He wrote part of a history of Rome, which was + continued by the elder Pliny; also an account of the German war, to which + Quintilian makes allusion (Inst. X. 103), pronouncing him, as a historian, + "estimable in all respects, yet in some things failing to do himself + justice."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-49" id="linknote-49"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 49 (<a href="#linknoteref-49">return</a>)<br /> [ The distribution of time + among the Romans was very different from ours. They divided the night into + four equal parts, which they called watches, each three hours in length; + and part of these they devoted either to the pleasures of the table or to + study. The natural day they divided into twelve hours, the first beginning + with sunrise, and the last ending with sunset; by which means their hours + were of unequal length, varying according to the different seasons of the + year. The time for business began with sunrise, and continued to the fifth + hour, being that of dinner, which with them was only a slight repast. From + thence to the seventh hour was a time of repose; a custom which still + prevails in Italy. The eighth hour was employed in bodily exercises; after + which they constantly bathed, and from thence went to supper. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-50" id="linknote-50"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 50 (<a href="#linknoteref-50">return</a>)<br /> [ $16,000.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-51" id="linknote-51"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 51 (<a href="#linknoteref-51">return</a>)<br /> [ Born about A. D. 25. He + acquired some distinction as an advocate. The only poem of his which has + come down to us is a heavy prosaic performance in seventeen books, + entitled "Tunica," and containing an account of the events of the Second + Punic War, from the capture of Saguntum to the triumph of Scipio + Africanus. See Smith's Dict. of Gr. and Roin. Biog.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-52" id="linknote-52"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 52 (<a href="#linknoteref-52">return</a>)<br /> [ Trajan.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-53" id="linknote-53"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 53 (<a href="#linknoteref-53">return</a>)<br /> [ Spurinna's wife.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-54" id="linknote-54"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 54 (<a href="#linknoteref-54">return</a>)<br /> [ Domitian banished the + philosophers not only from Rome, but Italy, as Suetonius (Dom. C. X.) and + Aulus Gellius (Noct. Att. b. XV. CXI. 3, 4, 5) Inform us among these was + the celebrated Epictetus. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-55" id="linknote-55"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 55 (<a href="#linknoteref-55">return</a>)<br /> [ The following is the + story, as related by several of the ancient historians. Paetus, having + joined Scribonianus, who was in arms, in Illyria, against Claudius, was + taken after the death of Scribonianus, and condemned to death. Arria + having, in vain, solicited his life, persuaded him to destroy himself, + rather than suffer the ignominy of falling by the executioner's hands; + and, in order to encourage him to an act, to which, it seems, he was not + particularly inclined, she set him the example in the manner Pliny + relates. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-56" id="linknote-56"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 56 (<a href="#linknoteref-56">return</a>)<br /> [ Trajan.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-57" id="linknote-57"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 57 (<a href="#linknoteref-57">return</a>)<br /> [ The Roman, used to employ + their criminals in the lower ones of husbandry, such as ploughing, &c. + Pun. H. N. 1. 18, 3. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-58" id="linknote-58"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 58 (<a href="#linknoteref-58">return</a>)<br /> [ About $500,000.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-59" id="linknote-59"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 59 (<a href="#linknoteref-59">return</a>)<br /> [ About $800,000.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-60" id="linknote-60"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 60 (<a href="#linknoteref-60">return</a>)<br /> [ One of the famous seven + hills upon which Rome was situated.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-61" id="linknote-61"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 61 (<a href="#linknoteref-61">return</a>)<br /> [ Mart. LX. 19.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-62" id="linknote-62"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 62 (<a href="#linknoteref-62">return</a>)<br /> [ Calpurnia, Pliny's wife.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-63" id="linknote-63"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 63 (<a href="#linknoteref-63">return</a>)<br /> [ Now Citta di Castello.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-64" id="linknote-64"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 64 (<a href="#linknoteref-64">return</a>)<br /> [ The Romans had an + absolute power over their children, of which no age or station of the + latter deprived them.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-65" id="linknote-65"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 65 (<a href="#linknoteref-65">return</a>)<br /> [ Their business was to + interpret dreams, oracles, prodigies, &c., and to foretell whether any + action should be fortunate or prejudicial, to particular persons, or to + the whole commonwealth. Upon this account, they very often occasioned the + displacing of magistrates, the deferring of public assemblies, &c. + Kennet's Ron,. Antig. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-66" id="linknote-66"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 66 (<a href="#linknoteref-66">return</a>)<br /> [ Trajan.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-67" id="linknote-67"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 67 (<a href="#linknoteref-67">return</a>)<br /> [ A slave was incapable of + property; and, therefore, whatever he acquired became the right of his + master. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-68" id="linknote-68"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 68 (<a href="#linknoteref-68">return</a>)<br /> [ "Their office was to + attend upon the rites of Vests, the chief part of which was the + preservation of the holy fire. If this fire happened to go out, it was + considered impiety to light it at any common flame, but they made use of + the pure and unpolluted rays of the sun for that purpose. There were + various other duties besides connected with their office. The chief rules + prescribed them were, to vow the strictest chastity, for the space of + thirty years. After this term was completed, they had liberty to leave the + order. If they broke their vow of virginity, they were buried alive in a + place allotted to that peculiar use." Kennet's Antiq. Their reputation for + sanctity was so high that Livy mentions the fact of two of those virgins + having violated their vows, as a prodigy that, threatened destruction to + the Roman state. Lib. XXII. C. 57. And Suetonius inform, us that Augiastus + had so high an opinion of this religious order, that he consigned the care + of his will to the Vestal Virgins. Suet, in vit. Aug. C. XCI. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-69" id="linknote-69"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 69 (<a href="#linknoteref-69">return</a>)<br /> [ It was usual with + Domitian to triumph, not only without a victory, but even after a defeat, + M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-70" id="linknote-70"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 70 (<a href="#linknoteref-70">return</a>)<br /> [ Euripides' Hecuba,] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-71" id="linknote-71"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 71 (<a href="#linknoteref-71">return</a>)<br /> [ The punishment inflicted + upon the violators of Vestal chastity was to be scourged to death. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-72" id="linknote-72"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 72 (<a href="#linknoteref-72">return</a>)<br /> [ Calpurnia, Pliny's wife.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-73" id="linknote-73"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 73 (<a href="#linknoteref-73">return</a>)<br /> [ Gratilla was the wife of + Rusticus: Rusticus was put to death by Domitian, and Gratilla banished. It + was sufficient crime in the reign of that execrable prince to be even a + friend of those who were obnoxious to him. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-74" id="linknote-74"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 74 (<a href="#linknoteref-74">return</a>)<br /> [ In the original, + scrinium, box for holding MSS.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-75" id="linknote-75"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 75 (<a href="#linknoteref-75">return</a>)<br /> [ The hippodromus, in its + proper signification, was a place, among the Grecians, set apart for + horse-racing and other exercises of that kind. But it seems here to be + nothing more than a particular walk, to which Pliny perhaps gave that + name, from its bearing some resemblance in its form to the public places + so called. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-76" id="linknote-76"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 76 (<a href="#linknoteref-76">return</a>)<br /> [ Now called Frascati, + Tivoli, and Palestrina, all of them situated in the Campagna di Roma, and + at no great distance from Rome. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-77" id="linknote-77"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 77 (<a href="#linknoteref-77">return</a>)<br /> [ "This is said in allusion + to the idea of Nemesis supposed to threaten excessive prosperity." (Church + and Brodribb.)] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-78" id="linknote-78"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 78 (<a href="#linknoteref-78">return</a>)<br /> [ About $15,000.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-79" id="linknote-79"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 79 (<a href="#linknoteref-79">return</a>)<br /> [ About $42,000.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-80" id="linknote-80"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 80 (<a href="#linknoteref-80">return</a>)<br /> [ None had the right of + using family pictures or statues but those whose ancestors or themselves + had borne some of the highest dignities. So that the jus imaginis was much + the same thing among the Romans as the right of bearing a coat of arms + among us. Ken. Antiq. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-81" id="linknote-81"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 81 (<a href="#linknoteref-81">return</a>)<br /> [ The Roman physicians used + to send their patients in consumptive cases into Egypt, particularly to + Alexandria. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-82" id="linknote-82"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 82 (<a href="#linknoteref-82">return</a>)<br /> [ Frejus, in Provence, the + southern part of France. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-83" id="linknote-83"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 83 (<a href="#linknoteref-83">return</a>)<br /> [ A court of justice + erected by Julius Cæsar in the forum, and opposite to the basilica + Aemilia.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-84" id="linknote-84"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 84 (<a href="#linknoteref-84">return</a>)<br /> [ The deceniviri seem to + have been magistrates for the administration of justice, subordinate to + the praetors, who (to give the English reader a general notion of their + office) may be termed lords chief justices, as the judges here mentioned + were something in the nature of our juries. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-85" id="linknote-85"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 85 (<a href="#linknoteref-85">return</a>)<br /> [ About $400.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-86" id="linknote-86"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 86 (<a href="#linknoteref-86">return</a>)<br /> [ This silly piece of + superstition seems to have been peculiar to Regulus, and not of any + general practice; at least it is a custom of which we find no other + mention in antiquity. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-87" id="linknote-87"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 87 (<a href="#linknoteref-87">return</a>)<br /> [ "We gather from Martial + that the wearing of these was not an unusual practice with fops and + dandies." See Epig. II. 29, in which he ridicules a certain Rufus, and + hints that if you were to "strip off the 'splenia (plasters)' from his + face, you would find out that he was a branded runaway slave." (Church and + Brodribb.)] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-88" id="linknote-88"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 88 (<a href="#linknoteref-88">return</a>)<br /> [ His wife.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-89" id="linknote-89"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 89 (<a href="#linknoteref-89">return</a>)<br /> [ Hom. II. lib, I. V. 88.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-90" id="linknote-90"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 90 (<a href="#linknoteref-90">return</a>)<br /> [ Now Alzia, not far from + Corno.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-91" id="linknote-91"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 91 (<a href="#linknoteref-91">return</a>)<br /> [ Nevertheless, Javolentis + Priscus was one of the most eminent lawyers of his time, and is frequently + quoted in the Digesta of Justinian.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-92" id="linknote-92"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 92 (<a href="#linknoteref-92">return</a>)<br /> [ In the Bay of Naples.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-93" id="linknote-93"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 93 (<a href="#linknoteref-93">return</a>)<br /> [ The Romans used to lie or + walk naked in the sun, after anointing their bodies with oil, which was + esteemed as greatly contributing to health, and therefore daily practised + by them. This custom, however, of anointing themselves, is inveighed + against by the Satirists as in the number of their luxurious indulgences: + but since we find the elder Pliny here, and the amiable Spurinna in a + former letter, practising this method, we can not suppose the thing itself + was esteemed unmanly, but only when it was attended with some particular + circumstances of an over-refined delicacy. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-94" id="linknote-94"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 94 (<a href="#linknoteref-94">return</a>)<br /> [ Now called Castelamare, + in the Bay of Naples. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-95" id="linknote-95"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 95 (<a href="#linknoteref-95">return</a>)<br /> [ The Stoic and Epicurean + philosophers held that the world was to be destroyed by fire, and all + things fall again into original chaos; not excepting even the national + gods themselves from the destruction of this general conflagration. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-96" id="linknote-96"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 96 (<a href="#linknoteref-96">return</a>)<br /> [ The lake Larius.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-97" id="linknote-97"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 97 (<a href="#linknoteref-97">return</a>)<br /> [ Those families were + styled patrician whose ancestors had been members of the senate in the + earliest times of the regal or consular government. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-98" id="linknote-98"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 98 (<a href="#linknoteref-98">return</a>)<br /> [ Trajan] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-99" id="linknote-99"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 99 (<a href="#linknoteref-99">return</a>)<br /> [ The consuls, though they + were chosen in August, did not enter upon their office till the first of + January, during which interval they were styled consules designati, + consuls elect. It was usual for them upon that occasion to compliment the + emperor, by whose appointment, after the dissolution of the republican + government, they were chosen. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-100" id="linknote-100"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 100 (<a href="#linknoteref-100">return</a>)<br /> [ So called, because it + formerly belonged to Camillus. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-101" id="linknote-101"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 101 (<a href="#linknoteref-101">return</a>)<br /> [ Civita Vecchia.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-102" id="linknote-102"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 102 (<a href="#linknoteref-102">return</a>)<br /> [ Trajan.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-103" id="linknote-103"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 103 (<a href="#linknoteref-103">return</a>)<br /> [ An officer in the Roman + legions, answering in some sort to a captain In our companies. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-104" id="linknote-104"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 104 (<a href="#linknoteref-104">return</a>)<br /> [ This law was made by + Augustus Cæsar; but it nowhere clearly appears what was the peculiar + punishment it inflicted. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-105" id="linknote-105"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 105 (<a href="#linknoteref-105">return</a>)<br /> [ An officer employed by + the emperor to receive and regulate the public revenue in the provinces. + M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-106" id="linknote-106"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 106 (<a href="#linknoteref-106">return</a>)<br /> [ Comprehending + Transylvania, Moldavia, and Walaehia. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-107" id="linknote-107"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 107 (<a href="#linknoteref-107">return</a>)<br /> [ Polycletus was a + freedman, and great favourite of Nero. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-108" id="linknote-108"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 108 (<a href="#linknoteref-108">return</a>)<br /> [ Memmius, or Rhemmius + (the critics are not agreed which), was author of a law by which it was + enacted that whosoever was convicted of calumny and false accusation + should be stigmatised with a mark in his forehead; and by the law of the + twelve tables, false accusers were to suffer the same punishment as would + have been inflicted upon the person unjustly accused if the crime had been + proved. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-109" id="linknote-109"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 109 (<a href="#linknoteref-109">return</a>)<br /> [ Trajan.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-110" id="linknote-110"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 110 (<a href="#linknoteref-110">return</a>)<br /> [ Unction was much + esteemed and prescribed by the ancients. Celsus expressly recommends it in + the remission of acute distempers: "ungi leniterque pertractari corpus, + etiam in acutic et recentibus niorbis opartet; us rernissione fumen," + &c. Celsi Med. ed. Aliucloveen, p. 88. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-111" id="linknote-111"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 111 (<a href="#linknoteref-111">return</a>)<br /> [ His wife.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-112" id="linknote-112"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 112 (<a href="#linknoteref-112">return</a>)<br /> [ See book V. letter XX.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-113" id="linknote-113"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 113 (<a href="#linknoteref-113">return</a>)<br /> [ Trajan.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-114" id="linknote-114"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 114 (<a href="#linknoteref-114">return</a>)<br /> [ One of the Bithynians + employed to manage the trial. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-115" id="linknote-115"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 115 (<a href="#linknoteref-115">return</a>)<br /> [ About $28,000.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-116" id="linknote-116"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 116 (<a href="#linknoteref-116">return</a>)<br /> [ About $26,000.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-117" id="linknote-117"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 117 (<a href="#linknoteref-117">return</a>)<br /> [ There is a kind of + witticism in this expression, which will be lost to the mere English + reader unless he be informed that the Romans had a privilege, confirmed to + them by several laws which passed in the earlier ages of the republic, of + appealing from the decisions of the magistrates to the general assembly of + the people: and they did so in the form of words which Pomponius here + applies to a different purpose. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-118" id="linknote-118"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 118 (<a href="#linknoteref-118">return</a>)<br /> [ The priests, as well as + other magistrates, exhibited public games to the people when they entered + upon their office. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-119" id="linknote-119"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 119 (<a href="#linknoteref-119">return</a>)<br /> [ A famous lawyer who + flourished in the reign of the emperor Claudius: those who followed his + opinions were said to be Cassians, or of the school of Cassius. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-120" id="linknote-120"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 120 (<a href="#linknoteref-120">return</a>)<br /> [ A Stoic philosopher and + native of Tarsus. He was tutor for some time to Octavius, afterwards + Augustus, Cæsar.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-121" id="linknote-121"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 121 (<a href="#linknoteref-121">return</a>)<br /> [ Balzac very prettily + observes: "Il y a des riviere: qui ne font jamais tact de bien que quand + elles se dibordent; de eneme, l'amitie n'a mealleur quo l'exces." M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-122" id="linknote-122"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 122 (<a href="#linknoteref-122">return</a>)<br /> [ Persons of rank and + literature among the Romans retained in their families a domestic whose + sole business was to read to them. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-123" id="linknote-123"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 123 (<a href="#linknoteref-123">return</a>)<br /> [ It was a doctrine + maintained by the Stoics that all crimes are equal M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-124" id="linknote-124"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 124 (<a href="#linknoteref-124">return</a>)<br /> [ About $400.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-125" id="linknote-125"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 125 (<a href="#linknoteref-125">return</a>)<br /> [ About $600.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-126" id="linknote-126"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 126 (<a href="#linknoteref-126">return</a>)<br /> [ About $93.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-127" id="linknote-127"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 127 (<a href="#linknoteref-127">return</a>)<br /> [ Hom. II. lib. IX. V. + 319.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-128" id="linknote-128"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 128 (<a href="#linknoteref-128">return</a>)<br /> [ Those of Nero and + Domitian. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-129" id="linknote-129"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 129 (<a href="#linknoteref-129">return</a>)<br /> [ When Nerva and Trajan + received the empire. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-130" id="linknote-130"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 130 (<a href="#linknoteref-130">return</a>)<br /> [ A slave could acquire + no property, and consequently was incapable bylaw of making a will. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-131" id="linknote-131"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 131 (<a href="#linknoteref-131">return</a>)<br /> [ Now called Amelia, a + town in Ombria. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-132" id="linknote-132"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 132 (<a href="#linknoteref-132">return</a>)<br /> [ Now Laghetto di + Bassano. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-133" id="linknote-133"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 133 (<a href="#linknoteref-133">return</a>)<br /> [ A province in Anatolia, + or Asia Minor. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-134" id="linknote-134"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 134 (<a href="#linknoteref-134">return</a>)<br /> [ The performers at these + games were divided into companies, distinguished by the particular colour + of their habits; the principal of which were the white, the red, the blue, + and the green. Accordingly the spectators favoured one or the other + colour, as humour and caprice inclined them. In the reign of Justinian a + tumult arose in Constantinople, occasioned merely by a contention among + the partisans of these several colours, wherein no less than 30,000 men + lost their lives. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-135" id="linknote-135"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 135 (<a href="#linknoteref-135">return</a>)<br /> [ Now called Castello di + Baia, in Terra di Lavoro. It was the place the Romans chose for their + winter retreat; and which they frequented upon account of its warm baths. + Some few ruins of the beautiful villas that once covered this delightful + coast still remain; and nothing can give one a higher idea of the + prodigious expense and magnificence of the Romans in their private + buildings than the manner in which some of these were situated. It appears + from this letter, as well as from several other passages in the classic + writers, that they actually projected into the sea, being erected upon + vast piles, sunk for that purpose.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-136" id="linknote-136"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 136 (<a href="#linknoteref-136">return</a>)<br /> [ The buskin was a kind + of high shoe worn upon the stage by the actors of tragedy, in order to + give them a more heroical elevation of stature; as the sock was something + between a shoe and stocking, it was appropriated to the comic players. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-137" id="linknote-137"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 137 (<a href="#linknoteref-137">return</a>)<br /> [ Lyons.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-138" id="linknote-138"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 138 (<a href="#linknoteref-138">return</a>)<br /> [ He was accused of + treason, under pretence that in a dramatic piece which he composed he had, + in the characters of Paris and Oenone, reflected upon Domitian for + divorcing his wife Domitia. Suet, in Vit. Domit. C. 10. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-139" id="linknote-139"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 139 (<a href="#linknoteref-139">return</a>)<br /> [ Helvidius.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-140" id="linknote-140"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 140 (<a href="#linknoteref-140">return</a>)<br /> [ Upon the accession of + Nerva to the empire, after the death of Domitian. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-142" id="linknote-142"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 142 (<a href="#linknoteref-142">return</a>)<br /> [ Our authors first wife; + of whom we have no particular account. After her death, he married his + favourite Calpurnia. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-143" id="linknote-143"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 143 (<a href="#linknoteref-143">return</a>)<br /> [ It is very remarkable + that, when any senator was asked his opinion in the house, he had the + privilege of speaking as long as he pleased upon any other affair before + he came to the point in question. Aul. Gell. IV. C. 10. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-144" id="linknote-144"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 144 (<a href="#linknoteref-144">return</a>)<br /> [ Aeneid, LIB. VI. V. + 105.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-145" id="linknote-145"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 145 (<a href="#linknoteref-145">return</a>)<br /> [ Arria and Fannia.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-146" id="linknote-146"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 146 (<a href="#linknoteref-146">return</a>)<br /> [ The appellation by + which the senate was addressed. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-147" id="linknote-147"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 147 (<a href="#linknoteref-147">return</a>)<br /> [ The tribunes were + magistrates chosen at first out of the body of the commons, for the + defence of their liberties, and to interpose in all grievances offered by + their superiors. Their authority extended even to the deliberations of the + senate. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-148" id="linknote-148"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 148 (<a href="#linknoteref-148">return</a>)<br /> [ Diomed's speech to + Nestor, advising him to retire from the field of battle. Iliad, VIII. 302. + Pope. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-149" id="linknote-149"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 149 (<a href="#linknoteref-149">return</a>)<br /> [ Nerva.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-150" id="linknote-150"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 150 (<a href="#linknoteref-150">return</a>)<br /> [ Domitian; by whom he + had been appointed consul elect, though he had not yet entered upon that + office. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-151" id="linknote-151"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 151 (<a href="#linknoteref-151">return</a>)<br /> [ These persons were + introduced at most of the tables of the great, for the purposes of mirth + and gaiety, and constituted an essential part in all polite entertainments + among the Romans. It is surprising how soon this great people fell off + from their original severity of manners, and were tainted with the stale + refinements of foreign luxury. Livy dates the rise of this and other + unmanly delicacies from the conquest of Scipio Asiaticus over Antiochus; + that is when the Roman name had scarce subsisted above a hundred and + threescore years. "Luxuriae peregrinae origio," says he, "exercitu + Asiatico in urbem invecta est." This triumphant army caught, it seems, the + contagious softness of the people it subdued; and, on its return to Rome, + spread an infection among their countrymen, which worked by slow degrees, + till it effected their total destruction. Thus did Eastern luxury revenge + itself on Roman arms. It may be wondered that Pliny should keep his own + temper, and check the indignation of his friends at a scene which was fit + only for the dissolute revels of the infamous Trimalchio. But it will not, + perhaps, be doing justice to our author to take an estimate of his real + sentiments upon this point from the letter before us. Genitor, it seems, + was a man of strict, but rather of too austere morals for the free turn of + the age: "emendatus et gravis: paulo etiam horridior et durior ut in hac + licentia teniporuni" (Ep. III. 1. 3). But as there is a certain seasonable + accommodation to the manners of the times, not only extremely Consistent + with, but highly conducive to, the interests of virtue, Pliny, probably, + may affect a greater latitude than he in general approved, in order to + draw off his friend from that stiffness and unyielding disposition which + might prejudice those of a gayer turn against him, and consequently lessen + the beneficial influence of his virtues upon the world. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-152" id="linknote-152"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 152 (<a href="#linknoteref-152">return</a>)<br /> [ See letter CIII.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-153" id="linknote-153"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 153 (<a href="#linknoteref-153">return</a>)<br /> [ Iliad, XXI. 387. Pope. + M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-154" id="linknote-154"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 154 (<a href="#linknoteref-154">return</a>)<br /> [ Iliad, V. 356, speaking + of Mars. M.; Iliad, IV. 452. Pope.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-155" id="linknote-155"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 155 (<a href="#linknoteref-155">return</a>)<br /> [ The design of Pliny in + this letter is to justify the figurative expressions he had employed, + probably, in same oration, by instances of the same warmth of colouring + from those great masters of eloquence, Demosthenes and his rival + Aesehines. But the force of the passages which he produces from those + orators must necessarily be greatly weakened to a mere modern reader, some + of them being only hinted at, as generally well known; and the metaphors + in several of the others have either lost much of their original spirit + and boldness, by being introduced and received in Common language, or + cannot, perhaps, he preserved in an English translation. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-156" id="linknote-156"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 156 (<a href="#linknoteref-156">return</a>)<br /> [ See 1st Philippic.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-157" id="linknote-157"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 157 (<a href="#linknoteref-157">return</a>)<br /> [ See Demosthenes' speech + in defence of Cteisphon.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-158" id="linknote-158"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 158 (<a href="#linknoteref-158">return</a>)<br /> [ See end Olynthiac.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-159" id="linknote-159"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 159 (<a href="#linknoteref-159">return</a>)<br /> [ See Aesehines' speech + against Ctesiphon.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-160" id="linknote-160"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 160 (<a href="#linknoteref-160">return</a>)<br /> [ It was a religious + ceremony practised by the ancients to pour precious ointments upon the + statues of their gods: Avitus, it is probable, imagined this dolphin was + some sea-divinity, and therefore expressed his veneration of him by the + solemnity of a sacred unction. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-161" id="linknote-161"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 161 (<a href="#linknoteref-161">return</a>)<br /> [ The overflowing + humanity of Pliny's temper breaks out upon all occasions, but he discovers + it in nothing more strongly than by the impression which this little story + appears to have made upon him. True benevolence, indeed, extends itself + through the whole compass of existence, and sympathises with the distress + of every creature of sensation. Little minds may be apt to consider a + compassion of this inferior kind as an instance of weakness; but it is + undoubtedly the evidence of a noble nature. Homer thought it not + unbecoming the character even of a hero to melt into tears at a distress + of this sort, and has given us a most amiable and affecting picture of + Ulysses weeping over his faithful dog Argus, when he expires at his feet: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Soft pity touch'd the mighty master's soul; + Adown his cheek the tear unbidden stole, + Stole unperceived; he turn'd his head and dry'd + The drop humane.". + (Odyss. XVII. Pope.) M.] +</pre> + <p> + <a name="linknote-162" id="linknote-162"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 162 (<a href="#linknoteref-162">return</a>)<br /> [ By the regimen which + Pliny here follows, one would imagine, if he had not told us who were his + physicians, that the celebrated Celsus was in the number. That author + expressly recommends reading aloud, and afterwards walking, as beneficial + in disorders of the stomach: "Si quis stomacho laborat, leqere clare + debet; post lectionem ambulare," &c. Celsi Medic. 1. I. C. 8. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0112" id="link2H_4_0112"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0113" id="link2H_4_0113"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I — TO THE EMPEROR TRAJAN<a href="#linknote-1001" + name="linknoteref-1001" id="linknoteref-1001">[1001]</a> + </h2> + <p> + THE pious affection you bore, most sacred Emperor, to your august father + induced you to wish it might be late ere you succeeded him. But the + immortal gods thought proper to hasten the advancement of those virtues to + the helm of the commonwealth which had already shared in the steerage.<a + href="#linknote-1002" name="linknoteref-1002" id="linknoteref-1002">[1002]</a> + May you then, and the world through your means, enjoy every prosperity + worthy of your reign: to which let me add my wishes, most excellent + Emperor, upon a private as well as public account, that your health and + spirits may be preserved firm and unbroken. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0114" id="link2H_4_0114"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + You have occasioned me, Sir, an inexpressible pleasure in deeming me + worthy of enjoying the privilege which the laws confer on those who have + three children. For although it was from an indulgence to the request of + the excellent Julius Servianus, your own most devoted servant, that you + granted this favour, yet I have the satisfaction to find by the words of + your rescript that you complied the more willingly as his application was + in my behalf. I cannot but look upon myself as in possession of my utmost + wish, after having thus received, at the beginning of your most auspicious + reign, so distinguishing a mark of your peculiar favour; at the same time + that it considerably heightens my desire of leaving a family behind me. I + was not entirely without this desire even in the late most unhappy times: + as my two marriages will induce you to believe. But the gods decreed it + better, by reserving every valuable privilege to the bounty of your + generous dispensations. And indeed the pleasure of being a father will be + so much more acceptable to me now, that I can enjoy it in full security + and happiness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0115" id="link2H_4_0115"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + III — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + THE experience, most excellent Emperor, I have had of your unbounded + generosity to me, in my own person, encourages me to hope I may be yet + farther obliged to it, in that of my friends. Voconius Romanus (who was my + schoolfellow and companion from our earliest years) claims the first rank + in that number; in consequence of which I petitioned your sacred father to + promote him to the dignity of the senatorial order. But the completion of + my request is reserved to your goodness; for his mother had not then + advanced, in the manner the law directs, the liberal gift<a + href="#linknote-1003" name="linknoteref-1003" id="linknoteref-1003">[1003]</a> + of four hundred thousand sesterces, which she engaged to give him, in her + letter to the late emperor, your father. This, however, by my advice she + has since done, having made over certain estates to him, as well as + completed every other act necessary to make the conveyance valid. The + difficulties therefore being removed which deferred the gratification of + our wishes, it is with full confidence I venture to assure you of the + worth of my friend Romanus, heightened and adorned as it is not only by + liberal culture, but by his extraordinary tenderness to his parents as + well. It is to that virtue he owes the present liberality of his mother; + as well as his immediate succession to his late father's estate, and his + adoption by his father-in-law. To these personal qualifications, the + wealth and rank of his family give additional lustre; and I persuade + myself it will be some further recommendation that I solicit in his + behalf. Let me, then, entreat you, Sir, to enable me to congratulate + Romanus on so desirable an occasion, and at the same time to indulge an + eager and, I hope, laudable ambition, of having it in my power to boast + that your favourable regards are extended not only to myself, but also to + my friend. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0116" id="link2H_4_0116"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + WHEN by your gracious indulgence, Sir, I was appointed to preside at the + treasury of Saturn, I immediately renounced all engagements of the bar (as + indeed I never blended business of that kind with the functions of the + state), that no avocations might call off my attention from the post to + which I was appointed. For this reason, when the province of Africa + petitioned the senate that I might undertake their cause against Marius + Priscus, I excused myself from that office; and my excuse was allowed. But + when afterwards the consul elect proposed that the senate should apply to + us again, and endeavour to prevail with us to yield to its inclinations, + and suffer our names to be thrown into the urn, I thought it most + agreeable to that tranquillity and good order which so happily + distinguishes your times not to oppose (especially in so reasonable an + instance) the will of that august assembly. And, as I am desirous that all + my words and actions may receive the sanction of your exemplary virtue, I + hope you approve of my compliance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0117" id="link2H_4_0117"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + V — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + You acted as became a good citizen and a worthy senator, by paying + obedience to the just requisition of that august assembly: and I have full + confidence you will faithfully discharge the business you have undertaken. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0118" id="link2H_4_0118"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + HAVING been attacked last year by a very severe and dangerous illness, I + employed a physician, whose care and diligence, Sir, I cannot sufficiently + reward, but by your gracious assistance. I entreat you therefore to make + him a denizen of Rome; for as he is the freedman of a foreign lady, he is, + consequently, himself also a foreigner. His name is Harpocras; his + patroness (who has been dead a considerable time) was Thermuthis, the + daughter of Theon. I further entreat you to bestow the full privileges of + a Roman citizen upon Hedia and Antonia Harmeris, the freedwomen of Antonia + Maximilla, a lady of great merit. It is at her desire I make this request. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0119" id="link2H_4_0119"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + I RETURN YOU thanks, Sir, for your ready compliance with my desire, in + granting the complete privileges of a Roman to the freedwomen of a lady to + whom I am allied and also for making Harpocras, my physician, a denizen of + Rome. But when, agreeably to your directions, I gave in an account of his + age, and estate, I was informed by those who are better skilled in the + affairs than I pretend to be that, as he is an Egyptian, I ought first to + have obtained for him the freedom of Alexandria before he was made free of + Rome. I confess, indeed, as I was ignorant of any difference in this case + between those of Egypt and other countries, I contented myself with Only + acquainting you that he had been manumitted by a foreign lady long since + deceased. However, it is an ignorance I cannot regret, since it affords me + an opportunity of receiving from you a double obligation in favour of the + same person. That I may legally therefore enjoy the benefit of your + goodness, I beg you would be pleased to grant him the freedom of the city + of Alexandria, as well as that of Rome. And that your gracious intentions + may not meet with any further obstacles, I have taken care, as you + directed, to send an account to your freedman of his age and possessions. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0120" id="link2H_4_0120"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + IT is my resolution, in pursuance of the maxim observed by the princes my + predecessors, to be extremely cautious in granting the freedom of the city + of Alexandria: however, since you have obtained of me the freedom of Rome + for your physician Harpocras, I cannot refuse you this other request. You + must let me know to what district he belongs, that I may give you a letter + to my friend Pompeius Planta, governor of Egypt. + </p> +<p> + <a name="link29trajan" id="link29trajan"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + I CANNOT express, Sir, the pleasure your letter gave me, by which I am + informed that you have made my physician Harpocras a denizen of + Alexandria; notwithstanding your resolution to follow the maxim of your + predecessors in this point, by being extremely cautious in granting that + privilege. Agreeably to your directions, I acquaint you that Harpocras + belongs to the district of Memphis.<a href="#linknote-1004" + name="linknoteref-1004" id="linknoteref-1004">[1004]</a> I entreat you + then, most gracious Emperor, to send me, as you promised, a letter to your + friend Pompeius Planta, governor of Egypt. As I purpose (in order to have + the earliest enjoyment of your presence, so ardently wished for here) to + come to meet you, I beg, Sir, you would permit me to extend my journey as + far as possible. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0121" id="link2H_4_0121"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + X — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + I WAS greatly obliged, Sir, in my late illness, to Posthumius Marinus, my + physician; and I cannot make him a suitable return, but by the assistance + of your wonted gracious indulgence. I entreat you then to make Chrysippus + Mithridates and his wife Stratonica (who are related to Marinus) denizens + of Rome. I entreat likewise the same privilege in favour of Epigonus and + Mithridates, the two sons of Chrysippus; but with this restriction' that + they may remain under the dominion of their father, and yet reserve their + right of patronage over their own freedmen. I further entreat you to grant + the full privileges of a Roman to L. Satrius Abascantius, P. Caesius + Phosphorus, and Pancharia Soteris. This request I make with the consent of + their patrons.<a href="#linknote-1005" name="linknoteref-1005" + id="linknoteref-1005">[1005]</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0122" id="link2H_4_0122"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + AFTER your late sacred father, Sir, had, in a noble speech, as well as by + his own generous example, exhorted and encouraged the public to acts of + munificence, I implored his permission to remove the several statues which + I had of the former emperors to my corporation, and at the same time + requested permission to add his own to the number. For as I had hitherto + let them remain in the respective places in which they stood when they + were left to me by several different inheritances, they were dispersed in + distant parts of my estate. He was pleased to grant my request, and at the + same time to give me a very ample testimony of his approbation. I + immediately, therefore, wrote to the decurii, to desire they would allot a + piece of ground, upon which I might build a temple at my own expense; and + they, as a mark of honour to my design, offered me the choice of any site + I might think proper. However, my own ill-health in the first place, and + later that of your father, together with the duties of that employment + which you were both pleased to entrust me, prevented my proceeding with + that design. But I have now, I think, a convenient opportunity of making + an excursion for the purpose, as my monthly attendances ends on the 1st of + September, and there are several festivals in the month following. My + first request, then, is that you would permit me to adorn the temple I am + going to erect with your statue, and next (in order to the execution of my + design with all the expedition possible) that you would indulge me with + leave of absence. It would ill become the sincerity I profess, were I to + dissemble that your goodness in complying with this desire will at the + same time be extremely serviceable to me in my own private affairs. It is + absolutely necessary I should not defer any longer the letting of my lands + in that province; for, besides that they amount to above four hundred + thousand sesterces,<a href="#linknote-1006" name="linknoteref-1006" + id="linknoteref-1006">[1006]</a> the time for dressing the vineyards is + approaching, and that business must fall upon my new tenants.<a + href="#linknote-1007" name="linknoteref-1007" id="linknoteref-1007">[1007]</a> + The unfruitfulness of the seasons besides, for several years past, obliges + me to think of making some abatements in my rents; which I cannot possibly + settle unless I am present. I shall be indebted then to your indulgence, + Sir, for the expedition of my work of piety, and the settlement of my own + private affairs, if you will be pleased to grant me leave of absence<a + href="#linknote-1008" name="linknoteref-1008" id="linknoteref-1008">[1008]</a> + for thirty days. I cannot give myself a shorter time, as the town and the + estate of which I am speaking lie above a hundred and fifty miles from + Rome. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0123" id="link2H_4_0123"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + You have given me many private reasons, and every public one, why you + desire leave of absence; but I need no other than that it is your desire: + and I doubt not of your returning as soon as possible to the duty of an + office which so much requires your attendance. As I would not seem to + check any instance of your affection towards me, I shall not oppose your + erecting my statue in the place you desire; though in general I am + extremely cautious in giving any encouragement to honours of that kind. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0124" id="link2H_4_0124"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> +<a + href="#linknote-1009" name="linknoteref-1009" id="linknoteref-1009">[1009]</a> + <p> + As I am sensible, Sir, that the highest applause my actions can receive is + to be distinguished by so excellent a prince, I beg you would be + graciously pleased to add either the office of augur or septemvir' (both + which are now vacant) to the dignity I already enjoy by your indulgence; + that I may have the satisfaction of publicly offering up those vows for + your prosperity, from the duty of my office, which I daily prefer to the + gods in private, from the affection of my heart. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0125" id="link2H_4_0125"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XIV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + HAVING safely passed the promontory of Malea, I am arrived at Ephesus with + all my retinue, notwithstanding I was detained for some time by contrary + winds: a piece of information, Sir, in which, I trust, you will feel + yourself concerned. I propose pursuing the remainder of my journey to the + province<a href="#linknote-1010" name="linknoteref-1010" + id="linknoteref-1010">[1010]</a> partly in light vessels, and partly in + post-chaises: for as the excessive heats will prevent my travelling + altogether by land, so the Etesian winds,<a href="#linknote-1011" + name="linknoteref-1011" id="linknoteref-1011">[1011]</a> which are now set + in, will not permit me to proceed entirely by sea. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0126" id="link2H_4_0126"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XV — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + YOUR information, my dear Pliny, was extremely agreeable to mc, as it does + concern me to know in what manner you arrive at your province. It is a + wise intention of yours to travel either by sea or land, as you shall find + most convenient. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0127" id="link2H_4_0127"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XVI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + As I had a very favourable voyage to Ephesus, so in travelling by + post-chaise from thence I was extremely troubled by the heats, and also by + some slight feverish attacks, which kept me some time at Pergamus. From + there, Sir, I got on board a coasting vessel, but, being again detained by + contrary winds, did not arrive at Bithynia so soon as I had hoped. + However, I have no reason to complain of this delay, since (which indeed + was the most auspicious circumstance that could attend me) I reached the + province in time to celebrate your birthday. I am at present engaged in + examining the finances of the Prusenses,<a href="#linknote-1012" + name="linknoteref-1012" id="linknoteref-1012">[1012]</a> their expenses, + revenues, and credits; and the farther I proceed in this work, the more I + am convinced of the necessity of my enquiry. Several large sums of money + are owing to the city from private persons, which they neglect to pay upon + various pretences; as, on the other hand, I find the public funds are, in + some instances, very unwarrantably applied. This, Sir, I write to you + immediately on my arrival. I entered this province on the 17th of + September,<a href="#linknote-1013" name="linknoteref-1013" + id="linknoteref-1013">[1013]</a> and found in it that obedience and + loyalty towards yourself which you justly merit from all mankind. You will + consider, Sir, whether it would not be proper to send a surveyor here; for + I am inclined to think much might be deducted from what is charged by + those who have the conduct of the public works if a faithful admeasurement + were to be taken: at least I am of that opinion from what I have already + seen of the accounts of this city, which I am now going into as fully as + is possible. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0128" id="link2H_4_0128"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XVII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + I SHOULD have rejoiced to have heard that you arrived at Bithynia without + the smallest inconvenience to yourself or any of your retinue, and that + your journey from Ephesus had been as easy as your voyage to that place + was favourable. For the rest, your letter informs me, my dearest Secundus, + on what day you reached Bithynia. The people of that province will be + convinced, I persuade myself, that I am attentive to their interest: as + your conduct towards them will make it manifest that I could have chosen + no more proper person to supply my place. The examination of the public + accounts ought certainly to be your first employment, as they are + evidently in great disorder. I have scarcely surveyors sufficient to + inspect those works<a href="#linknote-1014" name="linknoteref-1014" + id="linknoteref-1014">[1014]</a> which I am carrying on at Rome, and in + the neighbourhood; but persons of integrity and skill in this art may be + found, most certainly, in every province, so that they will not fail you + if only you will make due enquiry. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0129" id="link2H_4_0129"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XVIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + THOUGH I am well assured, Sir, that you, who never omit any opportunity of + exerting your generosity, are not unmindful of the request I lately made + to you, yet, as you have often indulged me in this manner, give me leave + to remind and earnestly entreat you to bestow the praetorship now vacant + upon Attius Sura. Though his ambition is extremely moderate, yet the + quality of his birth, the inflexible integrity he has preserved in a very + narrow fortune, and, more than all, the felicity of your times, which + encourages conscious virtue to claim your favour, induce him to hope he + may experience it in the present instance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0130" id="link2H_4_0130"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XIX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + I CONGRATULATE both you and the public, most excellent Emperor, upon the + great and glorious victory you have obtained; so agreeable to the heroism + of ancient Rome. May the immortal gods grant the same happy success to all + your designs, that, under the administration of so many princely virtues, + the splendour of the empire may shine out, not only in its former, but + with additional lustre.<a href="#linknote-1015" name="linknoteref-1015" + id="linknoteref-1015">[1015]</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0131" id="link2H_4_0131"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + Mv lieutenant, Servilius Pudens, came to Nicomedia,<a href="#linknote-1016" + name="linknoteref-1016" id="linknoteref-1016">[1016]</a> Sir, on the 24th + of November, and by his arrival freed me, at length, from the anxiety of a + very uneasy expectation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0132" id="link2H_4_0132"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + YOUR generosity to me, Sir, was the occasion of uniting me to Rosianus + Geminus, by the strongest ties; for he was my quaestor when I was consul. + His behaviour to me during the continuance of our offices was highly + respectful, and he has treated me ever since with so peculiar a regard + that, besides the many obligations I owe him upon a public account, I am + indebted to him for the strongest pledges of private friendship. I entreat + you, then, to comply with my request for the advancement of one whom (if + my recommendation has any weight) you will even distinguish with your + particular favour; and whatever trust you shall repose in him, he will + endeavour to show himself still deserving of an higher. But I am the more + sparing in my praises of him, being persuaded his integrity, his probity, + and his vigilance are well known to you, not only from those high posts + which he has exercised in Rome within your immediate inspection, but from + his behaviour when he served under you in the army. One thing, however, my + affection for him inclines me to think, I have not yet sufficiently done; + and therefore, Sir, I repeat my entreaties that you will give me the + pleasure, as early as possible, of rejoicing in the advancement of my + quaestor, or, in other words, of receiving an addition to my own honours, + in the person of my friend. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0133" id="link2H_4_0133"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + IT is not easy, Sir, to express the joy I received when I heard you had, + in compliance with the request of my mother-in-law and myself, granted + Coelius Clemens the proconsulship of this province after the expiration of + his consular office; as it is from thence I learn the full extent of your + goodness towards me, which thus graciously extends itself through my whole + family. As I dare not pretend to make an equal return to those obligations + I so justly owe you, I can only have recourse to vows, and ardently + implore the gods that I may not be found unworthy of those favours which + you are repeatedly conferring upon me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0134" id="link2H_4_0134"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + I RECEIVED, Sir, a dispatch from your freedman, Lycormas, desiring me, if + any embassy from Bosporus<a href="#linknote-1017" name="linknoteref-1017" + id="linknoteref-1017">[1017]</a> should come here on the way to Rome, that + I would detain it till his arrival. None has yet arrived, at least in the + city<a href="#linknote-1018" name="linknoteref-1018" id="linknoteref-1018">[1018]</a> + where I now am. But a courier passing through this place from the king of + Sarmatia,<a href="#linknote-1019" name="linknoteref-1019" + id="linknoteref-1019">[1019]</a> I embrace the opportunity which + accidentally offers itself, of sending with him the messenger which + Lycormas despatched hither, that you might be informed by both their + letters of what, perhaps, it may be expedient you should be acquainted + with at one and the same time. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0135" id="link2H_4_0135"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXIV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + I AM informed by a letter from the king of Sarmatia that there are certain + affairs of which you ought to be informed as soon as possible. In order, + therefore, to hasten the despatches which his courier was charged with to + you, I granted him an order to make use of the public post.<a + href="#linknote-1020" name="linknoteref-1020" id="linknoteref-1020">[1020]</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0136" id="link2H_4_0136"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + THE ambassador from the king of Sarmatia having remained two days, by his + own choice, at Nicea, I did not think it reasonable, Sir, to detain him + any longer: because, in the first place, it was still uncertain when your + freedman, Lycormas, would arrive, and then again some indispensable + affairs require my presence in a different part of the province. Of this I + thought it necessary that you should be informed, because I lately + acquainted you in a letter that Lycormas had desired, if any embassy + should come this way from Bosporus, that I would detain it till his + arrival. But I saw no plausible pretext for keeping him back any longer, + especially as the despatches from Lycormas, which (as I mentioned before) + I was not willing to detain, would probably reach you some days sooner + than this ambassador. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0137" id="link2H_4_0137"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXVI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + I RECEIVED a letter, Sir, from Apuleius, a military man, belonging to the + garrison at Nicomedia, informing me that one Callidromus, being arrested + by Maximus and Dionysius (two bakers, to whom he had hired himself), fled + for refuge to your statue;<a href="#linknote-1021" name="linknoteref-1021" + id="linknoteref-1021">[1021]</a> that, being brought before a magistrate, + he declared he, was formerly slave to Laberius Maximus, but being taken + prisoner by Susagus<a href="#linknote-1022" name="linknoteref-1022" + id="linknoteref-1022">[1022]</a> in Moesia,<a href="#linknote-1023" + name="linknoteref-1023" id="linknoteref-1023">[1023]</a> he was sent as a + present from Decebalus to Pacorus, king of Parthia, in whose service he + continued several years, from whence he made his escape, and came to + Nicomedia. When he was examined before me, he confirmed this account, for + which reason I thought it necessary to send<a href="#linknote-1024" + name="linknoteref-1024" id="linknoteref-1024">[1024]</a> him to you. This + I should have done sooner, but I delayed his journey in order to make an + inquiry concerning a seal ring which he said was taken from him, upon + which was engraven the figure of Pacorus in his royal robes; I was + desirous (if it could have been found) of transmitting this curiosity to + you, with a small gold nugget which he says he brought from out of the + Parthian mines. I have affixed my seal to it, the impression of which is a + chariot drawn by four horses. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0138" id="link2H_4_0138"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXVII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + YOUR freedman and procurator,<a href="#linknote-1025" + name="linknoteref-1025" id="linknoteref-1025">[1025]</a> Maximus, behaved, + Sir, during all the time we were together, with great probity, attention, + and diligence; as one strongly attached to your interest, and strictly + observant of discipline. This testimony I willingly give him; and I give + it with all the fidelity I owe you. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0139" id="link2H_4_0139"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXVIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + AFTER having experienced, Sir, in Gabius Bassus, who commands on the + Pontic<a href="#linknote-1026" name="linknoteref-1026" + id="linknoteref-1026">[1026]</a> coast, the greatest integrity, honour, + and diligence, as well as the most particular respect to myself, I cannot + refuse him my best wishes and suffrage; and I give them to him with all + that fidelity which is due to you. I have found him abundantly qualified + by having served in the army under you; and it is owing to the advantages + of your discipline that he has learned to merit your favour. The soldiery + and the people here, who have had full experience of his justice and + humanity, rival each other in that glorious testimony they give of his + conduct, both in public and in private; and I certify this with all the + sincerity you have a right to expect from me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0140" id="link2H_4_0140"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXIX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + NYMPHIDIUS Lupus,<a href="#linknote-1027" name="linknoteref-1027" + id="linknoteref-1027">[1027]</a> Sir, and myself, served in the army + together; he commanded a body of the auxiliary forces at the same time + that I was military tribune; and it was from thence my affection for him + began. A long acquaintance has since mutually endeared and strengthened + our friendship. For this reason I did violence to his repose, and insisted + upon his attending me into Bithynia, as my assessor in council. He most + readily granted me this proof of his friendship; and without any regard to + the plea of age, or the ease of retirement, he shared, and continues to + share, with me, the fatigue of public business. I consider his relations, + therefore, as my own; in which number Nymphidius Lupus, his son, claims my + particular regard. He is a youth of great merit and indefatigable + application, and in every respect well worthy of so excellent a father. + The early proof he gave of his merit, when he commanded a regiment of + foot, shows him to be equal to any honour you may think proper to confer + upon him; and it gained him the strongest testimony of approbation from + those most illustrious personages, Julius Ferox and Fuscus Salinator. And + I will add, Sir, that I shall rejoice in any accession of dignity which he + shall receive as an occasion of particular satisfaction to myself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0141" id="link2H_4_0141"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + I BEG your determination, Sir, on a point I am exceedingly doubtful about: + it is whether I should place the public slaves<a href="#linknote-1028" + name="linknoteref-1028" id="linknoteref-1028">[1028]</a> as sentries round + the prisons of the several cities in this province (as has been hitherto + the practice) or employ a party of soldiers for that purpose? On the one + hand, I am afraid the public slaves will not attend this duty with the + fidelity they ought; and on the other, that it will engage too large a + body of the soldiery. In the meanwhile I have joined a few of the latter + with the former. I am apprehensive, however, there may be some danger that + this method will occasion a general neglect of duty, as it will afford + them a mutual opportunity of throwing the blame upon each other. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0142" id="link2H_4_0142"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXI — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + THERE is no occasion, my dearest Secundus, to draw off any soldiers in + order to guard the prisons. Let us rather persevere in the ancient customs + observed in this province, of employing the public slaves for that + purpose; and the fidelity with which they shall execute their duty will + depend much upon your care and strict discipline. It is greatly to be + feared, as you observe, if the soldiers should be mixed with the public + slaves, they will mutually trust to each other, and by that means grow so + much the more negligent. But my principal objection is that as few + soldiers as possible should be withdrawn from their standard. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0143" id="link2H_4_0143"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + GABIUS BASSUS, who commands upon the frontiers of Pontica, in a manner + suitable to the respect and duty which he owes you, came to me, and has + been with me, Sir, for several days. As far as I could observe, he is a + person of great merit and worthy of your favour. I acquainted him it was + your order that he should retain only ten beneficiary<a + href="#linknote-1029" name="linknoteref-1029" id="linknoteref-1029">[1029]</a> + soldiers, two horse-guards, and one centurion out of the troops which you + were pleased to assign to my command. He assured me those would not be + sufficient, and that he would write to you accordingly; for which reason I + thought it proper not immediately to recall his supernumeraries. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0144" id="link2H_4_0144"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + I HAVE received from Gabius Bassus the letter you mention, acquainting me + that the number of soldiers I had ordered him was not sufficient; and for + your information I have directed my answer to be hereunto annexed. It is + very material to distinguish between what the exigency of affairs requires + and what an ambitious desire of extending power may think necessary. As + for ourselves, the public welfare must be our only guide: accordingly it + is incumbent upon us to take all possible care that the soldiers shall not + be absent from their standard. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0145" id="link2H_4_0145"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXIV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + THE PRUSENSES, Sir, having an ancient bath which lies in a ruinous state, + desire your leave to repair it; but, upon examination, I am of opinion it + ought to be rebuilt. I think, therefore, you may indulge them in this + request, as there will be a sufficient fund for that purpose, partly from + those debts which are due from private persons to the public which I am + now collecting in; and partly from what they raise among themselves + towards furnishing the bath with oil, which they are willing to apply to + the carrying on of this building; a work which the dignity of the city and + the splendour of your times seem to demand. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0146" id="link2H_4_0146"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXV — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + IF the erecting a public bath will not be too great a charge upon the + Prusenses, we may comply with their request; provided, however, that no + new tax be levied for this purpose, nor any of those taken off which are + appropriated to necessary services. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0147" id="link2H_4_0147"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXVI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + I AM assured, Sir, by your freedman and receiver-general Maximus, that it + is necessary he should have a party of soldiers assigned to him, over and + besides the beneficiarii, which by your orders I allotted to the very + worthy Gemellinus. Those therefore which I found in his service, I thought + proper he should retain, especially as he was going into Paphlagonia,<a + href="#linknote-1030" name="linknoteref-1030" id="linknoteref-1030">[1030]</a> + in order to procure corn. For his better protection likewise, and because + it was his request, I added two of the cavalry. But I beg you would inform + me, in your next despatches, what method you would have me observe for the + future in points of this nature. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0148" id="link2H_4_0148"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXX VII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + As my freedman Maximus was going upon an extraordinary commission to + procure corn, I approve of your having supplied him with a file of + soldiers. But when he shall return to the duties of his former post, I + think two from you and as many from his coadjutor, my receiver-general + Virdius Gemelhinus, will be sufficient. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0149" id="link2H_4_0149"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXVIII To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + THE very excellent young man Sempronius Caelianus, having discovered two + slaves<a href="#linknote-1031" name="linknoteref-1031" + id="linknoteref-1031">[1031]</a> among the recruits, has sent them to me. + But I deferred passing sentence till I had consulted you, the restorer and + upholder of military discipline, concerning the punishment proper to be + inflicted upon them. My principal doubt is that, whether, although they + have taken the military oath, they are yet entered into any particular + legion. I request you therefore, Sir, to inform me what course I should + pursue in this affair, especially as it concerns example. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0150" id="link2H_4_0150"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXIX — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + SEMPRONIUS CAELINUS has acted agreeably to my orders, in sending such + persons to be tried before you as appear to deserve capital punishment. It + is material however, in the case in question, to inquire whether these + slaves in-listed themselves voluntarily, or were chosen by the officers, + or presented as substitutes for others. If they were chosen, the officer + is guilty; if they are substitutes, the blame rests with those who deputed + them; but if, conscious of the legal inabilities of their station, they + presented themselves voluntarily, the punishment must fall upon their own + heads. That they are not yet entered into any legion, makes no great + difference in their case; for they ought to have given a true account of + themselves immediately, upon their being approved as fit for the service. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0151" id="link2H_4_0151"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XL — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + As I have your permission, Sir, to address myself to you in all my doubts, + you will not consider it beneath your dignity to descend to those humbler + affairs which concern my administration of this province. I find there are + in several cities, particularly those of Nicomedia and Nicea, certain + persons who take upon themselves to act as public slaves, and receive an + annual stipend accordingly; notwithstanding they have been condemned + either to the mines, the public games,<a href="#linknote-1032" + name="linknoteref-1032" id="linknoteref-1032">[1032]</a> or other + punishments of the like nature. Having received information of this abuse + I have been long debating with myself what I ought to do. On the one hand, + to send them back again to their respective punishments (many of them + being now grown old, and behaving, as I am assured, with sobriety and + modesty) would, I thought, be proceeding against them too severely; on the + other, to retain convicted criminals in the public service, seemed not + altogether decent. I considered at the same time to support these people + in idleness would be an useless expense to the public; and to leave them + to starve would be dangerous. I was obliged therefore to suspend the + determination of this matter till I could consult with you. You will be + desirous, perhaps, to be informed how it happened that these persons + escaped the punishments to which they were condemned. This enquiry I have + also made, but cannot return you any satisfactory answer. The decrees + against them were indeed produced; but no record appears of their having + ever been reversed. It was asserted, however, that these people were + pardoned upon their petition to the proconsuls, or their lieutenants; + which seems likely to be the truth, as it is improbable any person would + have dared to set them at liberty without authority. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0152" id="link2H_4_0152"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XLI — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + You will remember you were sent into Bithynia for the particular purpose + of correcting those many abuses which appeared in need of reform. Now none + stands more so than that of criminals who have been sentenced to + punishment should not only be set at liberty (as your letter informs me) + without authority; but even appointed to employments which ought only to + be exercised by persons whose characters are irreproachable. Those + therefore among them who have been convicted within these ten years, and + whose sentence has not been reversed by proper authority, must be sent + back again to their respective punishments: but where more than ten years + have elapsed since their conviction, and they are grown old and infirm, + let them he disposed of in such employments as are but few degrees removed + from the punishments to which they were sentenced; that is, either to + attend upon the public baths, cleanse the common sewers, or repair the + streets and highways, the usual offices assigned to such persons. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0153" id="link2H_4_0153"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XLII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + WHILE I was making a progress in a different part of the province, a most + extensive fire broke out at Nicomedia, which not only consumed several + private houses, but also two public buildings; the town-house and the + temple of Isis, though they stood on contrary sides of the street. The + occasion of its spreading thus far was partly owing to the violence of the + wind, and partly to the indolence of the people, who, manifestly, stood + idle and motionless spectators of this terrible calamity. The truth is the + city was not furnished with either engines, <a + href="#linknote-1033" name="linknoteref-1033" id="linknoteref-1033">[1033]</a>buckets, or any single + instrument suitable for extinguishing fires; which I have now however + given directions to have prepared. You will consider, Sir, whether it may + not be advisable to institute a company of fire-men, consisting only of + one hundred and fifty members. I will take care none but those of that + business shall be admitted into it, and that the privileges granted them + shall not be applied to any other purpose. As this corporate body will be + restricted to so small a number of members, it will be easy to keep them + under proper regulation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0154" id="link2H_4_0154"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XLIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + You are of opinion it would be proper to establish a company of firemen in + Nicomedia, agreeably to what has been practised in several other cities. + But it is to be remembered that societies of this sort have greatly + disturbed the peace of the province in general, and of those cities in + particular. Whatever name we give them, and for whatever purposes they may + be founded, they will not fail to form themselves into factious + assemblies, however short their meetings may be. It will therefore be + safer to provide such machines as are of service in extinguishing fires, + enjoining the owners of houses to assist in preventing the mischief from + spreading, and, if it should be necessary, to call in the aid of the + populace. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0155" id="link2H_4_0155"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XLIV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + WE have acquitted, Sir, and renewed our annual vows<a href="#linknote-1034" + name="linknoteref-1034" id="linknoteref-1034">[1034]</a> for your + prosperity, in which that of the empire is essentially involved, imploring + the gods to grant us ever thus to pay and thus to repeat them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0156" id="link2H_4_0156"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XLV — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + I RECEIVED the satisfaction, my dearest Secundus, of being informed by + your letter that you, together with the people under your government, have + both discharged and renewed your vows to the immortal gods for my health + and happiness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0157" id="link2H_4_0157"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XLVI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + THE citizens of Nicomedia, Sir, have expended three millions three hundred + and twenty-nine sesterces<a href="#linknote-1035" name="linknoteref-1035" + id="linknoteref-1035">[1035]</a> in building an aqueduct; but, not being + able to finish it, the works are entirely falling to ruin. They made a + second attempt in another place, where they laid out two millions.<a + href="#linknote-1036" name="linknoteref-1036" id="linknoteref-1036">[1036]</a> + But this likewise is discontinued; so that, after having been at an + immense charge to no purpose, they must still be at a further expense, in + order to be accommodated with water. I have examined a fine spring from + whence the water may be conveyed over arches (as was attempted in their + first design) in such a manner that the higher as well as level and low + parts of the city may be supplied. There are still remaining a very few of + the old arches; and the square stones, however, employed in the former + building, may be used in turning the new arches. I am of opinion part + should be raised with brick, as that will be the easier and cheaper + material. But that this work may not meet with the same ill-success as the + former, it will be necessary to send here an architect, or some one + skilled in the construction of this kind of waterworks. And I will venture + to say, from the beauty and usefulness of the design, it will be an + erection well worthy the splendour of your times. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0158" id="link2H_4_0158"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XLVII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + CARE must be taken to supply the city of Nicomedia with water; and that + business, I am well persuaded, you will perform with all the diligence you + ought. But really it is no less incumbent upon you to examine by whose + misconduct it has happened that such large sums have been thrown away upon + this, lest they apply the money to private purposes, and the aqueduct in + question, like the preceding, should be begun, and afterwards left + unfinished. You will let me know the result of your inquiry. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0160" id="link2H_4_0160"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XLVIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + THE citizens of Nicea, Sir; are building a theatre, which, though it is + not yet finished, has already exhausted, as I am informed (for I have not + examined the account myself), above ten millions of sesterces;<a + href="#linknote-1037" name="linknoteref-1037" id="linknoteref-1037">[1037]</a> + and, what is worse, I fear to no purpose. For either from the foundation + being laid in soft, marshy ground, or that the stone itself is light and + crumbling, the walls are sinking, and cracked from top to bottom. It + deserves your consideration, therefore, whether it would be best to carry + on this work, or entirely discontinue it, or rather, perhaps, whether it + would not be most prudent absolutely to destroy it: for the buttresses and + foundations by means of which it is from time to time kept up appear to me + more expensive than solid. Several private persons have undertaken to + build the compartment of this theatre at their own expense, some engaging + to erect the portico, others the galleries over the pit:<a + href="#linknote-1038" name="linknoteref-1038" id="linknoteref-1038">[1038]</a> + but this design cannot be executed, as the principal building which ought + first to be completed is now at a stand. This city is also rebuilding, + upon a far more enlarged plan, the gymnasium,<a href="#linknote-1039" + name="linknoteref-1039" id="linknoteref-1039">[1039]</a> which was burnt + down before my arrival in the province. They have already been at some + (and, I rather fear, a fruitless) expense. The structure is not only + irregular and ill-proportioned, but the present architect (who, it must be + owned, is a rival to the person who was first employed) asserts that the + walls, although twenty-two feet<a href="#linknote-1040" + name="linknoteref-1040" id="linknoteref-1040">[1040]</a> in thickness, are + not strong enough to support the superstructure, as the interstices are + filled up with quarrystones, and the walls are not overlaid with + brickwork. Also the inhabitants of Claudiopolis<a href="#linknote-1041" + name="linknoteref-1041" id="linknoteref-1041">[1041]</a> are sinking (I + cannot call it erecting) a large public bath, upon a low spot of ground + which lies at the foot of a mountain. The fund appropriated for the + carrying on of this work arises from the money which those honorary + members you were pleased to add to the senate paid (or, at least, are + ready to pay whenever I call upon them) for their admission.<a + href="#linknote-1042" name="linknoteref-1042" id="linknoteref-1042">[1042]</a> + As I am afraid, therefore, the public money in the city of Nicea, and + (what is infinitely more valuable than any pecuniary consideration) your + bounty in that of Nicopolis, should be ill applied, I must desire you to + send hither an architect to inspect, not only the theatre, but the bath; + in order to consider whether, after all the expense which has already been + laid out, it will be better to finish them upon the present plan, or alter + the one, and remove the other, in as far as may seem necessary: for + otherwise we may perhaps throw away our future cost in endeavoring not to + lose what we have already expended. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0161" id="link2H_4_0161"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XLIX — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + You, who are upon the spot, will best be able to consider and determine + what is proper to be done concerning the theatre which the inhabitants of + Nicea are building; as for myself, it will be sufficient if you let me + know your determination. With respect to the particular parts of this + theatre which are to be raised at a private charge, you will see those + engagements fulfilled when the body of the building to which they are to + be annexed shall be finished. — These paltry Greeks<a + href="#linknote-1043" name="linknoteref-1043" id="linknoteref-1043">[1043]</a> + are, I know, immoderately fond of gymnastic diversions, and therefore, + perhaps, the citizens of Nicea have planned a more magnificent building + for this purpose than is necessary; however, they must be content with + such as will be sufficient to answer the purpose for which it is intended. + I leave it entirely to you to persuade the Claudiopolitani as you shall + think proper with regard to their bath, which they have placed, it seems, + in a very improper situation. As there is no province that is not + furnished with men of skill and ingenuity, you cannot possibly want + architects; unless you think it the shortest way to procure them from + Rome, when it is generally from Greece that they come to us. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0162" id="link2H_4_0162"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + L — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + WHEN I reflect upon the splendour of your exalted station, and the + magnanimity of your spirit, nothing, I am persuaded, can be more suitable + to both than to point out to you such works as are worthy of your glorious + and immortal name, as being no less useful than magnificent. Bordering + upon the territories of the city of Nicomedia is a most extensive lake; + over which marbles, fruits, woods, and all kinds of materials, the + commodities of the country, are brought over in boats up to the high-road, + at little trouble and expense, but from thence are conveyed in carriages + to the sea-side, at a much greater charge and with great labour. To remedy + this inconvenience, many hands will be in request; but upon such an + occasion they cannot be wanting: for the country, and particularly the + city, is exceedingly populous; and one may assuredly hope that every + person will readily engage in a work which will be of universal benefit. + It only remains then to send hither, if you shall think proper, a surveyor + or an architect, in order to examine whether the lake lies above the level + of the sea; the engineers of this province being of opinion that the + former is higher by forty cubits,<a href="#linknote-1044" + name="linknoteref-1044" id="linknoteref-1044">[1044]</a> I find there is + in the neighbourhood of this place a large canal, which was cut by a king + of this country; but as it is left unfinished, it is uncertain whether it + was for the purpose of draining the adjacent fields, or making a + communication between the lake and the river. It is equally doubtful too + whether the death of the king, or the despair of being able to accomplish + the design, prevented the completion of it. If this was the reason, I am + so much the more eager and warmly desirous, for the sake of your + illustrious character (and I hope you will pardon me the ambition), that + you may have the glory of executing what kings could only attempt. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0163" id="link2H_4_0163"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LI — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + THERE is something in the scheme you propose of opening a communication + between the lake and the sea, which may, perhaps, tempt me to consent. But + you must first carefully examine the situation of this body of water, what + quantity it contains, and from whence it is supplied; lest, by giving it + an opening into the sea, it should be totally drained. You may apply to + Calpurnius Macer for an engineer, and I will also send you from hence some + one skilled in works of this nature. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0164" id="link2H_4_0164"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + UPON examining into the public expenses of the city of Byzantium, which, I + find, are extremely great, I was informed, Sir, that the appointments of + the ambassador whom they send yearly to you with their homage, and the + decree which passes in the senate upon that occasion, amount to twelve + thousand sesterces.<a href="#linknote-1045" name="linknoteref-1045" + id="linknoteref-1045">[1045]</a> But knowing the generous maxims of your + government, I thought proper to send the decree without the ambassador, + that, at the same time they discharged their public duty to you, their + expense incurred in the manner of paying it might be lightened. This city + is likewise taxed with the sum of three thousand sesterces<a + href="#linknote-1046" name="linknoteref-1046" id="linknoteref-1046">[1046]</a> + towards defraying the expense of an envoy, whom they annually send to + compliment the governor of Moesia: this expense I have also directed to be + spared. I beg, Sir, you would deign either to confirm my judgment or + correct my error in these points, by acquainting me with your sentiments. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0165" id="link2H_4_0165"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + I ENTIRELY approve, my dearest Secundus, of your having excused the + Byzantines that expense of twelve thousand sesterces in sending an + ambassador to me. I shall esteem their duty as sufficiently paid, though I + only receive the act of their senate through your hands. The governor of + Moesia must likewise excuse them if they compliment him at a less expense. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0166" id="link2H_4_0166"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LIV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + I BEG, Sir, you would settle a doubt I have concerning your diplomas;<a + href="#linknote-1047" name="linknoteref-1047" id="linknoteref-1047">[1047]</a> + whether you think proper that those diplomas the dates of which are + expired shall continue in force, and for how long? For I am apprehensive I + may, through ignorance, either confirm such of these instruments as are + illegal or prevent the effect of those which are necessary. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0167" id="link2H_4_0167"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LV — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + THE diplomas whose dates are expired must by no means be made use of. For + which reason it is an inviolable rule with me to send new instruments of + this kind into all the provinces before they are immediately wanted. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0168" id="link2H_4_0168"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LVI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + UPON intimating, Sir, my intention to the city of Apamea,<a + href="#linknote-1048" name="linknoteref-1048" id="linknoteref-1048">[1048]</a> + of examining into the state of their public dues, their revenue and + expenses, they told me they were all extremely willing I should inspect + their accounts, but that no proconsul had ever yet looked them over, as + they had a privilege (and that of a very ancient date) of administering + the affairs of their corporation in the manner they thought proper. I + required them to draw up a memorial of what they then asserted, which I + transmit to you precisely as I received it; though I am sensible it + contains several things foreign to the question. I beg you will deign to + instruct me as to how I am to act in this affair, for I should be + extremely sorry either to exceed or fall short of the duties of my + commission. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0169" id="link2H_4_0169"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LVII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + THE memorial of the Apanieans annexed to your letter has saved me the + necessity of considering the reasons they suggest why the former + proconsuls forbore to inspect their accounts, since they are willing to + submit them to your examination. Their honest compliance deserves to be + rewarded; and they may be assured the enquiry you are to make in pursuance + of my orders shall be with a full reserve to their privileges. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0170" id="link2H_4_0170"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LVIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + THE Nicomedians, Sir, before my arrival in this province, had begun to + build a new forum adjoining their former, in a corner of which stands an + ancient temple dedicated to the mother of the gods.<a href="#linknote-1049" + name="linknoteref-1049" id="linknoteref-1049">[1049]</a> This fabric must + either be repaired or removed, and for this reason chiefly, because it is + a much lower building than that very lofty one which is now in process of + erection. Upon enquiry whether this temple had been consecrated, I was + informed that their ceremonies of dedication differ from ours. You will be + pleased therefore, Sir, to consider whether a temple which has not been + consecrated according to our rites may be removed,<a href="#linknote-1040b" + name="linknoteref-1040b" id="linknoteref-1040b">[1040b]</a> consistently + with the reverence due to religion: for, if there should be no objection + from that quarter, the removal in every other respect would be extremely + convenient. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0171" id="link2H_4_0171"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LIX — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + You may without scruple, my dearest Secundus, if the situation requires + it, remove the temple of the mother of the gods, from the place where it + now stands, to any other spot more convenient. You need be under no + difficulty with respect to the act of dedication; for the ground of a + foreign city <a href="#linknote-1041b" name="linknoteref-1041b" + id="linknoteref-1041b">[1041b]</a> is not capable of receiving that kind + of consecration which is sanctified by our laws. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0172" id="link2H_4_0172"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + WE have celebrated, Sir (with those sentiments of joy your virtues so + justly merit), the day of your accession to the empire, which was also its + preservation, imploring the gods to preserve you in health and prosperity; + for upon your welfare the security and repose of the world depends. I + renewed at the same time the oath of allegiance at the head of the army, + which repeated it after me in the usual form, the people of the province + zealously concurring in the same oath. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0173" id="link2H_4_0173"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXI — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + YOUR letter, my dearest Secundus, was extremely acceptable, as it informed + me of the zeal and affection with which you, together with the army and + the provincials, solemnised the day of my accession to the empire. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0174" id="link2H_4_0174"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + THE debts which we are owing to the public are, by the prudence, Sir, of + your counsels, and the care of my administration, either actually paid in + or now being collected: but I am afraid the money must lie unemployed. For + as on one side there are few or no opportunities of purchasing land, so, + on the other, one cannot meet with any person who is willing to borrow of + the public <a href="#linknote-1042b" name="linknoteref-1042b" + id="linknoteref-1042b">[1042b]</a> (especially at 12 per cent, interest) + when they can raise money upon the same terms from private sources. You + will consider then, Sir, whether it may not be advisable, in order to + invite responsible persons to take this money, to lower the interest; or + if that scheme should not succeed, to place it in the hands of the + decurii, upon their giving sufficient security to the public. And though + they should not be willing to receive it, yet as the rate of interest will + be diminished, the hardship will be so much the less. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0175" id="link2H_4_0175"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + I AGREE with you, my dear Pliny, that there seems to be no other method of + facilitating the placing out of the public money than by lowering the + interest; the measure of which you will determine according to the number + of the borrowers. But to compel persons to receive it who are not disposed + to do so, when possibly they themselves may have no opportunity of + employing it, is by no means consistent with the justice of my government. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0176" id="link2H_4_0176"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXIV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + I RETURN you my warmest acknowledgments, Sir, that, among the many + important occupations in which you are engaged you have condescended to be + my guide on those points on which I have consulted you: a favour which I + must now again beseech you to grant me. A certain person presented himself + with a complaint that his adversaries, who had been banished for three + years by the illustrious Servilius Calvus, still remained in the province: + they, on the contrary, affirmed that Calvus had revoked their sentence, + and produced his edict to that effect. I thought it necessary therefore to + refer the whole affair to you. For as I have your express orders not to + restore any person who has been sentenced to banishment either by myself + or others so I have no directions with respect to those who, having been + banished by some of my predecessors in this government, have by them also + been restored. It is necessary for me, therefore, to beg you would inform + me, Sir, how I am to act with regard to the above- mentioned persons, as + well as others, who, after having been condemned to perpetual banishment, + have been found in the province without permission to return; for cases of + that nature have likewise fallen under my cognisance. A person was brought + before me who had been sentenced to perpetual exile by the proconsul + Julius Bassus, but knowing that the acts of Bassus, during his + administration, had been rescinded, and that the senate had granted leave + to all those who had fallen under his condemnation of appealing from his + decision at any time within the space of two years, I enquired of this man + whether he had, accordingly, stated his case to the proconsul. He replied + he had not. I beg then you would inform me whether you would have him sent + back into exile or whether you think some more severe and what kind of + punishment should be inflicted upon him, and such others who may hereafter + be found under the same circumstances. I have annexed to my letter the + decree of Calvus, and the edict by which the persons above-mentioned were + restored, as also the decree of Bassus. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0177" id="link2H_4_0177"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXV — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + I WILL let you know my determination concerning those exiles which were + banished for three years by the proconsul P. Servilius Calvus, and soon + afterwards restored to the province by his edict, when I shall have + informed myself from him of the reasons of this proceeding. With respect + to that person who was sentenced to perpetual banishment by Julius Bassus, + yet continued to remain in the province, without making his appeal if he + thought himself aggrieved (though he had two years given him for that + purpose), I would have sent in chains to my praetorian prefects: <a + href="#linknote-1043b" name="linknoteref-1043b" id="linknoteref-1043b">[1043b]</a> + for, only to remand him back to a punishment which he has contumaciously + eluded will by no means be a sufficient punishment. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0178" id="link2H_4_0178"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXVI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + WHEN I cited the judges, Sir, to attend me at a sessions <a + href="#linknote-1044b" name="linknoteref-1044b" id="linknoteref-1044b">[1044b]</a> + which I was going to hold, Flavius Archippus claimed the privilege of + being excused as exercising the profession of a philosopher. <a + href="#linknote-1045b" name="linknoteref-1045b" id="linknoteref-1045b">[1045b]</a> + It was alleged by some who were present that he ought not only to be + excused from that office, but even struck out of the rolls of judges, and + remanded back to the punishment from which he had escaped, by breaking his + chains. At the same time a sentence of the proconsul Velius Paullus was + read, by which it appeared that Archippus had been condemned to the mines + for forgery. He had nothing to produce in proof of this sentence having + ever been reversed. He alleged, however, in favour of his restitution, a + petition which he presented to Domitian, together with a letter from that + prince, and a decree of the Prusensians in his honour. To these he + subjoined a letter which he had received from you; as also an edict and a + letter of your august father confirming the grants which had been made to + him by Domitian. For these reasons, notwithstandng crimes of so atrocious + a nature were laid to his charge, I did not think proper to determine + anything concerning him, without first consulting with you, as it is an + affair which seems to merit your particular decision. I have transmitted + to you, with this letter, the several allegations on both sides. + </p> + <p> + DOMITIAN'S LETTER TO TERENTIUS MAXIMUS + </p> + <p> + "Flavius Archippus the philosopher has prevailed with me to give an order + that six hundred thousand sesterces <a href="#linknote-1046b" + name="linknoteref-1046b" id="linknoteref-1046b">[1046b]</a> be laid out in + the purchase of an estate for the support of him and his family, in the + neighbourhood of Prusias, <a href="#linknote-1047b" + name="linknoteref-1047b" id="linknoteref-1047b">[1047b]</a> his native + country. Let this be accordingly done; and place that sum to the account + of my benefactions." + </p> + <p> + FROM THE SAME TO L. APPIUS MAXIMUS + </p> + <p> + "I recommend, my dear Maximus, to your protection that worthy philosopher + Archippus; a person whose moral conduct is agreeable to the principles of + the philosophy he professes; and I would have you pay entire regard to + whatever he shall reasonably request." + </p> + <p> + THE EDICT OF THE EMPEROR NERVA + </p> + <p> + "There are some points no doubt, Quirites, concerning which the happy + tenour of my government is a sufficient indication of my sentiments; and a + good prince need not give an express declaration in matters wherein his + intention cannot but be clearly understood. Every citizen in the empire + will bear me witness that I gave up my private repose to the security of + the public, and in order that I might have the pleasure of dispensing new + bounties of my own, as also of confirming those which had been granted by + predecessors. But lest the memory of him <a href="#linknote-1048b" + name="linknoteref-1048b" id="linknoteref-1048b">[1048b]</a> who conferred + these grants, or the diffidence of those who received them, should + occasion any interruption to the public joy, I thought it as necessary as + it is agreeable to me to obviate these suspicions by assuring them of my + indulgence. I do not wish any man who has obtained a private or a public + privilege from one of the former emperors to imagine he is to be deprived + of such a privilege, merely that he may owe the restoration of it to me; + nor need any who have received the gratifications of imperial favour + petition me to have them confirmed. Rather let them leave me at leisure + for conferring new grants, under the assurance that I am only to be + solicited for those bounties which have not already been obtained, and + which the happier fortune of the empire has put it in my power to bestow." + </p> + <p> + FROM THE SAME TO TULLIUS JUSTUS + </p> + <p> + "Since I have publicly decreed that all acts begun and accomplished in + former reigns should be confirmed, the letters of Domitian must remain + valid." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0179" id="link2H_4_0179"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXVII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + FLAVIUS ARCHIPPUS has conjured me, by all my vows for your prosperity, and + by your immortal glory, that I would transmit to you the memorial which he + presented to me. I could not refuse a request couched in such terms; + however, I acquainted the prosecutrix with this my intention, from whom I + have also received a memorial on her part. I have annexed them both to + this letter; that by hearing, as it were, each party, you may the better + be enabled to decide. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0180" id="link2H_4_0180"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LX VIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + IT is possible that Domitian might have been ignorant of the circumstances + in which Archippus was when he wrote the letter so much to that + philosopher's credit. However, it is more agreeable to my disposition to + suppose that prince designed he should be restored to his former + situation; especially since he so often had the honour of a statue decreed + to him by those who could not be ignorant of the sentence pronounced + against him by the proconsul Paullus. But I do not mean to intimate, my + dear Pliny, that if any new charge should be brought against him, you + should be the less disposed to hear his accusers. I have examined the + memorial of his prosecutrix, Furia Prima, as well as that of Archippus + himself, which you sent with your last letter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0181" id="link2H_4_0181"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXIX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + THE apprehensions you express, Sir, that the lake will be in danger of + being entirely drained if a communication should be opened between that + and the sea, by means of the river, are agreeable to that prudence and + forethought you so eminently possess; but I think I have found a method to + obviate that inconvenience. A channel may be cut from the lake up to the + river so as not quite to join them, leaving just a narrow strip of land + between, preserving the lake; by this means it will not only be kept quite + separate from the river, but all the same purposes will be answered as if + they were united: for it will be extremely easy to convey over that little + intervening ridge whatever goods shall be brought down by the canal. This + is a scheme which may be pursued, if it should be found necessary; but I + hope there will be no occasion to have recourse to it. For, in the first + place, the lake itself is pretty deep; and in the next, by damming up the + river which runs from it on the opposite side and turning its course as we + shall find expedient, the same quantity of water may be retained. Besides, + there are several brooks near the place where it is proposed the channel + shall be cut which, if skilfully collected, will supply the lake with + water in proportion to what it shall discharge. But if you should rather + approve of the channel's being extended farther and cut narrower, and so + conveyed directly into the sea, without running into the river, the reflux + of the tide will return whatever it receives from the lake. After all, if + the nature of the place should not admit of any of these schemes, the + course of the water may be checked by sluices. These, however, and many + other particulars, will be more skilfully examined into by the engineer, + whom, indeed, Sir, you ought to send, according to your promise, for it is + an enterprise well worthy of your attention and magnificence. In the + meanwhile, I have written to the illustrious Calpurnius Macer, in + pursuance of your orders, to send me the most skilful engineer to be had. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0182" id="link2H_4_0182"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXX — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + IT is evident, my dearest Secundus, that neither your prudence nor your + care has been wanting in this affair of the lake, since, in order to + render it of more general benefit, you have provided so many expedients + against the danger of its being drained. I leave it to your own choice to + pursue whichever of the schemes shall be thought most proper. Calpurnius + Macer will furnish you, no doubt, with an engineer, as artificers of that + kind are not wanting in his province. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0183" id="link2H_4_0183"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + A VERY considerable question, Sir, in which the whole province is + interested, has been lately started, concerning the state <a + href="#linknote-1049b" name="linknoteref-1049b" id="linknoteref-1049b">[1049b]</a> + and maintenance of deserted children.<a href="#linknote-1050" + name="linknoteref-1050" id="linknoteref-1050">[1050]</a> I have examined + the constitutions of former princes upon this head, but not finding + anything in them relating, either in general or particular, to the + Bithynians, I thought it necessary to apply to you for your directions: + for in a point which seems to require the special interposition of your + authority, I could not content myself with following precedents. An edict + of the emperor Augustus (as pretended) was read to me, concerning one + Annia; as also a letter from Vespasian to the Lacedaemonians, and another + from Titus to the same, with one likewise from him to the Achaeans, also + some letters from Domitian, directed to the proconsuls Avidius Nigrinus + and Armenius Brocchus, together with one from that prince to the + Lacedaemonians: but I have not transmitted them to you, as they were not + correct (and some of them too of doubtful authenticity), and also because + I imagine the true copies are preserved in your archives. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0184" id="link2H_4_0184"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXII TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + THE question concerning children who were exposed by their parents, and + afterwards preserved by others, and educated in a state of servitude, + though born free, has been frequently discussed; but I do not find in the + constitutions of the princes my predecessors any general regulation upon + this head, extending to all the provinces. There are, indeed, some + rescripts of Domitian to Avidius Nigrinus and Armenhis Brocchus, which + ought to be observed; but Bithynia is not comprehended in the provinces + therein mentioned. I am of opinion therefore that the claims of those who + assert their right of freedom upon this footing should be allowed; without + obliging them to purchase their liberty by repaying the money advanced for + their maintenance.<a href="#linknote-1051" name="linknoteref-1051" + id="linknoteref-1051">[1051]</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0185" id="link2H_4_0185"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + HAVING been petitioned by some persons to grant them the liberty + (agreeably to the practice of former proconsuls) of removing the relics of + their deceased relations, upon the suggestion that either their monuments + were decayed by age or ruined by the inundations of the river, or for + other reasons of the same kind, I thought proper, Sir, knowing that in + cases of this nature it is usual at Rome to apply to the college of + priests, to consult you, who are the sovereign of that sacred order, as to + how you would have me act in this case. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0186" id="link2H_4_0186"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXX IV — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + IT will be a hardship upon the provincials to oblige them to address + themselves to the college of priests whenever they may have just reasons + for removing the ashes of their ancestors. In this case, therefore, it + will be better you should follow the example of the governors your + predecessors, and grant or deny them this liberty as you shall see + reasonable. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0187" id="link2H_4_0187"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + I HAVE enquired, Sir, at Prusa, for a proper place on which to erect the + bath you were pleased to allow that city to build, and I have found one to + my satisfaction. It is upon the site where formerly, I am told, stood a + very beautiful mansion, but which is now entirely fallen into ruins. By + fixing upon that spot, we shall gain the advantage of ornamenting the city + in a part which at present is exceedingly deformed, and enlarging it at + the same time without removing any of the buildings; only restoring one + which is fallen to decay. There are some circumstances attending this + structure of which it is proper I should inform you. Claudius Polyaenus + bequeathed it to the emperor Claudius Cæsar, with directions that a temple + should be erected to that prince in a colonnade-court, and that the + remainder of the house should be let in apartments. The city received the + rents for a considerable time; but partly by its having been plundered, + and partly by its being neglected, the whole house, colonnade-court, and + all, is entirely gone to ruin, and there is now scarcely anything + remaining of it but the ground upon which it stood. If you shall think + proper, Sir, either to give or sell this spot of ground to the city, as it + lies so conveniently for their purpose, they will receive it as a most + particular favour. I intend, with your permission, to place the bath in + the vacant area, and to extend a range of porticoes with seats in that + part where the former edifice stood. This new erection I purpose + dedicating to you, by whose bounty it will rise with all the elegance and + magnificence worthy of your glorious name. I have sent you a copy of the + will, by which, though it is inaccurate, you will see that Polyaenus left + several articles of ornament for the embellishment of this house; but + these also are lost with all the rest: I will, however, make the strictest + enquiry after them that I am able. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0188" id="link2H_4_0188"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXVI — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + 1 HAVE no objection to the Prusenses making use of the ruined court and + house, which you say are untenanted, for the erection of their bath. But + it is not sufficiently clear by your letter whether the temple in the + centre of the colonnade-court was actually dedicated to Claudius or not; + for if it were, it is still consecrated ground.<a href="#linknote-1052" + name="linknoteref-1052" id="linknoteref-1052">[1052]</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0189" id="link2H_4_0189"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXVII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + I HAVE been pressed by some persons to take upon myself the enquiry of + causes relating to claims of freedom by birth-right, agreeably to a + rescript of Domitian's to Minucius Rufus, and the practice of former + proconsuls. But upon casting my eye on the decree of the senate concerning + cases of this nature, I find it only mentions the proconsular provinces.<a + href="#linknote-1053" name="linknoteref-1053" id="linknoteref-1053">[1053]</a> + I have therefore, Sir, deferred interfering in this affair, till I shall + receive your instructions as to how you would have me proceed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0190" id="link2H_4_0190"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXVIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + IF you will send me the decree of the senate, which occasioned your doubt, + I shall be able to judge whether it is proper you should take upon + yourself the enquiry of causes relating to claims of freedom by + birth-right. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0191" id="link2H_4_0191"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXIX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + JULIUS LARGUS, of Ponus<a href="#linknote-1054" name="linknoteref-1054" + id="linknoteref-1054">[1054]</a> (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<a href="#linknote-1055" name="linknoteref-1055" + id="linknoteref-1055">[1055]</a> for my own use, and to apply the + remainder for the benefit of the cities of Heraclea and Tios,<a + href="#linknote-1056" name="linknoteref-1056" id="linknoteref-1056">[1056]</a> + 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. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0192" id="link2H_4_0192"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXX — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + By the prudent choice Julius Largus has made of a trustee, one would + imagine he had known you perfectly well. You will consider then what will + most tend to perpetuate his memory, under the circumstances of the + respective cities, and make your option accordingly. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0193" id="link2H_4_0193"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXXI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + You acted agreeably, Sir, to your usual prudence and foresight in ordering + the illustrious Calpurnius Macer to send a legionary centurion to + Byzantium: you will consider whether the city of Juliopolis' does not + deserve the same regard, which, though it is extremely small, sustains + very great burthens, and is so much the more exposed to injuries as it is + less capable of resisting them. Whatever benefits you shall confer upon + that city will in effect be advantageous to the whole country; for it is + situated at the entrance of Bithynia, and is the town through which all + who travel into this province generally pass. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0194" id="link2H_4_0194"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXXII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + THE circumstances of the city of Byzantium are such, by the great + confluence of strangers to it, that I held it incumbent upon me, and + consistent with the customs of former reigns, to send thither a legionary + centurion's guard to preserve the privileges of that state. But if we + should distinguish the city of Juliopolis<a href="#linknote-1057" + name="linknoteref-1057" id="linknoteref-1057">[1057]</a> in the same way, + it will be introducing a precedent for many others, whose claim to that + favour will rise in proportion to their want of strength. I have so much + confidence, however, in your administration as to believe you will omit no + method of protecting them from injuries. If any persons shall act contrary + to the discipline I have enjoined, let them be instantly corrected; or if + they happen to be soldiers, and their crimes should be too enormous for + immediate chastisement, I would have them sent to their officers, with an + account of the particular misdemeanour you shall find they have been + guilty of; but if the delinquents should be on their way to Rome, inform + me by letter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0195" id="link2H_4_0195"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXXIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + BY a law of Pompey's<a href="#linknote-1058" name="linknoteref-1058" + id="linknoteref-1058">[1058]</a> concerning the Bithynians, it is enacted, + Sir, that no person shall be a magistrate, or be chosen into the senate, + under the age of thirty. By the same law it is declared that those who + have exercised the office of magistrate are qualified to be members of the + senate. Subsequent to this law, the emperor Augustus published an edict, + by which it was ordained that persons of the age of twenty-two should be + capable of being magistrates. The question therefore is whether those who + have exercised the functions of a magistrate before the age of thirty may + be legally chosen into the senate by the censors?<a href="#linknote-1059" + name="linknoteref-1059" id="linknoteref-1059">[1059]</a> And if so, + whether, by the same kind of construction, they may be elected senators, + at the age which entitles them to be magistrates, though they should not + actually have borne any office? A custom which, it seems, has hitherto + been observed, and is said to be expedient, as it is rather better that + persons of noble birth should be admitted into the senate than those of + plebeian rank. The censors elect having desired my sentiments upon this + point, I was of opinion that both by the law of Pompey and the edict of + Augustus those who had exercised the magistracy before the age of thirty + might be chosen into the senate; and for this reason, because the edict + allows the office of magistrate to be undertaken before thirty; and the + law declares that whoever has been a magistrate should be eligible for the + senate. But with respect to those who never discharged any office in the + state, though they were of the age required for that purpose, I had some + doubt: and therefore, Sir, I apply to you for your directions. I have + subjoined to this letter the heads of the law, together with the edict of + Augustus. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0196" id="link2H_4_0196"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXXIV — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + I AGREE with you, my dearest Secundus, in your construction, and am of + opinion that the law of Pompey is so far repealed by the edict of the + emperor Augustus that those persons who are not less than twenty-two years + of age may execute the office of magistrates, and, when they have, may be + received into the senate of their respective cities. But I think that they + who are under thirty years of age, and have not discharged the function of + a magistrate, cannot, upon pretence that in point of years they were + competent to the office, legally be elected into the senate of their + several communities. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0197" id="link2H_4_0197"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXXV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + WHILST I was despatching some public affairs, Sir, at my apartments in + Prusa, at the foot of Olympus, with the intention of leaving that city the + same day, the magistrate Asclepiades informed me that Eumolpus had + appealed to me from a motion which Cocceianus Dion made in their senate. + Dion, it seems, having been appointed supervisor of a public building, + desired that it might be assigned<a href="#linknote-1060" + name="linknoteref-1060" id="linknoteref-1060">[1060]</a> to the city in + form. Eumolpus, who was counsel for Flavius Archippus, insisted that Dion + should first be required to deliver in his accounts relating to this work, + before it was assigned to the corporation; suggesting that he had not + acted in the manner he ought. He added, at the same time, that in this + building, in which your statue is erected, the bodies of Dion's wife and + son are entombed,<a href="#linknote-1061" name="linknoteref-1061" + id="linknoteref-1061">[1061]</a> and urged me to hear this cause in the + public court of judicature. Upon my at once assenting to his request, and + deferring my journey for that purpose, he desired a longer day in order to + prepare matters for hearing, and that I would try this cause in some other + city. I appointed the city of Nicea; where, when I had taken my seat, the + same Eumolpus, pretending not to be yet sufficiently instructed, moved + that the trial might be again put off: Dion, on the contrary, insisted it + should be heard. They debated this point very fully on both sides, and + entered a little into the merits of the cause; when being of opinion that + it was reasonable it should be adjourned, and thinking it proper to + consult with you in an affair which was of consequence in point of + precedent, I directed them to exhibit the articles of their respective + allegations in writing; for I was desirous you should judge from their own + representations of the state of the question between them. Dion promised + to comply with this direction and Eumolpus also assured me he would draw + up a memorial of what he had to allege on the part of the community. But + he added that, being only concerned as advocate on behalf of Archippus, + whose instructions he had laid before me, he had no charge to bring with + respect to the sepulchres. Archippus, however, for whom Eulnolpus was + counsel here, as at Prusa, assured me he would himself present a charge in + form upon this head. But neither Eumolpus nor Archippus (though I have + waited several days for that purpose) have yet performed their engagement: + Dion indeed has; and I have annexed his memorial to this letter. I have + inspected the buildings in question, where I find your statue is placed in + a library, and as to the edifice in which the bodies of Dion's wife and + son are said to be deposited, it stands in the middle of a court, which is + enclosed with a colonnade. Deign, therefore, I entreat you, Sir, to direct + my judgment in the determination of this cause above all others as it is a + point to which the public is greatly attentive, and necessarily so, since + the fact is not only acknowledged, but countenanced by many precedents. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0198" id="link2H_4_0198"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXXVI — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + You well know, my dearest Secundus, that it is my standing maxim not to + create an awe of my person by severe and rigorous measures, and by + construing every slight offence into an act of treason; you had no reason, + therefore, to hesitate a moment upon the point concerning which you + thought proper to consult me. Without entering therefore into the merits + of that question (to which I would by no means give any attention, though + there were ever so many instances of the same kind), I recommend to your + care the examination of Dion's accounts relating to the public works which + he has finished; as it is a case in which the interest of the city is + concerned, and as Dion neither ought nor, it seems, does refuse to submit + to the examination. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0199" id="link2H_4_0199"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXXVII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + THE Niceans having, in the name of their community, conjured me, Sir, by + all my hopes and wishes for your prosperity and immortal glory (an + adjuration which is and ought to be most sacred to me), to present to you + their petition, I did not think myself at liberty to refuse them: I have + therefore annexed it to this letter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0200" id="link2H_4_0200"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXXVIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + THE Niceans I find, claim a right, by an edict of Augustus, to the estate + of every citizen who dies intestate. You will therefore summon the several + parties interested in this question, and, examining these pretensions, + with the assistance of the procurators Virdius Gemellinus, and Epimachus, + my freedman (having duly weighed every argument that shall be alleged + against the claim), determine as shall appear most equitable. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0201" id="link2H_4_0201"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LXXXIX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + MAY this and many succeeding birthdays be attended, Sir, with the highest + felicity to you; and may you, in the midst of an uninterrupted course of + health and prosperity, be still adding to the increase of that immortal + glory which your virtues justly merit! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0202" id="link2H_4_0202"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XC — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + YOUR wishes, my dearest Secundus, for my enjoyment of many happy birthdays + amidst the glory and prosperity of the republic were extremely agreeable + to me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0203" id="link2H_4_0203"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XCI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + THE inhabitants of Sinope<a href="#linknote-1062" name="linknoteref-1062" + id="linknoteref-1062">[1062]</a> are ill supplied, Sir, with water, which + however may be brought thither from about sixteen miles' distance in great + plenty and perfection. The ground, indeed, near the source of this spring + is, for rather over a mile, of a very suspicious and marshy nature; but I + have directed an examination to be made (which will be effected at a small + expense) whether it is sufficiently firm to support any superstructure. I + have taken care to provide a sufficient fund for this purpose, if you + should approve, Sir, of a work so conducive to the health and enjoyment of + this colony, greatly distressed by a scarcity of water. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0204" id="link2H_4_0204"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XCII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + I WOULD have you proceed, my dearest Secundus, in carefully examining + whether the ground you suspect is firm enough to support an aqueduct. For + I have no manner of doubt that the Sinopian colony ought to be supplied + with water; provided their finances will bear the expense of a work so + conducive to their health and pleasure. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0205" id="link2H_4_0205"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XCIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + THE free and confederate city of the Amiseni<a href="#linknote-1063" + name="linknoteref-1063" id="linknoteref-1063">[1063]</a> enjoys, by your + indulgence, the privilege of its own laws. A memorial being presented to + me there, concerning a charitable institution,<a href="#linknote-1064" + name="linknoteref-1064" id="linknoteref-1064">[1064]</a> I have subjoined + it to this letter, that you may consider, Sir, whether, and how far, this + society ought to be licensed or prohibited. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0206" id="link2H_4_0206"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XCIV — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + IF the petition of the Amiseni which you have transmitted to me, + concerning the establishment of a charitable society, be agreeable to + their own laws, which by the articles of alliance it is stipulated they + shall enjoy, I shall not oppose it; especially if these contributions are + employed, not for the purpose of riot and faction, but for the support of + the indigent. In other cities, however, which are subject to our laws, I + would have all assemblies of this nature prohibited. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0207" id="link2H_4_0207"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XCV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + SUETONIUS TRANQUILLUS, Sir, is a most excellent, honour-able, and learned + man. I was so much pleased with his tastes and disposition that I have + long since invited him into my family, as my constant guest and domestic + friend; and my affection for him increased the more I knew of him. Two + reasons concur to render the privileges which the law grants to those who + have three children particularly necessary to him; I mean the bounty of + his friends, and the ill-success of his marriage. Those advantages, + therefore, which nature has denied to him, he hopes to obtain from your + goodness, by my intercession. I am thoroughly sensible, Sir, of the value + of the privilege I am asking; but I know, too, I am asking it from one + whose gracious compliance with all my desires I have amply experienced. + How passionately I wish to do so in the present instance, you will judge + by my thus requesting it in my absence; which I would not, had it not been + a favour which I am more than ordinarily anxious to obtain.<a + href="#linknote-1065" name="linknoteref-1065" id="linknoteref-1065">[1065]</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0208" id="link2H_4_0208"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XCVI — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + You cannot but be sensible, my dearest Secundus, how reserved I am in + granting favours of the kind you desire; having frequently declared in the + senate that I had not exceeded the number of which I assured that + illustrious order I would be contented with. I have yielded, however, to + your request, and have directed an article to be inserted in my register, + that I have conferred upon Tranquillus, on my usual conditions, the + privilege which the law grants to these who have three children. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0209" id="link2H_4_0209"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XCVII To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN<a href="#linknote-1066" name="linknoteref-1066" + id="linknoteref-1066">[1066]</a> + </h2> + <p> + IT is my invariable rule, Sir, to refer to you in all matters where I feel + doubtful; for who is more capable of removing my scruples, or informing my + ignorance? Having never been present at any trials concerning those who + profess Christianity, I am unacquainted not only with the nature of their + crimes, or the measure of their punishment, but how far it is proper to + enter into an examination concerning them. Whether, therefore, any + difference is usually made with respect to ages, or no distinction is to + be observed between the young and the adult; whether repentance entitles + them to a pardon; or if a man has been once a Christian, it avails nothing + to desist from his error; whether the very profession of Christianity, + unattended with any criminal act, or only the crimes themselves inherent + in the profession are punishable; on all these points I am in great doubt. + In the meanwhile, the method I have observed towards those who have been + brought before me as Christians is this: I asked them whether they were + Christians; if they admitted it, I repeated the question twice, and + threatened them with punishment; if they persisted, I ordered them to be + at once punished: for I was persuaded, whatever the nature of their + opinions might be, a contumacious and inflexible obstinacy certainly + deserved correction. There were others also brought before me possessed + with the same infatuation, but being Roman citizens,<a + href="#linknote-1067" name="linknoteref-1067" id="linknoteref-1067">[1067]</a> + I directed them to be sent to Rome. But this crime spreading (as is + usually the case) while it was actually under prosecution, several + instances of the same nature occurred. An anonymous information was laid + before me containing a charge against several persons, who upon + examination denied they were Christians, or had ever been so. They + repeated after me an invocation to the gods, and offered religious rites + with wine and incense before your statue (which for that purpose I had + ordered to be brought, together with those of the gods), and even reviled + the name of Christ: whereas there is no forcing, it is said, those who are + really Christians into any of these compliances: I thought it proper, + therefore, to discharge them. Some among those who were accused by a + witness in person at first confessed themselves Christians, but + immediately after denied it; the rest owned indeed that they had been of + that number formerly, but had now (some above three, others more, and a + few above twenty years ago) renounced that error. They all worshipped your + statue and the images of the gods, uttering imprecations at the same time + against the name of Christ. They affirmed the whole of their guilt, or + their error, was, that they met on a stated day before it was light, and + addressed a form of prayer to Christ, as to a divinity, binding themselves + by a solemn oath, not for the purposes of any wicked design, but never to + commit any fraud, theft, or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor + deny a trust when they should be called upon to deliver it up; after which + it was their custom to separate, and then reassemble, to eat in common a + harmless meal. From this custom, however, they desisted after the + publication of my edict, by which, according to your commands, I forbade + the meeting of any assemblies. After receiving this account, I judged it + so much the more necessary to endeavor to extort the real truth, by + putting two female slaves to the torture, who were said to officiate' in + their religious rites: but all I could discover was evidence of an absurd + and extravagant superstition. I deemed it expedient, therefore, to adjourn + all further proceedings, in order to consult you. For it appears to be a + matter highly deserving your consideration, more especially as great + numbers must be involved in the danger of these prosecutions, which have + already extended, and are still likely to extend, to persons of all ranks + and ages, and even of both sexes. In fact, this contagious superstition is + not confined to the cities only, but has spread its infection among the + neighbouring villages and country. Nevertheless, it still seems possible + to restrain its progress. The temples, at least, which were once almost + deserted, begin now to be frequented; and the sacred rites, after a long + intermission, are again revived; while there is a general demand for the + victims, which till lately found very few purchasers. From all this it is + easy to conjecture what numbers might be reclaimed if a general pardon + were granted to those who shall repent of their error.<a + href="#linknote-1068" name="linknoteref-1068" id="linknoteref-1068">[1068]</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0210" id="link2H_4_0210"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XCVIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + You have adopted the right course, my dearest Secundtis, in investigating + the charges against the Christians who were brought before you. It is not + possible to lay down any general rule for all such cases. Do not go out of + your way to look for them. If indeed they should be brought before you, + and the crime is proved, they must be punished;<a href="#linknote-1069" + name="linknoteref-1069" id="linknoteref-1069">[1069]</a> with the + restriction, however, that where the party denies he is a Christian, and + shall make it evident that he is not, by invoking our gods, let him + (notwithstanding any former suspicion) be pardoned upon his repentance. + Anonymous informations ought not to be received in any sort of + prosecution. It is introducing a very dangerous precedent, and is quite + foreign to the spirit of our age. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0211" id="link2H_4_0211"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XCIX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + THE elegant and beautiful city of Amastris,<a href="#linknote-1070" + name="linknoteref-1070" id="linknoteref-1070">[1070]</a> Sir, has, among + other principal constructions, a very fine street and of considerable + length, on one entire side of which runs what is called indeed a river, + but in fact is no other than a vile common sewer, extremely offensive to + the eye, and at the same time very pestilential on account of its noxious + smell. It will be advantageous, therefore, in point of health, as well as + decency, to have it covered; which shall be done with your permission: as + I will take care, on my part, that money be not wanting for executing so + noble and necessary a work. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0212" id="link2H_4_0212"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + C — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + IT IS highly reasonable, my dearest Secundus, if the water which runs + through the city of Amastris is prejudicial, while uncovered, to the + health of the inhabitants, that it should be covered up. I am well assured + you will, with your usual application, take care that the money necessary + for this work shall not be wanting. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0213" id="link2H_4_0213"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CI To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + WE have celebrated, Sir, with great joy and festivity, those votive + soleninities which were publicly proclaimed as formerly, and renewed them + the present year, accompanied by the soldiers and provincials, who + zealously joined with us in imploring the gods that they would be + graciously pleased to preserve you and the republic in that state of + prosperity which your many and great virtues, particularly your piety and + reverence towards them, so justly merit. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0214" id="link2H_4_0214"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + IT was agreeable to me to learn by your letter that the army and the + provincials seconded you, with the most joyful unanimity, in those vows + which you paid and renewed to the immortal gods for my preservation and + prosperity. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0215" id="link2H_4_0215"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + WE have celebrated, with all the warmth of that pious zeal we justly + ought, the day on which, by a most happy succession, the protection of + mankind was committed over into your hands; recommending to the gods, from + whom you received the empire, the object of your public vows and + congratulations. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0216" id="link2H_4_0216"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CIV — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + I WAS extremely well pleased to be informed by your letter that you had, + at the head of the soldiers and the provincials, solemnised my accession + to the empire with all due joy and zeal. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0217" id="link2H_4_0217"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + VALERIUS PAULINUS, Sir, having bequeathed to me the right of patronage<a + href="#linknote-1071" name="linknoteref-1071" id="linknoteref-1071">[1071]</a> + over all his freedmen, except one, I intreat you to grant the freedom of + Rome to three of them. To desire you to extend this favour to all of them + would, I fear, be too unreasonable a trespass upon your indulgence; which, + in proportion as I have amply experienced, I ought to be so much the more + cautious in troubling. The persons for whom I make this request are C. + Valerius Astraeus, C. Valerius Dionysius, and C. Valerius Aper. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0219" id="link2H_4_0219"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CVI — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + YOU act most generously in so early soliciting in favour of those whom + Valerius Paulinus has confided to your trust. I have accordingly granted + the freedom of the city to such of his freedmen for whom you requested it, + and have directed the patent to be registered: I am ready to confer the + same on the rest, whenever you shall desire me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0220" id="link2H_4_0220"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CVII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + P. ATTIUS AQUILA, a centurion of the sixth equestrian cohort, requested + me, Sir, to transmit his petition to you, in favour of his daughter. I + thought it would be unkind to refuse him this service, knowing, as I do, + with what patience and kindness you attend to the petitions of the + soldiers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0221" id="link2H_4_0221"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CVIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + I HAVE read the petition of P. Attius Aquila, centurion of the sixth + equestrian cohort, which you sent to me; and in compliance with his + request, I have conferred upon his daughter the freedom of the city of + Rome. I send you at the same time the patent, which you will deliver to + him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0222" id="link2H_4_0222"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CIX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + I REQUEST, Sir, your directions with respect to the recovering those debts + which are due to the cities of Bithynia and Pontus, either for rent, or + goods sold, or upon any other consideration. I find they have a privilege + conceded to them by several proconsuls, of being preferred to other + creditors; and this custom has prevailed as if it had been established by + law. Your prudence, I imagine, will think it necessary to enact some + settled rule, by which their rights may always be secured. For the edicts + of others, how wisely however founded, are but feeble and temporary + ordinances, unless confirmed and sanctioned by your authority. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0223" id="link2H_4_0223"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CX — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + THE right which the cities either of Pontus or Bithynia claim relating to + the recovery of debts of whatever kind, due to their several communities, + must be determined agreeably to their respective laws. Where any of these + communities enjoy the privilege of being preferred to other creditors, it + must be maintained; but, where no such privilege prevails, it is not just + I should establish one, in prejudice of private property. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0224" id="link2H_4_0224"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CXI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + THE solicitor to the treasury of the city of Amisis instituted a claim, + Sir, before me against Julius Piso of about forty thousand denarii,<a + href="#linknote-1072" name="linknoteref-1072" id="linknoteref-1072">[1072]</a> + presented to him by the public above twenty years ago, with the consent of + the general council and assembly of the city: and he founded his demand + upon certain of your edicts, by which donations of this kind are + prohibited. Piso, on the other hand, asserted that he had conferred large + sums of money upon the community, and, indeed, had thereby expended almost + the whole of his estate. He insisted upon the length of time which had + intervened since this donation, and hoped that he should not be compelled, + to the ruin of the remainder of his fortunes, to refund a present which + had been granted him long since, in return for many good offices he had + done the city. For this reason, Sir, I thought it necessary to suspend + giving any judgment in this cause till I shall receive your directions. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0225" id="link2H_4_0225"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CXII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + THOUGH by my edicts I have ordained that no largesses shall be given out + of the public money, yet, that numberless private persons may not be + disturbed in the secure possession of their fortunes, those donations + which have been made long since ought not to be called in question or + revoked. We will not therefore enquire into anything that has been + transacted in this affair so long ago as twenty years; for I would be no + less attentive to secure the repose of every private man than to preserve + the treasure of every public community. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0226" id="link2H_4_0226"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CXIII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + THE Pompeian law, Sir, which is observed in Pontus and Bithynia, does not + direct that any money for their admission shall be paid in by those who + are elected into the senate by the censors. It has, however, been usual + for such members as have been admitted into those assemblies, in pursuance + of the privilege which you were pleased to grant to some particular + cities, of receiving above their legal number, to pay one<a + href="#linknote-1073" name="linknoteref-1073" id="linknoteref-1073">[1073]</a> + or two thousand denarii<a href="#linknote-1074" name="linknoteref-1074" + id="linknoteref-1074">[1074]</a> on their election. Subsequent to this, + the proconsul Anicius Maximus ordained (though indeed his edict related to + some few cities only) that those who were elected by the censors should + also pay into the treasury a certain sum, which varied in different + places. It remains, therefore, for your consideration whether it would not + be proper to settle a certain sum for each member who is elected into the + councils to pay upon his entrance; for it well becomes you, whose every + word and action deserves to be immortalized, to establish laws that shall + endure for ever. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0227" id="link2H_4_0227"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CXIV — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + I CAN give no general directions applicable to all the cities of Bithynia, + in relation to those who are elected members of their respective councils, + whether they shall pay an honorary fee upon their admittance or not. I + think that the safest method which can be pursued is to follow the + particular laws of each city; and I also think that the censors ought to + make the sum less for those who are chosen into the senate contrary to + their inclinations than for the rest. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0228" id="link2H_4_0228"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CXV — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + THE Pompeian law, Sir, allows the Bithynians to give the freedom of their + respective cities to any person they think proper, provided he is not a + foreigner, but native of some of the cities of this province. The same law + specifies the particular causes for which the censors may expel any member of the senate, but makes no mention of foreigners. Certain of the censors + therefore have desired my opinion whether they ought to expel a member if + he should happen to be a foreigner. But I thought it necessary to receive + your instructions in this case; not only because the law, though it + forbids foreigners to be admitted citizens, does not direct that a senator + shall be expelled for the same reason, but because I am informed that in + every city in the province a great number of the senators are foreigners. + If, therefore, this clause of the law, which seems to be antiquated by a + long custom to the contrary, should be enforced, many cities, as well as + private persons, must be injured by it. I have annexed the heads of this + law to my letter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0229" id="link2H_4_0229"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CXVI — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + You might well be doubtful, my dearest Secundus, what reply to give to the + censors, who consulted you concerning their right to elect into the senate + foreign citizens, though of the same province. The authority of the law on + one side, and long custom prevailing against it on the other, might justly + occasion you to hesitate, The proper mean to observe in this case will be + to make no change in what is past, but to allow those senators who are + already elected, though contrary to law, to keep their seats, to whatever + city they may belong; in all future elections, however, to pursue the + directions of the Pompeian law: for to give it a retrospective operation + would necessarily introduce great confusion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0230" id="link2H_4_0230"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CXVII — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + IT is customary here upon any person taking the manly robe, solemnising + his marriage, entering upon the office of a magistrate, or dedicating any + public work, to invite the whole senate, together with a considerable part + of the commonalty, and distribute to each of the company one or two + denarii.<a href="#linknote-1075" name="linknoteref-1075" + id="linknoteref-1075">[1075]</a> I request you to inform me whether you + think proper this ceremony should be observed, or how far you approve of + it. For myself, though I am of opinion that upon some occasions, + especially those of public festivals, this kind of invitation may be + permitted, yet, when carried so far as to draw together a thousand + persons, and sometimes more, it seems to be going beyond a reasonable + number, and has somewhat the appearance of ambitious largesses. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0231" id="link2H_4_0231"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CXVIII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + You very justly apprehended that those public invitations which extend to + an immoderate number of people, and where the dole is distributed, not + singly to a few acquaintances, but, as it were, to whole collective + bodies, may be turned to the factious purposes of ambition. But I + appointed you to your present government, fully relying upon your + prudence, and in the persuasion that you would take proper measures for + regulating the manners and settling the peace of the province. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0232" id="link2H_4_0232"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CXIX — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + THE athletic victors, Sir, in the Iselastic<a href="#linknote-1076" + name="linknoteref-1076" id="linknoteref-1076">[1076]</a> games, conceive + that the stipend you have established for the conquerors becomes due from + the day they are crowned: for it is not at all material, they say, what + time they were triumphantly conducted into their country, but when they + merited that honour. On the contrary, when I consider the meaning of the + term Iselastic, I am strongly inclined to think that it is intended the + stipend should commence from the time of their public entry. They likewise + petition to be allowed the treat you give at those combats which you have + converted into Iselastic, though they were conquerors before the + appointment of that institution: for it is but reasonable, they assert, + that they should receive the reward in this instance, as they are deprived + of it at those games which have been divested of the honour of being + Iselastic, since their victory. But I am very doubtful, whether a + retrospect should be admitted in the case in question, and a reward given, + to which the claimants had no right at the time they obtained the victory. + I beg, therefore, you would be pleased to direct my judgment in these + points, by explaining the intention of your own benefactions. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0233" id="link2H_4_0233"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CXX — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + THE stipend appointed for the conqueror in the Iselastic games ought not, + I think, to commence till he makes his triumphant entry into his city. Nor + are the prizes, at those combats which I thought proper to make Iselastic, + to be extended backwards to those who were victors before that alteration + took place. With regard to the plea which these athletic combatants urge, + that they ought to receive the Iselastic prize at those combats which have + been made Iselastic subsequent to their conquests, as they are denied it + in the same case where the games have ceased to be so, it proves nothing + in their favour; for notwithstanding any new arrangements which has been + made relating to these games, they are not called upon to return the + recompense which they received prior to such alteration. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0234" id="link2H_4_0234"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CXXI — To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + I HAVE hitherto never, Sir, granted an order for post-chaises to any + person, or upon any occasion, but in affairs that relate to your + administration. I find myself, however, at present under a sort of + necessity of breaking through this fixed rule. My wife having received an + account of her grandfather's death, and being desirous to wait upon her + aunt with all possible expedition, I thought it would be unkind to deny + her the use of this privilege; as the grace of so tender an office + consists in the early discharge of it, and as I well knew a journey which + was founded in filial piety could not fail of your approbation. I should + think myself highly ungrateful therefore, were I not to acknowledge that, + among other great obligations which I owe to your indulgence, I have this + in particular, that, in confidence of your favour, I have ventured to do, + without consulting you, what would have been too late had I waited for + your consent. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0235" id="link2H_4_0235"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CXXII — TRAJAN TO PLINY + </h2> + <p> + You did me justice, my dearest Secundus, in confiding in my affection + towards you. Without doubt, if you had waited for my consent to forward + your wife in her journey by means of those warrants which I have entrusted + to your care, the use of them would not have answered your purpose; since + it was proper this visit to her aunt should have the additional + recommendation of being paid with all possible expedition. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_FOOT2" id="link2H_FOOT2"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FOOTNOTES TO THE CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1001" id="linknote-1001"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1001 (<a href="#linknoteref-1001">return</a>)<br /> [ The greater part of + the following letters were written by Pliny during his administration in + the province of Bithynia. They are of a style and character extremely + different from those in the preceding collection; whence some critics have + injudiciously inferred that they are the production of another hand: not + considering that the occasion necessarily required a different manner. In + letters of business, as these chiefly are, turn and sentiment would be + foreign and impertinent; politeness and elegance of expression being the + essentials that constitute perfection in this kind: and in that view, + though they may be less entertaining, they have not less merit than the + former. But besides their particular excellence as letters, they have a + farther recommendation as so many valuable pieces of history, by throwing + a strong light upon the character of one of the most amiable and glorious + princes in the Roman annals. Trajan appears throughout in the most + striking attitude that majesty can be placed in; in the exertion of power + to the godlike purposes of justice and benevolence: and what one of the + ancient historians has said of him is here clearly verified, that "he + rather chose to be loved than flattered by his people." To have been + distinguished by the favour and friendship of a monarch of so exalted a + character is an honour that reflects the brightest lustre upon our author; + as to have been served and celebrated by a courtier of Pliny's genius and + virtues is the noblest monunient of glory that could have been raised to + Trajan. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1002" id="linknote-1002"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1002 (<a href="#linknoteref-1002">return</a>)<br /> [ Nerva, who succeeded + Domitian, reigned but sixteen months and a few days. Before his death he + not only adopted Trajan, and named him for his successor, but actually + admitted him into a share of the government; giving him the titles of + Cæsar, Germanicus and Imperator. Vid. Plin. Paneg. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1003" id="linknote-1003"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1003 (<a href="#linknoteref-1003">return</a>)<br /> [ $16,000.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1004" id="linknote-1004"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1004 (<a href="#linknoteref-1004">return</a>)<br /> [ One of the four + governments of Lower Egypt. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1005" id="linknote-1005"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1005 (<a href="#linknoteref-1005">return</a>)<br /> [ The extensive power + of paternal authority was (as has been observed in the notes above) + peculiar to the Romans. But after Chrysippus was made a denizen of Rome, + he was not, it would seem, consequentially entitled to that privilege over + those children which were born before his denization. On the other hand, + if it was expressly granted him, his children could not preserve their + right of patronage over their own freedmen, because that right would of + course devolve to their father, by means of this acquired dominion over + them. The denization therefore of his children is as expressly solicited + as his own. But both parties becoming quirites, the children by this + creation, and not pleading in right of their father, would be patres fam. + To prevent which the clause is added, "ita ut sint in patris potestate:" + as there is another to save to them their rights of patronage over their + freedmen, though they were reduced in patrmam potestate. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1006" id="linknote-1006"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1006 (<a href="#linknoteref-1006">return</a>)<br /> [ Pliny enjoyed the + office of treasurer in conjunction with Cornutus Tertullus. It was the + custom at Rome for those who had colleagues to administer the duties of + their posts by monthly turns. Buchner. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1007" id="linknote-1007"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1007 (<a href="#linknoteref-1007">return</a>)<br /> [ About $16,000; the + annual income of Pliny's estate in Tuscany. He mentions another near Comum + in Milan, the yearly value of which does not appear. We find him likewise + meditating the purchase of an estate, for which he was to give about + $117,000 of our money; but whether he ever completed that purchase is + uncertain. This, however, we are sure of, that his fortunes were but + moderate, considering his high station and necessary expenses: and yet, by + the advantage of a judicious economy, we have seen him in the course of + these letters, exercising a liberality of which after ages have furnished + no parallel. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1008" id="linknote-1008"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1008 (<a href="#linknoteref-1008">return</a>)<br /> [ The senators were not + allowed to go from Rome into the provinces without having first obtained + leave of the emperor. Sicily, however, had the privilege to be excepted + out of that law; as Gallia Narbonensis afterwards was, by Claudius Cæsar. + Tacit. Ann. XII. C. 23. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1009" id="linknote-1009"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1009 (<a href="#linknoteref-1009">return</a>)<br /> [ One of the seven + priests who presided over the feasts appointed in honour of Jupiter and + the other gods, an office, as appears, of high dignity, since Pliny ranks + it with the augurship.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1010" id="linknote-1010"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1010 (<a href="#linknoteref-1010">return</a>)<br /> [ Bithynia, a province + in Anatolia, or Asia Minor, of which Pliny was appointed governor by + Trajan, in the sixth year of his reign, A. D. 103, not as an ordinary + proconsul, but as that emperor's own lieutenant, with powers + extraordinary. (See Dio.) The following letters were written during his + administration of that province. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1011" id="linknote-1011"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1011 (<a href="#linknoteref-1011">return</a>)<br /> [ A north wind in the + Grecian seas, which rises yearly some time in July, and continues to the + end of August; though others extend it to the middle of September. They + blow only in the day-time. Varenius's Geogr. V.I. p. 513. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1012" id="linknote-1012"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1012 (<a href="#linknoteref-1012">return</a>)<br /> [ The inhabitants of + Prusa (Brusa), a principal city of Bithynia.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1013" id="linknote-1013"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1013 (<a href="#linknoteref-1013">return</a>)<br /> [ In the sixth year of + Trajan's reign, A. D. 103, and the 41st of our author's age: he continued + in this province about eighteen months. Vid. Mass, in Vit. Phin. 129. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1014" id="linknote-1014"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1014 (<a href="#linknoteref-1014">return</a>)<br /> [ Among other noble + works which this glorious emperor executed, the forum or square which went + by his name seems to have been the most magnificent. It was built with the + foreign spoils he had taken in war. The covering of this edifice was all + brass, the porticoes exceedingly beautiful and magnificent, with pillars + of more than ordinary height and dimensions. In the centre of this forum + was erected the famous pillar which has been already described.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1015" id="linknote-1015"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1015 (<a href="#linknoteref-1015">return</a>)<br /> [ It is probable the + victory here alluded to was that famous one which Trajan gained over the + Daciaiss; some account of which has been given in the notes above. It is + certain, at least, Pliny lived to see his wish accomplished, this emperor + having carried the Roman splendour to its highest pitch, and extended the + dominions of the empire farther than any of his predecessors; as after his + death it began to decline. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1016" id="linknote-1016"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1016 (<a href="#linknoteref-1016">return</a>)<br /> [ The capital of + Bithynia; its modern name is Izmid.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1017" id="linknote-1017"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1017 (<a href="#linknoteref-1017">return</a>)<br /> [ The town of + Panticapoeum, also called Bosporus, standing on the European side of the + Cimmerian Bosporus (Straits of Kaffa), in the modern Crimea.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1018" id="linknote-1018"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1018 (<a href="#linknoteref-1018">return</a>)<br /> [ Nicea (as appears by + the 15th letter of this book), a city in Bithynia, now called Iznik. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1019" id="linknote-1019"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1019 (<a href="#linknoteref-1019">return</a>)<br /> [ Sarmatia was divided + into European, Asiatic, and German Sarmatia. It is not exactly known what + bounds the ancients gave to this extensive region; however, in general, it + comprehended the northern part of Russia, and the greater part of Poland, + &c. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1020" id="linknote-1020"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1020 (<a href="#linknoteref-1020">return</a>)<br /> [ The first invention + of public couriers is ascribed to Cyrus, who, in order to receive the + earliest intelligence from the governors of the several provinces, erected + post-houses throughout the kingdom of Persia, at equal distances, which + supplied men and horses to forward the public despatches. Augustus was the + first who introduced this most useful institution among the Romans, by + employing post-chaises, disposed at convenient distances, for the purpose + of political intelligence. The magistrates of every city were obliged to + furnish horses for these messengers, upon producing a diploma, or a kind + of warrant, either from the emperor himself or from those who had that + authority under him. Sometimes, though upon very extraordinary occasions, + persons who travelled upon their private affairs, were allowed the use of + these post-chaises. It is surprising they were not sooner used for the + purposes of commerce and private communication. Louis XI. first + established them in France, in the year 1414; but it was not till later (date uncertain) that the post-office was settled in England by Act of + Parliament, M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1021" id="linknote-1021"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1021 (<a href="#linknoteref-1021">return</a>)<br /> [ Particular temples, + altars, and statues were allowed among the Romans as places of privilege + and sanctuary to slaves, debtors and malefactors. This custom was + introduced by Romulus, who borrowed it probably from the Greeks; but + during the free state of Rome, few of these asylums were permitted. This + custom prevailed most under the emperors, till it grew so scandalous that + the Emperor Pius found it necessary to restrain those privileged places by + an edict. See Lipsii Excurs. ad Taeiti Ann. III, C. 36, M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1022" id="linknote-1022"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1022 (<a href="#linknoteref-1022">return</a>)<br /> [ General under + Deeebalus, king of the Dacians. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1023" id="linknote-1023"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1023 (<a href="#linknoteref-1023">return</a>)<br /> [ A province in Daeia, + comprehending the southern parts of Servia and part of Bulgaria. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1024" id="linknote-1024"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1024 (<a href="#linknoteref-1024">return</a>)<br /> [ The second expedition + of Trajan against Decebalus was undertaken the same year that Pliny went + governor into this province; the reason therefore why Pliny sent this + Calhidromus to the emperor seems to be that some use might possibly be + made of him in favour of that design, M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1025" id="linknote-1025"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1025 (<a href="#linknoteref-1025">return</a>)<br /> [ Receiver of the + finances. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1026" id="linknote-1026"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1026 (<a href="#linknoteref-1026">return</a>)<br /> [ The coast round the + Black Sea.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1027" id="linknote-1027"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1027 (<a href="#linknoteref-1027">return</a>)<br /> [ The text calls him + primipilarem, that is, one who had been Prirnipilus, in officer in the + army, whose post was both highly honourable and profitable; among other + parts of his office he had the care of the eagle, or chief standard of the + legion. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1028" id="linknote-1028"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1028 (<a href="#linknoteref-1028">return</a>)<br /> [ Slaves who were + purchased by the public. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1029" id="linknote-1029"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1029 (<a href="#linknoteref-1029">return</a>)<br /> [ The most probable + conjecture (for it is a point of a good deal of obscurity) concerning the + beneficiary seems to be that they were a certain number of soldiers + exempted from the usual duty of their office, in order to be employed as a + sort of body-guards to the general. These were probably foot; as the + equites here mentioned were perhaps of the same nature, only that they + served on horseback. Equites singulares Cæsaris Augusti, &c., are + frequently met with upon ancient inscriptions, and are generally supposed + to mean the bodyguards of the emperor. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1030" id="linknote-1030"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1030 (<a href="#linknoteref-1030">return</a>)<br /> [ A province in Asia + Minor, bounded by the Black Sea on the north, Bithynia on the west, Pontus + on the east, and Phrygia on the south.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1031" id="linknote-1031"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1031 (<a href="#linknoteref-1031">return</a>)<br /> [ The Roman policy + excluded slaves from entering into military service, and it was death if + they did so. However, upon cases of great necessity, this maxim was + dispensed with; but then they were first made free before they were + received into the army, excepting only (as Servius in his notes upon + Virgil) observes after the fatal battle of Cannae; when the public + distress was so great that the Romans recruited their army with their + slaves, though they had not time to give them their freedom. One reason, + perhaps, of this policy might be that they did not think it safe to arm so + considerable a body of men, whose numbers, in the times when the Roman + luxury was at its highest, we may have some idea of by the instance which + Pun the naturalist mentions of Claudius Isodorus, who at the time of his + death was possessed of no less than 4,116 slaves, notwithstanding he had + lost great numbers in the civil wars. Pun. Hist. Nat. XXXIII. 10. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1032" id="linknote-1032"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1032 (<a href="#linknoteref-1032">return</a>)<br /> [ A punishment among + the Romans, usually inflicted upon slaves, by which they were to engage + with wild beasts, or perform the part of gladiators, in the public shows. + M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1033" id="linknote-1033"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1033 (<a href="#linknoteref-1033">return</a>)<br /> [ It has been generally + imagined that the ancients had not the art of raising water by engines; + but this passage seems to favour the contrary opinion. The word in the + original is sipho, which Hesychius explains (as one of the commentators + observes) "instrumentuns ad jaculandas aquas adversas incendia; an + instrument to throw up water against fires." But there is a passage in + Seneca which seems to put this matter beyond conjecture, though none of + the critics upon this place have taken notice of it: "Solemiss," says he, + "duabus manibus inter se junctis aguam concipere, et com pressa utrinque + palma in modum ciphonis exprimere" (Q. N. 1. II. 16) where we plainly see + the use of this sipho was to throw UP water, and consequently the Romans + were acquainted with that art. The account which Pliny gives of his + fountains at Tuscum is likewise another evident proof. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1034" id="linknote-1034"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1034 (<a href="#linknoteref-1034">return</a>)<br /> [ This was an + anniversary custom observed throughout the empire on the 30th of December. + M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1035" id="linknote-1035"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1035 (<a href="#linknoteref-1035">return</a>)<br /> [ About $132,000.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1036" id="linknote-1036"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1036 (<a href="#linknoteref-1036">return</a>)<br /> [ About $80,000.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1037" id="linknote-1037"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1037 (<a href="#linknoteref-1037">return</a>)<br /> [ About $400,000. To + those who are not acquainted with the immense riches of the ancients, it + may seem incredible that a city, and not the capital one either, of a + conquered province should expend so large a sum of money upon only the + shell (as it appears to be) of a theatre: but Asia was esteemed the most + considerable part of the world for wealth; its fertility and exportations + (as Tully observes) exceeding that of all other countries. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1038" id="linknote-1038"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1038 (<a href="#linknoteref-1038">return</a>)<br /> [ The word carte, in + the original, comprehends more than what we call the pit in our theatres, + as at means the whole space lit which the spectators sat. These theatres + being open at the top, the galleries here mentioned were for the + convenience of retiring in bad weather. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1039" id="linknote-1039"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1039 (<a href="#linknoteref-1039">return</a>)<br /> [ A place in which the + athletic exercises were performed, and where the philosophers also used to + read their lectures. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1040" id="linknote-1040"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1040 (<a href="#linknoteref-1040">return</a>)<br /> [ The Roman foot + consisted of 11.71 inches of our standard, M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1041" id="linknote-1041"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1041 (<a href="#linknoteref-1041">return</a>)<br /> [ A colony in the + district of Cataonia, in Cappadocia.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1042" id="linknote-1042"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1042 (<a href="#linknoteref-1042">return</a>)<br /> [ The honorary + senators, that is, such who were not received into the council of the city + by election, but by the appointment of the emperor, paid a certain sum of + money upon their admission into the senate. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1043" id="linknote-1043"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1043 (<a href="#linknoteref-1043">return</a>)<br /> [ "Graeculi. Even under + the empire, with its relaxed morality and luxurious tone, the Romans + continued to apply this contemptuous designation to people to whom they + owed what taste for art and culture they possessed." Church and Brodribb.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1044" id="linknote-1044"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1044 (<a href="#linknoteref-1044">return</a>)<br /> [ A Roman cubit is + equal to a foot 5.406 inches of our measure. Arbuthanot's Tab. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1045" id="linknote-1045"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1045 (<a href="#linknoteref-1045">return</a>)<br /> [ About $480.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1046" id="linknote-1046"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1046 (<a href="#linknoteref-1046">return</a>)<br /> [ About $120.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1047" id="linknote-1047"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1047 (<a href="#linknoteref-1047">return</a>)<br /> [ A diploma is properly + a grant of certain privileges either to particular places or persons. It + signifies also grants of other kinds; and it sometimes means + post-warrants, as, perhaps, it does in this place. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1048" id="linknote-1048"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1048 (<a href="#linknoteref-1048">return</a>)<br /> [ A city in Bithynia. + M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1049" id="linknote-1049"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1049 (<a href="#linknoteref-1049">return</a>)<br /> [ Cybele, Rhea, or Ops, + as she is otherwise called; from whom, according to the pagan creed, the + rest of the gods are supposed to have descended. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1040b" id="linknote-1040b"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1040b (<a href="#linknoteref-1040b">return</a>)<br /> [ Whatever was + legally consecrated was ever afterwards unapplicable to profane uses. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1041b" id="linknote-1041b"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1041b (<a href="#linknoteref-1041b">return</a>)<br /> [ That is, a city not + admitted to enjoy the laws and privileges of Rome. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1042b" id="linknote-1042b"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1042b (<a href="#linknoteref-1042b">return</a>)<br /> [ The reason why they + did not choose to borrow of the public at the same rate of interest which + they paid to private persons was (as one of the Commentators observes) + because in the former instance they were obliged to give security, whereas + in the latter they could raise money upon their personal credit. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1043b" id="linknote-1043b"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1043b (<a href="#linknoteref-1043b">return</a>)<br /> [ These, in the + original institution as settled by Augustus, were only commanders of his + body-guards; but in the later times of the Roman empire they were next in + authority under the emperor, to whom they seem to have acted as a sort of + prime ministers. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1044b" id="linknote-1044b"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1044b (<a href="#linknoteref-1044b">return</a>)<br /> [ The provinces were + divided into, a kind of circuits called conventus, whither the proconsuls + used to go in order to administer justice. The judges here mentioned must + not be understood to mean the same sort of judicial officers as with us: + they rather answered to our juries. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1045b" id="linknote-1045b"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1045b (<a href="#linknoteref-1045b">return</a>)<br /> [ By the imperial + constitutions the philosophers were exempted from all public functions. + Catariscus. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1046b" id="linknote-1046b"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1046b (<a href="#linknoteref-1046b">return</a>)<br /> [ About $24,000.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1047b" id="linknote-1047b"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1047b (<a href="#linknoteref-1047b">return</a>)<br /> [ Geographers are not + agreed where to place this city; Cellarius conjectures it may possibly be + the same with Prusa ad Olympum, Prusa at the foot of Mount Olympus in + Mysia.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1048b" id="linknote-1048b"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1048b (<a href="#linknoteref-1048b">return</a>)<br /> [ Domitian.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1049b" id="linknote-1049b"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1049b (<a href="#linknoteref-1049b">return</a>)<br /> [ That is, whether + they should be considered in a state of freedom or slavery. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1050" id="linknote-1050"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1050 (<a href="#linknoteref-1050">return</a>)<br /> [ "Parents throughout + the entire ancient world had the right to expose their children and leave + them to their fate. Hence would sometimes arise the question whether such + a child, if found and brought up by another, was entitled to his freedom, + whether also the person thus adopting him must grant him his freedom + without repayment for the cost of maintenance." Church and Brodribb.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1051" id="linknote-1051"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1051 (<a href="#linknoteref-1051">return</a>)<br /> [ "This decision of + Trajan, the effect of which would be that persons would be slow to adopt + an abandoned child which, when brought up, its natural parents could + claim back without any compensation for its nurture, seems harsh, and we + find that it was disregarded by the later emperors in their legal + decisions on the subject." Church and Brodribb.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1052" id="linknote-1052"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1052 (<a href="#linknoteref-1052">return</a>)<br /> [ And consequently by + the Roman laws unapplicable to any other purpose. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1053" id="linknote-1053"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1053 (<a href="#linknoteref-1053">return</a>)<br /> [ The Roman provinces + in the times of the emperors were of two sorts: those which were + distinguished by the name of the provinciae Cæsaris and the provinciae + senatus. The provinciae Cæsaris, or imperial provinces, were such as the + emperor, for reasons of policy, reserved to his own immediate + administration, or of those whom he thought proper to appoint: the + provinciae senatus, or proconsular provinces, were such as he left to the + government of proconsuls or praetors, chosen in the ordinary method of + election. (Vid. Suet, in Aug. V. 47.) Of the former kind was Bithynis, at + the time when our author presided there. (Vid. Masson. Vit. Plin. p. 133.) + M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1054" id="linknote-1054"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1054 (<a href="#linknoteref-1054">return</a>)<br /> [ A province in Asia, + bordering upon the Black Sea, and by some ancient geographers considered + as one province with Bithynia. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1055" id="linknote-1055"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1055 (<a href="#linknoteref-1055">return</a>)<br /> [ About $2,000. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1056" id="linknote-1056"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1056 (<a href="#linknoteref-1056">return</a>)<br /> [ Cities of Pontus near + the Euxine or Black Sea. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1057" id="linknote-1057"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1057 (<a href="#linknoteref-1057">return</a>)<br /> [ Gordium, the old + capital of Phrygia. It afterwards, in the reign of the Emperor Augustus, + received the name of Juliopolis. (See Smith's Classical Diet.)] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1058" id="linknote-1058"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1058 (<a href="#linknoteref-1058">return</a>)<br /> [ Pompey the Great + having subdued Mithridates, and by that means enlarged the Roman empire, + passed several laws relating to the newly conquered provinces, and, among + others, that which is here mentioned. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1059" id="linknote-1059"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1059 (<a href="#linknoteref-1059">return</a>)<br /> [ The right of electing + Senators did not originally belong to the censors, who were only, as + Cicero somewhere calls them, guardians of the discipline and manners of + the city; but in process of time they engrossed the whole privilege of + conferring that honour. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1060" id="linknote-1060"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1060 (<a href="#linknoteref-1060">return</a>)<br /> [ This, probably, was + some act whereby the city was to ratify and confirm the proceedings of + Dion under the commission assigned to him.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1061" id="linknote-1061"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1061 (<a href="#linknoteref-1061">return</a>)<br /> [ It was a notion which + generally prevailed with the ancients, in the Jewish as well as heathen + world, that there was a pollution in the contact of dead bodies, and this + they extended to the very house in which the corpse lay, and even to the + uncovered vessels that stood in the same room. (Vid. Pot. Antiq. V. II. + 181.) From some such opinion as this it is probable that the circumstance, + here mentioned, of placing Trajan's statue where these bodies were + deposited, was esteemed as a mark of disrespect to his person.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1062" id="linknote-1062"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1062 (<a href="#linknoteref-1062">return</a>)<br /> [ A thriving Greek + colony in the territory of Sinopis, on the Euxine.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1063" id="linknote-1063"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1063 (<a href="#linknoteref-1063">return</a>)<br /> [ A colony of Athenians + in the province of Pontus. Their town, Amisus, on the coast, was one of + the residences of Mithridates.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1064" id="linknote-1064"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1064 (<a href="#linknoteref-1064">return</a>)<br /> [ Casaubon, in his + observations upon Theophrastus (as cited by one of the commentators) + informs us that there were at Athens and other cities of Greece Certain + fraternities which paid into a common chest a monthly contribution towards + the support of such of their members who had fallen into misfortunes; upon + condition that, if ever they arrived to more prosperous circumstances, + they should repay into the general fund the money so advanced. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1065" id="linknote-1065"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1065 (<a href="#linknoteref-1065">return</a>)<br /> [ By the law for + encouragement of matrimony (some account of which has already been given + in the notes above), as a penalty upon those who lived bachelors, they + were declared incapable of inheriting any legacy by will; so likewise, if + being married, they had no children, they could not claim the full + advantage of benefactions of that kind.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1066" id="linknote-1066"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1066 (<a href="#linknoteref-1066">return</a>)<br /> [ This letter is + esteemed as almost the only genuine monument of ecclesiastical antiquity + relating to the times immediately succeeding the Apostles, it being + written at most not above forty years after the death of St. Paul. It was + preserved by the Christians themselves as a clear and unsuspicious + evidence of the purity of their doctrines, and is frequently appealed to + by the early writers of the Church against the calumnies of their + adversaries. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1067" id="linknote-1067"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1067 (<a href="#linknoteref-1067">return</a>)<br /> [ It was one of the + privileges of a Roman citizen, secured by the Semprorian law, that he + could not be capitally convicted but by the suffrage of the people; which + seems to have been still so far in force as to make it necessary to send + the persons here mentioned to Rome. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1068" id="linknote-1068"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1068 (<a href="#linknoteref-1068">return</a>)<br /> [ These women, it is + supposed, exercised the same office as Phoebe mentioned by St. Paul, whom + he styles deaconess of the church of Cenchrea. Their business was to tend + the poor and sick, and other charitable offices; as also to assist at the + ceremony of female baptism, for the more decent performance of that rite: + as Vossius observes upon this passage. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1069" id="linknote-1069"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1069 (<a href="#linknoteref-1069">return</a>)<br /> [ If we impartially + examine this prosecution of the Christians, we shall find it to have been + grounded on the ancient constitution of the state, and not to have + proceeded from a cruel or arbitrary temper in Trajan. The Roman + legislature appears to have been early jealous of any innovation in point + of public worship; and we find the magistrates, during the old republic + frequently interposing in cases of that nature. Valerius Maximus has + collected some instances to that purpose (L. I. C. 3), and Livy mentions + it as an established principle of the earlier ages of the commonwealth, to + guard against the introduction of foreign ceremonies of religion. It was + an old and fixed maxim likewise of the Roman government not to suffer any + unlicensed assemblies of the people. From hence it seems evident that the + Christians had rendered themselves obnoxious not so much to Trajan as to + the ancient and settled laws of the state, by introducing a foreign + worship, and assembling themselves without authority. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1070" id="linknote-1070"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1070 (<a href="#linknoteref-1070">return</a>)<br /> [ On the coast of + Paphlagonia.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1071" id="linknote-1071"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1071 (<a href="#linknoteref-1071">return</a>)<br /> [ By the Papian law, + which passed in the consulship of M. Papius Mutilus and Q. Poppeas + Secundus, u. c. 761, if a freedman died worth a hundred thousand sesterces + (or about $4,000 of our money), leaving only one child, his patron (that + is, the master from whom he received his liberty) was entitled to half his + estate; if he left two children, to one-third; but if more than two, then + the patron was absolutely excluded. This was afterwards altered by + Justinian, Inst. 1. III. tit. 8. M.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1072" id="linknote-1072"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1072 (<a href="#linknoteref-1072">return</a>)<br /> [ About $7,000.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1073" id="linknote-1073"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1073 (<a href="#linknoteref-1073">return</a>)<br /> [ About $175] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1074" id="linknote-1074"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1074 (<a href="#linknoteref-1074">return</a>)<br /> [ About $350.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1075" id="linknote-1075"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1075 (<a href="#linknoteref-1075">return</a>)<br /> [ The denarius=7 cents. + The sum total, then, distributed among one thousand persons at the rate + of, say, two denara a piece would amount to about $350.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1076" id="linknote-1076"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1076 (<a href="#linknoteref-1076">return</a>)<br /> [ These games are + called Iselastic from the Greek word invehor, because the victors, drawn + by white horses, and wearing crowns on their heads, were conducted with + great pomp into their respective cities, which they entered through a + breach in the walls made for that purpose; intimating, as Plutarch + observes, that a City which produced such able and victorious citizens, + had little occasion for the defence of walls (Catanaeus). They received + also annually a certain honourable stipend from the public. M.] + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Letters of Pliny, by Pliny + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LETTERS OF PLINY *** + +***** This file should be named 2811-h.htm or 2811-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/1/2811/ + +Produced by David Reed and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.04.29.93*END* + + + + + +Prepared by David Reed haradda@aol.com or davidr@inconnect.com + + + + + +Letters of Pliny + + + + +Translated by William Melmoth revised by F. C. T. Bosanquet + + + + +GAIUS PLINIUS CAECILIUS SECUNDUS, usually known as +Pliny the Younger, was born at Como in 62 A. D. He was only +eight years old when his father Caecilius died, and he was adopted +by his uncle, the elder Pliny, author of the Natural History. He was +carefully educated, studying rhetoric under Quintilian and other +famous teachers, and he became the most eloquent pleader of his +time. In this and in much else he imitated Cicero, who had by this +time come to be the recognized master of Latin style. While still +young he served as military tribune in Syria, but he does not seem +to have taken zealously to a soldier s life. On his return he entered +politics under the Emperor Domitian; and in the year 100 A. D. +was appointed consul by Trajan and admitted to confidential +intercourse with that emperor. Later while he was governor of +Bithynia, he was in the habit of submitting every point of policy to +his master, and the correspondence between Trajan and him, +which forms the last part of the present selection, is of a high +degree of interest, both on account of the subjects discussed and +for the light thrown on the characters of the two men. He is +supposed to have died about 113 A. D. Pliny's speeches are now +lost, with the exception of one, a panegyric on Trajan delivered in +thanksgiving for the consulate. This, though diffuse and somewhat +too complimentary for modern taste, became a model for this kind +of composition. The others were mostly of two classes, forensic +and political, many of the latter being, like Cicero's speech against +Verres, impeachments of provincial governors for cruelty and +extortion toward their subjects. in these, as in his public activities +in general, he appears as a man of public spirit and integrity; and +in his relations with his native town he was a thoughtful and +munificent benefactor. + +The letters, on which to-day his fame mainly rests, were largely +written with a view to publication, and were arranged by Pliny +himself. They thus lack the spontaneity of Cicero s impulsive +utterances, but to most modern readers who are not special +students of Roman history they are even more interesting. They +deal with a great variety of subjects: the description of a Roman +villa; the charms of country life; the reluctance of people to attend +authors readings and to listen wizen they were present; a dinner +party; legacy-hunting in ancient Rome; the acquisition of a piece +of statuary; his love for his young wife; ghost stories; floating +islands, a tame dolphin, and other marvels. But by far the best +known are those describing the great eruption of Vesuvius in +which his uncle perished, a martyr to scientific curiosity, and the +letter to Trajan on his attempts to suppress Christianity in +Bithynia, with Trajan s reply approving his policy. Taken +altogether, these letters give an absorbingly vivid picture of the +days of the early empire, and of the interests of a cultivated Roman +gentleman of wealth. Occasionally, as in the last letters referred to, +they deal with important historical events; but their chief value is +in bringing before us, in somewhat the same manner as "The +Spectator" pictures the England of the age of Anne, the life of a +time which is not so unlike our own as its distance in years might +indicate. And in this time by no means the least interesting figure +is that of the letter-writer himself, with his vanity and +self-importance, his sensibility and generous affection? hvs +pedantry and his loyalty. + +LETTERS GAIUS PLINIUS CAECILIUS SECUNDUS + +I + +To SEPTITTUS + +YOU have frequently pressed me to make a select collection of my +Letters (if there really be any deserving of a special preference) +and give them to the public. I have selected them accordingly; not, +indeed, in their proper order of time, for I was not compiling a +history; but just as each came to hand. And now I have only to +wish that you may have no reason to repent of your advice, nor I of +my compliance: in that case, I may probably enquire after the rest, +which at present he neglected, and preserve those I shall hereafter +write. Farewell. + +II + +To ARRIANUS + +I FORESEE your journey in my direction is likely to be delayed, +and therefore send you the speech which I promised in my former; +requesting you, as usual, to revise and correct it. I desire this the +more earnestly as I never, I think, wrote with the same +empressenient in any of my former speeches; for I have +endeavoured to imitate your old favourite Demosthenes and +Calvus, who is lately become mine, at least in the rhetorical forms +of the speech; for to catch their sublime spirit, is given, alone, to +the "inspired few." My subject, indeed, seemed naturally to lend +itself to this (may I venture to call it?) emulation; consisting, as it +did, almost entirely in a vehement style of address, even to a +degree sufficient to have awakened me (if only I am capable of +being awakened) out of that indolence in which I have long +reposed. I have not however altogether neglected the flowers of +rhetoric of my favourite Marc-Tully, wherever I could with +propriety step out of my direct road, to enjoy a more flowery path: +for it was energy, not austerity, at which I aimed. I would not have +you imagine by this that I am bespeaking your indulgence: on the +contrary, to make your correcting pen more vigorous, I will +confess that neither my friends nor myself are averse from the +publication of this piece, if only you should join in the approval of +what is perhaps my folly. The truth is, as I must publish something, +I, wish it might be this performance rather than any other, because +it is already finished: (you hear the wish of laziness.) At all events, +however, something I must publish, and for many reasons; chiefly +because of the tracts which I have already sent in to the world, +though they have long since lost all their recommendation from +novelty, are still, I am told, in request; if, after all, the booksellers +are not tickling my ears. And let them; since, by that innocent +deceit, I am encouraged to pursue my studies. Farewell. + +III + +To VOCONIUS ROMANUS + +DID YOU ever meet with a more abject and mean-spirited +creature than Marcus Regulus since the death of Domitian, during +whose reign his conduct was no less infamous, though more +concealed, than under Nero's? He began to be afraid I was angry +with him, and his apprehensions were perfectly correct; I was +angry. He had not only done his best to increase the peril of the +position in which Rusticus Arulenus1 stood, but had exulted in his +death; insomuch that he actually recited and published a libel upon +his memory, in which he styles him "The Stoics' Ape": adding, +"stigmated2 with the Vitellian scar."3 You recognize Regulus' +eloquent strain! He fell with such fury upon the character of +Herennius Senecio that Metius Carus said to him, one day, "What +business have you with my dead? Did I ever interfere in the affair +of Crassus' or Camerinus'? " Victims, you know, to Regulus, in +Nero's time. For these reasons he imagined I was highly +exasperated, and so at the recitation of his last piece, I got no +invitation. Besides, he had not forgotten, it seems, with what +deadly purpose he had once attacked me in the Court of the +Hundred. Rusticus had desired me to act as counsel for Arionilla, +Titnon's wife: Regulus was engaged against me. In one part of the +case I was strongly insisting upon a particular judgment given by +Metius Modestus, an excellent man, at that time in banishment by +Domitian's order. Now then for Regulus. "Pray," says he, "what is +your opinion of Modestus?" You see what a risk I should have run +had I answered that I had a high opinion of him, how I should have +disgraced myself on the other hand if I had replied that I had a bad +opinion of him. But some guardian power, I am persuaded, must +have stood by me to assist me in this emergency. "I will tell you +my opinion," I said, "if that is a matter to be brought before the +court." "I ask you," he repeated, "what is your opinion of +Modestus?" I replied that it was customary to examine witnesses to +the character of an accused man, not to the character of one on +whom sentence had already been passed. He pressed me a third +time. "I do not now enquire, said he, "your opinion of Modestus in +general, I only ask your opinion of his loyalty." "Since you will +have my opinion then," I rejoined, "I think it illegal even to ask a +question concerning a person who stands convicted." He sat down +at this, completely silenced; and I received applause and +congratulation on all sides, that without injuring my reputation by +an advantageous, perhaps, though ungenerous answer, I had not +entangled myself in the toils of so insidious a catch-question. +Thoroughly frightened upon this then, he first seizes upon +Caecilius Celer, next he goes and begs of Fabius Justus, that they +would use their joint interest to bring about a reconciliation +between us. And lest this should not be sufficient, he sets off to +Spurinnz as well; to whom he came in the humblest way (for he is +the most abject creature alive, where he has anything to be afraid +of) and says to him, "Do, I entreat of you, call on Pliny to-morrow +morning, certainly in the morning, no later (for I cannot endure +this anxiety of mind longer), and endeavour by any means in your +power to soften his resentment." I was already up, the next day, +when a message arrived from Spurinna, "I am coming to call on +you." I sent word back, "Nay, I will wait upon you;" however, both +of us setting out to pay this visit, we met under Livia's portico. He +acquainted me with the commission he had received from +Regulus, and interceded for him as became so worthy a man in +behalf of one so totally dissimilar, without greatly pressing the +thing. "I will leave it to you," was my reply, "to consider what +answer to return Regulus; you ought not to be deceived by me. I +am waiting for Mauricus'7 return" (for he had not yet come back +out of exile), "so that I cannot give you any definite answer either +way, as I mean to be guided entirely by his decision, for he ought +to be my leader here, and I simply to do as he says." Well, a few +days after this, Regulus met me as I was at the praetor's; he kept +close to me there and begged a word in private, when he said he +was afraid I deeply resented an expression he had once made use +of in his reply to Satrius and myself, before the Court of the +Hundred, to this effect, "Satrius Rufus, who does not endeavour to +rival Cicero, and who is content with the eloquence of our own +day." I answered, now I perceived indeed, upon his own +confession, that he had meant it ill-naturedly; otherwise it might +have passed for a compliment. "For I am free to own," I said, "that +I do endeavour to rival Cicero, and am not content with the +eloquence of our own day. For I consider it the very height of folly +not to copy the best models of every kind. But, how happens it that +you, who have so good a recollection of what passed upon this +occasion, should have forgotten that other, when you asked me my +opinion of the loyalty of Modestus?" Pale as he always is, he +turned simply pallid at this, and stammered out, "I did not intend +to hurt you when I asked this question, but Modestus." Observe the +vindictive cruelty of the fellow, who made no concealment of his +willingness to injure a banished man. But the reason he alleged in +justification of his conduct is pleasant. Modestus, he explained, in +a letter of his, which was read to Domitian, had used the following +expression, "Regulus, the biggest rascal that walks upon two feet :" +and what Modestus had written was the simple truth, beyond all +manner of controversy. Here, about, our conversation came to an +end, for I did not wish to proceed further, being desirous to keep +matters open until Mauricus returns. It is no easy matter, I am well +aware of that, to destroy Regulus; he is rich, and at the head of a +party; courted8 by many, feared by more: a passion that will +sometimes prevail even beyond friendship itself. But, after all, ties +of this sort are not so strong but they may be loosened; for a bad +man's credit is as shifty as himself. However (to repeat), I am +waiting until Mauricus comes back. He is a man of sound +judgment and great sagacity formed upon long experience, and +who, from his observations of the past, well knows how to judge of +the future. I shall talk the matter over with him, and consider +myself justified either in pursuing or dropping this affair, as he +shall advise. Meanwhile I thought I owed this account to our +mutual friendship, which gives you an undoubted right to know +about not only all my actions but all my plans as well. Farewell. + +IV + +To CORNELIUS TACITUS + +You will laugh (and you are quite welcome) when I tell you that +your old acquaintance is turned sportsman, and has taken three +noble boars. "What!" you exclaim, "Pliny! "--Even he. However, I +indulged at the same time my beloved inactivity; and, whilst I sat +at my nets, you would have found me, not with boar spear or +javelin, but pencil and tablet, by my side. I mused and wrote, being +determined to return, if with all my hands empty, at least with my +memorandums full. Believe me, this way of studying is not to be +despised: it is wonderful how the mind is stirred and quickened +into activity by brisk bodily exercise. There is something, too, in +the solemnity of the venerable woods with which one is +surrounded, together with that profound silence which is observed +on these occasions, that forcibly disposes the mind to meditation. +So for the future, let me advise you, whenever you hunt, to take +your tablets along with you, as well as your basket and bottle, for +be assured you will find Minerva no less fond of traversing the +hills than Diana. Farewell. + +V + +To POMPEIUS SATURNINUS + +NOTHING could be more seasonable than the letter which I +received from you, in which you so earnestly beg me to send you +some of my literary efforts: the very thing I was intending to do. So +you have only put spurs into a willing horse and at once saved +yourself the excuse of refusing the trouble, and me the +awkwardness of asking the favour. Without hesitation then I avail +myself of your offer; as you must now take the consequence of it +without reluctance. But you are not to expect anything new from a +lazy fellow, for I am going to ask you to revise again the speech I +made to my fellow-townsmen when I dedicated the public library +to their use. You have already, I remember, obliged me with some +annotations upon this piece, but only in a general way; and so I +now beg of you not only to take a general view of the whole +speech, but, as you usually do, to go over it in detail. When you +have corrected it, I shall still be at liberty to publish or suppress it: +and the delay in the meantime will be attended with one of these +alternatives; for, while we are deliberating whether it is fit for +publishing, a frequent revision will either make it so, or convince +me that it is not. Though indeed my principal difficulty respecting +the publication of this harangue arises not so much from the +composition as out of the subject itself, which has something in it, +I am afraid, that will look too like ostentation and self-conceit. For, +be the style ever so plain and unassuming, yet, as the occasion +necessarily led me to speak not only of the munificence of my +ancestors, but of my own as well, my modesty will be seriously +embarrassed. A dangerous and slippery situation this, even when +one is led into it by plea of necessity! For, if mankind are not very +favourable to panegyric, even when bestowed upon others, how +much more difficult is it to reconcile them to it when it is a tribute +which we pay to ourselves or to our ancestors? Virtue, by herself, +is generally the object of envy, but particularly so when glory and +distinction attend her; and the world is never so little disposed to +detract from the rectitude of your conduct as when it passes +unobserved and unapplauded. For these reasons, I frequently ask +myself whether I composed this harangue, such as it is, merely +from a personal consideration, or with a view to the public as well; +and I am sensible that what may be exceedingly useful and proper +in the prosecution of any affair may lose all its grace and fitness +the moment the business is completed: for instance, in the case +before us, what could be more to my purpose than to explain at +large the motives of my intended bounty? For, first, it engaged my +mind in good and ennobling thoughts; next, it enabled me, by +frequent dwelling upon them, to receive a perfect impression of +their loveliness, while it guarded at the same time against that +repentance which is sure to follow on an impulsive act of +generosity. There arose also a further advantage from this method, +as it fixed in me a certain habitual contempt of money. For, while +mankind seem to be universally governed by an innate passion to +accumulate wealth, the cultivation of a more generous affection in +my own breast taught me to emancipate myself from the slavery of +so predominant a principle: and I thought that my honest intentions +would be the more meritorious as they should appear to proceed, +not from sudden impulse, bttt from the dictates of cool and +deliberate reflection. I considered, besides, that I was not engaging +myself to exhibit public games or gladiatorial combats, but to +establish an annual fund for the support and education of young +men of good families but scanty means. The pleasures of the +senses are so far from wanting the oratorical arts to recommend +them that we stand in need of all the powers of eloquence to +moderate and restrain rather than stir up their influence. But the +work of getting anybody to cheerfully undertake the monotony and +drudgery of education must be effected not by pay merely, but by a +skilfully worked-up appeal to the emotions as well. If physicians +find it expedient to use the most insinuating address in +recommending to their patients a wholesome though, perhaps, +unpleasant regimen, how much more occasion had he to exert all +the powers of persuasion who, out of regard to the public welfare, +was endeavouring to reconcile it to a most useful though not +equally popular benefaction? Particularly, as my aim was to +recommend an institution, calculated solely for the benefit of those +who were parents to men who, at present, had no children; and to +persuade the greater number to wait patiently until they should be +entitled to an honour of which a few only could immediately +partake. But as at that fime, when I attempted to explain and +enforce the general design and benefit of my institution, I +considered more the general good of my countrymen, than any +reputation which might result to myself; so I am apprehensive lest, +if I publish that pIece, it may perhaps look as if I had a view rather +to my own personal credit than the benefit of others, Besides, I am +very sensible how much nobler it is to place the reward of virtue in +the silent approbation of one's own breast than in the applause of +the world. Glory ought to be the consequence, not the motive, of +our actions; and although it happen not to attend the worthy deed, +yet it is by no means the less fair for having missed the applause it +deserved. But the world is apt to suspect that those who celebrate +their own beneficent acts performed them for no other motive than +to have the pleasure of extolling them. Thus, the splendour of an +action which would have been deemed illustrious if related by +another is totally extinguished when it becomes the subject of +one's own applause. Such is the disposition of mankind, if they +cannot blast the action, they will censure its display; and whether +you do what does not deserve particular notice, or set forth +yourself what does, either way you incur reproach. In my own case +there is a peculiar circumstance that weighs much with me: this +speech was delivered not before the people, but the Decurii;9 not +in the forum, but the senate; I am afraid therefore it will look +inconsistent that I, who, when I delivered it, seemed to avoid +popular applause, should now, by publishing this performance, +appear to court it: that I, who was so scrupulous as not to admit +even these persons to be present when I delivered this speech, who +were interested in my benefaction, lest it, might be suspected I was +actuated in this affair by any ambitious views, should now seem to +solicit admiration, by forwardly displaying it to such as have no +other concern in my munificence than the benefit of example. +These are the scruples which have occasioned my delay in giving +this piece to the public; but I submit them entirely to your +judgment, which I shall ever esteem as a sufficient sanction of my +conduct. Farewell. + +VI + +To ATRIUS CLEMENS + +IF ever polite literature flourished at Rome, it certainly flourishes +now; and I could give you many eminent instances: I will content +myself, however, with naming only Euphrates10 the philosopher. I +first became acquainted with this excellent person in my youth, +when I served in the army in Syria. I had an opportunity of +conversing with him familiarly, and took some pains to gain his +affection: though that, indeed, was not very difficult, for he is easy +of access, unreserved, and actuated by those social principles he +professes to teach. I should think myself extremely happy if I had +as fully answered the expectations he, at that time, conceived of +me, as he exceeds everything I had imagined of him. But, perhaps, +I admire his excellencies more now than I did then, because I +know better how to appreciate them; not that I sufficiently +appreciate them even now. For as none but those who are skilled in +painting, statuary, or the plastic art, can form a right judgment of +any performance in those respective modes of representation, so a +man must, himself, have made great advances in philosophy before +he is capable of forming a just opinion of a philosopher. However, +as far as I am qualified to determine, Euphrates is possessed of so +many shining talents that he cannot fail to attract and impress the +most ordinarily educated observer. He reasons with much force, +acuteness, and elegance; and frequently rises into all the sublime +and luxuriant eloquence of Plato. His style is varied and flowing, +and at the same time so wonderfully captivating that he forces the +reluctant attention of the most unwilling hearer. For the rest, a fine +stature, a comely aspect, long hair, and a large silver beard; +circumstances which, though they may probably be thought trifling +and accidental, contribute, however, to gain him much reverence. +There is no affected negligence in his dress and appearance; his +countenance is grave but not austere; and his approach commands +respect without creating awe. Distinguished as he is by the perfect +blamelessness of his life, he is no less so by the courtesy and +engaging sweetness of his manner. He attacks vices, not persons, +and, without severity, reclaims the wanderer from the paths of +virtue. You follow his exhortations with rapt attention, hanging, +as it were, upon his lips; and even after the heart is convinced, the +ear still wishes to listen to the harmonious reasoner. His family +consists of three children (two of which are sons), whom he +educates with the utmost care. His father-in-law, Pompeius +Julianus, as he greatly distinguished himself in every other part of +his life, so particularly in this, that though he was himself of the +highest rank in his province, yet, among many considerable +matches, he preferred Euphrates for his son-in-law, as first in +merit, though not in dignity. But why do I dwell any longer upon +the virtues of a man whose conversation I am so unfortunate as not +to have time sufficiently to enjoy? Is it to increase my regret and +vexation that I cannot enjoy it? My time is wholly taken up in the +execution of a very honourable, indeed, but equally troublesome, +employment; in hearing cases, signing petitions, making up +accounts, and writing a vast amount of the most illiterate +literature. I sometimes complain to Euphrates (for I have leisure at +least to complain) of these unpleasing occupations. He endeavours +to console me, by affirming that, to be engaged in the public +service, to hear and determine cases, to explain the laws, and +administer justice, is a part, and the noblest part, too, of +philosophy; as it is reducing to practice what her professors teach +in speculation. But even his rhetoric will never be able to convince +me that it is better to be at this sort of work than to spend whole +days in attending his lectures and learning his precepts. I cannot +therefore but strongly recommend it to you, who have the time for +it, when next you come to town (and you will come, I daresay, so +much the sooner for this), to take the benefit of his elegant and +refined instructions. For I do not (as many do) envy others the +happiness I cannot share with them myself: on the contrary, it is a +very sensible pleasure to me when I find my friends in possession +of an enjoyment from which I have the misfortune to be excluded. +Farewell. + +VII + +To FABIUS JUSTUS + +IT is a long time since I have had a letter from you, "There is +nothing to write about," you say: well then write and let me know +just this, that "there is nothing to write about," or tell me in the +good old style, If you are well that's right, I am quite well. This +will do for me, for it implies everything. You think I am joking? +Let me assure you I am in sober earnest. Do let me know how you +are; for I cannot remain ignorant any longer without growing +exceedingly anxious about you. Farewell. + +VIII + +To CALESTRIUS TIRO + +I HAVE suffered the heaviest loss; if that word be sufficiently +strong to express the misfortune which has deprived me of so +excellent a man. Corellius Rufus is dead; and dead, too, by his +own act! A circumstance of great aggravation to my affliction: as +that sort of death which we cannot impute either to the course of +nature, or the hand of Providence, is, of all others, the most to be +lamented. It affords some consolation in the loss of those friends +whom disease snatches from us that they fall by the general destiny +of mankind; but those who destroy themselves leave us under the +inconsolable reflection, that they had it in their power to have +lived longer. It is true, Corellius had many inducements to be fond +of life; a blameless conscience, high reputation, and great dignity +of character, besides a daughter, a wife, a grandson, and sisters; +and, amidst these numerous pledges of happiness, faithful friends. +Still, it must be owned he had the highest motive (which to a wise +man will always have the force of destiny), urging him to this +resolution. He had long been tortured by so tedious and painful a +complaint that even these inducements to living on, considerable +as they are, were over-balanced by the reasons on the other side. In +his thirty-third year (as I have frequently heard him say) he was +seized with the gout in his feet. This was hereditary; for diseases, +as well as possessions, are sometimes handed down by a sort of +inheritance. A life of sobriety and continence had enabled him to +conquer and keep down the disease while he was still young, +latterly as it grew upon him with advancing years, he had to +manfully bear it, suffering meanwhile the most incredible and +undeserved agonies; for the gout was now not only in his feet, but +had spread itself over his whole body. I remember, in Domitian's +reign, paying him a visit at his villa, near Rome. As soon as I +entered his chamber, his servants went out: for it was his rule, +never to allow them to be in the room when any intimate friend +was with him; nay, even his own wife, though she could have kept +any secret, used to go too. Casting his eyes round the room, "Why," +he exclaimed, "do you suppose I endure life so long under these +cruel agonies? It is with the hope that I may outlive, at least for +one day, that villain." Had his bodily strength been equal to his +resolution, he would have carried his desire into practical effect. +God heard and answered his prayer; and when he felt that he +should now die a free, un-enslaved, Roman, he broke through +those other great, but now less forcible, attachments to the world. +His malady increased; arid, as it now grew too violent to admit of +any relief from temperance, he resolutely determined to put an end +to its uninterrupted attacks, by an effort of heroism. He had +refused all sustenance during four days when his wife Hispulla +sent our common friend Geminius to me, with the melancholy +news, that Corellius was resolved to die; and that neither her own +entreaties nor her daughter's could move him from his purpose; I +was the only person left who could reconcile him to life. I ran to +his house with the utmost precipitation. As I approached it, I met a +second messenger from Hispulla, Julius Atticus, who informed me +there was nothing to be hoped for now, even from me, as he +seemed more hardened than ever in his purpose. He had said, +indeed to his physician, who pressed him to take some +nourishment, "'Tis resolved": an expression which, as it raised my +admiration of the greatness of his soul, so it does my grief for the +loss of him. I keep thinking what a friend, what a man, I am +deprived of. That he had reached his sixty-seventh year, an age +which even the strongest seldom exceed, I well know; that he is +teleased from a life of continual pan; that he has left his dearest +friends behind him, and (what was dearer to him than all these) the +state in a prosperous condition: all this I know. Still I cannot +forbear to lament him, as if he had been in the prime and vigour of +his days; and I lament him (shall I own my weakness?) on my +account. And--to confess to you as I did to Calvisius, in the first +transport of my grief--I sadly fear, now that I am no longer under +his eye, I shall not keep so strict a guard over my conduct. Speak +comfort to me then, not that he was old, he was infirm; all this I +know: but by supplying me with some reflections that are new and +resistless, which I have never heard, never read, anywhere else. For +all that I have heard, and all that I have read, occur to me of +themselves; but all these are by far too weak to support me under +so severe an affliction. Farewell. + +IX + +To SOCIUS SENECIO + +THIs year has produced a plentiful crop of poets: during the whole +month of April scarcely a day has passed on which we have not +been entertained with the recital of some poem. It is a pleasure to +me to find that a taste for polite literature still exists, and that men +of genius do come forward and make themseves known, +notwithstanding the lazy attendance they got for their pains. The +greater part of the audience sit in the lounging-places, gossip away +their time there, and are perpetually sending to enquire whether the +author has made his entrance yet, whether he has got through the +preface, or whether he has almost finished the piece. Then at +length they saunter in with an air of the greatest indifference, nor +do they condescend to stay through the recital, but go out before it +is over, some slyly and stealthily, others again with perfect +freedom and unconcern. And yet our fathers can remember how +Claudius C~sar walking one day in the palace, and hearing a great +shouting, enquired the cause: and being informed that Nonianus11 +was reciting a composition of his, went immediately to the place, +and agreeably surprised the author with his presence. But now, +were one to bespeak the attendance of the idlest man living, and +remind him of the appointment ever so often, or ever so long +beforehand; either he would not come at all, or if he did would +grumble about having "lost a day!" for no other reason but because +he had not lost it. So much the more do those authors deserve our +encouragement and applause who have resolution to persevere in +their studies, and to read out their compositions in spite of this +apathy or arrogance on the part of their audience. Myself indeed, I +scarcely ever miss being present upon any occasion; though, to tell +the truth, the authors have generally been friends of mine, as +indeed there are few men of literary tastes who are not. It is this +which has kept me in town longer than I had intended. I am now, +however, at liberty to go back into the country, and write +something myself; which I do not intend reciting, lest I should +seem rather to have lent than given my attendance to these +recitations of my friends, for in these, as in all other good offices, +the obligation ceases the moment you seem to expect a return. +Farewell. + +X + +To JUNSUS MAURICUS + +You desire me to look out a proper husband for your niece: it is +with justice you enjoin me that office. You know the high esteem +and affection I bore that great man her father, and with what noble +instructions he nurtured my youth, and taught me to deserve those +praises he was pleased to bestow upon me. You could not give me, +then, a more important, or more agreeable, commission; nor could +I be employed in an office of higher honour, than that of choosing +a young man worthy of being father of the grandchildren of +Rusticus Arulenus; a choice I should be long in determining, were +I not acquainted with Minutius Aemilianus, who seems formed for +our purpose. He loves me with all that warmth of affection which +is usual between young men of equal years (as indeed I have the +advance of him but by a very few), and reveres me at the same +time, with all the deference due to age; and, in a word, he is no +less desirous to model himself by my instructions than I was by +those of yourself and your brother. + +He is a native of Brixia, one of those provinces in Italy which still +retain much of the old modesty, frugal simplicity, and even +rusticity, of manner. He is the son of Minutius Macrinus, whose +humble desires were satisfied with standing at the head of the +equestrian order: for though he was nominated by Vespasian in the +number of those whom that prince dignified with the praetorian +office, yet, with an inflexible greatness of mind, he resolutely +preferred an honourable repose, to the ambitious, shall I call them, +or exalted, pursuits, in which we public men are engaged. His +grandmother, on the mother's side, is Serrana Procula, of +Patavium:12 you are no stranger to the character of its citizens; yet +Serrana is looked upon, even among these correct people, as an +exemplary instance of strict virtue, Acilius, his uncle, is a man of +almost exceptional gravity, wisdom, and integrity. In short, you +will find nothing throughout his family unworthy of yours. +Minutius himself has plenty of vivacity, as well as application, +together with a most amiable and becoming modesty. He has +already, with considerable credit, passed through the offices of +quaestor, tribune, and praetor; so that you will be spared the +trouble of soliciting for him those honourable employments. He +has a fine, well-bred, countenance, with a ruddy, healthy +complexion, while his whole person is elegant and comely and his +mien graceful and senatorian: advantages, I think, by no means to +be slighted, and which I consider as the proper tribute to virgin +innocence. I think I may add that his father is very rich. When I +contemplate the character of those who require a husband of my +choosing, I know it is unnecessary to mention wealth; but when I +reflect upon the prevailing manners of the age, and even the laws +of Rome, which rank a man according to his possessions, it +certainly claims some regard; and, indeed, in establishments of this +nature, where children and many other circumstances are to be +duly weighed, it is an article that well deserves to be taken into the +account. You will be inclined, perhaps, to suspect that affection +has had too great a share in the character I have been drawing, and +that I have heightened it beyond the truth: but I will stake all my +credit, you will find everything far beyond what I have +represented. I love the young fellow indeed (as he justly deserves) +with all the warmth of a most ardent affection; but for that very +reason I would not ascribe more to his merit than I know it will +bear. Farewell. + +XI + +To SEPTITIUS CLARUS + +An! you are a pretty fellow! You make an engagement to come to +supper and then never appear. Justice shall be exacted;--you shall +reimburse me to the very last penny the expense I went to on your +account; no small sum, let me tell you. I had prepared, you must +know, a lettuce a-piece, three snails, two eggs, and a barley cake, +with some sweet wine and snow, (the snow most certainly I shall +charge to your account, as a rarity that will not keep.) Olives, +beet-root, gourds, onions, and a thousand other dainties equally +sumptuous. You should. likewise have been entertained either with +an interlude, the rehearsal of a poem, or a piece of music, +whichever you preferred; or (such was my liberality) with all three. +But the oysters, sows'-bellies, sea-urchins, and dancers from Cadiz +of a certain -- I know not who, were, it seems, more to your taste. +You shall give satisfaction, how, shall at present be a secret. + +Oh! you have behaved cruelly, grudging your friend, --had almost +said yourself ;--and upon second thoughts I do say so ;--in this way: +for how agreeably should we have spent the evening, in laughing, +trifling, and literary amusements! You may sup, I confess, at many +places more splendidly; but nowhere with more unconstrained +mirth, simplicity, and freedom: only make the experiment, and if +you do not ever after excuse yourself to your other friends, to come +to me, always put me off to go to them. Farewell. + +XII + +To SUETONIUS TRANQUILLUS + +You tell me in your letter that you are extremely alarmed by a +dream; apprehending that it forebodes some ill success to you in +the case you have undertaken to defend; and, therefore, desire that +I would get it adjourned for a few days, or, at least, to the next. +This will be no easy matter, but I will try: + +. . . . . "For dreams descend from Jove." + +Meanwhile, it is very material for you to recollect whether your +dreams generally represent things as they afterwards fall out, or +quite the reverse. But if I may judge of yours by one that happened +to myself, this dream that alarms you seems to portend that you +will acquit yourself with great success. I had promised to stand +counsel for Junius Pastor; when I fancied in my sleep that my +mother-in-law came to me, and, throwing herself at my feet, +earnestly entreated me not to plead. I was at that time a very young +man; the case was to be argued in the four centumviral courts; my +adversaries were some of the most important personages in Rome, +and particular favourites of Caesar;13 any of which circumstances +were sufficient, after such an inauspicious dream, to have +discouraged me. Notwithstanding this, I engaged in the cause, +reflecting that, + +"Without a sign, his sword the brave man draws, +And asks no omen but his country's cause."14 + +for I looked upon the promise I had given to be as sacred to me as +my country, or, if that were possible, more so. The event happened +as I wished; and it was that very case which first procured me the +favourable attention of the public, and threw open to me the gates +of Fame. Consider then whether your dream, like this one I have +related, may not pre-signify success. But, after all, perhaps you +will think it safer to pursue this cautious maxim: "Never do a thing +concerning the rectitude of which you are in doubt;" if so, write +me word. In the interval, I will consider of some excuse, and will +so plead your cause that you may be able to plead it your self any +day you like best. In this respect, you are in a better situation than I +was: the court of the centumviri, where I was to plead, admits of +no adjournment: whereas, in that where your case is to be heard, +though no easy matter to procure one, still, however, it is possible. +Farewell. + +XIII + +To ROMANUS FIRMUS + +As you are my towns-man, my school-fellow, and the earliest +companion of my youth; as there was the strictest friendship +between my mother and uncle and your father (a happiness which I +also enjoyed as far as the great inequality of our ages would admit) +; can I fail (thus biassed as I am by so many and weighty +considerations) to contribute all in my power to the advancement +of your honours? The rank you bear in our province, as decurio, is +a proof that you are possessed, at least, of an hundred thousand +sesterces;15 but that we may also have the satisfaction of seeing +you a Roman Knight,16 I present you with three hundred thousand, +in order to make up the sum requisite to entitle you to that dignity. +The long acquaintance we have had leaves me no room to +apprehend you will ever be forgetful of this instance of my +friendship. And I know your disposition too well to think it +necessary to advise you to enjoy this honour with the modesty that +becomes a person who receives it from me; for the advanced rank +we possess through a friend's kindness is a sort of sacred trust, in +which we have his judgment, as well as our own character, to +maintain, and therefore to be guarded with the greater caution. +Fared well. + +XIV + +TO CORNELIUS TACITUS + +I HAVE frequent debates with a certain acquaintance of mine, a +man of skill and learning, who admires nothing so much in the +eloquence of the bar as conciseness. I agree with him, that where +the case will admit of this precision, it may with propriety be +adopted; but insist that, to leave out what is material to be +mentioned,-or only briefly and cursorily to touch upon those points +which should be inculcated, impressed, and urged well home upon +the minds of the audience, is a downright fraud upon one's client. +In many cases, to deal with the subject at greater length adds +strength and weight to our ideas, which frequently produce their +impression upon the mind, as iron does upon solid bodies, rather +by repeated strokes than a single blow. In answer to this, he +usually has recourse to authorities, and produces Lysias17 amongst +the Grecians, together with Cato and the two Gracchi, among our +own countrymen, many of whose speeches certainly are brief and +curtailed. In return, I name Demosthenes, Aeschines, Hyperides,18 +and many others, in opposition to Lysias; while I confront Cato +and the Gracchi with Caesar, Pollio,19 Caelius,20 but, above all, +Cicero, whose longest speech is generally considered his best. +Why, no doubt about it, in good compositions, as in everything +else that is valuable, the more there is of them, the better. You may +observe in statues, basso-relievos, pictures, and the human form, +and even in animals and trees, that nothing is more graceful than +magnitude, if accompanied with proportion. The same holds true +in pleading; and even in books a large volume carries a certain +beauty and authority in its very size. My antagonist, who is +extremely dexterous at evading an argument, eludes all this, and +much more, which I usually urge to the same purpose, by insisting +that those very individuals, upon whose works I found my opinion, +made considerable additions to their speeches when they published +them. This I deny; and appeal to the harangues of numberless +orators, particularly to those of Cicero, for Murena and Varenus, in +which a short, bare notification of certain charges is expressed +under mere heads. Whence it appears that many things which he +enlarged upon at the time he delivered those speeches were +retrenched when he gave them to the public. The same excellent +orator informs us that, agreeably to the ancient custom, which +allowed only of one counsel on a side, Cluentius had no other +advocate than himself; and he tells us further that he employed +four whole days in defence of Cornelius; by which it plainly +appears that those speeches which, when delivered at their full +length, had necessarily taken up so much time at the bar were +considerably cut down and pruned when he afterwards compressed +them into a single volume, though, I must confess, indeed, a large +one. But good pleading, it is objected, is one thing, just +composition another. This objection, I am aware, has had some +favourers; nevertheless, I ant persuaded (though I may, perhaps, be +mistaken) that, as it is possible you may have a good pleading +which is not a good speech, so a good speech cannot be a bad +pleading; for the speech on paper is the model and, as it were, the +archetype of the speech that was delivered. It is for this reason we +find, in many of the best speeches extant, numberless +extemporaneous turns of expression; and even in those which we +are sure were never spoken; as, for instance, in the following +passage from the speech against Verres :--"A certain mechanic-- +what's his name? Oh, thank you for helping me to it: yes, I mean +Polyclitus." It follows, then, that the nearer approach a speaker +makes to the rules of just composition, the more perfect will he be +in his art; always supposing, however, that he has his due share of +time allowed him; for, if he be limited of that article, no blame can +justly be fixed upon the advocate, though much certainly upon the +judge. The sense of the laws, I am sure, is on my side, which are +by no means sparing of the orator's time; it is not conciseness, but +fulness, a complete representation of every material circumstance, +which they recommend. Now conciseness cannot effect this, +unless in the most insignificant cases. Let me add what experience, +that unerring guide, has taught me: it has frequently been my +province to act both as an advocate and a judge; and I have often +also attended as an assessor.21 Upon those occasions, I have ever +found the judgments of mankind are to be influenced by different +modes of application, and that the slightest circumstances +frequently produce the most important consequences. The +dispositions and understandings of men vary to such an extent that +they seldom agree in their opinions concerning any one point in +debate before them; or, if they do, it is generally from different +motives. Besides, as every man is naturally partial to his own +discoveries, when he hears an argument urged which had +previously occurred to himself, he will be sure to embrace it as +extremely convincing. The orator, therefore, should so adapt +himself to his audience as to throw out something which every one +of them, in turn, may receive and approve as agreeable to his own +particular views. I recollect, once when Regulus and I were +engaged on the same side, his remarking to me, "You seem to +think it necessary to go into every single circumstance: whereas I +always take aim at once at my adversary's throat, and there I press +him closely." ('Tis true, he keeps a tight hold of whatever part he +has once fixed upon; but the misfortune is, he is extremely apt to +fix upon the wrong place.) I replied, it might possibly happen that +what he called the throat was, in reality, the knee or the ankle. As +for myself, said I, who do not pretend to direct my aim with so +much precision, I test every part, I probe every opening; in short, +to use a vulgar proverb, I (eave no stone unturned. And as in +agriculture, it is not my vineyards or my woods only, but my fields +as well, that I look after and cultivate, and (to carry on the +metaphor) as I do not content myself with sowing those fields +simply with corn or white wheat, but sprinkle in barley, pulse, and +the other kinds of grain; so, in my pleadings at the bar, I scatter +broadcast various arguments like so many kinds of seed, in order +to reap whatever may happen to come up. For the disposition of +your judges is as hard to fathom as uncertain, and as little to be +relied on as that of soils and seasons. The comic writer Eupolis,22 +I remember, mentions it in praise of that excellent orator Pericles, +that + +"On his lips Persuasion hung, +And powerful Reason rul'd his tongue: +Thus he alone could boast the art +To charm at once, and pierce the heart." + +But could Pericles, without the richest variety of expression, and +merely by the force of the concise or the rapid style, or both (for +they are very different), have thus charmed and pierced the heart. +To delight and to persuade requires time and great command of +language; and to leave a sting in the minds of the audience is an +effect not to be expected from an orator who merely pinks, but +from him, and him only, who thrusts in. Another comic poet,24 +speaking of the same orator, says: + +"His mighty words like Jove's own thunder roll; +Greece hears, and trembles to her inmost soul." + +But it is not the close and reserved; it is the copious, the majestic, +and the sublime orator, who thunders, who lightens, who, in short, +bears all before him in a confused whirl. There is, undeniably, a +just mean in everything; but he equally misses the mark who falls +short of it, as he who goes beyond it; he who is too limited as he +who is too unrestrained. Hence it is as common a thing to hear our +orators condemned for being too jejune and feeble as too excessive +and redundant. One is said to have exceeded the bounds of his +subject, the other not to have reached them. Both, no doubt, are +equally in fault, with this difference, however, that in the one the +fault arises from an abundance, in the other, from a deficiency; an +error, in the former case, which, if it be not the sign of a more +correct, is certainly of a more fertile genius. When I say this, I +would not be understood to approve that everlasting talker25 +mentioned in Homer, but that other' described in the following +lines: + +"Frequent and soft, as falls the winter snow, +Thus from his lips the copious periods flow." + +Not but that I extremely admire him,26 too, of whom the poet +says, + +"Few were his words, but wonderfully strong." + +Yet, if the choice were given me, I should give the preference to +that style resembling winter snow, that is, to the full, +uninterrupted, and diffusive; in short, to that pomp of eloquence +which seems all heavenly and divine. But (it is replied) the +harangue of a more moderate length is most generally admired. It +is :--but only by indolent people; and to fix the standard by their +laziness and false delicacy would be simply ridiculous. Were you +to consult persons of this cast, they would tell you, not only that it +is best to say little, but that it is best to say nothing at all. Thus, my +friend, I have laid before you my opinions upon this subject, and I +am willing to change them if not agreeable to yours. But should +you disagree with me, pray let me know clearly your reasons why. +For, though I ought to yield in this case to your more enlightened +judgment, yet, in a point of such consequence, I had rather be +convinced by argument than by authority. So if I don't seem to you +very wide -of the mark, a line or two from you in return, intimating +your concurrence, will be sufficient to confirm me in my opinion: +on the other hand, if you should think me mistaken, let me have +your objections at full length. Does it not look rather like bribery, +my requiring only a short letter, if you agree with me; but a very +long one if you should be of a different opinion. Farewell. + +XV + +To PATERNUS + +As I rely very much upon the soundness of your judgment, so I do +upon the goodness of your eyes: not because I think your +discernment very great (for I don't want to make you conceited), +but because I think it as good as mine: which, it must be confessed, +is saying a great deal. Joking apart, I like the look of the slaves +which were purchased for me on your recommendation very well; +all I further care about is, that they be honest: and for this I must +depend upon their characters more than their countenances. +Farewell. + +XVI + +To CATILIUS SEVERUS 27 + +I AM at present (and have been a considerable time) detained in +Rome, under the most stunning apprehensions. Titus Aristo,28 +whom I have a singular admiration and affection for, is fallen into +a long and obstinate illness, which troubles me. Virtue, +knowledge, and good sense, shine out with so superior a lustre in +this excellent man that learning herself, and every valuable +endowment, seem involved in the danger of his single person. How +consummate his knowledge, both in the political and civil laws of +his country! How thoroughly conversant is he in every branch of +history or antiquity? In a word, there is nothing you might wish to +know which he could not teach you. As for me, whenever I would +acquaint myself with any abstruse point, I go to hint as my +store-house. What an engaging sincerity, what dignity in his +conversation! how chastened and becoming is his caution! Though +he conceives, at once, every point in debate, yet he is as slow to +decide as he is quick to apprehend; calmly and deliberately sifting +and weighing every opposite reason that is offered, and tracing it, +with a most judicious penetration, from its source through all its +remotest consequences. His diet is frugal, his dress plain; and +whenever I enter his chamber, and view him reclined upon his +couch, I consider the scene before me as a true image of ancient +simplicity, to which his illustriotis mind reflects the noblest +ornament. He places no part of his happiness in ostentation, but in +the secret approbation of his conscience, seeking the reward of his +virtue, not in the clamorous applauses of the world, but in the +silent satisfaction which results from having acted well. In short, +you will not easily find his equal, even among our philosophers by +outward profession. No, he does not frequent the gyntnasia or +porticoes29 nor does he amuse his own and others' leisure with +endless controversies, but busies himself in the scenes of civil and +active life. Many has he assisted with his interest, still more with +his advice, and withal in the practice of temperance, piety, justice, +and fortitude, he has no superior. You would be astonished, were +you there to see, at the patience with which he bears his illness, +how he holds out against pain, endures thirst, and quietly submits +to this raging fever and to the pressure of those clothes which are +laid upon him to promote perspiration. He lately called me and a +few more of his particular friends to his bedside, requesting us to +ask his physicians what turn they apprehended his distemper +would take; that, if they pronounced it incurable, he might +voluntarily put an end to his life; but if there were hopes of a +recovery, how tedious and difficult soever it might prove, he +would calmly wait the event; for so much, he thought, was due to +the tears and entreaties of his wife and daughter, and to the +affectionate intercession of his friends, as not voluntarily to +abandon our hopes, if they were not entirely desperate. A true +hero's resolution this, in my estimation, and worthy the highest +applause. Instances are frequent in the world, of rushing into the +arms of death without reflection and by a sort of blind impulse but +deliberately to weigh the reasons for life or death, and to be +determined in our choice as either side of the scale prevails, shows +a great mind. We have had the satisfaction to receive the opinion +of his physicians in his favour: may heaven favour their promises +and relieve me at length from this painful anxiety. Once easy in +my mind, I shall go back to my favourite Laurentum, or, in other +words, to my books, my papers and studious leisure. Just now, so +much of my time and thoughts are taken up in attendance upon my +friend, and anxiety for him, that I have neither leisure nor +inclination for any reading or writing whatever. Thus you have my +fears, my wishes, and my after-plans. Write me in return, but in a +gayer strain, an account not only of what you are and have been +doing, but of what you intend doing too. It will be a very sensible +consolation to me in this disturbance of mind, to be assured that +yours is easy. Farewell. + +XVII + +To VOCONIUS ROMANUS + +ROME has not for many years beheld a more magnificent and +memorable spectacle than was lately exhibited in the public +funeral of that great, illustrious, and no less fortunate man, +Verginius Rufus. He lived thirty years after he had reached the +zenith of his fame. He read poems composed in his honour, he +read histories of his achievements, and was himself witness of his +fame among posterity. He was thrice raised to the dignity of +consul, that he might at least be the highest of subjects, who30 had +refused to be the first of princes. As he escaped the resentment of +those emperors to whom his virtues had given umbrage and even +rendered him odious, and ended his days when this best of princes, +this friend of mankind31 was in quiet possession of the empire, it +seems as if Providence had purposely preserved him to these +times, that he might receive the honour of a public funeral. He +reached his eighty-fourth year, in full tranquillity and universally +revered, having enjoyed strong health during his lifetime, with the +exception of a trembling in his hands, which, however, gave him +no pain. His last illness, indeed, was severe and tedious, but even +that circumstance added to his reputation. As he was practising his +voice with a view of returning his public acknowledgements to the +emperor, who had promoted him to the consulship, a large volume +he had taken into his hand, and which happened to be too heavy +for so old a man to hold standing up, slid from his grasp. In hastily +endeavouring to recover it, his foot slipped on the smooth +pavement, and he fell down and broke his thigh-bone, which being +clumsily set, his age as well being against him, did not properly +unite again. The funeral obsequies paid to the memory of this great +man have done honour to the emperor, to the age, and to the bar. +The consul Cornelius Tacitus32 pronounced his funeral oration +and thus his good fortune was crowned by the public applause of +so eloquent an orator. He has departed from our midst, full of +years, indeed, and of glory; as illustrious by the honours he refused +as by those he accepted. Yet still we shall miss him and lament +him, as the shining model of a past age; I, especially, shall feel his +loss, for I not only admired him as a patriot, but loved him as a +friend. We were of the same province, and of neighbouring towns, +and our estates were also contiguous. Besides these accidental +connections, he was left my guardian, and always treated me with +a parent's affection. Whenever I offered myself as a candidate for +any office in the state, he constantly supported me with his +interest; and although he had long since given up all such services +to friends, he would kindly leave his retirement and conte to give +me his vote in person. On the day on which the priests nominate +those they consider most. worthy of the sacred office33 he +constantly proposed me. Even in his last illness, apprehending the +possibility of the senate's appointing him one of the five +commissioners for reducing the public expenses, he fixed upon +me, young as I am, to bear his excuses, in preference to so many +other friends, elderly men too, and of consular rank and said to me, +"Had I a son of my own, I would entrust you with this matter." And +so I cannot but lament hig death, as though it were premature, and +pour out my grief into your bosom; if indeed one has any right to +grieve, or to call it death at all, which to such a man terminates his +mortality, rather than ends his life. He lives, and will live on for +ever; and his fame will extend and be more celebrated by posterity, +now that he is gone from our sight. I had much else to write to you +but my mind is full of this. I keep thinking of Verginius: I see him +before me: I am for ever fondly yet vividly imagining that I hear +him, am speaking to him, embrace him. There are men amongst +us, his fellow-citizens, perhaps, who may rival him in virtue; but +not one that will ever approach him in glory. Farewell. + +XVIII + +To NEPOS + +THE great fame of Isaeus had already preceded him here; but we +find him even more wonderful than we had heard. He possesses +the utmost readiness, copiousness, and abundance of language: he +always speaks extempore, and his lectures are as finished as +though he had spent a long time over their written composition. +His style is Greek, or rather the genuine Attic. His exordiums are +terse, elegant, attractive, and occasionally impressive and majestic. +He suggests several subjects for discussion, allows his audience +their choice, sometimes to even name which side he shall take, +rises, arranges himself, and begins. At once he has everything +almost equally at command. Recondite meanings of things are +suggested to you, and words--what words they are! exquisitely +chosen and polished. These extempore speeches of his show the +wideness of his reading, and how much practice he has had in +composition. His preface is to the point, his narrative lucid, his +summing up forcible, his rhetorical ornament imposing. In a word, +he teaches, entertains, and affects you; and you are at a loss to +decide which of the three he does best. His reflections are +frequent, his syllogisms also are frequent, condensed, and carefully +finished, a result not easily attainable even with the pen. As for his +memory, you would hardly believe what it is capable of. He +repeats from a long way back what he has previously delivered +extempore, without missing a single word. This marvellous faculty +he has acquired by dint of great application and practice, for night +and day he does nothing, hears nothing, says nothing else. He has +passed his sixtieth year and is still only a rhetorician, and I know +no class of men more single-hearted, more genuine, more excellent +than this class. We who have to go through the rough work of the +bar and of real disputes unavoidably contract a certain +unprincipled adroitness. The school, the lecture-room, the +imaginary case, all this, on the other hand, is perfectly innocent +and harmless, and equally enjoyable, especially to old people, for +what can be happier at that time of life than to enjoy what we +found pleasantest in our young days? I consider Isaeus then, riot +only the most eloquent, but the happiest, of men, and if you are not +longing to make his acquaintance, you must be made of stone and +iron. So, if not upon my account, or for any other reason, come, for +the sake of hearing this man, at least. Have you never read of a +certain inhabitant of Cadiz who was so impressed with the name +and fame of Livy that he came from the remotest corner of the +earth on purpose to see him, and, his curiosity gratified, went +straight home again. It is utter want of taste, shows simple +ignorance, is almost an actual disgrace to a man, not to set any +high value upon a proficiency in so pleasing, noble, refining a +science. "I have authors," you will reply, "here in my own study, +just as eloquent." True: but then those authors you can read at any +time, while you cannot always get the opportunity of hearing +eloquence. Besides, as the proverb says, "The living voice is that +which sways the soul;" yes, far more. For notwithstanding what +one reads is more clearly understood than what one hears, yet the +utterance, countenance, garb, aye and the very gestures of the +speaker, alike concur in fixing an impression upon the mind; that +is, unless we disbelieve the truth of Aeschines' statement, who, +after he had read to the Rhodians that celebrated speech of +Demosthenes, upon their expressing their admiration of it, is said +to have added, "Ah! what would you have said, could you have +heard the wild beast himself ?" And Aeschines, if we may take +Demosthenes' word for it, was no mean elocutionist; yet, he could +not but confess that the speech would have sounded far finer from +the lips of its author. I am saying all this with a view to persuading +you to hear Isaeus, if even for the mere sake of being able to say +you have heard him. Farewell. + +XIX + +To AVITUS + +IT would be a long story, and of no great importance, to tell you by +what accident I found myself dining the other day with an +individual with whom I am by no means intimate, and who, in his +own opinion, does things in good style and economically as well, +but according to mine, with meanness and extravagance combined. +Some very elegant dishes were served up to himself and a few +more of us, whilst those placed before the rest of the company +consisted simply of cheap dishes and scraps. There were, in small +bottles, three different kinds of wine; not that the guest might take +their choice, but that they might not have any option in their +power; one kind being for himself, and for us; another sort for his +lesser friends (for it seems he has degrees of friends), and the third +for his own freedmen and ours. My neighbour,34 reclining next +me, observing this, asked me if I approved the arrangement. Not at +all, I told him. "Pray then," he asked, "what is your method upon +such occasions ?" "Mine," I returned, "is to give all my visitors the +same reception; for when I give an invitation, it is to entertain, not +distinguish, my company: I place every man upon my own level +whom I admit to my table." "Not excepting even your freedmen?" +"Not excepting even my freedmen, whom I consider on these +occasions my guests, as much as any of the rest." He replied, "This +must cost you a great deal." "Not in the least." "How can that be ?" +"Simply because, although my freedmen don't drink the same wine +as myself, yet I drink the same as they do." And, no doubt about it, +if a man is wise enough to moderate his appetite, he will not find it +such a very expensive thing to share with all his visitors what he +takes himself. Restrain it, keep it in, if you wish to be true +economist. You will find temperance a far better way of saving +than treating other people rudely can be. Why do I say all this? +Why, for fear a young man of your high character and promise +should be imposed upon by this immoderate luxury which prevails +at some tables, under the specious notion of frugality. Whenever +any folly of this sort falls under my eye, I shall, just because I care +for you, point it out to you as an example you ought to shun. +Remember, then, nothing is more to be avoided than this modern +alliance of luxury with meanness; odious enough when existing +separate and distinct, but still more hateful where you meet with +them together. Farewell. + +XX + +To MACRINUS + +THE senate decreed yesterday, on the emperor's motion, a +triumphal statue to Vestricius Spurinna: not as they would to many +others, who never were in action, or saw a camp, or heard the +sound of a trumpet, unless at a show; but as it would be decreed to +those who have justly bought such a distinction with their blood, +their exertions, and their deeds. Spurinna forcibly restored the king +of the Bructeri35 to his throne; and this by the noblest kind of +victory; for he subdued that warlike people by the terror of the +mere display of his preparation for the campaign. This is his +reward as a hero, while, to console him for the loss of his son +Cottius, who died during his absence upon that expedition, they +also voted a statue to the youth; a very unusual - honour for one so +young; but the services of the father deserved that the pain of so +severe a wound should be soothed by no common balm. Indeed +Cottius himself evinced such remarkable promise of the highest +qualities that it is but fitting his short limited term of life should be +extended, as it were, by this kind of immortality. He was so pure +and blameless, so full of dignity, and commanded such respect, +that he might have challenged in moral goodness much older men, +with whom he now shares equal honours. Honours, if I am not +mistaken, conferred not only to perpetuate the memory of the +deceased youth, and in consolation to the surviving father, but for +the sake of public example also. This will rouse and stimulate our +young men to cultivate every worthy principle, when they see such +rewards bestowed upon one of their own years, provided he +deserve them: at the same time that men of quality will be +encouraged to beget children and to have the joy and satisfaction +of leaving a worthy race behind, if their children survive them, or +of so glorious a consolation, should they survive their children. +Looking at it in this light then, I am glad, upon public grounds, that +a statue is decreed Cottius: and for my own sake too, just as much; +for I loved this most favoured, gifted, youth, as ardently as I now +grievously miss him amongst us. So that it will be a great +satisfaction to me to be able to look at this figure from time to +time as I pass by, contemplate it, stand underneath, and walk to +and I ro before it. For if having the pictures of the departed placed +in our homes lightens sorrow, how much more those public +representations of them which are not only memorials of their air +and countenance, but of their glory and honour besides? Farewell. + +XXI: + +To PAISCUS + +As I know you eagerly embrace every opportunity of obliging me, +so there is no man whom I had rather be under an obligation to. I +apply to you, therefore, in preference to anyone else, for a favour +which I am extremely desirous of obtaining. You, who are +commander-in-chief of a very considerable army, have many +opportunities of exercising your generosity; and the length of time +you have enjoyed that post must have enabled you to provide for +all your own friends. I hope you will now turn your eyes upon +some of mine: as indeed they are but a few Your generous +disposition, I know, would be better pleased if the number were +greater, but one or two will suffice my modest desires; at present I +will only mention Voconius Romanus. His father was of great +distinction among the Roman knights, and his father-in-law, or, I +might more properly call him, his second father, (for his +affectionate treatment of Voconius entitles him to that appellation) +was still more conspicuous. His mother was one of the most +considerable ladies of Upper Spain: you know what character the +people of that province bear, and how remarkable they are for their +strictness of their manners. As for himself, he lately held the post +of flamen.36 Now, from the time when we were first students +together, I have felt very tenderly attached to him. We lived under +the same roof, in town and country, we joked together, we shared +each other's serious thoughts: for where indeed could I have found +a truer friend or pleasanter companion than he? In his +conversation, and even in his very voice and countenance, there is +a rare sweetness; as at the bar he displays talents of a high order; +acuteness, elegance, ease, and skill: and he writes such letters too +that were you to read them you would imagine they had been +dictated by the Muses themselves. I have a very great affection for +him, as he has for me. Even in the earlier part of our lives, I +warmly embraced every opportunity of doing him all the good +services which then lay in my power, as I have lately obtained for +him from our most gracious prince37 the privilege38 granted to +those who have three children: a favour which, though Caesar very +rarely bestows, and always with great caution, yet he conferred, at +my request, in such a matter as to give it the air and grace of being +his own choice. + +The best way of showing that I think he deserves the kindnesses he +has already received from me is by increasing them, especially as +he always accepts my services so gratefully as to deserve more. +Thus I have shown you what manner of man Romanus is, how +thoroughly I have proved his worth, and how much I love him. Let +me entreat you to honour him with your patronage in a way +suitable to the generosity of your heart, and the eminence of your +station. But above all let him have your affection; for though you +were to confer upon him the utmost you have in your power to +bestow, you can give him nothing more valuable than your +friendship-That you may see he is worthy of it, even to the closest +degree of intimacy, I send you this brief sketch of his tastes, +character, his whole life, in fact. I should continue my +intercessions in his behalf, but that I know you prefer not being +pressed, and I have already repeated them in every line of this +letter: for, to show a good reason for what one asks is true +intercession, and of the most effectual kind. Farewell. + +XXII + +To MAIMUS + +You guessed correctly: I am much engaged in pleading before the +Hundred. The business there is more fatiguing than pleasant. +Trifling, inconsiderable cases, mostly; it is very seldom that +anything worth speaking of, either from the importance of the +question or the rank of the persons concerned, comes before them. +There are very few lawyers either whom I take any pleasure in +working with. The rest, a parcel of impudent young fellows, many +of whom one knows nothing whatever about, come here to get +some practice in speaking, and conduct themselves so forwardly +and with such utter want of deference that my friend Attilius +exactly hit it, I think, when he made the observation that "boys set +out at the bar with cases in the Court of the Hundred as they do at +school with Homer," intimating that at both places they begin +where they should end. But in former times (so my elders tell me) +no youth, even of the best families, was allowed in unless +introduced by some person of consular dignity. As things are now, +since every fence of modesty and decorum is broken down, and all +distinctions are levelled and confounded, the present young +generation, so far from waiting to be introduced, break in of their +own free will. The audience at their heels are fit attendants upon +such orators; a low rabble of hired mercenaries, supplied by +contract. They get together in the middle of the court, where the +dole is dealt round to them as openly as if they were in a +dining-room: and at this noble price they run from court to court. +The Greeks have an appropriate name in their language for this +sort of people, importing that they are applauders by profession, +and we stigmatize them with the opprobrious title of +table-flatterers: yet the dirty business alluded to increases every +day. It was only yesterday two of my domestic officers, mere +striplings, were hired to cheer somebody or other, at three denarii +apiece :39 that is what the highest eloquence goes for. Upon these +terms we fill as many benches as we please, and gather a crowd; +this is how those rending shouts are raised, as soon as the +individual standing up in the middle of the ring gives the signal. +For, you must know, these honest fellows, who understand nothing +of what is said, or, if they did, could not hear it, would be at a loss +without a signal, how to time their applause: for many of them +don't hear a syllable, and are as noisy as any of the rest. If, at any +time, you should happen to be passing by when the court is sitting, +and feel at all interested to know how any speaker is acquitting +himself, you have no occasion to give yourself the trouble of +getting up on the judge's platform, no need to listen; it is easy +enough to find out, for you may be quite sure he that gets most +applause deserves it the least. Largius Licinus was the first to +introduce this fashion; but then he went no farther than to go round +and solicit an audience. I know, I remember hearing this from my +tutor Quinctilian. "I used," he told me, "to go and hear Domitius +Afer, and as he was pleading once before the Hundred in his usual +slow and impressive manner, hearing, close to him, a most +immoderate and unusual noise, and being a good deal surprised at +this, he left off: the noise ceased, and he began again: he was +interrupted a second time, and a third. At last he enquired who it +was that was speaking? He was told, Licinus. Upon which, he +broke off the case, exclaiming, 'Eloquence is no more!'" The truth +is it had only begun to decline then, when in Afer's opinion it no +longer existed: - whereas now it is almost extinct. I am ashamed to +tell you of the mincing and affected pronunciation of the speakers, +and of the shrill-voiced applause with which their effusions are +received; nothing seems wanting to complete this sing-song +performance except claps, or rather cymbals and tambourines. +Howlings indeed (for I can call such applause, which would be +indecent even in the theatre, by no other name) abound in plenty. +Up to this time the interest of my friends and the consideration of +my early time of life have kept me in this court, as I am afraid they +might think I was doing it to shirk work rather than to avoid these +indecencies, were I to leave it just yet: however, I go there less +frequently than I did, and am thus effecting a gradual retreat. +Farewell. + +XXIII + +To GALLUS + +You are surprised that I am so fond of my Laurentine, or (if you +prefer the name) my Laurens: but you will cease to wonder when I +acquaint you with the beauty of the villa, the advantages of its +situation, and the extensive view of the sea-coast. It is only +seventeen miles from Rome: so that when I have finished my +business in town, I can pass my evenings here after a good +satisfactory day's work. There are two different roads to it: if you +go by that of Laurentum, you must turn off at the fourteenth +mile-stone; if by Astia, at the eleventh. Both of them are sandy in +places, which makes it a little heavier and longer by carriage, but +short and easy on horseback. The landscape affords plenty of +variety, the view in some places being closed in by woods, in +others extending over broad meadows, where numerous flocks of +sheep and herds of cattle, which the severity of the winter has +driven from the mountains, fatten in the spring warmth, and on the +rich pasturage. My villa is of a convenient size without being +expensive to keep up. The courtyard in front is plain, but not +mean, through which you enter porticoes shaped into the form of +the letter D, enclosing a small but cheerful area between. These +make a capital retreat for bad weather, not only as they are shut in +with windows, but particularly as they are sheltered by a projection +of the roof. From the middle of these porticoes you pass into a +bright pleasant inner court, and out of that into a handsome hall +running out towards the sea-shore; so that when there is a +south-west breeze, it is gently washed with the waves, which spend +themselves at its base. On every side of this hall there are either +folding-doors or windows equally large, by which means you have +a view from the front and the two sides of three different seas, as it +were: from the back you see the middle court, the portico, and the +area; and from another point you look through the portico into the +courtyard, and out upon the woods and distant mountains beyond. +On the left hand of this hail, a little farther from the sea, lies a +large drawing-room, and beyond that,a second of a smaller +size,which has one window to the rising and another to the setting +sun: this as well has a view of the sea, but more distant and +agreeable. The angle formed by the projection of the dining-room +with this drawing-room retains and intensifies the warmth of the +sun, and this forms our winter quarters and family gymnasium, +which is sheltered from all the winds except those which bring on +clouds, but the clear sky comes out again before the warmth has +gone out of the place. Adjoining this angle is a room forming the +segment of a circle, the windows of which are so arranged as to get +the sun all through the day: in the walls are contrived a sort of +cases, containing a collection of authors who can never be read too +often. Next to this is a bed-room, connected with it by a raised +passage furnished with pipes, which supply, at a wholesome +temperature, and distribute to all parts of this room, the heat they +receive. The rest of this side of the house is appropriated to the use +of my slaves and freedmen; but most of the rooms in it are +respectable enough to put my guests into. In the opposite wing is a +most elegant, tastefully fitted up bed-room; next to which lies +another, which you may call either a large bed-room or a modified +dining-room; it is very warm and light, not only from the direct +rays of the sun, but by their reflection from the sea. Beyond this is +a bed-room with an ante-room, the height of which renders it cool +in summer, its thick walls warm in winter, for it is sheltered, every +way from the winds. To this apartment another anteroom is joined +by one common wall. From thence you enter into the wide and +spacious cooling-room belonging to the bath, from the opposite +walls of which two curved basins are thrown out, so to speak; +which are more than large enough if you consider that the sea is +close at hand. Adjacent to this is the anointing-room, then the +sweating-room, and beyond that the bath-heating room: adjoining +are two other little bath-rooms, elegantly rather than sumptuously +fitted up: annexed to them is a warm bath of wonderful +construction, in which one can swim and take a view of the sea at +the same time. Not far from this stands the tennis-court, which lies +open to the warmth of the afternoon sun. From thence you go up a +sort of turret which has two rooms below, with the same number +above, besides a dining-room commanding a very extensive +look-out on to the sea, the coast, and the beautiful villas scattered +along the shore line. At the other end is a second turret, containing +a room that gets the rising and setting sun. Behind this is a large +store-room and granary, and underneath, a spacious dining-room, +where only the murmur and break of the sea can be heard, even in +a storm: it looks out upon the garden, and the gestatio,40 running +round the garden. The gestatio is bordered round with box, and, +where that is decayed, with rosemary: for the box, wherever +sheltered by the buildings, grows plentifully, but where it lies open +and exposed to the weather and spray from the sea, though at some +distance from the latter, it quite withers up. Next the gestatio, and +running along inside it, is a shady vineplantation, the path of which +is so soft and easy to the tread that you may walk bare-foot upon it. +The garden is chiefly planted with fig and mulberry trees, to which +this soil is as favourable as it is averse from all others. Here is a +dining-room, which, though it stands away from the sea enjoys the +garden view which is just as pleasant: two apartments run round +the back part of it, the windows of which look out upon the +entrance of the villa, and into a fine kitchen-garden. From here +extends an enclosed portico which, from its great length, you +might take for a public one. It has a range of windows on either +side, but more on the side facing the sea, and fewer on the garden +side, and these, single windows and alternate with the opposite +rows. In calm, clear, weather these are all thrown open; hut if it +blows, those on the weather side are closed, whilst those away +from the wind can remain open without any inconvenience. Before +this enclosed portico lies a terrace fragrant with the scent of +violets, and warmed by the reflection of the sun from the portico, +which, while it retains the rays, keeps away the north-east wind; +and it is as warm on this side as it is cool on the side opposite: in +the same way it is a protection against the wind from the +south-west; and thus, in short, by means of its several sides, breaks +the force of the winds, from whatever quarter they may blow. +These are some of its winter advantages, they are still more +appreciable in the summer time; for at that season it throws a +shade upon the terrace during the whole of the forenoon, and upon +the adjoining portion of the gestatio and garden in the afternoon, +casting a greater or less shade on this side or on that as the day +increases or decreases. But the portico itself is coolest just at the +time when the sun is at its hottest, that is, when the rays fall +directly upon the roof. Also, by opening the windows you let in the +western breezes in a free current, which prevents the place getting +oppressive with close and stagnant air. At the upper end of the +terrace and portico stands a detached garden building, which I call +my favourite; my favourite indeed, as I put it up myself. It contains +a very warm winter-room, one side of which looks down upon the +terrace, while the other has a view of the sea, and both lie exposed +to the sun. The bed-room opens on to the covered portico by +means of folding-doors, while its window looks out upon the sea. +On that side next the sea, and facing the middle wall, is formed a +very elegant little recess, which, by means of transparent41 +windows, and a curtain drawn to or aside,can be made part of the +adjoining room, or separated from it. It contains a couch and two +chairs: as you lie upon this couch, from where your feet are you get +a peep of the sea; looking behind you see the neighbouring villas, +and from the head you have a view of the woods: these three views +may be seen either separately, from so many different windows, or +blended together in one. Adjoining this is a bed-room, which +neither the servants' voices, the murmuring of the sea, the glare of +lightning, nor daylight itself can penetrate, unless you open the +windows. This profound tranquillity and seclusion are occasioned +by a passage separating the wall of this room from that of the +garden, and thus, by means of this intervening space, every noise is +drowned. Annexed to this is a tiny stove-room, which, by opening +or shutting a little aperture, lets out or retains the heat from +underneath, according as you require. Beyond this lie a bed-room +and ante-room, which enjoy the sun, though obliquely indeed, +from the time it rises, till the afternoon. When I retire to this +garden summer-house, I fancy myself a hundred miles away from +my villa, and take especial pleasure in it at the feast of the +Saturnalia,42 when, by the licence of that festive season, every +other part of my house resounds with my servants' mirth: thus I +neither interrupt their amusement nor they my studies. Amongst +the pleasures z,nd conycnienccs of this situation, there is one +drawback, and that is, the want of running water; but then there are +wells about the place, or rather springs, for they lie close to the +surface. And, altogether, the quality of this coast is remarkable; for +dig where you may, you meet, upon the first turning up of the +ground, with a spring of water, quite pure, not in the least salt, +although so near the sea. The neighbouring woods supply us with +all the fuel we require, the other necessaries Ostia furnishes. +Indeed, to a moderate ~ man, even the village (between which and +my house there is only one villa) would supply all ordinary +requirements. It has three public baths, which are a great +convenience if it happen that friends come in unexpectedly, or +make too short a stay to allow time in preparing my own. The +whole coast is very pleasantly sprinkled with villas either in rows +or detached, which whether looking at them from the sea or the +shore, present the appearance of so many different cities. The +strand is, sometimes, after a long calm, perfectly smooth, though, +in general,through the storms driving the waves upon it, it is rough +and uneven. I cannot boast that our sea is plentiful in choice fish; +however, it supplies us with capital soles and prawns; but as to +other kinds of provisions, my villa aspires to excel even inland +countries, particularly in milk: for the cattle come up there from +the meadows in large numbers, in pursuit of water and shade. Tell +me, now, have I not good reason for living in, staying in, loving, +such a retreat, which, if you feel no appetite for, you must be +morbidly attached to town? And I only wish you would feel +inclined to come down to it, that to so many charms with which +my little villa abounds, it might have the very considerable +addition of your company to recommend it. Farewell. + +XXIV + +To CEREALIS + +You advise me to read my late speech before an assemblage of my +friends. I shall do so, as you advise it, though I have strong +scruples. Compositions of this sort lose, I well know, all their force +and fire, and even their very name almost, by a mere recital. It is +the solemnity of the tribunal, the concourse of advocates, the +suspense of the event, the fame of the several pleaders concerned, +the different parties formed amongst the audience; add to this the +gestures, the pacing, aye the actual running, to and fro, of the +speaker, the body working43 in harmony with every inward +emotion, that conspire to give a spirit and a grace to what he +delivers. This is the reason that those who plead sitting, though +they retain most of the advantages possessed by those who stand +up to plead, weaken the whole force of their oratory. The eyes and +hands of the reader, those important instruments of graceful +elocution, being engaged, it is no wonder that the attention of the +audience droops, without anything extrinsic to keep it up, no +allurernents of gesture to attract, no smart, stinging impromptus to +enliven. To these general considerations I must add this particular +disadvantage which attends the speech in question, that it is of the +argumentative kind; and it is natural for an author to infer that +what he wrote with labour will not be read with pleasure. For who +is there so unprejudiced as not to prefer the attractive and sonorous +to the sombre and unornamented in style? It is very unreasonable +that there should be any distinction; however, it is certain the +judges generally expect one style of pleading, and the audience +another; whereas an auditor ought to be affected only by those +parts which would especially strike him, were he in the place of +the judge. Nevertheless it is possible the objections which lie +against this piece may be surmounted in consideration of the +novelty it has to recommend it: the novelty I mean with respect to +us; for the Greek orators have a method of reasoning upon a +different occasion, not altogether unlike that which I have +employed. They, when they would throw out a law, as contrary to +some former one unrepealed, argue by comparing those together; +so I, on the contrary, endeavour to prove that the crime, which I +was insisting upon as falling within the intent and meaning of the +law relating to public extortions, was agreeable, not only to that +law, but likewise to other laws of the same nature. Those who are +ignorant of the jurisprudence of their country can have no taste for +reasonings of this kind, but those who are not ought to be +proportionably the more favourable in the judgments they pass +upon them. I shall endeavour, therefore, if you persist in my +reciting it, to collect as learned an audience as I can. But before +you determine this point, do weigh impartially the different +considerations I have laid before you, and then decide as reason +shall direct; for it is reason that must justify you; obedience to your +commands will be a sufficient apology for me. Farewell. + +XXV + +To CALVISIUS + +GIVE me a penny, and I will tell you a story "worth gold," or, +rather, you shall hear two or three; for one brings to my mind +another. It makes no difference with which I begin. Verania, the +widow of Piso, the Piso, I mean, whom Galba adopted, lay +extremely ill, and Regulus paid her a visit. By the way, mark the +assurance of the man, visiting a lady who detested him herself, and +to whose husband he was a declared enemy! Even barely to enter +her house would have been bad enough, but he actually went and +seated himself by her bed-side and began enquiring on what day +and hour she was born. Being informed of these important +particulars, he composes his countenance, fixes his eyes, mutters +something to himself, counts upon his fingers, and all this merely +to keep the poor sick lady in suspense. When he had finished, +"You are," he says, "in one of your climacterics; however, you will +get over it. But for your greater satisfaction, I will consult with a +certain diviner, whose skill I have frequently experienced." +Accordingly off he goes, performs a sacrifice, and returns with the +strongest assurances that the omens confirmed what he had +promised on the part of the stars. Upon this the good woman, +whose danger made her credulous, calls for her will and gives +Regulus a legacy. She grew worse shortly after this; and in her last +moments exclaimed against this wicked, treacherous, and worse +than perjured wretch, who had sworn falsely to her by his own +son's life. But imprecations of this sort are as common with +Regulus as they are impious; and he continually devotes that +unhappy youth to the curse of those gods whose vengeance his +own frauds every day provoke. + +Velleius Blaesus, a man of consular rank, and remarkable for his +immense wealth, in his last illness was anxious to make some +alterations in his will. Regulus, who had lately endeavoured to +insinuate himself into his good graces, hoped to get something +from the new will, and accordingly addresses himself to his +physicians, and conjures them to exert all their skill to prolong the +poor man's life. But after the will was signed, he changes his +character, reversing his tone: "How long," says he to these very +same physicians, "do you intend keeping this man in misery? Since +you cannot preserve his life, why do you grudge him the happy +release of death ?" Blaesus dies, and, as if he had overheard every +word that Regulus had said, has not left him one farthing.--And +now have you had enough? or are you for the third, according to +rhetorical canon? If so, Regulus will supply you. You must know, +then, that Aurelia, a lady of remarkable accomplishments, +purposing to execute her will,44 had put on her smartest dress for +the occasion. Regulus, who was present as a witness, turned to the +lady, and "Pray," says he, "leave me these fine clothes." Aurelia +thought the man was joking: but he insisted upon it perfectly +seriously, and, to be brief, obliged her to open her will, and insert +the dress she had on as a legacy to him, watching as she wrote, and +then looking over it to see that it was all down correctly. Aurelia, +however, is still alive: though Regulus, no doubt, when he solicited +this bequest, expected to enjoy it pretty soon. The fellow gets +estates, he gets legacies, conferred upon him, as if he really +deserved them! But why should I go on dwelling upon this in a city +where wickedness and knavery have, for this time past, received, +the same, do I say, nay, even greater encouragement, than modesty +and virtue? Regulus is a glaring instance of this truth, who, from a +state of poverty, has by a train of villainies acquired such immense +riches that he once told me, upon consulting the omens to know +how soon he should be worth sixty millions of sesterces,45 he +found them so favourable as to portend he should possess double +that sum. And possibly he may, if he continues to dictate wills for +other people in this way: a sort of fraud, in my opinion, the most +infamous of any. Farewell. + +XXVI + +To CALVISIUS + +I NEVER, I think, spent any time more agreeably than my time +lately with Spurinna. So agreeably, indeed, that if ever I should +arrive at old age, there is no man whom I would sooner choose for +my model, for nothing can be more perfect in arrangement than his +mode of life. I look upon order in human actions, especially at that +advanced age, with the same sort of pleasure as I behold the settled +course of the heavenly bodies. In young men, indeed, a little +confusion and disarrangement is all well enough: but in age, when +business is unseasonable, and ambition indecent, all should be +composed and uniform. This rule Spurinna observes with the most +religious consistency. Even in those matters which one might call +insignificant, were they not of every-day occurrence, he observes a +certain periodical season and method. The early morning he passes +on his couch; at eight he calls for his slippers, and walks three +miles, exercising mind and body together. On his return, if he has +any friends in the house with him, he gets upon some entertaining +and interesting topic of conversation; if by himself, some book is +read to him, sometimes when visitors are there even, if agreeable +to the company. Then he has a rest, and after that either takes up a +book or resumes his conversation in preference to reading. +By-and-by he goes out for a drive in his carriage, either with his +wife, a most admirable woman, or with some friend: a happiness +which lately was mine.--How agreeable, how delightf~il it is +getting a quiet time alone with him in this way! You could imagine +you were listening to some worthy of ancient times! What deeds, +what men you hear about, and with what noble precepts you are +imbued! Yet all delivered with so modest an air that there is not +the least appearance of dictating. When be has gone about seven +miles, he gets out of his chariot and walks a mile more, after +which he returns home, and either takes a rest or goes back to his +couch and writing. For he composes most elegant lyrics both in +Greek and Latin. So wonderfully soft, sweet, and gay they are, +while the author's own unsullied life lends them additional charm. +When the baths are ready, which in winter is about three o'clock, +and in summer about two, he undresses himself and, if their +happen to be no wind, walks for some time in the sun. After this he +has a good brisk game of tennis: for by this sort of exercise too, he +combats the effects of old age. When he has bathed, he throws +himself upon his couch, but waits a little before he begins eating, +and in the meanwhile has some light and entertaining author read +to him. In this, as in all the rest, his friends are at full liberty to +share; or to employ themselves in any other way, just as they +prefer. You sit down to an elegant dinner, without extravagant +display, which is served up in antique plate of pure silver. He has +another complete service in Corinthian metal, which, though he +admires as a curiosity, is far from being his passion. During dinner +he is frequently entertained with the recital of some dramatic +piece, by way of seasoning his very pleasures with study; and +although he continues at the table, even in summer, till the night is +somewhat advanced, yet he prolongs the entertainment with so +much affability and politeness that none of his guests ever finds it +tedious. By this method of living he has preserved all his senses +entire, and his body vigorous and active to his seventy-eighth year, +without showing any sign of old age except wisdom. This is the +sort of life I ardently aspire after; as I purpose enjoying it when I +shall arrive at those years which will justify a retreat from active +life. Meanwhile I am embarrassed with a thousand affairs, in +which Spurinna is at once my support and my example: for he too, +so long as it became him, discharged his professional duties, held +magistracies, governed provinces, and by toiling hard earned the +repose he now enjoys. I propose to myself the same career and the +same limits: and I here give it to you under my hand that I do so. If +an ill-timed ambition should carry me beyond those bounds, +produce this very letter of mine in court against me; and condemn +me to repose, whenever I enjoy it without being reproached with +indolence. Farewell. + +XXVII + +To BAEBIUS MACER + +IT gives me great pleasure to find you such a reader of my uncle's +works as to wish to have a complete collection of them, and to ask +me for the names of them all. I will act as index then, and you +shall know the very order in which they were written, for the +studious reader likes to know this. The first work of his was a +treatise in one volume, "On the Use of the Dart by Cavalry"; this +he wrote when in command of one of the cavalry corps of our +allied troops, and is drawn up with great care and ingenuity. "The +Life of Pomponius Secundus,"46 in two volumes. Pomponius had +a great affection for him, and he thought he owed this tribute to his +memory. "The History of the Wars in Germany," in twenty books, +in which he gave an account of all the battles we were engaged in +against that nation. A dream he had while serving in the army in +Germany first suggested the design of this work to him. He +imagined that Drusus Nero47 (who extended his conquest very far +into that country, and there lost his life) appeared to him in his +sleep, and entreated him to rescue his memory from oblivion. Next +comes a work entitled "The Student," in three parts, which from +their length spread into six volumes: a work in which is discussed +the earliest training and subsequent education of the orator. +"Questions of Grammar and Style," in eight books, written in the +latter part of Nero's reign, when the tyranny of the times made it +dangerous to engage in literary pursuits requiring freedom and +elevation of tone. He has completed the history which Aufidius +Bassus48 left unfinished, and has added to it thirty books. And +lastly he has left thirty-seven books on Natural History, a work of +great compass and learning, and as full of variety as nature herself. +You will wonder how a man as busy as he was could find time to +compose so many books, and some of them too involving such +care and labour. But you will be still more surprised when you +hear that he pleaded at the bar for some time, that he died in his +sixty-sixth year, that the intervening time was employed partly in +the execution of the highest official duties, partly in attendance +upon those emperors who honoured him with their friendship. But +he had a quick apprehension, marvellous power of application, and +was of an exceedingly wakeful temperament. He always began to +study at midnight at the time of the feast of Vulcan, not for the +sake of good luck, but for learning's sake; in winter generally at +one in the morning, but never later than two, and often at +twelve.49 He was a most ready sleeper, insomuch that he would +sometimes, whilst in the midst of his studies, fall off and then +wake up again. Before day-break he used to wait upon Vespasian' +(who also used his nights for transacting business in), and then +proceed to execute the orders he had received. As soon as +hereturnedhome, he gave what time was left to study. After a short +and light refreshment at noon (agreeably to the good old custom of +our ancestors) he would frequently in the summer, if he was +disengaged from business, lie down and bask in the sun; during +which time some author was read to him, while he took notes and +made extracts, for every book he read he made extracts out of, +indeed it was a maxim of his, that "no book was so bad but some +good might be got out of it." When this was over, he generally took +a cold bath, then some light refreshment and a little nap. After this, +as if it had been a new day, he studied till supper-time, when a +book was again read to him, which he would take down running +notes upon. I remember once his reader having mis-pronounced a +word, one of my uncle's friends at the table made him go back to +where the word was and repeat it again; upon which my uncle said +to his friend, "Surely you understood it?" Upon his acknowledging +that he did, "Why then," said he, "did you make him go back +again? We have lost more than ten lines by this interruption." Such +an economist he was of time! In the summer he used to rise from +supper at daylight, and in winter as soon as it was dark: a rule he +observed as strictly as if it had been a law of the state. Such was +his manner of life amid the bustle and turmoil of the town: but in +the country his whole time was devoted to study, excepting only +when he bathed. In this exception I include no more than the time +during which he was actually in the bath; for all the while he was +being rubbed and wiped, he was employed either in hearing some +book read to him or in dictating himself. In going about anywhere, +as though he were disengaged from all other business, he applied +his mind wholly to that single pursuit. A shorthand writer +constantly attended him, with book and tablets, who, in the winter, +wore a particular sort of warm gloves, that the sharpness of the +weather might not occasion any interruption to my uncle's studies: +and for the same reason, when in Rome, he was always carried in a +chair. I recollect his once taking me to task for walking. "You need +not," he said, "lose these hours." For he thought every hour gone +that was not given to study. Through this extraordinary application +he found time to compose the several treatises I have mentioned, +besides one hundred and sixty volumes of extracts which he left +me in his will, consisting of a kind of common-place, written on +both sides, in very small hand, so that one might fairly reckon the +number considerably more. He used himself to tell us that when he +was comptroller of the revenue in Spain, he could have sold these +manuscripts to Largius Licinus for four hundred thousand +sesterces,50 and then there were not so many of them. When you +consider the books he has read, and the volumes he has written, are +you not inclined to suspect that he never was engaged in public +duties or was ever in the confidence of his prince? On the other +hand, when you are told how indefatigable he was in his studies, +are you not inclined to wonder that he read and wrote no more +than he did? For, on one side, what obstacles would not the +business of a court throw in his way? and on the other, what is it +that such intense application might not effect? It amuses me then +when I hear myself called a studious man, who in comparison with +him am the merest idler. But why do I mention myself, who am +diverted from these pursuits by numberless affairs both public and +private? Who amongst those whose whole lives are devoted to +literary pursuits would not blush and feel himself the most +confirmed of sluggards by the side of him? I see I have run out my +letter farther than I had originally intended, which was only to let +you know, as you asked me, what works he had left behind him. +But I trust this will be no less acceptable to you than the books +themselves, as it may, possibly, not only excite your curiosity to +read his works, but also your emulation to copy his example, by +some attempts of a similar nature. Farewell. + +XXVIII + +To ANNIUS SEVERUS + +I HAVE lately purchased with a legacy that was left me a small +statue of Corinthian brass. It is small indeed, but elegant and +life-like, as far as I can form any judgment, which most certainly +in matters of this sort, as perhaps in all others, is extremely +defective. However, I do see the beauties of this figure: for, as it is +naked the faults, if there be any, as well as the perfections, are the +more observable. It represents an old man, in an erect attitude. The +bones, muscles, veins, and the very wrinkles, give the Impression +of breathing life. The hair is thin and failing, the forehead broad, +the face shrivelled, the throat lank, the arms loose and hanging, the +breast shrunken, and the belly fallen in, as the whole turn and air +of the figure behind too is equally expressive of old age. It appears +to be true antique, judging from the colour of the brass. In short, it +is such a masterpiece as would strike the eyes of a connoisseur, +and which cannot fail to charm an ordinary observer: and this +induced me, who am an absolute novice in this art, to buy it. But I +did so, not with any intention of placing it in my own house (for I +have nothing of the kind there), but with a design of fixing it in +some conspicuous place in my native province; I should like it best +in the temple of Jupiter, for it is a gift well worthy of a temple, +well worthy of a god. I desire therefore you would, with that care +with which you always perform my requests, undertake this +commission and give immediate orders for a pedestal to be made +for it, out of what marble you please, but let my name be engraved +upon it, and, if you think proper to add these as well, my titles. I +will send the statue by the first person I can find who will not mind +the trouble of it; or possibly (which I am sure you will like better) I +may myself bring it along with me: for I intend, if business can +spare me that is to say, to make an excursion over to you. I see joy +in your looks when I promise to come; but you will soon change +your countenance when I add, only for a few days: for the same +business that at present keeps me here will prevent my making a +longer stay. Farewell. + +XXIX + +To CANINIUS RUFUS + +I HAVE just been informed that Silius Italicus51 has starved +himself to death, at his villa near Naples. Ill-health was the cause. +Being troubled with an incurable cancerous humour, he grew +weary of life and therefore put an end to it with a determination +not to be moved. He had been extremely fortunate all through his +life with the exception of the death of the younger of his two sons; +however, he has left behind him the elder and the worthier man of +the two in a position of distinction, having even attained consular +rank. His reputation had suffered a little in Nero's time, as he was +suspected of having officiously joined in some of the informations +in that reign; but he used his interest with Vitellius, with great +discretion and humanity. He acquired considerable honour by his +administration of the government of Asia, and, by his good +conduct after his retirement from business, cleared his character +from that stain which his former public exertions had thrown upon +it. He lived as a private nobleman, without power, and +consequently without envy. Though he was frequently confined to +his bed, and always to his room, yet he was highly respected, and +much visited; not with an interested view, but on his own account. +He employed his time between conversing with literary men and +composing verses; which he sometimes read out, by way of testing +the public opinion: but they evidence more industry than genius. In +the decline of his years he entirely quitted Rome, and lived +altogether in Campania, from whence even the accession of the +new emperor52 could not draw him. A circumstance which I +mention as much to the honour of Caesar, who was not displeased +with that liberty, as of Italicus, who was not afraid to make use of +it. He was reproached with indulging his taste for the fine arts at an +immoderate expense. He had several villas in the same province, +and the last purchase was always the especial favourite, to the +neglect of all the rest, These residences overflowed with books, +statues, and pictures, which he more than enjoyed, he even adored; +particularly that of Virgil, of whom he was so passionate an +admirer that he celebrated the anniversary of that poet's birthday +with more solemnity than his own, at Naples especially where he +used to approach his tomb as if it had been a temple. In this +tranquillity he passed his seventyfifth year, with a delicate rather +than an infirm constitution. + +As he was the last person upon whom Nero conferred the consular +office, so he was the last survivor of all those who had been raised +by him to that dignity. It is also remarkable that, as he was the last +to die of Nero's consuls, so Nero died when he was consul. +Recollecting this, a feeling of pity for the transitory condition of +mankind comes over me. Is there anything in nature so short and +limited as human life, even at its longest? Does it not seem to you +but yesterday that Nero was alive? And yet not one of all those +who were consuls in his reign now remains! Though why should I +wonder at this? Lucius Piso (the father of that Piso who was so +infamously assassinated by Valerius Festus in Africa) used to say, +he did not see one person in the senate whose opinion he had +consulted when he was consul: in so short a space is the very term +of life of such a multitude of beings comprised! so that to me those +royal tears seem not only worthy of pardon but of praise. For it is +said that Xerxes, on surveying his immense army, wept at the +reflection that so many thousand lives would in such a short space +of time be extinct. The more ardent therefore should be our zeal to +lengthen out this frail and transient portion of existence, if not by +our deeds (for the opportunities of this are not in our power) yet +certainly by our literary accomplishments; and since long life is +denied us, let us transmit to posterity some memorial that we have +at least LIVED. I well know you need no incitements, but the +warmth of my affection for you inclines me to urge you on in the +course you are already pursuing, just as you have so often urged +me. "Happy rivalry" when two friends strive in this way which of +them shall animate the other most in their mutual pursuit of +immortal fame. Farewell. + +XXX + +To SPURINNA AND COTTIA53 + +I DID not tell you, when I paid you my last visit, that I had +composed something in praise of your son; because, in the first +place, I wrote it not for the sake of talking about my performance, +but simply to satisfy my affection, to console my sorrow for the +loss of him. Again, as you told me, my dear Spurinna, that you had +heard I had been reciting a piece of mine, I imagined you had also +heard at the same time what was the subject of the recital, and +besides I was afraid of casting a gloom over your cheerfulness in +that festive season, by reviving the remembrance of that heavy +sorrow. And even now I have hesitated a little whether I should +gratify you both, in your joint request, by sending only what I +recited, or add to it what I am thinking of keeping back for another +essay. It does not satisfy my feelings to devote only one little tract +to a memory so dear and sacred to me, and it seemed also more to +the interest of his fame to have it thus disseminated by separate +pieces. But the consideration, that it will be more open and +friendly to send you the whole now, rather than keep back some of +it to another time, has determined me to do the former, especially +as I have your promise that it shall not be communicated by either +of you to anyone else, until I shall think proper to publish it. The +only remaining favour I ask is, that you will give me a proof of the +same unreserve by pointing out to me what you shall judge would +be best altered, omitted, or added. It is difficult for a mind in +affliction to concentrate itself upon such little cares. However, as +you would direct a painter or sculptor who was representing the +figure of your son what parts he should retouch or express, so I +hope you will guide and inform my hand in this more durable or +(as you are pleased to think it) this immortal likeness which I am +endeavouring to execute: for the truer to the original, the more +perfect and finished it is, so much the more lasting it is likely to +prove. Farewell. + +XXXI + +To JULIUS GENIT0R + +IT is just like the generous disposition of Artemidorus to magnify +the kindnesses of his friends; hence he praises my deserts (though +he is really indebted to me) beyond their due. It is true indeed that +when the philosophers were expelled from Rome,54 I visited him +at his house near the city, and ran the greater risk in paying him +that civility, as it was more noticeable then, I being praetor at the +time. I supplied him too with a considerable sum to pay certain +debts he had contracted upon very honourable occasions, without +charging interest, though obliged to borrow the money myself, +while the rest of his rich powerful friends stood by hesitating about +giving him assistance. I did this at a time when seven of my friends +were either executed or banished; Senecio, Rusticus, and Helvidius +having just been put to death, while Mauricus, Gratilla, Arria, and +Fannia, were sent into exile; and scorched as it were by so many +lightning-bolts of the state thus hurled and flashing round me, I +augured by no uncertain tokens my own impending doom. But I do +not look upon myself, on that account, as deserving of the high +praises my friend bestows upon me: all I pretend to is the being +clear of the infamous guilt of abandoning him in his misfortunes. I +had, as far as the differences between our ages would admit, a +friendship for his father-in-law Musonius, whom I both loved and +esteemed, while Artemidorus himself I entered into the closest +intimacy with when I was serving as a military tribune in Syria. +And I consider as a proof that there is some good in me the fact of +my being so early capable of appreciating a man who is either a +philosopher or the nearest resemblance to one possible; for I am +sure that, amongst all those who at the present day call themselves +philosophers, you will find hardly any one of them so full of +sincerity and truth as he. I forbear to mention how patient he is of +heat and cold alike, how indefatigable in labour, how abstemious +in his food, and what an absolute restraint he puts upon all his +appetites; for these qualities, considerable as they would certainly +be in any other character, are less noticeable by the side of the rest +of those virtues of his which recommended him to Musonius for a +son-in-law, in preference to so many others of all ranks who paid +their addresses to his daughter. And when I think of all these +things, I cannot help feeling pleasurably affected by those +unqualified terms of praise in which he speaks of me to you as +well as to everyone else. I am only apprehensive lest the warmth of +his kind feeling carry him beyond the due limits; for he, who is so +free from all other errors, is apt to fall into just this one +good-natured one, of overrating the merits of his friends. Farewell. + +XXXII + +To CATILIUS SEVERUS + +I WILL come to supper, but must make this agreement beforehand, +that I go when I please, that you treat me to nothing expensive, and +that our conversation abound only in Socratic discourse, while +even that in moderation. There are certain necessary visits of +ceremony, bringing people out before daylight, which Cato himself +could not safely fall in with; though I must confess that Julius +Caesar reproaches him with that circumstance in such a manner as +redounds to his praise; for he tells us that the persons who met him +reeling home blushed at the discovery, and adds, "You would have +thought that Cato had detected them, and not they Cato." Could he +place the dignity of Cato in a stronger light than by representing +him thus venerable even in his cups? But let our supper be as +moderate in regard to hours as in the preparation and expense: for +we are not of such eminent reputation that even our enemies +cannot censure our conduct without applauding it at the same time. +Farewell. + +XXXIII + +To ACILIUS + +THE atrocious treatment that Largius Macedo, a man of praetorian +rank, lately received at the hands of his slaves is so extremely +tragical that it deserves a place rather in public history than in a +private letter; though it must at the same time be acknowledged +there was a haughtiness and severity in his behaviour towards them +which shewed that he little remembered, indeed almost entirely +forgot, the fact that his own father had once been in that station of +life. He was bathing at his Formian Villa, when he found himself +suddenly surrounded by his slaves; one seizes him by the throat, +another strikes him on the mouth, whilst others trampled upon his +breast, stomach, and even other parts which I need not mention. +When they thought the breath must be quite out of his body, they +threw him down upon the heated pavement of the bath, to try +whether he were still alive, where he lay outstretched and +motionless, either really insensible or only feigning to be so, upon +which they concluded him to be actually dead. In this condition +they brought him out, pretending that he had got suffocated by the +heat of the bath. Some of his more trusty servants received him, +and his mistresses came about him shrieking and lamenting. The +noise of their cries and the fresh air, together, brought him a little +to himself; he opened his eyes, moved his body, and shewed them +(as he now safely might) that he was not quite dead. The murderers +immediately made their escape; but most of them have been +caught again, and they are after the rest. He was with great +difficulty kept alive for a few days, and then expired, having +however the satisfaction of finding himself as amply revenged in +his lifetime as he would have been after his death. Thus you see to +what affronts, indignities, and dangers we are exposed. Lenity and +kind treatment are no safeguard; for it is malice and not reflection +that arms such ruffians against their masters. So much for this +piece of news. And what else? What else? Nothing else, or you +should hear it, for I have still paper, and time too (as it is holiday +time with me) to spare for more, and I can tell you one further +circumstance relating to Macedo, which now occurs to me. As he +was in a public bath once, at Rome, a remarkable, and (judging +from the manner of his death) an ominous, accident happened to +him. A slave of his, in order to make way for his master, laid his +hand gently upon a Roman knight, who, turning suddenly round, +struck, not the slave who had touched him, but Macedo, so violent +a blow with his open palm that he almost knocked him down. Thus +the bath by a kind of gradation proved fatal to him; being first the +scene of an indignity he suffered, afterwards the scene of his death. +Farewell. + +XXXIV + +To NEPOS + +I HAVE constantly observed that amongst the deeds and sayings of +illustrious persons of either sex, some have made more noise in the +world, whilst others have been really greater, although less talked +about; and I am confirmed in this opinion by a conversation I had +yesterday with Fannia. This lady is a grand-daughter to that +celebrated Arria, who animated her husband to meet death, by her +own glorious example. She informed me of several particulars +relating to Arria, no less heroic than this applauded action of hers, +though taken less notice of, and I think you will be as surprised to +read the account of them as I was to hear it. Her husband Caecinna +Paetus, and her son, were both attacked at the same time with a +fatal illness, as was supposed; of which the son died, a youth of +remarkable beauty, and as modest as he was comely, endeared +indeed to his parents no less by his many graces than from the fact +of his being their son. His mother prepared his funeral and +conducted the usual ceremonies so privately that Paetus did not +know of his death. Whenever she came into his room, she +pretended her son was alive and actually better: and as often as he +enquired after his health, would answer, "He has had a good rest, +and eaten his food with quite an appetite." Then when she found +the tears, she had so long kept back, gushing forth in spite of +herself, she would leave the room, and having given vent to her +grief, return with dry eyes and a serene countenance, as though she +had dismissed every feeling of bereavement at the door of her +husband's chamber. I must confess it was a brave action55 in her to +draw the steel, plunge it into her breast, pluck out the dagger, and +present it to her husband with that ever memorable, I had almost +said that divine, expression, "Paetus, it is not painful." But when +she spoke and acted thus, she had the prospect of glory and +immortality before her; how far greater, without the support of any +such animating motives, to hide her tears, to conceal her grief, and +cheerfully to act the mother, when a mother no more! + +Scribonianus had taken up arms in Illyria against Clatidius, where +he lost his life, and Paetus, who was of his party, was brought a +prisoner to Rome. When they were going to put him on board ship, +Arria besought the soldiers that she might be permitted to attend +him: "For surely," she urged, "you will allow a man of consular +rank some servants to dress him, attend to him at meals, and put +his shoes on for him; but if you will take me, I alone will perform +all these offices." Her request was refused; upon which she hired a +fishing-boat, and in that small vessel followed the ship. On her +return to Rome, meeting the wife of Scribonianus in the emperor's +palace, at the time when this woman voluntarily gave evidence +against the conspirators--" What," she exclaimed, "shall I hear you +even speak to me, you, on whose bosom your husband +Scribonjanus was murdered, and yet you survive him? "--an +expression which plainly shews that the noble manner in which +she put an end to her life was no unpremeditated effect of sudden +passion. Moreover, when Thrasea, her son-in-law, was +endeavouring to dissuade her from her purpose of destroying +herself, and, amongst other arguments which he used, said to her, +"Would you then advise your daughter to die with me if my life +were to be taken from me?" "Most certainly I would," she replied, +"if she had lived as long, and in as much harmony with you, as I +have with my Paetus." This answer greatly increased the alarm of +her family, and made them watch her for the future more narrowly; +which, when she perceived, "It is of no use," she said, "you may +oblige me to effect my death in a more painful way, but it is +impossible you should prevent it." Saying this, she sprang from her +chair, and running her head with the utmost violence against the +wall, fell down, to all appearance, dead; but being brought to +herself again, "I told you," she said, "if you would not suffer me to +take an easy path to death, I should find a way to it, however hard." +Now, is there not, my friend, something much greater in all this +than in the so-much-talked-of "Paetus, it is not painful," to which +these led the way? And yet this last is the favourite topic of fame, +while all the former are passed over in silence. Whence I cannot +but infer, what I observed at the beginning of my letter, that some +actions are more celebrated, whilst others are really greater. + +XXXV + +To SEVERUS + +I WAS obliged by my consular office to compliment the +emperor56 in the name of the republic; but after I had performed +that ceremony in the senate in the usual manner, and as fully as the +time and place would allow, I thought it agreeable to the affection +of a good subject to enlarge those general heads, and expand them +into a complete discourse. My principal object in doing so was, to +confirm the emperor in his virtues, by paying them that tribute of +applause which they so justly deserve; and at the same time to +direct future princes, not in the formal way of lecture, but by his +more engaging example, to those paths they must pursue if they +would attain the same heights of glory. To instruct princes how to +form their conduct, is a noble, but difficult task, and may, perhaps, +be esteemed an act of presumption: but to applaud the character of +an accomplished prince, and to hold out to posterity, by this +means, a beacon-light as it were, to guide succeeding monarchs, is +a method equally useful, and much more modest. It afforded me a +very singular pleasure that when I wished to recite this panegyric +in a private assemby, my friends gave me their company, though I +did not solicit them in the usual form of notes or circulars, but only +desired their attendance, "should it be quite convenient to them," +and "if they should happen to have no other engagement." You +know the excuses generally made at Rome to avoid invitations of +this kind; how prior invitations are usually alleged; yet, in spite of +the worst possible weather, they attended the recital for two days +together; and when I thought it would be unreasonable to detain +them any longer, they insisted upon my going through with it the +next day. Shall I consider this as an honour done to myself or to +literature? Rather let me suppose to the latter, which, though +well-nigh extinct, seems to be now again reviving amongst us. Yet +what was the subject which raised this uncommon attention? No +other than what formerly, even in the senate, where we had to +submit to it, we used to grudge even a few moments' attention to. +But now, you see, we have patience to recite and to attend to the +same topic for three days together; and the reason of this is, not +that we have more eloquent writing now than formerly, but we +write under a fuller sense of individual freedom, and consequently +more genially than we used to. It is an additional glory therefore to +our present emperor that this sort of harangue, which was once as +disgusting as it was false, is now as pleasing as it is sincere. But it +was not only the earnest attention of my audience which afforded +me pleasure; I was greatly delighted too with the justness of their +taste: for I observed, that the more nervous parts of my discourse +gave them peculiar satisfaction. It is true, indeed, this work, which +was written for the perusal of the world in general, was read only +to a few; however, I would willingly look upon their particular +judgment as an earnest of that of the public, and rejoice at their +manly taste as if it were universally spread. It was just the same in +eloquence as it was in music, the vitiated ears of the audience +introduced a depraved style; but now, I am inclined to hope, as a +more refined judgment prevails in the public, our compositions of +both kinds will improve too; for those authors whose sole object is +to please will fashion their works according to the popular taste. I +trust, however, in subjects of this nature the florid style is most +proper; and am so far from thinking that the vivid colouring I have +used will be esteemed foreign and unnatural that I am most +apprehensive that censure will fall upon those parts where the +diction is most simple and unornate. Nevertheless, I sincerely wish +the time may come, and that it now were, when the smooth and +luscious, which has affected our style, shall give place, as it ought, +to severe and chaste composition.--Thus have I given you an +account of my doings of these last three days, that your absence +might not entirely deprive you of a pleasure which, from your +friendship to me, and the part you take in everything that concerns +the interest of literature, I know you would have received, had you +been there to hear. Farewell. + +XXXVI + +To CALVISIUS RUFUS + +I MUST have recourse to you, as usual, in an affair which +concerns my finances. An estate adjoining my land, and indeed +running into it, is for sale. There are several considerations +strongly inclining me to this purchase, while there are others no +less weighty deterring me from it. Its first recommendation is, the +beauty which will result from uniting this farm to my own lands; +next, the advantage as well as pleasure of being able to visit it +without additional trouble and expense; to have it superintended +by the same steward, and almost by the same sub-agents, and to +have one villa to support and embellish, the other just to keep in +common repair. I take into this account furniture, housekeepers, +fancy-gardeners, artificers, and even hunting-apparatus, as it +makes a very great difference whether you get these altogether into +one place or scatter them about in several. On the other hand, I +don't know whether it is prudent to expose so large a property to +the same climate, and the same risks of accident happening; to +distribute one's possessions about seems a safer way of meeting the +caprice of fortune, besides, there is something extremely pleasant +in the change of air and place, and the going about between one's +properties. And now, to come to the chief consideration:--the lands +are rich, fertile, and well-watered, consisting chiefly of +meadow-ground, vineyard, and wood, while the supply of building +timber and its returns, though moderate, still, keep at the same +rate. But the soil, fertile as it is, has been much impoverished by +not having been properly looked after. The person last in +possession used frequently to seize and sell the stock, by which +means, although he lessened his tenants' arrears for the time being, +yet he left them nothing to go on with and the arrears ran up again +in consequence. I shall be obliged, then, to provide them with +slaves, which I must buy, and at a higher than the usual price, as +these will be good ones; for I keep no fettered slaves57 myself, +and there are none upon the estate. For the rest, the price, you must +know, is three millions of sesterces.58 It has formerly gone over +five millions,59 but owing, partly to the general hardness of the +times, and partly to its being thus stripped of tenants, the income +of this estate is reduced, and consequently its value. You will be +inclined perhaps to enquire whether I can easily raise the +purchase-money? My estate, it is true, is almost entirely in land, +though I have some money out at interest; but I shall find no +difficulty in borrowing any sum I may want. I can get it from my +wife's mother, whose purse I may use with the same freedom as +my own; so that you need not trouble yourself at all upon that +point, should you have no other objections, which I should like you +very carefully to consider: for, as in everything else, so, +particularly in matters of economy, no man has more judgment and +experience than yourself. Farewell. + +XXXVII + +To CORNELIUS PRISCUS + +I HAVE just heard of Valerius Martial's death, which gives me +great concern. He was a man of an acute and lively genius, and his +writings abound in equal wit, satir~, and kindliness. On his leaving +Rome I made him a present to defray his travelling expenses, +which I gave him, not only as a testimony of friendship, but also in +return for the verses with which he had complimented me. It was +the custom of the ancients to distinguish those poets with honours +or pecuniary rewards, who had celebrated particular individuals or +cities in their verses; but this good custom, along with every other +fair and noble one, has grown out of fashion now; and in +consequence of our having ceased to act laudably, we consider +praise a folly and impertinence. You may perhaps be curious to see +the verses which merited this acknowledgment from me, and I +believe I can, from memory, partly satisfy your curiosity, without +referring you to his works: but if you should be pleased with this +specimen of them, you must turn to his poems for the rest. He +addresses himself to his muse, whom he directs to go to my house +upon the Esquiline,60 but to approach it with respect. + +"Go, wanton muse, but go with care, +Nor meet, ill-tim'd, my Pliny's ear; +He, by sage Minerva taught, +Gives the day to studious thought, +And plans that eloquence divine, +Which shall to future ages shine, +And rival, wondrous Tully! thine. +Then, cautious, watch the vacant hour, +When Bacchus reigns in all his pow'r; +When, crowned with rosy chaplets gay, +Catos might read my frolic lay."61 + +Do you not think that the poet who wrote of me in such terms +deserved some friendly marks of my bounty then, and of my +sorrow now? For he gave me the very best he had to bestow, and +would have given more had it been in his power. Though indeed +what can a man have conferred on him more valuable than the +honour of never-fading praise? But his poems will not long survive +their author, at least I think not, though he wrote them in the +expectation of their doing so. Farewell. + +XXXVIII + +To FABATUS (HIS WIFE'S GRANDFATHER) + +You have long desired a visit from your grand-daughter62 +accompanied by me. Nothing, be assured, could be more agreeable +to either of us; for we equally wish to see you, and are determined +to delay that pleasure no longer. For this purpose we are already +packing up, and hastening to you with all the speed the roads will +permit of. We shall make only one, short, stoppage, for we intend +turning a little out of our way to go into Tuscany: not for the sake +of looking upon our estate, and into our family concerns, which we +can postpone to another opportunity, but to perform an +indispensable duty. There is a town near my estate, called +Tifernum-upon-the-Tiber,63 which, with more affection than +wisdom, put itself under my patronage when I was yet a youth. +These people celebrate my arrival among them, express the +greatest concern when I leave them, and have public rejoicings +whenever they hear of my preferments. By way of requiting their +kindnesses (for what generous mind can bear to be excelled in acts +of friendship?) I have built a temple in this place, at my own +expense, and as it is finished, it would be a sort of impiety to put +off its dedication any longer. So we shall be there on the day on +which that ceremony is to be performed, and I have resolved to +celebrate it with a general feast. We may possibly stay on there for +all the next day, but shall make so much the greater haste in our +journey afterwards. May we have the happiness to find you and +your daughter in good health! In good spirits I am sure we shall, +should we get to you all safely. Farewell. + +XXXIX + +To ATTIUS CLEMENS + +REGULUS has lost his son; the only undeserved misfortune which +could have befallen him, in that I doubt whether he thinks it a +misfortune. The boy had quick parts, but there was no telling how +he might turn out; however, he seemed capable enough of going +right, were he not to grow up like his father. Regulus gave him his +freedom,64 in order to entitle him to the estate left him by his +mother; and when he got into possession of it, (I speak of the +current rumours, based upon the character of the man,) fawned +upon the lad with a disgusting shew of fond affection which in a +parent was utterly out of place. You may hardly think this credible; +but then consider what Regulus is. However, he now expresses his +concern for the loss of this youth in a most extravagant manner. +The boy had a number of ponies for riding and driving, dogs both +big and little, together with nightingales, parrots, and blackbirds in +abundance. All these Regulus slew round the funeral pile. It was +not grief, but an ostentatious parade of grief. He is visited upon +this occasion by a surprising number of people, who all hate and +detest the man, and yet are as assiduous in their attendance upon +him as if they really esteemed and loved him, and, to give you my +opinion in a word, in endeavouring to do Regulus a kindness, +make themselves exactly like him. He keeps himself in his park on +the other side the Tiber, where he has covered a vast extent of +ground with his porticoes, and crowded all the shore with his +statues; for he unites prodigality with excessive covetousness, and +vain-glory with the height of infamy. At this very unhealthy time +of year he is boring society, and he feels pleasure and consolation +in being a bore. He says he wishes to marry,--a piece of perversity, +like all his other conduct. You must expect, therefore, to hear +shortly of the marriage of this mourner, the marriage of this old +man; too early in the former case, in the latter, too late. You ask +me why I conjecture this? Certainly not because he says so himself +(for a greater liar never stepped), but because there is no doubt that +Regulus will do whatever ought not to be done. Farewell. + +XL + +To CATIUS LEPIDUS + +I OFTEN tell you that there is a certain force of character about +Regulus: it is wonderful how he carries through what he has set his +mind to. He chose lately to be extremely concerned for the loss of +his son: accordingly he mourned for him as never man mourned +before. He took it into his head to have an immense number of +statues and pictures of him; immediately all the artisans in Rome +are set to work. Canvas, wax, brass, silver, gold, ivory, marble, all +exhibit the figure of the young Regulus. Not long ago he read, +before a numerous audience, a memoir of his son: a memoir of a +mere boy! However he read it. He wrote likewise a sort of circular +letter to the several Decurii desiring them to choose out one of +their order who had a strong clear voice, to read this eulogy to the +people; it has been actually done. Now had this force of character +or whatever else you may call a fixed determination in obtaining +whatever one has a mind for, been rightly applied, what infinite +good it might have effected! The misfortune is, there is less of this +quality about good people than about bad people, and as ignorance +begets rashness, and thoughtfulness produces deliberation, so +modesty is apt to cripple the action of virtue, whilst confidence +strengthens vice. Regulus is a case in point: he has a weak voice, +an awkward delivery, an indistinct utterance, a slow imagination, +and no memory; in a word, he possesses nothing but a sort of +frantic energy: and yet, by the assistance of a flighty turn and much +impudence, he passes as an orator. Herennius Senecio admirably +reversed Cato's definition of an orator, and applied it to Regulus: +"An orator," he said, "is a bad man, unskilled in the art of +speaking." And really Cato's definition is not a more exact +description of a true orator than Seneclo's is of the character of this +man. Would you make me a suitable return for this letter? Let me +know if you, or any of my friends in your town, have, like a stroller +in the marketplace, read this doleful production of Regulus's, +"raising," as Demosthenes says, "your voice most merrily, and +straining every muscle in your throat." For so absurd a +performance must excite laughter rather than compassion; and +indeed the composition is as puerile as the subject. Farewell. + +XLI + +To MATURUS ARRIANUS + +Mv advancement to the dignity of augur65 is an honour that justly +indeed merits your congratulations; not only because it is highly +honourable to receive, even in the slightest instances, a testimony +of the approbation of so wise and discreet a prince,66 but because +it is moreover an ancient and religious institution, which has this +sacred and peculiar privilege annexed to it, that it is for life. Other +sacerdotal offices, though they may, perhaps, be almost equal to +this one in dignity, yet as they are given so they may be taken away +again: but fortune has no further power over this than to bestow it. +What recommends this dignity still more highly is, that I have the +honour to succeed so illustrious a person as Julius Frontinus. He +for many years, upon the nomination-day of proper persons to be +received into the sacred college, constantly proposed me, as +though he had a view to electing me as his successor; and since it +actually proved so in the event, I am willing to look upon it as +something more than mere accident. But the circumstance, it +seems, that most pleases you in this affair, is, that Cicero enjoyed +the same post; and you rejoice (you tell me) to find that I follow +his steps as closely in the path of honours as I endeavour to do in +that of eloquence. I wish, indeed, that as I had the advantage of +being admitted earlier into the same order of priesthood, and into +the consular office, than Cicero, that so I might, in my later years, +catch some spark, at least, of his divine genius! The former, +indeed, being at man's disposal, may be conferred on me and on +many others, but the latter it is as presumptuous to hope for as it is +difficult to reach, being in the gift of heaven alone. Farewell. + +XLII + +To STATIUS SABINUS + +YOUR letter informs me that Sabina, who appointed you and me +her heirs, though she has nowhere expressly directed that +Modestus shall have his freedom, yet has left him a legacy in the +following words, "I give, &c.--To Modestus, whom I have ordered +to have his freedom": upon which you desire my opinion. I have +consulted skilful lawyers upon the point, and they all agree +Modestus is not entitled to his liberty, since it is not expressly +given, and consequently that the legacy is void, as being +bequeathed to a slave.67 But it evidently appears to be a mistake +in the testatrix; and therefore I think we ought to act in this case as +though Sabina had directed, in so many words, what, it is clear, +she had ordered. I am persuaded you will go with me in this +opinion, who so religiously regard the will of the deceased, which +indeed where it can be discovered will always be law to honest +heirs. Honour is to you and me as strong an obligation as the +compulsion of law is to others. Let Modestus then enjoy his +freedom and his legacy as fully as if Sabina had observed all the +requisite forms, as indeed they effectually do who make a +judicious choice of their heirs. Farewell. + +XLIII + +To CORNELIUS MINICIANUS + +HAVE you heard--I suppose, not yet, for the news has but just +arrived--that Valerius Licinianus has become a professor in Sicily? +This unfortunate person, who lately enjoyed the dignity of praetor, +and was esteemed the most eloquent of our advocates, is now +fallen from a senator to an exile, from an orator to a teacher of +rhetoric. Accordingly in his inaugural speech he uttered, +sorrowfully and solemnly, the following words: "Oh! Fortune, how +capriciously dost thou sport with mankind! Thou makest +rhetoricians of senators, and senators of rhetoricians !" A sarcasm +so poignant and full of gall that one might almost imagine he fixed +upon this profession merely for the sake of an opportunity of +applying it. And having made his first appearance in school, clad +in the Greek cloak (for exiles have no right to wear the toga), after +arranging himself and looking down upon his attire, "I am, +however," he said, "going to declaim in Latin." You will think, +perhaps, this situation, wretched and deplorable as it is, is what he +well deserves for having stained the honourable profession of an +orator with the crime of incest. It is true, indeed, he pleaded guilty +to the charge; but whether from a consciousness of his guilt, or +from an apprehension of worse consequences if he denied it, is not +clear; for Domitian generally raged most furiously where his +evidence failed him most hopelessly. That emperor had +determined that Cornelia, chief of the Vestal Virgins, should be +buried alive, from an extravagant notion that exemplary seventies +of this kind conferred lustre upon his reign. Accordingly, by virtue +of his office as supreme pontiff, or, rather, in the exercise of a +tyrant's cruelty, a despot's lawlessness, he convened the sacred +college, not in the pontifical court where they usually assemble, +but at his villa near Alba; and there, with a guilt no less heinous +than that which he professed to be punishing, he condemned her, +when she was not present to defend herself, on the charge of +incest, while he himself had been guilty, not only of debauching +his own brother's daughter, but was also accessory to her death: for +that lady, being a widow, in order to conceal her shame, +endeavoured to procure an abortion, and by that means lost her +life. However, the priests were directed to see the sentence +immediately executed upon Cornelia. As they were leading her to +the place of execution, she called upon Vesta, and the rest of the +gods, to attest her innocence; and, amongst other exclamations, +frequently cried out, "Is it possible that Caesar can think me +polluted, under the influence of whose sacred functions he has +conquered and triumphed?"69 Whether she said this in flattery or +derision; whether it proceeded from a consciousness of her +innocence, or contempt of the emperor, is uncertain; but she +continued exclaiming in this manner, till she came to the place of +execution, to which she was led, whether innocent or guilty I +cannot say, at all events with every appearance and demonstration +of innocence. As she was being lowered down into the +subterranean vault, her robe happening to catch upon something in +the descent, she turned round and disengaged it, when, the +executioner offering his assistance, she drew herself back with +horror, refusing to be so much as touched by him, as though it +were a defilement to her pure and unspotted chastity: still +preserving the appearance of sanctity up to the last moment; and, +among all the other instances of her modesty, + +"She took great care to fall with decency."70 + +Celer likewise, a Roman knight, who was accused of an intrigue +with her, while they were scourging him with rods71 in the Forum, +persisted in exclaiming, "What have I done?--I have done nothing." +These declarations of innocence had exasperated Domitian +exceedingly, as imputing to him acts of cruelty and injustice, +accordingly Licinianus being seized by the emperor's orders for +having concealed a freedwoman of Cornelia's in one of his estates, +was advised, by those who took him in charge, to confess the fact, +if he hoped to obtain a remission of his punishment, circumstance +to add further, that a young nobleman, having had his tunic torn, +an ordinary occurrence in a crowd, stood with his gown thrown +over him, to hear me, and that during the seven hours I was +speaking, whilst my success more than counterbalanced the fatigue +of so long a speech. So let us set to and not screen our own +indolence under pretence of that of the public. Never, be very sure +of that, will there be wanting hearers and readers, so long as we +can only supply them with speakers and writers worth their +attention. Farewell. + +XLV + +To ASINIUS + +You advise me, nay you entreat me, to undertake, in her absence, +the cause of Corellia, against C. Caecilius, consul elect. For your +advice I am grateful, of your entreaty I really must complain; +without the first, indeed, I should have been ignorant of this affair, +but the last was unnecessary, as I need no solicitations to comply, +where it would be ungenerous in me to refuse; for can I hesitate a +moment to take upon myself the protection of a daughter of +Corellius? It is true, indeed, though there is no particular intimacy +between her adversary and myself, still we are upon good enough +terms. It is also true that he is a person of rank, and one who has a +high claim upon my especial regard, as destined to enter upon an +office which I have had the honour to fill; and it is natural for a +man to be desirous those dignities should be held in the highest +esteem which he himself once possessed. Yet all these +considerations appear indifferent and trifling when I reflect that it +is the daughter of Corellius whom I am to defend. The memory of +that excellent person, than whom this age has not produced a man +of greater dignity, rectitude, and acuteness, is indelibly imprinted +upon my mind. My regard for him sprang from my admiration of +the man, and contrary to what is usually the case, my admiration +increased upon a thorough knowledge of him, and indeed I did +know him thoroughly, for he kept nothing back from me, whether +gay or serious, sad or joyous. When he was but a youth, he +esteemed, and (I will even venture to say) revered, me as if I had +been his equal. When I solicited any post of honour, he supported +me with his interest, and recommended me with his testimony; +when I entered upon it, he was my introducer and my companion; +when I exercised it, he was my guide and my counsellor. In a +word, whenever my interest was concerned, he exerted himself, in +spite of his weakness and declining years, with as much alacrity as +though he were still young and lusty. In private, in public, and at +court, how often has he advanced and supported my credit and +interest! It happened once that the conversation, in the presence of +the emperor Nerva, turned upon the promising young men of that +time, and several of the company present were pleased to mention +me with applause; he sat for a little while silent, which gave what +he said the greater weight; and then, with that air of dignity, to +which you are no stranger, "I must be reserved," said he, "in my +praises of Pliny, because he does nothing without advice." By +which single sentence he bestowed upon me more than my most +extravagant wishes could aspire to, as he represented my conduct +to be always such as wisdom must approve, since it was wholly +under the direction of one of the wisest of men. Even in his last +moments he said to his daughter (as she often mentions), "I have in +the course of a long life raised up many friends to you, but there +are none in whom you may more assuredly confide than Pliny and +Cornutus." A circumstance I cannot reflect upon without being +deeply sensible how incumbent it is upon me to endeavour not to +disappoint the confidence so excellent a judge of human nature +reposed in me. I shall therefore most readily give my assistance to +Corellia in this affair, and willingly risk any displeasure I may +incur by appearing in her behalf. Though I should imagine, if in +the course of my pleadings I should find an opportunity to explain +and enforce more fully and at large than the limits of a letter allow +of the reasons I have here mentioned, upon which I rest at once my +apology and my glory; her adversary (whose suit may perhaps, as +you say, be entirely without precedent, as it is against a woman) +will not only excuse, but approve, my conduct. Farewell. + +XLVI + +To HISPULLA + +As you are a model of all virtue, and loved your late excellent +brother, who had such a fondness for you, with an affection equal +to his own; regarding too his daughter72 as your child, not only +shewing her an aunt's tenderness but supplying the place of the +parent she had lost; I know it will give you the greatest pleasure +and joy to hear that she proves worthy of her father, her +grandfather, and yourself. She possesses an excellent +understanding together with a consummate prudence, and gives the +strongest evidence of the purity of her heart by her fondness of her +husband. Hcr affection for me, moreover, has given her a taste for +books, and my productions, which she takes a pleasure in reading, +and even in getting by heart, are continually in her hands. How full +of tender anxiety is she when I am going to speak in any case, how +rejoiced she feels when it is got through. While I am pleading, she +stations persons to inform her from time to time how I am heard, +what applauses I receive, and what success attends the case. When +I recite my works at any time, she conceals herself behind some +curtain, and drinks in my praises with greedy ears. She sings my +verses too, adapting them to her lyre, with no other master but +love, that best of instructors, for her guide. From these happy +circumstances I derive my surest hopes, that the harmony between +us will increase with our days, and be as lasting as our lives. For it +is not my youth or person, which time gradually impairs; it is my +honour and glory that she cares for. But what less could be +expected from one who was trained by your hands, and formed by +your instructions; who was early familiarized under your roof with +all that is pure and virtuous, and who learnt to love me first +through your praises? And as you revered my mother with all the +respect due even to a parent, so you kindly directed and +encouraged my tender years, presaging from that early period all +that my wife now fondly imagines I really am. Accept therefore of +our mutual thanks, mine, for your giving me her, hers for your +glaring her me; for you have chosen us out, as it were, for each +other. Farewell. + +XLVII + +To ROMATIUS FIASIUS + +Look here! The next time the court sits, you must, at all events, +take your place there. In vain would your indolence repose itself +under my protection, for there is no absenting oneself with +impunity. Look at that severe, determined, praetor, Licinius Nepos, +who fined even a senator for the same neglect! The senator +pleaded his cause in person, but in suppliant tone. The fine, it is +true, was remitted, but sore was his dismay, humble his +intercession, and he had to ask pardon. "All praetors are not so +severe as that," you will reply; you are mistaken--for though indeed +to be the author and reviver of an example of this kind may be an +act of severity, yet, once introduced, even lenity herself may +follow the precedent. Farewell. + +XLVIII + +To LICINIUS SURA + +I HAVE brought you as a little present out of the country a query +which well deserves the consideration of your extensive +knowledge. There is a spring which rises in a neighbouring +mountain, and running among the rocks is received into a little +banqueting-room, artificially formed for that purpose, from +whence, after being detained a short time, it falls into the Larian +lake. The nature of this spring is extremely curious; it ebbs and +flows regularly three times a day. The increase and decrease is +plainly visible, and exceedingly interesting to observe. You sit +down by the side of the fountain, and while you are taking a repast +and drinking its water, which is extremely cool, you see it +gradually rise and fall. If you place a ring, or anything else at the +bottom, when it is dry, the water creeps gradually up, first gently +washing, finally covering it entirely, and then little by little +subsides again. If you wait long enough, you may see it thus +alternately advance and recede three ssccessive times. Shall we say +that some secret current of air stops and opens the fountain-head, +first rushing in and checking the flow and then, driven back by the +counter-resistance of the water, escaping again; as we see in +bottles, and other vessels of that nature, where, there not being a +free and open passage, though you turn their necks perpendicularly +or obliquely downwards, yet, the outward air obstructing the vent, +they discharge their contents as it were by starts? Or, may not this +small collection of water be successively contracted and enlarged +upon the same principle as the ebb and flow of the sea? Or, again, +as those rivers which discharge themselves into the sea, meeting +with contrary winds and the swell of the ocean, are forced back in +their channels, so, in the same way, may there not be something +that checks this fountain, for a time, in its progress? Or is there +rather a certain reservoir that contains these waters in the bowels +of the earth, and while it is recruiting its discharges, the stream in +consequence flows more slowly and in less quantity, but, when it +has collected its due measure, runs on again in its usual strength +and fulness? Or lastly, is there I know not what kind of +subterranean counterpoise, that throws up the water when the +fountain is dry, and keeps it back when it is full? You, who are so +well qualified for the enquiry, will examine into the causes of this +wonderful phenomenon; it will be sufficient for me if I have given +you an adequate description of it. Farewell. + +XLIX + +To ANNIUS SEVERUS + +A SMALL legacy was lately left me, yet one more acceptable than +a far larger bequest would have been. How more acceptable than a +far larger one? In this way. Pomponia Gratilla, having disinherited +her son Assidius Curianus, appointed me of one of her heirs, and +Sertorius Severus, of pretorian rank, together with several eminent +Roman knights, co-heirs along with me. The son applied to me to +give him my share of the inheritance, in order to use my name as +an example to the rest of the joint-heirs, but offered at the same +time to enter into a secret agreement to return me my proportion. I +told him, it was by no means agreeable to my character to seem to +act one way while in reality I was acting another, besides it was +not quite honourable making presents to a man of his fortune, who +had no children; in a word, this would not at all answer the +purpose at which he was aiming, whereas, if I were to withdraw +my claim, it might be of some service to him, and this I was ready +and willing to do, if he could clearly prove to me that he was +unjustly disinherited. + +"Do then," he said, "be my arbitrator in this case." After a short +pause I answered him, "I will, for I don't see why I should not have +as good an opinion of my own impartial disinterestedness as you +seem to have. But, mind, I am not to be prevailed upon to decide +the point in question against your mother, if it should appear she +had jusL reason for what she has done." "As you please," he +replied, "which I am sure is always to act according to justice." I +called in, as my assistants, Corellius and Frontinus, two of the very +best lawyers Rome at that time afforded. With these in attendance, +I heard the case in my own chamber. Curianus said everything +which he thought would favour his pretensions, to whom (there +being nobody but myself to defend the character of the deceased) I +made a short reply; after which I retired with my friends to +deliberate, and, being agreed upon our verdict, I said to him, +"Cnn-anus, it is our opinion that your conduct has justly drawn +upon you your mother's displeasure." Sometime afterwards, +Curianus commenced a suit in the Court of the Hundred against all +the co-heirs except myself. The day appointed for the trial +approaching, the rest of the co-heirs were anxious to compromise +the affair and have done with it, not out of any diffidence of their +cause, but from a distrust of the times. They were apprehensive of +what had happened to many others, happening to them, and that +from a civil suit it might end in a criminal one, as there were some +among them to whom the friendship of Gratilla and Rusticus73 +might be extremely prejudicial: they therefore desired me to go +and talk with Curianus. We met in the temple of Concord; "Now +supposing," I said, "your mother had left you the fourth part of her +estate, or even suppose she had made you sole heir, but had +exhausted so much of the estate in legacies that there would not be +more than a fourth part remaining to you, could you justly +complain? You ought to be content, therefore, if, being absolutely +disinherited as you are, the heirs are willing to relinquish to you a +fourth part, which however I will increase by contributing my +proportion. You know you did not commence any suit against me, +and two years have now elapsed, which gives me legal and +indisputable possession. But to induce you to agree to the +proposals on the part of the other co-heirs, and that you may be no +sufferer by the peculiar respect you shew me, I offer to advance +my proportion with them." The silent approval of my own +conscience is not the only result out of this transaction; it has +contributed also to the honour of my character. For it is this same +Cunianus who has left me the legacy I have mentioned in the +beginning of my letter, and I received it as a very notable mark of +his approbation of my conduct, if I do not flatter myself. I have +written and told you all this, because in all my joys and sorrows I +am wont to look upon you as myself, and I thought it would be +unkind not to communicate to so tender a friend whatever +occasions me a sensible gratification; for I am not philosopher +enough to be indifferent, when I think I have acted like an +honour-able man, whether my actions meet with that approval +which is in some sort their due. Farewell. + +L + +To TITIUS ARIST0 + +AMONG the many agreeable and obliging instances I have +received of your friendship, your not concealing from me the long +conversations which lately took place at your house concerning my +verses, and the various judgments passed upon them (which served +to prolong the talk,) is by no means the least. There were some, it +seems, who did not disapprove of my poems in themselves, but at +the same time censured me in a free and friendly way, for +employing myself in composing and reciting them. I am so far, +however, from desiring to extenuate the charge that I willingly +acknowledge myself still more deserving of it, and confess that I +sometimes amuse myself with writing verses of the gayer sort. I +compose comedies, divert myself with pantomimes, read the lyric +poets, and enter into the spirit of the most wanton muse, besides +that, I indulge myself sometimes in laughter, mirth, and frolic, and, +to sum up every kind of innocent relaxation in one word, I am a +man. I am not in the least offended, though, at their low opinion of +my morals, and that those who are ignorant of the fact that the +most learned, the wisest, and the best of men have employed +themselves in the same way, should be surprised at the tone of my +writings: but from those who know what noble and numerous +examples I follow, I shall, I am confident, easily obtain permission +to err with those whom it is an honour to imitate, not only in their +most serious occupations but their lightest triflings. Is it +unbecoming me (I will not name any living example, lest I should +seem to flatter), but is it unbecoming me to practise what became +Tully, Calvus, Pollio, Messala, Hortensius, Brutus, Sulla, Catulus, +Scaevola, Sulpitius, Varro, the Torquati, Memmius, Gaetulicus, +Seneca, Lucceius, and, within our own memory, Verginius Rufus? +But if the examples of private men are not sufficient to justify me, +I can cite Julius Casar, Augustus, Nerva, and Tiberius Casar. I +forbear to add Nero to the catalogue, though I am aware that what +is practised by the worst of men does not therefore degenerate into +wrong: on the contrary, it still maintains its credit, if frequently +countenanced by the best. In that number, Virgil, Cornelius Nepos, +and prior to these, Ennius and Attius, justly deserve the most +distinguished place. These last indeed were not senators, but +goodness knows no distinction of rank or title. I recite my works, it +is true, and in this instance I am not sure I can support myself by +their examples. They, perhaps, might be satisfied with their own +judgment, but I have too humble an opinion of mine to suppose my +compositions perfect, because they appear so to my own mind. My +reason then for reciting are, that, for one thing, there is a certain +deference for one's audience, which excites a somewhat more +vigorous application, and then again, I have by this means an +opportunity of settling any doubts I may have concerning my +performance, by observing the general opinion of the audience. In +a word, I have the advantage of receiving different hints from +different persons: and although they should not declare their +meaning in express terms, yet the expression of the countenance, +the movement of the head, the eyes, the motion of a hand, a +whisper, or even silence itself will easily distinguish their real +opinion from the language of politeness. And so if any one of my +audience should have the curiosity to read over the same +performance which he heard me read, he may find several things +altered or omitted, and perhaps too upon his particular judgment, +though he did not say a single word to me. But I am not defending +my conduct in this particular, as if I had actually recited my works +in public, and not in my own house before my friends, a numerous +appearance of whom has upon many occasions been held an +honour, but never, surely, a reproach. Farewell. + +LI + +To NONIUS MAXIMUS + +I AM deeply afflicted with the news I have received of the death of +Fannius; in the first place, because I loved one so eloquent and +refined, in the next, because I was accustomed to be guided by his +judgment--.and indeed he possessed great natural acuteness, +improved by practice, rendering him able to see a thing in an +instant. There are some circumstances about his death, which +aggravate my concern. He left behind him a will which had been +made a considerable time before his decease, by which it happens +that his estate is fallen into the hands of those who had incurred +his displeasure, whilst his greatest favourites are excluded. But +what I particularly regret is, that he has left unfinished a very noble +work in which he was employed. Notwithstanding his full practice +at the bar, he had begun a history of those persons who were put to +death or banished by Nero, and completed three books of it. They +are written with great elegance and precision, the style is pure, and +preserves a proper medium between the plain narrative and the +historical: and as they were very favourably received by the public, +he was the more desirous of being able to finish the rest. The hand +of death is ever, in my opinion, too untimely and sudden when it +falls upon such as are employed in some immortal work. The sons +of sensuality, who have no outlpok beyond the present hour, put an +end every day to all motives for living, but those who look forward +to posterity, and endeavour to transmit their names with honour to +future generations by their works--to such, death is always +immature, as it still snatches them from amidst some unfinished +design. Fannius, long before his death, had a presentiment of what +has happened: he dreamed one night that as he was lying on his +couch, in an undress, all ready for his work, and with his desk,74 +as usual, in front of him, Nero entered, and placing himself by his +side, took up the three first books of this history, which he read +through and then departed. This dream greatly alarmed him, and +he regarded it as an intimation, that he should not carry on his +history any farther than Nero had read, and so the event has +proved. I cannot reflect upon this accident without lamenting that +he was prevented from accomplishing a work which had cost him +so many toilsome vigils, as it suggests to me, at the same time, +reflections on my own mortality, and the fate of my wrtiings: and I +am persuaded the same apprehensions alarm you for those in +which you are at present employed. Let us then, my friend, while +life permits, exert all our endeavours, that death, whenever it +arrives, may find as little as possible to destroy. Farewell. + +LII + +To DOMITIUS APOLLINARIS + +THE kind concern you expressed on hearing of my design to pass +the summer at my villa in Tuscany, and your obliging endeavours +to dissuade me from going to a place which you think unhealthy, +are extremely pleasing to me. It is quite true indeed that the air of +that part of Tuscany which lies towards the coast is thick and +unwholesome: but my house stands at a good distance from the +sea, under one of the Apennines which are singularly healthy. But, +to relieve you from all anxiety on my account, I will give you a +description of the temperature of the climate, the situation of the +country, and the beauty of my villa, which, I am persuaded, you +will hear with as much pleasure as I shall take in giving it. The air +in winter is sharp and frosty, so that myrtles, olives, and trees of +that kind which delight in constant warmth, will not flourish here: +but the laurel thrives, and is remarkably beautiful, though now and +then the cold kills it--though not oftener than it does in the +neighbourhood of Rome. The summers are extraordinarily mild, +and there is always a retreshing breeze, seldom high winds. This +accounts for the number of old men we have about, you would see +grandfathers and great-grandfathers of those now grown up to be +young men, hear old stories and the dialect of our ancestors, and +fancy yourself born in some former age were you to come here. +The character of the country is exceedingly beautiful. Picture to +yourself an immense amphitheatre, such as nature only could +create. Before you lies a broad, extended plain bounded by a range +of mountains, whose summits are covered with tall and ancient +woods, which are stocked with all kinds of game. + +The descending slopes of the mountains are planted with +underwood, among which are a number of little risings with a rich +soil, on which hardly a stone is to be found. In fruitfulness they are +quite equal to a valley, and though their harvest is rather later, +their crops are just as good. At the foot of these, on the +mountain-side, the eye, wherever it turns, runs along one unbroken +stretch of vineyards terminated by a belt of shrubs. Next you have +meadows and the open plain. The arable land is so stiff that it is +necessary to go over it nine times with the biggest oxen and the +strongest ploughs. The meadows are bright with flowers, and +produce trefoil and other kinds of herbage as fine and tender as if +it were but just sprung up, for all the soil is refreshed by never +failing streams. But though there is plenty of water, there are no +marshes; for the ground being on a slope, whatever water it +receives without absorbing runs off into the Tiber. This river, +which winds through the middle of the meadows, is navigable only +in the winter and spring, at which seasons it transports the produce +of the lands to Rome: but in summer it sinks below its banks, +leaving the name of a great river to an almost empty channel: +towards the autumn, however, it begins again to renew its claim to +that title. You would be charmed by taking a view of this country +from the top of one of our neighbouring mountains, and would +fancy that not a real, but some imaginary landscape, painted by the +most exquisite pencil, lay before you, such an harmonious variety +of beautiful objects meets the eye, whichever way it turns. My +house, although at the foot of a hill, commands as good a view as +if it stood on its brow, yet you approach by so gentle and gradual a +rise that you find yourself on high ground without perceiving you +have been making an ascent. Behind, but at a great distance, is the +Apennine range. In the calmest days we get cool breezes from that +quarter, not sharp and cutting at all, being spent and broken by the +long distance they have travelled. The greater part of the house has +a southern aspect, and seems to invite the afternoon sun in summer +(but rather earlier in the winter) into a broad and proportionately +long portico, consisting of several rooms, particularly a court of +antique fashion. In front of the portico is a sort of terrace, edged +with box and shrubs cut into different shapes. You descend, from +the terrace, by an easy slope adorned with the figures of animals in +box, facing each other, to a lawn overspread with the soft, I had +almost said the liquid, Acanthus: this is surrounded by a walk +enclosed with evergreens, shaped into a variety of forms. Beyond it +is the gestatio~ laid out in the form of a circus running round the +multiform box-hedge and the dwarf-trees, which are cut quite +close. The whole is fenced in with a wall completely covered by +box cut into steps all the way up to the top. On the outside of the +wall lies a meadow that owes as many beauties to nature as all I +have been describing within does to art; at the end of which are +open plain and numerous other meadows and copses. From the +extremity of the portico a large dining-room runs out, opening +upon one end of the terrace, while from the windows there is a +very extensive view over the meadows up into the country, and +from these you also see the terrace and the projecting wing of the +house together with the woods enclosing the adjacent hippodrome. +Almost opposite the centre of the portico, and rather to the back, +stands a summer-house, enclosing a small area shaded by four +plane-trees, in the midst of which rises a marble fountain which +gently plays upon the roots of the plane-trees and upon the +grass-plots underneath them. This summer-house has a bed-room +in it free from every sort of noise, and which the light itself cannot +penetrate, together with a common dining-room I use when I have +none but intimate friends with me. A second portico looks upon +this little area, and has the same view as the other I have just been +describing. There is, besides, another room, which, being situate +close to the nearest plane-tree, enjoys a constant shade and green. +Its sides are encrusted with carved marble up to the ceiling, while +above the marble a foliage is painted with birds among the +branches, which has an effect altogether as agreeable as that of the +carving, at the foot of which a little fountain, playing through +several small pipes into a vase it encloses, produces a most +pleasing murmur. From a corner of the portico you enter a very +large bed-chamber opposite the large dining-room, which from +some of its windows has a view of the terrace, and from others, of +the meadow, as those in the front look upon a cascade, which +entertains at once both the eye and the ear; for the water, dashing +from a great height, foams over the marble basin which receives it +below. This room is extremely warm in winter, lying much +exposed to the sun, and on a cloudy day the heat of an adjoining +stove very well supplies his absence. Leaving this room, you pass +through a good-sized, pleasant, undressing-room into the +cold-bath-room, in which is a large gloomy bath: but if you are +inclined to swim more at large, or in warmer water, in the middle +of the area stands a wide basin for that purpose, and near it a +reservoir from which you may be supplied with cold water to brace +yourself again, if you should find you are too much relaxed by the +warm. Adjoining the cold bath is one of a medium degree of heat, +which enjoys the kindly warmth of the sun, but not so intensely as +the hot bath, which projects farther. This last consists of three +several compartments, each of different degrees of heat; the two +former lie open to the full sun, the latter, though not much exposed +to its heat, receives an equal share of its light. Over the +undressing-room is built the tennis-court, which admits of +different kinds of games and different sets of players. Not far from +the baths is the staircase leading to the enclosed portico, three +rooms intervening. One of these looks out upon the little area with +the four plane-trees round it, the other upon the meadows, and +from the third you have a view of several vineyards, so that each +has a different one, and looks towards a different point of the +heavens. At the upper end of the enclosed portico, and indeed +taken off from it, is a room that looks out upon the hippodrome, +the vineyards, and the mountains; adjoining is a room which has a +full expostire to the sun, especially in winter, and out of which +runs another connecting the hippodrome with the house. This +forms the front. On the side rises an enclosed portico, which not +only looks out upon the vineyards, but seems almost to touch +them. From the middle of this portico you enter a dining-room +cooled by the wholesome breezes from the Apennine valleys: from +the windows behind, which are extremely large, there is a close +view of the vineyards, and from the folding doors through the +summer portico. Along that side of the dining-room where there +are no windows runs a private staircase for greater convenience in +serving up when I give an entertainment; at the farther end is a +sleeping-room with a look-out upon the vineyards, and (what is +equally agreeable) the portico. Underneath this room is an +enclosed portico resembling a grotto, which, enjoying in the midst +of summer heats its own natural coolness, neither admits nor wants +external air. After you have passed both these porticoes, at the end +of the dining-room stands a third, which according as the day is +more or less advanced, serves either for Winter or summer use. It +leads to two different apartments, one containing four chambers, +the other, three, which enjoy by turns both sun and shade. This +arrangement of the different parts of my house is exceedingly +pleasant, though it is not to be compared with the beauty of the +hippodrome,' lying entirely open in the middle of the grounds, so +that the eye, upon your first entrance, takes it in entire in one view. +It is set round with plane-trees covered with ivy, so that, while +their tops flourish with their own green, towards the roots their +verdure is borrowed from the ivy that twines round the trunk and +branches, spreads from tree to tree, and connects them together. +Between each plane-tree are planted box-trees, and behind these +stands a grove of laurels which blend their shade with that of the +planes. This straight boundary to the hippodrome75 alters its shape +at the farther end, bending into a semicircle, which is planted +round, shut in with cypresses, and casts a deeper and gloomier +shade, while the inner circular walks (for there are several), +enjoying an open exposure, are filled with plenty of roses, and +correct, by a very pleasant contrast, the coolness of the shade with +the warmth of the sun. Having passed through these several +winding alleys, you enter a straight walk, which breaks out into a +variety of others, partitioned off by box-row hedges. In one place +you have a little meadow, in another the box is cut in a thousand +different forms, sometimes into letters, expressing the master's +name, sometimes the artificer's, whilst here and there rise little +obelisks with fruit-trees alternately intermixed, and then on a +sudden, in the midst of this elegant regularity, you are surprised +with an imitation of the negligent beauties of rural nature. In the +centre of this lies a spot adorned with a knot of dwarf plane-trees. +Beyond these stands an acacia, smooth and bending in places, then +again various other shapes and names. At the upper end is an +alcove of white marble, shaded with vines and supported by four +small Carystian columns. From this semicircular couch, the water, +gushing up through several little pipes, as though pressed out by +the weight of the persons who recline themselves upon it, falls into +a stone cistern underneath, from whence it is received into a fine +polished marble basin, so skilfully contrived that it is always full +without ever overflowing. When I sup here, this basin serves as a +table, the larger sort of dishes being placed round the margin, +while the smaller ones swim about in the form of vessels and +water-fowl. Opposite this is a fountain which is incessantly +emptying and filling, for the water which it throws up to a great +height, falling back again into it, is by means of consecutive +apertures returned as fast as it is received. Facing the alcove (and +reflecting upon it as great an ornament as it borrows from it) +stands a summer-house of exquisite marble, the doors of which +project and open into a green enclosure, while from its upper and +lower windows the eye falls upon a variety of different greens. +Next to this is a little private closet (which, though it seems +distinct, may form part of the same room), furnished with a couch, +and notwithstanding it has windows on every side, yet it enjoys a +very agreeable gloom, by means of a spreading vine which climbs +to the top, and entirely overshadows it. Here you may lie and fancy +yourself in a wood, with this only difference, that you are not +exposed to the weather as you would be there. Here too a fountain +rises and instantly disappears--several marble seats are set in +different places, which are as pleasant as the summer-house itself +after one is tired out with walking. Near each is a little fountain, +and throughout the whole hippodrome several small rills run +murmuring along through pipes, wherever the hand of art has +thought proper to conduct them, watering here and there different +plots of green, and sometimes all parts at once. I should have +ended before now, for fear of being too chatty, had I not proposed +in this letter to lead you into every corner of my house and +gardens. Nor did I apprehend your thinking it a trouble to read the +description of a place which I feel sure would please you were you +to see it; especially as you can stop just when you please, and by +throwing aside my letter, sit down as it were, and give yourself a +rest as often as you think proper. Besides, I gave my little passion +indulgence, for I have a passion for what I have built, or finished, +myself. In a word, (for why should I conceal from my friend either +my deliberate opinion or my prejudice?) I look upon it as the first +duty of every writer to frequently glance over his title-page and +consider well the subject he has proposed to himself; and he may +be sure, if he dwells on his subject, he cannot justly be thought +tedious, whereas if, on the contrary, he introduces and drags in +anything irrelevant, he will be thought exceedingly so. Homer, you +know, has employed many verses in the description of the arms of +Achilles, as Virgil has also in those of Aeneas, yet neither 'of them +is prolix, because they each keep within the limits of their original +design. Aratus, you observe, is not considered too circumstantial, +though he traces and enumerates the minutest stars, for he does not +go out of his way for that purpose, but only follows where his +subject leads him. In the same way (to compare small things with +great), so long as, in endeavouring to give you an idea of my +house, I have not introduced anything irtelevant or superfluous, it +is not my letter which describes, but my villa which is described, +that is to be considered large. But to return to where I began, lest I +should justly be condemned by my own law, if I continue longer in +this digression, you see now the reasons why I prefer my Tuscan +villa to those which I possess at Tusculum, Tiber, and Praeneste.76 +Besides the advantages already mentioned, I enjoy here a cozier, +more profound and undisturbed retirement than anywhere else, as I +am at a greater distance from the business of the town and the +interruption of troublesome clients. All is calm and composed; +which circumstances contribute no less than its clear air and +unclouded sky to that health of body and mind I particularly enjoy +in this place, both of which I keep in full swing by study and +hunting. And indeed there is no place which agrees better with my +family, at least I am sure I have not yet lost one (may the +expression be allowed!77) of all those I brought here with me. And +may the gods continue that happiness to me, and that honour to my +villa. Farewell. + +LIII + +To CALVISIUS + +IT is certain the law does not allow a corporate city to inherit any +estate by will, or to receive a legacy. Saturninus, however, who has +appointed me his heir, had left a fourth part of his estate to our +corporation of Comum; afterwards, instead of a fourth part, he +bequeathed four hundred thousand sesterces.78 This bequest, in +the eye of the law, is null and void, but, considered as the clear and +express will of the deceased, ought to stand firm and valid. Myself, +I consider the will of the dead (though I am afraid what I say will +not please the lawyers) of higher authority than the law, especially +when the interest of one's native country is concerned. Ought I, +who made them a present of eleven hundred thousand sesterces79 +out of my own patrimony, to withhold a benefaction of little more +than a third part of that sum out of an estate which has come quite +by a chance into my hands? You, who like a true patriot have the +same affection for this our common country, will agree with me in +opinion, I feel sure. I wish therefore you would, at the next +meeting of the Decurii, acquaint them, just briefly and +respectfully, as to how the law stands in this case, and then add +that I offer them four hundred thousand sesterces according to the +direction in Saturninus' will. You will represent this donation as +his present and his liberality; I only claim the merit of complying +with his request. I did not trouble to write to their senate about +this, fully relying as I do upon our intimate friendship and your +wise discretion, and being quite satisfied that you are both able and +willing to act for me upon this occasion as I would for my~ self; +besides, I was afraid I should not seem to have so cautiously +guarded my expressions in a letter as you will be able to do in a +speech. The countenance, the gesture, and even the tone of voice +govern and determine the sense of the speaker, whereas a letter, +being without these advantages, is more liable to malignant +misinterpretation. Farewell. + +LIV + +To MARCELLINUS + +I WRITE this to you in the deepest sorrow: the youngest daughter +of my friend Fundanus is dead! I have never seen a more cheerful +and more lovable girl, or one who better deserved to have enjoyed +a long, I had almost said an immortal, life! She was scarcely +fourteen, and yet there was in her a wisdom far beyond her years, a +matronly gravity united with girlish sweetness and virgin +bashfulness. With what an endearing fondness did she hang on her +father's neck! How affectionately and modestly she used to greet us +his friends! With what a tender and deferential regard she used to +treat her nurses, tutors, teachers, each in their respective offices! +What an eager, industrious, intelligent, reader she was! She took +few amusements, and those with caution. How self-controlled, +how patient, how brave, she was, under her last illness! She +complied with all the directions of her physicians; she spoke +cheerful, comforting words to her sister and her father; and when +all her bodily strength was exhausted, the vigour of her mind +sustained her. That indeed continued even to her last moments, +unbroken by the pain of a long illness, or the terrors of +approaching death; and it is a reflection which makes us miss her, +and grieve that she has gone from us, the more. 0 melancholy, +untimely, loss, too truly! She was engaged to an excellent young +man; the wedding-day was fixed, and we were all invited. How our +joy has been turned into sorrow! I cannot express in words the +inward pain I felt when I heard Fundanus himself (as grief is ever +finding out fresh circumstances to aggravate its affliction) ordering +the money he had intended laying out upon clothes, pearls, and +jewels for her marriage, to be employed in frankincense, +ointments, and perfumes for her funeral. He is a man of great +learning and good sense, who has applied himself from his earliest +youth to the deeper studies and the fine arts, but all the maxims of +fortitude which he has received from books, or advanced himself, +he now absolutely rejects, and every other virtue of his heart gives +place to all a parent's tenderness. You will excuse, you will even +approve, his grief, when you consider what he has lost. He has lost +a daughter who resembled him in his manners, as well as his +person, and exactly copied out all her father. So, if you should +think proper to write to him upon the subject of so reasonable a +grief, let me remind you not to use the rougher arguments of +consolation, and such as seem to carry a sort of reproof with them, +but those of kind and sympathizing humanity. Time will render +him more open to the dictates of reason: for as a fresh wound +shrinks back from the hand of the surgeon, but by degrees submits +to, and even seeks of its own accord the means of its cure, so a +mind under the first impression of a misfortune shuns and rejects +all consolations, but at length desires and is lulled by their gentle +application. Farewell. + +LV + +To SPURINNA + +KNOWING, as I do, how much you admire the polite arts, and +what satisfaction you take in seeing young men of quality pursue +the steps of their ancestors, I seize this earliest opportunity of +informing you that I went to-day to hear Calpurnius Piso read a +beautiful and scholarly production of his, entiled the Sports of +Love. His numbers, which were elegiac, were tender, sweet, and +flowing, at the same time that they occasionally rose to all the +sublimity of diction which the nature of his subject required. He +varied his style from the lofty to the simple, from the close to the +copious, from the grave to the florid, with equal genius and +judgment. These beauties were further recommended by a most +harmonious voice; which a very becoming aiodesty rendered still +more pleasing. A confusion and concern in the countenance of a +speaker imparts a grace to all he utters; for diffidence, I know not +how, is infinitely more engaging than assurance and +self-sufficiency. I might mention several other circumstances to his +advantage, which I am the more inclined to point out, as they are +exceedingly striking in one of his age, and are most uncommon in +a youth of his quality: but not to enter into a farther detail of his +merit, I will only add that, when he had finished his poem, I +embraced him very heartily, and being persuaded that nothing is a +greater encouragement than applause, I exhorted him to go on as +he had begun, and to shine out to posterity with the same glorious +lustre, which was reflected upon him from his ancestors. I +congratulated his excellent mother, and particularly his brother, +who gained as much honour by the generous affection he +manifested upon this occasion as Calpurnius did by his eloquence; +so remarkable a solicitude he showed for him when he began to +recite his poem, and so much pleasure in his success. May the gods +grant me frequent occasions of giving you accounts of this nature! +for I have a partiality to the age in which I live, and should rejoice +to find it not barren of merit. I ardently wish, therefore, our young +men of quality would have something else to show of honourable +memorial in their houses than the images80 of their ancestors. As +for those which are placed in the mansion of these excellent +youths, I now figure them to myself as silently applauding and +encouraging their pursuits, and (what is a sufficient degree of +honour to both brothers) as recognizing their kindred. Farewell. + +LVI + +To PAULINUS + +As I know the humanity with which you treat your own servants, I +have less reserve in confessing to you the indulgence I shew to +mine. I have ever in my mind that line of Homer's-- + +"Who swayed his people with a father's love": + +and this expression of ours, "father of a family." But were I harsher +and harder than I really am by nature, the ill state of health of my +freedman Zosimus (who has the stronger claim upon my +tenderness, in that he now stands in more especial need of it) +would be sufficient to soften me. He is a good, honest fellow, +attentive in his services, and well-read; but his chief talent, and +indeed his distinguishing qualification, is that of a comedian, in +which he highly excels. His pronunciation is distinct, correct in +emphasis, pure, and graceful: he has a very skilled touch, too, upon +the lyre, and performs with better execution than is necessary for +one of his profession. To this I must add, he reads history, oratory, +and poetry, as well as if these had been the sole objects of his +study. I am the more particular in enumerating his qualifications, +to let you see how many agreeable services I receive from this one +servant alone. He is indeed endeared to me by the ties of a long +affection, which are strengthened by the danger he is now in. For +nature has so formed our hearts that nothing contributes more to +incite and kindle affection than the fear of losing the object of it: a +fear which I have suffered more than once on his account. Some +years ago he strained himself so much by too strong an exertion of +his voice, that he spit blood, upon which account I sent him into +Egypt;81 from whence, after a long absence, helately returned with +great benefit to his health. But having again exerted himself for +several days together beyond his strength, he was reminded of his +former malady by a slight return of his cough, and a spitting of +blood. For this reason I intend to send him to your farm at +Forum-Julii,82 having frequently heard you mention it as a healthy +air, and recommend the milk of that place as very salutary in +disorders of his nature. I beg you would give directions to your +people to receive him into your house, and to supply him with +whatever he may have occasion for: which will not be much, for +he is so sparing and abstemious as not only to abstain from +delicacies, but even to deny himself the necessaries his ill state of +health requires. I shall furnish him towards his journey with what +will be sufficient for one of his moderate requirements, who is +coming under your roof. Farewell. + +LVII + +To RUFUS + +I WENT into the Julian83 court to hear those lawyers to whom, +according to the last adjournment, I was to reply. The judges had +taken their seats, the decemviri84 were arrived, the eyes of the +audience were fixed upon the counsel, and all was hushed silence +and expectation, when a messenger arrived from the praetor, and +the Hundred are at once dismissed, and the case postponed: an +accident extremely agreeable to me, who am never so well +prepared but that I am glad of gaining further time. The occasion +of the court's rising thus abruptly was a short edict of Nepos, the +praetor for criminal causes, in which he directed all persons +concerned as plaintiffs or defendants in any cause before him to +take notice that he designed strictly to put in force the decree of +the senate annexed to his edict. Which decree was expressed in the +following words: ALL PERSONS WHOSOEVER THAT HAVE +ANY LAW-SUITS DEPENDING ARE HEREBY REQUIRED +AND COMMANDED, BEFORE ANY PROCEEDINGS BE HAD +THEREON, TO TAKE AN OATH THAT THEY HAVE NOT +GIVEN, PROMISED, OR ENGAGED To GIVE, ANY FEE OR +REWARD TO ANY ADVOCATE, UPON ACCOUNT OF HIS +UNDERTAKING THEIR CAUSE. In these terms, and many +others equally full and express, the lawyers were prohibited to +make their professions venal. However, after the case is decided, +they are permitted to accept a gratuity of ten thousand sesterces.85 +The praetor for civil causes, being alarmed at this order of Nepos, +gave us this unexpected holiday in order to take time to consider +whether he should follow the example. Meanwhile the whole town +is talking, and either approving or condemning this edict of Nepos. +We have got then at last (say the latter with a sneer) a redressor of +abuses. But pray was there never a praetor before this man? Who is +he then who sets up in this way for a public reformer? Others, on +the contrary, say, "He has done perfectly right upon his entry into +office; he has paid obedience to the laws; considered the decrees +of the senate, repressed most indecent contracts, and will not +suffer the most honourable of all professions to be debased into a +sordid lucre traffic." This is what one hears all around one; but +which side may prevail, the event will shew. It is the usual method +of the world (though a very unequitable rule of estimation) to +pronounce an action either right or wrong, according as it is +attended with good or ill success; in consequence of which you +may hear the very same conduct attributed to zeal or folly, to +liberty or licentiousness, upon different several occasions. +Farewell. + +LVIII + +To ARRIANUS + +SOMETIMES I miss Regulus in our courts. I cannot say I deplore +his loss. The man, it must be owned, highly respected his +profession, grew pale with study and anxiety over it, and used to +write out his speeches though he could not get them by heart. +There was a practice he had of painting round his right or left +eye,86 and wearing a white patch87 over one side or the other of +his forehead, according as he was to plead either for the plaintiff +or defendant; of consulting the soothsayers upon the issue of an +action; still, all this excessive superstition was really due to his +extreme earnestness in his profession. And it was acceptable +enough being concerned in the same cause with him, as he always +obtained full indulgence in point of time, and never failed to get an +audience together; for what could be more convenient than, under +the protection of a liberty which you did not ask yourself, and all +the odium of the arrangement resting with another, and before an +audience which you had not the trouble of collecting, to speak on +at your ease, and as long as you thought proper? Nevertheless +Regulus did well in departing this life, though he would have done +much better had he made his exit sooner. He might really have +lived now without any danger to the public, in the reign of a prince +under whom he would have had no opportunity of doing any harm. +I need not scruple therefore, I think, to say I sometimes miss him: +for since his death the custom has prevailed of not allowing, nor +indeed of asking more than an hour or two to plead in, and +sometimes not above half that time. The truth is, our advocates +take more pleasure in finishing a cause than in defending it; and +our judges had rather rise from the bench than sit upon it: such is +their indolence, and such their indifference to the honour of +eloquence and the interest of justice! But are we wiser than our +ancestors? are we more equitable than the laws which grant so +many hours and days of adjournments to a case? were our +forefathers slow of apprehension, and dull beyond measure? and +are we clearer of speech, quicker in our conceptions, or more +scrupulous in our decisions, because we get over our causes in +fewer hours than they took days? O Regulus! it was by zeal in your +profession that you secured an advantage which is but rarely given +to the highest integrity. As for myself, whenever I sit upon the +bench (which is much oftener than I appear at the bar), I always +give the advocates as much time as they require: for I look upon it +as highly presuming to pretend to guess, before a case is heard, +what time it will require, and to set limits to an affair before one is +acquainted with its extent; especially as the first and most sacred +duty of a judge is patience, which constitutes an important part of +justice. But this, it is objected, would give an opening to much +superfluous matter: I grant it may; yet is it not better to hear too +much than not to hear enough? Besides, how shall you know that +what an advocate has farther to offer will be superfluous, until you +have heard him? But this, and many other public abuses, will be +best reserved for a conversation when we meet; for I know your +affection to the commonwealth inclines you to wish that some +means might be found out to check at least those grievances, +which would now be very difficult absolutely to remove. But to +return to affairs of private concern: I hope all goes well in your +family; mine remains in its usual situation. The good which I enjoy +grows more acceptable to me by its contjnu~nce; as habit renders +me less sensible of the evils I suffer. Farewell. + +LIX + +To CALPURNIA88 + +NEVER was business more disagreeable to me than when it +prevented me not only from accompanyinng you when you went +into Campania for your health, but from following you there soon +after; for I want particularly to be with you now, that I may learn +from my own eyes whether you are growing stronger and stouter, +and whether the tranquillity, the amusements, and plenty of that +charming country really agree with you. Were you in perfect +health, yet I could ill support your absence; for even a moment's +uncertainty of the welfare of those we tenderly love causes a +feeling of suspense and anxiety: but now your sickness conspires +with your absence to trouble me grievously with vague and various +anxieties. I dread everything, fancy everything, and, as is natural to +those who fear, conjure up the very things I most dread. Let me the +more earnestly entreat you then to think of my anxiety, and write +to me every day, and even twice a day: I shall be more easy, at +least while I am reading your letters, though when I have read +them, I shall immediately feel my fears again. Farewell. + +LX + +To CALPURNIA + +You kindly tell me my absence very sensibly affects you, and that +your only consolation is in conversing with my works, which you +frequently substitute in my stead. I am glad that you miss me; I am +glad that you find some rest in these alleviations. In return, I read +over your letters again and again, and am continually taking them +up, as if I had just received them; but, alas! this only stirs in me a +keener longing for you; for how sweet must her conversation be +whose letters have so many charms? Let me receive them, +however, as often as possible, notwithstanding there is still a +mixture of pain in the pleasure they afford me. Farewell. + +LXI + +To PRISCUS + +You know Attilius Crescens, and you love him; who is there, +indeed, of any rank or worth, that does not? For myself, I profess +to have a friendship for him far exceeding ordinary attachments of +the world. Our native towns are separated only by a day's journey; +and we got to care for each other when we were very young; the +season for passionate friendships. Ours improved by years; and so +far from being chilled, it was confirmed by our riper judgments, as +those who know us best can witness. He takes pleasure in boasting +everywhere of my friendship; as I do to let the world know that his +reputation, his ease, and his interest are my peculiar concern. +Insomuch that upon his expressing to me some apprehension of +insolent treatment from a certain person who was entering upon +the tribuneship of the people, I could not forbear answering, - + +"Long as Achilles breathes this vital air, +To touch thy head no impious band shall dare."89 + +What is my object in telling you these things? Why, to shew you +that I look upon every injury offered to Attilius as done to myself. +"But what is the object of all this?" you repeat. You must know +then, Valerius Varus, at his death, owed Attilius a sum of money. +Though I am on friendly terms with Maximus, his heir, yet there is +a closer friendship between him and you. I beg therefore, and +entreat you by the affection you have for me, to take care that +Attilius is not only paid the capital which is due to him, but alt the +long arrears of interest too. He neither covets the property of +others nor neglects the care of his own; and as he is not engaged in +any lucrative profession, he has nothing to depend upon but his +own frugality: for as to literature, in which he greatly distinguishes +himself, he pursues this merely from motives of pleasure and +ambition. In such a situation, the slightest loss presses hard upon a +man, and the more so because he has no opportunities of repairing +any injury done to his fortune. Remove then, I entreat you, our +uneasiness, and suffer me still to enjoy the pleasure of his wit and +bonhommie; for I cannot bear to see the cheerfulness of my friend +over-clouded, whose mirth and good humour dissipates every +gloom of melancholy in myself. In short, you know what a +pleasant entertaining fellow he is, and I hope you will not suffer +any injury to engloom and embitter his disposition. You may judge +by the warmth of his affection how severe his resentments would +prove; for a generous and great mind can ill brook an injury when +coupled with contempt. But though he could pass it over, yet +cannot I: on the contrary, I shall regard it as a wrong and indignity +done to myself, and resent it as one offered to my friend; that is, +with double warmth. But, after all, why this air of threatening? +rather let me end in the same style in which I began, namely, by +begging, entreating you so to act in this affair that neither Attilius +may have reason to imagine (which I am exceedingly anxious he +should not) that I neglect his interest, nor that I may have occasion +to charge you with carelessness of mine: as undoubtedly I shall not +if you have the same regard for the latter as I have for the former. +Farewell. + +LXII + +To ALBINUS + +I WAS lately at Alsium,90 where my mother-in-law has a villa +which once belonged to Verginius Rufus. The place renewed in +my mind the sorrowful remembrance of that-great and excellent +man. He was extremely fond of this retirement, and used to call it +the nest of his old age. Whichever way I looked, I missed him, I +felt his absence. I had an inclination to visit his monument; but I +repented having seen it, afterwards: for I found it still unfinished, +and this, not from any difficulty residing in the work itself, for it is +very plain, or rather indeed slight; but through the neglect of him +to whose care it was entrusted. I could not see without a concern, +mixed with indignation, the remains of a man, whose fame filled +the whole world, lie for ten years after his death without an +inscription, or a name. He had however directed that the divine +and immortal action of his life should be recorded upon his tomb +in the following lines: + +"Here Rufus lies, who Vindex' arms withstood, +Not for himself, but for his country's good." + +But faithful friends are so rare, and the dead so soon forgotten, that +we shall be obliged ourselves to build even our very tombs, and +anticipate the office of our heirs. For who is there that has no +reason to fear for himself what we see has happened to Verginius, +whose eminence and distinction, while rendering such treatment +more shameful, so, in the same way, make it more notorious? +Farewell. + +LXIII + +To MAXIMUS + +O WHAT a happy day I lately spent! I was called by the prefect of +Rome, to assist him in a certain case, and had the pleasure of +hearing two excellent young men, Fuscus Salinator and Numidius +Quadratus, plead on the opposite sides: their worth is equal, and +each of them will one day, I am persuaded, prove an ornament not +only to the present age, but to literature itself. They evinced upon +this occasion an admirable probity, supported by inflexible +courage: their dress was decent, their elocution distinct, their tones +were manly, their memory retentive, their genius elevated, and +guided by an equal solidity of judgment. I took infinite pleasure in +observing them display these noble qualities; particnlarly as I had +the satisfaction to see that, while they looked upon me as their +guide and model, they appeared to the audience as my imitators +and rivals. It was a day (I cannot but repeat it again) which +afforded me the most exquisite happiness, and which I shall ever +distinguish with the fairest mark. For what indeed could be either +more pleasing to me on the public account than to observe two +such noble youths building their fame and glory upon the polite +arts; or more desirable upon my own than to be marked out as a +worthy example to them in their pursuits of virtue? May the gods +still grant me the continuance of that pleasure! And I implore the +same gods, you are my witness, to make all these who think me +deserving of imitation far better than I am, Farewell. + +LXIV + +To ROMANUS + +You were not present at a very singular occurrence here lately: +neither was I, but the story reached me just after it had happened. +Passienus Paulus, a Roman knight, of good family, and a man of +peculiar learning and culture besides~ composes elegies, a talent +which runs in the family, for Propertius is reckoned by him +amongst his ancestors, as well as being his countryman. He was +lately reciting a poem which began thus: + +"Priscus, at thy command"-- + +Whereupon Javolenus Priscus, who happened to be present +as a particular friend of the poet's, cried out--" But he is mistaken, I +did not command him." Think what laughter and merriment this +occasioned. Priscus's wits, you must know, are reckoned rather +unsound,91 though he takes a share in public business, is +summoned to consultations, and even publicly acts as a lawyer, so +that this behaviour of his was the more remarkable and ridiculous: +meanwhile Paulus was a good deal disconcerted by his friend's +absurdity. You see how necessary it is for those who are anxious to +recite their works in public to take care that the audience as well as +the author are perfectly sane. Farewell. + +LXV + +To TACITUS + +YOUR request that I would send you an account of my uncle's +death, in order to transmit a more exact relation of it to posterity, +deserves my acknowledgments; for, if this accident shall be +celebrated by your pen, the glory of it, I am well assured, will be +rendered forever illustrious. And notwithstanding he perished by a +misfortune, which, as it involved at the same time a most beautiful +country in ruins, and destroyed so many populous cities, seems to +promise him an everlasting remembrance; notwithstanding he has +himself composed many and lasting works; yet I am persuaded, the +mentioning of him in your immortal writings, will greatly +contribute to render his name immortal. Happy I esteem those to +be to whom by provision of the gods has been granted the ability +either to do such actions as are worthy of being related or to relate +them in a manner worthy of being read; but peculiarly happy are +they who are blessed with both these uncommon talents: in the +number of which my uncle, as his own writings and your +history will evidently prove, may justly be ranked. It is with +extreme willingness, therefore, that I execute your commands; and +should indeed have claimed the task if you had not enjoined it. He +was at that time with the fleet under his command at Misenum.92 +On the 24th of August, about one in the afternoon, my mother +desired him to observe a cloud which appeared of a very unusual +size and shape. He had just taken a turn in the sun93 and, after +bathing himself in cold water, and making a light luncheon, gone +back to his books: he immediately arose and went out upon a rising +ground from whence he might get a better sight of this very +uncommon appearance. A cloud, from which mountain was +uncertain, at this distance (but it was found afterwards to come +from Mount Vesuvius), was ascending, the appearance of which I +cannot give you a more exact description of than by likening it to +that of a pine tree, for it shot up to a great height in the form of a +very tall trunk, which spread itself out at the top into a sort of +branches; occasioned, I imagine, either by a sudden gust of air that +impelled it, the force of which decreased as it advanced upwards, +or the cloud itself being pressed back again by its own weight, +expanded in the manner I have mentioned; it appeared sometimes +bright and sometimes dark and spotted, according as it was either +more or less impregnated with earth and cinders. This +phenomenon seemed to a man of such learning and research as my +uncle extraordinary and worth further looking into. He ordered a +light vessel to be got ready, and gave me leave, if I liked, to +accompany him. I said I had rather go on with my work; and it so +happened, he had himself given me something to write out. As he +was coming out of the house, he received a note from Rectina, the +wife of Bassus, who was in the utmost alarm at the imminent +danger which threatened her; for her villa lying at the foot of +Mount Vesuvius, there was no way of escape but by sea; she +earnestly entrealed him therefore to come to her assistance. He +accordingly changed his first intention, and what he had begun +from a philosophical, he now carries out in a noble and generous +spirit. He ordered the galleys to be put to sea, and went himself on +board with an intention of assisting not only Rectina, but the +several other towns which lay thickly strewn along that beautiful +coast. Hastening then to the place from whence others fled with +the utmost terror, he steered his course direct to the point of +danger, and with so much calmness and presence of mind as to be +able to make and dictate his observations upon the motion and all +the phenomena of that dreadful scene. He was now so close to the +mountain that the cinders, which grew thicker and hotter the +nearer he approached, fell into the ships, together with pumice- +stones, and black pieces of burning rock: they were in danger too +not only of being aground by the sudden retreat of the sea, but also +from the vast fragments which rolled down from the mountain, +and obstructed all the shore. Here he stopped to consider whether +he should turn back again; to which the pilot advising him, +"Fortune," said he, "favours the brave; steer to where Pomponianus +is." Pomponianus was then at Stabiae,94 separated by a bay, which +the sea, after several insensible windings, forms with the shore. He +had already sent his baggage on board; for though he was not at +that time in actual danger, yet being within sight of it, and indeed +extremely near, if it should in the least increase, he was +determined to put to sea as soon as the wind, which was blowing +dead in-shore, should go down. It was favourable, however, for +carrying my uncle to Pomponianus, whom he found in the greatest +consternation: he embraced him tenderly, encouraging and urging +him to keep up his spirits, and, the more effectually to soothe his +fears by seeming unconcerned himself, ordered a bath to be got +ready, and then, after having bathed, sat down to supper with great +cheerfulness, or at least (what is just as heroic) with every +appearance of it. Meanwhile broad flames shone out in several +places from Mount Vesuvius, which the darkness of the night +contributed to render still brighter and clearer. But my uncle, in +order to soothe the apprehensions of his friend, assured him it was +only the burning of the villages, which the country people had +abandoned to the flames: after this he retired to rest, and it is most +certain he was so little disquieted as to fall into a sound sleep: for +his breathing, which, on account of his corpulence, was rather +heavy and sonorous, was heard by the attendants outside. The +court which led to his apartment being now almost filled with +stones and ashes, if he had continued there any time longer, it +would have been impossible for him to have made his way out. So +he was awoke and got up, and went to Pomponianus and the rest of +his company, who were feeling too anxious to think of going to +bed. They consulted together whether it would be most prudent to +trust to the houses, which now rocked from side to side with +frequent and violent concussions as though shaken from their very +foundations; or fly to the open fields, where the calcined stones +and cinders, though light indeed, yet fell in large showers, and +threatened destruction. In this choice of dangers they resolved for +the fields: a resolution which, while the rest of the company were +hurried into by their fears, my uncle embraced upon cool and +deliberate consideration. They went out then, having pillows tied +upon their heads with napkins; and this was their whole defence +against the storm of stones that fell round them. It was now day +everywhere else, but there a deeper darkness prevai1ed than in the +thickest night; which howevcr was in some degree alleviated by +torches and other lights of various kinds. They thought proper to +go farther down upon the shore to see if they might safely put out +to sea, but found the waves still running extremely high, and +boisterous. There my uncle, laying himself down upon a sail cloth, +which was spread for him, called twice for some cold water, which +he drank, when immediately the flames, preceded by a strong +whiff of sulphur, dispersed the rest of the party, and obliged him to +rise. He raised himself up with the assistance of two of his +servants, and instantly fell down dead; suffocated, as I conjecture, +by some gross and noxious vapour, having always had a weak +throat, which was often inflamed. As soon as it was light again, +which was not till the third day after this melancholy accident, his +body was found entire, and without any marks of violence upon it, +in the dress in which he fell, and looking more like a man asleep +than dead. During all this time my mother and I, who were at +Miscnum--but this has no connection with your history, and you +did not desire any particulars besides those of my uncle's death; so +I will end here, only adding that I have faithfully related to you +what I was either an eye-witness of myself or received +immediately after the accident happened, and before there was +time to vary the truth. You will pick out of this narrative whatever +is most important: for a letter is one thing, a history another; it is +one thing wrIting to a friend, another thing writing to the public. +Farewell. + +LXVI + +To CORNELIUS TACITUS + +THE letter which, in compliance with your request, I wrote to you +concerning the death of my uncle has raised, it seems, your +curiosity to know what terrors and dangers attended me while I +continued at Misenum; for there, I think, my account broke off: + +"Though my shock'd soul recoils, my tongue shall tell." + +My uncle having left us, I spent such time as was left on my +studies (it was on their account indeed that I had stopped behind), +till it was time for my bath. After which I went to supper, atmd +then fell into a short and uneasy sleep. There had been noticed for +many days before a trembling of the earth, which did not alarm us +much, as this is quite an ordinary occurrence in Campania; but it +was so particularly violent that night that it not only shook but +actually overturned, as it would seem, everything about us. My +mother rushed into my chamber, where she found me rising, in +order to awaken her. We sat down in the open court of the house, +which occupied a small space between the buildings and the sea. +As I was at that time but eighteen years of age, I know not whether +I should call my behaviour, in this dangerous juncture, courage or +folly; but I took up Livy, and amused myself with turning over that +author, and even making extracts from him, as if I had been +perfectly at my leisure. Just then, a friend of my uncle's, who had +lately come to him from Spain, joined us, and observing me sitting +by my mother with a book in my hand, reproved her for her +calmness, and me at the same time for my careless security: +nevertheless I went on with my author. Though it was now +morning, the light was still exceedingly faint and doubtful; the +buildings all around us tottered, and though we stood upon open +ground, yet as the place was narrow and confined, there was no +remaining without imminent danger: we therefore resolved to quit +the town. A panic-stricken crowd followed us, and (as to a mind +distracted with terror every suggestion seems more prudent than its +own) pressed on us in dense array to drive us forward as we came +out. Being at a convenient distance from the houses, we stood still, +in the midst of a most dangerous and dreadful scene. The chariots, +which we had ordered to be drawn out, were so agitated backwards +and forwards, though upon the most level ground, that we could +not keep them steady, even by supporting them with large stones. +The sea seemed to roll back upon itself, and to he driven from its +banks by the convulsive motion of the earth; it is certain at least +the shore was considerably enlarged, and several sea animals were +left upon it. On the other side, a black and dreadful cloud, broken +with rapid, zigzag flashes, revealed behind it variously shaped +masses of flame: these last were like sheet-lightning, but much +larger. Upon this our Spanish friend, whom I mentioned above, +addressing himself to my mother and me with great energy and +urgency: " If your brother," he said, "if your uncle be safe, he +certainly wishes you may be so too; but if he perished, it was his +desire, no doubt, that you might both survive him: why therefore +do you delay your escape a moment?" We could never think of our +own safety, we said, while we were uncertain of his. Upon this our +friend left us, and withdrew from the danger with the utmost +precipitation. Soon afterwards, the cloud began to descend, and +cover the sea. It had already surrounded and concealed the island +of Capreae and the promontory of Misenum. My mother now +besought, urged, even commanded me to make my escape at any +rate, which, as I was young, I might easily do; as for herself, she +said, her age and corpulency rendered all attempts of that sort +impossible; however, she would willingly meet death if she could +have the satisfaction of seeing that she was not the occasion of +mine. But I absolutely refused to leave her, and, taking her by the +hand, compelled her to go with me. She complied with great +reluctance, and not without many reproaches to herself for +retarding my flight. The ashes now began to fall upon us, though in +no great quantity. I looked back; a dense dark mist seemed to be +following us, spreading itself over the country like a cloud. "Let us +turn out of the high-road," I said, "while we can still see, for fear +that, should we fall in the road, we should be pressed to death in +the dark, by the crowds that are following us." We had scarcely sat +down when night came upon us, not such as we have when the sky +is cloudy, or when there is no moon, but that of a room when it is +shut up, and all the lights put out. You might hear the shrieks of +women, the screams of children, and the shouts of men; some +calling for their children, others for their parents, others for their +husbands, and seeking to recognise each other by the voices that +replied; one lamenting his own fate, another that of his family; +some wishing to die, from the very fear of dying; some lifting their +hands to the gods; but the greater part convinced that there were +now no gods at all, and that the final endless night of which we +have heard had come upon the world.95 Among these there were +some who augmented the real terrors by others imaginary or +wilfully invented. I remember some who declared that one part of +Misenum had fallen, that another was on fire; it was false, but they +found people to believe them. It now grew rather lighter, which we +imagined to be rather the forerunner of an approaching burst of +flames (as in truth it was) than the return of day: however, the fire +fell at a distance from us: then again we were immersed in thick +darkness, and a heavy shower of ashes rained upon us, which we +were obliged every now and then to stand up to shake off, +otherwise we should have been crushed and buried in the heap. I +might boast that, during all this scene of horror, not a sigh, or +expression of fear, escaped me, had not my support been +grounded in that miserable, though mighty, consolation, that all +mankind were involved in the same calamity, and that I was +perishing with the world itself. At last this dreadful darkness was +dissipated by degrees, like a cloud or smoke; the real day returned, +and even the sun shone out, though with a lurid light, like when an +eclipse is coming on. Every object that presented itself to our eyes +(which were extremely weakened) seemed changed, being covered +deep with ashes as if with snow. We returned to Misenum, where +we refreshed ourselves as well as we could, and passed an anxious +night between hope and fear; though, indeed, wIth a much larger +share of the latter: for the earthquake still continued, while many +frenzied persons ran up and down heightening their own and their +friends' calamities by terrible predictions. However, my mother +and I, notwithstanding the danger we had passed, and that which +still threatened us, had no thoughts of leaving the place, till we +could receive some news of my uncle. + +And now, you will read this narrative without any view of inserting +it in your history, of which it is not in the least worthy; and indeed +you must put it down to your own request if it should appear not +worth even the trouble of a letter. Farewell. + +LX VII + +To MACER + +How much does the fame of human actions depend upon the +station of those who perform them! The very same conduct shall +be either applauded to the skies or entirely overlooked, just as it +may happen to proceed from a person of conspicuous or obscure +rank. I was sailing lately upon our lake,96 with an old man of my +acquaintance, who desired me to observe a villa situated upon its +banks, which had a chamber overhanging the water. "From that +room," said he, "a woman of our city threw herself and her +husband." Upon enquiring into the cause, he informed me, "That +her husband having been long afflicted with an ulcer in those parts +which modesty conceals, she prevailed with him at last to let her +inspect the sore, assuring him at the same timethat she would most +sincerely give her opinion whether there was a possibility of its +being cured. Accordingly, upon viewing the ulcer, she found the +case hopeless, and therefore advised him to put an end to his life: +she herself accompanying him, even leading the way by her +example, and being actually the means of his death; for tying +herself to her husband, she plunged with him into the lake." +Though this happened in the very city where I was born, I never +heard it mentioned before; and yet that this action is taken less +notice of than that famous one of Arria's, is not because it was less +remarkable, but because the person who performed it was more +obscure. Farewell. + +LXVIII + +To SERVIANUS + +I AM extremely glad to hear that you intend your daughter for +Fuscus Salinator, and congratulate you upon it. His family is +patrician,97 and both his father and mother are persons of the most +distinguished merit. As for himself, he is studious, learned, and +eloquent, and, with all the innocence of a child, unites the +sprightliness of youth and the wisdom of age. I am not, believe me, +deceived by my affection, when I give him this character; for +though I love him, I confess, beyond measure (as his friendship +and esteem for me well deserve), yet partiality has no share in my +judgment: on the contrary, the stronger my affection for him, the +more exactingly I weigh his merit. I will venture, then, to assure +you (and I speak it upon my own experience) you could not have, +formed to your wishes, a more accomplished son-in-law. May he +soon present you with a grandson, who shall be the exact copy of +his father! and with what pleasure shall I receive from the arms of +two such friends their children or grand-children, whom I shall +claim a sort of right to embrace as my own! Farewell, + +LXIX + +To SEVERUS + +You desire me to consider what turn you should give to your +speech in honour of the emperor,98 upon your being appointed +consul elect.99 It is easy to find copies, not so easy to choose out +of them; for his virtues afford such abundant material. However, I +will write and give you my opinion, or (what I should prefer) I will +let you have it in person, after having laid before you the +difficulties which occur to me. I am doubtful, then, whether I +should advise you to pursue the method which I observed myself +on the same occasion, When I was consul elect, I avoided running +into the usual strain of compliment, which, however far from +adulation, might yet look like it. Not that I affected firmness and +independence; but, as well knowing the sentiments of our amiable +prince, and being thoroughly persuaded that the highest praise I +could offer to him would be to show the world I was under no +necessity of paying him any. When I reflected what profusion of +honours had been heaped upon the very worst of his predecessors, +nothing, I imagined, could more distinguish a prince of his real +virtues from those infamous emperors than to address him in a +different manner. And this I thought proper to observe in my +speech, lest it might be suspected I passed over his glorious acts, +not out of judgment, but inattention. Such was the method I then +observed; but I am sensible the same measures are neither +agreeable nor indeed suitable to all alike. Besides the propriety of +doing or omitting a thing depends not only upon persons, but time +and circumstances; and as the late actions of our illustrious prince +afford materials for panegyric, no less just than recent and +glorious, I doubt (as I said before) whether I should persuade you +in the present instance to adopt the same plan as I did myself. In +this, however, I am clear, that it was proper to offer you by way of +advice the method I pursued. Farewell. + +LXX + +To FABATUS + +I HAVE the best reason, certainly, for celebrating your birthday as +my own, since all the happiness of mine arises from yours, to +whose care and diligence it is owing that I am gay here and at my +ease in town.--Your Camillian villa100 in Campania has suffered +by the injuries of time, and is falling into decay; however, the most +valuable parts of the building either remain entire or are but +slightly damaged, and it shall be my care to see it put into +thorough repair.--Though I flatter myself I have many friends, yet I +have scarcely any of the sort you enquire after, and which the +affair you mention demands. All mine lie among those whose +employments engage them in town; whereas the conduct of +country business requires a person of a robust constitution, and +bred up to the country, to whom the work may not seem hard, nor +the office beneath him, and who does not feel a solitary life +depressing. You think most highly of Rufus, for he was a great +friend of your son's; but of what use he can be to us upon this +occasion, I cannot conceive; though I am sure he will be glad to do +all he can for us. Farewell. + +LXXI + +To CORNELIANUS + +I RECEIvED lately the most exquisite satisfaction at +Centumcellae101 (as it is now called), being summoned thither by +Caesar102 to attend a council. Could anything indeed afford a +higher pleasure than to see the emperor exercising his justice, his +wisdom, and his affability, even in retirement, where those virtues +are most observable? Various were the points brought in judgment +before him, and which proved, in so many different instances, the +excellence of the judge. The cause of Claudius Ariston came on +first. He is an Ephesian nobleman, of great munificence and +unambitious popularity, whose virtues have rendered him +obnoxious to a set of people of far different characters; they had +instigated an informer against him, of the same infamous stamp +with themselves; but he was honourably acquitted. The next day, +the case of Galitta, accused of adultery, was heard. Her husband, +who is a military tribune, was upon the point of offering himself as +a candidate for certain honours at Rome, but she had stained her +own good name and his by an intrigue with a centurion.103 The +husband informed the consul's lieutenant, who wrote to the +emperor about it. Caesar, having thoroughly sifted the evidence, +cashiered the centurion, and sentenced him to banishment. It +remained that some penalty should be inflicted likewise upon the +other party, as it is a crime of which both must necessarily be +equally guilty. But the husband's affection for his wife inclined +him to drop that part of the prosecution, not without some +reflections on his forbearance; for he continued to live with her +even after he had commenced this prosecution, content, it would +seem, with having removed his rival. But he was ordered to +proceed in the suit: and, though he complied with great reluctance, +it was necessary, nevertheless, that she should be condemned. +Accordingly, she was sentenced to the punishment directed by the +Julian law.104 The emperor thought proper to specify, in his +decree, the name and office of the centurion, that it might appear +he passed it in virtue of military discipline; lest it should be +imagined he claimed a particular cognizance in every cause of the +same nature. The third day was employed in examining into an +affair which had occasioned a good deal of talk and various +reports; it was concerning the codicils of Julius Tiro, part of which +was plainly genuine, while the other part, it was alleged, was +forged. The persons accused of this fraud were Sempronius +Senecio, a Roman knight, and Eurythmus, Caesar's freedman and +proacurator.105 The heirs jointly petitioned the emperor, when he +was in Dacia,106 that he would reserve to himself the trial of this +cause; to which he consented. On his return from that expedition, +he appointed a day for the hearing; and when some of the heirs, as +though out of respect to Eurythmus, offered to withdraw the suit, +the emperor nobly replied, "He is not Polycletus,107 nor am I +Nero." However, he indulged the petitioners with an adjournment, +and the time being expired, he now sat to hear the cause. Two of +the heirs appeared, and desired that either their whole number +might be compelled to plead, as they had all joined in the +information, or that they also might have leave to withdraw. +Caesar delivered his opinion with great dignity and moderation; +and when the counsel on the part of Senecio and Eurythmus had +represented that unless their clients were heard, they would remain +under the suspicion of guilt,-- "I am not concerned," said the +emperor, "what suspicions they may lie under, it is I that am +suspected;" and then turning to us, "Advise me," said he, "how to +act in this affair, for you see they complain when allowed to +withdraw their suit." At length, by the advice of the counsel, he +'ordered notice to be given to the heirs that they should either +proceed with the case or each of themjustify their reasons for not +doing so; otherwise that he would pass scntcnce upon them as +calumniators.108 Thus you see how usefully and seriously we +spent our time, which however was diversified with amusements +of the most agreeable kind. We were every day invited to Caesar's +table, which, for so great a prince, was spread with much plainness +and simplicity. There we were either entertained with interludes or +passed the night in the most pleasing conversation. When we took +our leave of him the last day, he made each of us presents; so +studiously polite is Caesar! As for myself, I was not only charmed +with the dignity and wisdom of the judge, the honour done to the +assessors, the ease and unreserved freedom of our social +intercourse, but with the exquisite situation of the place itself. This +delightful villa is surrounded by the greenest meadows, and +overlooks the shore, which bends inwards, forming a complete +harbour. The left arm of this port is defended by exceedingly +strong works, while the right is in process of completion. An +artificial island, which rises at the mouth of the harbour, breaks the +force of the waves, and affords a safe passage to ships on either +side. This island is formed by a process worth seeing: stones of a +most enormous size are transported hither in a large sort of +pontoons, and being piled one upon the other, are fixed by their +own weight, gradually accumulating in the manner, as it were, of a +natural mound. It already lifts its rocky back above the ocean, +while the waves which beat upon it, being broken and tossed to an +immense height, foam with a prodigious noise, and whiten all the +surrounding sea. To these stones are added wooden piers, which in +process of time will give it the appearance of a natural island. This +haven is to be called by the name of its great author,109 and will +prove of infinite benefit, by affording a secure retreat to ships on +that extensive and dangerous coast. Farewell. + +LXXII + +To MAXIMUS + +You did perfectly right in promising a gladiatorial combat to our +good friends the citizens of Verona, who have long loved, looked +up to, and honoured, you; while it was from that city too you +received that amiable object of your most tender affection, your +late excellent wife. And since you owed some monument or public +representation to her memory, what other spectacle could you have +exhibited more appropriate to the occasion? Besides, you were so +unanimously pressed to do so that to have refused would have +looked more like hardness than resolution. The readiness too with +which you granted their petition, and the magnificent manner in +which you performed it, is very much to your honour; for a +greatness of soul is seen in these smaller instances, as well as +in matters of higher moment. I wish the African panthers, which +you had largely provided for this purpose, had arrived on the day +appointed, but though they were delayed by the stormy weather, +the obligation to you is equally the same, since it was not yowr +fault that they were not exhibited. Farewell. + +LXXIII + +To RESTITUTUS + +THIS obstinate illness of yours alarms me; and though I know how +extremely temperate you are, yet I fear lest your disease should get +the better of your moderation. Let me entreat you then to resist it +with a determined abstemiousness: a remedy, be assured, of all +others the most laudable as well as the most salutary. Human +nature itself admits the practicability of what I recommend: it is a +rule, at least, which I always enjoin my family to observe with +respect to myself. "I hope," I say to them, "that should I be +attacked with any disorder, I shall desire nothing of which I ought +either to be ashamed or have reason to repent; however, if my +distemper should prevail over my resolution, I forbid that anything +be given me but by the consent of my physicians; and I shall resent +your compliance with me in things improper as much as another +man would their refusal." I once had a most violent fever; when +the fit was a little abated, and I had been anointed,110 my +physician offered me something to drink; I held out my hand, +desiring he would first feel my pulse, and upon his not seeming +quite satisfied, I instantly returned the cup, though it was just at +my lips. Afterwards, when I was preparing to go into the bath, +twenty days from the first attack of my illness, perceiving the +physicians whispering together, I enquired what they were saying. +They replied they were of opinion I may possibly bathe with +safety, however that they were not without some suspicion of risk. +"What need is there," said I, "of my taking a bath at all?" And so, +with perfect calmness and tranquillity, I gave up a pleasure I was +upon the point of enjoying, and abstained from the bath as serenely +and composedly as though I were going into it. I mention this, not +only by way of enforcing my advice by example, but also that this +letter may be a sort of tie upon me to persevere in the same +resolute abstinence for the future. Farewell. + +LXXIV + +To CALPURNIA111 + +You will not believe what a longing for you possesses me. The +chief cause of this is my love; and then we have not grown used to +be apart. So it comes to pass that I lie awake a great part of the +night, thinking of you; and that by day, when the hours return at +which I was wont to visit you, my feet take me, as it is so truly +said, to your chamber, but not finding you there, I return, sick and +sad at heart, like an excluded lover. The only time that is free from +these torments is when I am being worn out at the bar, and in the +suits of my friends. Judge you what must be my life when I find +my repose in toil, my solace in wretchedness and anxiety. +Farewell. + +LXXV + +To MACRINUS + +A VERY singular and remarkable accident has happened in the +affair of Varenus,112 the result of which is yet doubtful. The +Bithynians, it is said, have dropped their prosecution of him being +convinced at last that it was rashly undertaken. A deputy from that +province is arrived, who has brought with him a decree of their +assembly; copies of which he has delivered to Caesar,113 and to +several of the leading men in Rome, and also to us, the advocates +for Varenus. Magnus,114 nevertheless, whom I mentioned in my +last letter to you, persists in his charge, to support which he is +incessantly teazing the worthy Nigrinus. This excellent person was +counsel for him in his former petition to the consuls, that Varenus +might be compelled to produce his accounts. Upon this occasion, +as I attended Varenus merely as a fricnd, I determined to be silent. +I thought it highly imprudent for me, as I was appointed his +counsel by the senate, to attempt to defend him as an accused +person, when it was his business to insist that there was actually no +charge subsisting against him. However, when Nigrinus had +finished his speech, the consuls turning their eyes upon me, I rose +up, and, "When you shall hear," I said, "what the real deputies +from the province have to object against the motion of Nigrinus, +you will see that my silence was not without just reason." Upon +this Nigrinus asked me, "To whom are these deputies sent?" I +replied, "To me among others; I have the decree of the province in +my hands." He returned, "That is a point which, though it may be +clear to you, I am not so well satisfied of." To this I answered, +"Though it may not be so evident to you, who are concerned to +support the accusation, it may be perfectly clear to me, who am on +the more favourable side." Then Polyaenus, the deputy from the +province, acquainted the senate with the reasons for superseding +the prosecution, but desired it migh't be without prejudice to +Caesar's determination. Magnus answered him; Polyaenus replied; +as for myself, I only now and then threw in a word, observing in +general a complete silence. For I have learned that upon some +occasions it is as much an orator's business to be silent as to speak, +and I remember, in some criminal cases, to have done even more +service to my clients by a discreet silence than I could have +expected from the most carefully prepared speech. To enter into +the subject of eloquence is indeed very foreign to the purpose of +my letter, yet allow me to give you one instance in proof of +my last observation. A certain lady having lost her son suspected +that his freedmen, whom he had appointed coheirs with her, were +guilty of forging the will and poisoning him. Accordingly she +charged them with the fact before the emperor, who directed +Julianus Suburanus to try the cause. I was counsel for the +defendants, and the case being exceedingly remarkable, and the +counsel engaged on both sides of eminent ability, it drew together +a very numerous audience. The issue was, the servants being put to +the torture, my clients were acquitted. But the mother applied a +second time to the emperor, pretending she had discovered some +new evidence. Suburanus was therefore directed to bear the cause, +and see if she could produce any fresh proofs. Julius Africanus was +counsel for the mother, a young man of good parts, but slender +experience. He is grandson to the famous orator of that name, of +whom it is reported that Passienus Crispus, hearing him one day +plead, archly said, "Very fine, I must confess, very fine; but is all +this fine speaking to the purpose?" Julius Africanus, I say, having +made a long harangue, and exhausted the portion of time allotted +to him, said, "I beg you, Suburanus, to allow me to add one word +more." When he had concluded, and the eyes of the whole +assembly had been fixed a considerable time upon me, I rose up. "I +would have answered Africanus," said I, "if he had added that one +word he begged leave to do, in which I doubt not he would have +told us all that we had not heard before." I do not remember to +have gained so much applause by any speech that I ever made as I +did in this instance by making none. Thus the little that I had +hitherto said for Varenus was received with the same general +approbation. The consuls, agreeably to the request of Polyaenus, +reserved the whole affair for the determination of the emperor, +whose resolution I impatiently wait for; as that will decide whether +I may be entirely secure and easy with respect to Varenus, or must +again renew all my trouble and anxiety upon his account. Farewell. + +LXXVI + +To TUSCUS + +You desire my opinion as to the method of study you should +pursue, in that retirement to which you have long. since +withdrawn. In the first place, then, I look upon it as a very +advantageous practice (and it is what many recommend) to +translate either from Greek into Latin or from Latin into Greek. By +this means you acquire propriety and dignity of expression, and a +variety of beautiful figures, and an ease and strength of exposition, +and in the imitation of the best models a facility of creating such +models for yourself. Besides, those things which you may possibly +have overlooked in an ordinary reading over cannot escape you in +translating: and this method will also enlarge your knowledge, and +improve your judgment. It may not be amiss, after you have read +an author, to turn, as it were, to his rival, and attempt something ol +your own upon the same topic, and then make a careful +comparison between your performance and his, in order to see in +what points either you or he may be the happier. You may +congratulate yourself indeed if you shall find in some things that +you have the advantage of him, while it will be a great +mortification if he is always superior. You may sometimes select +very famous passages and compete with what you select. The +competition is daring enough, but, as it is private, cannot be called +impudent. Not but that we have seen instances of persons who +have publicly entered this sort of lists with great credit to +themselves, and, while they did not despair of overtaking, have +gloriously outstripped those whom they thought it sufficient +honour to follow. A speech no longer fresh in your memory, you +may take up again. You will find plenty in it to leave unaltered, but +still more to reject; you will add a new thought here, and alter +another there. It is a laborious and tedious task, I own, thus to +re-enfiame the mind after the first heat is over, to recover an +impulse when its force has been checked and spent, and, worse +than all, to put new limbs into a body already complete without +disturbing the old; but the advantage attending this method will +overbalance the difficulty. I know the bent of your present +attention is directed towards the eloquence of the bar; but I would +not for that reason advise you never to quit the polemic, if I may so +call it, and contentious style. As land is improved by sowing it +with various seeds, constantly changed, so is the mind by +exercising it now with this subject of study, now with that. I would +recommend you, therefore, sometimes to take a subject from +history, and you might give more care to the composition of your +letters. For it frequently happens that in pleading one has occasion +to make use not only of historical, but even poetical, styles of +description; and then from letters you acquire a concise and simple +mode of expression. You will do quite right again in refreshing +yourself with poetry: when I say so, I do not mean that species of +poetry which turns upon subjects of great length and continuity +(such being suitable only for persons of leisure), but those little +pieces of the sprightly kind of poesy, which serve as proper reliefs +to, and are consistent with, employments of every sort. They +commonly go under the title of poetical amusements; but these +amusements have sometimes gained their authors as much +reputation as works of a more serious nature; and thus (for while I +am exhorting you to poetry, why should I not turn poet myself?) + +"As yielding wax the artist's skill commands, +Submissive shap'd beneath his forming hands; +Now dreadful stands in arms a Mars confest; +Or now with Venus's softer air imprest; +A wanton Cupid now the mould belies; +Now shines, severely chaste, a Pallas wife: +As not alone to quench the raging flame, +The sacred fountain pours her friendly stream; +But sweetly gliding through the flow'ry green, +Spreads glad refreshment o'er the smiling scene: +So, form'd by science, should the ductile mind +Receive, distinct, each various art refin'd." + +In this manner the greatest men, as well as the greatest +orators, used either to exercise or amuse themselves, or rather +indeed did both. It is surprising how much the mind is enlivened +and refreshed by these little poetical compositions, as they turn +upon love, hatred, satire, tenderness, politeness, and everything, in +short, that concerns life and the affairs of the world. Besides, the +same advantage attends these, as every other sort of poems, that +we turn from them to prose with so much the more pleasure after +having experienced the difficulty of being constrained and fettered +by metre. And now, perhaps, I have troubled you upon this subject +longer than you desired; however, there is one thing I have left out: +I have not told you what kind of authors you should read; though +indeed that was sufficiently implied when I told you on what you +should write. Remember to be careful in your choice of authors of +every kind: for, as it has been well observed, "though we should +read much, we should not read many books." Who those authors +are, is so clearly settled, and so generally known, that I need not +particularly specify them; besides, I have already extended this +letter to such an immoderate length that, while suggesting how you +ought to study, I have, I fear, been actually interrupting your +studies. I will here resign you therefore to your tablets, either to +resume the studies in which you were before engaged or to enter +upon some of those I have recommended. Farewell. + +LXX VII + +To FABATUS (HIS WIFE'S GRANDFATHER) + +You are surprised, I find, that my share of five-twelfths of the +estate which lately fell to me, and which I had directed to be sold +to the best bidder, should have been disposed of by my freedman +Hermes to Corellia (without putting it up to auction) at the rate of +seven hundred thousand sesterces115 for the whole. And as you +think it might have fetched nine hundred thousand,116 you are so +much the more desirous to know whether I am inclined to ratify +what he has done. I am; and listen, while I tell you why, for I hope +that not only you will approve, but also that my fellow-coheirs will +excuse me for having, upon a motive of superior obligation, +separated my interest from theirs. I have the highest esteem for +Corellia, both as the sister of Rufus, whose memory will always be +a sacred one to me, and as my mother's intimate friend. Besides, +that excellent man Minutius Tuscus, her husband, has every claim +to my affection that a long friendship can give him; as there was +likewise the closest intimacy between her son and me, so much so +indeed that I fixed upon him to preside at the games which I +exhibited when I was elected praetor. This lady, when I was last in +the country, expressed a strong desire for some place upon the +borders of our lake of Comum; I therefore made her an offer, at +her own price, of any part of my land there, except what came to +me from my father and mother; for that I could not consent to part +with, even to Corellia, and accordingly when the inheritance in +question fell to me, I wrote to let her know it was to be sold. This +letter I sent by Hermes, who, upon her requesting him that he +would immediately make over to her my proportion of it, +consented. Am I not then obliged to confirm what my freedman +has thus done in pursuance of my inclinations? I have only to +entreat my fellow-coheirs that they will not take it ill at my hands +that I have made a separate sale of what I had certainly a right to +dispose of. They are not bound in any way to follow my example, +since they have not the same connections with Corellia. They are +at full liberty therefore to be guided by interest, which in my own +case I chose to sacrifice to friendship. Farewell. + +LXXVIII + +To CORELLIA + +You are truly generous to desire and insist that I take for my share +of the estate you purchased of me, not after the rate of seven +hundred thousand sesterces for the whole, as my freedman sold it +to you; but in the proportion of nine hundred thousand, agreeably +to what you gave to the farmers of the twentieths for their part. But +I must desire and insist in my turn that you would consider not +only what is suitable to your character, but what is worthy of mine; +and that you would suffer me to oppose your inclination in this +single instance, with the same warmth that I obey it in all others. +Farewell. + +LXXIX + +To CELER + +EVERY author has his particular reasons for reciting his works; +mine, I have often said, are, in order, if any error should have +escaped my own observation (as no doubt they do escape it +sometimes), to have it pointed out to me. I cannot therefore but be +surprised to find (what your letter assures me) that there are some +who blame me for reciting my speeches: unless, perhaps, they are +of opinion that this is the single species of composition that ought +to be held exempt from any correction. If so, I would willingly ask +them why they allow (if indeed they do allow) that history may be +recited, since it is a work which ought to be devoted to truth, not +ostentation? or why tragedy, as it is composed for action and the +stage, not for being read to a private audience? or lyric poetry, as it +is not a reader, but a chorus of voices and instruments that it +requires? They will reply, perhaps, that in the instances referred to +custom has made the practice in question usual: I should be glad to +know, then, if they think the person who first introduced this +practice is to be condemned? Besides the rehearsal of speeches is +no unprecedented thing either with us or the Grecians. Still, +perhaps, they will insist that it can answer no purpose to recite a +speech which has already been delivered. True; if one were +immediately to repeat the very same speech word for word, and to +the very same audience; but if you make several additions and +alterations; if your audience is composed partly of the same, and +partly of different persons, and the recital is at some distance of +time, why is there less propriety in rehearsing your speech than in +publishing it? "But it is difficult," the objectors urge, "to give +satisfaction to an audience by the mere recital of a speech"; that is +a consideration which concerns the particular skill and pains of the +person who rehearses, but by no means holds good against +recitation in general. The truth is, it is not whilst I am reading, but +when I am read, that I aim at approbation; and upon this principle I +omit no sort of correction. In the first place, I frequently go +carefully over what I have written, by myself, after this I read it out +to two or three friends, and then give it to others to make their +remarks. If after this I have any doubt concerning the justness of +their observations, I carefully weigh them again with a friend or +two; and, last of all, I recite them to a larger audience, then is the +time, believe me, when I correct most energetically and +unsparingly; for my care and attention rise in proportion to my +anxiety; as nothing renders the judgment so acute to detect error as +that deference, modesty, and diffidence one feels upon those +occasions. For tell me, would you not be infinitely less affected +were you to speak before a single person only, though ever so +learned, than before a numerous assembly, even though composed +of none but illiterate people? When you rise up to plead, are you +not at that juncture, above all others, most self-distrustful? and do +you not wish, I will not say some particular parts only, but that the +whole arrangement of your intended speech were altered? +especially if the concourse should be large in which you are to +speak? for there is something even in a low and vulgar audience +that strikes one with awe. And if you suspect you are not well +received at the first opening of your speech, do you not find all +your energy relaxed, and feel yourself ready to give way? The +reason I imagine to be that there is a certain weight of collective +opinion in a multitude, and although each individual judgment is, +perhaps, of little value, yet when united it becomes considerable. +Accordingly, Pomponius Secundus, the famous tragic poet, +whenever some very intimate friend and he differed about the +retaining or rejecting anything in his writings, used to say, "I +appeal117 to the people"; and thus, by their silence or applause, +adopted either his own or his friend's opinion; such was the +deference he paid to the popular judgment! Whether justly or not, +is no concern of mine, as I am not in the habit of reciting my +works publicly, but only to a select circle, whose presence I +respect, and whose judgment I value; in a word, whose opinions I +attend to as if they were so many individuals I had separately +consulted, at the same time that I stand in as much awe before +them as I should before the most numerous assembly. What Cicero +says of composing will, in my opinion, hold true of the dread we +have of the public: "Fear is the most rigid critic imaginable." The +very thought of reciting, the very entrance into an assembly, and +the agitated concern when one is there; each of these +circumstances tends to improve and perfect an author's +performance. Upon the whole, therefore, I cannot repent of a +practice which I have found by experience so exceedingly useful; +and am so far from being discouraged by the trifling objections of +these censors that I request you would point out to me if there is +yet any other kind of correction, that I may also adopt it; for +nothing can sufficiently satisfy my anxiety to render my +compositions perfect. I reflect what an undertaking it is resigning +any work into the hands of the public; and I cannot but be +persuaded that frequent revisals, and many consultations, must go +to the perfecting of a performance, which one desires should +universally and forever please. Farewell. + +LXXX + +To PRISCUS + +THE illness of my friend Fannia gives me great concern. She +contracted it during her attendance on Junia, one of the Vestal +virgins, engaging in this good office at first voluntarily, Junia +being her relation, and afterwards being appointed to it by an order +from the college of priests: for these virgins, when excessive +ill-health renders it necessary to remove them from the temple of +Vesta, are always delivered over to the care and custody of some +venerable matron. It was owing to her assiduity in the execution of +this charge that she contracted her present dangerous disorder, +which is a continual fever, attended with a cough that increases +daily. She is extremely emaciated, and every part of her seems in a +total decay except her spirits: those, indeed, she fully keeps up; +and in a way altogether worthy the wife of Helvidius, and the +daughter of Thrasea. In all other respects there is such a falling +away that I am more than apprehensive upon her account; I am +deeply afflicted. I grieve, my friend, that so excellent a woman is +going to be removed from the eyes of the world, which will never, +perhaps, again behold her equal. So pure she is, so pious, so wise +and prudent, so brave and steadfast! Twice she followed her +husband into exile, and the third time she was banished herself +upon his account. For Senecio, when arraigned for writing the life +of Helvidius, having said in his defence that he composed that +work at the request of Fannia, Metius Carus, with a stern and +threatening air, asked her whether she had made that request, and +she replied, "I made it." Did she supply him likewise with +materials for the purpose? "I did." Was her mother privy to +this transaction? "She was not." In short, throughout her whole +examination, not a word escaped her which betrayed the smallest +fear. On the contrary, she had preserved a copy of those very books +which the senate, over-awed by the tyranny of the times, had +ordered to be suppressed, and at the same time the effects of the +author to be confiscated, and carried with her into exile the very +cause of her exile. Ilow pleasing she is, how courteous, and (what +is granted to few) no less lovable than worthy of all esteem and +adlniration! Will she hereafter be pointed out as a model to all +wives; and perhaps be esteemed worthy of being set forth as an +example of fortitude even to our sex; since, while we still have the +pleasure of seeing and conversing with her, we contemplate her +with the same admiration, as those heroines who are celebrated in +ancient story? For myself, I confess, I cannot but tremble for this +illustrious house, which seems shaken to its very foundations, and +ready to fall; for though she will leave descendants behind her, yet +what a height of virtue must they attain, what glorious deeds must +they perform, ere the world will be persuaded that she was not the +last of her family! It is an additional affliction and anguish to me +that by her death I seem to lose her mother a second time; that +worthy mother (and what can I say higher in her praise?) of so +noble a woman! who, as she was restored to me in her daughter, so +she will now again be taken from me, and the loss of Fannia will +thus pierce my heart at once with a fresh, and at the same time +re-opened, wound. I so truly loved and honoured them both, that I +know not which I loved the best; a point they desired might ever +remain undetermined. In their prosperity and their adversity I did +them every kindness in my power, and was their comforter in +exile, as well as their avenger at their return. But I have not yet +paid them what I owe, and am so much the more solicitous for the +recovery of this lady, that I may have time to discharge my debt to +her. Such is the anxiety and sorrow under which I write this letter! +But if some divine power should happily turn it into joy, I shall not +complain of the alarms I now suffer. Farewell. + +LXXXI + +To GEMINIUS + +NUMIDIA QUADRATILLA is dead, having almost reached her +eightieth year. She enjoyed, up to her last illness, uninterrupted +good health, and was unusually stout and robust for one of her sex. +She has left a very prudent will, having disposed of two-thirds of +her estate to her grandson, and the rest to her grand-daughter. The +young lady I know very slightly, but the grandson is one of my +most intimate friends. He is a remarkable young man, and his +merit entitles him to the affection of a relation, even where his +blood does not. Notwithstanding his remarkable personal beauty, +he escaped every malicious imputation both whilst a boy and when +a youth: he was a husband at four-and-twenty, and would have +been a father if Providence had not disappointed his hopes. He +lived in the family with his grandmother, who was exceedingly +devoted to the pleasures of the town, yet observed great severity of +conduct himself, while always perfectly deferential and submissive +to her. She retained a set of pantomimes, and was an encourager of +this class of people to a degree inconsistent with one of her sex +and rank. But Quadratus never appeared at these entertainments, +whether she exhibited them in the theatre or in her own house; nor +indeed did she require him to be present. I once heard her say, +when she was recommending to me the supervision of her +grandson's studies, that it was her custom, in order to pass away +some of those unemployed hours with which female life abounds, +to amuse herself with playing at chess, or seeing the mimicry of +her pantomimes; but that, whenever she engaged in either of those +amusements, she constantly sent away her grandson to his studies: +she appeared to me to act thus as much out of reverence for the +youth as from affection. I was a good deal surprised, as I am sure +you will be too, at what he told me the last time the Pontifical +games118 were exhibited. As we were coming out of the theatre +together, where we had been entertained with a show of these +pantomimes, "Do you know," said he, "to-day is the first time I +ever saw my grandmother's freedman dance?" Such was the +grandson's speech! while a set of men of a far different stamp, in +order to do honour to Quadratilla (am ashamed to call it honour), +were running up and down the theatre, pretending to be struck with +the utmost admiration and rapture at the performances of those +pantomimes, and then imitating in musical chant the mien and +manner of their lady patroness. But now all the reward they have +got, in return for their theatrical performances, is just a few trivial +legacies, which they have the mortification to receive from an heir +who was never so much as present at these shows.-- I send you this +account, knowing you do not dislike hearing town news, and +because, too, when any occurrence has given me pleasure, I love to +renew it again by relating it. And indeed this instance of affection +in Quadratilla, and the honour done therein to that excellent youth +her grandson, has afforded me a very sensible satisfaction; as I +extremely rejoice that the house which once belonged to +Cassius,119 the founder and chief of the Cassian school, is come +into the possession of one no less considerable than its former +master. For my friend will fill it and become it as he ought, and its +ancient dignity, lustre, and glory will again revive under +Quadratus, who, I am persuaded, will prove as eminent an orator +as Cassius was a lawyer. Farewell. + +LXXXII + +To MAXIMUS + +THE lingering disorder of a friend of mine gave me occasion lately +to reflect that we are never so good as when oppressed with illness. +Where is the sick man who is either solicited by avarice or +inflamed with lust? At such a season he is neither a slave of love +nor the fool of ambition; wealth he utterly disregards, and is +content with ever so small a portion of it, as being upon the point +of leaving even that little. It is then he recollects there are gods, +and that he himself is but a man: no mortal is then the object of his +envy, his admiration, or his contempt; and the tales of slander +neither raise his attention nor feed his curiosity: his dreams are +only of baths and fountains. These are the supreme objects of his +cares and wishes, while he resolves, if he should recover, to pass +the remainder of his days in ease and tranquillity, that is, to live +innocently and happily. I may therefore lay down to you and +myself a short rule, which the philosophers have endeavoured to +inculcate at the expense of many words, and even many volumes; +that "we should try and realise in health those resolutions we form +in sickness." Farewell. + +LXXXIII + +To SURA + +THE present recess from business we are now enjoying affords +you leisure to give, and me to receive, instruction. I am extremely +desirous therefore to know whether you believe in the existence of +ghosts, and that they have a real form, and are a sort of divinities, +or only the visionary impressions of a terrified imagination. What +particularly inclines me to believe in their existence is a story +which I heard of Curtius Rufus. When he was in low +circumstances and unknown in the world, he attended the governor +of Africa into that province. One evening, as he was walking in the +public portico, there appeared to him the figure of a woman, of +unusual size and of beauty more than human. And as he stood +there, terrified and astonished, she told him she was the tutelary +power that presided over Africa, and was come to inform him of +the future events of his life: that he should go back to Rome, to +enjoy high honours there, and return to that province invested with +the pro-consular dignity, and there should die. Every circumstance +of this prediction actually came to pass. It is said farther that upon +his arrival at Carthage, as he was coming out of the ship, the same +figure met him upon the shore. It is certain, at least, that being +seized with a fit of illness, though there were no symptoms in his +case that led those about him to despair, he instantly gave up all +hope of recovery; judging, apparently, of the truth of the future +part of the prediction by what had already been fulfilled, and of the +approaching misfortune from his former prosperity. Now the +following story, which I am going to tell you just as I heard it, is it +not more terrible than the former, while quite as wonderful? There +was at Athens a large and roomy house, which had a bad name, so +that no one could live there. In the dead of the night a noise, +resembling the clashing of iron, was frequently heard, which, if +you listened more attentively, sounded like the rattling of chains, +distant at first, but approaching nearer by degrees: immediately +afterwards a spectre appeared in the form of an old man, of +extremely emaciated and squalid appearance, with a long beard +and dishevelled hair, rattling the chains on his feet and hands. The +distressed occupants meanwhile passed their wakeful nights under +the most dreadful terrors imaginable. This, as it broke their rest, +ruined their health, and brought on distempers, their terror grew +upon them, and death ensued. Even in the day time, though the +spirit did not appear, yet the impression remained so strong upon +their imaginations that it still seemed before their eyes, and kept +them in perpetual alarm, Consequently the house was at length +deserted, as being deemed absolutely uninhabitab1e; so that it was +now entirely abandoned to the ghost. However, in hopes that some +tenant might be found who was ignorant of this very alarming +circumstance, a bill was put up, giving notice that it was either to +be let or sold. It happened that Athenodorus120 the philosopher +came to Athens at this time, and, reading the bill, enquired the +price. The extraordinary cheapness raised his suspicion; +nevertheless, when he heard the whole story, be was so +far from being discouraged that he was more strongly inclined to +hire it, and, in short, actually did so. When it grew towards +evening, he ordered a couch to be prepared for him in the front +part of the house, and, after calling for a light, together with his +pencil and tablets, directed all his people to retire. But that his +mind might not, for want of employment, be open to the vain +terrors of imaginary noises and spirits, he applied himself to +writing with the utmost attention. The first part of the night passed +in entire silence, as usual; at length a clanking of iron and rattling +of chains was heard: however, he neither lifted up his eyes nor laid +down his pen, but in order to keep calm and collected tried to pass +the sounds off to himself as something else. The noise increased +and advanced nearer, till it seemed at the door, and at last in the +chamber. He looked up, saw, and recognized the ghost exactly as it +had been described to him: it stood before him, beckoning with the +finger, like a person who calls another. Athenodorus in reply made +a sign with his hand that it should wait a little, and threw his eyes +again upon his papers; the ghost then rattled its chains over the +head of the philosopher, who looked up upon this, and seeing it +beckoning as before, immediately arose, and, light in hand, +followed it. The ghost slowly stalked along, as if encumbered with +its chains, and, turning into the area of the house, suddenly +vanished. Athenodorus, being thus deserted, made a mark with +some grass and leaves on the spot where the spirit left him. The +next day he gave information to the magistrates, and advised them +to order that spot to be dug up. This was accordingly done, and the +skeleton of a man in chains was found there; for the body, having +lain a considerable time in the ground, was putrefied and +mouldered away from the fetters. The bones being collected +together were publicly buried, and thus after the ghost was +appeased by the proper ceremonies, the house was haunted no +more. This story I believe upon the credit of others; what I am +going to mention, I give you upon my own. I have a freedman +named Marcus, who is by no means illiterate. One night, as he and +his younger brother were lying together, he fancied he saw +somebody upon his bed, who took out a pair of scissors, and cut +off the hair from the top part of his own head, and in the morning, +it appeared his hair was actually cut, and the clippings lay +scattered about the floor. A short time after this, an event of a +similar nature contributed to give credit to the former story. A +young lad of my family was sleeping in his apartment with the rest +of his companions, when two persons clad in white came in, as he +says, through the windows, cut off his hair as he lay, and then +returned the same way they entered. The next morning it was +found that this boy had been served just as the other, and there was +the hair again, spread about the room. Nothing remarkable indeed +followed these events, unless perhaps that I escaped a prosecution, +in which, if Domitian (during whose reign this happened) had +lived some time longer, I should certainly have been involved. For +after the death of that emperor, articles of impeachment against +me were found in his scrutore, which had been exhibited by Carus. +It may therefore be conjectured, since it is customary for persons +under any public accusation to let their hair grow, this cutting off +the hair of my servants was a sign I should escape the imminent +danger that threatened me. Let me desire you then to give this +question your mature consideration. The subject deserves your +examination; as, I trust, I am not myself altogether unworthy a +participation in the abundance of your superior knowledge. And +though you should, as usual, balance between two opinions, yet I +hope you will lean more on one side than on the other, lest, whilst +I consult you in order to have my doubt settled, you should dismiss +me in the same suspense and indecision that occasioned you the +present application. Farewell. + +LXXXIV + +To SEPTITIUS + +You tell me certain persons have blamed me in your company, as +being upon all occasions too lavish in the praise I give my friends. +I not only acknowledge the charge, but glory in it; for can there be +a nobler error than an overflowing benevolence? But still, who are +these, let me ask, that are better acquaillted with my friends than I +am myself? Yet grant there are any such, why will they deny me +the satisfaction of so pleasing a mistake? For supposing my friends +not to deserve the highest encomiums I give them, yet I am happy +in believing they do. Let them recommend then this malignant zeal +to those (and their number is not inconsiderable) who imagine they +show their judgment when they indulge their censure upon their +friends. As for myself, they will never be able to persuade me I can +be guilty of an excess121 in friendship, Farewell. + +LXXXV + +To TACITUS + +I PREDICT (and I am persuaded I shall not be deceived) that your +histories will be immortal. I frankly own therefore I so much the +more earnestly wish to find a place in them. If we are generally +careful to have our faces taken by the best artists, ought we not to +desire that our actions may be celebrated by an author of your +distinguished abilities? I therefore call your attention to the +following matter, which, though it cannot have escaped your +notice, as it is mentioned in the public journals, still I call your +attention to, that you may the more readily believe how agreeable +it will be to me that this action, greatly heightened by the risk +which attended it, should receive additional lustre from the +testimony of a man of your powers. The senate appointed +Herennius Senecio, and myself, counsel for the province of +Baetica, in their impeachment of Boebius Massa. He was +condemned, and the house ordered his effects to be seized into the +hands of the public officer. Shortly after, Senecio, having learnt +that the consuls intended to sit to hear petitions, came and said to +me, "Let us go together, atid petition them with the same +unanimity in which we executed the office which had been +enjoined us, not to suffer Massa's effects to be dissipated by those +who were appointed to preserve them." I answered, "As we were +counsel in this affair by order of the senate, I recommend it to your +consideration whether it would be proper for us, after sentence +passed, to interpose any farther." "You are at liberty," said he, "to +prescribe what bounds you please to yourself, who have no +particular connections with the province, except what arise from +your late services to them; but then I was born there, and enjoyed +the post of quaestor among them." "If such," I replied, "is your +determined resolution, I am ready to accompany you, that +whatever resentment may be the consequence of this affair, it may +not fall singly upon yourself." We accordingly proceeded to the +consuls, where Senecio said what was pertinent to the affair, and I +added a few words to the same effect. Scarcely had we ended +when Massa, complaining that Senecio had not acted against him +with the fidelity of an advocate, but the bitterness of an enemy, +desired he might be at liberty to prosecute him for treason. This +occasioned general consternation. Whereupon I rose up; "Most +noble consuls," said I, "I am afraid it should seem that Massa has +tacitly charged me with having favoured him in this cause, since +he did not think proper to join me with Senecio in the desired +prosecution." This short speech was immediately received with +applause, and afterwards got much talked about everywhere. The +late emperor Nerva (who, though at that time in a private station, +yet interested himself in every meritorious action performed in +public) wrote a most impressive letter to me upon the occasion, in +which he not only congratulated me, but the age which had +produced an example so much in the spirit (as he was pleased to +call it) of the good old days. But, whatever be the actual fact, it lies +in your power to raise it into a grander and more conspicuously +illustrious position, though I am far from desiring you in the least +to exceed the bounds of reality. History ought to be guided by +strict truth, and worthy actions require nothing more. Farewell. + +LXXX VI + +To SEPTITIUS + +I HAD a good journey here, excepting only that some of my +servants were upset by the excessive heat. Poor Encolpius, my +reader,122 who is so indispensable to me in my studies and +amusements, was so affected with the dust that it brought on a +spitting of blood: an accident which will prove no less unpleasant +to me than unfortunate to himself, should he be thereby rendered +unfit for the literary work in which he so greatly excels. If that +should unhappily result, where shall I find one who will read my +works so well, or appreciate them so thoroughly as he? Whose +tones will my ears drink in as they do his? But the gods seem to +favour our better hopes, as the bleeding is stopped, and the pain +abated. Besides, he is extremely temperate; while no concern is +wanting on my part or care on his physician's. This, together with +the wholesomeness of the air, and the quiet of retirement, gives us +reason to expect that the cotlntry will contribute as much to the +restoration of his health as to his rest. Farewell. + +LXXXVII + +To CALVISIUS + +OTHER people visit their estates in order to recruit their purses; +whilst I go to mine only to return so much the poorer. I had sold +my vintage to the merchants, who were extremely eager to +purchase it, encouraged by the price it then bore, and what it was +probable it would rise to: however they were disappointed in their +expectations. Upon this occasion to have made the same general +abatement to all would have been much the easiest, though not so +equitable a method. Now I hold it particularly worthy of a man of +honour to be governed by principles of strict equity in his domestic +as well as public conduct; in little matters as in great ones; in his +own concerns as well as in those of others. And if every deviation +from rectitude is equally criminal,123 every approach to it must be +equally praiseworthy. So accordingly I remitted to all in general +one-eighth part of the price they had agreed to give me, that none +might go away without some compensation: next, I particularly +considered those who had advanced the largest sums towards their +purchase, and done me so much the more service, and been greater +sufferers themselves. To those, therefore, whose purchase +amounted to more than ten thousand sesterces,124 I returned (over +and above that which I may call the general and common eighth) a +tenth part of what they had paid beyond that sum. I fear I do not +express myself sufficiently clearly; I will endeavour to explain my +meaning more fully: for instance, suppose a man had purchased of +me to the value of fifteen thousand sesterces,125 I remitted to him +one-eighth part of that whole sum, and likewise one-tenth of five +thousand.126 Besides this, as several had deposited, in different +proportions, part of the price they had agreed to pay, whilst others +had advanced nothing, I thought it would not be at all fair that all +these should be favoured with the same undistinguished remission. +To those, therefore, who had made any payments, I returned a +tenth part upon the sums so paid. By this means I made a proper +acknowledgment to each, according to their respective deserts, and +likewise encouraged them, not only to deal with me for the future, +but to be prompt in their payments. This instance of my +good-nature or my judgment (call it which you please) was a +considerable expense to me. However, I found my account in it; +for all the country greatly approved both of the novelty of these +abatements and the manner in which I regulated them. Even those +whom I did not "mete" (as they say) "by the same measure," but +distinguished according to their several degrees, thought +themselves obliged to me, in proportion to the probity of their +principles, and went away pleased with having experienced that +not with me + +"The brave and mean an equal honour find."127 + +Farewell. + +LXXX VIII + +To ROMANUS + +HAVE you ever seen the source of the river Clitumnus? If you +have not (and I hardly think you can have seen it yet, or you would +have told me), go there as soon as possible. I saw it yesterday, and +I blame myself for not having seen it sooner. At the foot of a little +hill, well wooded with old cypress trees, a spring gushes out, +which, breaking up into different and unequal streams, forms +itself, after several windings, into a large, broad basin of water, so +transparently clear that you may count the shining pebbles, and the +little pieces of money thrown into it, as they lie at the bottom. +From thence it is carried off not so much by the declivity of the +ground as by its own weight and exuberance. A mere stream at its +source, immediately, on quitting this, you find it expanded into a +broad river, fit for large vessels even, allowing a free passage by +each other, according as they sail with or against the stream~ The +current runs so strong, though the ground is level, that the large +barges going down the river have no occasion to make use of their +oars; while those going up find it difficult to make headway even +with the assistance of oars and poles: and this alternate interchange +of ease and toil, according as you turn, is exceedingly amusing +when one sails up and down merely for pleasure. The banks are +well covered with ash and poplar, the shape and colour of the trees +being as clearly and distinctly reflected in the stream as if they +were actually sunk in it. The water is cold as snow, and as white +too. Near it stands an ancient and venerable temple, in which is +placed the river-god Clitumnus clothed in the usual robe of state; +and indeed the prophetic oracles here delivered sufficiently testify +the immediate presence of that divinity. Several little chapels are +scattered round, dedicated to particular gods, distinguished each by +his own peculiar name and form of worship, and some of them, +too, presiding over different fountains. For, besides the principal +spring, which is, as it were, the parent of all the rest, there are +several other lesser streams, which, taking their rise from various +sources, lose themselves in the river; over which a bridge is built +that separates the sacred part from that which lies open to common +use. Vessels are allowed to come above this bridge, but no person +is permitted to swim except below it. The Hispellates, to whom +Augustus gave this place, furnish a public bath, and likewise +entertain all strangers, at their own expense. Several villas, +attracted by the beauty of this river, stand about on its borders. In +short, every surrounding object will afford you entertainment. You +may also amuse yourself with numberless inscriptions upon the +pillars and walls, by different persons, celebrating the virtues of +the fountain, and the divinity that presides over it. Many of them +you will admire, while some will make you laugh; hut I must +correct myself when I say so; you are too humane, I know, to laugh +upon such an occasion. Farewell. + +LXXXIX + +To ARISTO + +As you are no less acquainted with the political laws of your +country (which include the customs and usages of the senate) than +with the civil, I am particularly desirous to have your opinion +whether I was mistaken in an affair which lately came before the +house, or not. This I request, not with a view of being directed in +my judgment as to what is passed (for that is now too late), but in +order to know how to act in any possible future case of the kind. +You will, ask, perhaps, "Why do you apply for information +concerning a point on which you ought to be well instructed ?" +Because the tyranny of former reigns,128 as it introduced a neglect +and ignorance of all other parts of useful knowledge, so +particularly of what relates to the customs of the senate; for who is +there so tamely industrious as to desire to learn what he can never +have an opportunity of putting in practice? Besides, it is not very +easy to retain even the knowledge one has acquired where no +opportunity of employing it occurs. Hence it was that Liberty, on +her return129 found us totally ignorant and inexperienced; and +thus in the warmth of our eagerness to taste her sweets, we are +sometimes hurried ott to action, ere we are well instructed how we +ought to act. But by the institution of our ancestors, it was wisely +provided that the young should learn from the old, not only by +precept, but by their own observation, how to behave in that sphere +in which they were one day themselves to move; while these, +again, in their turn, transmitted the same mode of instruction to +their children. Upon this principle it was that the youth were sent +early into the army, that by being taught to obey they might learn +to command, and, whilst they followed others, might be trained by +degrees to become leaders themselves. On the same principle, +when they were candidates for any office, they were obliged to +stand at the door of the senate-house, and were spectators of the +public council before they became members of it. The father of +each youth was his instructor upon these occasions, or if he had +none, some person of years and dignity supplied the place of a +father. Thus they were taught by that surest method of discipline, +Example; how far the right of proposing any law to the senate +extended; what privileges a senator had in delivering his opinion in +the house; the power of the magistrates in that assembly, and the +rights of the rest of the members; where it is proper to yield, and +where to insist; when and how long to speak, and when to be +silent; how to make necessary distinctions between contrary +opinions, and how to improve upon a former motion: in a word, +they learnt by this means every senatorial usage. As for myself, it +is true indeed, I served in the army when I was a youth; but it was +at a time when courage was suspected, and want of spirit +rewarded; when generals were without authority, and soldiers +without modesty; when there was neither discipline nor obedience, +but all was riot, disorder, and confusion; in short, when it was +happier to forget than to remember what one learnt. I attended +likewise in my youth the senate, but a senate shrinking and +speechless; where it was dangerous to utter one's opinion, and +mean and pitiable to be silent. What pleasure was there in +learning, or indeed what could be learnt, when the senate was +convened either to do nothing whatever or to give their sanction to +some consummate infamy! when they were assembled either for +cruel or ridiculous purposes, and when their deliberations were +never serious, though often sad! But I was not only a witness to +this scene of wretchedness, as a spectator; I bore my share of it too +as a senator, and both saw and suffered under it for many years; +which so broke and damped my spirits that they have not even yet +been able fully to recover themselves. It is within quite recently +(for all time seems short in proportion to its happiness) that we +could take any pleasure in knowing what relates to or in setting +about the duties of our station. Upon these considerations, +therefore, I may the more reasonably entreat you, in the first place, +to pardon my error (if I have been guilty of one), and, in the next, +to lead me out of it by your superior knowledge: for you have +always been diligent to examine into the constitution of your +country, both with respect to its public and private, its ancient and +modern, its general and special laws. I am persuaded indeed the +point upon which I am going to consult you is such an unusual one +that even those whose great experience in public business must +have made them, one would have naturally supposed, acquainted +with everything were either doubtful or absolutely ignorant upon +it. I shall be more excusable, therefore, if I happen to have been +mistaken; as you will earn the higher praise if you can set me right +in an affair which it is not clear has ever yet fallen within your +observation. The enquiry then before the house was concerning the +freedmen of Afranius Dexter, who being found murdered, it was +uncertain whether he fell by his own hands, or by those of his +household; and if the latter, whether they committed the fact in +obedience to the cornmands of Afranius, or were prompted to it by +their own villainy. After they had been put to the question, a +certain senator (it is of no importance to mention his name, but if +you are desirous to know, it was myself) was for acquitting them; +another proposed that they should be banished for a limited time; +and a third that they should suffer death. + +These several opinions were so extremely different that it was +impossible either of them could stand with the other. For what +have death and banishment in common with one another? Why, no +more than banishment and acquittal have together. Though an +acquittal approaches rather nearer a sentence of exile than a +sentence of death does: for both the former agree at least in this +that they spare life, whereas the latter takes it away. In the +meanwhile, those senators who were for punishing with death, and +those who proposed banishment, sate together on the same side of +the house: and thus by a present appearance of unanimity +suspended their real disagreement. I moved, therefore, that the +votes for each of the three opinions should be separately taken, and +that two of them should not, under favour of a short truce between +themselves, join against the third. I insisted that such of the +members who were for capital punishment should divide from the +others who voted for banishment; and that these two distinct +parties should not be permitted to form themselves into a body, in +opposition to those who declared for acquittal, when they would +immediately after disunite again: for it was not material that they +agreed in disliking one proposal, since they differed with respect +to the other two. It seemed very extraordinary that he who moved +the freedmen should be banished, and the slaves suffer death, +should not be allowed to join these two in one motion, but that +each question should be ordered to be put to the house separately; +and yet that the votes of one who was for inflicting capital +punishment upon the freedmen should be taken together with that +of one who was for banishing them. For if, in the former instance, +it was reasonable that the motion should be divided, because it +comprehended two distinct propositions, I could not see why, in +the latter case, suffrages so extremely different should be thrown +into the same scale. Permit me, then, notwithstanding the point is +already settled, to go over it again as if it were still undecided, and +to lay before you those reasons at my ease, which I offered to the +house in the midst of much interruption and clamour. Let us +suppose there had been only three judges appointed to hear this +cause, one of whom was of opinion that the parties in question +deserved death; the other that they should only be banished; and +the third that they ought to be acquitted: should the two former +unite their weight to overpower the latter, or should each be +separately balanced? For the first and second are no more +compatible than the second and third. They ought therefore in the +same manner to be counted in the senate as contrary opinions, +since they were delivered as different ones. Suppose the same +person had moved that they should both have been banished and +put to death, could they possibly, in pursuance of this opinion, +have suffered both punishments? Or could it have been looked +upon as one consistent motion when it united two such different +decisions? Why then should the same opinion, when delivered by +distinct persons, be considered as one and entire, which would not +be deemed so if it were proposed by a single man? Does not the +law manifestly imply that a distinction is to be made between +those who are for a capital conviction, and those who are for +banishment, in the very form of words made use of when the house +is ordered to divide? You who are of such an opinion, come to this +side; you who are of any other, go over to the side of him whose +opinion you follow. Let us examine this form, and weigh every +sentence: You who are of this opinion: that is, for instance, you +who are for banishment, come on this side; namely, on the side of +him who moved for banishment. From whence it is clear he cannot +remain on this side of those who are for death. You who are for +any other: observe, the law is not content with barely saying +another, but it adds any. Now can there be a doubt as to whether +they who declare for a capital conviction are of any other opinion +than those who propose exile! Go over to the side of him whose +opinion you follow: does not the law seem, as it were, to call, +compel, drive over, those who are of different opinions, to contrary +sides? Does not the consul himself point out, not only by this +solemn form of words, but by his hand and gesture, the place in +which every man is to remain, or to which he is to go over? "But," +it is objected, " if this separation is made between those who vote +for inflicting death, and those who are on the side of exile, the +opinion for acquitting the prisoners must necessarily prevail." But +how does that affect the parties who vote? Certainly it does not +become them to contend by every art, and urge every expediment, +that the milder sentence may not take place. " Still," say they, +"those who are for condemning the accused either capitally or to +banishment should be first set in opposition to those who are for +acquitting them, and afterwards weighed against each other." +Thus, as, in certain public games, some particular combatant is set +apart by lot and kept to engage with the conqueror; so, it seems, in +the senate there is a first and second combat, and of two different +opinions, the prevailing one has still a third to contend with. +What? when any particular opinion is received, do not all the rest +fall of course? Is it reasonable, then, that one should be thrown +into the scale merely to weigh down another? To express my +meaning more plainly: unless the two parties who are respectively +for capital punishment and exile immediately separate upon the +first division of the house it would be to no purpose afterwards to +dissent from those with whom they joined before. But I am +dictating instead of receiving instruction.--Tell me then whether +you think these votes should have been taken separately? My +motion, it is true, prevailed; nevertheless I am desirous to know +whether you think I ought to have insisted upon this point, or have +yielded as that member did who declared for capital punishment? +For convinced, I will not say of the legality, but at least of the +equity of my proposal, he receded from his opinion, and went over +to the party for exile: fearing perhaps, if the votes were taken +separately (which he saw would be the case), the freedmen would +be acquitted: for the numbers were far greater on that side than on +either of the other two, separately counted. The consequence was +that those who had been influenced by his authority, when they +saw themselves forsaken by his going over to the other party, gave +up a motion which they found abandoned by the first proposer, and +deserted, as it were, with their leader. Thus the three opinions were +resolved at length into two; and of those two, one prevailed, and +the other was rejected; while the third, as it was not powerful +enough to conquer both the others, had only to choose to which of +the two it would yield. Farewell. + +XC + +To PATERNUS + +THE sickness lately in my family, which has carried off several of +my servants, some of them, too, in the prime of their years, has +been a great affliction to me. I have two consolations, however, +which, though by no means equivalent to such a grief, still are +consolations. One is, that as I have always readily manumitted my +slaves, their death does not seem altogether immature, if they lived +long enough to receive their freedom: the other, that I have +allowed them to make a kind of will,130 which I observe as +religiously as if they were legally entitled to that privilege. I +receive and obey their last requests and injunctions as so many +authoritative commands, suffering them to dispose of their effects +to whom they please; with this single restriction, that they leave +them to some one in my household, for to slaves the house they are +in is a kind of state and commonwealth, so to speak. But though I +endeavor to acquiesce under these reflections, yet the same +tenderness which led me to show them these indulgences weakens +and gets the better of me. However, I would not wish on that +account to become harder: though the generality of the world, I +know, look upon losses of this kind in no other view than as a +diminution of their property, and fancy, by cherishing such an +unfeeling temper, they show a superior fortitude and philosophy. +Their fortitude and philosophy I will not dispute. But humane, I +am sure, they are not; for it is the very criterion of true manhood to +feel those impressions of sorrow which it endeavors to resist, and +to admit not to be above the want of consolation. But perhaps I +have detained you too long upon this subject, though not so long as +I would. There is a certain pleasure even in giving vent to one's +grief; especially when we weep on the bosom of a friend who will +approve, or, at least, pardon, our tears. Farewell. + +XCI + +To MACRINUS + +Is the weather with you as rude and boisterous as it is with us? All +here is in tempest and inundation. The Tiber has swelled its +channel, and overflowed its banks far and wide. Though the wise +precaution of the emperor had guarded against this evil, by cutting +several outlets to the river, it has nevertheless flooded all the fields +and valleys and entirely overspread the whole face of the flat +country. It seems to have gone out to meet those rivers which it +used to receive and carry off in one united stream, and has driven +them back to deluge those countries it could not reach itself. That +most delightful of rivers, the Anio, which seems invited and +detained in its course by the villas built along its banks, has almost +entirely rooted up and carried away the woods which shaded its +borders. It has overthrown whole mountains, and, in endeavouring +to find a passage through the mass of ruins that obstructed its way, +has forced down houses, and risen and spread over the desolation +it has occasioned. The inhabitants of the hill countries, who are +situated above the reach of this inundation, have been the +melancholy spectators of its dreadful effects, having seen costly +furniture, instruments of husbandry, ploughs, and oxen with their +drivers, whole herds of cattle, together with the trunks of trees, and +beams of the neighbouring villas, floating about in different parts. +Nor indeed have these higher places themselves, to which the +waters could not reach up, escaped the calamity. A continued +heavy rain and tempestuous hurricane, as destructive as the river +itself, poured down upon them, and has destroyed all the +enclosures which divided that fertile country. It has damaged +likewise, and even overturned, some of the public buildings, by the +fall of which great numbers have been maimed, smothered, +bruised. And thus lamentation over the fate of friends has been +added to losses. I am extremely uneasy lest this extensive ruin +should have spread to you: I beg therefore, if it has not, you will +immediately relieve my anxiety; and indeed I desire you would +inform me though it should have done so; for the difference is not +great between fearing a danger, and feeling it; except that the evil +one feels has some bounds, whereas one's apprehensions have +none. For we can suffer no more than what actually has happened +but we fear all that possibly could happen. Farewell. + +XCII + +To RUFINUS + +Tun common notion is certainly quite a false one, that a man's will +is a kind of mirror in which we may clearly discern his real +character, for Domitius Tullus appears a much better man since his +death than he did during his lifetime. After having artfully +encouraged the expectations of those who paid court to him, with a +view to being his heirs, he has left his estate to his niece whom he +adopted. He has given likewise several very considerable legacies +among his grandchildren, and also to his great-grandson. In a +word, he has shown himself a most kind relation throughout his +whole will; which is so much the more to be admired as it was not +expected of him. This affair has been very much talked about, and +various opinions expressed: some call him false, ungrateful, and +forgetful, and, while thus railing at him in this way as if they were +actually disinherited kindred, betray their own dishonest designs: +others, on the contrary, applaud him extremely for having +disappointed the hopes of this infamous tribe of men, whom, +considering the disposition of the times, it is but prudence to +deceive. They add that he was not at liberty to make any other will, +and that he cannot so properly be said to have bequeathed, as +returned, his estate to his adopted daughter, since it was by her +means it came to him. For Curtilius Mancia, whose daughter +Domitius Lucanus, brother to this Tullus, married, having taken a +dislike to his son-in-law, made this young lady (who was the issue +of that marriage) his heiress, upon condition that Lucanus her +father would emancipate her. He accordingly did so, but she being +afterwards adopted by Tullus, her uncle, the design of Mancia's +will was entirely frustrated. For these two brothers having never +divided their patrimony, but living together as joint-tenants of one +common estate, the daughter of Lucanus, notwithstanding the act +of emancipation, returned back again, together with her large +fortune, under the dominion of her father, by means of this +fraudulent adoption. It seems indeed to have been the fate of these +two brothers to be enriched by those who had the greatest aversion +to them. For Domitius Afer, by whom they were adopted, left a +will in their favour, which he had made eighteen years before his +death; though it was plain he had since altered his opinion with +regard to the family, because he was instrumental in procuring the +confiscation of their father's estate. There is something extremely +singular in the resentment of Afer, and the good fortune of the +other two; as it was very extraordinary, on the one hand, that +Domitius should endeavour to extirpate from the privileges of +society a man whose children he had adopted, and, on the other, +that these brothers should find a parent in the very person that +ruined their father. But Tullus acted justly, after having been +appointed sole heir by his brother, in prejudice to his own +daughter, to make her amends by transferring to her this estate, +which came to him from Afer, as well as all the rest which he had +gained in partnership with his brother. His will therefore deserves +the higher praise, having been dictated by nature, justice, and sense +of honour; in which he has returned his obligations to his several +relations, according to their respective good offices towards him, +not forgetting his wife, having bequeathed to that excellent +woman, who patiently endured much for his sake, several +delightful villas, besides a large sum of money. And indeed she +deserved so much the more at his hands, in proportion to the +displeasure she incurred on her marriage with him. It was thought +unworthy a person of her birth and repute, so long left a widow by +her former husband, by whom she had issue, to marry, in the +decline of her life, an old man, merely for his wealth, and who was +so sickly and infirm that, even had he passed the best years of his +youth and health with her, she might well have been heartily tired +of him. He had so entirely lost the use of all his limbs that he could +not move himself in bed without assistance; and the only +enjoyment be had of his riches was to contemplate them. He was +even (sad and disgusting to relate) reduced to the necessity of +having his teeth washed and scrubbed by others: in allusion to +which he used frequently to say, when he was complaining of the +indignities which his infirmities obliged him to suffer, that he was +every day compelled to lick his servant's fingers. Still, however, he +lived on, and was willing to accept of life upon such terms. That +he lived so long as he did was particularly owing, indeed, to the +care of his wife, who, whatever reputation she might lose at first +by her marriage, acquired great honour by her unwearied devotion +as his wife.--Thus I have given you all the news of the town, where +nothing is talked of but Tullus. It is expected his curiosities will +shortly be sold by auction. He had such an abundant collection of +very old statues that he actually filled an extensive garden with +them, the very same day he purchased it; not to mention +numberless other antiques, lying neglected in his lumber-room. If +you have anything worth telling me in return, I hope you will not +refuse the trouble of writing to me: not only as we are all of us +naturally fond, you know, of news, but because example has a very +beneficial influence upon our own conduct. Farewell. + +XCIII + +To GALLUS + +THOSE works of art or nature which are usually the motives of +our travels are often overlooked and neglected if they lie within +our rcach: whether it be that we are naturally less inquisitive +concerning those things which are near us, while our curiosity is +excited by remote objects; or because the easiness of gratifying a +desire is always sure to damp it; or, perhaps, that we put off from +time to time going and seeing what we know we have an +opportunity of seeing when we please. Whatever the reason be, it +is certain there are numberless curiosities in and near Rome which +we have not only never seen, but even never so much as heard of: +and yet had they been the produce of Greece, or Egypt, or Asia, or +any other country which we admire as fertile and productive of +belief in wonders, we should long since have heard of them, read +of them, and enquired into them. For myself at least, I confess, I +have lately been entertained with one of these curiosities, to which +I was an entire stranger before. My wife's grandfather desired I +would look over his estate near Ameria.131 As I was walking over +his grounds, 1 was shown a lake that lies below them, called +Vadirnon,132 about which several very extraordinary things are +told. I went up to this lake. It is perfectly circular in form, like a +wheel lying on the ground; there is not the least curve or projection +of the shore, but all is regular, even, and just as if it had been +hollowed and cut out by the hand of art. The water is of a clear +sky-blue, though with somewhat of a greenish tinge; its smell is +sulphurous, and its flavour has medicinal properties, and is +deemed of great efficacy in all fractures of the limbs, which it is +supposed to heal. Though of but moderate extent, yet the winds +have a great effect upon it, throwing it into violent agitation. No +vessels are suffered to sail here, as its waters are held sacred; but +several floating islands swim about it, covered with reeds and +rushes, and with whatever other plants the surrounding marshy +ground and the edge itself of the lake produce in greater +abundance. Each island has its peculiar shape and size, but the +edges of all of them are worn away by their frequent collision with +the shore and one another. They are all of the same height and +motion; as their respective roots, which are formed like the keel of +a boat, may be seen hanging not very far down in the water, and at +an equal depth, on whichever side you stand. Sometimes they +move in a cluster, and seem to form one entire little continent; +sometimes they are dispersed into different quarters by the wind; +at other times, when it is calm, they float up and down separately. +You may frequently see one of the larger islands sailing along with +a lesser joined to it, like a ship with its long boat; or, perhaps, +seeming to strive which shall out-swim the other: then again they +are all driven to the same spot, and by joining themselves to the +shore, sometimes on one side and sometimes on the other, lessen +or restore the size of the lake in this part or that, accordingly, till at +last uniting in the centre they restore it to its usual size. The sheep +which graze upon the borders of this lake frequently go upon these +islands to feed, without perceiving that they have left the shore, +until they are alarmed by finding themselves surrounded with +water; as though they had been forcibly conveyed and placed there. +Afterwards, when the wind drives them back again, they as little +perceive their return as their departure. This lake empties itself +into a river, which, after running a little way, sinks under ground, +and, if anything is thrown in, it brings it up again where the stream +emerges.--I have given you this account because I imagined it +would not be less new, nor less agreeable, to you than it was to +me; as I know you take the same pleasure as myself in +contemplating the works of nature. Farewell. + +XCIV + +To ARRIANUS + +NOTHING, in my opinion, gives a more amiable and becoming +grace to our studies, as well as manners, than to temper the serious +with the gay, lest the former should degenerate into melancholy, +and the latter run up into levity. Upon this plan it is that I diversify +my graver works with compositions of a lighter nature. I had +chosen a convenient place and season for some productions of that +sort to make their appearance in; and designing to accustom them +early to the tables of the idle, I fixed upon the month of July, +which is usually a time of vacation to the courts of justice, in order +to read them to some of my friends I had collected together; and +accordingly I placed a desk before each couch. But as I happened +that morning to be unexpectedly called away to attend a cause, I +took occasion to preface my recital with an apology. I entreated +my audience not to impute it to me as any want of due regard for +the business to which I had invited them that on the very day I had +appointed for reading my performances to a small circle of my +friends I did not refuse my services to others in their law affairs. I +assured them I would observe the same rule in my writings, and +should always give the preference to business, before pleasure; to +serious engagements before amusing ones; and to my friends +before myself. The poems I recited consisted of a variety of +subjects in different metres. It is thus that we who dare not rely for +much upon our abilities endeavour to avoid satiating our readers. +In compliance with the earnest solicitation of my audience, I +recited for two days successively; but not in the manner that +several practise, by passing over the feebler passages, and making +a merit of so doing: on the contrary, I omitted nothing, and freely +confessed it. I read the whole, that I might correct the whole; +which it is impossible those who only select particular passages +can do. The latter method, indeed, may have more the appearance +of modesty, and perhaps respect; hut the former shows greater +simplicity, as well as a more affectionate disposition towards the +audience. For the belief that a man's friends have so much regard +for him as not to be weary on these occasions, is a sure indication +of the love he bears them. Otherwise, what good do friends do you +who assemble merely for their own amusement? He who had +rather find his friend's performance correct, than make it so, is to +be regarded as a stranger, or one who is too lackadaisical to give +himself any trouble. Your affection for me leaves me no room to +doubt that you are impatient to read my book, even in its present +very imperfect condition. And so you shall, but not until I have +made those corrections which were the principal inducement of +my recital. You are already acquainted with some parts of it; but +even those, after they have been improved (or perhaps spoiled, as +is sometimes the case by the delay of excessive revision) will seem +quite new to you. For when a piece has undergone variotis +changes, it gets to look new, even in those very parts which remain +unaltered. Farewell. + +XCV + +To MAXIMUS + +My affection for you obliges me, not indeed to direct you (for you +are far above the want of a guide), but to admonish you carefully +to observe and resolutely to put in practice what you already know, +that is, in other words, to know it to better purpose. Consider that +you are sent to that noble province, Achaia, the real and genuine +Greece, where politeness, learning, and even agriculture itself, are +supposed to have taken their first rise; sent to regulate the +condition of free cities; sent, that is, to a society of men who +breathe the spirit of true manhood and liberty; who have +maintained the rights they received from Nature, by courage, by +virtue, by alliances; in a word, by civil and religious faith. Revere +the gods their founders; their ancient glory, and even that very +antiquity itself which, venerable in men, is sacred in states. +Honour them therefore for their deeds of old renown, nay, their +very legendary traditions. Grant to every one his full dignity, +privileges, yes, and the indulgence of his very vanity. Remember it +was from this nation we derived our laws; that she did not receive +ours by conquest, but gave us hers by favour. Remember, it is +Athens to which you go; it is Lacedaemon you govern; and to +deprive such a people of the declining shadow, the remaining +name of liberty, would be cruel, inhuman, barbarous. Physicians, +you see, though in sickness there is no difference between freedom +and slavery, yet treat persons of the former rank with more +tenderness than those of the latter. Reflect what these cities once +were; but so reflect as not to despise them for what they are now. +Far be pride and asperity from my friend; nor fear, by a proper +condescension, to lay yourself open to contempt. Can he who is +vested with the power and bears the ensigns of authority, can he +fail of meeting with respect, unless by pursuing base and sordid +measures, and first breaking through that reverence he owes to +himself? Ill, believe me, is power proved by insult; ill can terror +command veneration, and far more effectual is affection in +obtaining one's purpose than fear. For terror operates no longer +than its object is present, but love produces its effects with its +object at a distance: and as absence changes the former into hatred, +it raises the latter into respect. And therefore you ought (and I +cannot but repeat it too often), you ought to well consider the +nature of your office, arid to represent to yourself how great and +important the task is of governing a free state. For what can be +better for society than such government, what can be more +precious than freedom? How ignominious then must his conduct +be who turns good government into anarchy, and liberty into +slavery? To these considerations let me add, that you have an +established reputation to maintain: the fame you acquired by the +administration of the quaestorship in Bithynia,133 the good +opinion of the emperor, the credit you obtained when you were +tribune and praetor, in a word, this very government, which may +be looked upon as the reward of your former services, are all so +many glorious weights which are incumbent upon you to support +with suitable dignity. The more strenuously therefore you ought to +endeavour that it may not be said you showed greater urbanity, +integrity, and ability in a province remote from Rome, than in one +which lies so much nearer the capital; in the midst of a nation of +slaves, than among a free people; that it may not be remarked, that +it was chance, and not judgment, appointed you to this office; that +your character was unknown and unexperienced, not tried and +approved. For (and it is a maxim which your reading and +conversation must have often suggested to you) it is a far greater +disgrace losing the name one has once acquired than never to have +attained it. I again beg you to be persuaded that I did not write this +letter with a design of instruction, but of reminder. Though indeed, +if I had, it would have only been in consequence of the great +affection I bear you: a sentiment which I am in no fear of carrying +beyond its just bounds: for there can he no danger of excess where +one cannot love too well. Farewell. + +XCVI + +To PAULINUS + +OThERS may think as they please; but the happiest man, in my +opinion, is he who lives in the conscious anticipation of an honest +and enduring name, and secure of future glory in the eyes of +posterity. I confess, if I had not the reward of an immortal +reputation in view, I should prefer a life of uninterrupted ease and +indolent retirement to any other. There seems to be two points +worthy every man's attention: endless fame, or the short duration +of life. Those who are actuated by the former motive ought to +exert themselves to the very utmost of their power; while such as +are influenced by the latter should quietly resign themselves to +repose, and not wear out a short life in perishable pursuits, as we +see so many doing--and then sink at last into utter self-contempt, in +the midst of a wretche'd and fruitless course of false industry. +These are my daily reflections, which I communicate to you, in +order to renounce them if you do not agree with them; as +undoubtedly you will, who are for ever meditating some glorious +and immortal enterprise. Farewell. + +XCVII + +To CALVISIUS + +I HAVE spent these several days past, in reading and writing, with +the most pleasing tranquillity imaginable. You will ask, "How that +can possibly be in the midst of Rome?" It was the time of +celebrating the Circensian games; an entertainment for which I +have not the least taste. They have no novelty, no variety to +recommend them, nothing, in short, one would wish to see twice. +It does the more surprise me therefore that so many thousand +people should be possessed with the childish passion of desiring so +often to see a parcel of horses gallop, and men standing upright in +their chariots. If, indeed, it were the swiftness of the horses, or the +skill of the men that attracted them, there might be some pretence +of reason for it. But it is the dress134 they like; it is the dress that +takes their fancy. And if, in the midst of the course and contest, the +different parties were to change colours, their different partisans +would change sides, and instantly desert the very same men and +horses whom just before they were eagerly following with their +eyes, as far as they could see, and shouting out their names with all +their might. Such mighty charms, such wondrous power reside in +the colour of a paltry tunic! And this not only with the common +crowd (more contemptible than the dress they espouse), but even +with serious-thinking people. When I observe such men thus +insatiably fond of so silly, so low, so uninteresting, so common an +entertainment, I congratulate myself on my indifference to these +pleasures: and am glad to employ the leisure of this season upon +my books, which others throw away upon the most idle +occupations. Farewell. + +XCVIII + +To ROMANUS + +I AM pleased to find by your letter that you are engaged in +building; for I may now defend my own conduct by your example. +I am myself employed in the same sort of work; and since I have +you, who shall deny I have reason on my side? Our situations too +are not dissimilar; your buildings are carried on upon the +sea-coast, mine are rising upon the side of the Larian lake. I have +several villas upon the borders of this lake, but there are two +particularly in which, as I take most delight, so they give me most +employment. They are both situated like those at Baiae:135 one of +them stands upon a rock, and overlooks the lake; the other actually +touches it. The first, supported as it were by the lofty buskin,136 I +call my tragic; the other, as resting upon the humble rock, my +comic villa. Each has its own peculiar charm, recommending it to +its possessor so much more on account of this very difference. +The former commands a wider, the latter enjoys a nearer view of +the lake. One, by a gentle curve, embraces a little bay; the other, +being built upon a greater height, forms two. Here you have a strait +walk extending itself along the banks of the lake; there, a spacious +terrace that falls by a gentle descent towards it. The former does +not feel the force of the waves; the latter breaks them; from that +you see the fishing-vessels; from this you may fish yourself, and +throw your line out of your room, and almost from your bed, as +from off a boat. It is the beauties therefore these agreeable villas +possess that tempt me to add to them those which are +wanting.--But I need not assign a reason to you; who, undoubtedly, +will think it a sufficient one that I follow your example. Farewell. + +XCIX + +To GEMINUS + +YOUR letter was particularly acceptable to me, as it mentioned +your desire that I would send you something of mine, addressed to +you, to insert in your works. I shall find a more appropriate +occasion of complying with your request than that which you +propose, the subject you point out to me being attended with some +objections; and when you reconsider it, you will think so.--As I did +not imagine there were any booksellers at Lugdunum,137 I am so +much the more pleased to learn that my works are sold there. I +rejoice to find they maintain the character abroad which they +raised at home, and I begin to flatter myself they have some merit, +since persons of such distant countries are agreed in their opinion +with regard to them. Farewell. + +C + +To JUNIOR + +A CERTAIN friend of mine lately chastised his son, in my +presence, for being somewhat too expensive in the matter of dogs +and horses. "And pray," I asked him, when the youth had left us, +"did you never commit a fault yourself which deserved your +father's correction? Did you never? I repeat. Nay, are you not +sometimes even now guilty of errors which your son, were he in +your place, might with equal gravity reprove? Are not all mankind +subject to indiscretions? And have we not each of us our particular +follies in which we fondly indulge ourselves?" + +The great affection I have for you induced me to set this instance +of unreasonable severity before you--a caution not to treat your son +with too much harshness and severity. Consider, he is but a boy, +and that there was a time when you were so too. In exerting, +therefore, the authority of a father, remember always that you are a +man, and the parent of a man. Farewell. + +CI + +To QUADRATUS + +THE pleasure and attention with which you read the vindication I +published of Helvidius,139 has greatly raised your curiosity, it +seems, to be informed of those particulars relating to that affair, +which are not mentioned in the defence; as you were too young to +be present yourself at that transaction. When Domitian was +assassinated, a glorious opportunity, I thought, offered itself to me +of pursuing the guilty, vindicating the injured, and advancing my +own reputation. But amidst an infinite variety of the blackest +crimes, none appeared to me more atrocious than that a senator, of +praetorian dignity, and invested with the sacred character of a +judge, should, even in the very senate itself, lay violent hands upon +a member140 of that body, one of consular rank, and who then +stood arraigned before him. Besides this general consideration, I +also happened to be on terms of particular intimacy with +Helvidius, as far as this was possible with one who, through fear of +the times, endeavoured to veil the lustre of his fame, and his +virtues, in obscurity and retirement. Arria likewise, and her +daughter Fannia, who was mother-in-law to Helvidius, were in the +number of my friends. But it was not so much private attachments +as the honour of the public, a just indignation at the action, and the +danger of the example if it should pass unpunished, that animated +me upon the occasion. At the first restoration of liberty141 every +man singled out his own particular enemy (though it must be +confessed, those only of a lower rank), and, in the midst of much +clamour and confusion, no sooner brought the charge than +procured the condemnation. But for myself, I thought it would be +more reasonable and more effectual, not to take advantage of the +general resentment of the public, but to crush this criminal with +the single weight of his own enormous guilt. When therefore the +first heat of public indignation began to cool, and declining +passion gave way to justice, though I was at that time under great +affliction for the loss of my wife,142 I sent to Anteia, the widow of +Helvidius, and desired her to come to me, as my late misfortune +prevented me from appearing in public. When she arrived, I said to +her, "I am resolved not to suffer the injuries your husband has +received, to pass unrevenged; let Arria and Fannia" (who were just +returned from exile) "know this; and consider together whether +you would care to join with me in the prosecution. Not that I want +an associate, but I am not so jealous of my own glory as to refuse +to share it with you in this affair." She accordhigly carried this +message; and they all agreed to the proposal without the least +hesitation. It happened very opportunely that the senate was to +meet within three days. It was a general rule with me to consult, in +all my affairs, with Corellius, a person of the greatest +far-sightedness and wisdom this age has produced. However, in the +present case, I relied entirely upon my own discretion, being +apprehensive he would not approve of my design, as he was very +cautious and deliberate. But though I did not previously take +counsel with him (experience having taught me, never to do so +with a person concerning a question we have already determined, +where he has a right to expect that one shall be decided by his +judgment), yet I could not forbear acquainting him with my +resolution at the time I intended to carry it into execution. The +senate being assembled, I came into the house, and begged I might +have leave to make a motion; which I did in few words, and with +general assent. When I began to touch upon the charge, and point +out the person I intended to accuse (though as yet without +mentioning him by name), I was attacked on all sides. "Let us +know," exclaims one, "who is the subject of this informal motion +?" "Who is it" (asked another) "that is thus accused, without +acquainting the house with his name, and his crime?" "Surely" +(added a third) "we who have survived the late dangerous times +may expect now, at least, to remain in security." I heard all this +with perfect calmness, and without being in the least alarmed. +Such is the effect of conscious integrity; and so much difference is +there with respect to inspiring confidence or fear, whether the +world had only rather one should forbear a certain act, or +absolutely condemn it. It would be too tedious to relate all that +was advanced, by different parties, upon this occasion. At length +the consul said, "You will be at liberty, Secundus, to propose what +you think proper when your turn comes to give your opinion upon +the order of the day."143 I replied, "You must allow me a liberty +which you never yet refused to any ;" and so sat down: when +imniediately the house went upon another business. In the +meanwhile, one of my consular friends took me aside, and, with +great earnestness telling me he thought I had carried on this affair +with more boldness than prudence1 used every method of reproof +and persuasion to prevail with me to desist; adding at the same +time that I should certainly, if I persevered, render myself +obnoxious to some future prince. "Be it so," I returned, "should he +prove a bad one." Scarcely had he left me when a second came up: +"Whatever," said he, "are you attempting? Why ever will you ruin +yourself? Do you consider the risks you expose yourself to? Why +will you presume too much on the present situation of public +affairs, when it is so uncertain what turn they may hereafter take? +You are attacking a man who is actually at the head of the +treasury, and will shortly be consul. Besides, recollect what credit +he has, and with what powerful friendships he is supported ?" +Upon which he named a certain person, who (not without several +strong and suspicious rumours) was then at the head of a powerful +army in the east. I replied, + +"'All I've foreseen, and oft in thought revolv'd ;"144 + +and am willing, if fate shall so decree, to suffer in an honest cause, +provided I can draw vengeance down upon a most infamous one." +The time for the members to give their opinions was now arrived. +Domitius Apollinaris, the consul elect, spoke first; after him +Fabricius Vejento, then Fabius Maximinus, Vettius Proculus next +(who married my wife's mother, and who was the colleague of +Publicius Certus, the person on whom the debate turned), and last +of all Ammius Flaccus. They all defended Certus, as if I had +named him (though I had not yet so much as once mentioned him), +and entered upon his justification as if I had exhibited a specific +charge. It is not necessary to repeat in this place what they +respectively said, having given it all at length in their words in the +speech above-mentioned. Avidius Quietus and Cornutus Tertullus +answered them. The former observed, "that it was extremely unjust +not to hear the complaints of those who thought themselves +injured, and therefore that Arria and Fannia ought not to be denied +the privilege of laying their grievances before the house; and that +the point for the consideration of the senate was not the rank of the +person, but the merit of the cause." + +Then Cornutus rose up and acquainted the house, "that, as he was +appointed guardian to the daughter of Helvidius by the consuls, +upon the petition of her mother and her father-in-law, he felt +himself compelled to fulfil the duty of his trust. In the execution of +which, however, he would endeavour to set some bounds to his +indignation by following that great example of moderation which +those excellent women145 had set, who contented themselves with +barely informing the senate of the cruelties which Certus +committed in order to carry on his infamous adulation; and +therefore," he said, "he would move only that, if a punishment due +to a crime so notoriously known should be remitted, Certus might +at least be branded with some mark of the displeasure of that +august assembly." Satrius Rufus spoke next, and, meaning to steer +a middle course, expressed himself with considerable ambiguity. "I +am of opinion," said he, "that great injustice will be done to Certus +if he is not acquitted (for I do not scruple to mention his name, +since the friends of Arria and Fannia, as well as his own, have +done so too), nor indeed have we any occasion for anxiety upon +this account. We who think well of the man shall judge him with +the same impartiality as the rest; but if he is innocent, as I hope he +is, and shall be glad to find, I think this house may very justly deny +the present motion till some charge has been proved against him." +Thus, according to the respective order in which they were called +upon, they delivered their several opinions. When it came to my +turn, I rose up, and, using the same introduction to my speech as I +have published in the defence, I replied to them severally. It is +surprising with what attention, what clamorous applause I was +heard, even by those who just before were loudest against me: such +a wonderful change was wrought either by the importance of the +affair, the successful progress of the speech, or the resolution of +the advocate. After I had finished, Vejento attempted to reply; but +the general clamour raised against him not permitting him to go +on, "I entreat you, conscript fathers,"146 said he, "not to oblige me +to implore the assistance of the tribunes."147 Immediately the +tribune Murena cried out, "You have my permission, most +illustrious Vejento, to go on." But still the clamour was renewed. +In the interval, the consul ordered the house to divide, and having +counted the voices, dismissed the senate, leaving Vejento in the +midst, still attempting to speak. Re made great complaints of this +affront (as he called it), applying the following lines of Homer to +himself: + +"Great perils, father, wait the unequal fight; +Those younger champions will thy strength o'ercome."148 + +There was hardly a man in the senate that did not embrace and kiss +me, and all strove who should applaud me most, for having, at the +cost of private enmities, revived a custom so long disused, of +freely consulting the senate upon affairs that concern the honour of +the public; in a word, for having wiped off that reproach which +was thrown upon it by other orders in the state, "that the senators +mutually favoured the members of their own body, while they +were very severe in animadverting upon the rest of their +fellow-citizens." All this was transacted in the absence of Certus; +who kept out of the way either because he suspected something of +this nature was intended to be moved, or (as was alleged in his +excuse) that he was really unwell. Caesar, however, did not refer +the examination of this matter to the senate. But I succeeded, +nevertheless, in my aim, another person being appointed to +succeed Certus in the consulship, while the election of his +colleague to that office was confirmed. And thus, the wish with +which I concluded my speech, was actually accomplished: "May +he be obliged," said I, "to renounce, under a virtuous prince,149 +that reward he received from an infamous one! "150 Some time +after I recollected, as well as I could, the speech I had made upon +this occasion; to which I made several additions. It happened +(though indeed it had the apparance of being something more than +casual) that a few days after I had published this piece, Certus was +taken ill and died. I was told that his imagination was continually +haunted with this affair, and kept picturing me ever before his +eyes, as a man pursuing him with a drawn sword. Whether there +was any truth in this rumour, I will not venture to assert; but, for +the sake of example, however, I could wish it might gain credit. +And now I have sent you a letter which (considering it is a letter) is +as long as the defence you say you have read: but you must thank +yourself for not being content with such information as that piece +could afford you. Farewell. + +CII + +To GENITOR + +I HAVE received your letter, in which you complain of having +been highly disgusted lately at a very splendid entertainment, by a +set of buffoons, mummers, and wanton prostitutes, who were +dancing about round the tables.151 But let me advise you to +smooth your knitted brow somewhat. I confess, indeed, I admit +nothing of this kind at my own house; however, I bear with it in +others. "And why, then," you will be ready to ask, "not have them +yourself ?" + +The truth is, because the gestures of the wanton, the pleasantries of +the buffoon, or the extravagancies of the mummer, give me no +pleasure, as they give me no surprise. It is my particular taste, you +see, not my judgment, that I plead against them. And indeed, what +numbers are there who think the entertainments with which you +and I are most delighted no better than impertinent follies! How +many are there who, as soon as a reader, a lyrist, or a comedian is +introduced, either take their leave of the company or, if they +remain, show as much dislike to this sort of thing as you did to +those monsters, as you call them! Let us bear therefore, my friend, +with others in their amusements, that they, in return, may show +indulgence to ours. Farewell. + +CIII + +To SABINIANUS + +YOUR freedman, whom you lately mentioned to me with +displeasure, has been with me, and threw himself at my feet with +as much submission as he could have fallen at yours. He earnestly +requested me with many tears, and even with all the eloquence of +silent sorrow, to intercede for him; in short, he convinced me by +his whole behaviour that he sincerely repents of his fault. I am +persuaded he is thoroughly reformed, because he seems deeply +sensible of his guilt. I know you are angry with him, and I know, +too, it is not without reason; but clemency can never exert itself +more laudably than when there is the most cause for resentment. +You once had an affection for this man, and, I hope, will have +again; meanwhile, let me only prevail with you to pardon him. If +he should incur your displeasure hereafter, you will have so much +the stronger plea in excuse for your anger as you show yourself +more merciful to him now. Concede something to his youth, to his +tears, and to your own natural mildness of temper: do not make +him uneasy any longer, and I will add too, do not make yourself +so; for a man of +your kindness of heart cannot he angry without feeling great +uneasiness. I am afraid, were I to join my entreaties with his, I +should seem rather to compel than request you to forgive him. Yet +I will not scruple even to write mine with his; and in so much the +stronger terms as I have very sharply and severely reproved him, +positively threatening never to interpose again in his behalf. But +though it was proper to say this to him, in order to make him more +fearful of offending, I do not say so to you. I may perhaps, again +have occasion to entreat you upon this account, and again obtain +your forgiveness; supposing, I mean, his fault should be such as +may become me to intercede for, and you to pardon. Farewell. + +CIV + +To MAXIMUS + +IT has frequently happened, as I have been pleading before the +Court of the Hundred, that these venerable judges, after having +preserved for a long period the gravity and solemnity suitable to +their character, have suddenly, as though urged by irresistible +impulse, risen up to a man and applauded me. I have often +likewise gained as much glory in the senate as my utmost wishes +could desire: but I never felt a more sensible pleasure than by an +account which I lately received from Cornelius Tacitus. He +informed me that, at the last Circensian games, he sat next to a +Roman knight, who, after conversation had passed between them +upon various points of learning, asked him, "Are you an Italian, or +a provincial?" Tacitus replied, "Your acquaintance with literature +must surely have informed you who I am." "Pray, then, is it Tacitus +or Pliny I am talking with?" I cannot express how highly I am +pleased to find that our names are not so much the proper +appellatives of men as a kind of distinction for learning herself; +and that eloquence renders us known to those who would +otherwise be ignorant of us. An accident of the same kind +happened to me a few days ago. Fabius Rufinus, a person of +distinguished merit, was placed next to me at table; and below him +a countryman of his, who had just then come to Rome for the first +time. Rufinus, calling his friend's attention to me, said to him, +"You see this man?" and entered into a conversation upon the +subject of my pursuits: to whom the other immediately replied, +"This must undoubtedly be Pliny." To confess the truth, I look +upon these instances as a very considerable recompense of my +labours. If Demosthenes had reason to be pleased with the old +woman of Athens crying out, "This is Demosthenes!" may not I, +then, be allowed to congratulate myself upon the celebrity my +name has acquired? Yes, my friend, I will rejoice in it, and without +scruple admit that I do. As I only mention the judgment of others, +not my own, I am not afraid of incurring the censure of vanity; +especially from you, who, whilst envying no man's reputation, are +particularly zealous for mine. Farewell. + +CV + +To SABINIANUS + +I GREATLY approve of your having, in compliance with my +letter,152 received again into your favour and family a discarded +freedman, who you once admitted into a share of your affection. +This will afford you, I doubt not, great satisfaction. It certainly has +me, both as a proof that your passion can be controlled, and as an +instance of your paying so much regard to me, as either to yield to +my authority or to comply with my request. Let me, therefore, at +once both praise and thank you. At the same time I must advise +you to be disposed for the future to pardon the faults of your +people, though there should be none to interecede in their behalf. +Farewell. + +CVI + +To LUPERCUS + +I SAID once (and, I think, not inaptly) of a certain orator of the +present age, whose compositions are extremely regular and +correct, but deficient in grandeur and embellishment, "His only +fault is that he has none." Whereas he, who is possessed of the true +spirit of oratory, should be bold and elevated, and sometimes even +flame out, be hurried away, and frequently tread upon the brink of +a precipice: for danger is generally near whatever is towering and +exalted. The plain, it is true, affords a safer, but for that reason a +more humble and inglorious, path: they who run are more likely to +stumble than they who creep; but the latter gain no honour by not +slipping, while the former even fall with glory. It is with eloquence +as with some other arts; she is never more pleasing than when she +risks most. Have you not observed what acclamations our +rope-dancers excite at the instant of imminent danger? Whatever is +most entirely unexpected, or as the Greeks more strongly express +it, whatever is most perilous, most excites our admiration. The +pilot's skill is by no means equally proved in a calm as in a storm: +in the former case he tamely enters the port, unnoticed and +unapplauded; but when the cordage cracks, the mast bends, and +the rudder groans, then it is that he shines out in all his glory, and +is hailed as little inferior to a sea-god. + +The reason of my making ths observation is, because, if I mistake +not, you have marked some passages in my writings for being +tumid, exuberant, and over-wrought, which, in my estimation, are +but adequate to the thought, or boldly sublime. But it is material to +consider whether your criticism turns upon such points as are real +faults, or only striking and remarkable expressions. Whatever is +elevated is sure to be observed; but it requires a very nice +judgment to distinguish the bounds between true and false +grandeur; between loftiness and exaggeration. To give an instance +out of Homer, the author who can, with the greatest propriety, fly +from one extreme of style to another + +"Heav'n in loud thunder bids the trumpet sound; +And wide beneath them groans the rending ground."153 + +Again, + +"Reclin'd on clouds his steed and armour lay."154 + +So in this passage: + +"As torrents roll, increas'd by numerous rills, +With rage impetuous down their echoing hills, +Rush to the vales, and pour'd along the plain, +Roar through a thousand channels to the main."154 + +It requires, I say, the nicest balance to poise these metaphors, and +determine whether they are incredible and meaningless, or +majestic and sublime. Not that I think anything which I have +written, or can write, admits of comparison with these. I am not +quite so foolish; but what I would be understood to contend for is, +that we should give eloquence free rein, and not restrain the force +and impetuosity of genius within too narrow a compass. But it will +be said, perhaps, that one law applies to orators, another to poets. +As if, in truth, Marc Tully were not as bold in his metaphors as any +of the poets! But not to mention particular instances from him, in a +point where, I imagine, there can be no dispute; does +Demosthenes155 himself, that model and standard of true oratory, +does Demosthenes check and repress the fire of his indignation, in +that well-known passage which begins thus: "These wicked men, +these fiatterers, and these destroyers of mankind," &c. And again: +"It is neither with stones nor bricks that I have fortified this city," +&c.--And afterwards: "I have thrown up these out-works before +Attica, and pointed out to you all the resources which human +prudence can suggest," &c.--And in another place: "0 Athenians, I +swear by the immortal gods that he is intoxicated with the +grandeur of his own actions," &c.156--But what can be more +daring and beautiful than that long digression, which begins in this +manner: "A terrible disease ?"--The following passage likewise, +though somewhat shorter, is equally boldly conceived :--"Then it +was I rose up in opposition to the daring Pytho, who poured forth a +torrent of menaces against you," &c.157--The subsequent stricture +is of the same stamp: "When a man has strengthened himself, as +Philip has, in avarice and wickedness, the first pretence, the first +false step, be it ever so inconsiderable, has overthrown and +destroyed all," &c.158--So in the same style with the foregoing is +this :--"Railed off, as it were, from the. privileges of society, by the +concurrent and just judgments of the three tribunals in the +city."--And in the same place: "O Aristogiton! you have betrayed +that mercy which used to be shown to offences of this nature, or +rather, indeed, you have wholly destroyed it. In vain then would +you fly for refuge to a port, which you have shut up, and +encompassed with rocks."--He has said before: "I am afraid, +therefore, you should appear in the judgment of some, to have +erected a public seminary of faction: for there is a weakness in all +wickedness which renders it apt to betray itself !"--And a little +lower: "I see none of these resources open to him; but all is +precipice gulf, and profound abyss."-- And again: "Nor do I +imagine that our ancestors erected those courts of judicature that +men of his character should be planted there, but on the contrary', +eradicated, that none may emulate their evil actions."--And +afterwards: "If he is then the artificer of every wickedness, if he +only makes it his trade and traffic," &c.--And a thousand other +passages which I might cite to the same purpose; not to mention +those expressions which Aeschines calls not words, but +wonders.--You will tell me, perhaps, I have unwarily mentioned +Aeschines, since Demosthenes is condemned even by him, for +running into these figurative expressions. But observe, I entreat +you, how far superior the former orator is to his critic, and superior +too in the very passage to which he objects; for in others, the force +of his genius, in those above quoted, its loftiness, makes itself +manifest. But does Aeschines himself avoid those errors which he +reproves in Demosthenes? "The orator," says he, "Athenians, and +the law, ought to speak the same language; but when the voice of +the law declares one thing, and that of the orator another we +should give our vote to the justice of the law, not to the impudence +of the orator."159--And in another place: "He afterwards +manifestly discovered the design he had, of concealing his fraud +under cover of the decree, having expressly declared therein that +the ambassadors sent to the Oretae gave the five talents, not to +you, but to Callias. And that you may be convinced of the truth of +what I say (after having stripped the decree of its gallies, its trim, +and its arrogant ostentation) the clause itself."--And in another +part: "Suffer him not to break cover and escape out of the limits of +the question." A metaphor he is so fond of that he repeats it again. +"But remaining firm and confident in the assembly, drive him into +the merits of the question, and observe well how he doub1es."--Is +his style more reserved and simple when he says: "But you are ever +wounding our ears, and are more concerned in the success of your +daily harangues than for the salvation of the city ?"--What follows +is conceived in a yet higher strain of metaphor: "Will you not expel +this man as the common calamity of Greece? Will you not seize +and punish this pirate of the state, who sails about in quest of +favourable conjunctures," &c.--With many other passages of a +similar nature. And now I expect you will make the same attacks +upon certain expressions in this letter as you did upon those I have +been endeavouring to defend. The rudder that groans, and the pilot +compared to a sea-god, will not, I imagine, escape your criticism: +for I perceive, while I am suing for indulgence to my former style, +I have fallen into the same kind of figurative diction which you +condemn. But attack them if you please provided you will +immediately appoint a day when we may meet to discuss these +matters in person: you will then either teach me to be less daring +or I shall teach you to be more bold. Farewell. + +CVII + +To CANINIUS + +I HAVE met with a story, which, although authenticated by +undoubted evidence, looks very like fable, and would afford a +worthy field for the exercise of so exuberant, lofty, and truly +poetical a genius as your own. It was related to me the other day +over the dinner table, where the conversation happened to run +upon various kinds of marvels. The person who told the story was +a man of unsuspected veracity :--but what has a poet to do with +truth? However, you might venture to rely upon his testimony, +even though you had the character of a faithful historian to +support. There is in Africa a town called Hippo, situated not far +from the sea-coast: it stands upon a navigable lake, communicating +with an estuary in the form of a river, which alternately flows into +the lake, or into the ocean, according to the ebb and flow of the +tide. People of all ages amuse themselves here with fishing, +sailing, or swimming; especially boys, whom love of play brings to +the spot. With these it is a fine and manly achievement to be able +to swim the farthest; and he that leaves the shore and Ms +companions at the greatest distance gains the victory. It happened, +in one of these trials of skill, that a certain boy, bolder than the +rest, launched out towards the opposite shore. He was met by a +dolphin, who sometimes swam before him, and sometimes behind +hiiii, then played round him, and at last took him upon his back, +and set him down, and afterwards took him up again; and thus he +carried the poor frightened fellow out into the deepest part; when +immediately he turns back again to the shore, and lands him +among his companions. The fame of this remarkable accident +spread through the town, and crowds of people flocked round the +boy (whom they viewed as a kind of prodigy) to ask him questions +and hear him relate the story. The next day the shore was thronged +with spectators, all attentively watching the ocean, and (what +indeed is almost itself an ocean) the lake. Meanwhile the boys +swam as usual, and among the rest, the boy I am speaking of went +into the lake, but with more caution than before. The dolphin +appeared again and came to the boy, who, together with his +companions, swam away with the utmost precipitation. The +dolphin, as though to invite and call them back, leaped and dived +up and down, in a series of circular movements. This he practised +the next day, the day after, and for several days together, till the +people (accustomed from their infancy to the sea) began to be +ashamed of their timidity. They ventured, therefore, to advance +nearer, playing with him and calling him to them, while he, in +return, suffered himself to be touched and stroked. Use rendered +them courageous. The boy, in particular, who first made the +experiment, swam by the side of him, and, leaping upon his back, +was carried backwards and forwards in that manner, and thought +the dolphin knew him and was fond of him, while he too had +grown fond of the dolphin. There seemed, now, indeed, to be no +fear on either side, the confidence of the one and tameness of the +other mutually increasing; the rest of the boys, in the meanwhile, +surrounding and encouraging their companion. It is very +remarkable that this dolphin was followed by a second, which +seemed only as a spectator and attendant on the former; for he did +not at all submit to the same familiarities as the first, but only +escorted him backwards and forwards, as the boys did their +comrade. But what is further surprising, and no less true than what +I have already related, is that this dolphin, who thus played with +the boys and carried them upon his back, would come upon the +shore, dry himself in the sand, and, as soon as he grew warm, roll +back into the sea. It is a fact that Octavius Avitus, deputy governor +of the province, actuated by an absurd piece of superstition, poured +some ointment160 over him as he lay on the shore: the novelty and +smell of which made him retire into the ocean, and it was not till +several days after that he was seen again, when he appeared dull +and languid; however, he recovered his strength and continued his +usual playful tricks. All the magistrates round flocked hither to +view this sight, whose arrival, and prolonged stay, was an +additional expense, which the slender finances of this little +community would ill afford; besides, the quiet and retirement of +the place was utterly destroyed. It was thought proper, therefore, to +remove the occasion of this concourse, by privately killing the +poor dolphin. And now, with what a flow of tenderness will you +describe this affecting catastrophe!161 and how will your genius +adorn and heighten this moving story! Though, indeed, the subject +does not require any fictitious embellishments; it will he sufficient +to describe the actual facts of the case without suppression or +diminution. Farewell. + +CVIII + +To Fuscus + +You want to know how I portion out my day, in my summer villa +at Tuscum? I get up just when I please; generally about sunrise, +often earlier, but seldom later than this. I keep the shutters closed, +as darkness and silence wonderfully promote meditation. Thus free +and abstracted from these outward objects which dissipate +attention, I am left to my own thoughts; nor suffer my mind to +wander with my eyes, but keep my eyes in subjection to my mind, +which, when they are not distracted by a multiplicity of external +objects, see nothing but what the imagination represents to them. +If I have any work in hand, this is the time I choose for thinking it +out, word for word, even to the minutest accuracy of expression. In +this way I compose more or less, according as the subject is more +or less difficult, and I find myself able to retain it. I then call my +secretary, and, opening the shutters, dictate to him what I Wave +put into shape, after which I dismiss him, then call him in again, +and again dismiss him. About ten or eleven o'clock (for I do not +observe one fixed hour), according to the weather, I either walk +upon my terrace or in the covered portico, and theie I continue to +meditate or dictate what remains upon the subject in which I am +engaged. This completed, I get into my chariot, where I employ +myself as before, when I was walking, or in my study; and find this +change of scene refreshes and keeps up my attention. On my return +home, I take a little nap, then a walk, and after that repeat out loud +and distinctly some Greek or Latin speech, not so much for the +sake of strengthening my voice as my digestion;162 though indeed +the voice at the same time is strengthened by this practice. I then +take another walk, am anointed, do my exercises, and go into the +bath. At supper, if I have only my wife or a few friends with me, +some author is read to us; and after supper we are entertained +either with music or an interlude. When that is finished, I take my +walk with my family, among whom I am not without some +scholars. Thus we pass our evenings in varied conversation; and +the day, even when at the longest, steals imperceptibly away. Upon +some occasions I change the order in certain of the articles +abovementioned. For instance, if I have studied longer or walked +more than usual, after my second sleep, and reading a speech or +two aloud, instead of using my chariot I get on horseback; by +which oieans I ensure as much exercise and lose less time. The +visits of my friends from the neighbouring villages claim some +part of the day; and sometimes, by an agreeable interruption, they +come in very seasonably to relieve me when I aol feeling tired. I +now and then amuse myself with hunting, but always take my +tablets into + + + +the field, that, if I should meet with no game, I may at least bring +home something. Part of my time too (though not so much as they +desire) is allotted to my tenants; whose rustic complaints, along +with these city occupations, make my literary studies still more +delightful to me. FarewelL + +CIX + +To PAULINUS + +As you are not of a disposition to expect from your friends the +ordinary ceremonial observances of society when they cannot +observe them without inconvenience to themselves, so I love you +too steadfastly to be apprehensive of your taking otherwise than I +wish you should my not waiting upon you on the first day of your +entrance upon the consular office, especially as I am detained here +by the necessity of letting my farms upon long leases. I am obliged +to enter upon an entirely new plan with my tenants: for under the +former leases, though I made them very considerable abatements, +they have run greatly in arrear. For this reason several of them +have not only taken no sort of care to lessen a debt which they +found themselves incapable of wholly discharging, but have even +seized and consumed all the produce of the land, in the belief that +it would now be of no advantage to themselves to spare it. I must +therefore obviate this increasing evil, and endeavour to find out +some remedy against it. The only one I can think of is, not to +reserve my rent in nioney, but in kind, and so place some of my +servants to overlook the tillage, and guard the stock; as indeed +there is no sort of revenue more agreeable to reason than what +arises from the bounty of the soil, the seasons, and the climate. It is +true, this method will require great honesty, sharp eyes, and many +hands. However, I must risk the experiment, and, as in an +inveterate complaint, try every change of remedy. You see, it is not +any pleasurable indulgence that prevents my attending you on the +first day of your consulship. I shall celebrate it nevertheless, as +much as if I were present, and pay my vows for you here, with all +the warmest tokens of joy and congratulation. Farewell. + +CX + +To FUSCUS + +You are much pleased, I find, with the account I gave you in my +former letter of how I spend the summer season at Tuscum, and +desire to know what alteration I make in my method when I am at +Laurentum in the winter. None at all, except abridging myself of +my sleep at noon, and borrowing a good piece of the night before +daybreak and after sunset for study: and if business is very urgent +(which in winter very frequently happens), instead of having +interludes or music after supper, I reconsider whatever I have +previously dictated, and improve my memory at the same time by +this frequent mental revision. Thus I have given you a general +sketch of my mode of life in summer and winter; to which you +may add the intermediate seasons of spring and autumn, in which, +while losing nothing out of the day, I gain but little from the night. +Farewell. + +CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I1 + +TO THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE pious affection you bore, most sacred Emperor, to your +august father induced you to wish it might be late ere you +succeeded him. But the immortal gods thought proper to hasten the +advancement of those virtues to the helm of the commonwealth +which had already shared in the steerage.2 May you then, and the +world through your means, enjoy every prosperity worthy of your +reign: to which let me add my wishes, most excellent Eniperor, +upon a private as well as public account, that your health and +spirits may be preserved firm and unbroken.II + +II + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +You have occasioned me, Sir, an inexpressible pleasure in +deeming me worthy of enjoying the privilege which the laws +confer on those who have three children. For although it was from +an indulgence to the request of the excellent Julius Servianus, your +own most devoted servant, that you granted this favour, yet I have +the satisfaction to find by the words of your rescript that you +complied the more willingly as his application was in my behalf. I +cannot but look upon myself as in possession of my utmost wish, +after having thus received, at the beginning of your most +auspicious reign, so distinguishing a mark of your peculiar favour; +at the same time that it considerably heightens my desire of +leaving a family behind me. I was not entirely without this desire +even in the late most unhappy times: as my two marriages will +induce you to believe. But the gods decreed it better, by reserving +every valuable privilege to the bounty of your generous +dispensations. And indeed the pleasure of being a father will be so +much more acceptable to me now, that I can enjoy it in full +security and happiness. + +III + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE experience, most excellent Emperor, I have had of your +unbounded generosity to me, in my own person, encourages me to +hope I may be yet farther obliged to it, in that of my friends. +Voconius Romanus (who was my schoolfellow and companion +from our earliest years) claims the first rank in that number; in +consequence of which I petitioned your sacred father to promote +him to the dignity of the senatorial order. But the completion of +my request is reserved to your goodness; for his mother had not +then advanced, in the manner the law directs, the liberal gift3 of +four hundred thousand sesterces, which she engaged to give him, +in her letter to the late emperor, your father. This, however, by my +advice she has since done, having made over certain estates to +him, as well as completed every other act necessary to make the +conveyance valid. The difficulties therefore being removed which +deferred the gratification of our wishes, it is with full confidence I +venture to assure you of the worth. of my friend Romanus, +heightened and adorned as it is not only by liberal culture, but by +his extraordinary tenderness to his parents as well. It is to that +virtue he owes the present liberality of his mother; as well as his +immediate succession to his late father's estate, and his adoption +by his father-in-law. To these personal qualifications, the wealth +and rank of his family give additional lustre; and I persuade myself +it will be some further recommendation that I solicit in his behalf. +Let me, then, entreat you, Sir, to enable me to congratulate +Romanus on so desirable an occasion, and at the same time to +indulge an eager and, I hope, laudable ambition, of having it in my +power to boast that your favourable regards are extended not only +to myself, but also to my friend. + +IV +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +WHEN by your gracious indulgence, Sir, I was appointed to +preside at the treasury of Saturn, I immediately renounced all +engagements of the bar (as indeed I never blended business of that +kind with the functions of the state), that no avocations might call +off my attention from the post to which I was appointed. For this +reason, when the province of Africa petitioned the senate that I +might undertake their cause against Marius Priscus, I excused +myself from that office; and my excuse was allowed. But when +afterwards the consul elect proposed that the senate should apply +to us again, and endeavour to prevail with us to yield to its +inclinations, and suffer our names to be thrown into the urn, I +thought it most agreeable to that tranquillity and good order which +so happily distinguishes your times not to oppose (especially in so +reasonable an instance) the will of that august assembly. And, as I +am desirous that all my words and actions may receive the +sanction of your exemplary virtue, I hope you approve of my +compliance. + +V + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You acted as became a good citizen and a worthy senator, by +paying obedience to the just requisition of that august assembly: +and I have full confidence you will faithfully discharge the +business you have undertaken. + +VI + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +HAVING been attacked last year by a very severe and dangerous +illness, I employed a physician, whose care and diligence, Sir, I +cannot sufficiently reward, but by your gracious assistance. I +entreat you therefore to make him a denizen of Rome; for as he is +the freedman of a foreign lady, he is, consequently, himself also a +foreigner. His name is Harpocras; his patroness (who has been +dead a considerable time) was Thermuthis, the daughter of Theon. +I further entreat you to bestow the full privileges of a Roman +citizen upon Hedia and Antonia Harmeris, the freedwomen of +Antonia Maximilla, a lady of great merit. It is at her desire I make +this request. + +VII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I RETURN YOU thanks, Sir, for your ready compliance with my +desire, in granting the complete privileges of a Roman to the +freedwomen of a lady to whom I am allied and also for making +Harpocras, my physician, a denizen of Rome. But when, agreeably +to your directions, I gave in an account of his age, and estate, I was +informed by those who are better skilled in the affairs than I +pretend to be that, as he is an Egyptian, I ought first to have +obtained for him the freedom of Alexandria before he was made +free of Rome. I confess, indeed, as I was ignorant of any difference +in this case between those of Egypt and other countries, I +contented myself with Only acquainting you that he had been +manumitted by a foreign lady long since deceased. However, it is +an ignorance I cannot regret, since it affords me an opportunity of +receiving from you a double obligation in favour of the same +person. That I may legally therefore enjoy the benefit of your +goodness, I beg you would be pleased to grant him the freedom of +the city of Alexandria, as well as that of Rome. And that your +gracious intentions may not meet with any further obstacles, I have +taken care, as you directed, to send an account to your freedman of +his age and possessions. + +VIII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +IT is my resolution, in pursuance of the maxim observed by the +princes my predecessors, to be extremely cautious in granting the +freedom of the city of Alexandria: however, since you have +obtained of me the freedom of Rome for your physician +Harpocras, I cannot refuse you this other request. You must let me +know to what district he belongs, that I may give you a letter to my +friend Pompeius Planta, governor of Egypt. + +IX + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I CANNOT express, Sir, the pleasure your letter gave me, by +which I am informed that you have made my physician Harpocras +a denizen of Alexandria; notwithstanding your resolution to follow +the maxim of your predecessors in this point, by being extremely +cautious in granting that privilege. Agreeably to your directions, I +acquaint you that Harpocras belongs to the district of Memphis.4 I +entreat you then, most gracious Emperor, to send me, as you +promised, a letter to your friend Pompeius Planta, governor of +Egypt. As I purpose (in order to have the earliest enjoyment of +your presence, so ardently wished for here) to come to meet you, I +beg, Sir, you would permit me to extend my journey as far as +possible. + +X + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I WAS greatly obliged, Sir, in my late illness, to Posthumius +Marinus, my physician; and I cannot make him a suitable return, +but by the assistance of your wonted gracious indulgence. I entreat +you then to make Chrysippus Mithridates and his wife Stratonica +(who are related to Marinus) denizens of Rome. I entreat likewise +the same privilege in favour of Epigonus and Mithridates, the two +sons of Chrysippus; but with this restriction' that they may remain +under the dominion of their father, and yet reserve their right of +patronage over their own freedmen. I further entreat you to grant +the full privileges of a Roman to L. Satrius Abascantius, P. Caesius +Phosphorus, and Pancharia Soteris. This request I make with the +consent of their patrons. + +XI + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +AFTER your late sacred father, Sir, had, in a noble speech, as well +as by his own generous example, exhorted and encouraged the +public to acts of munificence, I implored his permission to remove +the several statues which I had of the former emperors to my +corporation, and at the same time requested permission to add his +own to the number. For as I had hitherto let them remain in the +respective places in which they stood when they were left to me by +several different inheritances, they were dispersed in distant parts +of my estate. He was pleased to grant my request, and at the same +time to give me a very ample testimony of his approbation. I +immediately, therefore, wrote to the decurii, to desire they would +allot a piece of ground, upon which I might build a temple at my +own expense; and they, as a mark of honour to my design, offered +me the choice of any site I might think proper. However, my own +ill-health in the first place, and later that of your father, together +with the duties of that employment which you were both pleased to +entrust me, prevented my proceeding with that design. But I have +now, I think, a convenient opportunity of making an excursion for +the purpose, as my monthly attendancet ends on the 1st of +September, and there are several festivals in the month following. +My first request, then, is that you would permit me to adorn the +temple I am going to erect with your statue, and next (in order to +the execution of my design with all the expedition possible) that +you would indulge me with leave of absence. It would ill become +the sincerity I profess, were I to dissemble that your goodness in +complying with this desire will at the same time be extremely +serviceable to me in my own private affairs. It is absolutely +necessary I should not defer any longer the letting of my lands in +that province; for, besides that they amount to abovc four hundred +thousand sesterces,6 the time for dressing the vineyards is +approaching, and that business must fall upon my new tenants. The +unfruitfulness of the seasons besides, for several years past, +obliges me to think of making some abatements in my rents; which +I cannot possibly settle unless I am present. I shall be indebted +then to your indulgence, Sir, for the expedition of my work of +piety, and the settlement of my own private affairs, if you will be +pleased to grant me leave of absence8 for thirty days. I cannot give +myself a shorter time, as the town and the estate of which I am +speaking lie above a hundred and fifty miles from Rome. + +XII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You have given me many private reasons, and every public one, +why you desire leave of absence; but I need no other than that it is +your desire: and I doubt not of your returning as soon as possible to +the duty of an office which so much requires your attendance. As I +would not seem to check any instance of your affection towards +me, I shall not oppose your erecting my statue in the place you +desire; though in general I am extremely cautious in giving any +encouragement to honours of that kind. + +XIII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +As I am sensible, Sir, that the highest applause my actions can +receive is to be distinguished by so excellent a prince, I beg you +would be graciously pleased to add either the office of augur or +septemvir' (both which are now vacant) to the dignity I already +enjoy by your indulgence; that I may have the satisfaction of +publicly offering up those vows for your prosperity, from the duty +of my office, which I daily prefer to the gods in private, from the +affection of my heart. + +XIV + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +HAVING safely passed the promontory of Malea, I am arrived at +Ephesus with all my retinue, notwithstanding I was detained for +some time by contrary winds: a piece of information, Sir, in which, +I trust, you will feel yourself concerned. I propose pursuing the +remainder of my journey to the province10 partly in light vessels, +and partly in post-chaises: for as the excessive heats will prevent +my travelling altogether by land, so the Etesian winds,11 which are +now set in, will not permit me to proceed entirely by sea. + +XV + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +YOUR information, my dear Pliny, was extremely agreeable to +mc, as it does concern me to know in what manner you arrive at +your province. It is a wise intention of yours to travel either by sea +or land, as you shall find most convenient. + +XVI + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +As I had a very favourable voyage to Ephesus, so in travelling by +post-chaise from thence I was extremely troubled by the heats, and +also by some slight feverish attacks, which kept me some time at +Pergamus. From there, Sir, I got on board a coasting vessel, but, +being again detained by contrary winds, did not arrive at Bithynia +so soon as I had hoped. However, I have no reason to complain of +this delay, since (which indeed was the most auspicious +circumstance that could attend me) I reached the province in +time to celebrate your birthday. I am at present engaged in +examining the finances of the Prusenses,12 their expenses, +revenues, and credits; and the farther I proceed in this work, the +more I am convinced of the necessity of my enquiry. Several large +sums of money are owing to the city from private persons, which +they neglect to pay upon various pretences; as, on the other hand, I +find the public funds are, in some instances, very unwarrantably +applied. This, Sir, I write to you immediately on my arrival. I +entered this province on the 17th of September,13 and found in it +that obedience and loyalty towards yourself which you justly merit +from all mankind. You will consider, Sir, whether it would not be +proper to send a surveyor here; for I am inclined to think much +might be deducted from what is charged by those who have the +conduct of the public works if a faithful admeasurement were to +be taken: at least I am of that opinion from what I have already +seen of the accounts of this city, which I am now going into as +fully as is possible. + +XVII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I SHOULD have rejoiced to have heard that you arrived at +Bithynia without the smallest inconvenience to yourself or any of +your retinue, and that your journey from Ephesus had been as easy +as your voyage to that place was favourable. For the rest, your +letter informs me, my dearest Secundus, on what day you reached +Bithynia. The people of that province will be convinced, I +persuade myself, that I am attentive to their interest: as your +conduct towards them will make it manifest that I could have +chosen no more proper person to supply my place. The +examination of the public accounts ought certainly to be your first +employment, as they are evidently in great disorder. I have +scarcely surveyors sufficient to inspect those works14 which I am +carrying on at Rome, and in the neighbourhood; but persons of +integrity and skill in this art may be found, most certainly, in cvery +province, so that they will not fail you if only you will make due +enquiry. + +XVIII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THOUGH I am well assured, Sir, that you, who never omit any +opportunity of exerting your generosity, are not unmindful of the +request I lately made to you, yet, as you have often indulged me in +this manner, give me leave to remind and earnestly entreat you to +bestow the praetorship now vacant upon Attius Sura. Though his +ambition is extremely moderate, yet the quality of his birth, the +inflexible integrity he has preserved in a very narrow fortune, and, +more than all, the felicity of your times, which encourages +conscious virtue to claim your favour, induce him to hope he may +experience it in the present instance. + +XIX + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I CONGRATULATE both you and the public, most excellent +Emperor, upon the great and glorious victory you have obtained; +so agreeable to the heroism of ancient Rome. May the immortal +gods grant the same happy success to all your designs, that, under +the administration of so many princely virtues, the splendour of the +empire may shine out, not only in its former, but with additional +lustre.15 +XX + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +Mv lieutenant, Servilius Pudens, came to Nicomedia,16 Sir, on the +24th of November, and by his arrival freed me, at length, from the +anxiety of a very uneasy expectation. + +XXI + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +YOUR generosity to me, Sir, was the occasion of uniting me to +Rosianus Geminus, by the strongest ties; for he was my quaestor +when I was consul. His behaviour to me during the continuance of +our offices was highly respectful, and he has treated me ever since +with so peculiar a regard that, besides the many obligations I owe +him upon a public account, I am indebted to him for the strongest +pledges of private friendship. I entreat you, then, to comply with +my request for the advancement of one whom (if my +recommendation has any weight) you will even distinguish with +your particular favour; and whatever trust you shall repose in him, +he will endeavour to show himself still deserving of an higher. But +I am the more sparing in my praises of him, being persuaded his +integrity, his probity, and his vigilance are well known to you, not +only from those high posts which he has exercised in Rome within +your immediate inspection, but from his behaviour when he served +under you in the army. One thing, however, my affection for him +inclines me to think, I have not yet sufficiently done; and +therefore, Sir, I repeat my entreaties that you will give me the +pleasure, as early as possible, of rejoicing in the advancement of +my quaestor, or, in other words, of receiving an addition to my +own honours, in the person of my friend. + +XXII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +IT is not easy, Sir, to express the joy I received when I heard you +had, in compliance with the request of my mother-in-law and +myself, granted Coelius Clemens the proconsulship of this +province after the expiration of his consular office; as it is from +thence I learn the full extent of your goodness towards me, which +thus graciously extends itself through my whole family. As I dare +not pretend to make an equal return to those obligations I so justly +owe you, I can only have recourse to vows, and ardently implore +the gods that I may not be found unworthy of those favours which +you are the repeatedly conferring upon me. + +XXIII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I RECEIVED, Sir, a dispatch from your freedman, Lycormas, +desiring me, if any embassy from Bosporus17 should come here on +the way to Rome, that I would detain it till his arrival. None has +yet arrived, at least in the city18 where I now am. But a courier +passing through this place from the king of Sarmatia,19 I embrace +the opportunity which accidentally offers itself, of sending with +him the messenger which Lycormas despatched hither, that you +might be informed by both their letters of what, perhaps, it may be +expedient you should be acquainted with at one and the same time. + +XXIV + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I AM informed by a letter from the king of Sarmatia that there are +certain affairs of which you ought to be informed as soon as +possible. In order, therefore, to hasten the despatches which his +courier was charged with to you, I granted him an order to make +use of the public post.20 + +XXV + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE ambassador from the king of Sarmatia having remained two +days, by his own choice, at Nicea, I did not think it reasonable, Sir, +to detain him any longer: because, in the first place, it was still +uncertain when your freedman, Lycormas, would arrive, and then +again some indispensable affairs require my presence in a different +part of the province. Of this I thought it necessary that you should +be informed, because I lately acquainted you in a letter that +Lycormas had desired, if any embassy should come this way from +Bosporus, that I would detain it till his arrival. But I saw no +plausible pretext for keeping him back any longer, especially as +the despatches from Lycormas, which (as I mentioned before) I +was not willing to detain, would probably reach you some (lays +sooner than this ambassador. + +XXVI +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I RECEIVED a letter, Sir, from Apuleius, a military man, +belonging to tile garrison at Nicomedia, informing me that one +Callidromus, being arrested by Maximus and Dionysius (two +bakers, to whom he had hired himself), fled for refuge to your +statue;21 that, being brought before a magistrate, he declared he , +was formerly slave to Laberius Maximus, but being taken prisoner +by Susagus22 in Moesia,23 he was sent as a present from +Decebalus to Pacorus, king of Parthia, in whose service he +continued several years, from whence he made his escape, and +came to Nicomedia. When be was examined before me, he +confirmed this account, for which reason I thought it necessary to +send24 him to you. This I should have done sooner, but I delayed +his journey in order to make an inquiry concerning a seal ring +which he said was taken from him, upon which was engraven the +figure of Pacorus in his royal robes; I was desirous (if it could have +heen found) of transmitting this curiosity to you, with a small gold +nugget which he says he brought from out of the Parthian mines. I +have affixed my seal to it, the impression of which is a chariot +drawn by four horses, + +XXVII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +YOUR freedman and procurator,25 Maximus, behaved, Sir, during +all the time we were together, with great probity, attention, and +diligence; as one strongly attached to your interest, and strictly +observant of discipline. This testimony I willingly give him; and I +give it with all the fidelity I owe you. + +XXVIII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +AFTER having experienced, Sir, in Gabius Bassus, who +commands on the Pontic26 coast, the greatest integrity, honour, +and diligence, as well as the most particular respect to myself, I +cannot refuse him my best wishes and suffrage; and I give them to +him with all that fidelity which is due to you. I have found him +abundantly qualified by having seived in the army under you; and +it is owing to the advantages of your discipline that he has learned +to merit your favour. The soldiery and the people here, who have +had full experience of his justice and humanity, rival each other in +that glorious testimony they give of his conduct, both in public and +in private; and I certify this with all the sincerity you have a right +to expect from me. + +XXIX + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +NYMPHIDIUS Lupus,27 Sir, and myself, served in the army +together; he commanded a body of the auxiliary forces at the same +time that I was military tribune; and it was from thence my +affection for him began. A long acquaintance has since mutually +endeared and strengthened our friendship. For this reason I did +violence to his repose, and insisted upon his attending me into +Bithynia, as my assessor in council. He most readily granted me +this proof of his friendship; and without any regard to the plea of +age, or the ease of retirement, he shared, and continues to share, +with me, the fatigue of public business. I consider his relations, +therefore, as my own; in which number Nymphidius Lupus, his +son, claims my particular regard. He is a youth of great merit and +indefatigable application, and in every respect well worthy of so +excellent a father. The early proof he gave of his merit, when he +commanded a regiment of foot, shows him to be equal to any +honour you may think proper to confer upon him; and it gained +him the strongest testimony of approbation from those most +illustrious personages, Julius Ferox and Fuscus Salinator. And I +will add, Sir, that I shall rejoice in any accession of dignity which +he shall receive as an occasion of particular satisfaction to myself. + +XXX + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I BEG your determination, Sir, on a point I am exceedingly +doubtful about: it is whether I should place the public slaves28 as +sentries round the prisons of the several cities in this province (as +has been hitherto the practice) or employ a party of soldiers for +that purpose? On the one hand, I am afraid the public slaves will +not attend this duty with the fidelity they ought; and on the other, +that it will engage too large a body of the soldiery. In the +meanwhile I have joined a few of the latter with the former. I am +apprehensive, however, there may be some danger that this method +will occasion a general neglect of duty, as it will afford them a +mutual opportunity of throwing the blame upon each other. + +XXXI + +TRAJAN TO PLTNY + +THERE is no occasion, my dearest Secundus, to draw off any +soldiers in order to guard the prisons. Let us rather persevere in the +ancient customs observed in this province, of employing the public +slaves for that purpose; and the fidelity with which they shall +execute their duty will depend much upon your care and strict +discipline. It is greatly to be feared, as you observe, if the soldiers +should be mixed with the public slaves, they will mutually trust to +each other, and by that means grow so much the more negligent. +But my principal objection is that as few soldiers as possible +should be withdrawn from their standard. + +XXXII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +GABIUS BASSUS, who commands upon the frontiers of Pontica, +in a manner suitable to the respect and duty which he owes you, +came to me, and has been with me, Sir, for several days. As far as I +could observe, he is a person of great merit and worthy of your +favour. I acquainted him it was your order that he should retain +only ten beneficiary29 soldiers, two horse-guards, and one +centurion out of the troops which you were pleased to assign to my +command. He assured me those would not be sufficient, and that +he would write to you accordingly; for which reason I thought it +proper not immediately to recall his supernumeraries. + +XXXIII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I HAVE received from Gabius Bassus the letter you mention, +acquainting me that the number of soldiers I had ordered him was +not sufficient; and for your information I have directed my answer +to be hereunto annexed. It is very material to distinguish between +what the exigency of affairs requires and what an ambitious desire +of extending power may think necessary. As for ourselves, the +public welfare must be our only guide: accordingly it is incumbent +upon us to take all possible care that the soldiers shall not be +absent from their standard. + +XXXIV + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE PRUSENSES, Sir, having an ancient bath which lies in a +ruinous state, desire your leave to repair it; but, upon examination, +I am of opinion it ought to be rebuilt. I think, therefore, you may +indulge them in this request, as there will be a sufficient fund for +that purpose, partly from those debts which are due from private +persons to the public which I am now collecting in; and partly +from what they raise among themselves towards furnishing the +bath with oil, which they are willing to apply to the carrying on of +this building; a work which the dignity of the city and the +splendour of your times seem to demand. + +XXXV + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +IF the erecting a public bath will not be too great a charge upon the +Prusenses, we may comply with their request; provided, however, +that no new tax be levied for this purpose, nor any of those taken +off which are appropriated to necessary services. + +XXXVI + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I AM assured, Sir, by your freedman and receiver-general +Maximus, that it is necessary he should have a party of soldiers +assigned to him, over and besides the beneficiarii, which by your +orders I allotted to the very worthy Gemellinus. Those therefore +which I found in his service, I thought proper he should retain, +especially as he was going into Paphlagonia,30 in order to procure +corn. For his better protection likewise, and because it was his +request, I added two of the cavalry. But I beg you would inform +me, in your next despatches, what method you would have me +observe for the future in points of this nature. + +XXX VII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +As my freedman Maximus was going upon an extraordinary +commission to procure corn, I approve of your having supplied +him with a file of soldiers. But when he shall return to the duties of +his former post, I think two from you and as many from his +coadjutor, my receiver-general Virdius Gemelhinus, will be +sufficient. + +XXXVIII +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE very excellent young man Sempronius Caelianus, having +discovered two slaves31 among the recruits, has sent them to me. +But I deferred passing sentence till I had consulted you, the +restorer and upholder of military discipline, concerning the +punishment proper to be inflicted upon them. My principal doubt +is that, whether, although they have taken the military oath, they +are yet entered into any particular legion. I request you therefore, +Sir, to inform me what course I should pursue in this affair, +especially as it concerns example. + +XXXIX + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +SEMPRONIUS CAELINUS has acted agreeably to my orders, in +sending such persons to be tried before you as appear to deserve +capital punishment. It is material however, in the case in question, +to inquire whether these slaves in-listed themselves voluntarily, or +were chosen by the officers, or presented as substitutes for others. +If they were chosen, the officer is guilty; if they are substitutes, the +blame rests with those who deputed them; but if, conscious of the +legal inabilities of their station, they presented themselves +voluntarily, the punishment must fall upon their own beads. That +they are not yet entered into any legion, makes no great difference +in their case; for they ought to have given a true account of +themselves immediately, upon their being approved as fit for the +service. + +XL + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +As I have your permission, Sir, to address myself to you in all my +doubts, you will not consider it beneath your dignity to descend to +those humbler affairs which concern my administration of this +province. I find there are in several cities, particularly those of +Nicomedia and Nicea, certain persons who take upon themselves +to act as public slaves, and receive an annual stipend accordingly; +notwithstanding they have been condemned either to the mines, +the public games,32 or other punishments of the like nature. +Having received information of this abuse I have been long +debating with myself what I ought to do. On the one hand, to send +them back again to their respective punishments (many of them +being now grown old, and behaving, as I am assured, with sobriety +and modesty) would, I thought, be proceeding against them too +severely; on the other, to retain convicted criminals in the public +service, seemed not altogether decent. I considered at the same +time to support these people in idleness would be an useless +expense to the public; and to leave them to starve would be +dangerous. I was obliged therefore to suspend the determination of +this matter till I could consult with you. You will be desirous, +perhaps, to be informed how it happened that these persons +escaped the punishments to which they were condemned. This +enquiry I have also made, but cannot return you any satisfactory +answer. The decrees against them were indeed produced; but no +record appears of their having ever been reversed. It was asserted, +however, that these people were pardoned upon their petition to +the proconsuls, or their lieutenants; which seems likely to be the +truth, as it is improbable any person would have dared to set them +at liberty without authority. + +XLI + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You will remember you were sent into Bithynia for the particular +purpose of correcting those many abuses which appeared in need +of reform. Now none stands more so than that of criminals who +have been sentenced to punishment should not only be set at +liberty (as your letter informs me) without authority; but even +appointed to employments which ought only to be exercised by +persons whose characters are irreproachable. Those therefore +among them who have been convicted within these ten years, and +whose sentence has not been reversed by proper authority, must be +sent back again to their respective punishments: but where more +than ten years have elapsed since their conviction, and they are +grown old and infirm, let them he disposed of in such +employments as are but few degrees removed from the +punishments to which they were sentenced; that is, either to attend +upon the public baths, cleanse the common sewers, or repair the +streets and highways, the usual offices assigned to such persons. + +XLII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +WHILE I was making a progress in a different part of the province, +a most extensive fire broke out at Nicomedia, which not only +consumed several private houses, but also two public buildings; +the town-house and the temple of Isis, though they stood on +contrary sides of the street. The occasion of its spreading thus far +was partly owing to the violence of the wind, and partly to the +indolence of the people, who, manifestly, stood idle and +motionless spectators of this terrible calamity. The truth is the city +was not furnished with either engines,1 buckets, or any single +instrument suitable for extinguishing fires; which I have now +however given directions to have prepared. You will consider, Sir, +whether it may not be advisable to institute a company of fire-men, +consisting only of one hundred and fifty members. I will take care +none but those of that business shall be admitted into it, and that +the privileges granted them shall not be applied to any other +purpose. As this corporate body will he restricted to so small a +number of members, it will he easy to keep them under proper +regulation. + +XLIII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You are of opinion it would be proper to establish a company of +firemen in Nicomedia, agreeably to what has been practised in +several other cities. But it is to be remembered that societies of +this sort have greatly disturbed the peace of the province in +general, and of those cities in particular. Whatever name we give +them, and for whatever purposes they may be founded, they will +not fail to form themselves into factious assemblies, however short +their meetings may be. It will therefore be safer to provide such +machines as are of service in extinguishing fires, enjoining the +owners of houses to assist in preventing the mischief from +spreading, and, if it should be necessary, to call in the aid of the +populace. + +XLIV + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +WE have acquitted, Sir, and renewed our annual vows34 for your +prosperity, in which that of the empire is essentially involved, +imploring the gods to grant us ever thus to pay and thus to repeat +them. + +XLV + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I RECEIVED the satisfaction, my dearest Secundus, of being +informed by your letter that you, together with the people under +your government, have both discharged and renewed your vows to +the immortal gods for my health and happiness. + +XLVI + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE citizens of Nicomedia, Sir, have expended three millions +three hundred and twenty-nine sesterces35 in building an +aquedtict; bat, not being able to finish it, the works are entirely +falling to ruin. They made a second attempt in another place, +where they laid out two millions.36 But this likewise is +discontinued; so that, after having been at an immense charge to +no purpose, they must still be at a further expense, in oider to be +accommodated with water. I have examined a fine spring from +whence the water may be conveyed over arches (as was attempted +in their first design) in such a manner that the higher as well as +level and low parts of the city may be supplied. There are still +remaining a very few of the old arches; and the square stones, +however, employed in the former building, may be used in turning +the new arches. I am of opinion part should be raised with brick, as +that will be the easier and cheaper material. But that this work may +not meet with the same ill-success as the former, it will be +necessary to send here an architect, or some one skilled in the +construction of this kind of waterworks. And I will venture to say, +from the beauty and usefulness of the design, it will be an erection +well worthy the splendour of your times. + +XLVII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +CARE must be taken to supply the city of Nicomedia with water; +and that business, I am well persuaded, you will perform with all +the diligence you ought. But really it is no less incumbent upon +you to examine by whose misconduct it has happened that such +large sums have been thrown away upon this, lest they apply the +money to private purposes, and the aqueduct in question, like the +preceding, should be begun, and afterwards left unfinished. You +will let me know the result of your inquiry. + +XLVIII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE citizens of Nicea, Sir; are building a theatre, which, though it +is not yet finished, has already exhausted, as I am informed (for I +have not examined the account myself), above ten millions of +sesterces;37 and, what is worse, I fear to no purpose. For either +from the foundation being laid in soft, marshy ground, or that the +stone itself is light and crumbling, the wails are sinking, and +cracked from top to bottom. It deserves your consideration, +therefore, whether it would be best to carry on this work, or +entirely discontinue it, or rather, perhaps, whether it would not be +most prudent absolutely to destroy it: for the buttresses and +foundations by means of which it is from time to time kept up +appear to me more expensive than solid. Several private persons +have undertaken to build the compartment of this theatre at their +own expense, some engaging to crect the portico, others the +galleries over the pit:38 but this design cannot be executed, as the +principal building which ought first to bu completed is now at a +stand. This city is also rebuilding, upon a far more enlarged plan, +the gymnasium,39 which was burnt down before my arrival in the +province. They have already been at some (and, I rather fear, a +fruitless) expense. The structure is not only irregular and +ill-proportioned, but the present architect (who, it must be owned, +is a rival to the person who was first employed) asserts that the +walls, although twenty-two feet40 in thickness, are not strong +enough to support the superstructure, as the interstices are filled up +with quarrystones, and the walls are not overlaid with brickwork. +Also the inhabitants of Claudiopolis41 are sinking (I cannot call it +erecting) a large public bath, upon a low spot of ground which lies +at the foot of a mountain. The fund appropriated for the carrying +on of this work arises from the money which those honorary +members you were pleased to add to the senate paid (or, at least, +are ready to pay whenever I call upon them) for their admission.42 +As I am afraid, therefore, the public money in the city of Nicea, +and (what is infinitely more valuable than any pecuniary +consideration) your bounty in that of Nicopolis, should be ill +applied, I must desire you to send hither an architect to inspect, not +only the theatre, but the bath; in order to consider whether, after all +the expense which has already been laid out, it will be better to +finish them upon the present plan, or alter the one, and remove the +other, in as far as may seem necessary: for otherwise we may +perhaps throw away our future cost in endeavot4ring not to lose +what we have already expended. + +XLIX + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You, who are upon the spot, will best be able to consider and +determine what is proper to be done concerning the theatre which +the inhabitants of Nicea are building; as for myself, it will be +sufficient if you let me know your determination. With respect to +the particular parts of this theatre which are to be raised at a +private charge, you will see those engagements fulfilled when the +body of the building to which they are to be annexed shall be +finished.-- These paltry Greeks43 are, I know, immoderately fond +of gymnastic diversions, and therefore, perhaps, the citizens of +Nicea have planned a more magnificent building for this purpose +than is necessary; however, they must be content with such as will +be sufficient to answer the purpose for which it is intended. I leave +it entirely to you to persuade the Claudiopolitani as you shall think +proper with regard to their bath, which they have placed, it seems, +in a very improper situation. As there is no province that is not +furnished with men of skill and ingenuity, you cannot possibly +want architects; unless you think it the shortest way to procure +them from Rome, when it is generally from Greece that they come +to us. + +L + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +WHEN I reflect upon the splendour of your exalted station, and the +magnanimity of your spirit, nothing, I am persuaded, can be more +suitable to both than to point out to you such works as are worthy +of your glorious and immortal name, as being no less useful than +magnificent. Bordering upon the territories of the city of +Nicomedia is a most extensive lake; over which marbles, fruits, +woods, and all kinds of materials, the commodities of the country, +are brought over in boats up to the high-road, at little trouble and +expense, but from thence are conveyed in carriages to the sea-side, +at a much greater charge and with great labour. To remedy this +inconvenience, many hands will be in request; but upon such an +occasion they cannot be wanting: for the country, and particularly +the city, is exceedingly populous; and one may assuredly hope that +every person will readily engage in a work which will be of +universal benefit. It only remains then to send hither, if you shall +think proper, a surveyor or an architect, in order to examine +whether the lake lies above the level of the sea; the engineers of +this province being of opinion that the former is higher by forty +cubits,44 I find there is in the neighbourhood of this place a large +canal, which was cut by a king of this country; but as it is left +unfinished, it is nncertain whether it was for the purpose of +draining the adjacent fields, or making a communication between +the lake and the river. It is equally doubtful too whether the death +of the king, or the despair of being able to accomplish the design, +prevented the completion of it. If this was the reason, I am so +much the more eager and warmly desirous, for the sake of your +illustrious character (and I hope you will pardon me the ambition), +that you may have the glory of executing what kings could only +attempt. + +LI + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +THERE is something in the scheme you propose of opening a +communication between the lake and the sea, which may, perhaps, +tempt me to consent. But you must first carefully examine the +situation of this body of water, what quantity it contains, and from +whence it is supplied; lest, by giving it an opening into the sea, it +should be totally drained. You may apply to Calpurnius Macer for +an engineer, and I will also send you from hence some one skilled +in works of this nature. + +LII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +UPON examining into the public expenses of the city of +Byzantium, which, I find, are extremely great, I was informed, Sir, +that the appointments of the ambassador whom they send yearly to +you with their homage, and the decree which passes in the senate +upon that occasion, amount to twelve thousand sesterces.45 But +knowing the generous maxims of your government, I thought +proper to send the decree without the ambassador, that, at the same +time they discharged their public duty to you, their expense +incurred in the manner of paying it might be lightened. This city is +likewise taxed with the sum of three thousand sesterces46 towards +defraying the expense of an envoy, whom they annually send to +compliment the governor of Moesia: this expense I have also +directed to be spared. I beg, Sir, you would deign either to confirm +my judgment or correct my error in these points, by acquainting +me with your sentiments. + +LIII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I ENTIRELY approve, my dearest Secundus, of your having +excused the Byzantines that expense of twelve thousand sesterces +in sending an ambassador to me. I shall esteem their duty as +sufficiently paid, though I only receive the act of their senate +through your hands. The governor of Moesia must likewise excuse +them if they compliment him at a less expense. + +LIV + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I BEG, Sir, you would settle a doubt I have concerning your +diplomas;47 whether you think proper that those diplomas the +dates of which are expired shall continue in force, and for how +long? For I am apprehensive I may, through ignorance, either +confirm such of these instruments as are illegal or prevent the +effect of those which are necessary. + +LV + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +THE diplomas whose dates are expired must by no means be made +use of. For which reason it is an inviolable rule with me to send +new instruments of this kind into all the provinces before they are +immediately wanted. + +LVI + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +UPON intimating, Sir, my intention to the city of Apamea,38 of +examining into the state of their public dues, their revenue and +expenses, they told me they were all extremely willing I should +inspect their accounts, but that no proconsul. had ever yet looked +them over, as they had a privilege (and that of a very ancient date) +of administering the affairs of their corporation in the manner they +thought proper. I required them to draw up a memorial of what +they then asserted, which I transmit to you precisely as I received +it; though I am sensible it contains several things foreign to the +question. I beg you will deign to instruct me as to how I am to act +in this affair, for I should be extremely sorry either to exceed or +fall short of the duties of my commission. + +LVII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +THE memorial of the Apanieans annexed to your letter has saved +me the necessity of considering the reasons they suggest why the +former proconsuls forbore to inspect their accounts, since they are +willing to submit them to your examination. Their honest +compliance deserves to be rewarded; and they may be assured the +enquiry you are to make in pursuance of my orders shall be with a +full reserve to their privileges. + +LVIII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE Nicomedians, Sir, before my arrival in this province, had +begun to build a new forum adjoining their former, in a corner of +which stands an ancient temple dedicated to the mother of the +gods.39 This fabric must either be repaired or removed, and for +this reason chiefly, because it is a much lower building than that +very lofty one which is now in process of erection. Upon enquiry +whether this temple had been consecrated, I was informed that +their ceremonies of dedication differ from ours. You will be +pleased therefore, Sir, to consider whether a temple which has not +been consecrated according to our rites may be removed,40 +consistently with the reverence due to religion: for, if there should +be no objection from that quarter, the removal in every other +respect would be extremely convenient. + +LIX + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You may without scruple, my dearest Secundus, if the situation +requires it, remove the temple of the mother of the gods, from the +place where it now stands, to any other spot more convenient. You +need be under no difficulty with respect to the act of dedication; +for the ground of a foreign city41 is not capable of receiving that +kind of consecration which is sanctified by our laws. + +LX + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +WE have celebrated, Sir (with those sentiments of joy your virtues +so justly merit), the day of your accession to the empire, which +was also its preservation, imploring the gods to preserve you in +health and prosperity; for upon your welfare the security and +repose of the world depends. I renewed at the same time the oath +of allegiance at the head of the army, which repeated it after me in +the usual form, the people of the province zealously concurring in +the same oath. + +LXI + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +YOUR letter, my dearest Secundus, was extremely acceptable, +as it informed me of the zeal and affection with which you, +together with the army and the provincials, solemnised the day of +my accession to the empire. + +LXII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE debts which we are owing to the public are, by the prudence, +Sir, of your counsels, and the care of my administration, either +actually paid in or now being collected: but I am afraid the money +must lie unemployed. For as on one side there are few or no +opportunities of purchasing land, so, on the other, one cannot meet +with any person who is willing to borrow of the public42 +(especially at 12 per cent, interest) when they can raise money +upon the same terms from private sources. You will consider then, +Sir, whether it may not be advisable, in order to invite responsible +persons to take this money, to lower the interest; or if that scheme +should not succeed, to place it in the hands of the decurii, upon +their giving sufficient security to the public. And though they +should not be willing to receive it, yet as the rate of interest will be +diminished, the hardship will be so much the less. + +LXIII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I AGREE with you, my dear Pliny, that there seems to be no other +method of facilitating the placing out of the public money than by +lowering the interest; the measure of which you will determine +according to the number of the borrowers. But to compel persons +to receive it who are not disposed to do so, when possibly they +themselves may have no opportunity of employing it, is by no +means consistent with the justice of my government. + +LXIV + +To TIlE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I RETURN you my warmest acknowledgments, Sir, that, among +the many important occupations in which you are engaged you +have condescended to be my guide on those points on which I have +consulted you: a favour which I must now again beseech you to +grant me. A certain person presented himself with a complaint that +his adversaries, who had been banished for three years by the +illustrious Servilius Calvus, still remained in the province: +they, on the contrary, affirmed that Calvus had revoked their +sentence, and produced his edict to that effect. I thought it +necessary therefore to refer the whole affair to you. For as I have +your express orders not to restore any person who has been +sentenced to banishment either by myself or others so I have no +directions with respect to those who, having been banished by +some of my predecessors in this government, have by them also +been restored. It is necessary for me, therefore, to beg you would +inform me, Sir, how I am to act with regard to the above- +mentioned persons, as well as others, who, after having been +condemned to perpetual banishment, have been found in the +province without permission to return; for cases of that nature +have likewise fallen under my cognisance. A person was brought +before me who had been sentenced to perpetual exile by the +proconsul Julius Bassus, but knowing that the acts of Bassus, +during his administration, had been rescinded, and that the senate +had granted leave to all those who had fallen under his +condemnation of appealing from his decision at any time within +the space of two years, I enquired of this man whether he had, +accordingly, stated his case to the proconsul. He replied he had +not. I beg then you would inform me whether you would have him +sent back into exile or whether you think some more severe and +what kind of punishment should be inflicted upon him, and such +others who may hereafter be found under the same circumstances. +I have annexed to my letter the decree of Calvus, and the edict by +which the persons above-mentioned were restored, as also the +decree of Bassus. + +LXV + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I WILL let you know my determination concerning those exiles +which were banished for three years by the proconsul P. Servilius +Calvus, and soon afterwards restored to the province by his edict, +when I shall have informed myself from him of the reasons of this +proceeding. With respect to that person who was sentenced to +perpetual banishment by Julius Bassus, yet continued to remain in +the province, without making his appeal if he thought himself +aggrieved (though he had two years given him for that purpose), I +would have sent in chains to my praetorian prefects:43 for, only to +remand him back to a punishment which he has contumaciously +eluded will by no means be a sufficient punishment. + +LXVI + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +WHEN I cited the judges, Sir, to attend me at a sessions44 which I +was going to hold, Flavius Archippus claimed the privilege of +being excused as exercising the profession of a philosopher.45 It +was alleged by some who were present that he ought not only to be +excused from that office, but even struck out of the rolls of judges, +and remanded back to the punishment from which he had escaped, +by breaking his chains. At the same time a sentence of the +proconsul Velius Paullus was read, by which it appeared that +Archippus had been condemned to the mines for forgery. He had +nothing to produce in proof of this sentence having ever been +reversed. He alleged, however, in favour of his restitution, a +petition which he presented to Domitian, together with a letter +from that prince, and a decree of the Prusensians in his honour. To +these he subjoined a letter which he had received from you; as also +an edict and a letter of your august father confirming the grants +which had been made to him by Domitian. For these reasons, +notwithstandng crimes of so atrocious a nature were laid to his +charge, I did not think proper to determine anything concerning +him, without first consulting with you, as it is an affair which +seems to merit your particular decision. I have transmitted to you, +with this letter, the several allegations on both sides. + +D0MITIAN'S LETTER TO TERENTIUS MAXIMUS + +"Flavius Archippus the philosopher has prevailed with me to give +an order that six hundred thousand sesterces46 be laid out in the +purchase of an estate for the support of him and his family, in the +neighbourhood of Prusias,47 his native country. Let this be +accordingly done; and place that sum to the account of my +benefactions." + +FROM THE SAME TO L. APPIUS MAXIMUS + +"I recommend, my dear Maximus, to your protection that worthy +philosopher Archippus; a person whose moral conduct is agreeable +to the principles of the philosophy he professes; and I would have +you pay entire regard to whatever he shall reasonably request." + +THE EDICT OF THE EMPEROR NERVA + +"There are some points no doubt, Quirites, concerning which the +happy tenour of my government is a sufficient indication of my +sentiments; and a good prince need not give an express declaration +in matters wherein his intention cannot but be clearly understood. +Every citizen in the empire will bear me witness that I gave up my +private repose to the security of the public, and in order that I +might have the pleasure of dispensing new bounties of my own, as +also of confirming those which had been granted by predecessors. +But lest the memory of him48 who conferred these grants, or the +diffidence of those who received them, should occasion any +interruption to the public joy, I thought it as necessary as it is +agreeable to me to obviate these suspicions by assuring them of +my indulgence. I do not wish any man who has obtained a private +or a public privilege from one of the former emperors to imagine +he is to be deprived of such a privilege, merely that he may owe +the restoration of it to me; nor need any who have received the +gratifications of imperial favour petition me to have them +confirmed. Rather let them leave me at leisure for conferring new +grants, under the assurance that I am only to be solicited for those +bounties which have not already been obtained, and which the +happier fortune of the empire has put it in my power to bestow." + +FROM THE SAME TO TULLIUS JUSTUS + +"Since I have publicly decreed that all acts begun and +accomplished in former reigns should be confirmed, the letters of +Domitian must remain valid." + +LXVII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +FLAVIUS ARCHIPPUS has conjured me, by all my vows for your +prosperity, and by your immortal glory, that I would transmit to +you the memorial which he presented to me. I could not refuse a +request couched in such terms; however, I acquainted the +prosecutrix with this my intention, from whom I have also +received a memorial on her part. I have annexed them both to this +letter; that by hearing, as it were, each party, you may the better be +enabled to decide. + +LX VIII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +IT is possible that Domitian might have been ignorant of the +circumstances in which Archippus was when he wrote the letter so +much to that philosopher's credit. However, it is more agreeable to +my disposition to suppose that prince designed he should be +restored to his former situation; especially since he so often had +the honour of a statue decreed to him by those who could not be +ignorant of the sentence pronounced against him by the proconsul +Paullus. But I do not mean to intimate, my dear Pliny, that if any +new charge should be brought against him, you should be the less +disposed to hear his accusers. I have examined the memorial of his +prosecutrix, Furia Prima, as well as that of Archippus himself, +which you sent with your last letter. + +LXIX + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE apprehensions you express, Sir, that the lake will be in +danger of being entirely drained if a communication should be +opened between that and the sea, by means of the river, are +agreeable to that prudence and forethought you so eminently +possess; but I think I have found a method to obviate that +inconvenience. A channel may be cut from the lake up to the river +so as not quite to join them, leaving just a narrow strip of land +between, preserving the lake; by this means it will not only be kept +quite separate from the river, but all the same purposes will be +answered as if they were united: for it will be extremely easy to +convey over that little intervening ridge whatever goods shall be +brought down by the canal. This is a scheme which may be +pursued, if it should be found necessary; but I hope there will be +no occasion to have recourse to it. For, in the first place, the lake +itself is pretty deep; and in the next, by damming up the river +which runs from it on the opposite side and turning its course as +we shall find expedient, the same quantity of water may be +retained. Besides, there are several brooks near the place where it +is proposed the channel shall be cut which, if skilfully collected, +will supply the lake with water in proportion to what it shall +discharge. But if you should rather approve of the channel's being +extended farther and cut narrower, and so conveyed directly into +the sea, without running into the river, the reflux of the tide will +return whatever it receives from the lake. After all, if the nature of +the place should not admit of any of these schemes, the course of +the water may be checked by sluices. These, however, and many +other particulars, will be more skilfully examined into by the +engineer, whom, indeed, Sir, you ought to send, according to your +promise, for it is an enterprise well worthy of your attention and +magnificence. In the meanwhile, I have written to the illustrious +Calpurnius Macer, in pursuance of your orders, to send me the +most skilful engineer to be had. + +LXX + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +IT is evident, my dearest Secundus, that neither your prudence nor +your care has been wanting in this affair of the lake, since, in order +to render it of more general benefit, you have provided so many +expedients against the danger of its being drained. I leave it to your +own choice to pursue whichever of the schemes shall be thought +most proper. Calpurnius Macer will furnish you, no doubt, with an +engineer, as artificers of that kind are not wanting in his province. + +LXXI + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +A VERY considerable question, Sir, in which the whole province +is interested, has been lately started, concerning the state49 and +maintenance of deserted children.50 I have examined the +constitutions of former princes upon this head, but not finding +anything in them relating, either in general or particular, to the +Bithynians, I thought it necessary to apply to you for your +directions: for in a point which seems to require the special +interposition of your authority, I could not content myself with +following precedents. An edict of the emperor Augustus (as +pretended) was read to me, concerning one Annia; as also a letter +from Vespasian to the Lacedaemonians, and another from Titus to +the same, with one likewise from him to the Achaeans, also some +letters from Domitian, directed to the proconsuls Avidius Nigrinus +and Armenius Brocchus, together with one from that prince to the +Lacedaemonians: but I have not transmitted them to you, as they +were not correct (and some of them too of doubtful authenticity), +and also because I imagine the true copies are preserved in your +archives. + +LXXII +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +THE question concerning children who were exposed by their +parents, and afterwards preserved by others, and educated in a +state of servitude, though born free, has been frequently discussed; +but I do not find in the constitutions of the princes my +predecessors any general regulation upon this head, extending to +all the provinces. There are, indeed, some rescripts of Domitian to +Avidius Nigrinus and Armenhis Brocchus, which ought to be +observed; but Bithynia is not comprehended in the provinces +therein mentioned. I am of opinion therefore that the claims of +those who assert their right of freedom upon this footing should be +allowed; without obliging them to purchase their liberty by +repaying the money advanced for their maintenance.51 + +LXXIII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +HAVING been petitioned by some persons to grant them the +liberty (agreeably to the practice of former proconsuls) of +removing the relics of their deceased relations, upon the +suggestion that either their monuments were decayed by age or +ruined by the inundations of the river, or for other reasons of the +same kind, I thought proper, Sir, knowing that in cases of this +nature it is usual at Rome to apply to the college of priests, to +consult you, who are the sovereign of that sacred order, as to how +you would have me act in this case. + +LXX IV + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +IT will be a hardship upon the provincials to oblige them to +address themselves to the college of priests whenever they may +have just reasons for removing the ashes of their ancestors. In this +case, therefore, it will be better you should follow the example of +the governors your predecessors, and grant or deny them this +liberty as you shall see reasonable. + +LXXV + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I HAVE enquired, Sir, at Prusa, for a proper place on which to +erect the bath you were pleased to allow that city to build, and I +have found one to my satisfaction. It is upon the site where +formerly, I am told, stood a very beautiful mansion, but which is +now entirely fallen into ruins. By fixing upon that spot, we shall +gain the advantage of ornamenting the city in a part which at +present is exceedingly deformed, and enlarging it at the same time +without removing any of the buildings; only restoring one which is +fallen to decay. There are some circumstances attending this +structure of which it is proper I should inform you. Claudius +Polyaenus bequeathed it to the emperor Claudius Caesar, with +directions that a temple should be erected to that prince in a +colonnade-court, and that the remainder of the house should be let +in apartments. The city received the rents for a considerable time; +but partly by its having been plundered, and partly by its being +neglected, the whole house, colonnade-court, and all, is entirely +gone to ruin, and there is now scarcely anything remaining of it but +the ground upon which it stood. If you shall think proper, Sir, +either to give or sell this spot of ground to the city, as it lies so +conveniently for their purpose, they will receive it as a most +particular favour. I intend, with your permission, to place the bath +in the vacant area, and to extend a range of porticoes with seats in +that part where the former edifice stood. This new erection I +purpose dedicating to you, by whose bounty it will rise with all the +elegance and magnificence worthy of your glorious name. I have +sent you a copy of the will, by which, though it is inaccurate, you +will see that Polyaenus left several articles of ornament for the +embellishment of this house; but these also are lost with all the +rest: I will, however, make the strictest enquiry after them that I +am able. + +LXXVI + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +1 HAVE no objection to the Prusenses making use of the ruined +court and house, which you say are untenanted, for the erection of +their bath. But it is not sufficiently clear by your letter whether the +temple in the centre of the colonnade-court was actually dedicated +to Claudius or not; for if it were, it is still consecrated ground.52 + +LXXVII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I HAVE been pressed by some persons to take upon myself the +enquiry of causes relating to claims of freedom by birth-right, +agreeably to a rescript of Domitian's to Minucius Rufus, and the +practice of former proconsuls. But upon casting my eye on the +decree of the senate concerning cases of this nature, I find it only +mentions the proconsular provinces.53 I have therefore, Sir, +deferred interfering in this affair, till I shall receive your +instructions as to how you would have me proceed. + +LXXVIII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +IF you will send me the decree of the senate, which occasioned +your doubt, I shall be able to judge whether it is proper you should +take upon yourself the enquiry of causes relating to claims of +freedom by birth-right. + +LXXIX + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +JULIUS LARGUS, of Ponus54 (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 sesterces55 for my own use, and to +apply the remainder for the benefit of the cities of Heraclea and +Tios,56 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. + +LXXX + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +By the prudent choice Julius Largus has made of a trustee, one +would imagine he had known you perfectly well. You will +consider then what will most tend to perpetuate his memory, under +the circumstances of the respective cities, and make your option +accordingly. + +LXXXI + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +You acted agreeably, Sir, to your usual prudence and foresight in +ordering the illustrious Calpurnius Macer to send a legionary +centurion to Byzantium: you will consider whether the city of +Juliopolis' does not deserve the same regard, which, though it is +extremely small, sustains very great burthens, and is so much the +more exposed to injuries as it is less capable of resisting them. +Whatever benefits you shall confer upon that city will in effect be +advantageous to the whole country; for it is situated at the entrance +of Bithynia, and is the town through which all who travel into this +province generally pass. + +LXXXII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +THE circumstances of the city of Byzantium are such, by the great +confluence of strangers to it, that I held it incumbent upon me, and +consistent with the customs of former reigns, to send thither a +legionary centurion's guard to preserve the privileges of that state. +But if we should distinguish the city of Juliopolis57 in the same +way, it will be introducing a precedent for many others, whose +claim to that favour will rise in proportion to their want of +strength. I have so much confidence, however, in your +administration as to believe you will omit no method of protecting +them from injuries. If any persons shall act contrary to the +discipline I have enjoined, let them be instantly corrected; or if +they happen to be soldiers, and their crimes should be too +enormous for immediate chastisement, I would have them sent to +their officers, with an account of the particular misdemeanour you +shall find they have been guilty of; but if the delinquents should be +on their way to Rome, inform me by letter. + +LXXXIII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +BY a law of Pompey's58 concerning the Bithynians, it is enacted, +Sir, that no person shall be a magistrate, or be chosen into the +senate, under the age of thirty. By the same law it is declared that +those who have exercised the office of magistrate are qualified to +be members of the senate. Subsequent to this law, the emperor +Augustus published an edict, by which it was ordained that persons +of the age of twenty-two should be capable of being magistrates. +The question therefore is whether those who have exercised the +functions of a magistrate before the age of thirty may he legally +chosen into the senate by the censors?59 And if so, whether, by the +same kind of construction, they may be elected senators, at the age +which entitles them to be magistrates, though they should not +actually have borne any office? A custom which, it seems, has +hitherto been observed, and is said to be expedient, as it is rather +better that persons of noble birth should be admitted into the +senate than those of plebeian rank. The censors elect having +desired my sentiments upon this point, I was of opinion that both +by the law of Pompey and the edict of Augustus those who had +exercised the magistracy before the age of thirty might be chosen +into the senate; and for this reason, because the edict allows the +office of magistrate to be undertaken before thirty; and the law +declares that whoever has been a magistrate should be eligible for +the senate. But with respect to those who never discharged any +office in the state, though they were of the age required for that +purpose, I had some doubt: and therefore, Sir, I apply to you for +your directions. I have subjoined to this letter the heads of the law, +together with the edict of Augustus. + +LXXXIV + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I AGREE with you, my dearest Secundus, in your construction, +and am of opinion that the law of Pompey is so far repealed by the +edict of the emperor Augustus that those persons who are not less +than twenty-two years of age may execute the office of +magistrates, and, when they have, may be received into the senate +of their respective cities. But I think that they who are under thirty +years of age, and have not discharged the function of a magistrate, +cannot, upon pretence that in point of years they were competent +to the office, legally be elected into the senate of their several +communities. + +LXXXV + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +WHILST I was despatching some public affairs, Sir, at my +apartments in Prusa, at the foot of Olympus, with the intention of +leaving that city the same day, the magistrate Asclepiades +informed me that Eumolpus had appealed to me from a motion +which Cocceianus Dion made in their senate. Dion, it seems, +having been appointed supervisor of a public building, desired that +it might be assigned60 to the city in form. Eumolpus, who was +counsel for Flavius Archippus, insisted that Dion should first be +required to deliver in his accounts relating to this work, before it +was assigned to the corporation; suggesting that he had not acted +in the manner he ought. He added, at the same time, that in this +building, in which your statue is erected, the bodies of Dion's wife +and son are entombed,61 and urged me to hear this cause in the +public court of judicature. Upon my at once assenting to his +request, and deferring my journey for that purpose, he desired a +longer day in order to prepare matters for hearing, and that I would +try this cause in some other city. I appointed the city of Nicea; +where, when I had taken my seat, the same Eumolpus, pretending +not to be yet sufficiently instructed, moved that the trial might be +again put off: Dion, on the contrary, insisted it should be heard. +They debated this point very fully on both sides, and entered a +little into the merits of the cause; when being of opinion that it was +reasonable it should be adjourned, and thinking it proper to consult +with you in an affair which was of consequence in point of +precedent, I directed them to exhibit the articles of their respective +allegations in writing; for I was desirous you should judge from +their own representations of the state of the question between +them. Dion promised to comply with this direction and Eumolpus +also assured me he would draw up a memorial of what he had to +allege on the part of the community. But he added that, being oniy +concerned as advocate on behalf of Arehippus, whose instructions +he had laid before me, he had no charge to bring with respect to +the sepulchres. Archippus, however, for whom Eulnolpus was +counsel here, as at Prusa, assured me he would himself present a +charge in form upon this head. But neither Eumolpus nor +Archippus (though I have waited several days for that purpose) +have yet performed their engagement: Dion indeed has; and I have +annexed his memorial to this letter. I have inspected the buildings +in question, where I find your statue is placed in a library, and as to +the edifice in which the bodies of Dion's wife and son are said to +be deposited, it stands in the middle of a court, which is enclosed +with a colonnade. Deign, therefore, I entreat you, Sir, to direct my +judgment in the determination of this cause above all others as it is +a point to which the public is greatly attentive, and necessarily so, +since the fact is not only acknowledged, but countenanced by +many precedents. + +LXXXVI + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You well know, my dearest Secundus, that it is my standing +maxim not to create an awe of my person by severe and rigorous +measures, and by construing every slight offence into an act of +treason; you had no reason, therefore, to hesitate a moment upon +the point concerning which you thought proper to consult me. +Without entering therefore into the merits of that question (to +which I would by no means give any attention, though there were +ever so many instances of the same kind), I recommend to your +care the examination of Dion's accounts relating to the public +works which he has finished; as it is a case in which the interest of +the city is concerned, and as Dion neither ought nor, it seems, does +refuse to submit to the examination. + +LXXXVII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE Niceans having, in the name of their community, conjured +me, Sir, by all my hopes and wishes for your prosperity and +immortal glory (an adjuration which is and ought to be most +sacred to me), to present to you their petition, I did not think +myself at liberty to refuse them: I have therefore annexed it to this +letter. + +LXXXVIII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +THE Niceans I find, claim a right, by an edict of Augustus, to the +estate of every citizen who dies intestate. You will therefore +summon the several parties interested in this question, and, +examining these pretensions, with the assistance of the procurators +Virdius Gemellinus, and Epimachus, my freedman (having duly +weighed every argument that shall be alleged against the claim), +determine as shall appear most equitable. + +LXXXIX + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +MAY this and many succeeding birthdays be attended, Sir, with +the highest felicity to you; and may you, in the midst of an +uninterrupted course of health and prosperity, be still adding to the +increase of that immortal glory which your virtues justly merit! + +XC + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +YOUR wishes, my dearest Secundus, for my enjoyment of many +happy birthdays amidst the glory and prosperity of the republic +were extremely agreeable to me. + +XCI + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE inhabitants of Sinope62 are ill supplied, Sir, with water, +which however may be brought thither from about sixteen miles' +distance in great plenty and perfection. The ground, indeed, near +the source of this spring is, for rather over a mile, of a very +suspicious and marshy nature; but I have directed an examination +to be made (which will be effected at a small expense) whether it +is sufficiently firm to support any superstructure. I have taken care +to provide a sufficient fund for this purpose, if you should approve, +Sir, of a work so conducive to the health and enjoyment of this +colony, greatly distressed by a scarcity of water. + +XCII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I WOULD have you proceed, my dearest Secundus, in carefully +examining whether the ground you suspect is firm enough to +support an aqueduct. For I have no manner of doubt that the +Sinopian colony ought to be supplied with water; provided their +finances will bear the expense of a work so conducive to their +health and pleasure. + +XCIII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE free and confederate city of the Amiseni63 enjoys, by your +indulgence, the privilege of its own laws. A memorial being +presented to me there, concerning a charitable institution,64 I have +stibjoined it to this letter, that you may consider, Sir, whether, and +how far, this society ought to be licensed or prohibited + +XCIV + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +IF the petition of the Amiseni which you have transmitted to me, +concerning the establishment of a charitable society, be agreeable +to their own laws, which by the articles of alliance it is stipulated +they shall enjoy, I shall not oppose it; especially if these +contributions are employed, not for the purpose of riot and faction, +but for the support of the indigent. In other cities, however, which +are subject to our laws, I would have all assemblies of this nature +prohibited. + +XCV + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +SUETONIUS TRANQUILLUS, Sir, is a most excellent, +honour-able, and learned man. I was so much pleased with his +tastes and disposition that I have long since invited him into my +family, as my constant guest and domestic friend; and my affection +for him increased the more I knew of him. Two reasons concur to +render the privilege3 which the law grants to those who have three +children particularly necessary to him; I mean the bounty of his +friends, and the ill-success of his marriage. Those advantages, +therefore, which nature has denied to him, he hopes to obtain from +your goodness, by my intercession. I am thoroughly sensible, Sir, +of the value of the privilege I am asking; but I know, too, I am +asking it from one whose gracious compliance with all my desires +I have amply experienced. How passionately I wish to do so in the +present instance, you will judge by my thus requesting it in my +absence; which I would not, had it not been a favour which I am +more than ordinarily anxious to obtain. + +XCVI + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You cannot but be sensible, my dearest Secundus, how reserved I +am in granting favours of the kind you desire; having frequently +declared in the senate that I had not exceeded the number of which +I assured that illustrious order I would be contented with. I have +yielded, however, to your request, and have directed an article to +be inserted in my register, that I have conferred upon Tranquillus, +on my usual conditions, the privilege which the law grants to these +who have three children, + +XCVII66 + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +IT is my invariable rule, Sir, to refer to you in all matters where I +feel doubtful; for who is more capable of removing my scruples, or +informing my ignorance? Having never been present at any trials +concerning those who profess Christianity, I am unacquainted not +only with the nature of their crimes, or the measure of their +punishment, but how far it is proper to enter into an examination +concerning them. Whether, therefore, any difference is usually +made with respect to ages, or no distinction is to be observed +between the young and the adult; whether repentance entitles them +to a pardon; or if a man has been once a Christian, it avails nothing +to desist from his error; whether the very profession of +Christianity, unattended with any criminal act, or only the crimes +themselves inherent in the profession are punishable; on all these +points I am in great doubt. In the meanwhile, the method I have +observed towards those who have been brought before me as +Christians is this: I asked them whether they were Christians; if +they admitted it, I repeated the question twice, and threatened +them with punishment; if they persisted, I ordered them to be at +once punished: for I was persuaded, whatever the nature of their +opinions might be, a contumacious and inflexible obstinacy +certainly deserved correction. There were others also brought +before me possessed with the same infatuation, but being Roman +citizens,67 I directed them to be sent to Rome. But this crime +spreading (as is usually the case) while it was actually under +prosecution, several instances of the same nature occurred. An +anonymous information was laid before me containing a charge +against several persons, who upon examination denied they were +Christians, or had ever been so. They repeated after me an +invocation to the gods, and offered religious rites with wine and +incense before your statue (which for that purpose I had ordered to +be brought, together with those of the gods), and even reviled the +name of Christ: whereas there is no forcing, it is said, those who +are really Christians into any of these compliances: I thought it +proper, therefore, to discharge them. Some among those who were +accused by a witness in person at first confessed themselves +Christians, but immediately after denied it; the rest owned indeed +that they had been of that number formerly, but had now (some +above three, others more, and a few above twenty years ago) +renounced that error. They all worshipped your statue and the +images of the gods, uttering imprecations at the same time against +the name of Christ. They affirmed the whole of their guilt, or their +error, was, that they met on a stated day before it was light, and +addressed a form of prayer to Christ, as to a divinity, binding +themselves by a solemn oath, not for the purposes of any wicked +design, but never to commit any fraud, theft, or adultery, never to +falsify their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called +upon to deliver it up; after which it was their custom to separate, +and then reassemble, to eat in common a harmless meal. From this +custom, however, they desisted after the publication of my edict, +by which, according to your commands, I forbade the meeting of +any assemblies. After receiving this account, I judged it so much +the more necessary to endeavor to extort the real truth, by putting +two female slaves to the torture, who were said to officiate' in their +religious rites: but all I could discover was evidence of an absurd +and extravagant superstition. I deemed it expedient, therefore, to +adjourn all further proceedings, in order to consult you. For it +appears to be a matter highly deserving your consideration, more +especially as great numbers must be involved in the danger of +these prosecutions, which have already extended, and are still +likely to extend, to persons of all ranks and ages, and even of both +sexes. In fact, this contagious superstition is not confined to the +cities only, but has spread its infection among the neighbouring +villages and country. Nevertheless, it still seems possible to +restrain its progress. The temples, at least, which were once almost +deserted, begin now to be frequented; and the sacred rites, after a +long intermission, are again revived; while there is a general +demand for the victims, which till lately found very few +purchasers. From all this it is easy to conjecture what numbers +might be reclaimed if a general pardon were granted to those who +shall repent of their error. + +XCVIII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You have adopted the right course, my dearest Secundtis, in +investigating the charges against the Christians who were brought +before you. It is not possible to lay down any general rule for all +such cases. Do not go out of your way to look for them. If indeed +they should be brought before you, and the crime is proved, they +must be punished;69 with the restriction, however, that where the +party denies he is a Christian, and shall make it evident that he is +not, by invoking our gods, let him (notwithstanding any former +suspicion) be pardoned upon his repentance. Anonymous +informations ought not to he received in any sort of prosecution. It +is introducing a very dangerous precedent, and is quite foreign to +the spirit of our age. + +XCIX + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE elegant and beautiful city of Amastris,70 Sir, has, among +other principal constructions, a very fine street and of considerable +length, on one entire side of which runs what is called indeed a +river, but in fact is no other than a vile common sewer, extremely +offensive to the eye, and at the same time very pestilential on +account of its noxious smell. It will be advantageous, therefore, in +point of health, as well as decency, to have it covered; which shall +be done with your permission: as I will take care, on my part, that +money be not wanting for executing so noble and necessary a +work. + +C + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +IT IS highly reasonable, my dearest Secundus, if the water which +runs through the city of Amastris is prejudicial, while uncovered, +to the health of the inhabitants, that it should be covered up. I am +well assured you will, with your usual application, take care that +the money necessary for this work shall not be wanting. + +CI +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +WE have celebrated, Sir, with great joy and festivity, those votive +soleninities which were publicly proclaimed as formerly, and +renewed them the present year, accompanied by the soldiers and +provincials, who zealously joined with us in imploring the gods +that they would be graciously pleased to preserve you and the +republic in that state of prosperity which your many and great +virtues, particularly your piety and reverence towards them, so +justly merit. + +CII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +IT was agreeable to me to learn by your letter that the army and the +provincials seconded you, with the most joyful unanimity, in those +vows which you paid and renewed to the immortal gods for my +preservation and prosperity. + +CIII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +WE have celebrated, with all the warmth of that pious zeal we +justly ought, the day on which, by a most happy succession, the +protection of mankind was committed over into your hands; +recommending to the gods, from whom you received the empire, +the object of your public vows and congratulations. + +CIV + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I WAS extremely well pleased to be informed by your letter that +you had, at the head of the soldiers and the provincials, solemnised +my accession to the empire with all due joy and zeal. + +CV + +To TIlE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +VALERIUS PAULINUS, Sir, having bequeathed to me the right of +patronage71 over all his freedmen, except one, I intreat you to +grant the freedom of Rome to three of them. To desire you to +extend this favour to all of them would, I fear, be too unreasonable +a trespass upon your indulgence; which, itt proportion as I have +amply experienced, I ought to be so much the more cautious in +troubling. The persons for whom I make this request are C. +Valerius Astraeus, C. Valerius Dionysius, and C. Valerius Aper. + +CVI + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +YOU act most generously in so early soliciting in favour of those +whom Valerius Paulinus has confided to your trust. I have +accordingly granted the freedom of the city to such of his +freedmen for whom you requested it, and have directed the patent +to be registered: I am ready to confer the same on the rest, +whenever you shall desire me. + +CVII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +P. ATTIUS AQUILA, a centurion of the sixth equestrian cohort, +requested me, Sir, to transmit his petition to you, in favour of his +daughter. I thought it would be unkind to refuse him this service, +knowing, as I do, with what patience and kindness you attend to +the petitions of the soldiers. + +CVIII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I HAVE read the petition of P. Attius Aquila, centurion of the sixth +equestrian cohort, which you sent to me; and in compliance with +his request, I have conferred upon his daughter the freedom of the +city of Rome. I send you at the same time the patent, which you +will deliver to him. + +CIX + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I REQUEST, Sir, your directions with respect to the recovering +those debts which are due to the cities of Bithynia and Pontus, +either for rent, or goods sold, or upon any other consideration. I +find they have a privilege conceded to them by several proconsuls, +of being preferred to other creditors; and this custom has prevailed +as if it had been established by law. Your prudence, I imagine, will +think it necessary to enact some settled rule, by which their rights +may always be secured. For the edicts of others, how wisely goever +founded, are but feeble and temporary ordinances~ unless +confirmed and sanctioned by your authority. + +CX + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +THE right which the cities either of Pontus or Bithynia claim +relating to the recovery of debts of whatever kind, due to their +several communities, must be determined agreeably to their +respective laws. Where any of these communities enjoy the +privilege of being preferred to other creditors, it must be +maintained; but, where no such privilege prevails, it is not just I +should establish one, in prejudice of private property. + +CXI + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE solicitor to the treasury of the city of Amisis instituted a +claim, Sir, before me against Julius Piso of about forty thousand +denarii,72 presented to him by the public above twenty years ago, +with the consent of the general council and assembly of the city: +and he founded his demand upon certain of your edicts, by which +donations of this kind are prohibited. Piso, on the other hand, +asserted that he had conferred large sums of money upon the +community, and, indeed, had thereby expended almost the whole +of his estate. He insisted upon the length of time which had +intervened since this donation, and hoped that he should not be +compelled, to the ruin of the remainder of his fortunes, to refund a +present which had been granted him long since, in return for many +good offices he had done the city. For this reason, Sir, I thought it +necessary to suspend giving any judgment in this cause till I shall +receive your directions. + +CXII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +THOUGH by my edicts I have ordained that no largesses shall be +given out of the public money, yet, that numberless private persons +may not be disturbed in the secure possession of their fortunes, +those donations which have been made long since ought not to be +called in question or revoked. We will not therefore enquire into +anything that has been transacted in this affair so long ago as +twenty years; for I would be no less attentive to secure the repose +of every private man than to preserve the treasure of every public +community. + +CXIII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE Pompeian law, Sir, which is observed in Pontus and Bithynia, +does not direct that any money for their admission shall be paid in +by those who arc elected into the senate by the censors. It has, +however, been usual for such members as have been admitted into +those assemblies, in pursuance of the privilege which you were +pleased to grant to some particular cities, of receiving above their +legal number, to pay one73 or two thousand denarii74 on their +election. Subsequent to this, the proconsul Anicius Maximus +ordained (though indeed his edict related to some few cities only) +that those who were elected by the censors should also pay into the +treasury a certain sum, which varied in different places. It remains, +therefore, for your consideration whether it would not be proper to +settle a certain sum for each member who is elected into the +councils to pay upon his entrance; for it well becomes you, whose +every word and action deserves to be immortalized, to establish +laws that shall endure for ever. + +CXIV + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +I CAN give no general directions applicable to all the cities of +Bithynia, in relation to those who are elected members of their +respective councils, whether they shall pay an honorary fee upon +their admittance or not. I think that the safest method which can be +pursued is to follow the particular laws of each city; and I also +think that the censors ought to make the sum less for those who are +chosen into the senate contrary to their inclinations than for the +rest. + +CXV + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE Pompeian law, Sir, allows the Bithynians to give the freedom +of their respective cities to any person they think proper, provided +he is not a foreigner, but native of some of the cities of this +province. The same law specifies the particular causes for which +the censors may expel any member the senate, but makes no +mention of foreigners. Certain of the censors therefore have +desired my opinion whether they ought to expel a member if he +should happen to be a foreigner. But I thought it necessary to +receive your instructions in this case; not only because the law, +though it forbids foreigners to be admitted citizens, does not direct +that a senator shall be expelled for the same reason, but because I +am informed that in every city in the province a great number of +the senators are foreigners. If, therefore, this clause of the law, +which seems to be antiquated by a long custom to the contrary, +should be enforced, many cities, as well as private persons, must +be injured by it. I have annexed the heads of this law to my letter. + +CXVI + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You might well be doubtful, my dearest Secundus, what reply to +give to the censors, who consulted you concerning their right to +elect into the senate foreign citizens, though of the same province. +The authority of the law on one side, and long custom prevailing +against it on the other, might justly occasion you to hesitate, The +proper mean to observe in this case will be to make no change in +what is past, but to allow those senators who are already elected, +though contrary to law, to keep their seats, to whatever city they +may belong; in all future elections, however, to pursue the +directions of the Pompeian law: for to give it a retrospective +operation would necessarily introduce great confusion. + +CXVII + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +IT is customary here upon any person taking the manly robe, +solemnising his marriage, entering upon the office of a magistrate, +or dedicating any public work, to invite the whole senate, together +with a considerable part of the cornmonalty, and distribute to each +of the company one or two denarii.75 I request you to inform me +whether you think proper this ceremony should be observed, or +how far you approve of it. For myself, though I am of opinion that +upon some occasions, especially those of public festivals, this kind +of invitation may be permitted, yet, when carried so far as to draw +together a thousand persons, and sometimes more, it seems to be +going beyond a reasonable number, and has somewhat the +appearance of ambitious largesses. + +CXVIII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You very justly apprehended that those public invitations which +extend to an immoderate number of people, and where the dole is +distributed, not singly to a few acquaintances, but, as it were, to +whole collective bodies, may be turned to the factious purposes of +ambition. But I appointed you to your present government, fully +relying upon your prudence, and in the persuasion that you would +take proper measures for regulating the manners and settling the +peace of the province. + +CXIX + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +THE athletic victors, Sir, in the Iselastic76 games, conceive that +the stipend you have established for the conquerors becomes due +from the day they are crowned: for it is not at all material, they +say, what time they were triumphantly conducted into their +country, but when they merited that honour. On the contrary, when +I consider the meaning of the term Iselastic, I am strongly inclined +to think that it is intended the stipend should commence from the +time of their public entry. They likewise petition to be allowed the +treat you give at those combats which you have converted into +Iselastic, though they were conquerors before the appointnient of +that institution: for it is but reasonable, they assert, that they should +receive the reward in this instance, as they are deprived of it at +those games which have been divested of the honour of being +Iselastic, since their victory. But I am very doubtful, whether a +retrospect should be admitted in the case in question, and a reward +given, to which the claimants had no right at the time they +obtained the victory. I beg, therefore, you would be pleased to +direct my judgment in these points, by explaining the intention of +your own benefactions. + +CXX + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +THE stipend appointed for the conqueror in the Iselastic games +ought not, I think, to commence till he makes his triumphant entry +into his city. Nor are the prizes, at those combats which I thought +proper to make Iselastic, to be extended backwards to those who +were victors before that alteration took place. With regard to the +plea which these athletic combatants urge, that they ought to +receive the Iselastic prize at those combats which have been made +Iselastic subsequent to their conquests, as they are denied it in the +same case where the games have ceased to be so, it proves nothing +in their favour; for notwithstanding any new arrangements which +has been made relating to these games, they are not called upon to +return the recompense which they received prior to such alteration. + +CXXI + +To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN + +I HAVE hitherto never, Sir, granted an order for post-chaises to +any person, or upon any occasion, but in affairs that relate to your +administration. I find myself, however, at present under a sort of +necessity of breaking through this fixed rule. My wife having +received an account of her grandfather's death, and being desirous +to wait upon her aunt with all possible expedition, I thought it +would be unkind to deny her the use of this privilege; as the grace +of so tender an office consists in the early discharge of it, and as I +well knew a journey which was founded in filial piety could not +fail of your approbation. I should think myself highly trngrateful +therefore, were I not to acknowledge that, among other great +obligations which I owe to your indulgence, I have this in +particular, that, in confidence of your favour, I have ventured to +do, without consulting you, what would have been too late had I +waited for your consent. + +CXXII + +TRAJAN TO PLINY + +You did me justice, my dearest Secundus, in confiding in my +affection towards you. Without doubt, if you had waited for my +consent to forward your wife in her journey by means of those +warrants which I have entrusted to your care, the use of them +would not have answered your purpose; since it was proper this +visit to her aunt should have the additional recommendation of +being paid with all possible expedition. + +FOOTNOTES TO THE LETTERS OF PLINY + +1 A pupil and intimate friend of Paetus Thrasea, the distinguished +Stoic philosopher. Arulenus was put to death by Domitian for +writing a panegyric upon Thrasea. + +2 The impropriety of this expression, in the original, seems to ha in +the word stigmosum, which Regulus, probably either coined +through affectation or used through ignorance. It is a word, at +least, which does not occur in any author of authority: the +translator has endeavoured, therefore, to preserve the same sort of +impropriety, by using an expression of like unwarranted stamp in +his own tongue. M. + +3 An allusion to a wound he had received in the war between +Vitellius and Vespasian. + +4 A brother of Piso Galba's adopted son. He was put to death by +Nero. + +5 Sulpicius Camerinus, put to death by the same emperor, upon +some frivolous charge. + +6 A select body of men who formed a court of judicature, called +the centurnviral court. Their jurisdiction extended chiefly, if not +entirely, to questions of wills and intestate estates. Their number, +it would seem, amounted to ion. M. + +7 Junius Mauricus, the brother of Rusticus Arulenus. Both brothers +were sentenced on the same day, Arulenue to execution and +Mauricui to banishment. + +8 There seems to have been a cast of uncommon blackness in the +char. acter of this Regulus; otherwise the benevolent Pliny would +scarcely have singled him out, as he has in this and some following +letters, for the subject of his warmest contempt and indignation. +Yet, infamous as he was, he had his flatterers and admirers; and a +contemporary poet fre. quently represents him as one of the most +finished characters of the age, both in eloquence and virtue. M. + +9 The Decurii were a sort of senators in the municipal or soporate +cities of Italy. M. + +10 Euphrates was a native of Tyre, or, according to others, of +Byzantium. He belonged to the Stoic school of philosophy. In his +old age he became tired of life, and asked and obtained from +Hadrian permission to put an end to himself by poison." Smith's +Dict. of Greek and Roman Biog. + +11 A pleader and historian of some distinction, mentioned by +Tacitus, Ann. XIV. 19, and by Quintilian, X, I, 102. + +12 Padua. + +13 Domitian + +14 Iliad, XII. 243. Pope. + +15 Equal to about $4,000 of our money. After the reign of +Augustus the value of the seat ertius. + +16 The equestrian dignity, or that order of the Roman people +which we commonly call knights, had nothing in it analogous to +any order of modern knighthood, but depended entirely upon a +valuation of their estates; and every citizen, whose entire fortune +amounted to 400,000 sesterces, that is, to about $16000 of our +money, was enrolled, of course, in the list of knights, who were +considered as a middle order between the senators and common +people, yet, without any other distinction than the privilege of +wearing a gold rrng, which was the peculiar badge of their order." +Life of Cicero, Vol. I. III. in note. M. + +17 An elegant Attic orator, remarkable for the grace and lucidity of +his style, also for his vivid and accurate delineations of character. + +18 A graceful and powerful orator, and friend of Densosthenes. + +19 A Roman orator of the Augustan age. He was a poet and +historian as well, but gained most distinction as an orator. + +20 A man of considerable taste, talent, and eloquence, but +profligate and extravagant. He was on terms of some intimacy with +Cicero. + +21 The praetor was assisted by ten assessors, five of whom were +senators, asd the rest knights. With these he was obliged to consult +before he pronounced sentence. M. + +22 A contemporary and rival of Aristophanes. + +23 Aristophanes, Ach. 531 + +24 Thersites. Iliad, II. V. 212. + +25 Ulysses. Iliad, III. V. 222. + +26 Menelaua. Iliad, III. V. 214. + +27 Great-grandfather of the Emperor M. Aurelius. + +28 An eminent lawyer of Trajan's reign. + +29 The philosophers used to hold their disputations in the +gymnasia and porticoes, being places of the most public resort for +walking, &c. M. + +30 "Verginius Rufus was governor of Upper Germany at the time +of the revolt of Julius Vindex in Gaul. A.D. 68. The soldiers of +Verginius wished to raise him to the empire, but he refused the +honour, and marched against Vindex, who perished before +Vesontio. After the death of Nero, Verginius supported the claims +of Galba, and accompanied him to Rome. Upon Otho's death, the +soldiers again attempted to proclaim Verginius emperor, and in +consequence of his refusal of the honour, he narrowly escaped +with his life." (See Smith's Dict. of Greek and Rom. Biog., &c.) + +31 Nerva. + +32 The historian, + +33 Namely, of augurs. "This college, as regulated by Sylla, +consisted of fifteen, who were all persons of the first distinction in +Rome; it was a priesthood for life, of a character indelible, which +no crime or forfeiture could efface; it was necessary that every +candidate should be nominated to the people by two augurs, who +gave a solemn testimony upon, oath of his dignity and fitness for +that office." Middleton's Life of Cicero, I. 547. M. + +34 The ancient Greeks and Romans did not sit up at the table as +we do, but rtelined round it on couches, three and sometimes even +four occupying one conch, at least this latter was thc custom +among the Romans. Each guest lay flat upon his chest while +eating, reaching out his hand from time to time to the table, for +what he might require. As soon as he had made a sufficient meal, +he turned over upon his left side, leaning on the elbow. + + +35 A people of Germany. + +36" Any Roman priest devoted to the service of one particuiar god +was designated F'lamen, receiving a distinguishing epithet from +the deity to whom he ministered. The office was understood to last +for life; but a flamen might be compelled to resign for a breach of +duty, or even on account of the occurrence of an ill-omened +accident while discharging his functions." Smith's Dictionary of +Antiquities. + +37 Trajan. + +38 By a law passed A. D. 762, it was enacted that every citizen of +Rome who had three children should be excused from all +troublesome offices where he lived. This privilege the emperors +sometimes extended to those who were not legally entitled to it. + +39 About 54 cents. + +40 Avenue + +41 " Windows made of a transparent stone called lapis specularis +(mica), which was first found in Hispania Citerior, and afterwards +in Cyprus, Cappadocia, Sicily, and Africa; but the best caine from +Spain and Cap. padocia. It was easily split into the thinnest sheets. +Windows, made of this stone were called specularia." Smith's +Dicttonae)' of Antiquities. + +42 A feast held in honour of the god Saturn, which began on the +i9th of December, and continued as some say, for seven days. It +was a time of general rejoicing1 particularly among the slaves, +who had at this season the privilege of taking great liberties with +their masters. M. + +43 Cicero and Quintilian have laid down rules how far, and in +what instances, this liberty was allowable, and both agree it ought +to be used with great sagacity and judgment. The latter of these +excellent critics mentions a witticism of Flavius Virginius, who +asked one of these orators, "Quot nillia assuum deciamassett" How +many miles he had declaimed. M. + +44 This was an act of great ceremony; and if Aurelia's dress was of +the kind which some of the Roman ladies used, the legacy must +have been considerable which Regulus had the impudence to ask. +M. + +45 $3,350,000. + +46 A poet to whom Quintilian assigns the highest rank, as a +Writer of tragedies, among his contemporaries (book X. C. I. 98). +Tacitus also speaks of him in terms of high appreciation (Annals, +v. 8). + +47 Stepson of Augustus and brother to Tiberius. An amiable and +popu. lar prince. He died at the close of his third campaign, from a +fracture received by falling from his horse. + +48 A historian under Au?ustus and Tiberius. He wrote part of a +history of Rome, which was continued by the elder Pliny; also an +account of the German war, to which Quintilian makes allusion +(Inst. X. 103), pronouncing him, as a historian, " estimable in all +respects, yet in some things failing to do himself justice." + +49 The distribution of time among the Romans was very different +from ours. They divided the night into four equal parts, which they +called watches, each three hours in length; and part of these they +devoted either to the pleasures of the table or to study. The natural +day they divided into twelve hours, the first beginning with +sunrise, and the last ending with sunset; by which means their +hours were of unequal length, varying according to the different +seasons of the year. The time for business began with sunrise, and +continued to the fifth hour, being that of dinner, which with them +was only a slight repast. From thence to the seventh hour was a +time of repose; a custom which still prevails in Italy. The eighth +hour was employed in bodily exercises; after which they constantly +bathed, and from thence went to supper. M. + +50 $16,000. + +51 Born about A. D. 25. He acquired some distinction as an +advocate. The only poem of his which has come down to us is a +heavy prosaic performance in seventeen books, entitled "Tunica," +and containing an account of the events of the Second Punic War, +from the capture of Saguntum to the triumph of Scipio Africanus. +See Smith's Dict. of Gr. and Roin. Biog. + +52 Trajan. + +53 Spurinna's wife. + +54 Domitian banished the philosophers not only from Rome, but +Italy, as Suetonius (Dom. C. X.) and Aulus Gellius (Noct. Att. b. +XV. CXI. 3, 4, 5) Inform us among these was the celebrated +Epictetus. M. + +55 The following is the story, as related by several of the ancient +his' lorians. Paetus, having joined Scribonianus, who was in arms, +in Illyria, egainst Claudius, was taken after the death of +Scribonianus, and condemned to death. Arria having, in vain, +solicited his life, persuaded him to destroy himself, rather than +suffer the ignominy of falling by the executioner's hands; and, in +order to encourage him to an act, to which, it seems, he was not +particularly inclined, she set him the example in the manner Pliny +relates. M. + +56 Trajan. + +57 The Roman, used to employ their criminals in the lower o~ces +of husbandry, such as ploughing, &c. Pun. H. N. 1. 18, 3. M. + +58 About $500,000. + +59 About $800,000. + +60 One of the famous seven hills upon which Rome was situated. + +61 Mart. LX. 19. + +62 Calpusnia, Pliny's wife. + +63 Now Citta di Castello. + +64 The Romans had an absolute power over their children, of +which no age or station of the latter deprived them. + +65 Their business was to interpret dreams, oracles, prodigies, &c., +and to foretell whether any action should be fortunate or +prejudicial, to particular persons, orto the whole commonwealth. +Upon this account, they very often occasioned the displacing of +magistrates, the deferring of public issemblies, &c. Kennet's Ron,. +Antig. M. + +66 Trajan. + +67 A slave was incapable of property; and, therefore, whatever he +acquiredbecame the right of his master. M. + +68 "Their office was to attend upon the rites of Vests, the chief +part of which was the preservation of the holy fire. If this fire +happened to go out, it was considered impiety to light it at any +common flame, but they made use of the pure and unpolluted rays +of the sun for that purpose. There were various other duties besides +connected with their office. The chief rules prescribed them were, +to vow the strictest chastity, for the space of thirty years. After this +term was completed, they had liberty to leave the order. If they +broke their vow of virginity. they were buried alive in a place +allotted to that peculiar use." Kennet's Antiq. Their reputatiun for +sanctity was so high that Livy mentions the fact of two of those +virgins having violated their vows, as a prodigy that, threatened +destruction to the Roman state. Lib. XXII. C. 57. And Suetonius +inform, us that Augiastus had so high an opinion of this religious +order, that he consigned the care of his will to the Vestal Virgins. +Suet, in vit. Aug. C. XCI. M. + +69 It was usual with Domitian to triumph, not only without a +victory, but even after a defeat, M. + +70 Euripides' Hecuba, + +71 The punishment inflicted upon the violators of Vestal chastity +was to be scourged to death. M. + +72 Calpurnia, Pliny's wife. + +73 Gratilla was the wife of Rusticus: Rusticus was put to death by +Domitian, and Gratilla banished. It was sufficient crime in the +reign of that execrable prince to be even a friend of those who +were obnoxious to him. M. + +74 In the original, scrinium, box for holding MSS. + +75 The hippodromus, in its proper signification, was a place, +among the Grecians, set apart for horse-racing and other exercises +of that kind. But it seems here to be nothing more than a particular +walk, to which Pliny perhaps gave that name, from its bearing +some resemblance in its form to the public places so called. M. + +76 Now called Frascati, Tivoli, and Palestrina, all of them situated +in the Campagna di Roma, and at no great distance from Rome. M. + +77 "This is said in allusion to the idea of Nemesis supposed to +threaten cxcessive prosperity." (Church and Brodribb.) + +78 About $15,000. + +79 About $42,000. + +80 None had the right of using family pictures or statues but those +whose ancestors or themselves had borne some of the highest +dignities. So that the jus imaginis was much the same thing among +the Romans as the right of bearing a coat of arms among us. Ken. +Antiq. M. + +81 The Roman physicians used to send their patients in +consumptive cases into Egypt, particularly to Alexandria. M. + +82 Frejus, in Provence. the southern part of France. M. + +83 A court of 3ustice erected by Julius Caesar in the forum, and +opposite to the basilica Aemilia. + +84 The deceniviri seem to have been magistrates for the +administration of justice, subordinate to the praetors, who (to give +the English reader a genera1 notion of their office) may be termed +lords chief justices, as the judges here mentioned were something +in the nature of our juries. M. + +85 About $400. + +86 This silly piece of superstition seems to have been peculiar to +Regulus. and not of any general practice; at least it is a custom of +which we find no other mention in antiquity. M. + +87 "We gather from Martial that the wesring of these was not an +unusual practice with fops and dandies. See Epig. II. 29, in which +he ridicules a certain Rufus, and hints that if you were to strip off +the 'splenia (plasters) '" from his face, you would find out that he +was a branded runaway slave." (Church and Brodribb.) + +88 His wife. + +89 Horn. II. lib, I. V. 88. + +90 Now Alzia, not far frorn Corno. + +91 Nevertheless, Javolentis Priscus was one of the most eminent +lawyers of his time, and is frequently quoted in the Digesta of +Justinian. + +92 In the Bay of Naples. + +93 The Romans used to lie or walk naked in the sun, after +anointing their bodies with oil, which was esteemed as greatly +contributing to health, and therefore daily practised by them. This +custom, however, of anointing themselves, is inveighed against by +the Satirists as in the number of their luxurious indulgences: but +since we find the elder Pliny here, and the amiable Spurinna in a +former letter, practising this method, we can not suppose the thing +itself was cstcemed unmanly, but only when it was attended with +some particular circumstances of an over-refined delicacy. M. + +94 Now called Castelamare, in the Bay of Naples. M. + +95 The Stoic and Epicurean philosophers held that the world was +to be destroyed by fire, and all things fall again into original chaos; +not excepting even the national gods themselves from the +destruction of this general conflagration. M. + +96 The lake Larius. + +97 Those families were styled patrician whose ancestors had +been membersof the senate in the earliest times of the regal or +consular government. M. + +98 Trajan + +99 The consuls, though they were chosen in August, did not enter +upon their office till the first of January, during which interval they +were styled consules designati, consuls elect. It was usual for them +upon that occasion to compliment the emperor, by whose +appointment, after the dissolution of the republican government, +they were chosen. M. + +100 'So called, because it formerly belonged to Camillus. M. + +101 Civita Vecchia. + +102 Trajan. + +103 An officer in the Roman legions, answering in some sort to a +captain In our companies. M. + + +104 This law was made by Augustus Caesar; but it nowhere clearly +appears what was the peculiar punishment it inflicted. M. + +105 An officer employed by the emperor to receive and regulate +the public revenue in the provinces. M. + +106 Comprehending Transylvania, Moldavia, and Walaehia. M. + +107 Polycletus was a freedman, and great favourite of Nero. M. + +108 Memmius, or Rhemmius (the critics are not agreed which), +was author of a law by which it was enacted that whosoever was +convicted of calumny and false accusation should be stigmatised +with a mark in his forehead; and by the law of the twelve tables, +false accusers were to suffer the same punishment as would have +been inflicted upon the person unjustly accused if the crime had +been proved. M. + +109 Trajan. + +110 Unction was much esteemed and prescribed by the +ancients.Celsus. expressly recommends it in the remission of acute +distempers: ungi leniterque pertractari corpus, etiam in acutic et +rccent,bus niorbis opartet; us rernissione fnmen," &c. Celsi Med. +ed. Aliucloveen, p. 88. M. + +111 His wife. + +112 See book V. letter XX. + +113 Trajan. + +114 One of the Bithynians employed to manage the trial. M. + +115 About $28,000. + +116 About $.26,000. + +117 There is a kind of witticism in this expreasion, which will be +lost to the mere English reader unless he be informed that the +Romans had a privilege, confirmed to them by several laws which +passed in the earlier ages of the republic, of appealing from the +decisions of the magistrates to the general assembly of the people: +and they did so in the form of words which Pomponius here +applies to a different purpose. M. + +118 The priests, as well as other magistrates, exhibited public +games to the people when they entered upon their office. M. + +119 A famous lawyer who flourished in the reign of the emperor +Claudius: those who followed his opinions were said to be +Cassians, or of the school of Cassius. M. + +120 A Stoic philosopher and native of Tarsus. He was tutor +for some time to Octavius, afterwards Augustus, Caesar. + +121 Balzac very prettily observes: "II y a des riviere: qui ne font +jamais tact de bien que quand elles se dibordent; de eneme, +!'amitie n'a mealleur quo I'excss." M. + +122 Persons of rank and literature among the Romans retained +in their families a domestic whose sole business was to read to +them. M. + +123 It was a doctrine maintained by the Stoics that all crimes +are equal M. + +124 About $400. + +125 About $600. + +126 About $93. + +127 Horn. II. lib. IX. V. 319. + +128 Those of Nero and Domitian. M. + +129 When Nerva and Trajan received the empire. M. + +130 A slave could acquire no property, and consequently was +incapable bylaw of making a will. M. + +131 Now called Amelia, a town in Ombria. M. + +132 Now Laghetto di Bassano. M. + +133 A province in Anatolia, or Asia Minor. M. + +134 The performers at these gaines were divided into companies, +distinguished by the particular colour of their habits; the principal +of which were the white, the red, the blue, and the green. +Accordingly the spectators favoured one or the other colour, as +humour and caprice inclined them. In the reign of Justinian a +tumult arose in Constantinople, occasioned merely by a contention +among the partisans of these several colours, wherein no less than +30,000 men lost their lives. M. + +135 Now called Castello di Baia, in Terra di Lavoro. It was the +place the Romans chose for their winter retreat; and which they +frequented upon account of its warm baths. Sonic few ruins of the +beautiful villas that once covered this delightful coast still remain; +and nothing can give one a higher idea of the prodigious expense +and magnificence of the Romans in their private buildings than the +manner in which some of these were situated. It appears from this +letter, as well as from several other passages in the classic writers, +that they actually projected into the sea, being erected upon vast +piles, sunk for that purpose. + +136 The buskin was a kind of high shoe worn upon the stage by the +actors of tragedy, in order ,to give them a more heroical elevation +of stature; as the sock was something between a shoe and stocking, +it was appropriated to the comic players. M. + +137 Lyons. + +138 He was accused of treason, under pretence that in a dramatic +piece which he composed he had, in the characters of Paris and +Oenone, reflected upon Domitian for divorcing his wife Domitia. +Suet, in Vit. Domit. C. 10. M. + +139 Helvidius. + +140 Upon the accession of Nerva to the empire, after the death of +Domitian. M. + +142 Our authors first wife; of whom we have no particular +account. After her death, he married his favourite Caipurnia. M. + +143 1t is very remarkable that, when any senator was asked his +opinion in the house, he,had the privilege of speaking as long as he +pleased upon any other affair before he came to the point in +question. Aul. Gell. IV. C. 10. M. + +144 Aeneid, LIB. VI. V. 105. + +145 Arria and Fannia. + +146 The appellation by which the senate was addressed. M. + +147 The tribunes were magistrates chosen at first out of the body +of the commons, for the defence of their liberties, and to interpose +in all grievances offered by their superiors. Their authority +extended even to the deliberations of the senate. M, + +148 Diomed's speech to Nestor, advising him to retire from the +field of battle. Iliad, VIII. 302. Pope. M. + +149 Nerva. + +150 Domitian; by whom he had been appointed consul elect, +though he had not yet entered upon that office. M. + +151 These persons were introduced at most of the tables of the +great, for the purposes of mirth and gaiety, and constituted an +essential part in all polite entertainments among the Ron'.ans. It is +surprising how soon this great people fell off from their original +severity of manners, and were tainted with the stale refinements of +foreign luxury. Livy dates the rise of this and other unmanly +delicacies from the conquest of Scipio Asiaticus over Antiochus; +that is. when the Roman name had scarce subsisted above a +hundred and threescore years. "Luxuriae peregrinae origio,' says +he, "ezxercitu Asiatico in urbem invecta est." This triumphant +army caught, it seems, the contagious softness of the people it +subdued; and, on its return to Rome, spread an infection among +their countrymen, which worked by slow degrees, till it effected +their total destruction. Thus did Eastern luxury revenge itself on +Roman arms. It may be wondered that Pliny should keep his own +temper, and check the indignation of his friends at a scene which +was fit only for the dissolute revels of the infamous Trimalchio. +But it will not, perhaps, be doing justice to our author to take an +estimate of his real sentinients upon this point from the letter +before us. Genitor, it seems, was a man of strict, but rather of too +austere morals for the free turn of the age: '' emendatus et gravis: +paulo etiam horridior et durior ut in hac licentia teniporuni" (Ep. +III. 1. 3). But as there is a certain seasonable accommodation to +the manners of the times, not only extremely Consistent with, but +highly conducive to, the interests of virtue, Pliny. probably, may +affect a greater latitude than he in general approved, in order to +draw off his friend from that stiffness and unyielding disposition +which might prejudice those of a gayer turn against him, and +consequently lessen the beneficial influence of his virtues upon the +world. M. + +152 See letter CIII. + +153 Iliad, XXI. 387. Pope. M. + +154 Iliad, V. 356, speaking of Mars. M. + +154 Iliad, IV. 452. Pope. + +155 The design of Pliny in this letter is to justify the figurative +expressions he had employed, probably, in same oration, by +instances of the same warmth of colourin? from those great +masters of eloquence, Demosthenes and his rival Aesehines. But +the force of the passages which he produces from those orators +must necessarily be greatly weakened to a mere modern reader, +some of them being only hinted at, as generally well known; and +the metaphors in several of the others have either lost much of +their original spirit and boldness, by being introduced and received +in Common language, or cannot, perhaps, he preaervcd in an +English translation. M. + +156 See 1st Philippic. + +157 See Deniosthenes' speech in defence of Cteisphon. + +158 See end Olynthiac. + +159 See Aesehines' speech against Ctesiphon. + +160 It was a religious ceremony practised by the ancients to pour +precious ointments upon the statues of their gods: Avitus, it is +probable, imagined this dolphin was some sea-divinity, and +therefore expressed his vcneration of him by the solemnity of a +sacred unction. M. + +161 The overflowing humanity of Pliny's temper breaks out upon +all occasions, but he discovers it in nothing more strongly than by +the impression which this little story appears to have made upon +him. True benevolence, indeed, extends itself thrcugh the whole +compass of existence, and sympathises with the distress of every +creature of sensation. Little minds may be apt to consider a +compassion of this inferior kind as an instance of weakness; but it +is undoubtedly the evidence of a noble nature. Homer thought it +not unbecoming the character even of a hero to melt into tears at a +distress of this sort, and has given us a most amiable and affecting +picture of Ulysses weeping over his faithful dog Argus, when he +expires at his feet: + +Soft pity toueh'd the mighty master's soul; +Adown his cheek the tear unbidden stole, +Stole unperceived; he turn'd his head and dry'd +The drop humane." . +(Odyss. XVII. Pope.) M. + +162 By the regimen which Pliny here follows, one would imagine, +if he had not told us who were his physicians, that the celebrated +Celsus was in the number. That author expressly recommends +reading aloud, and afterwards walking, as beneficial in disorders +of the stomach: "Si quis stomacho laborat, leqere clare debet; post +lectionem ambulare," &c. Celsi Medic. 1. I. C. 8. M. + +FOOTNOTES TO THE CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE EMPEROR +TRAJAN + +1 The greater part of the following letters were written by Pliny +during his administration in the province of Bithynia. They are of a +style and character extremely different from those in the preceding +collection; whence some critics have injudiciously inferred that +they are the production of another hand: not considering that the +occasion necessarily required a different manner. In letters of +business, as these chiefly are, turn and sentiment would be foreign +and impertinent; politeness and elegance of expression being the +essentials that constitute perfection in this kind: and in that view, +though they may be less entertaining, they have not less merit than +the former. But besides their particular excellence as letters, they +have a farther recommendation as so many valuable pieces of +history, by throwing a strong light upon the character of one of the +most amiable and glorious princes in the Roman annals. Trajan +appears throughout in the most striking attitude that majesty can +be placed in; in the exertion of power to the godlike purposes of +justice and benevolence: and what one of the ancient historians has +said of him is here clearly verified, that " he rather chose to be +loved than flattered by Jima people." To have been distinguished +by the favour and friendship of a monarch of so exalted a character +is an honour that reflects the brightest lustre upon our author; as to +have been served and celebrated by a courtier of Pliny's genius and +virtues is the noblest inonunient of glory that could have been +raised to Trajan. M. + +2 Nerva, who succeeded Domitian, reigned but sixteen months and +a few days. Before his death he not only adopted Trajan, and +named him for his successor, but actually admitted him into a +share of the government; giving him the titles of Caesar, +Germanicus and Imperator. Vid. Plin. Paneg. M. + +3 $16,000. + +4 One of the four governments of Lower Egypt. M. + +5 The extensive power of paternal authority was (as has been +observed in the notes shove) peculiar to the Romans. But after +Chrysippus was made a denizen of Rome, he was not, it would +seem, consequentially entitled to that privilege over those children +which were horn before his denization. On the other haqd, if it was +expressly granted him, his childrcn could not preeerve their right +of patronage over their own freedmen, because that right would of +course devolve to their father, by means of this acquired dominion +over them. The denization therefore of his children is as expressly +solicited as his own. But both parties hecoming quirites, the +children by this creation, and not pleading in right of their father, +would be patres fam. To prevent which the clause is added, "ita ut +sint in patris potestate:" as there is another to save to them their +rights of patronage over their freedmen, though they were reduced +in patrmam potestate. M. + +6 Pliny enjoyed the office of treasurer in conjunction with +Cornutus Tertullus. it was the custom at Rome fur those who had +colleagues to administer the duties of their posts by monthly turns. +Buchner. M. + +7 About $16,000; the annual income of Pliny's estate in Tuscany. +He mentions another near Comum in Milan, the yearly value of +which does not appear. We find him likewise meditating the +purchase of an estate, for which he was to give about $117,000 of +our money; but whether he ever completed that purchase is +unceetsin This, however, we are sure of. that his fortunes were but +moderate, considering his high station and necessary expenses: and +yet, by the advantage of a judicious economy, we hove seen him. +in the course of these letters, exercising a liberality of which after. +ages have furnished no parallel. M. + +8 The senators were not allowed to go from Rome into the +provinces with. out having first obtained leave of the emperor. +Sicily, however, had the privilege to be excepted out of that law; +as Gallia Narbonensis afterwards was, by Claudius Caesar. Tacit. +Ann. XII. C. 23. M. + +9 One of the seven priests who presided over the feasts appointed +in honour of Jupiter and the other gods, an office, as appears, of +high dignity, since Pliny ranks it with the augurship. + +10 Bithynia, a province in Anatolia, or Asia Minor, of which Pliny +was appointcd governor by Trajan, in the siath year of his reign, A. +D. 103, not as an ordinary proconsul, but as that emperor's own +lieutenant, with powers extraordinary. (See Dio.) The following +letters were written doning his administration of that province. M. + +11 A north wind in the Grecian seas, which rises yearly come time +in July, and continues to the end of August; though others extend it +to the middle of September. They blow only in the day-time. +Varenius's Gcogr. V.I. p. 513. M. + +12 The inhabitants of Prusa (Brusa), a principal city of Bithynia. + +13 In the sixth year of Trajan's reign, A. D. 103, and the 41st of our +author's age: he continued in this province about eighteen months. +Vid. Mass, in Vit. Phin. 129. M. + +14 Among other noble works which this glorious emperor +executed, the forum or square which went by his name seems to +have been the most magnificent. It was built with the foreign +spoils he had taken in war. The covering of this edifice was all +brass, the porticoes exceedingly beautiful and magnificent, witls +pillars of more than ordinary height and dimensions. In the centre +of this forum was erected the famous pillar which has been already +described. + +15 It is probable the victory here alluded to was that famous one +which Trajan gained over the Daciaiss; some account of which has +been given in the notes above. It is certain, at least, Pliny lived to +see his wish accomplished, this emperor having carried the Roman +splendour to its highest pitch, and extended the dominions of the +empire farther than any of his predecessors; as after his death it +began to decline. M. + +16 The capital of Bithynia; its modern name is Izmid. + +17 The town of Panticapoeum, also called Bosporus, standing on +the European side of the Cimmerian Bosporus (Straits of Kaffa), in +the modern Crimea. + +18 Nicea (as appears by the 15th letter of this book), a city in +Bithynia, now called Iznik. M. + +19 Sarmatia was divided into European, Asiatic, and German +Sarmatia. It is not exactly known what hounds the ancients gave to +this extensive region; however, in general, it comprehended the +northern part of Russia, and the greater part of Poland, &c. M. + +20 The first invention of public couriers is ascribed to Cyrus, who, +in order to receive the earliest intelligence from the governors of +the several provances, erected post-houses throughout the kingdom +of Persia, at equal dis. lances, which supplied men and horses to +forward the public despatches. Augustus was the first who +introduced this most useful institution among the Romans, by +employing post-chaises, disposed at convenient distances, for the +purpose of political intelligence. The magistrates of every city +were obliged to furnish horses for these messengers, upon +producing a diploma, or a kind of warrant, either from the emperor +himself or from those who had that authority under him. +Sometimes, though upon very extraordinary occasions, persons +who travelled upon their private affairs, were allowed the use of +these post-chaises. It is surprising they were not sooner used fur +the purposes of commerce and private communication. Louis XI. +first established them in France, in the year 1414; hut it was not till +the 24th of Car. II, that the post-office was settled in England by +Act of Parhiament, M. + +21 Particular temples, altars, and statues were allowed among the +Romans as places of privilege and sanctuary to slaves, debtors and +malefactors. This custom was introduced by Romulus, who +borrowed it probably from the Greeks; but during the free state of +Rome, few of these asylums were permitted. This custom +prevailed most under the emperors, till it grew so scandalous that +the Emperor Pius found it necessary to restrain those privileged +places by an edict. See Lipsii Excurs. ad Taeiti Ann. III, C. 36, M. + +22 General under Deeebalus, king of the Dacians. M. + +23 A province in Daeia, comprehending the southern parts of +Servia and part ot Bulgaria. M. + +24 The second expedition of Trajan against Decebalus was +undertaken the saint year that Pliny went governor into this +province; the reason therefore why Pliny sent this Calhidromus to +the emperor seems to he that some use might possibly be made of +him in favour of that design, M. +25 Receiver of the finances. M. + +26 The coast rontid the Black Sea. + +27 The text calls him primipilarem, that is, one who bad been +Prirnipi1us, in officer in the army, whose post was both highly +honourable and profitable; among other parts of his office he had +the care of the eagle, or chief standard of the legion. M. + +28 Slaves who were purchased by the public. M. + +29 The most probable conjecture (for it is a point of a good deal of +obscurity) concerning the beneficiary seems to be that they were a +certain number of soldiers exempted from the usual duty of their +office, in order to be employed as a sort of body-guards to the +general. These were probably foot; as the equites here mentioned +were perhaps of the same nature, only that they served on +horsebsck. Equites singulares Caesaris Augusti, &c., are frequently +met with upon ancient inscriptions, and are generally supposed to +mean the bodyguards of the emperor. M. + +30 A province in Asia Minor, bounded by the Black Sea on the +north, Bithynia on the west, Pontus on the east, and Phrygia on the +south. + +31 The Roman policy excluded slaves from entering into military +service, and it was death if they did so. However, upon cases of +great necessity, this maxim was dispensed with; but then they were +first made free before they were received into the army, excepting +only (as Servius in his notes upon Virgil) observes after the fatal +battle of Cannae; when the public dis. tress was so great that the +Romans recruited their army with their slaves. though they had not +time to give them their freedom. One reason, perhaps, of this +policy might be that they did not think it safe to arm so +considerable a body of men, whose numbers, in the times when the +Roman luxury was at its highest, we may have some idea of by the +instance which Pun the naturalist mentions of Claudius Isodorus, +who at the time of his death was possessed of no less than 4,116 +slaves, notwithstanding he had lost great numbers in the civil wars. +Pun. Hist. Nat. XXXIII. 10. M. + +32 A punishment among the Romans, usually inflicted upon +slaves, by which they were to engage with wild beasts, or perform +the part of gladiators, in the public shows. M. + +33 It has been generally imagined that the ancients had not the art +of raising water by engines; but this passage seems to favour the +contrary opinion. The word in the original is sipho, which +Hesychius explains (as one of the commentators observes) +"instrumentuns ad jaculandas aquas adversas incendia;" an +instrument to throw up water against fires." But there is a passage +in Seneca which seems to put this matter beyond conjecture, +though none of the critics upon this place have taken notice of it: +"Solemiss," says he, "duabus manibus inter se junctis aguam +concipere, et com pressa utrinque palma in modum ciphonis +exprimere" (Q. N. 1. II. 16) where we plainly see the use of this +sipho was to throw UP water, and consequently the Romans were +acquainted with that art. The account which Pliny gives of his +fountains at Tuscum is likewise another evident proof. M. + +34 This was an anniversary custom observed throughout the +empire on the 30th of December. M. + +35 About $132,000. + +36 About $80,000. + +37 About $400,000. To those who are not acquainted with the +immense riches of the ancients, it may seem incredible that a city, +and not the capital one either, uf a conquered province should +expend so large a sum of money upon only the shell (as it appears +to be) of a theatre: but Asia was esteemed the most considerable +vart of the world for wealth; its fer. tility and exportations (aa +Tully observes) exceeding that of all other countries. M. + +38 The word carte, in the original, comprehends snore than what +we +call the pat in our theatres, as at means the whole space lit which +the spectators sat. These theatres being open at the top, the +galleries here mentioned were for the convenience of retiring in +bad +weather. M. + +39 A place in which the athletic exercises were performed, and +where +the philosophers also used to read their lectures. M. + +40 The Roman foot consisted of 11.7 Inches of our standard, M. +41 A colony in the district of Cataonia, in Cappadocia. + +42 The honorary senators, that is, such who were not received into +the council of the city by election, but by the appointment of the +emperor, paid a certain sum of money upon their admission into +the senate. M. + +43 "Graeculi. Even under the empire, with its relaxed morality and +luxurious tone, the Romans continued to apply this contemptuous +designation to people to whom they owed what taste for art and +culture they possessed." Church and Brodribb. + +44 A Roman cubit is equal to a foot 5.406 inches of our measure. +Arbuthanot's Tab. M. + +45 About $480. + +46 About $120. + +47 A diploma is properly a grant of certain privileges either to +particular places or persons. It signifies also grants of other kinds; +and it sometimes means post-warrants, as, perhaps, it does in this +place. M. + +38 A city in Bithynia. M. + +39 Cybele, Rhea, or Ops, as she is otherwise called; from whom, +according to the pagan creed, the rest of the gods are supposed to +have descended. M. + +40 Whatever was legally consecrated was ever afterwards +unapplicable to profane uses. M. + +41That is, a city not admitted to enjoy the laws and privileges of +Rome. M. + +42 The reason why they did not choose to borrow of the public at +the same rate of interest which they paid to private persons was (as +one of the Commentators observes) because in the former instance +they were obliged to give security, whereas in the latter they could +raise money upon their personal credit. M. + +43 These, in the original institution as settled by Augustus, were +only commanders of his body-guards; hut in the later times of the +Roman empire they were next in authority under the emperor, to +whom they seem to have acted as a sort of prime ministers. M. + +44 The provinces were divided into, a kind of circuits called +conventus, whither the proconsuls used to go in order to +administer justice. The judges here mentioned must not be +understood to mean the same sort of judicial officers as with us: +they rather answered to our juries. M. + +45 By the imperial constitutions the philosophers were exempted +from all public functions. Catariscus. M. + +46 About $24,000. + +47 Geographers are not agreed where to place this city; Cellarius +conjectures it may possibly be the same with Prusa ad Olyinpum, +Prusa at the foot of Mount Olympus in Mysia. + +48 Domitian. + +49 That is, whether they should be considered in a state of freedom +or slavery. M. + +50 Parents throughout the entire ancient world had the right to +expose their children and leave them to their fate. Hence would +sometimes arise the question whether such a child, if found and +brought up by another, was entitled to his freedom, whether also +the person thus adopting him must grant him his freedom without +repayment for the cost of maintenance." Church and Brodribb. + +51 "This decision of Trajan, the effect of which would be that +persons would be slow to adopt an abandoned child which, when +brought up, its unnatural parents could claim back without any +compensation for its ourture, seems harsh, and we find that it was +disregarded by the later emperors in their legal decisions on the +subject." Church and Brodribb. + +52 And consequently by the Roman laws unapplicable to any other +purpose. M. + +53 The Roman provinces in the times of the emperors were of two +sorts: those which were distinguished by the name of the +provinciae Caesaris and the provinciae senatus. The provinciae +Carsaris, or imperial provinces, were such as the emperor, for +reasons of policy, reserved to his own immediate administration, +or of those whom he thought proper to appoint: the provinciae +senatus, or proconsular provinces, were such as he left to the +government of proconsuls or praetors, chosen in the ordinary +method of election. (Vid. Suet, in Aug. V. 47.) Of the former kind +was Bithynis, at the time when our author presided there. (Vid. +Masson. Vit. Plin. p. 133.) M. + +54 A province in Asia, bordering upon the Black Sea, and by some +ancient geographers considered as one province with Bithynia. M. + +55 About $2,000. M. + +56 Cities of Pontus near the Euxine or Black Sea. M. + +57 Gordium, the old capital of Phrygia. It afterwards1 in the reign +of the Emperor Augustus, received the name of Juliopohs. (See +Smith's Classical Diet.) + +58 Pompey the Great having subdued Mithridates, and by that +means enlarged the Roman empire, passed several laws relating to +the newly conquered provinces, and, among others, that which is +here mentioned. M. + +59 The right of electing Senators did not originally belong to the +censors, who were only, as Cicero somewhere calls them, +guardians of the discipline and manners of the city; but in process +of time they engrossed the whole privilege of conferring that +honour. M. + +60 This, probably, was some act whereby the city was to ratify and +confirm the proceedings of Dion under the commission assigned to +him. + +61 It was a notion which generally prevailed with the ancients, in +the Jewish as well as heathen world, that there was a pollution in +the contact of dead bodies, and this they extended to the very +house in which the corpse lay, and even to the uncovered vessels +that stood in the same room. (Vid. Pot. Antiq. V. II. 181.) From +some such opinion as this it is probable that the circumstance ,here +mentioned, of placing Trajan's statue where these bodies were +deposited, was esteemed as a mark of disrespect to his person. + +62 A thriving Greek colony in the territory of Sinopis, on the +Euxine. + +63 A colony of Athenians in the province of Pontus. Their town, +Amisus, on the coast, was one of the residences of Mithridates. + +64 Casaubon, in his observations upon Theophrastus (as cited by +one of the commentators) informs us that there were at Athens and +other cities of Greece Certain fraternities which paid into a +common chest a monthly contribution towards the support of such +of their members who had fallen into misfortunes; upon condition +that, if ever they arrived to more prosperous circumstances, they +should repay into the general fund the money so advanced. M. + +65 By the law for encouragement of matrimony (some account of +which has already been given in the notes above), as a penalty +upon those who lived bachelors, they were declared incapable of +inheriting any legacy by will; so likewise, if being married, they +had no children, they could not claim the full advantage of +benefactions of that kind. + +66 This letter is esteemed as almost the only genuine monument of +ecclesiastical antiquity relating to the times immediately +succeeding the Apostles, it being written at most not above forty +years after the death of St. Paul. It was preserved by the Christians +themselves as a clear and unsuspicious evidence of the purity of +their doctrines, and is frequently appealed to by the early writers of +the Church against the calumnies of their adversaries. M. + +67 It was one of the privileges of a Roman citizen, secured by the +Sempro. riian law, that he could not be capitally convicted but by +the suffrage of the people; which seems to have been still so far in +force as to make it necesaary to send the persons here mentioned +to Rome. M. + +68 These women, it is supposed, exercised the same office as +Phoebe mentioned by St. Paul, whom he styles deaconess of the +church of Cenchrea. Their business was to tend the poor and sick, +and other charitable offices; as also to assist at the ceremony of +female baptism, for the more decent performance of that rite: as +Vossius observes upon this passage. M. + +69 If we impartially examine this prosecution of the Christians, we +shall find it to have been grounded on the ancient constitution of +the state, and not to have proceeded from a cruel or arbitrary +temper in Trajan. The Roman legislature appears to have been +early jealous of any innovation in point of public worship; and we +find the magistrates, during the old republic frequently interposing +in cases of that nature. Valerius Maximus has collected some +instances to that purpose (L. I. C. 3), and Livy mentions it as an +established principle of the earlier ages of the commonwealth, to +guard against the introduction of foreign ceremonies of religion. It +was an old and fixed maxim likewise of the Roman government +not to suffer any unlicensed assemblies of the people. From hence +it seenis evident that the Christians had rendered themselves +obnoxious not so much to Trajan as to the ancient and settled laws +of the state, by introducing a foreign worship, and assembling +themselves without authority. M. + +70 On the coast of Paphlagonia. + +71 By the Papian law, which passed in the consulship of M. Papius +Mutilus and Q. Poppeas Secundus, u. c. 761, if a freedman died +worth a hundred thousand sesterces (or about $4,000 of our +money), leaving only one child, his patron (that is, the master from +whom he received his liberty) was entitled to half his estate; if he +left two children, to one-third; but if more than two, then the +patron was absolutely excluded. This was afterwards altered by +Justinian, Inst. 1. III. tit. 8. M. + +72 About $7,000. + +73 About $175 + +74 About $350. + +75 The denariusi=7 cents. The sum total, then, distributed among +one thousand persons at the rate of, say, two denarn a piece would +amount to about $350. + +76 These games are called Iselastic from the Greek word invehor, +because the victors, drawn by white horses, and wearing crowns on +their heads, were conducted with great pomp into their respective +cities, which they entered through a breach in the walls made for +that purpose; intimating, as Plutarch observes, that a City which +produced such able and victorious citizens, had little occasion for +the defence of walls (Catanaeus). They received also annually a +certain honourable stipend from the public. M. + + + + + +End of The Project Gutenberg Etext Letters of Pliny the Younger + diff --git a/old/2001-09-ltpln10.zip b/old/2001-09-ltpln10.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..3b11efb --- /dev/null +++ b/old/2001-09-ltpln10.zip |