THE LOEB CLASSICAL LIBRARY
EDITED BY
T. E. PAGE, LiTT.D.
E. CAPPS, PH.D., LL.D. W. H. D. ROUSE, litt.d.
PLINY
LETTERS
I
Jf
^^fefe^
PLINYth
LETTERS
^ youncei
WITH AN ENGLISH TRANSLATION BY
WILLIAM MELMOTH
REVISED BY
W. M. L. HUTCHINSON
IN TWO VOLUMES
I
LONDON : WILLIAM HEINEMANN
NEW YORK : THE MACMILLAN CO.
MCMXXXI
V. )
First Printed 1915.
Reprinted 1923.
Reprinted 1927.
Reprinted 1931.
Printed in Great Britain.
PREFACE
Melmoth's translation of Pliny's Letters, published
in 1746, not only delighted contemporary critics —
amongst whom Warton pronounced it a better work
than the original — but deservedly ranks as a minor
English classic. Apart from its literary excellence,
it has the supreme merit of reflecting the spirit of
the original, and that to a degree now unattainable.
For it was produced when the lost ai-t of letter-
writing was in its heyday, and to compose just such
letters as Pliny's the universal accomplishment of
well-bred persons. His high-flown compliments, his
neatly-turned platitudes, his nice blending of sense
and sensibility, were stock ingredients of eighteenth
century correspondence ; and Melmoth — himself
author of a vastly admired series of imaginary
letters — had the ideal style for translating him at
his fingers' ends. No modern rendering can i-e-
capture the ease and felicity of Melmoth's; for
they came of his living in a world so like Pliny's
own that he was perfectly at home with his author's
mode of thought.
PREFACE
On the other hand, Melmoth carried too far the
principle that the letter killeth but the spirit giveth
life. Judged even by the easy canons of his time
in regard to translation, his work is extraordinarily
loose and inaccurate ; a good deal of it is simply
paraphrase, and in many places the sense is fla-
grantly wrong. Thorough revision was necessary if
it was to be included in the Loeb Classical Library ;
it was further needful to compress it considerably
before it could be placed side by side with the
text, as Melmoth's fondness for amplifying often
makes the English twice as long as the Latin. To
put new cloth to an old garment is always a
hazardous undertaking, and the best I can hope is
that my patches, though extensive, are sufficiently
in harmony with the original fabric to escape
notice.
The text of the present edition is based upon
that published by the Bipons Press ^ in 1789, which
* The celebrated Bipons editions of the classics were issued
by three masters of the Gymnasium at Zweibriicken in the
Rhenish Palatinate from 1779 to 1807, when after many
vicissitudes in the revolutionary wars their Press was finally
closed. The editor of its last production, an edition of
Quinlus Sjiiyrjiaeus (ISOl), says in his preface, " Who could
occupy himself with a Greek poet at a time when all our
minds are being stirred by mighty events and political
changes? The work of the Bipons Press . . . has been
interrupted by War."
n
PREFACE
seems approximately the same as Melmoth's ; it has
been revised throughout with the help of the fol-
lowing modern editions: Keil, 1853 and 1873;
C. F. W. Mueller (Teubner), 1903"; Merrill (Selec-
tions), 1903; Kukula (Teubner), 19^8; and for
Book X., Hardy, 1889. Textual criticism, which
in Pliny's case is highly difficult and uncertain,
does not come within the scope of this edition ; 1
have merely given some of the more important
variant readings, citing the source of each. For
the explanatory notes I am largely indebted to
Merrill and Hardy, and have also consulted Church
and Brodribb's "Selections" (1880).
W. M. L. HUTCHINSON.
v\\
CONTENTS
PAGB
PREFACE V
INTRODUCTION xi
BOOK I 1
BOOK II 89
BOOK III 179
BOOK IV 271
BOOK V 359
BOOK VI 441
INTRODUCTION
Pliny's Life
Pi.iNY THE Younger — commonly so called in dis-
tinction from his maternal uncle, the author of the
Natural History — was born at Novum Comum (Como)
in 61 or 62 a.d. Both his father's family, the Caecilii,
and his mother's, the Plinii, belonged to the pro-
vincial nobility ; both were wealthy and of good
repute- Losing his father in childhood, Pliny was
left to the guardianship of the celebrated Verginius
Rufus ; he received an elaborate education, com-
pleted at Rome, where he studied rhetoric under
Quintilian, and doubtless supervised by his learned
uncle. On the latter's death in 79 a.d. he left his
nephew his sole heir, adopting him by will ; Pliny,
according to custom, took his adoptive father's name,
and was thenceforth known as C. Plinius Caecilius
Secundus.^ In the same year, at the age of eighteen,
* The elder Pliny's name was C. Plinius Secundus. The
nephew's original name was P. Caecilius Secundus ; Publius
being praenomen, Caecilius (jenlUicium (name of his gens),
Secundus cognomen. His cognomen, being identical with his
uncle's, remained unchanged ; and he kept his original gen-
tilicium in addition to that of his uncle (Plinius), whereas by
older usage he would have added it as a second cognomen in
the form Caecilianua.
ici
INTRODUCTION
he made his first appearance at the bar ; he became
one of the most eminent pleaders of his day, and
passed through the regular stages of an official
career up to the consulship, to which he was nom-
inated by Trajan in 100 a.d. The successful tenor
of his public life remained unbroken throughout
Domitian's reign of terror ; and though he after-
wards believed himself to have been in imminent
danger from that Emperor, as the friend of his
victims Helvidius, Rusticus, and Senecio, there is
evidence that he enjoyed, and none that he ever
forfeited, his favour.^ From what we know of Pliny's
character, as revealed in his Letters, we may infer
that he played a prudent, though not dishonourable,
part in those troublous times ; that he concealed his
sympathy with the objects of Domitian's persecution
so long as to avow it was simply to share their fate ;
and that when Domitian's death and Nerva's acces-
sion (96 A.D.) had "restored liberty," he indulged
a harmless vanity by posing as one who had narrowly
escaped martyrdom under the late tyrant. On the
other hand, though Pliny was no hero, we need not
conclude him to have been a coward ; if he avoided
offending Domitian, Agricola himself did the same;
and if he saved his life by discretion, he would
^ He became quaestor 89 a.d. as Domitian's personal
nominee; praetor 93 a.d., by his special grace, without
waiting the usual year after holding the tribunate ; and was
by him appointed prefect of the military treasury, 94 or
95 A.D.
xii
INTRODUCTION
assuredly have lost it rather than stoop to actual
baseness.
Pliny's worth and talent for affairs were recognized
both by Nerva and his successor, Trajan. The former,
at the close of his short reign, made him prefect of
the Treasury of Saturn — apparently the only in-
stance of this important post being given to a man
who had held the prefecture of the Military Treasury.
From Trajan he received the consulship (100 a.d.)
and, some three years later, the coveted office of
augur ; these were virtual sinecures, but about
105 A.D. he was given the "curatorship of the bed
and banks of the Tiber and of the city sewers " —
a post no less laborious than honourable, and de-
manding much administrative ability. This was the
last public office held by Pliny at Rome ; a still
higher one awaited him in a distant province, from
which he was not destined to return.
The province of Bithynia had been placed by
Augustus among the "senatorial" provinces, i.e.
those administered by the Senate through pro-
consuls chosen by lot from the ranks of that body.
But whether owing to local conditions or proconsular
mismanagement, this administi'ation had been a
failure in Bithynia ; political disturbances were rife,
and the finances of its cities disorganized. , Trajan
resolved to take the province under his own control
for a time, and he sent Pliny thither as his legate,
with full powers to reform abuses and re-organize
INTRODUCTION
the finances of the cities. It was probably in 1 11 a.d.
that Pliny went upon this mission. How he executed
it we learn in detail from his correspondence with
Trajan, which gives us an interesting picture of
Roman provincial administration at its best. Pliny's
appointment seems to have lasted about two years,
and to have been terminated by his death ; but this
remains matter of inference. For with his last
letter to Trajan from Bithynia, in which he speaks
of having sent his wife home to Italy, we lose all
trace of him ; the great inscription erected to his
memory at Comum shows that he held no further
office, and that he died before 115 a.d.,^ but the rest
is silence.
Pliny was thrice married, but left no children.
Nothing is known of his first wife"; his second,
the daughter of Pompeia Celerina, died about
97 A.D. ; some j'ears later he married Calpurnia,
granddaughter of his fellow-townsman Calpurnius
Fabatus. From his letters to her, and to her
relatives, we see that Pliny was a devoted husband,
and his young wife a pattern of the domestic
virtues.
^ This is safely inferred from the fact that Trajan is not
given the official title of " Parthicus," which he assumed in
that year.
' It appears from i. 18 that he married her when "still a
youth" and just entering practice at the bar.
XIV
INTRODUCTION
The Letters
Excepting the tenth and last Book, containing his
official correspondence with Trajan, Pliny's Letters
were not only published by himself but composed
with an eye to publication. Hence the artificiality
and lack of the vivid personal touch which at once
strike us when we compare them with those of
Cicero, whom he wished to emulate in letter-writing
as in oratory. The difference is not merely the
inevitable one between a man of genius writing in
most stirring times and a man of mediocre talents
writing in rather dull ones ; it is far more the
difference between a " human document " and a
literary composition. In other words, Cicero's are
real letters, in which he " unlocked his heart '' to
his friends and discussed all the news of the day ;
Pliny's are graceful prose exercises on various
subjects and occasions. Incidentally, however, they
give us much interesting detail respecting Roman
life and manners in his time ; valuable notices of
contemporaries such as Martial and Silius Italicus;
and an undesigned revelation of his own character,
which, in spite of priggishness, vanity, and want
of humour, has not only respectable but amiable
traits.
The chronology of the first nine Books, none of
these letters being dated, has been much disputed.
It seems probable on the whole that Pliny published
-7
INTRODUCTION
them in three groups (I.-II., III.-VI., VII. -IX.),
issuing the first group in 97 or 98 a.d., and the last
in 108 or 109. The tenth Book must have been
published after his death, by some person unknown.
Sources of the Text
For the first nine Books, we have three distinct
sources, viz. (a) MSS. containing Books I.-V., of which
the best are R (Florentinus Ashburnhamensis R. 98
olim Riccardianus), tenth century, F (Laurentianus
S. Marci 284), tenth-eleventh century; (6) MSS. con-
taining Books I. -VII. and IX., all of the fifteenth cen-
tury, of which D (Dresdensis D. 166) is representative;
(c) MSS. containing nine books, of which the best is
M (Laurentianus 47. 36). V (Vaticanus 3864) is
closely akin to M, but contains only Books I. -IV.
The text of Book X. depends on a lost MS. which
contained also the first nine Books. While this was
still extant at Paris, copies of it by different hands
were used by Avantius of Verona for his edition
of 1502, and by Aldus in 1508. But while the
Aldine edition gave the tenth Book entire, the
fii'st forty Letters are for some reason missing in
that of Avantius. A MS. of these Letters has been
discovered by Hardy in the Bodleian Library, which
appears to be the actual copy from which Aldus
printed.
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
BOOK 1
C. PLINII CAECILII SECUNDI
EPISTULARUM
LIBER PRIMUS
I
C. Plinius Secundus Septicio Suo S.
Frequenter hortatus es, ut epistulas^ si quas paulo
accuratius scripsissem, colligcrem publicaremque.
Collegi non servato temporis ordine (neque enim
historian! componebam), sed ut quaeque in manus
venerat. Superest, ut nee te consilii^ nee me paeniteat
obsequii. Ita enim fiet, ut eas, quae adhuc neglectae
iacent, requiram^ et, si quas addideio, non supprimam.
Vale.
II
C. Pi.rNius Arriano Suo S.
Quia tardiorem adventum tuura prospicio, librum,
quem prioribus epistulis promiseram, exhibeo. Hunc
rogo ex consuetudine tua et legas et emendes, eo
2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
BOOK 1
I
To Septicius
You have frequently pressed me to make a select
collection of my Letters (if there be any which
show some literary finish) and give them to the
public. I have accordingly done so ; not indeed in
their proper order of time, for I was not compiling a
history ; but just as they presented themselves to my
hands. And now what remains but to wish that
neither you may have occasion to repent of your
advice, nor I of my compliance ? if so, I may })robably
inquire after the rest, which at present lie neglected,
and not withhold those I shall hereafter write.
Farewell.
II
To Arrianus
I FORESEE your journey hither is likely to be delayed,
and therefore produce a copy of the speech which 1
promised in my former letter, begging you would, as
usual, revise and correct it. I desire this the more
3
B 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
maffis, quod niliil ante peraeqiie eodem ^tJXw scrip-
sisse videor. Temptavi enim imitari Demosthenein
semper tuum, Calvum nuper meum, dumtaxat figuris
orationis ; nam vim tantorum virorum ' pauci, quos
aequus amavit,' adsequi possunt. Nee materia ipsa
huic (vereor, ne iinprobe dicani) aemulationi repiig-
navit ; erat enim prope iota in contentione dicendi ;
quod me longae desidiae indormientem excitavit, si
modo is sum ego, qui excitari possim. Non tamen
omnino Marci nostri XrjKvOovi fugimus, quotiens paulu-
lum itinere decedere non intempestivis amoenitatibus
admonebamur. Acres enim esse, non tristes, vole-
bamus. Nee est, quod putes me sub hae exceptione
veniam postulare. Immo, quo magis intendam limam
tuam, confitebor et ipsum me et eontubernales ab
editione non abhorrere, si modo tu fortasse errori
nostro album calculum adieceris. Est enim plane
aliquid edendum, atque utinam hoc potissimum, quod
paratum est ! (audis desidiae votum ?) edendum autem
ex pluribus causis, maxime quod libelli, quos emi-
simus, dicuntur in manibus esse, quamvis iam gratiam
novitatis exuerint ; nisi tamen auribus nostris biblio-
polae blandiuntur. Sed sane blandiantur, dum per
hoc mendacium nobis studia nostra commendent.
V^ale.
» ^€71. vi. 129.
* \r}Kv0oi, lit. " toilet-bottles," in which ladies kept their
cosmetics. The derived meaning, "tropes," "flowers of
rhetoric," occurs in a letter of Cicero's {Alt. i. 14.3), from
which Pliny may have quoted the word.
BOOK I. ii
earnestly, as I was never, I think, animated with the
same warmth of zeal in any of my former compositions ;
for I have endeavoured to imitate your old favourite
Demosthenes, and Calvus who is lately become mine.
When I say so, I mean only with respect to their
manner ; for to catch their sublime spii-it, is given
alone to "the choice selected few, whom fav'ring Jove
befriends."* My subject indeed seemed naturally to
lead me to this (may I venture to call it.'') emulation,
since it was, in general, of such a nature as demanded
controversial eloquence, even to a degree sufficient
to have awakened (if in truth it is possible to awake)
that indolence in which I have long reposed. I have
not however neglected the softer graces ^ of my
favourite Tully, wherever I could with propriety step
out of my direct road to enjoy a more flowery path :
for it was vigour, not austerity, at which I aimed. I
would not have you imagine that I am bespeaking
your indulgence, by filing this counter-plea : on the
contrary, to induce you to exercise the utmost
severity of your criticism, I will confess, that neither
my famiUars nor myself are averse to the publication
of this piece if you should give your vote in favour
of what may be pure error on my part. The truth is,
as I must publish something, I wish (do you catch
the true sluggard's petition?) it might be this
performance rather than any other, merely because
it is already finished. At all events, however, some-
thing I must publish, and for many reasons ; chiefly,
because the speeches Avhich I have already sent into
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 do not flatter
me. And let 'em, since by that deception I am
encouraged to pursue my studies. Farewell.
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
III
C. Plinius Caninio Rufo Suo S.
Quid agit Comum, tuae meaeque deliciae ? quid
siiburbanum amoenissimum ? quid ilia porticus verna
semper ? quid i^latanon opacissimus ? quid euripus
viridis et gemmeus? quid subiectus et serviens lacus ?
quid ilia mollis et tamen solida gestatio ? quid balin-
eum illud, quod plurimus sol implet et circumit ? quid
triclinia ilia popularia, ilia paucorum ? quid cubicula
diurna, noctuma ? Possidentne te, et per vices parti-
untur ? an^ ut solebas, intentione rei familiaris
obeundae crebris excursionibus avocaris ? Si te possi-
R dent, felix beatusque es ; si minus, unus ex multis.
Quin tu (tempus est enim) humiles et sordidas curas
aliis mandas et ipse te in alto isto pinguique secessu
studiis adseris ? Hoc sit negotium tuum, hoc otium,
hie labor, haec quies, in his vigilia, in his etiam
somnus reponatur. Effinge aliquid et excude, quod
sit perpetuo tuum. Nam reliqua rerum tuarum post
te alium atque alium dominum sortientur : hoc num-
quam tuum desinet esse, si semel coeperit. Scio,
quem animum, quod horter ingenium ; tu modo
enitere, ut tibi ipse sis tanti, quanti videberis aliis,
si tibi fueris. Vale.
" Pliny's native town, the modern Como, on the shore of
the Lacus Larius (now Lago di Como).
6
BOOK I. iii
III
To Caninius Rufus
How stands Comum,'* that favourite scene of yours
and mine ? What becomes of the pleasant Villa, the
ever vernal Portico, the shady Planetree-grove, the
crystal Canal so agreeably winding along its flowery
banks, together with the charming Lake below, that
serves at once the purposes of use and beauty ?
What have you to tell me of the firm yet springy
Allee, the Bath exposed on all sides to full sun-
shine, the public Saloon, the private Dining room,
and all the elegant apartments for repose both at
noon and night? Do these enjoy my friend, and
divide his time with pleasing vicissitude ? Or does
the attentive management of your property, as
usual, call you frequently out from this agreeable
retreat ? if the scene of your enjoyments lies wholly
there, you are thrice happy : if not, you are levelled
with the common order of mankind. ' But leave,
my friend (for it is high time), the low and sordid
pursuits of life to others, and in this safe and
snug retreat, emancipate yourself for your studies.
Let these employ your idle as well as busy
hours ; let them be at once your toil and your
amusement, the subjects of your waking and even
sleeping thoughts : shape and fashion something that
shall be really and for ever your own. All your
other possessions will pass on from one master to
another : this alone, when once it is yours, will for
ever be so. As well I know the temper and genius
of him whom I am exhorting, I bid you strive to
do justice to your talents ; no more is needed, for
the world to do the same. Farewell.
7
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
IV
C. Plinius Pompeiae Celerinae Socrui S.
Quantum copiarum in Ocriculano, in Narniensi,
in CarsulanOj in Perusino tuo ! in Namiensi vero etiam
balineum, ex epistulis meis (nam iam tuis opus non
est) una ilia brevis et vetus sufficit. Non niehercule
tam mea sunt, quae mea sunt, quam quae tua ; hoc
tamen differunt, quod sollicitius et intentius tui me
quam mei excipiunt. Idem fortasse eveniet tibi, si
quando in nostra deverteris. Quod velira facias,
primum ut perinde nostris i-ebus ac nos tuis perfruaris,
deinde ut mei expergiscantur aliquando, qui me secure
ac prope negligenter exspectant. Nam mitium dom-
inorum apud servos ipsa consuetudine metus exolescit ;
novitatibus excitantur probarique dominis per alios
magis quam per ipsos laborant. Vale.
V
C. Plinius Voconio Romano Suo S.
ViDisTiNE quemquam Marco Regulo timidiorem,
humiliorem post Domitiani mortem ? sub quo non
* Mother of Pliny's wife.
8
BOOK I. iv.-v
IV
To PoMPEIA CeI.ERINA'? ,'
You might perceive by my last short letter of
some time ago, that I had no occasion of yours to
inform me of the various conveniences you enjoy at
vour several villas. The elegant accommodations
which are to be found at Narnia, Ocriculum, Carsola,
Perusiaj particularly the pi-etty bath at Narnia, I am
extremely well acquainted with. For the truth is,
I am more the master in your houses than I am in
my own, and I know of no other difference betw-een
them, than that I am more carefully attended in
the former than the latter. You may, perhaps, have
occasion to make the same observation in your turn,
whenever you shall give me your company here ;
which I wish for, not only that you may partake of
mine with the same ease and freedom that I doyoiirs,
but to awaken the industry of my domestics, who
are grown something careless in their attendance
upon me. A long course of mild treatment is apt to
wear out the impressions of awe in servants ;
whereas new faces quicken their diligence, as they
are generally more inclined to please their master by
attention to his guests, than to himself. Farewell.
V
To VOCONIUS ROMANUS
Did you ever see a more abject and mean-spirited
creature than Regulus has appeared since the death
of Domitian, during whose reign his conduct was no
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
minora flagitia commiserat quam sub Nerone, sed
tectiora. Coepit vereri, ne sibi irascerer ; nee falle-
batur ; irascebar. Rustici Aruleni periculum foverat,
exsultaverat morte, adeo ut librum recitaret publi-
earetque, in quo Rusticum insectatur atque etiam
' Stoieorum simiam ' appellat ; adicit * Vitellianae
cicatrice stigmosum.' Agnoscis eloquentiam Regiili.
Lacerat Herennium Senecionem tarn intemperanter
quidem, ut dixerit ei Mettius Carus ' Quid tibi cum
meis mortuis ? numquid ego aut Crasso aut Camerino
molestus sum ? ' quos ille sub Nerone accusaverat.
Haec me Regulus dolenter tulisse credebat ideoque
etiam cum recitaret librum, non adhibuerat. Prae-
terea reminiscebatur, quam capitaliter ipsum me apud
centumviros lacessisset. Aderam Areionillae, Timonis
uxori, rogatu Aruleni Rustici ; Regulus contra. Nite-
bamur nos in parte causae sententia Metti Modesti,
optimi viri. Is tunc in exsilio erat, a Domitiano
relegatus. Ecce tibi Regulus : ' Quaero/ inquit,
' Secunde, quid de Modesto sentias.' Vides, quod
periculum, si respondissem ' bene/ quod flagitium,
si 'male.' Non possum dicere aliud tunc mihi quam
deos adfuisse. ' Respondebo/ inquam, ' quid sentiam.
" i.e. of the wound inflicted by one of Vespasian's soldiers,
who, it is implied, treated Rusticus as a partisan of Vitellius.
See Biogr. Index.
* The Centum viral court, originally composed of three citi-
zens from each of the thirty-five tribes, dealt with civil cases
relating to ownership, kinship, and inlieritance. By Pliny's
time it had been enlarged to 180 members, divided into four
panels which sat separately for common cases, but as a
single court for specially important ones (i. 18, vi. 33). It
sat in the Basilica Julia (ii. 14).
BOOK I. y
less infamous, though more concealed than under
Nero's ? He has lately entertained some apprehen-
sions of my resentment: they were justly founded ;
resentment was what I felt. He not only promoted
the prosecution against Rusticus Arulenus, but
exulted in his death ; insomuch that he actually
recited and published a libel upon his memory,
wherein he styles him, "the Stoics' ape": and further,
"one branded with the scar« that stamped him a
Vitelliaji." There you recognize his style of ora-
tory. He falls so furiously in this piece, upon the
character of Herennius Senecio, that Mettius Carus
said to him one day : " Pray what business have
you with my dead men? Did I ever interfere
in the affair of Crassus, or Camerinus ? " These, you
know, were victims to Regulus in Nero's time.
For these reasons he imagines I am highly exas-
perated, and therefore even when he recited the
piece, did not give me an invitation. Besides he has
not forgot, it seems, the dangerous assault he once
made upon me, when he and I were pleading before
the Centumviri.^ Rusticus had desired me to be
counsel for Arionilla, Timon's wife : Regulus was
engaged against her. In the course of my defence
I strongly insisted upon a niling which had been
formerly given by the worthy Modestus, at that time
banished by Domitian. Now you shall see Regulus
in his true colours : " Pray," says he, " what are
your sentiments of Modestus?" You will easily
judge how extremely hazardous it would have been
to have answered in his favour, and how infamous if
I had done otherwise. But some guardian power, I
cannot but affirm, assisted me in this emergency.
" I would tell you my sentiments," said I, " if that
II
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
si de hoc centumviri iudicaturi sunt.' Rursus ille :
'Quaero, quid de Modesto sentias.' Iterum egOj
' Solebant testes in reos, non in damnatos interrogari.'
Tertio ille : ' Non iam, quid de Modesto, sed quid de
pietate Modesti sentias.' ' Quaeris/ inquam, 'quid
sentiam ; at ego ne interrogare quidem fas puto
de quo pronuntiatum est.' Conticuit ; me laus
et gi-atulatio secuta est, quod nee famam meam
aliquo response utili fortasse, inhonesto tamen,
laeseram nee me laqueis tam insidiosae inter-
rogationis involveram. Nunc ergo conscientia exter-
ritus apprehendit Caecilium Celerem, mox Fabium
lustum, rogat, ut me sibi reconcilient, nee contentus
pervenit ad Spurinnam ; huic suppliciter (ut est, cum
timet, abiectissimus) ' Rogo,' inquit, 'mane videas
Plinium domi : sed plane mane (neque enini diutius
ferre sollicitudinem possum), et quoquo modo efficias,
ne mihi irascatur.' Evigilaveram. Nuntius a Spurin-
na, ' Venio ad te.' ' Immo ego ad te.' Coimus
in porticum Liviae, cum alter ad alterum tenderemus.
Exponit Reguli mandata ; addit preces suas, ut dece-
" To say that Modestus was loyal, might have beeu con-
strued as treason to Domitian, who had condemned liim.
Pliny turns the tables upon Regulus by suggesting that even
to put a question on a chose jug6e was disloyal to the
Emperor. (Merrill.)
BOOK I. V
were a matter for the consideration of the Cen-
tumviri." Still he repeated his Question. I replied,
" It had been customary to examine witnesses to the
character of accused but not of condemned persons."
He pressed me a third time : " I do not inquire,"
said he, " what you think of Modestus in general, I
only ask your opinion of his Loyalty." Since you
will have my sentiments then, I returned, " I think
it illegal even to ask a question concerning a person
who stands convicted." This silenced him ; and I
was universally applauded and congratulated, that,
without wounding my character by an expedient,
perhaps, though disingenuous answer, I had avoided
to entangle myself in so insidious a snare." So now,
alarmed by the consciousness of this offence, Regulus
seizes first upon Caecilius Celer, then on Fabius
Justus, and begs they would use their interest to
bring about a reconciliation between us. And lest
this should not be sufficient, he has applied also to
Spurinna for the same purpose ; to whom he came in
the humblest manner (for he is the most abject crea-
ture living, where he has any thing to fear) and says
he — " I beg you will call upon Pliny to-morrow morn-
ing, and endeavour by any means to soften his
resentment, but be sure to go early in the morning,
for I can no longer support myself under this anxiety
of mind." I had just awakened the following day
when there came a message from Spurinna, infonning
me that he would wait upon me. I sent word back,
I would call upon him ; 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 of a very
'3
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
bat optimum virum pro dissimillimo, parce. Cui ego,
'Dispicies ipse, quid renuntiandum Regulo putes. Te
decipia me non oportet. Exspecto Mauricum/ (non-
dum enim ab exsilio venerat) ' ideo nihil alterutram in
partem respondere tibi possum facturus, quidquid ille
decreverit ; ilium enim esse huius consilii ducem, me
comitem decet.' Paucos post dies ipse me Regulus
convenit in praetoris officio ; illuc persecutus secretum
petit ; ait timere se, ne animo meo penitus haereret,
quod in centumvirali iudicio aliquando dixisset, cum
vesponderet mihi et Satrio Rufo : * Satrius Rufus, cui
non est cum Cicerone aemulatio, et qui contentus est
eloquentia saeculi nostri.' Respondi nunc me intel-
ligere maligne dictum, quia ipse confiteretur ; ceterum
potuisse honorificum existimari. ' Est enim,' inquam,
'mihi cum Cicerone aemulatio, nee sum contentus
eloquentia saeculi nostri. Nam stultissimum credo, ad
imitandum non optima quaeque proponere. Sed tu,
qui huius iudicii meministi, cur illius oblitus es, in quo
me interrogasti, quid de Metti Modesti pietate sen-
tirem ? ' Expalluit notabiliter, quamvis palleat semper,
et haesitabundas : ' Interrogavi non ut tibi nocerem,
sed ut Modesto.' Vide hominis crudelitatem, qui se
non dissimulet exsuli nocere voluisse. Subiunxit
" Brother to Arulenus Rusticus.
14
BOOK I. V
different character, without greatly pressing the
thing. I ought not, I told him, to conceal the true
state of the case from him, and after I had informed
him of that, I would leave it to himself to consider
what answer was proper for me to return. " I cannot
positively," said I, " determine any thing till Mauri-
cus <» (who was then in exile) shall return, by whose
sentiments I think ipyself obliged to be entirely
guided in this affair." ^ A few days after Regulus met
me at the installation of the Praetor ; following me
at heel, he asks for a private conference, and says he
was afraid I deeply resented an expression he had
once made use of in his reply to me and Satrius Rufus,
before the Centumviri, to this purpose : " Satrius
Rufus, who does not affect to rival Tully, and contents
himself with the eloquence of our age." I answered,
that now indeed I perceived he spoke it with a sneer,
since he owned he meant it so ; otherwise it might
have passed for a compliment. "I am free to own," I
said, " that I do endeavour to emulate Cicero, and am
by no means contented with taking my example from
modern eloquence ; for I look upon it as a very
absurd thing not to copy the best models of every
kind. But how happens it," continued I, "that you
who remember so well what passed at this trial,
should have forgot that other, when you pushed me
so strongly concerning the loyalty of Modestus .'' "
Pale as he always is, he turned still more remarkably
so, and after a good deal of hesitation, he said,
" It was not you whom I designed the question to
injure, it was only Modestus." Observe now, I
beseech you, the implacable spirit of this fellow,
who makes no concealment of having designed to
injure an exile. But the i-eason he subjoined is
15
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
egrefriani causam. ' Scripsit/ inquit, ' in epistula
quadain, quae apud Domitianum recitata est, " Regii-
lus omnium bipedum nequissimus " ' ; quod quidem
Modestus verissime scripserat. Hie fere nobis ser-
monis terminus ; neque enim volui progredi longius,
ut mihi omnia libera servarem, dum Mauricus venit,
nee me praeterit, esse Regulum ^va-KaOaiptTov ; est
enim locuples, factiosus, curatur a multis, timetur a
pluribus, quod plerumque fortius amore est. Potest
tamen fieri, ut haec concussa labantur ; nam gratia
malorum tarn infida est quam ipsi. Verum, ut idem
saepius dicam, exspecto Mauricum. Vir est gravis,
prudens, multis experimentis eruditus, et qui futura
possit ex praeteritis providere. Mihi et temptandi
aliquid et quiescendi illo auctore ratio constabit.
Haec tibi scripsi, quia aequum erat te pro amore
mutuo non solum omnia mea facta dietaque, verum
etiam consilia cognoscere. Vale.
VI
C. Plinius Cornelio Tacito Suo S.
RiDEBis, et licet rideas. Ego ille, quem nosti,
api'os tres et quidem pulcherrimos, cepi. 'Ipse?' in-
i6
■^.■^J L'} &^}^\\-H. }L.^\-^i
BOOK I. v.-vi
pleasant. " He had wrote," said he, " in a letter,
which was read to Domitian, ' Regulus, the greatest
scoundrel that walks on two legs.' " > And Modestus
could have written nothing truer. IHere, or here-
abouts, our conversation ended; I 'not wishing to
continue it, and being desirous to reserve to myself
the liberty of acting as I should see proper Avhen
Mauricus returns. It is no easy matter, I well know,
to overthrow Regulus ; he is rich, and at the head
of a party ; there are many with whom he has credit,
and more that are afraid of him ; a sentiment that
is often more powerful than love. But after all,
ties of this sort are not so strong, but they may
be loosened ; for the popularity of a bad man is
no more to be depended upon than he is himself.
However (to repeat it again), I shall do nothing
in this affair till Mauricus retm-ns. He is a man
of solid worth and great sagacity, formed upon a
long course of experience, and who, from his observa-
tions on the past, well knows how to foresee the
future. With him for adviser, I shall be able to
present good and sufficient reason for either pursuing
or dropping this affair. In the meanwhile, I thought
I owed this account to the friendship that subsists
between us, which gives you an undoubted right
to be informed not only of all my sayings and doings,
but all my designs. Farewell.
VI
To Cornelius Tacitus
Certainly you will laugh (and laugh you may)
when I tell you that your old acquaintance is turned
sportsman, and has taken three noble boars. What !
17
VOL. I. C
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
quis ? Ipse ; non tamen ut omnino ab inertia mea
et quiete discederem. Ad retia sedebam ; erat in
proximo non venabulum aut lancea, sed stilus et
pugillares ; meditabar aliquid enotabamque, ut^ si
manus vacuas, plenas tamen ceras reportarem. Non
estj quod contemnas hoc studendi genus ; mirum
est, ut animus agitatione motuque corporis excite-
tur; iam undique silvae et solitudo ipsiimque illud
silentium, quod venationi datur, magna cogitatio-
nis incitamenta sunt. Proinde, cum venabere, lice-
bit auctore me ut panarium et lagunculam sic
etiam pugillares feras ; experieris non Dianam ma-
gis montibus quam Minervam inerrare. Vale.
yii
C. PuNius OcTAvio RuFo Suo S.
Vide, in quo me fastigio collocaris, cum mihi
idem potestatis idemque regni dederis quod Ho-
merus lovi Optimo Maximo :
T<3 8' erepov fxiv eSwKe Trartjp, trepov 8' dvevcvcrev.^.
Nam ego quoque simili nutu ac renutu respondere
voto tuo possum. Etenim, sicut fas est mihi, prae-
sei'tim te exigente, excusare Baeticis contra unum
» IL xvi. 250.
BOOK I. vi.-vii
(methinks I hear you say with astonishment) 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 spear and dart, but
pen and tablets by my side. 1 mused and wrote,
being resolved if I returned with my hands empty,
at least to come home with my pocket-book full.
Believe me, this manner of studying is not to be
despised ; you cannot conceive how greatly exercise
contributes to enliven the imagination. Besides the
sylvan solitude with which one is surrounded, and
the very silence which is observed on these occasions,
strongly incline the mind to meditation. For the
future therefore let me advise you, whenever you
hunt, to take along with you your tablets, as well
as your basket and bottle : for be assured you will
find Minerva as fond of roaming the hills as Diana.
Farewell.
VII
To OcT-AVIUS RUFUS
See on what a dizzy eminence you have placed
me ! You have even invested me with a sovereignty
equal to that which Homer attributes to his mighty
Jove :
" From heav'n's imperial throne Jove heard his
pray'r.
Part he admits, and scatters part in air."
'Tis thus with a nod or a frown, I may grant or
reject your petition as I see proper. To be serious :
as I am at liberty, I think, to excuse myself to
the Baetici, especially at your request, from being
19
c 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
hominem advocatioiiem, ita nee fidei nostrae nee
coiistantiae, quam diligis, eonvenit adesse contra
provineiam, quam tot officiis, tot laboribus, tot
etlam periculis meis aliquando devinxeriin. Tene-
bo ergo hoe temperameiitum, iit ex duubus, quo-
rum alterutrum petis, eligam id potius, in quo non
solum studio tuo, verum etiam iudicio satisfaeiam.
Neque enim tantopere mihi eonsiderandum est,
quid vir optimus in praesentia velis, quam quid
semper sis probaturus. Me circa Idus Octobris
spero Romae futurum eademque haec praesentem
quoque tua meaque fide Gallo eonfirmaturum ; cui
tamen iam nunc licet spondeas de aninio meo,
H Koi KvavifjtTLV in 6<^pv(Ti vevcrc.^
Cur enim non usquequaque Homericis versibus
agam tecum ? quatenus tu me tuis agere non pate-
ris, quorum tanta cupiditate ardeo, ut videar mihi
hac sola mercede posse corrumpi, ut vel contra
Baeticos adsim. Paene praeterii, quod minima prae-
tereundum fuit, accepisse me caryotas optimas, quae
nunc cum ficis et boletis certandum habent. Vale.
» //. i. 528.
70
BOOK I. vii
counsel for them against a single person ; so on
the other hand, to oppose a whole province which
I have long since attached to me by many good
offices, and spared no pains to oblige even at the
hazard of my own interest, would be acting in-
consistently with my honour, and that uniformity
of conduct which I know you admire. I shall steer
therefore in this affair a middle course, and of the
alternatives which you propose to me, choose that
which will satisfy your judgement, as well as your in-
clination. For I do not look upon myself as obliged
to consider so much what you at present desire,
as what a man of your worthy character will alwaj/s
approve. 'I hope to be at Rome about the 15th of
October, when I will personally pledge our united
credit to Gallus in support of my present offer. In
the mean^vhile you may assure him of my good
disposition towards him.
"The sire of men and gods,
With gracious aspect mild, compliance nods."
For why should 1 not continue to quote Homer's
verses, since you will not put it in my power to
quote any of yours ? which yet I so passionately
wish for, that I question whether I could withstand
such a bribe, even to plead against my old clients
the good people of Baetica. — I had almost forgot
to mention (what however is of too much importance
to be omitted) that I have received the excellent
dates you sent me. They are likely to prove very
powei'ful rivals to ray favourite figs and morells'.
Farewell,
SI
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
VIII
C. Pl.INIUS POMPEIO SaTUIININO SuO S.
Peropportune mihi redditae sunt litterae tuae,
qiiibus flagitabas, ut tibi aliquid ex scriptis meis
mitterem, cum ego id ipsum destinassem. Addidisti
ergo calcaria sponte currenti pariterque et tibi
veniam I'ecusandi laboris et niihi exigendi vere-
cundiam sustulisti. Nam nee me timide uti decet eo,
quod oblatum est, nee te gravari, quod depopo-
scisti. Non est tamen, quod ab homine desidioso
aliquid novi operis exspectes. Petiturus sum enim,
ut rursus vaces sermoni, quern apud munieipes
meos habui bibliothecam dedicaturus. Memini qui-
dem te iam quaedam adnotasse, sed generaliter ;
ideo nunc rogo, ut non tantum universitati eius
attendaSj verum etiam particulas, qua soles lima,
persequaris. Erit enim et post emendationem libe-
rum nobis vel publicare vel continere. Quin immo
fortasse banc ipsam cunctationem nostram in alter-
utram sententiam emendationis ratio deducet, quae
aut indignum editione, dum saepius retractat, inve-
niet aut dignum, dum id ipsum experitur, efficiet.
Quamquam huius cunctationis meae causae non tarn
in scriptis quam in ipso materiae genere consistunt ;
est enim paulo quasi gloriosius et elatius ; onerabit
hoc modestiam nostram, etiamsi stilus ipse fuerit
22
^1^
BOOK I. viii
VIII
To PoMPEius Saturninus
Nothing could be more seasonable than the letter
which I received from you, wherein you desire me to
communicate to you some of my compositions: I
was at that very time designing to send you one.
Thus you have set spurs to a willing horse ; and at
once deprived yourself of excuse in refusing a task,
and me'"o"f"S'cruple in requesting it. For 'twould
ill become me to hesitate to make use of your offer ;
nor must you take the consequence of it with re-
luctance. However, you must not expect from a
man of indolence any thing new. On the contrary I
am going to entreat you again to devote your leisure
to the speech 1 made to my counti-ymen, w^hen I de-
dicated the public library which I founded for their
use. You have already, I remember, obliged me
with some general observations upon this piece :
but I now beg of you, not only to take a view
of it in the whole, but distinctly to criticise it, with
your usual exactness, in all its parts. When you
have corrected it, I shall still be at liberty either to
publish or suppress it. The delay in the meantime
will be attended with one of these advantages, that
while we are deliberating whether it is fit for the public
view, a frequent revisal will either make it so, or
convince me that it is not.
Though indeed the principal difficulty with me
concerning the publication of this harangue, does not
arise so much from the composition itself, as from the
subject, which has something in it, I feai-, that will
look like ostentation. For though the style be ever
23
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
pressus demissusque, propterea quod cogimur cum
de munificentia parentum nostrorum turn de nostra
disputare. Anceps hie et lubricus locus est, etiam
cum illi necessitas lenocinatur. Etenim, si alienae
quoque laudes paruni acquis auribus accipi solent^
quam difficile est obtinere, ne molesta videatur
oratio de se aut de suis disserentis ! nam cum ipsi
honestati turn aliquanto magis gloriae eius praedi-
cationique invidemus atque ea demum recte facta
minus detorquemus et carpimuSj quae in obscuritate
et silentio reponuntur.
Qua ex causa saepe ipse mecum, nobisne tantum,
quidquid est istud, composuisse, an et aliis de-
beamus. Ut nobis, admonet illud, quod pleraque,
quae sunt agendae rei necessaria, eadem peracta
nee utilitatem parem nee gratiam retinent. Ac,
ne longius exempla repetamus, quid utilius fuit
quam munificentiae rationem etiam stilo prosequi ?
Per hoc enim adsequebamur, primum ut honestis
cogitationibus immoraremur, deinde ut pulchritu-
dinem illarum longiore tractatu pervideremus, pos-
tremo ut subitae largitionis comitem paenitentiam
caveremus. Nascebatur ex his exercitatio quaedam
contemnendae pecuniae. Nam, omnes cum homines
ad custqdiam eius natura restrinxerit, nos contra
multum ac diu pensitatus amoi liberalitatis com-
24
BOOK I. viii
so plain and unassuming, yet as the occasion neces-
sarily led me to touch not only upon the munificence
of my ancestors, but my own ; my modesty will be
greatly embarrassed. A dangerous and slippery topic
tliis, even when one is allured to it by necessity !
For if mankind are not very favourable to panegyric,
even when given us by others, how difficult is it
for a speaker not to seem tedious when he himself,
or his family, is the theme of his discourse. Virtue,
though stripped of all external advantages, is generally
the object of envy, but particularly so, when glory
is her attendant ; and the world is never so little
disposed to wrest and pervert your honest actions,
as when they lie unobserved and unapplauded.
For these reasons I frequently ask myself, whether
I should have composed this harangue, such as it is,
merely for my own private use, or with a view also
to the public ? The former plan is recommended
by the consideration that what may be exceedingly
useful and proper in the prosecution of any affair,
may lose all its grace and fitness the moment the
thing is completed. fFor instance, to take only the
case before us, nothihg could be more to my purpose
than to set down in black and white the motives of
my intended bounty ; for by this means I accustomed
my mind to generous sentiments; obtained a fuller
view of their loveliness by prolonged reflection, and
guarded lastly against tliat repentance which usually
attends a hasty execution of liberalities not well
considered. This method trained me, as it were,
to despise money. For while mankind seem to be
universally governed by an innate disposition to
accumulate wealth, the cultivation of liberal in-
clinations in my own breast taught me to free myself
25
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
munibiis avaritiae vinculis eximebat, tantoque lauda-
bilior munificentia nostra fore videbatur, quod ad
illam non impetu quodam, sed consilio traheba-
niur. Acccdebat liis causis, quod non ludos aut gla-
diatores, sed annuos sumptus in alimenta ingenuo-
rum pollicebamur. Oculorum porro et aurium vo-
luptates adeo non egent commendatione, ut non
lam inoitari debeant oratione quam reprimi ; ut
vero aliquis libenter educationis taedium laborem-
que suscipiat, non praemiis modo, verum etiam ex-
(juisitis adhortationibus impetrandum est. Nam^ si
medici salubres^ sed voluptate carentes cibos blan-
dioribus adloquiis prosecuntur, quanto magis de-
cuit publice consulentem utilissimum munus^ sed
non perinde populare comitate orationis inducere ?
praesertim cum enitendum haberemus, utj quod
parentibus dabatur^ et orbis probaretur, honoremque
paucorum ceteri patienter et exspectarent et mere-
rentur.
Sed, ut tunc coiimiunibus magis commodis quam
privatae iactantiae studebamus, cum intentionem
effectumque muneris nostri vellemus intellegi, ita
nunc in ratione edendi veremur, ne forte non
26
BOOK I. viii
from the general bondage to avarice^ and I thought
my munificence would appear the more meritorious,
as it should proceed, not from a sudden start of
temper, but from the dictates of cool and deliberate
reflection. I considered, besides, the nature of my
design ; I was not engaging myself to endow public
o-ames or troupes of gladiators, but to defray the
annual expense of maintenance for well-born youths.
Furthermore, the pleasures of the eye and eai' are
so far from needing recommendation, that oratory
should be employed to curb, rather than to pro-
mote them. But to prevail with anyone, to under-
take with cheerfulness the disagreeable business
of education, it is necessary to employ, not only
rewards, but the most artful incitements. For if
Physicians find it expedient to use the most in-
sinuating address in recommending to their patients
a wholesome, though far from pleasant, regimen ;
liow 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 very popular, benefaction :
particularly, as my aim was to recommend an
establishment calculated singly for the benefit
of those who were parents, to such as were not
so ; and to persuade the 7fiant/ that they should
patiently wait for and endeavour to deserve an
honour, of which, at present, a few only could
partake.
But as at that time, when I attempted to ex-
plain and enforce the design and benefit of my
institution, I considered more the general good of
my countrymen than any reputation which might
arise to myself; so I am apprehensive if I publisli
27
THE T.RTTERS OF PLINY
aliorum utilitatibus^ seel propriae laudi servisse videa-
mur. Praeterea meminimus, quanto maiore animo
honestatis fnictus in conscientia quam in fama rc-
ponatur. Sequi enim gloi'ia, non adpeti debet, nee,
si casu aliquo non sequatur, idcirco, quod gloriam
uon meruit,' minus pulchrum est. li vero, qui
benefacta sua verbis adornant, non idco praedicare,
quia fecerint, sed ut praedicarent, fecisse creduntur.
Sic, quod magnificum referente alio fuisset, ipso,
qui gesserat, recensente vanescit. Homines enim,
cum rem destruere non possunt, iactationem eius
incessunt. Ita, si silenda feceris, factum ipsum, si
laudanda, quod non sileas, ipse culparis. Me vero
peculiaris quaedam impedit ratio. Etenim hunc ipsum
sermonem non apud populum, sed apud decuriones
habui, nee in propatulo, sed in curia. Vereor ergo,
ut sit satis congruens, cum in dicendo adsentationem
vulgi adclamationemque defugerim, nunc eadem ilia
editione sectari, cumque plebem ipsam, cui consule-
batur, limine curiae parietibusque discreverim, ne
quam in speciem ambitionis inciderem, nunc eos
etiam, ad quos ex munere nostro nihil pertinet
praeter exemplum, velut obvia ostentatione conqui-
' non meruit Fpra, Otto, Miiller, non ovi. rtU.
28
BOOK I. viii
that piece, it will seem as if I had a view rather
to my own credit than the benefit of others. [Besides,
I am 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 though it should sometimes happen
not to attend the worthy deed, yet such a deed is
none the less amiable for having missed the applause
it deserved. But the world is apt to suspect that
those who celebrate their own generous acts, do not
extol them because they performed them, but i)er-
formed them that they might have the pleasure of
extolling them. Thus the splendour of an action
which would have shone out in full lustre if related
by another, vanishes and dies away when he that did
it tells the tale. Such is the disposition of mankind,
if they cannot blast an action, they will censure the
parade of it ; and whether you do what does not
deserve to be taken notice of, or take notice your-
self of what does, either way you incur reproach.
I In my own case there is a peculiar circumstance
that impedes me : This speech was pronounced not
before the people, but the local senate ; not out of
doors, but in the town-hall ; I doubt therefore it will
appear inconsistent that 1, who, when I delivered it,
avoided popular applause, should now, by publishing
this {)erformance, appear to court the same : that I,
who would not admit to the town-hall the very
populace 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
29
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
rere. Habes cunctationis meae causas ; obsequar
tamen consilio tuo, cuius mihi auctoritas pro ratione
sufficit. Vale.
IX
C. Pl.lNIUS MlNlCIO FuNDANO SuO S.
MiRUM est, quam singulis diebus in urbe ratio aut
constet aut constare videatur, pluribus iunctisque ^
non constet. Nam, si quern interroges, ' Hodie
quid egisti ? ' respondeat ; ' Officio togae virilis in-
terfui ; sponsalia aut nuptias frequentavi ; ille me ad
signandum testamentum, ille in advocationem, ille in
consilium rogavit.' Haec quo die feceris, necessaria ;
eadem, si quotidie fecisse te reputes, inania videntur,
multo magis, cum secesseris. Tunc enim subit re-
"cordatTo: 'Quot dies quam frigidis rebus absumpsi !'
Quod evenit mihi, postquam in Laurentino meo aut
lego aliquid aut scribo aut etiam corpori vaco, cuius
fulturis animus sustinetur. Nihil audio, quod audisse,
nihil dico, quod dixisse paeniteat ; nemo apud me
quemquam sinistris sermonibus carpit, neminem ipse
1 iunctisque F Rice, a, K^, cunctisque Dpr.
" At the age of fifteen, Roman boys discarded the toya
praetexta (white, with a purple border) for the plain white
toga virilis, the dress of adult citizens. The " coming-of-
age " ceremonies included a sacrifice to the household Lares,
a family procession to the Forum, and a sacrifice offered in
the Capitol.
30
BOOK I. viii.-ix
benefit of example. These are the scruples which
have occasioned my delaying to give this piece to
the public ; but I submit them entirely to your
judgement, which I shall ever esteem as a sufficient
reason for my conduct. Farewell.
IX
To MiNICIUS FuNDANUS
One cannot but be sui'prised, that take any single
day in Rome, the reckoning comes out right, or at
least seems to do so ; and yet, if you take them
in the lump, the reckoning comes out wrong. Ask
anyone how he has been employed to-day ? he will
tell you, perhaps, " I have been at the ceremony
of assuming the manly rohe;^ this friend invited me
to a betrothal, this to a wedding ; that desired me
to attend the hearing of his cause ; one begged me
to be witness to his will ; another called me to sit
as co-assessor." These are o.ffices which, on the day
one is engaged in them, appear necessary ; yet they
seem bagatelles when reckoned as your daily occupa-
tion^and far more so, when you have quitted Rome
for the'country. Then one is aj)tto reflect. How many
days have I spent on trifles ! At least it is a reflection
which frequently comes across me at Laurentum,
after I have been employing myself in my studies,
or even in the necessary care of the animal machine
(for the body must be repaired and supported, if we
would preserve the mind in all its vigour). In that
peaceful retreat, I neither hear nor speak anything
of which I have occasion to repent. I suffer none to
repeat to me the whispers of malice ; nor do I censure
31
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
reprehendo, nisi tamen me, cum parum commode
scribo ; nulla spe, nullo timore sollicitor, nullis
lumoribus inquietor, mecum tantum et cum libellis
loquor. O rectam sinceramque vitam ! o dulce
otium honestumque ac paene omni negotio pul-
chrius ! O mare, o litus, verum secretumque fiov-
ai7ov, quam multa invenitis, quam multa dictatis!
Proinde tu quoque strepitum istum inanemque dis-
cursum et multum ineptos labores, ut primum fuerit
occasio, relinque teque studiis vel otio trade. Satius
est enim, ut Atilius noster eruditissime simul et
facetissime dixit, otiosum esse quam nihil agere.
Vale.
C. Pi.iNius Attio Clementi Suo S.
Si quando urbs nostra liberalibus studiis floruitj
nunc maxime floret. Multa claraque exempla sunt ;
sufficeret unum, Euphrates philosophus. Hunc ego
in Syria, cum adulescentulus militarem, penitus et
domi inspexi amarique ab eo laboi*avi ; etsi non erat
laboi-andum. Est enim obvius et expositus plenusque
humanitate, quam praecipit. Atque utinam sic ipse,
quam spem tunc ille de me concepit, impleverim,
ut ille multum virtutibus suis addidit ! aut ego nunc
illas magis miror, quia magis intellego ; quamquam
"» A Stoic, who taught in Tyre until he followed Vespasian
to Rome. When aged and infirm, he committed suicide,
agreeably to Stoic principles (118 A. d.).
32
BOOK I. ix.-x
any man^ unless myself, when I am dissatisfied with
my compositions. Tliere I live undisturbed by rumour,
and free from the anxious solicitudes of hope or
fear, conversing only with myself and my books.
True and genuine life ! pleasing ^and honourable
repose ! More, perhaps, to be desired than the
noblest employments ! Thou solemn sea and solitary
shore, best and most retired scene for contemplation,
with how many noble thoughts have you inspired me '
Snatch then, my friend, as I have^ the first occasion
of leaving the noisy town with all its very empty
pui'suits, and devote your days to study, or even
resign them to sloth : for as my ingenious friend
Atilius pleasantly said, " It is better to do nothing,
than to be doms of nol/iincr." Farewell.
X
To Attius Clemens
If ever polite literature flourished at Rome, it
certainly does now, of which I could give you many
eminent instances : I will content myself however
with naming only Euphrates the philosopher. <* I
made intimate acquaintance with this person in
my youth, when I served in the army in Syria and
took some pains to gain his afFectioUp though that
indeed was nothing difficult, for he is exceeding
open to access, and full of that humanity which he pro-
fesses. I should think myself exti'emely happy if I had
as much answered the expectations he at that time
conceived of me, as he has increased his own excellen-
cies. But perhaps I admire these more now, than I
did then, because I understand them better ; though I
33
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
ne nunc quidem satis intellego. Ut enim de pictore,
scalptore, fictore nisi artifcx iudicare, ita nisi sapiens
non potest perspicere sapientem. Quantum milii
tamen ccrnere datur, raulta in Euphrate sic eminent
et elucent, ut mediocriter quoque doctos advertant
-^ et adficiant. Disputat subtiliter, graviter, ornate,
frequenter etiam -Platonicam illam sublimitatem et
latitudinem etfingit. Sermo est copiosus et varius,
dulcis in primis, et qui repugnantes quoque ducat,
impellat. Ad hoc proceritas corporis, decora facies,
demissus capillus, ingens et cana bai-ba ; quae licet
fortuita et inania putentur, illi tamen plurimum
venerationis adquirunt. Nullus hon-or in cultu, nulla
y
tristitia, multum severitatis ;<1 reverearis occursum,
non reformides. j^Vitae sanctitas summa, comitas
par ; insectatur vitia, non homines ; nee castigat
errantes, sed emendat. Sequaris monentem attentus
et pendens et persuaderi tibi, etiam cum persuaserit,
cupias.
lam vero liberi tres, duo mares, quos diligen-
tissime instituit. Socer Pompeius lulianus cum
cetera vita tum vel hoc uno magnus et clarus, quod
" Otherwise unknown.
34
BOOK I. X
do not fully understand them yet. For as none but
those who are skilled in Painting, Statuary, or the
plastic art, can form a right judgement of any master
in those arts; so a man must himself have made
great advances in philosophy, before he is capable of
forming a just notion of a pliilosopher. How^ever,
as far as I am qualified to determine, Euphrates is
possessed of so many shining talents, that he can-
not fail to sti'ike and engage even the somewhat
illiterate. He reasons with much force, penetration,
and elegance, and frequently embodies all the
sublime and luxuriant eloquence of Plato. His
style is rich and various, and at the same time so
wonderfully sweet, that it seduces the attention of
the most unwilling hearer. His outward appearance
is agreeable to all the rest : he has a tall figure, a
comely aspect, long hair, and a large white beard :
circumstances which though they may probably be
thought trifling and accidental, contribute however
to gain him much reverence. There is no uncouth-
ngss in his manner, which is grave, but not austere ;
.^mid his approach commands respect without creating
awe. -Distinguished as he is by the sanctity of his
life, he is no less so by his polite and affable address.
He points his eloquence against the vices, not the
persons of mankiiid, and without chastising reclaims
the wanderer. His exhortations so captivate your
attention, that you hang as it were upon his hps ;
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,
35
D 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
ipse provinciae princeps inter altissimas condiciones
generum non honoribus principeni;, sed sapientia
elegit. Quamquam quid ego plura de viro^ quo niihi
frui non licet ? an, ut magis angar, quod non licet ?
Nam distringor officio ut maximo sic molestissimo ;
^edeo pro tribunali, subnoto libellos, conficio tabulas,
scribo plurimas, sed inliteratissimas litteras. Soleo
nonnumquam (nam id ipsum quando contingit !) de
his occupationibus apud Euphratem queri. Ille me
consolatur, adfinnat etiam esse banc philosophiae et
quidem pulcherrimam partem, agere negotium pub-
licum, cognoscere, iudicare, promere et exercere
iustitiam, quaeque ipsi doceant, in usu habere. Mihi
tamen hoc unum non persuadet, satius esse ista
facere quam cum illo dies totos audiendo discendoque
consumere. Quo magis te, cui vacat, hortor, cum in
urbem proxime veneris (venias autem ob hoc matu-
rius), illi te expoliendum limandumque permittas.
Neque enim ego ut multi invideo aliis bonum, quo ipse
careo, sed \contra^sensum quendam voluptatemque
percipio, si ea, quae mihi denegantur, amicis video
superesse. Vale.
BOOK I. X
so particularly in this, that though he was himself a
leading personage in his province, yet among many
prospective sons-in-law of the highest rank, he chose
the first in wisdom, though not in dignity. | But to
dwell any longer upon the virtues of a man, whose
conversation 1 am so unfortunate as not to have
leisure to enjoy, what would it avail but to increase
my uneasiness that I cannot enjoy it ? My time is
w^holly taken up in the execution of an office highly
important and correspondingly troublesome ; in hear-
ing of causes, annotating petitions, passing accounts,
and writing of letters ; but letters, alas ! of the most
unlettered description. I sometimes complain to
Euphrates (for how seldom have I leisure even for
that !) of these unpleasing occupations. He endea-.
vours to comfort me by affirming that to be engaged
in the service of the public, to hear and determine
causes, 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 teacli in
speculation. It may be so : but that it is as agreeable
as to spend whole days in attending to his instructive
conversation — on this one point he will never be
able to convince me. I all the more strongly
recommend it to you, who have leisure, the next
time you come to Rome (and you will come, I dare
say, so much the sooner) to take the benefit of his
elegant and refined instructions. I am not, you see,
in the number of those who envy others the happiness
they cannot share themselves : on the contrary, it is
a vei-y sensible pleasure to me, when I find my
friends abounding in enjoyments from which I have
the misfortune to be excluded. Farewell.
37
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XI
C. PuNius Fabio Iusto Suo S.
Olim nullas milii epistulas mittis. ' Nihil est/
inquis, 'quod scribam.' At hoc ipsum scribe, nihil
esse, quod scribas, vel solum illud, unde incipere
priores solebant ; ' Si vales, bene est ; ego valeo.'
Hoc mihi sufficit ; est enim maximum. Ludere me
putas ? serio peto. Fac sciam, quid agas, quod sine
soUicitudine summa nescire non possum. Vale.
XII
C. Plinius Calestrio Tironi Suo S.
Iacturam gravissimam feci, si iactura dicenda est
tanti viri amissio. Decessit Corellius Rufus et quidem
sponte, quod dolorem meum exulcerat. Est enim
luctuosissinium genus mortis, quae non ex natura
nee fatalis videtur. Nam utcunque in illis, qui
morbo finiuntur, magnum ex ipsa necessitate solatium
est, in iis vero, quos arcessita mors aufert, hie in-
sanabilis dolor est, quod creduntur potuisse diu
vivere. Corellium quidem summa ratio, quae sapien-
38
BOOK I. xi.-xii
XI
To Fabius Justus
It is long since I received a letter from you. You
will allege, perhaps, you have nothing to write : but
let me have the satisfaction at least of seeing it
under your hand, or tell me merely in the good old
style of exordium, " If you are well, I am so." I
shall be contented even M'ith that; as indeed
that single circumstance from a friend includes
every thing. You may possibly think I jest : but
believe me I am extremely in earnest. Let me
know how it is with you ; for I cannot be ignorant of
that, without the utmost anxiety. Farewell.
XII
To Calestrius Tiro
I HAVE suffered a most heavy fo.y£| if that word is
strong enough to express the niislort'une 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 much consolation
in the loss of those friends whom disease snatches
from us, that they fall by the inevitable fate of man-
kind : but those who destroy themselves leave us
under the inconsolable reflection that they had it in
their power to have lived long. 'Tis true Corellius
39
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
tibus pro necessitate est, ad lioc consilium compulit,
quamqiiani plurimas vivendi causas habentem, op-
timam conscientianij optimani famam, maximam auc-
toritatem, praeterea filiam, uxorem, nepotem, sorores
interque tot pignora veros amicos. Sed tam longa,
tarn iniqua valetudine conflictabatur, ut haoc tanta
pretia vivendi mortis rationibus vincerentur.
Tertio et tricensimo anno, ut ipsum audiebam,
pedum dolore correptus est. Patrius hie illi; nam
plerumque morbi quoque per successiones quasdam ut
alia traduntur. Hunc abstinentia, sanctitate, quoad
viridis aetas^ vicit et fi-egit ; novissime cum senectute
ingravescentem viribus animi sustinebat, cum quidem
incredibilis cruciatus et indignissima tormenta pate-
retur. lam enim dolor non pedibus solis ut prius
insidebat^ sed omnia membra pervagabatur. Veni
ad eum Domitiani temporibus in suburbano iacen-
tem. Servi e cubiculo recesserunt ; habebat enim
hoc moriSj quotiens intrasset fidelior amicus ; quin
etiam uxor quamquam omnis secreti capacissima
digrediebatur. Circumtulit oculos et 'cur/ inquit
'me putas hos tantos dolores tamdiu sustinere ? ut
40
BOOK I. xii
had many inducements to be fond of life ; a blame-
less conscience, high reputation, and great dignity,
together with all the tender endearments of a wife,
a daughter, a grandson, and sisters, and amidst these
considerable pledges of happiness, many and faithful
friends. Still it must be owned he had the highest
reason (which to a wise man will always have the
force of necessity) to determine him in this resolution.
He had long laboured under so tedious and painful a
distemper, that even these blessings, great and
valuable as they are, could not balance his induce-
ments to die.
In his thirty-third year (as I have frequently
heard him say) he was seized with the gout in
his feet. This he received from his father; for
diseases, as well as possessions, are oftentimes
transmitted by a kind of inheritance. A life of
abstinence and virtue had something broke the
force of this distemper while he had strength and
youth to struggle with it ; as a manly courage
supported him under the increasing weight of it in
his old age though suffering the most incredible and
cruel tortures, since the gout by then was not only in
his feet, but had spread itself over his whole body.
In the reign of Domitian, I made him a visit at his
country-house, where I found him lying sick. As
soon as I entered his chamber, his servants withdrew :
for such was his constant rule when any very intimate
friend was with him : he even earned it so far as to
dismiss his wife upon such occasions, though worthy of
the highest confidence. Looking round about him,
" Do you know," says he " why I endure life under
these cruel agonies } It is with the hope that I may
41
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
scilicet isti lationi vel uno die supersim.' Dedisses
huie animo par corpus, fecissetj quod optabat.
Adfuit tamen deus voto, cuius ille compos ut iam
securus liberque moriturus multa ilia vitae, sed minora
retinacula abrupit. Increverat valetudo, quam tem-
perantia mitigare temptavit ; perseverantem constan-
tia fugit. Iam dies alter, tertius, quartus ; abstinebat
cibo. Misit ad me uxor eius Hispulla communem
amicum C. Geminium cum tristissimo nuntio de-
stinasse Corellium mori nee aut suis aut filiae precibus
flecti, solum superesse me, a quo revocari posset ad
vitam. Cucurri. Perveneram in proximum, cum mihi
ab eadem Hispulla lulius Atticus nuntiat nihil iam
ne me quidem impetraturum ; tarn obstinate magis
ac magis induruisse. Dixerat sane medico admoventi
cibum : K^KpLKo, quae vox quantum admii-ationis in
animo meo tantum desiderii reliquit.
Ckjgito, quo amico, quo viro caream. Implevit quidem
annum septimum et sexagensimum, quae aetas etiam
robustissimis satis longa est ; scio. Evasit perpetuam
" Domitian.
43
BOOK I. xii
outlive, at least for one day, that brigand." * And
had you given him strength equal to his resolution,
he would infallibly have brought to pass what he
desired.
Still, Heaven heard his prayer, and having ob-
tained it, he broke through those great, but now
insufficient attachments to the world, since he
could die in possession of security and freedom.
His distemper increased ; and as it now grew too
violent to admit of any relief from temperance,
he resolutely determined to put an end to its un-
interrupted attacks by an effort of heroism. He
had I'efused all sustenance for four days, when his
wife, Hispulla, sent to me our common friend
Geminius, Avith the melancholy news that he was
resolved to die ; and that she and her daughter
having in vain joined in their most tender persuas-
ions to divert him from his purpose, the only hope
they had now left was my endeavours to reconcile him
to life. I ran to his house with the utmost precipi-
tation. As I approached it, I met a second messen-
ger from Hispulla, Julius Attius, who informed me
tliere was nothing to be hoped for, even from me, as
he grew more and more inflexible in his resolution.
What confirmed their fears was an expression he
made use of to his physician, who pressed him to take
some nourishment : " 'tis resolved," he said : an expres-
sion which as it raised my admiration of his greatness
of soul, so it does my grief for the loss of him.
I am every moment reflecting what a valuable
friend, what an excellent man I am deprived of.
That he was arrived to his sixty-seventh year, which
is an age even the strongest seldom exceed, I
well know ; that he is delivered from a life of
43
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
valetudinem ; scio. Decessit superstitibus suis, floren-
te republica, quae illi omnibus suis carior erat ; et
hoc scio. Ego tamen tamquain et iuvenis et firmis-
simi mortem doleOj doleo autem (licet me imbecillum
putes) meo nomine. Amisi enim, amisi vitae meae te-
stem, rectorem, magistrum. In summa dicam, quod
recenti dolore contubernali meo Calvisio dixi : ' Ve-
reor, ne neglegentius vivam.' Proinde adhibe solacia
mihij non haec : ' Senex erat, infirmus erat ' (haec
enim novi), sed nova aliqua, sed magna, quae audie-
rim nunquam, legerim nunquam. Nam, quae audivi,
quae legi, sponte succurrunt, sed tanto dolore super-
antur. Vale.
XIII
C. Plinius Sosio Senecioni Suo S.
Magnum proventum poetarum annus hie attu-
lit ; toto mense Aprili nullus fere dies, quo non
recitaret aliquis. luvat me, quod vigent studia, pro-
ferunt se ingenia hominum et ostentant, tametsi ad
audiendum pigre coitur. Plerique in stationibus
44
BOOK I. xii.-xiii
continual pain ; that he left a family ; that he left
(what he loved even more) his country in a flourish-
ing state ; all this I know. Still I cannot forbear to
weep for him as if he had been in the prime and
vigour of his days : and I weep (shall I own my
weakness ?) upon a private account. For I have lost,
oh ! I have lost the witness, the guide, and the
director of my life ! In fine, I confess to you what
I did to my friend 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 therefore, I
entreat you ; not by telling me that " he was old,
that he was infirm " ; all this I know ; but by supply-
ing me with some arguments that are uncommon
and resistless, tliat neither the writings nor the
discourses of the philosophers can teach me. 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 heavy an affliction.
Farewell.
XIII
To Sosius Senecio
This year has proved extremely fertile in poetical
productions ; during the whole month of April,
scarce a day has passed wherein we have not been
entertained with the recital of some poem. It is a
pleasure to me to find, notwithstanding there seems
to be so little disposition in the public to attend
assemblies of this kind, that literary pursuits still
flourish, and men of genius are not discouraged from
producing their perfonnances. The greater part of
45
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
sedent tempiisque nudieudi fabulis conterunt ac
subinde sil)i nuntiari iubent, an iam recitator intra-
verit, an dixerit praefationem, an ex magna parte
evolverit librum ; turn demum ac tunc quoque lente
cunctanterque veniunt nee taiaien permanent, sed
ante finem recedunt, alii dissimulanter et furtim, alii
simpliciter et libere. At hercule memoria parentum
Claudium Caesarem ferunt, cum in Palatio spatiaretur
audissetque clamorem, causam requisissCj eumque
dictum esset recitare Nonianum, subitum recitanti
inopinatumque venisse. Nunc otiosissimus quisque
multo ante rogatus et identidem admonitus aut non
venit aut, si venit, queritur se diem, quia non perdi-
derit, perdidisse. Sed tanto magis laudandi proban-
dique sunt, quos a scribendi recitandique studio haec
auditorum vel desidia vel superbia non retardat.
Equidem prope nemini defui. Erant sane plerique
amici ; neque enim quisquam est fere, qui studia, ut
non simul et nos amet. His ex causis longius, quam
destinaveram, tempus in urbe consumpsi. Possum
iam repetere secessum et scribere aliquid, quod non
recitem, ne videar, quorum recitationibus adfui, non
46
BOOK I. xiii
the audience which is collected upon these occasions
seat themselves in the ante-chambers ; spend the
time of the recitation in talk and send in every now
and then to inquire whether the author is come in,
whether he has read the preface, or whether he has
almost finished the piece. Not till then, and even
then with the utmost deliberation, they just look in,
and withdraw again before the end, some by stealth,
and others without ceremony. I It was not thus in
the time of our ancestors. 'It is I'eported that
Claudius Caesar, one day hearing a noise as he
walked on the Palatine, inquired the occasion of
it, and being informed that Nonianus was reciting
a composition of his, went immediately to the place,
and surprised the author with liis presence. But
now, were one to bespeak the company even of the
most idle man living, and remind him of the
appointment ever so often, or ever so long before-
hand, either he would avoid it, or, if not, would
complain of having lost a day ; and for no
other reason, but because he had not lost it. So
much the rather do those authors deserve our en-
couragement and applause, who have resolution to
pei'severe in their studies, and exhibit their per-
formances, notwithstanding this indolence or pi'ide
of their audience. For my own part, I scarce ever
refuse to be present upon such occasions. Though,
to say truth, the authors have generally been my
friends ; as indeed there are few friends of learning
who are not. It is this has kept me in town
longer than I intended. I am now however at
liberty to withdraw to my retirement, and write
something myself: but without any intentions of
reciting in my turn. I would not have it thought
47
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
auditor fuisse, sed creditor. Nam ut in ceteris rebus
ita in audiendi officio perit gratia, si reposcatur.
Vale.
XIV
C. Plinius Iunio Maurico Suo S.
Petis, ut fratris tui filiae prospiciam maritum ;
quod merito mihi potissimum iniungis. Scis enim,
quantopere summum ilium virum suspexerim dilexe-
rimque, quibus ille adulescentiam meam exhortationi-
bus foverit, quibus etiam laudibus, ut laudandus vi-
derer, effecerit. Nihil est, quod a te mandari mihi aut
maius aut gratius, nihil, quod honestius a me suscipi
possitj quam ut eligam iuvenem, ex quo nasci nepotes
Aruleno Rustico deceat. Qui quideni diu quaerendus
fuisset, nisi paratus et quasi provisus esset Minicius
Acilianus, qui me ut iuvenis iuvenem (est enim minor
pauculis annis) familiarissime diligit, reveretur ut
senem. Nam ita a me formari et iustitui cupit, ut
ego a vobis solebam.
Patria est ei Brixia ex ilia nostra Italia, quae
multum adhuc verecundiae, frugalitatis atque etiam
rusticitatis antiquae retinet ac servat. Pater
Minicius Macrinus, equestris ordinis princeps, quia
48
BOOK I. xiii.-xiv
that I rather lent than gave my attendance ; for in
these, as in all other good offices, the obligation
ceases the moment you seem to expect a return.
Farewell.
XIV
To Junius Mauricus
You desire me to look out a husband for your
niece ; and it is with justice you enjoin me that
office. You were a witness to the esteem and
affection I bore that great man her father, and
with what noble instructions he formed 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 of choosing a young man worthy
of continuing the family of Rusticus Arulenus : a
choice I should be long in determining if I were not
acquainted with Minicius Acilianus, who seems
formed for our purpose. While he loves me with
that warmth of affection which is usual between
young men of equal years (as indeed I have the
advance of him but by very few) he revei'cs me at
the same time with all the deference due to age ;
and is as desirous to model himself by my instructions,
as I was by those of yourself and your brother.
He is a native of Brixia, a city of that Italy we
both love, the Italy which still retains much of the
sobriety, the frugality — ay, and the rustic plainness
— of ancient manners. He is son to Minicius
Macrinus, whose humble desires were satisfied with
being first in the rank of the Equesti'ian order : for
49
VOU I. K
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
nihil altius voluit ; adlectus a divo Vespasiano
inter Praetorios honestam qiiietem huic nostrae
anibitioni dicam an dignitati constantissime praetulit.
Habet aviam maternam Serranam Proculam e
municipio Patavino. Nosti loci mores ; Serrana
tamen Patavinis quoque severitatis exemplum est.
Contigit et avunculus ei P. Acilius gravitate, pru-
dentia, fide prope singular!. In summa nihil erit in
domo tota, quod non tibi tanquam in tua placeat.
Aciliano vero ipsi plurimum vigoris et industriae^
quamquam in maxima verecundia. Quaesturam,
tribunatum, praeturam honestissime percucurrit ac
iam pro se tibi necessitatem ambiendi remisit. Est
illi facies liberalis multo sanguine, muJto rubore
sufFusa, est ingenua totius corporis pulchritudo et
quidam senatorius decor. Quae ego nequaquam
arbitror neglegenda ; debet enim hoc castitati puel-
larum quasi praemium daii.
Nescio, an adiciam esse patri eius amplas
facultates. Nam, cum imaginor vos, qufljus quae-
rimus generum, silendum de facultatibus puto ;
cum publicos mores atque etiam leges civitatis
intueor, quae vel in primis census hominum spec-
tandos arbitrantur, ne id quidem praetereundum
videtur. Et sane de posteris et his pluribus cogitanti
« The Emperor, in his capacity of Censor, could not only
admit extra members into the Senate, but confer honorary
ofGcial rank on his nominees.
SO
BOOK I. xiv
thougli he was admitted to Praetorian rank by Ves-
pasian," yet with a determined greatness of mind, he
rather preferred an elegant repose, to the ambitious,
shall I call them, or honourable pursuits in which we
in public life are engaged. His grandmother on the
mother's side is Serrana Procula, of Padua : you are
""no stranger to the manners of that place ; yet Ser-
rana is looked upon, even among these reserved
people, as an exemplary instance of strict virtue.
Acilius, his uncle, is a man of singular gravity, wisdom,
and integrity. In a word, you will find nothing
throughout his family but what you would approve in
your own. Minicius himself has great vivacity, as
well as application, joined at the same time with a
most amiable and becoming modesty. He has already,
with much credit, passed through the offices of Quaes-
tor, Tribune, and Praetor, so that you will be spared
the trouble of soliciting for him those honourable
employments. He has a genteel and ruddy coun-
tenance, with a certain noble mien tliat speaks the
man of distinction : advantages, I think, by no
means to be slighted, since I look upon them as the
proper tribute to vii-gin innocence.
I am doubtful whether I should add that his
father is very rich. When I consider the character
of those who require a husband of my choosing,
I feel 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 notice : and indeed in choosing a match,
where a perhaps numerous progeny are to be
considered, it is an article that well deserves to
be taken into the account. You will be inclined
51
E 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
hie quoque in condicionibus deligendis ponendus est
ealculus. jTu fortasse me putes indulsisse amori meo
supraque ista, quam res patituv, sustulisse. At ego
fide mea spondeo futurum ut omnia longe ampliora,
quam a me praedicantur, invenias. Diligo quidem
adulescentem ardentissime, sicut meretur; sed hoc
ipsum amautis est, nou onerare eum laudibus. Vale
XV
C. Plinius Septicio Claro Suo S.
Heus tu ! promittis ad coenam, nee venis. Dicitnr
ius ; ad assem impendium reddes nee id modicum.
Paratae erant lactucae singulae, cochleae teniae, ova
bina, halica cum mulso et nive (nam banc quoque
computabi;s, immo banc in j)vimis, quae perit in
ferculo), olivae, betacei, cucurbitae, bulbi, alia mille
non minus lauta. Audisses comoedum vel lectorem
vel lyristen vel, quae mea liberalitas, omnes. At tu
apud nescio quern ostrea, vulvas, echinos, Gaditanas
maluisti. Dabis poenas, non dico quas. Dure fecisti ;
52
BOOK I. xiv.-xv
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 every thing far
beyond what I have represented. I confess, indeed,
I love Minicius (as he justly deserves) with all the
warmth of the most ardent affection ; but for that
very reason I would not overload him with en-
comiums. Farewell.
XV
To Septicius Clarus
How happened it, my friend, that you did not
keep your engagement the other night to sup with
me ? Now take notice, the court is sitting, and you
shall fully reimburse me the expense I was at to
treat you — which, let me tell you, was no small sum.
I had prepared, you must know, a lettuce and three
snails apiece ; with two eggs, barley-water, some
sweet wine and snow (the snow most certainly
I shall charge to your account, and at a high
rate, as 'twas spoiled in serving). Besides all these
curious dishes, there were olives, beets, gourds,
shalots, and a hundred other dainties equally sump-
tuous. You should likewise have been entertained
either with an interlude, the rehearsal of a poem, or
a piece of music, as you like best ; or (such was my
liberality) with all three. But the oysters, oliitter-
lings, sea-urchins and Spanish dancers of a certain
I know not who, were, it seems, more to
your taste. However I shall have my revenge of
you depend upon it ; — in what manner, shall at
S3
w
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
invidisti, nescio an tibi, certe mihij sed tamen et tibi.
Quantum nos lusissemus, risissenius, studuissemus
Potes apparatius cocnare apud multos, nusquam
hilai-ius, simplicius, incautius. In summa experire et,
nisi postea te aliis potius excusaveris, mihi semper
excusa. Vale.
XVI
C. PuNius Erucio Suo S.
Amabam Pompeium Saturninum, hunc dico nostrum,
laudabamque eius ingenium, etiam antequam scirem,
quam varium, quam flexibile, quam multiplex esset :
nunc vero totum me tenet, habet, possidet. Audivi
causas agentem acriter et ardenter, nee minus polite
et ornate, sive nieditata sive subita proferret.
Adsunt aptae crebraeque sententiae, gravis et decora
constructio, sonantia verba et antiqua. Omnia haec
mire placent, cum impetu quodam et flumine praeve-
luintur, placent, si retractentur. Senties quod ego,
cum orationes eius in manus siimpseris, quas facile
cuilibet veterum, quorum est aemulus, comparabis.
54 / ,.
BOOK I. xv.-xvi
present be a secret. In good truth it was not kind
thus to mortify your friend, I had almost said your-
self;— and upon second thoughts I do say so : for how
agreeably should we have spent the evening, in
laughing, trifling, and instruction ! You may sup, 1
confess, at many places more splendidly ; but you can
be treated no where, believe me, with more uncon-
strained cheerfulness, simplicity and freedom :
only make the experiment ; and if you do not
ever afterwards prefer my table to any other, never
favour me with your company again. Farewell.
XVI
To Erucius
I CONCEIVED an affection for Pompeius Saturninus
(I mean our friend of that name), and admired his
genius, even long before I knew the extensive
variety of his talents : but he has now taken full and
unreserved possession of my whole heart. I have
heard him in the unpremeditated, as well as studied
speech, plead with no less warmth and energy, than
grace and eloquence. He abounds with just re-
flexions ; his periods are graceful and majestic ; his
words resonant with antiquity. jThese united qualities
infinitely delight you, not only when you are carried
along, if I may so say, with the resistless flow of his
charming and emphatical elocution ; but when con-
sidered distinct and apart from that advantage. I
am persuaded you will be of this opinion when you
peruse his orations, and will not hesitate to place him
in the same rank with any of the ancients, whom he
55
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Idem tamen in historia magis satisfaciet vel brevitate
vel luce vel suavitate vel splendore etiam et subli-
mitate narrandi. Nam in concionibus idem, qui' in
oratiouibus suis est ; pressior tamen et circum-
scriptior et adductior. Praeterea facit versus, quales
Catullus aut Calvus. Quantum illis leporis, dulcedinis,
amaritudinis, amoris ! inserit sane, sed data opera,
mollibus lenibusque duriusculos quosdam et hoc quasi
Catullus aut Calvus.
Legit mihi nuper epistulas, quas uxoris esse dicebat.
Plautum vel Terentium metro solutum legi credidi..
Quae sive uxoris sunt, ut affirmat, sive ipsius, ut negat,
pai'i gloria dignus est, qui aut ilia componat aut
uxorem, quam virginem accepit, tarn doctam politam-
que reddiderit.
Est ergo mecum per diem totum ; eundem,
antequam scribam, eundem, cum scripsi, eundem,
etiam cum remittor, non tanquam eundem lego.
Quod te quoque ut facias et hortor et moneo.
Neque enim debet operibus eius obesse, quod
vivit. An, si inter eos, quos nunquam vidimus,
floruisset, non solum libros eius, verum etiam im-
" i.e. the speeches he put into the mouths of his
characters.
56
BOOK I. xvi
emulates. But you will view him with still higlier
pleasure in the character of an historian, where his
narrative style is by turns concise, clear, smooth,
or actually glowing and sublime ; and the same
eloquence, though more compressed and limited,
runs through his harangues,* which distinguishes
his own pleadings. But these are not all his ex-
cellencies ; he has composed several poetical pieces
in the manner of Catullus or of Calvus. What strokes
of wit, what sweetness of numbers, what pointed
satire, and what touches of the tender passion appear
in his verses ! He sometimes, but designedly, in-
troduces harsher notes into his smooth and flowing
numbers, in imitation too of those admired poets.
He read to me, the other day, some letters
which he assured me were written by his wife :
I fancied I was hearing Plautus or Terence in prose.
If they are that lady's (as he positively affirms) or
his own, which he absolutely denies, either way he
deserves equal applause ; whether for writing so
politely himself, or for having so highly improved
and refined the genius of his wife, who v/as but a girl
when he married her.
His works are never out of my hands ; and
whether I sit down to write any thing myself,
or to revise what I have already written, or am
in a disposition to amuse myself, I constantly take
up this same author ; and, as often as I do so,
he is still new. Let me strongly recommend him
to the same degree of intimacy with you ; nor be it
any prejudice to his merit that he is a contemporary
writer. Had he flourished in some distant age, not
only his works, but the very pictures and statues
of him would have been passionately inquired after ;
57
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
aginesconquireremus; eiusdem nunc honor praesentis
et gratia quasi satietate languescet ? At hoc pravum
malignumque est, non admirari hominem admiratione
dignissimum, quia videre, adloqui, audire, complecti
nee laudare tantum, verum etiam amare contingit.
Vale
XVII
C. Plinius Cornelio Titiano Suo S.
Est adhuc curae hominibus fides et officium, sunt,
qui defunctorum quoque amicos agant. Titinius
Capito ab imi)eratore nostro impetravit, ut sibi liceret
statuam L. Silani in foro ponere. Pulchrum et magna
laude dignum amicitia principis in hoc uti, quantum-
que gratia valeas, aliorum honoribus experiri. Est
omnino Capitoni in usu claros viros col ere ; mirum
est, qua religione, quo studio imagines Brutorum,
Cassioruui, Catonum domi, ubi potest, habeat. Idem
clarissimi cuiusque vitam egregiis carminibus exornat.
Scias ipsum plurimis virtutibus abundare, qui alienas
sic amat. Redditus est L. Silano debitus honor,
cuius immortal itati Capito prospexit pariter et
58
BOOK I. xvi.-xvii
and shall we then, from a sort of satiety, and merely
because he is present among us, suffer liis talents to
languish and fade away unhonoured and unadmired ?
It is surely a very perverse and envious disposition,
to look with indifference upon a man worthy of the
highest approbation, for no other reason but because
we have it in our power to see him, and to convei*se
familiarly with him, and not only to give him our
applause, but to receive him into our friendship.
Farewell.
XVII
To Cornelius Titianus
The social virtues have not yet quite forsaken
the world ; and there are still those whose generous
affection extends itself even to their departed friends.
Titinius Capito has obtained the Emperor's per-
mission to erect a statue in the Forum to the late L.
Silanus. It is noble and truly laudable to use princely
favour for purposes such as thesCj and to try the
extent of one's interest for the gfory of others.
It is indeed habitual to Capito to distinguish merit.
He has placed in his house (where he is at liberty to
do so) the statues of the Bruti, the Cassii, and the
Catos, and it is incredible what a religious veneration
he pays them. This is not all : there is scarce a
name of any note or lustre that he has not celebrated
by his excellent verses. One may be very sure a man
must be possessed of manifold virtues himself, who thus
admires those of others. As Silanus certainly de-
serves the honour that is done him, so Capito has by
this means secured to himself that immortality which
59
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
suae. Neque enim magis decorum et insigne est
statuam in foro populi Romani habere quam ponere.
(^ Vale.
XVIII
C. Plinius Suetonio Tranquillo Suo S.
ScRiBis te pertemtum somnio vereri, ne quid adversi
in actione patiaris, rogas, ut dilationem petam et
pauculos dies, certe proximunij excusem. Difficile est,
sed experiar :
Koi yap t' ovap ck A109 icTTLV.
Refert tamen, eventura soleas an contraria somniare.
Mihi reputanti somnium nieum istud, quod times tu,
egregiam actionem povtendere videtur. Susceperam
causam luni Pastoris, cum mihi quiescenti visa est
socrus mea advoluta genibus, ne agerem, obsecrare.
Et eram acturus adulescentuliis adhuQ/^'eram in quad-
rui)lici iudicio, eram contra potentissimos civitatis
atque etiam Caesaris amicos ; quae singula excutere
1 II. I 63.
" i.e. the Centumviri, sitting as one court. See i. 5. n.
60
BOOK I. xvii.-xviii
he has conferred on his friend ; for in my opinion he
who erects a statue in the Roman Forum, receives
as much glory as the person to whom it is erected.
Farewell.
XVIIl
To Suetonius Tranquili.us
Your letter informs me that you are extremely
terrified with a dream, as apprehending that it
threatens some ill success to you in the cause 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 is a favour, you are sensible,
not very easily obtained, but I will use all my
interest for that purpose ;
" For dreams descend from Jove."
In the mean while 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 this dream that
alarms you by one that happened to myself, it
portends you will acquit yourself with great success.
I had promised to be 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 be concerned in the
cause. I was at that time a very young man^. the
case was to be argued in the fourfold Court "■ ;
my adversaries were some of the most consider-
able men in Rome, and favourites of Caesar ;
any of which circumstances were sufficient, after
6i
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
mentein mihi post tarn triste soTiiniiim poterant.
Egi tamen Aoyto-a/xevos illud :
Eis otcovo? apicTTos afXvvadOai Trepl Trtx.Tprj'i.'-
Mam niihi patria^ et si quid carius^ fides videbatur.
Prospere cessit, atque adeo ilia actio mihi aures
hominmB, ilia ianuam famae patefecit. Proinde dis-
pice, an tu quoque sub hoc exemplo somnium istud
in bonum vertas, aut, si tutius putas illud cautissimi
cuiusque praeceptum : ' Quod dubites, ne feceris,* id
ipsum rescribe. Ego aliquam stropham inveniam
agamque causam tuam^ ut ipsam agere tu^ cum voles,
possis. Est enim sane alia ratio tua, alia mea fuit.
Nam indicium centumvirale differri nullo modo^ istud
aegre quidem, sed tamen potest. Vale.
XIX
C. Plinius Romatio FiuMo Suo S.
MuNicEPS tu nieus et condiscipulus et ab ineunte
aetate contubernalis, pater tuus et matri et avunculo
meOj mihi etiam, quantum aetatis diversitas passa est,
1 11. xii. 243.
6j
BOOK I. xviii.-xix
such an inauspicious dream, to have discouraged me.
Notwithstanding this, I engaged in the cause, i^eflect-
ing within myself,
" Without a sign, his swoi-d the brave man draws,
And asks no omen, but his country's cause " :
for I looked upon my faith towards a client to be as
precious to me as my country, or, if that were pos-
sible, more so. The event happened as I wished ;
and it was that very speech which first procured me
the favourable attention of the public, and threw open
to me the gates of Fame. Consider then whether
your dream, judged by this precedent, may not por-
tend success. Or, if you think it more safe to
pursue that maxim of the wary: "never do a thing
of which you are in doubt " : write me word. In the
interval I will consider of some exixedient, and
endeavour your cause shall be heard 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 cause is to be heard, though it is
not easy to procure one, still however it is possible.
Farewell.
XIX
To RoMATIUS FiRMUS
As you are my fellow-townsman, my school-fellow,
and the companion of my earliest youth : as there
was the strictest friendship between my mother and
uncle, and your father; which friendship I also
enjoyed as far as the great inequality of our ages would
63
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
familiaris ; magnae et gi'aves causae, cur suscipere et
augere dignitatem tuam debeam. Esse autem tibi
centum milium censum satis indicat, quod apud nos
decurio es. Igitur, ut te non decurione solum, verum
etiam equite Romano perfruamur, offero tibi ad im-
plendas equestres facultates trecenta milia nummum.
Te memorem huius muneris amicitiae nostrae diu-
turnitas spondet ; ego ne illud quidem admoneo, quod
admonere deberem, nisi te scirem sponte facturum,
ut dignitate a me data quam modestissime ut a me
data utare. Nam sollicitius custodiendus est honor,
in quo etiam beneficium amici tuendum est. Vale.
XX
C. Plinius Cornelio Tacito Sue S.
Frequens mihi disputatio est cum quodam docto
liomine et perito, cui nihil aeque in causis agendis,
ut brevitas, placet. Quam ego custodiendam esse
confiteor, si causa pevmittat ; alioqui praevaricatio est
transire dicenda, praevaricatio etiam cursim et breviter
attingere, quae sint inculcanda, infigenda, repetenda.
<» The Equestrian order was constituted on a property
valuation, and included all citizens whose fortunes amounted
to 400,000 sesterces. The knights ranked midway between
64
BOOK I. xix.-xx
admit ; it behoves me^ foi* many strong and weighty
reasons, to contribute all in my power to the advance-
ment of your dignity. The rank you bear in our
province as a local senator is a proof that you are
possessed at least of a hundred thousand sestei'ces ;
but that we may also have the pleasure of seeing
you a Roman knight,* give me leave to present you
with three hundred thousand, in order to make up
the sum requisite to entitle you to that dignity.
The length of our friendship leaves me no room to
doubt you will ever be forgetful of this service.
And I need not advise you (what if I did not know
your disposition, I should) to enjoy this honour with
the modesty that becomes one who received it from
me ; for the dignity Ave possess by the good offices
of a friend is to be guarded with peculiar attention,
since we must thereby justify his kindness.
Farewell.
XX
To Cornelius Tacitus
I HAVE frequent debates with a learned and judi-
cious person of my acquaintance, who admires
nothing so much in the eloquence of the bar as
conciseness. I admit, where the cause will admit of
this manner, it ought to be pursued ; but insist, that
to omit what is material to be mentioned, or only
slightly to touch upon those points which should be
repeatedly inculcated, and urged home to the minds of
the audience, is, in effect, to betray the cause one has
the senators and the common people, but without other dis-
tinction than the privilege of wearing a gold ring, the badge
of their order.
65
VOL. I. F
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Nam plerisque longiore tractu vis quaedara et pondus
accedit, utque corpori ferrum sic ovatio animo non
ictu magis quam mora imprimitur. Hie ille mecum
auctoritatibus agit ac niihi ex Graecis orationes
Lysiae ostentatj ex nostris Gracchorum Catonisque,
quorum sane plurimae sunt circumcisae et breves ;
ego Lysiae Demosthenem, Aeschinem, Hyperidem
multosque praeterea^ Gracchis et Catoni Pollionemj
Caesarem, Coelium, in primis Marcum Tullium op-
pono, cuius oratio optima fertur esse quae maxima.
Et hercule ut aliae bonae res ita bonus liber melior
est quisque quo maior. Vides, ut statuas, signa,
picturas, hominum denique multorumque animaliuni
formas, arborum etiam, si modo sint decorae, nihil
magis quam amplitude commendet. Idem orationibus
evenitj quin etiam voluminibus ipsis auctoritatem
quandam et pulchritudinem adicit magnitudo.
Haec ille multaque alia, quae a me in eandem
sententiam solent dici, ut est in disputando incom-
prehensibilis et lubricus, ita eludit, ut contendat hos
ipsos, quorum orationibus nitar, pauciora dixisse,
quam ediderint. Ego contra puto. Testes sunt
multae multorum orationes et Ciceronis pro Murena,
pro Vareno, in quibus brevis et nuda quasi subscriptio
quorundam criminum solis titulis indicatur. Ex his
** Praevaricatio was the technical term for letting a prose-
cution fail by collusion with the defence. It was later used
also of collusion with the prosecution by defendant's counsel.
* Pro Clutntio.
66
BOOK I. XX
undertaken.** In many cases a copious manner of ex-
pression gives strength and weight to discourse,
which frequently makes impressions upon the mind,
as iron does upon sohd bodies, rather by prolonged
than rapid blows. In answer t6 this he usually has
recourse to authorities ; and produces Lysias amongst
the Grecians, and Cato and tlie two Gracchi among
our own countrymen, whose speeches certainly afford
many instances of the concise style. In return, I name
Demosthenes, Aeschines, Hj-perides, and many
others in oj)position to Lysias ; while I confront
Cato and the Gracchi with Caesar, Pollio, Coelius,
and above all Cicero, whose longest oration* is
generally esteemed the best. It is in good compo-
sitions, as in every thing else that is valuable ;
the more there is of them, the better. You may
observe in statues, basso-relievos, pictures, and the
bodies of men and animals, and even in trees, that
nothing is more graceful than magnitude, if accom-
panied with proportion. The same holds true in
speeches ; and even in books, a large volume carries
something of beauty and authority in its very
size.
My antagonist, who is extremely dexterous at
evading an argument, eludes all tliis, and much more
which I usually urge to the same purpose, by insisting
that those very persons, upon whose works I found
my opinion, made considerable additions to their
orations when they published tliem. This I deny :
and appeal to the harangues of numbei'less orators;
particularly to those of Cicero for Murena and
Varenus, where he has given us merely the titles of
certain cut-and-dried counts in the indictment.
Whence it appears, that many things which he
67
f2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
apparet, ilium permulta dixisse, cum edevet^ omisisse.
Idem pro Cluentio ait se totam causam veteri in-
stitute solum perorasse et pro Cornelio quatriduo
egisse, ne dubitare possimus, quae per plures dies,
ut necesse erat, latius dixerit, postea recisa ac
purgata in unum librum grandem quidem, unum
tamen coartasse. ' '
At aliud est actio bona, aliud oratio. Scio nonnullis
ita videri, sed ego (forsitan fallar) persuasum habeo
posse fieri, ut sit actio bona, quat; non sit bona oratio,
non posse non l>onam actionem esse, quae sit bona
oratio. Est enim oratio actionis exemplar, et quasi
apyirvTTQv. Ideo in optima quaque mille figuras
extemporales invenimus, in lis etiam, quas tantum
editas scimus, ut in Verrem : ' Artificem queni ? quem-
nam ? recte admones ; Polyclitum esse dicebant.'
Sequitur ergo, ut actio sit absoLu-tissima, quae maxime
orationis similitudinem expresserit, si modo iustum
et debitum tempus accipiat ; quod si negetur, nulla
" Prosecuted for treason 05 B.C. Cicero's two speeches for
him are lost, except a few fragments.
68
BOOK I. XX
enlarged upon at the time he delivered those
orations, were retrenched when he gave them to the
public. The same orator informs us, that, agreeably
to the ancient custom (which allowed only one
counsel on a side), Cluentius had no other advocate
but himself; and tells us farther, that he employed
four whole days in defence of Cornelius * ; leaving us
in no doubt that those orations which, when
delivered at their full length, had necessarily taken
up several days, were greatly pruned and abridged
when he afterwai-ds comprised tliem in a single
volume, though I must confess, indeed, a large one.
But, it is objected, there is a wide difference between
a good sjmken and a good writteii oration. This opinion
I acknowledge, has had some favourers; nevertheless
I am persuaded (though I may perhaps be mistaken)
that it is possible a speech may be well received by
the audience, which has not merit enough to recom-
mend it to the reader ; but an oration which is good
on paper cannot be bad when delivered ; for the
oration on paper is, in truth, the original and model
of the speech that is to be pronounced. It is for
this reason we find in many of the best orations
extant numberless extempore figures of rhetoric ; and
this even where we are sure they were never spoken
at all : as for instance in the following passage from
the oration against Verres, — " A certain craftsman —
Avhat's his name } Oh, I'm obliged to you for helping
me to it : yes, 'twas Polyclitus." It follows then,
that the nearer approach a pleader makes to a
real oi'ation, the more perfect will be his plea ;
always supposing, however, that he has the neces-
sary indulgence in point of time ; for if he be
abridged of that, no imputation can justly be fixed
69
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
oratoris, maxima iiidicis culpa est. Adsunt huic
opinioni iiieae leges^ quae longissima tempora lai*-
giuntur iicc brevitatcm dicentibuSj scd copiam, hoc
est diligentiam, suadent ; quain praeStare nisi in
angustissimis causis non potest brevitas. Adiciam^
quod me docuit usus, magister egregius. Frequenter
egi, frequenter iudicavi, frequenter in consilio fui.
Aliud alios movet, ac plerumque parvae res maximas
trahunt. Varia sunt hominum iudicia, variae volun-
tates. Inde, qui eandem causam simul audierunt^
saepe diversum, interdum idem^ sed ex diversis animi
motibus sentiunt. Praeterea suae quisque inventioni
favet et quasi fortissimum complectitur, cum ab alio
dictum est, quod ipse praevidit. Omnibus ergo
dandum est aliquid, quod teneant, quod agnoscant.
Dixit aliquando mihi ReguluSj cum simul adessemus :
' Tu omnia, quae sunt in causa, putas exsequenda,
ego iugulum statim video, hunc premo.' Premit
sane, quod elegit, sed in eligendo frequenter errat
70
BOOK I. XX
upon the advocate^ though certainly a very great
one is chargeable upon the judge. The sense of the
laws is, I am sure, on my side, which are by no means
chary of the orator's time ; it is not brevity, but
fulness, in other words, attention to everything
material, which they recommend. And how is it
possible for an advocate to acquit himself of that
duty, unless in the most simple causes, if he affects
to be concise ? Let me add what experience, that
superlative master, has taught me ; it has frequently
been my province to act as an advocate and as juror,
I have often sat as an assessor, and I have ever
found that different minds are to be influenced by
different applications ; and that the slightest circum-
stances often entail the most important consequences.
There is variety in the dispositions and under-
standings of men, so that they seldom agree in their
opinions about any one point in debate before them ;
or, if they do, it is generally from the movement of
diff'erent passions. Besides, every man naturally
favours his own discoveries, and when he hears an
argument made use of which had before occurred to
himself, will certainly embrace it as extremely
convincing ; the orator therefore should so adapt
himself to his audience as to throw out something to
every one of them, that he may receive and approve
as his own peculiar thought.
Once when Regulus and I were counsel together
in a cause, he said to me, " you think it necessary to
insist upon every point : whereas I mark at once
the throat, and closely press that." ('Tis true
he tenaciously holds whatever pai't he has once
fixed upon ; but the misfortune is, he is extremely
apt to mistake the right place.) I answered, it
71
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Respond! posse fieri, ut genu esset aut tibia aut
talus, ubi ille iugulum putaret. 'At ego/ inquam,
'qui iugulum perspicere non possum, omnia pertempto,
omnia experior, Travra denique XiOov klvw.' Utque in
cultura agri non vineas tantum, veruin etiam arbusta,
nee arbusta tantum, verum etiam camjios euro ct
exerceo, utque in ipsis campis non far aut siligineni
solam, sod hordeum, fabam ceteraque legumina sero,
sic in actione plura quasi semina latius spargo, ut,
quae provenerint, colligam. Neque enim minus in-
perspicua, incerta, fellaciaque sunt iudicum ingenia
quam tempestatum terrarumque. Nee me praeterit
summum oratorem Periclem sic a comico Eupolide
laudari :
irpos oe y avrov tw Tct^et
Ourojs iKyjXei, Koi /xdvos twv pijropuiv
To K€VTpov iyKaTcXenre rot? d*cpo(o/xei/ots.^ k
Verum huic ipsi Pericli nee ilia Tret^w nee illud e/ci^Aci
brevitate vel velocitate vel utraque (differunt enim)
sine facultate summa contigisset. Nam delectare,
persuadere copiam dicendi spatiumque desidei'at ;
relinquere vero aculeum in audientium animis is
demum potest, qui non pungit, sed infigit. Adde,
quae de eodem Pericle comicus alter :
HcrrpaTTT, i/3p6i'Ta, ^vveKVKU t^v 'EAXaSa.^
^ Eupolis ATJfioi/r. 94. ^ Aristoph. Acham. 531.
72 . ..,.//-
BOOK I. XX
might possibly happen that what he took for
the throat was in reality the knee, shin, or heel.
" As for me," said I, " who cannot descry this throat,
I attack every j^art, and push at every opening ;
in short, I leave no stone unturned." As in agri-
culture, it is not my vineyards, or my woods, alone,
but my fields also that I cultivate ; and as I do
not sow those fields with only spelt and winter-
wheat, but employ also barley, beans, and the other
leguminous plants ; so in my pleadings at the bar, I
spread at large a variety of matter like so many
different seeds, in order to reap from thence whatever
may happen to sprout ; for the disposition of your
jurors is as precarious and as little to be ascertained,
as that of soils and seasons. I remember the comic
writer Eupolis mentions in praise of that excellent
orator Pericles, that
"He spake, and straight
Upon his lips Persuasion sate ;
He only eloquence could find
That charmed, yet left a sting behind."
But could Pericles, without the richest gifts of
expression, and merely by force of the concise or the
rapid style, or both together (for they are different),
have exerted that persuasion and that charm of which
the poet here speaks .'' To delight and to persuade
requires time, and a great compass of language ;
while to leave a sling in the minds of his audience
is an effect not to be achieved by an oi'ator who
slightly pushes, but by him, and him only, who
thrusts home and deep. Again, another comic poet,
speaking of the same oratoi-, says :
"Lightnings and thunders from his mouth he hurled.
And made a chaos of the Grecian world."
73
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Non enim amputata oratio et abscisa, sed lata et
magnifica et excelsa tonat, fulgurat, omnia denique
perturbat ac miscet.
' Optimus tamen modus est ' ; quis negat ? sed
non minus non servat modiim^ qui infra rem
quam qui supra, qui adstrictius quam qui efFusius
dicit. Itaque audis frequenter ut illud : ' immodice
et redundanter' ita hoc: ' ieiune et infirme.'
Alius excessisse materiam, alius dicitur non implesse.
Aeque uterque, sed ille imbecillitate, hie viribus
peccat ; quod certe, etsi non liniatioris, maioris
tamen ingenii vitium est. Nee vero, cum haec dice,
ilium Homericum d/xer/iocTr^ ^ probo^ sed hunc :
Kai tirea vi^dSecrcrtv ioLKora ^€i[X€pLr](Tiv ^
non quia non et ille mihi validissime placeat Travpa
fjiiv, dXXa iJ.dXa Xtyew?,^ si tamen detur electio, illam
orationem similem nivibus hibernis, id est crebram
et adsiduam et largam, postremo divinam et caelestem,
volo.
' At est gratior multis actio brevis.' Est ; sed in-
ertibus, quorum delicias desidiamque quasi indicium
1 11. ii. 212. « n. iii. 222. » 11. iii. 214.
74
BOOK I. XX
For it is not concise and curtailed^ it is copious,
majestic, and sublime oratory, that with blaze and
thunder perturbs and confounds the universe.
The just mean, we all allow, is best ; but he equally
deviates from that mean who falls short of it, as
he who goes beyond it ; he who confines himself in
too narrow a compass, as he who launches out with
too great latitude of speech. Hence it is as common
to hear our orators condemned for being too barren,
as too luxuriant ; for not reaching, as well as for
overflowing the bounds of their subject. Both are
equally in fault ; but with this difference however,
that in the one the fault arises from weakness, in
the other from strength ; an error which if it be not
a sign of a more correct, yet it is certainly of a more
exalted genius. When I say this, I would not be
understood to approve that " measureless talker "
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 I extremely admire him too, of whom the
poet says:
" Few were his words, but wonderfully clear."
Yet if I were to choose, I should clearly give the
preference to the style resembling winter snow, that
is, to the full, fluent and diffusive ; in short, to the
heavenly and divine.
But ('tis urged) the short harangue is most gener-
ally admired. It is so, I confess : but by whom ?
By the indolent ; whose lazy caprices it would
surely be the highest absurdity to take as a serious
75
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
respicere ridiculum est. Nam, si hos in consilio
habeas, non solum satius est brevitcr dicere, sed
omnino non dicere.
Haec est adhuc sententia mea, quani mutabo, si
disscnseris tu ; sed plane, cur dissentias, explices
rogo. Quamvis enim cedere auctoritati tuae debeam,
rectius tamen arbitror in tanta re ratione quam
auctoritate superari. Proinde, si non errare videor,
id ipsum quam voles brevi epistula, sed tamen scribe
(confirmaveris enim indicium meum) ; si erravero,
longissimam para. Num corrupi te, qui tibi, si mihi
accederes, brevis epistulae necessitatem, si dissentires,
longissimae imposui ? Vale.
XXI
C. Pi.iNius Plinio Paterno Suo S.
Ut animi tui iudicio sic oculorum plurimum tribuo,
non quia multum, ne tibi placeas, sed quia tantum
quantum ego sapis ; quamquam hoc quoque multum
est. Omissis iocis credo decentes esse servos, qui
76
BOOK I. xx.-xxi
verdict. 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.
Thus, my friend, I have laid before you my
sentiments upon this subject, which I shall abandon,
if I find they are not agreeable to yours. But
if you sliould dissent from me, I beg you would
communicate to me your reasons. For though I
ought to yield in this case to your autliority, yet
in a point of such consequence, I hold it more
correct to receive my conviction from the force of
argument than authority. If you should be of my
opinion in this matter, a line or two from you in
return, intimating your concurrence, will be sufficient
to confirm me in tlie justness of my sentiments. On
the contrary, if you think me mistaken, I beg you
would give me your objections at large. Yet has it
not, think you, something of the air of bribery, to
ask only a short letter if you agree with me ; but
enjoin you the trouble of a very long one, if you are
of a contrary opinion. Farewell.
XXI
To Patkrnus
As I rely \ei-y much upon the strength of your
judgement, so I do upon the goodness of your eyes :
not because I think your discernment very great
(for 1 would not make you vain), but because I think
it as good as mine : which, it must be owned, is
saying a great deal in its favour. Jesting apart, I
like very well the appearance of the slaves which
77
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
sunt empti mihi ex consilio tuo. Superest, ut frugi
sint, quod de venalibus melius auribus quam oculis
iudicatur. Vale.
XXII
C. Plinius Catilio Severo Suo S.
Diu iam in urbe haereo et quidem attonitus.
Perturbat me longa et pertinax valetu3o Titi
AristoniSj quem singulariter et miror et diligo.
Nihil est enim illo gravius, sanctius, doctius ; ut
mihi non unus homO;, sed litterae ipsae omnesque
bonae artes in uno homine summum periculum
adire videantur. Quam peritus ille et privati iuris
et publici! quantum rerum, quantum exemplo-
i-um, quantum antiquitatis tenet ! Nihil est, quod
doceri ^ velis, quod ille docere non possit ; mihi
certe, quotiens aliquid abditum quaero, ille thesau-
rus est. Iam quanta sermonibus eius fides^ quanta
auctoritaSj quam pressa et decora cunctatio ! quid
est, quod non statim sciat ? Et tamen plerumque
haesitatj dubitat diversitate rationum, quas acri
magnoque iudicio ab origine eausisque pi-imis xe-
petit, discernitj expendit. Ad haec quam parous^
victu, quam modicus in cultu ! Soleo ipsum cu-
> doceri RFp, Olio, MuelL, discere M VDa, Bip. K.
78
BOOK I. xxi.-xxii
were purchased for nie by your recommendation ; all
that I want farther, is to be satisfied of their
honesty ; a point on which, where slaves are in
question, one's ears are better judges than one's
eyes. Farewell.
XXII
To Catilius Severus
I AM at present detained in Rome (and have been
so a considerable time) under the most alarming ap-
prehensions. Titius Aristo, whom I uncommonly love
and esteem, is fallen into a lingering and obstinate
illness, which deeply affects me. Virtue, know-
ledge, and good sense shine out with so superior a
lustre in this excellent man that learning herself
and every valuable endowment seems involved in
the danger of his single person. How consummate
is his knowledge both in the political and civil laws
of his country ! How thoroughly conversant is he
in history, precedents, antiquity ! There is no article,
in short, you would wish to be informed of, in which
he cannot enlighten you. As for my own part,
whenever I would acquaint myself with any abstruse
point, I have recourse to him, as to a mine of know-
ledge. \ What an amiable sincerity, what a noble
dignity is there in his conversation ! How graceful
his deliberate concision of utterance ! Though he
conceives at once every point in debate, yet his
reserve in judgement, deliberately weighing eveiy
opposite reason that is offered, traces it, with a
most judicious penetration, from its source through
all its remotest consequences. His diet is frugal,
79
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
biculum eiiis ipsumque lectum ut imaginem quandam
priscae frugal itatis aspicere. Ornat haec magnitudo
animi, quae nihil ad ostentationem, omnia ad con-
scientiam refert recteque facti non ex populi sermone
mercedem^ sed ex facto petit. In summa non facile
quemquam ex istis, qui sapientiae studium habitu
corporis praeferunt, huic viro comparabis. Non
quidem gymnasia sectatur aut porticus nee dispu-
tationibus longis aliorum otium suumque delectat,
sed in toga negotiisque versatur^ niultos advocatione,
plures consilio iuvat. Nemini tamen istorum casti-
tate, pietate, iustitia^ fortitudine etiam primo loco
cesserit.
Mirareris, ^ mteresseSj qua patientia banc ipsam
valetudinem toleret, ut dolori resistat, ut sitim
differat, ut incredibilem febrium ardorem immotus
opertusque transmittat. Nuper me paucosque me-
cum, quos maxime diligit^, advocavit rogavitque,
ut medicos consuleremus de summa valetudinis, ut,
si esset insuperabilis, sponte exiret e vita, si tantum
difficilis et longa^ resisteret maneretque ; dandum
enim precibus uxoris, dandum filiae lacrimis, dandum
etiam nobis amicis, ne spes nostras, si modo non
essent inanes, voluntaria morte desereret. Id ego
arduum in primis et praecipua laude dignum puto.
So
BOOK I. xxii
his dress plain ; and his very chamber and bed,
whenever I view^ them, present me with a kind
of picture of ancient simplicity. To all this, his
illustrious mind reflects the noblest ornament ; he
places no part of his happiness in ostentation, but
refers the whole of it to conscience ; and seeks the
reward of a virtuous action, not in the applauses of
the world, but in the action itself In short,
you will not easily find his equal even among the
tribe who claim the title, by assuming the guise, of
philosophers. He frequents not the places of public
resort, nor idly amuses himself and others with
endless controversies. His talents are exerted as
a pleader in the scenes of civil and active life.
Many has he assisted as an advocate, still more as
an adviser ; and with all this, in the practice of
temperance, piety, justice, and fortitude he has no
superior among your professed moralists.
It would astonish you to witness with what patience
he bears this illness ; how he struggles with pain,
endures thirst, and quietly submits to lie covered up,
though burning with fever. He lately called me and
a few more of his particular friends^ to his bed-side and
begged we would 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, however tedious and difficult, he might
hold out with patience ; for so much, he thought,
was due to the entreaties of his wife, the tears of his
daughter, and also to the affection of his friends, as
not to betray our hopes, if in truth they were not en-
tirely desperate, by committing suicide. A resolution
this, in my estimation, truly arduous, and worthy of the
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Nam impetu quodam et instinctu procurrere ad
mortem commune cum multis, deliberare vero et
causas eius expendere, utque suaserit ratio, vitae
mortisque consilium vel suscipere vel ponere ingentis
est animi. Et medici quidem secunda nobis poUi-
centur ; superest, ut promissis deus adnuat tandem-
que me hae sollicitudine exsolvat ; qua liberatus
Laurentinum meum, hoc est libellos et pugillares
studiosumque otium, repetam. Nunc enim nihil
legere, nihil scribere aut adsidenti vacat aut anxio
libet. Habes, quid timeam, quid optem, quid etiam
in posterum destinem ; tu quid egeris^ quid agas,
quid velis agere, invicem nobis, sed laetioribus
epistuhs scribe. Erit confusioni meae non mediocre
solatium, si tu nihil quereris. Vale.
XXIII
C. Plinius Pompeio Falconi Sue S.
CoNSULis, an existimem te in tribunatu causas
agere debere. Plurimura refert, quid esse tribuna-
tum putes, inanem umbram et sine honore nomen
an potestatem sacrosanctam, et quam in ordinem
82
BOOK I. xxii.-xxiii
highest applause. Instances are frequent enough in
the world of rushing into the arras of death without
reflection, and by a sort of blind impulse : but calmly
and deliberately to weigh the motives for life or
death, and to be determined in our choice as reason
counsels, is the mark of an uncommon and great
mind. We have liad the satisfaction of the opinion
of his physicians in his favour; and may heaven
confirm their assurances, and free me from this
restless anxiety ! If that should happily be the
event, I shall immediately return to my favourite
Laurentinum, or, in other words, to my books and
studious leisure. At present, so much of my time
and thoughts is employed in attendance upon my
friend, and in my apprehensions for him, that I have
neither leisure nor inclination to read or write any-
thing. Thus have I informed you of my fears, my
hopes, and my intentions. Communicate to me, in
your turn, but in a gayer style, an account not only
of what you are and have been doing, but even of
your future designs. It will be a very sensible con-
solation to me in this perplexity of mind, to be assured
that yours is easy. Farewell.
XXIII
To PoMPEIUS FaLCO
You desire my opinion whether you can with
propriety act as an advocate during your Tribunate ?
But before I determine that question, I must know
what are your sentiments of that office ; whether
you look upon it as a mere shadow of honour, and
an empty title, or as a sacred and inviolable function,
83
o 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
cogi ut a nullo ita nc a se quidem deceat. Ipse
cum tribunus essem, erraverim fortasse, qui me
esse aliquid putavi, sed, tamquam essem, ;abstinui
causis agendis ; priinum, quod deforme arbitrabar,
cui adsurgere, cui loco cedere omnes oporteret,
liunc omnibus sedentibus stare, et, qui iubere posset
tacere quemcumque, huic silentium clepsydra indici,
et, quem interfari nefas esset, hunc etiam convicia
audire et, si inulta pateretur, inertem, si ulcisceretur,
insolentem videri.-._Erat hie quoque aestus ante
oculos, si forte me appellasset vel ille, cui adessem,
vel ille, quem contra, intercederem et auxilium
ferrem an quiescerem sileremque et qiiasi_eiurato
magistratu privatum ipse me facerem. His rationibus
motus malui me tribunum omnibus exhibere quam
paucis advocatum. Sed tu (iterum dicam) plurimum
interest quid esse tribunatum putes, quam personam
tibi imponas ; quae sapienti viro ita aptanda est,
ut perferatur. Vale.
I « In ordinem cogi, lit. "to reduce to the ranks."
84
BOOK I. xxiii
which as no one may set at nought,* so neither ouglit
the person himself who is invested with it ? When
I was myself in that post (possibly I might be
mistaken in supposing I was become of any impor-
tance, however upon the supposition that I really
was) I entirely quitted the bar. I thought it un-
becoming a magistrate, who, upon all occasions, had
a right of precedency, and in whose presence every
body is obliged to rise, to be seen standing, while all
about him were seated ; that he who has authority
to impose silence on any man, should himself be
silent when the clock directs : ^ that he whom it is
held impious folnterrupt, should be exposed to the
scurrilous liberties of bar orators ; which to chas-
tize, would be thought a sort of insolence of office,^
and yet it would be weakness to overlook. 41^
considered farther, the great difficulty I should be
under, if either party to a suit should happen to appeal
to me as Tribune, whether to interpose my authority
to protect him, or as it were resign my office, and
reduce myself to the status of a private citizen by
preserving a passive silence. For these reasons I rather
chose to appear as the Tribune of all, than the advo-
cate of a few. But with respect to you (I repeat it
again), the whole depends upon what your sentiments
are of this office, and in what part you would choose
to appear ; remembering always that a wise man will
take upon himself such only as he is capable of
sustaining throughout the play.
* Alhiding to the time-limit imposed on advocates' speeches.
Of. ii. 11. n. (p. 128).
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XXIV
C. Plinius Baebio Hispano Suo S.
Tranquii.lus, contubernalis meus, vult emere agel-
lum, quern venditare amicus tuus dicitur. Rogo
cures, quanti aequum est, emat ; ita enim delectabit
emisse. Nam mala emptio semper ingrata est eo
maxime, quod exprobrare stultitiam domino videtur.
In lioc autem agello, si modo adriserit pretium,
Tranquilli mei stomachum multa sollicitant, vicinitas
ui'bi^ opportunitas viae, mediocritas villae, modus
ruris, (qui avocet magis quam distringat. ScTiola-
sticis porro dominis, ut hie est, sufficit abundc
tantum soli, ut relevare caput, reficere oculos,
reptare per limitem unamque semitam terere omnes-
que viticulas suas nosse et numerare arbusculas
possint. Haec tibi exposui, quo magis scires, quan-
tum ille esset mihi, ego tibi debiturus, si praediolum
istud, quod commendatur his dotibus, tarn salubriter
emerit, ut poenitentiae locum non relinquat. Vale.
86
BOOK I. xxiv
XXIV
To Baebius
Mv friend Tranquillus has an inclination to
purchase a small farm, of which, as I am informed,
an acquaintance of yours intends to dispose. I beg
you would endeavour he may have it upon reasonable
terms : a circumstance which will add to his satisfac-
tion in obtaining it. A dear bargain is always
disagreeable, particularly as it is a reflection upon
the purchaser's judgement. There are several cir-
cumstances attending this little farm, which (sup-
posing my friend had no objection to the price) are
appetising to his palate : the convenient distance
f'-om Rome, the goodness of the roads, the small-
ness of the building, and the very few acres of
land around it, which is just enough to amuse but
not employ him. To a man of the studious turn that
Tranquillus is, it is sufficient if he has but a small
spot to relieve the mind and divert the eye, where he
may saunter round his grounds, ti-averse his single
walk, grow familiar with his two or three vines, and
count his little plantations. I mention these par-
ticulars, to let you see how much he will be obliged
to me, as I shall to you, if you can help him to the
purchase of this little box, so agreeable to his taste,
upon terms of which he shall have no occasion to
repent. Farewell.
87
BOOK II
LIBER SECUNDUS
C. PuNius Romano Suo S.
Post aliquot annos insigne atque etiam memo-
rabile populi Romani oculis spectaculum exhibuit
publicum funus Vergini Rufi, maximi et clarissimi
civis, perinde felicis. Triginta annis gloriae suae
supervixit ; legit sci'ipta de se carmina, legit historias
et posteritati suae interfuit. Perfunctus est tertio
consulatu, ut summum fastigium privati hominis
impleretj cum principis noluisset. Caesares, quibus
suspectus atque etiam invisus virtutibus fuerat,
evasit, reliquit incolumem optimum atque amicis-
simum^ tamquam ad hunc ipsum honorem publici
funeris reservatus. Annum tertium et octogensimum
excessit in altissima tranquillitate, pari veneratione.
Usus est firma valetudine, nisi quod solebant ei
manus tremere, citra dolorem tamen. Aditus
tantum mortis durior longiorque, sed hie ipse
laudabilis. Nam cum vocem praepararet acturus in
" I.e. Nerva.
90
BOOK II
I
To VOCONIUS ROMANUS
Rome lias not for many years beheld so striking and
memorable a spectacle as was lately exhibited in the
public funeral of Virginius Rufus, one of her great-
est citizens, and no less fortunate than illustrious.
For he lived thirty years after achieving fame, he
read his actions in the pages of poets and historians,
and thus made one among his survivors. He was
thrice raised to the dignity of Consul, that he who
refused to be the first of princes, might at least be
the highest of subjects. He escaped the resent-
ment of those emperors to whom his virtues had
rendered him suspect, and even odious, and left the
best, the most amicable of princes « firmly seated on
the throne, as if providence had purposely preserved
liim to receive the honour of this public funeral.
He arrived, in full tranquillity and universally
revered, to the eighty-fourth year of his age, still
enjoying robust health, excepting only a paraljrtic
disorder in his hands, which however was attended
with no pain. His passage to death, alone, was severe
and tedious ; but even this was matter for praise.
As he was rehearsing his speech of thanks to the
Emperor, who had raised him to the consulship, a
91
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
consulatu principi gratias, liber, quern forte acceperat
grandiorem, et seni et stanti ipso pondere elapsus
est. Hunc dum consequitur coUigitque, per leve et
lubricum pavimentum fallente vestigio cccidit
coxamque fregit, quae parum apte collocata
reluctante aetate male coiit.
Huius viri exequiae magnum ornamentum principi,
magnum saeculo, magnum etiara foro et rostris attu-
lerunt. Laudatus est a consule Cornelio Tacito ; nam
hie supremus felicitati eius cumulus accessit, laudator
eloquentissimus. Et ille quidem plenus annis abiit,
plenus honoril)iis, illis etiam, quos recusavit ; nobis
tamen quaerendus ac desidevandus est ut exemplar
aevi prioris, mihi vero praecipue, qui ilium non
solum publice, sed etiam privatim quantum admirabar
tantuni diligebam ; primum quod utrique eadem
regio, municipia finitima^ agri etiam possessionesque
coniunctae, praeterea quod ille tutor mihi relictus
adfectum parentis exhibuit. Sic candidatum me
sufFragio ornavit, sic ad omnes honores meos ex
secessibus accucurrit, cum iam pridem eiusmodi
officiis renuntiasset, sic illo die, quo sacerdotes solent
nominare, quos dignissimos sacerdotio indicant, me
semper nominabat. Quin etiam in hac novissima
f ; '
I* i.e. " members of one of the four great priestly colleges,
poviifices, augurcs, quindecimviri aacris Jaciuudis, atpUmxAri
epiUonum.^' (Merrill.)
i 98
BOOK II. i
volume, which chanced to be inconveniently large
for him to liold, escaped by its sheer weigiit the
grasp that age and his upright posture doubly
enfeebled. In hastily endeavouring to recover it, he
missed liis footing on the smootli slippery pavement ;
fell down, and broke his hip-bone ; which fracture,
as it was unskilfully set at first, and having besides
the infirmities of age to contend with, could never
be bi'oiight to unite again.
The funeral obsequies paid to the memory of
this great man have done honour to the Empeior,
to the present age, and also to Eloquence her-
self. The consul Cornelius Tacitus pronounced his
funeral oration : for the series of his felicities was
crowned by the applause of the most eloquent
of orators." He died full of years and of glory,
as illustrious by the honours he refused, as by
those he accepted. Still, however, he will be
missed andjamented by us, as the bright model of
a Lygone age ; especially by myself, who not only
admired him as a patriot, but loved him as a friend.
We were not only natives of the same province, and
of neighbouring towns, but our estates were con-
tiguous. Besides, lie was also left guardian to me, and
treated me with the affection of a parent. Whenever
I offered myself a candidate for any employment, he
■constantly honoured me with his support; though he
had long since renounced friendly services of this
nature, he would always hasten from his rural retire-
ment to attend my formal entry upon an office. At
the time when it is customary for the priests'* to
nominate such as they judge worthy to be received
into their sacred office, he constantly proposed me.
Even in his last sickness, being apprehensive he might
93
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
valetudine veritus, ne forte inter quinqueviros
crearetur, qui minuendis publicis sumptibus iudicio
senatus constituebantur, cum illi tot amici senes
consularesque supcressent^ me huius aetatis, per quern
excusaretur, elegit his quldem verl)is : ' Etiam si
(ilium haberem, tibi mandarem.'
Quibus ex causis necesse est tamquam immaturam
mortem eius in sinu tuo defleam, si tamen fas est aut
flere aut omnino mortem vocare^ qua tanti viri mor-
talitas magis finita quam vita est. Vivit enim vivetque
semper atque etiam latius in memoria hominum et
sermone versabitur, postquam ab oculis recessit.
Volui tibi multa alia scribere, sed totus animus in
hac una contemplatione defixus est. Verginium
cogito, Verginium video, Verginium iam vanis
imaginibus, recentibus tamen, audio, adloquor, teneo ;
cui fortasse cives aliquos virtutibus pares et habemus
et habebimus, gloria neminem. Vale.
II
C. PuNius Paulino Suo S.
Irascor, nee liquet mihi, an debeam, sed irascor.
Scis, quam sit amor iniquus interdum, impotens
94
BOOK II. i.-ii
be named one of the five commissioners appointed
by the senate to reduce the public expenses, he
fixed upon me, young as I am, to carry his excuses,
in preference to so many other friends of superior
age and. dignity ; and in a very obliging manner
assured me, that had he a son of his own, he would
nevertheless have employed me in that office.
Thus I am constrained to lament his death, as if
it were immature, and pour out the fullness of my
grief in the bosom of my friend ; if indeed it be
permissible to grieve at all upon this occasion, or to
call that event death, which to such a man, is rather
to be looked upon as the period of his mortality
than of his life. For he lives, and will continue to
live for ever ; and his fame will be spread farther
by the recollection and the tongues of men now
that he is removed from their sight.
I had many other things to write to you, but my
mind is so entirely taken up with this subject, that I
cannot call it off to any other. Virginius is constantly
in my thoughts ; the vain but lively impressions of
him are continually before my eyes, and I am for
ever fondly imagining that I hear him, converse with
him, and embrace him. There are, perhaps, and
possibly hereafter will be, some few Romans who
may rival him in virtue ; but not one, I am persuaded,
that will ever equal him in glory. Farewell.
II
To Paulinus
Whether I have reason for my rage is not quite
so clear; however, wondrous angry I am. But
love, you know, will sometimes be irrational ; as it is
95
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
saepe, ^i/cpamos semper. Haec tamen causa magna
est, nescio an iusta ; sed ego, tamquam non minus
iusta quam magna sit, graviter irascor, quod a te
tarn diu litterae nuUae. Exorare me potes uno modo,
si nunc saltem plurimas et longissimas miseris. Haec
mihi sola excusatio vera, ceterae falsae videbuntur.
Non sum auditurus : ' Non eram Romae ' vel :
* Occupatior eram ' ; illud enim nee di sinant, ut
'infirmior.' Ipse ad villam partim studiis, partim
desidia fruor, quorum utrumque ex otio nascitur.
Vale.
ni
C. Plinius Nepoti Sue S.
Magna Isaeum fama praeeesserat, maior inventus
est. Summa est facultas, copia, ubertas ; dicit semper
ex tempore, sed tamquam diu scripserit. Sermo
Graecus, immo Atticus, praefationes tersae, graciles,
dulces, graves interdum et erectae. Poscit contro-
versias plures, electionem auditoribus permittit, saepe
etiam partes, surgit, amicitur, incipit ; statim omnia
ac paene pariter ad manum, sensus reconditi occursant,
" Juvenal mentions this rhetorician as a powerful speaker
(iii. 74).
96
BOOK II. ii.-iii
often ungovernable, and ever jealous. The occasion
of this my formidable wrath is great, and I think,
just : however, taking it for granted that there is as
much truth, as weight in it, I am most vehemently
enraged at your long silence. Would you soften
my resentment .'' Let your letters for the future be
very frequent, and very long ; I shall excuse you
upon no other terms ; and as absence from Rome, or
press of business, is a plea I can by no means admit ;
so that of ill health, the Gods, I hope, will not suffer
you to allege. As for myself, I am enjoying at my
villa the alternate pleasures of study and indolence;
those happy privileges of retired leisure ! Farewell.
Ill
To Nepos
We had received very advantageous accounts of
Isaeus," before his arrival here ; but he is superior to
all that was reported of him. He possesses the
utmost facility and copiousness of expression, and
though always extempore his discourses have all the
propriety and elegance of the most studied and
elaborate composition. He employs the Greek
language, or rather the genuine Attic. His pre-
fatory remarks are terse, easy, and harmonious ;
and, when occasion requires, serious and majestic.
He proposes several questions for discussion, gives
his audience liberty to call for any they please, and
sometimes even to name what side of it he shall
take ; when immediately he rises up, assumes his
gown, aitd begins. He handles every point with
almost equal readiness ; profound ideas occur to him
97
VOL. I. H
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
verba, sed qualia ! quaesita et exculta. Multa lectio
in subitis^ multa scriptio elucet. Prooemiatur apte,
narrat aperte^ pugnat acriter, colligit fortiter, ornat
excelse, postremo docet, delectat, adficit, quid
maxim e, dubites ; crebra ivOvfju^iMara, crebri syllogismi^
circumscripti et efifecti, quod stilo quoque asequi
magnum est, incredibilis memoria, repetit altius,
quae dixit ex tempore, ne verbo quidem labitur.
Ad tantam c^iv studio et exercitatione pervenit ;
nam diebus et noctibus nihil aliud agit, nihil audit,
nihil loquitur.
Annum sexagensimum excessit etadhuc scholasticus
tantum est ; quo genere hominum nihil aut simpli-
cius aut sincerius aut melius. Nos enim, qui in foro
verisque litibus terimur, multum malitiae, quamvis
nolimus, addiseimus; schola et auditorium et ficta
causa res inermis, innoxia est nee minus felix, seni-
bus praesertim. Nam quid in senectute felicius quam
quod dulcissimum est in iuventa ? Quare ego Isaeum
non disertissimum tantum, verum etiam beatissimum
98
BOOK II. Hi
as he proceeds ; his language — but how admirable
that is ! wSo choice, so refined ! These unprepared
discourses plainly discover he has been very con-
versant in the best authors, and much accustomed
to compose himself. He opens his subject witli
great propriety ; his narration is clear ; his con-
troversy ingenious, his logic forcible and his rhe-
toric sublime. In a word, he at once instructs,
entertains, and atfects you, and each in so high a
degree, that you are at a loss to determine in Avhich
"of those talents he most excels. He abounds u\
''enthymemes and syllogisms ( the latter of a formal
exactness, not very easy to attain even in writing.
His memory is so extraordinary, that he can recollect
what he has before spoke extempore, word for word.
This wonderful habitude he has acquired by great
application and practice ; for his whole time is so
devoted to subjects of this nature, that he thinks,
hears, and talks of nothing else.
Thougli he is above sixty-three years of age, he
still chooses to continue a mere professor of rhetoric ;
than which class none abounds with men of more
worth, simplicity, and integrity. We, who are
conversant in the real contentions of the bar,
unavoidably contract a good deal of finesse, however
contrary to our natural tempers. But the lecture-
room, the audience-hall, the mock trial at law afford
an employment as innocent as it is felicitous,
particularly so for those who are advanced in years ;
as nothing can give more felicity at that period of
life, than to enjoy what were the most pleasing
entertainments of our youth. I look therefore upon
Isaeus, not only as the most eloquent, but the most
happy of men ; as I shall esteem you the most
99
H 2
THE LETfERS OF PLINY
iudico ; quem tu nisi cognoscere concupiscis, saxeus
ferreusque es. Proiiule, si rioii oh alia nosque ipsos,
at certe ut hunc audias, veni.
Numquamne legist! Gaditaiium quendain Titi
Livi nomine gloriaque commotum ad visendum
eum ab ultimo terrarum orbe venisse statimque,
ut viderat, abisse ? ' A(f>i\6Ka\ov, illiteratum, inei'S
ac paene etiam turpe est non putare tanti cogni-
tionem, qua nulla est iucundior, nulla pulchrior,
nulla denique humanior. Dices : ' Habeo hie,
quos legam, non minus disertos.' Etiam : sed
legendi sempex* occasio est, audiendi non semper,
Praeterea multo magis, ut vulgo dicitur, viva vox
adficit. Nam, licet acriora sint, quae legas, altius
tamen in animo sedent, quae pronuntiatio, vultus,
habitus, gestus etiam dicentis adfigit ; nisi vero falsum
putamus illud Aeschinis, qui cum legisset Rhodiis
orationem Demosthenis admirantibus cunctis adiecis-
se fertur : Tt Se, ei avTov tov 6r]piov, [ra avrov pt^fxara
/SowvTos] rjKovaare ; et erat Aeschines, si Demostheni
credimus, jUcyaXo^wvoTaTos. Fatebatur tamen longe
melius eadem ilia pronuntiasse ipsum, qui pepererat.
loo
BOOK II. iii
insensible, if you appear to slijjlit his acquaint-
ance. Let me prevail with you then to come to
Rome, if not upon my account, or any other, at
least for the pleasure of hearing this extraordinary
person.
You have surely read of a certain inhabitant
of the city of Cadiz, who was so struck with the
illustrious character of Livy, that he travelled from
the ends of the earth on purpose to see that great
genius ; and, as soon as he had satisfied his curiosity,
returned home again ? A man must have a very
inelegant, illiterate, and indolent (I had almost said
a very mean) turn of mind, not to think whatever
relates to a science so entertaining, so noble, and so
polite, worthy of his cui'iosity. You will tell me,
perhaps, you have authors in your own library equally
eloquent. I allow it ; and those authors you may
turn over at any time, but you cannot always have
an opportunity of hearing Isaeus. Besides, as the
common saying has it, far more affecting is the
spoken word. There is something in the voice,
the countenance, tlie bearing, and the gesture of
the speaker, that concur in fixing an impression
upon the mind, deeper than can even vigorous
writings. This at least was the opinion of
Aeschines, who, having read to the Rhodians a
speech of Demosthenes, which they loudly ap-
plauded ; "but how," said he, '-'would you have
been affected, had you heard the wild beast's own
roar 1 " Aeschines, if we may believe Demosthenes,
had great pomp and energy of elocution ; yet, you
see, he could not but confess it would have been a
considerable advantage to the oration if it had been
pronounced by the author himself. What I aim at
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Quae omnia hue tendunt, ut audias Isaeum, vel ideo
tantum, ut audieris. Vale.
IV
C. Pi.iNius Calvinae Suae S.
Si pluribus pater tuus vel unicuilibet alii quam
mihi debuisset, fuisset fortasse dubitandum, an adires
hereditatem etiam viro gravem. Cum vero ego ad-
ductus adfinitatis officio dimissis omnibus, qui, non
dico molestiores, sed diligentiores erant, creditor
solus exstiterim, cumque ego nubenti tibi in dotem
centum milia contulerim praeter earn summam, quam
pater tuus quasi de meo dixit (erat enim solvenda de
meo), magnum habes facilitatis meae pignus, cuius
fiducia debes famam defuncti pudoremque suscipere ;
ad quod ne te verbis magis quam rebus horter, quid-
quid mihi pater tuus debuit, acceptum tibi ferri
iubeo.
1 02
BOOK II. iii.-iv
by this, is, to persuade you to come and hear Isaeus ;
and let me again entreat you to do so, if for no other
reason, at least that you may have the pleasure to
say you once heai'd him. Farewell.
IV
To Calvin A
If your father had left several creditors, or indeed
a single one except myself, you might justly, per-
haps, scruple to enter upon his estate, which, with
such encumbrances, might prove a burden too
heavy even for one of our sex to undertake. But
since, out of regai*d to the affinity that subsisted be-
tween us, I was contented to remain the only person
unsatisfied who liad any demand upon the estate,
while other creditors, I will not say more trouble-
some, but certainly more cautious, were paid off ; and
as I contributed, you may remember, 100,000
sesterces towards your marriage poi'tion, over and
above the sum your father charged upon this estate
for your fortune, which may be esteemed my gift
too, as it was to be paid out of a fund which was
before appropriated to me — when you consider, I
say, these instances of my friendship, you can want
no assurance of my favourable disposition towards
you. In confidence of which, you should not scruple
to enter upon this inheritance, and by that means
protect the memory of your father from the reproach
of his dying insolvent. But that I may give you a
more substantial encouragement to do so, than mere
words, I entirely acquit you of the debt which he
owed me.
103
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Nee est^ quod verearis, iie sit luilii onerosa ista
donatio. Sunt quidem omnino nobis modicae facul-
tates, dignitas sumptuosa, reditus propter condi-
cionem agellorum nescio minor an incertior } sed,
quod cessat ex reditu, frugalitate suppletur, ex qua
velut e fonte liberalitas nostra decurrit ; quae tamen
ita temperanda est, ne nimia profusione inarescat, sed
teniperanda in aliis, in te vero facile ratio constabit,
etiamsi modum excesserit. Vale.
V
C. Plinius Luperco Suo S.
Actionem et a te frequenter efflagitatam et a me
sae])e promissam exhibui tibi, non tamen totam ;
adhuc enim pars eius perj^olitur. Interim, quae
absolutiora mihi videbantur, non fuit alienum iudicio
tuo tradi. His tu rogo intentionem scribentis ac-
commodes. Nihil enim adhuc inter manus liabui, cui
maiorem sollicitudinem praestare deberem. Nam in
ceteris actionibus existimationi hominum diligentia
tantum et fides nostra, in Iiac etiam pietas subicietur.
Inde et liber crevit, dum ornare patriam et amplifi-
care gaudemus, paritcrque et defensioni eius servimus
et gloriae. Tu tamen haec ipsa, quantum ratJQ
104 "^
BOOK II. iv.-v
Do not scruple to receive this present at my
hands, upon the supposition that I can ill spare
so large a sum. It is true, my fortune is but
moderate : the expenses which my station in the
world requires are considerable ; while the yearly
income of my estate, from the nature and circum-
stances of it, is as uncertain as it is small ; 'yet
what I w^ant in revenue, I make up by economy,
the fountain, so to speak, that supplies my bounty.
I must be cautious, no doubt, not to exhaust it by
too much profusion ; but that is a caution which 1
shall observe towards others ; with respect to your-
self, mv accounts will readily tally, though it should
exceed bounds. Farewell.
To LUPERCUS
I SEND you at last the piece you have so often
desired, and which I have as frequently promised :
but it is part of it only ; the remainder I am still
polishing. In the meanwhile I thought there would
be no impropriety in laying before you such parts as
seemed to me most correct. I beg you would read it
with the s"ame close attention that I wrote it ; for I
never was engaged in any work that required so much
care. In my other speeches, ray diligence and in-
tegrity only, in 'this, nTy patriotism also, will be sub-
mitted to the judgement of the world. Hence while
I dwelt with pleasure upon the honour of my native
country, and endeavoured not only to support its
rights, but heighten its glory; my oration swelled
insensibly. However, I beg you would curtail
105
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
exegerit, reseca. Quotiens enim ad fastidium legen-
tium deliciasque I'espicio, intellego nobis commenda-
tionem ex ipsa mediocritate libri petendam.
Idem tanien, qui a te banc austeritatem exigOj
cogor id, quod diversum est, postulare, ut in plerisque
frontem remittas. Sunt enim quaedam adulescentiun^^
auribus danda, praesertim si materia non refragetur ; '
nam desci'iptiones locorum, quae in hoc libro frequen-
tiores erunt, non liistorice tantum, sed prope poetice
prosequi fas est. Quod tamen si quis extiterit qui
putet nos lautius fecisse, quam orationis severitas
exigat, huius, ut ita dixei'im, tristitiam reliquae partes-
actionis exorare debebunt. Adnisi certe sumus, ut
quamlibet diversa genera lectorum perplui*es dicendi
species teneremus, ac, sicut veremur, ne quibusdam
pars aliqua secundum suam cuiusque naturam non
probetur, ita videmur posse confidere, ut universita-
tem omnibus varietas ipsa commendet. Nam et in
ratione conviviorum, quamvis a plerisque cibis singuli
temperemus, totam tamen cenam laudare omnes
solemusj nee ea, quae stomachus noster recusat,
adimunt gratiam illis, quibus capitur. Atque haec
ego sic accipi volo, non tamquam adsecutum me esse
credam^ sed tamquam adsequi laboraverim, fortasse
non frustra, si modo tu curam tuam admoveris
interim istis, mox iis, quae sequentur.
BOOK II. V
it, even in those favourite topics, wherever you
find reason to do so ;-^for when I coiistder the
affected niceness of readers, I am sensible the surest
recommendation 1 can have to their favour is by the
moderate lengtli of my book.
But while I demand your severity in this instance,
I am obHged, contrariwise to beg your leniency
in many others. Some consideration ought to be
had to the taste of young people, especially where
the subject admits of it; for instance, the de-
scriptions of places, occur frequently in this per-
formance ; and these it is allowable to tjeat not only
in historical but in almost poetic style. If any critic
should happen to consider these passages too florid
for the gravity of such an oration, the other parts
of it ought to appease his moroseness if I may use
that expression. I have, indeed, endeavoured to
gain attention from readers of the most opposite
tastes by employing several styles ; and though
I am afraid there are some passages that will dis-
please particular persons, as not falling in with
their peculiar taste ; yet, its mere variety, one may
fairly hope, will recommend the work as a whole. For
in matters culinai-y, though we do not severally
partake of every dish, yet we admire the general
disposition of a dinner ; and if we happen to meet
with something not to our palate, we are not the
less pleased, however, with what is. I would not
be understood to mean that I have actually furnished
out such an entertainment ; but only that I have
attempted to do so. And possibly my attempt may
not prove altogether fruitless, if you will exercise
your skill upon what I now send you, and shall here-
after send.
107
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Dices te non posse satis diligenter id facere, nisi
pi'ius totam actionem cognoveris. Fateor : in prae-
sentia tamen et ista tibi familiariora fient, et
quaedani ex his talia erunt, ut per partes cmendari
possiiit. Etenim, si avulsum statuae caput aut mem-
bruni aliquod inspiceres, non tu quidem ex illo
posses congnientiam aequalitatemque deprendere^
posses tanien iudicare, an id ipsiira satis elegans
esset ; nee alia ex causa pi*incipiorum libri circum-
feruntur, quam quia existimatur pars aliqua etiani
sine ceteris esse perfecta.
Longius me provexit dulcedo quaedam tecum
loquendi ; sed iam finem faciam, ne modum, quern
etiam orationi adhibendum puto, in epistula excedani.
\^ile.
VI
C. PuNius AviTo Suo S.
LoNGUM est altius repetere^ nee refert, quemadmo-
dum acciderit, ut homo minime famiHaris cenarem
apud quendam^ ut sibi videbatur, lautum et diligen-
tem, ut mihi, sordidum simul et sumptuosum. Nam
sibi et paucis optima quaedam, ceteris vilia et mifiuta
io8
BOOK II. v.-vi
You will tell me, I know, that you cannot do so
with proper accuracy till you are acquainted with
the whole speech. There is truth in this, I confess :
however, for the present you may better acquaint
yourself with this detached part, wherein you will
find some things, perhaps, that will bear piecemeal
correction. If you were to examine the detached
head, or any other part of a statue, though you could
not thereby apprehend the harmony and just pro-
portions of the entire figure, yet you would be able
to judge of the elegancy of that particular member.
From what other principle is it that specimens of
books are handed about, but that it is supposed the
beauties of particular parts may be seen, without
taking a view of the whole ?
A sort of pleasant notion that I am talking with
you has carried me a greater length than I intended.
But I stop here ; for it is not reasonable that I, who
am for setting bounds even to a speech, should set
none to a letter. Farewell.
VI
To A VITUS
It would be a long story, and of no importance,
were I to recount too particularly by what accident
I (who am not at all fond of society), supped
lately with a person, who in his own opinion lives in
splendour combined with economy ; but according to
mine, in a sordid but expensive manner. Some very
elegant dishes Avere served up to himself and a few
more of the company ; while those which were
placed before the rest were cheap and paltry. He
109
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
ponebat. Vinum etiam parvulis lagunculis in tria
genera discripserat, non ut potestas eligendi, sed n*^
ius asset reeusandi, aliud sibi et nobis, aliud minori-
biis amicis (nam gradatim amicos habet), aliud suis
nostrisque libertis. Animadvertit, qui mihi proximus
recumbebat, et, an probareni, interrogavit. Negavi.
' Tu ergo,' inqiiit, ' quam consuetudinem sequeris ? '
' Eadem omnibus pono ; ad cenam enim, non ad
notam invito cunctisque rebus exaequo, quos mensa
et toro aequavi.' ' Etiamne libertos ? ' ' Etiam ;
convietores enim tunc, non libertos puto.' Et ille :
'Magno tibi constat.' ' Minime.' 'Qui fieri
potest ? ' ' Quia scilicet liberti mei non idem quod
ego bibunt, sed idem ego quod liberti.'
Et hercule, si gulae temperes, non est onerosum,
quo utaris, ipse communicare cum pluribus. Ilia ergo
reprimenda, ilia quasi in ordinem redigenda est, si
sumptibus parcas^ quibus aliquanto rectius tua conti-
nentia quam aliena contumelia consulas.
Quorsum haec ? ne tibi, optimae indolis iuveni,
" i.e. not to be "marked" as socially inferior. Allusion
to the mark {nota) which the Censors afSxed to names of
expelled members in the list of the Senate.
* Lit. " reduce to the ranks."
BOOK II. vi
had apportioned in small flagons three different sorts
of \vine ; but you are not to suppose it was that the
guests miglit take their choice : on the contrary,
that they might not choose at all. One was for him-
self and me ; the next for his friends of a lower
order (for, you must know, he measures out his
friendship according to the degrees of quality) ; and
the third for his own freed-men and mine. One who
sat next me took notice of this, and asked me if I
approved of it. " Not at all," I told him. " Pray,
then," said he, "what is your method on such
occasions f " " Mine," I returned, " is, to give all my
company the same fare; for when I make an invitation,
it is to sup, not to be censored." Every man whom I
have placed on an equality with myself by admitting
him to my table, I treat as an equal in all particulars."
"Even freed-men?" he asked. "Even them," I
said ; " for on these occasions I regard them not as
freed-men, but boon companions." " This must put
you to great expense," says he. I assured him not
at all ; and on his asking how that could be, I
said " Why you must know my freed-men don't
drink the same wine I do — but / drink what they
do."
And certainly if a man is wise enough to moderate
his own gluttony, he will not find it so very chargeable
a thing to entertain all his visitors in general as he
does himself. Restrain and, so to speak, humble* that
failing, if you would be an economist in good earnest.
You will find your own temperance a much better
method of saving expenses, than affronts to other
people.
What is my drift in all this, do you ask ? Why
to hinder a young man of your excellent dis-
III
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
quoriimdam in mensa luxuria specie frugalitatis
iraponat. Convenit aiitem amori in te meo, quotiens
tale aliquid inciderit, sub exemplo praemonere, quid
debeas fugere. Igitur memento nihil magis esse
vitandum quam istani kixuriae et sordium novam
societatem ; quae cum sint tui-pissima discreta ac
separata, turpius iunguntur. Vale.
VII
C. Plinius Macrino Suo S.
Heri a senatu Vestricio Spurinnae principe auctore
triumphalis statua decreta est, non ita ut multis, qui
numquam in acie steterunt, numquam castra viderunt,
numquam denique tubarum sonum nisi in spectaculis
audierunt, verum ut illis, qui decus istud sudore et
sanguine et factis adsequebantur. Nam Spurinna
Bructerum regem vi et armis induxit in regnum
ostentatoque bello ferocissimam gentem, quod est
pulcherrimum victoriae genus, teiTore perdomuit.
Et hoc quidem virtutis praemium, illud solatium
doloris accepit, quod filio eius Cottio, quem amisit
absens, habitus est honor statuae. Rarum id in
iuvene ; sed pater hoc quoque merebatur, cuius
« See iii. 10.
112
BOOK II. vi.-vii
position t'rom being imposed upon by the self-indul-
gence which prevails at some men's tables^
under the guise of frugality. And whenever any
folly of this nature falls within my observation, I
shall, in consequence of that affection I bear you,
point it out to you as an example which you ought to
shun. Remember therefore, nothing is more to be
avoided than this modern conjunction of self-indul-
gence and meanness ; qualities superlatively odious
when existfhg in distinct characters, but still more
odious where they meet together in the same person.
Farewell.
VII
To Macrinus
The Senate decreed yesterday, at the recom-
mendation of the empei'or, a triumphal statue to
V^estricius Spurinna : not as to many others who
never saw a field of battle, nor a camp, nor as much as
heard the sound of a trumpet, unless at a show ; but
as to those whose fatigues, wounds, and exploits,
have procured that honour. Spurinna by the power
of his arms restored the king of the Bructeri to
his throne ; and this by a victory of all others the
most noble ; for he struck such a terror into that
warlike people, that they submitted at the very
first view of his troops. But at the same time that
the Senate thus rewarded his valour, as a consolation
to him for the loss of his son Cottius,'* who died during
his absence upon that expedition, they voted like-
wise a statue to that youth. A very unusual honour for
one of his early years ; but the services of the father
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
gravissimo vulneri magno aliquo fomento medendum
fuit.
Praeterea Cottius ipse tarn clarum specimen
indolis dederat, ut vita eius brevis et angusta
debuerit hac velut immortalitate proferri. Nam
tanta ei sanctitas, gravitas, auctoritas etiam, ut posset
senes illos provocare virtute, quibus nunc honore
adaequatus est. Quo quidem honore, quantum ego
interpretor, non modo defuneti memoriaej doloii
patris, vei'um etiam exemplo prospectum est.
Acuent ad bonas artes iuventutem adulescentibus
quoque ut^ digni sint modo, tanta praemia con-
stituta, acuent principes vivos ad liberos suscipiendos
et gaudia ex superstitibus et ex amissis tam gloriosa
solatia.
His ex causis statua Cotti publice laetor
nee privatim minus. Amavi consummatissimum
iuvenem tam ardenter, quam nunc impatienter
require. Erit ergo pergi'atum mihi banc effigiem
eius subinde intueri, subinde respicere, sub hac
consistere, praeter banc commeare. Etenim, si
defunctorum imagines domi positae dolorem nostrum
levant, quanto magis eae, quibus in celeberrimo loco
non modo species et vultus illorum, sed honor etiam
et gloria refertur ? Vale.
^ ut Frp, Midler, om. rell.
114
BOOK II. vii
well deserved this additional recompense, for so
severe a wound required an extraordinary application.
Besides, Cottius himself gave so shining a speci-
men of his qualities, that it is but right his life,
which had so brief a period, should be extended, as
it were, by this kind of immortality. The puritv
of his manners, and the dignity, nay authority, of his
character, were such that he might well have chal-
lenged in virtue those seniors with whom he is now
equalled in honour : an honour, if I mistake not, con-
ferred not only in memory of the deceased vouth, and
in consolation to the surviving father, but fur the sake
of public example. The young men of this age will
be hence encouraged to cultivate every worthy
principle, when they see such rewards open even to
striplings, sliould they deserve them ; and men of
quality will be }>rompted to rear issue, when they
may expect not only to be haj)py in their children,
if they survive ; but to have so glorious a consolation,
if they lose them.
For the sake of the public therefore I am glad
that a statue is decreed to Cottius : and so indeed I
am upon my own ; for I loved this accomplished youth
as ardently as I now impatiently regret him. It will
be a great satisfaction to me ever and anon, to view
this likeness of him — to look back towards it — to
halt beneath it — to pass it as I go along. For if we
derive consolation from images of the departed set
up in their own homes, how much more comforting
are they to the mourners, when, erected in a place
of public resort, they are not only memorials of our
lost ones' air and countenance, but of their glory
and honour. Farewell.
"5
THE LETTERS OF PUNY
VIII
C. Plinius Caninio Suo S.
Studes an piscaris an venaris an simul omnia r
Possunt enim omnia simul fieri ad Larium nostrum.
Nam lacus piscem, feras silvae, quibus lacus cingitur^
studia altissimus iste secessus adfatim suggerunt.
Sed, sive omnia simul sive aliquid facis, non possum
dicere, ' Invideo ' ; angor tamen non et mihi licere,
quae sic concupisco ut aegri vinum, balinea, fontes.
Numquamne lios artissimos laqueos, si solvere
negatur, abrumpam ? Numquam, puto. Nam veteri-
bus negotiis nova accrescunt^ nec tamen priora
peraguntur ; tot nexibus, tot quasi catenis maius in
dies occupationum agmeu extenditur. Vale.
IX
C. Plinius Apollinari Suo S.
Anxium me et inquietum habet petitio Sexti
Eruei mei. Adficior cura et, quain pro me sollici-
tudinem non adii, quasi pro me altero patior ; et
alioqui meus pudor, mea existimatio, mea digni-
tas in discrimeu adducitur. Ego Sexto latum
ii6
BOOK II. viii.-ix
VIII
To Caninius
How is my friend employed ? Is it in study, or
angling, or the chase ? Or does he unite all three,
as he well may on the banks of our favourite Larius ?<^
For that lake will supply you with fish ; as th"e "woods
that surround it will afford you game ; Avhile the
solemnity of that sequestered scene will at the same
time dispose your mind to contemplation. Whether
you are entertained with all, or any of these agi-eeable
amusements, I cannot bring myself to say " I enw
you," yet it irks me that I cannot partake of them
too ; a happiness I as earnestly long for, as a sick
man does for wine, baths, and water-springs. Shall
I never break loose (if I may not disentangle myself)
from these snares that thus closely enmesh me ?
I doubt indeed, never; for new affairs keep budding
out of the old, while yet the former remain unfinished :
such an endless train of business daily rises upon me,
so numerous are the ties — I may say the chains —
that bind me ! Farewell.
IX
To Apollinaris
1 AM extremely anxious and uneasy about the
candidature of my friend Sextus Erucius. I am a
prey to care, and feel for him as for an alter ego a
solicitude I never felt for myself; and apart from that,
my own honour, credit and character are at stake.
'Twas I obtained for him of our Emperor the honour
• See i. 3. u.
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
clavum a Caesare iiostro, ego cjuaesturain impetravi,
ineo sufTragio pcrvcnit ad ius tribunatus petendi,
quern nisi obtinet in senatu, vereor, ne decepisse
Cacsarem videar. Proinde adnitendum est inilii, ut
talem eum iiidicent omnes, qiialem esse princeps
mi hi credidit. Quae causa si studium meum non in-
citaret, adiutum tamen cuperem iuvenem probis-
sinium, gravissimum, eruditissimunij onini deniqiie
laude dignissinuim et quidem cum tota domo.
Nam pater eius Erucius Clarus, vir sanctus, anti-
quus, disertus atqne in agendis causis exercita-
tus, quas summa fidCj pari constantia nee vere-
cundia minore defendit. Habet avunculum C. Sep-
ticiunij quo nihil verius, nihil simplicius, nihil
candidius, nihil fidelius novi. Omnes me certatim
et tamen aequaliter amant^ omnibus nunc ego in
uno referre gratiam possum. Itaque prenso amicos^
supplico, ambio, domos stationesque circumeo, quan-
tumque vel auctoritate vel gratia valeam, precibus
experior. Te quoque obsecro^ ut aliquam oneris mei
partem suscipere tanti putes. Reddam vicem, si
reposces, reddam, et si non re])osces. Diligeris,
" i.e. tlie broad purple stripe on the toga, a mark of dis-
tinction -vvorn by senators ; under the Emperors it was
granted also to sons of senators and equites who were
entering on their otiicial career.
* The office of Trihimc of the Plebs, carrying with it the
highest powers of the State, was assumed by Julius Caesar,
and after him by Augustus, and became theiicefuruarJ the
BOOK II. ix
of wearing the Laticlave,"^ and the office of quaestor ;
as it was by my interest that he qualified as a
candidate for the Tribunate ; * and if the Senate
should reject him, I am afraid it will be thought I
imposed upon the Emperor. I must therefore
endeavour, that the judgement of the public
may confirm the opinion which Caesar has conceived
of him, by my representation. But if I were not
obliged for these reasons to interest myself in the
success of this young man, yet his superlative probity,
good sense, and learning would incline me to assist
him ; as indeed, he and his Avhole family are de-
serving of the highest applause.
His father, Erucius Clarus, is a man of strict morals
and ancient simplicity of manners ; an eloquent and
experienced advocate ; and defends every cause he
undertakes with a courage and integrity equal to his
great modesty. Caius Septicius, his uncle, is the most
plain, sincere, candid, and trusty man I ever knew.
There is a rivalry amongst them who shall show me
most afl^ection ; which nevertheless they all give me
in an equal degree. I have now an opportunity
of repaj'ing my debt of gratitude to the whole family,
in the single person of Sextusi Accordingly, I warmlv
solicit my friends, I entreat," I make house-to-house
visits, I perambulate the places of public resort, and
put my whole influence and popularity to the touch,
by petitions on his behalf. I must beg of you
likewise to condescend to take some share of this
trouble with me ; I will return you the same good
oflice whenever you shall require it, and even
without your request. As you have many friends,
pivot of Imperial authoritj;. But Tribunes to the number of
ten were still annually appointed, by election of the Senate.
119
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
coleris, frequentaris ; ostende modo velle te, nee
deerunt, qui^ quod tu velis, cupiant. Vale.
X
C. Plinhjs Octavio Suo S.
HoMiNEM te patientem vel potius du um ac
paene crudelem, qui tarn insignes libros tarn diu
teneas ! Quousque et tibi et nobis invidebis, tibi
maxima laude, nobis voluptate ? Sine per ora ho-
minum ferantur isdemque quibus lingua Homana
spatiis pervagentur. Magna enini longaqiie ex-
peetatio est, quam frustrari adhuc et dift'erre non
debes. Enotuerunt quidam tui versus et invito te
claustra sua refregerunt. Hos nisi retrahis in corpus,
quandoque ut errones aliquem, cuius dicantur, in-
venient, Habe ante oculos mortalitatem, a qua
adserere te hoc uno monimento potes ; nam cetera
fragilia et caduca non minus quam ipsi lionu'jies
Q occidunt desinuntque.
^ Dices, ut soles: ' Amici mei viderint.' Opto
equidem amicos tibi tarn fideles, tam eruditos,
tam laboriosos, ut tantum curae intentionisque
suscipere et possint et velint, sed dispice, ne sit
parum providum sperare c'x aliis, quod tibi ipse
BOOK II. ix.-x
admirers, and dependents, it is but showing yourself
a well-wisher to Sextus in this affair, and numbers
will be ready to second your inclinations. Farewell.
X
To OCTAVIUS
You are certainly a most enduring, or rather, hard-
hearted, I had almost said, a most cruel man thus to
withhold from the world such excellent compositions !
How long do you intend to grudge your friends the
pleasure of your verses, and yourself the glory of
them ? Suffer them, I entreat you, to come abroad,
and to be admired ; as admired they undoubtedly
will be wherever the Ro)n;in language is understood.
The public, believe me, has long and earnestly
expected them, and you ought not to disappoint or
put it off any longer. Some few poems of yours have
already, contrary to your inclinations indeed, broke
their prison and escaped to light : these if you do
not collect together, some person or other will claim
the agreeable wanderers as their OAvn. Remember,
my friend, the mortality of human nature, and that
thei'e is nothing so likely to preserve your name, as
a monument of this kind ; all others are as frail and
perishable as the men whose memory they perpetuate
and fall and pass like them.
You will say, I suppose, as usual, " let my friends
see to that." May you find many whose industry,
fidelity and learning render them able and willing
to undertake so considerable a charge I But surely
it is not altogether prudent to expect from others
what you will not do for yourself. However, as to
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
non praestes. Et de editione quidem interim, ut
voles, recita saltern, quo magis libeat emittere,
utque tandem percipias gaudiiim, quod ego olim
pro te non temere praesumo. Imaginor enim,
qui concursus, quae admiratio te, qui clamor, quod
etiam silentium maneat ; quo ego, cum dico vel
recito, non minus quam clamore delector, sit modo
silentium acre et intentum et eupidum ulteriora
audiendi. Hoc fructu tanto, tam parato desine
studia tua infinita ista cunctatione fraudare ; quae
cum modum excedit, verendum est, ne inertiae et
desidiae vel etiam timiditatis nomen accipiat. Vale.
XI
C. Plinius Arriano Sl'O S.
SoLET esse gaudio tibi, si (juid actum est in senatu
dignum ordine illo. Quamvis enim quietis amove
secesseris, insidet tamen animo tuo maiestatis pu-
blicae cura. Accipe ergo, quod per hos dies actum
^st personae claritate famosum, severitate exempli
salubre, rei magnitudine aeternum.
Marias Priscus accusantibus Afris, quil)US pro
" i.e. by an action for restitution of moneys extorted by a
provincial governor. Fearing disclosures atthetiial, Priscus
virtually pleaded guilty to "extortion" by asking to have
the case referred at once to a board of commissioners {recijj-
BOOK II. x.-xi
publishing of them, have your own way for the
present. But let me at least prevail with you to
recite them, that you may be more disposed to send
them abroad ; and may receive at last that satisfaction,
which I will venture, upon very just grounds, to
assure you of beforehand. I ])lease myself with
imagining the crowd, the admiration, the applause,
and even tlie silence that will attend you : for the
silence of my audience, when it proceeds from
attention and an earnest desire of hearing moi-e, is
as agreeable to me as the loudest approbation. Do
not then, by this interminable delay defraud your
labours any longer of a fruit so certain and so
desirable : if you should, the world, I fear, will be
apt to charge you with carelessness and indolence,
or, even, with timidity. Farewell.
XI
To Arrianus
You ever find satisfaction in any thing that is
transacted in the Senate, worthy of that august
assembly : for though love of re})ose has called you
into retirement, your heart still retains its zeal for the
honour of the public. Accept then the following-
account of what lately passed in that venerable body ;
a transaction for ever memorable by its importance,
and not only remarkable by tiie quality of the person
concerned, but useful by the severity of the example.
Marius Priscus, formerly Proconsul of Africa,
being impeached '^ by that Province, instead of
eratores) who would merely assess the amount of mone^' he
must icfuud.
123
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
consule praefuit, omissa defensione iudices petiit.
Ego et Cornelius Tacitus adesse provincialil)us iussi
existimavimus fidei nostrae convenire notum senatui
facere excessisse Priscum immanitate et saevitia
crimiiia, quibus dari iudices possciit, cum ob inno-
centes coridemnandos, interficiendos etiani, pecunias
accepisset. Respondit Fronto Catius dej^recatusque
est, ne quid ultra repetundarum legem quaereretur,
omniaque actionis suae vela vir movendarum la-
crimarum peritissimus quodam velut vento mise-
rationis implevit. Magna contentio, magni utrim-
que clamores \aliis Gognitionem senatus lege con-
clusam, aliis liberam solutamquc dicentibusJ quan-
tumque admisisset reus, tantum vindicandum. No-
vissime consul designatus lulius Ferox, vir rectus
et sanctus, Mario quidem iudices interim censuit
dandos, evocandos autem, quibus diceretur inno-
centium poenas vendidisse. Quae sententia non prae-
valuit mode, sed omnino post tantas dissensiones
fuit sola frequens, adnotatumque experinientis,.
quod favor et misericordia acres et vehementes
primos impetus habent, paulatim consilio et ra-
i^ tione quasi restincta considunt. Unde evenit, ut,
quod multi clamore permixto tuentur, nemo ta-
centibus ceteris dicere velit ; patescit enim, cum
124
BOOK II. xi
defending the suit, petitioned that his case might
be referred to a special commission. CorneUus
Tacitus and myself, being assigned by the Senate
counsel for that province, thought it our duty to
inform the House, that the crimes alleged against
Priscus were of too atrocious a nature to fall within
the cognizance of a commission ; for he was charged
with accepting bribes to condemn, and even to
execute, innocent persons. Fronto Catius replied on
his behalf, and moved that the whole inquiry might
be confined to the single article of extortion ; a master
of j)a:ihetic eloquence, he raised as it were a gale of
compassion to swell the sails of his discourse. The
debates grew warm, and the members were much
divided in their sentiments. Some declared that the
Senate could not legally take further cognizance of
the matter ; others, that the House was at liberty to
proceed upon it^:aiid that punishment of the culprit
ought to 1)6 mkde fully equivalent to his guilt. At
last Julius Ferox, the consul-elect, a man of great
worth and integrity, proposed that a commission
should be granted to Marius provisionally and that
those persons should be summoned to whom it
was alleged he had sold innocent blood. Not only
the majority of the Senate gave into this opinion ;
but, after all the dissension that had been raised, it
was the only one numerously supported. From
whence one could not but observe that sentiments
of compassion, though they at first operate with great
violence, gradually subside under the quenching in-
fluence of reason and judgement: thus it happens,
that numbers will defend by joining in the general
cry, what they would never pi-opose by themselves.
The truth is, there is no discerning an object in a
I2S
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
separaris a turba, contemplatio reruirij quae turba
tegiintur.
Veneriint, qui adesse erant iussi, Vitellius Ho-
noratus et Flavius Marcianus ; ex quibus Ho-
noratus trecentis milibus exilium equitis Romani
septenique aniicorum eius ultimam poenam, Mar-
cianus unius equitis Romani septingentis milibus
plura supplicia arguebatur emisse ; erat enim fusti-
bus caesus, damnatus in metallum, strangulatus in
carcere. Sed Honoratum cognitioni senatus mors
opportuna subtraxit^ Marcianus inductus est ab-
sente Prisco. Itaque Tuccius Cerealis( consularis
( iure senatorio postulavit^ ut Priscus cerfior fieret,
sive quia miserabiliorem, sive quia invidiosiorem
fore arbitrabatur^ si praesens fuisset, sive^ quod
maxime credo, quia aequissimum — erat commune
crimen ab utroque defendi et, si diiui non potuisset,
in utroque puniri.
Dilata res est in proximum senatum ; cuius ijise
conspectus augustissimus fuit. Princeps praesidebat
(erat enim consul), ad hoc lanuarius mensis cum
cetera tum praecipue senatorum frequentia _^ cele-
berrimus ; praeterea causae amplitudo auctaque
"dilatione exspectatio et fama insitumque mortali-
" Trajan ; see x. 3a. The trial took place 100 a. d.
* In this month the several magistrates entered upon their
several offices.
126 ^
0ri.l
BOOK II. xi
crowd ; one must take it aside if one would view it
in its true light.
Vitellius Honoratus, and Flavius Marcianiis, tlie
persons who were ordered to be summoned, were
brought before the house. Honoratus was charged
with having given three hundred thousand sesterces
to procure a sentence of banishment against a Roman
kniglit^ as also the capital conviction of seven of his
friends. Against Marcianus it was alleged, that he
gave seven hundred thousand, that another Roman
knight might be condemned to suffer various tortures ;
and the unhappy man was first whipped, afterwards
sent to work in the mines, and at last strangled in
prison. But death opportunely removed Honoratus
from the jurisdiction of the Senate. Marcianus
however appeared, but without Priscus. Tucciu^
Cerealis, therefore, who had been formerly Consul,)
demanded, agreeably to his privilege as a senator^
that notice to attend should be served upon Priscus j
either because he thought the latter would excite
more compassion, or perhaps more resentment, by
appearing ; or because, as I am inclined to believe,
he thought it most equitable, as the charge was
against them both, that they should both join in the
defence, and be acquitted or condermied together.
The affair was adjourned to the next meeting of
the Senate, which presented a most solemn spectacle.
The Emperor '=' himself (for he was Consul) presided.
It happened likewise to be the month of January ^
when town is very full upon many accounts, and
jiarticularly owing to the great numbers of senators
which that season always brings together ; moreover
the importance of the cause, the bruit and expectation
that had been made by the several adjournments,
127
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
bus studium magna et inusitata noscendi omnes
undique exciverat. Imaginare^ quae sollicitudo
nobis, qui metus, quibus super tanta re in
illo coetu praesente Caesare dicendum erat.
Equidem in senatu non semel egi, quin immo
nusfjuam audiri benignius soleo ; tunc nie tamen ut
nova omnia novo metu permovebant. Obversabatur
praeter ilia, quae supra dixi, causae difficultas ;
stabat niodo consularis, modo septemvir ejjuloimm,
iam neutrum. Erat igitur perquam onerosum ac-
cusare damnatum, quem ut premebat atrocitas eri-
minis, ita quasi peractae damnationis miseratio
tuebatur.
Utcumque tamen animum cogitationemque col-
legia coepi dicere non rninore audientium adsensu
quam sollicitudine mea. Dixi horis paene quinque ;
nam XII clepsydris, quas spatiosissimas acceperam,
sunt additae quattuor. Adeo ilia ipsa, quae dura et
adversa dicturo videbantur, secunda dicenti fuerunt.
Caesar quidem mihi tantum studium, tantam etiam
curam (nimium est enim dicere sollicitudinem)
praestitit, ut libertum meum post me stantem
" Established 196 B.C. to take charge of the public ban-
quets (epulae) given at certain religious festivals. The
original three members of this college were increased to
seven, hence the title septemviri, which was retained after
Julius Caesar had extended the number to ten.
' Forfeited by his being already convicted of " extortion."
<= The clepsydra was a contrivance resembling an hour-
glass, but containing water instead of sand. Tliose used in
the law-courts measured a quarter of an hour each, normally ;
128
BOOK II. xi
together with that disposition in mankind to acquaint
themselves with every thing great and uncommon,
drew people together from all parts. Image to
yourself the concern and anxiety we, who were to
speak on so grave a ciiarge before such an awful
assembly, and in the presence of the prince, must
feel. I have often pleaded in the Senate ; as indeed
there is no place where I am more favourably heard ;
yet, as if the scene had been entirely new to me,
I now found myself under novel apprehensions.
Besides the circumstances I have just mentioned,
the difficult nature of the case was present to my
mind ; a man, once of consular dignity, and a member
"of the sacred college of Ejmlones,« now stood
before me strip{)ed of both those honours.* It was
an onerous task, I thought, to accuse one already
found guilty ; one who lying as he did under the most
shocking imputations was yet as it were shielded by
sentiments of compassion towards a convicted person.
However, I collected my wits as best I could ; I
began my speech, and the applause I received was
equal to' the fears I had suffered ; I spoke almost
five hours successively (for four clepsydrae" were
allowed me in addition to the twelve of the largest
scale which had been granted me beforehand) ; and
what at my first setting out had most contributed to
raise my apprehensions, proved in the event greatly
to my advantage. The kindness, the care of the
Emperor (I dare not say his anxiety) were so great
towards me, that he frequently spoke to one of my
hut spat iofiisswiae here implies that they could be adjusted so
as to run more slowly. A general time-limit for the speeches
of counsel was already established in Cicero's day ; in Pliny's
time it seems to have been fixed by special arrangement in
each particular case.
129
VOL. I. K
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
saepius admoneret, voci laterique consulerem, cum
me vehementius putaret intendi, quam gracilitaa,
mea perpeti posset. Respondit mihi pro Marciano
Claudius Marcellinus. Missus deinde senatus et
revocatus in posterum ; neque enim iam inchoari
poterat actio,, nisi ut noctis interventu scinderetur.
Postero~3ie dixit pro Mario Salvius Liberalis, vir
subtilis, dispositus, acer, disertus; in ilia vero causa
omnes artes suas protulit. Respondit Cornelius
Tacitus eloquentissime et, quod eximium orationi
eius inest, o-e/jivws. Dixit pro Mario rursus Fronto
Catius insigniter, utque iam locus ille poscebat, plus
in precibus temporis quam in defensione consumpsit.
Huius actionem vespera inclusit, non tamen sic,
ut abrumperet. Itaque in tertium diem probationes
exiernnt.
Iam hoc ipsum pulchrum et antiquum, sena-
tum nocte dirimi, triduo vocari, triduo con-
tineri. Cornutus Tertullus, consul designatus, vir
egregius et pro veritate firmissimus, censuit septin-
genta milia, quae acceperat Marius, aerario inferenda,
Mario urbe Italiaque interdicendum, Marciano hoc
amplius Africa. In fine sententiae adiecit, quod ego
et Tacitus iniuncta advocatione diligenter fortiterque
functi essemus, arbitrari senatum ita nos fecisse, ut
dignum mandatis partibus fuerit. Adsenserunt con-
sules designati, omnes etiam consulares usque ad
Pompeium Collegam ; ille et septingenta milia
" Probationes was the technical term for the third divi.sion
of an advocate's speech, in which he submitted "proofs" to
the jury.
130
BOOK II. xi
freedmen, who stood behind me, to desire me to
spare my voice and breath ; imagining I should exert
myself beyond what my meagre^ frame would bear.
Claudius Marcellinus replied m behalf of Marcianus.
After which the assembly broke up tiU the next day ;
for had anqther^p_g£ch been begun, it' would have
been cut inTwo by nightfall.
The next day Salvius Liberalis, a very acute^
methodical, spirited, and eloquent orator, spoke in de-
fence of Priscus : and he exerted all his talents upon
this occasion. Cornelius Tacitus replied to him with
great eloquence, and that stateliness wliich distin-
guishes all his speeches. "Fronto Catius arose up a
second time for Priscus, and, in a very fine speech,
endeavoured, as indeed that stage of the case
required, rather to soften the judges, than defend
his client. Evening suspended, but without breaking
off, his oration ; accordingly, the division concerned
with proofs^ extended itself to the third day.
It was something very noble, and in the manner
of ancient Rome, to see the Senate, adjourned only
by the night, thus assemble for three days together.
The excellent Cornutus Tertullus, Consul-elect, ever
firm in the cause of truth, moved that Marius should
pay into the treasury the 700,000 sesterces he had
received, and be banished Italy in perpetuity. He
was for giving Mai'cianus the severer sentence of
banishment from Africa also. He concluded with
moving that Tacitus and I having faithfully and
diligently discharged the parts assigned to us, the
Senate resolved we had executed our trust to
their satisfaction. The consuls-elect, and those who
had already enjoyed that office, agreed with the
motion of Cornutus, till Pompeius CoUega's turn
K 2
THE LEITERS OF PLINY
aerario inferenda et Marcianum in quinquennium
relegandum, Marium repetundarum poenae, quam
lam passus esset, censuit relinquendum. Erant in
utraque sententia multi, fortasse etiani plures in hac
vel solutiore vel nioUiore. Nam quidam ex illis
quoque, qui Cornuto videbantur adsensi^ hunc^ qui
post ipsos censuerat, sequebantur. Sed, cum fieret
discessio, qui sellis consulum adstitei'ant, in Cornuti
^Tgntentiani ire coeperunt. Tum illi, qui se Collegae
adnumerari patiebantur, in div'ersum transierunt,
Collega cum paucis relictus. Multum postea de im-
pulsoribus suis, praecipue de Regulo questus est,
qui se in sententia, quam ipse dictaverat, deseruisset.
Est alioqui Regulo tarn mobile ingenium, ut pluri-
mum audeat, plurimum timeat.
Hie finis cognitionis amplissimae. Superest tamen
XiTovpyLov^ non leve, Hostilius Firminus, legatus
" Mari Prisci, qui permixtus causae graviter vehe-
menterque vexatus est. Nam et rationibus Marciani
et sermone, quern ille habuerat in ordine Leptitano-
vum, operam suam Priscoad turpissimum ministerium
cgmmodasse stipulatusque de Marciano quinquaginta
milia denariorr.m pvobabatur, ipse praeterea accepisse
sestertia decern milia foedissimo quidem titulo, no-
1 AITOTPnON F, AinOTPTION M V, Xeirovpyiov Da- vulg.
KiToupyiov, Merrill, icho exjAahvi the ivord as meaning "a
small (AJTos) ^jj'ece of busint%.i growinr/ out of a larger one."
" "On ordering the final division, the presiding consul
stated one of the proposals . . . and bade those who favoured
it to seat themselves on a specified side of the house, and
those who favoured any different proposition on the other
side." (Merrill.)
132
BOOK II. xi
came : he proposed that Marius should pay the seven
hundred thousand sesterces into the treasury, but
suffer no other punishment than what had been
ah-eady inflicted upon him for extortion : as for
Marcianus, he was for having him banished for five
years only. There was a large party for both
opinions, and perhaps the majority secretly inclined
to the more lax, or more lenient sentence ; for many
of those who appeared at first to agree with Cornutus^
went over to Collega, who had given his opinion after
they gave theirs. But upon a division of the house, all
those who stood near the consuls' chairs went over
to the side of Cornutus.*^ Thereupon, those who
were allowing themselves to be reckoned with
Collega, crossed over to the opposite side, leaving
him almost unsupported. He afterwards complained
extremely of those who had urged him to this vote,
particularly Regulus, whom he upbraided for aban-
doning him on a motion which he himself had
formulated. There is, indeed, such an inconsistency
in the general character of Regulus, that he is at
once both bold and timorous to excess.
Thus ended this important trial ; but there remains
a considerable appendix to the business still behind.
It is concernmg^Tlostilius Firminus, lieutenant to
Marius Priscus, who is strongly charged with being
an accomplice with him : for it appeared by the
accounts of Marcianus, and by a speech which he
made in the municipal council at^.Lej)tis, that he
was accessory to the wicked administration of Priscus;
that he had bargained for fifty thousand denarii from
Marcianus ; and that he received an additional ten
thousand sesterces himself, and that, moreover, under
a most disgraceful item in the account, for they were
133
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
mine ujiguentajiijj^ qui titulus a vita hominis compti
s€mper et pumicati non abliorrebat. Placuit cen-
sente Cormito refcrri de eo proximo senatu ; tunc
eninij casu incertum an conscientia, afuerat.
Habes res urbanas ; invicem rusticas scribe. Quid
arbusculae tuae, quid vineae, quid segetes agunt,
quid oves delicatissimae ? In summa, nisi aeque
longam epistulam reddes, non est, quod postea nisi
brevissimam exspectes. Vale.
XII
C. Plinius Arriano Suo S.
AiTovpyLov illud, quod superesse Mavi Prisci cau-
sae proxime scripseram, nescio an satis, circumcisum
tamen et adrasuni est. Firminus inductus in senatum
respondit crimini noto. Secutae sunt diversae
sententiae consulum designatorum ; Cornutus Ter-
tullus censuit ordine movendum, Acutius Nerva in
sortitione provinciae rationem eius non habendani.
Quae sententia tamquam mitior vicit, cum sit alioqui
durior tristiorque. Quid enim miserius quam
" Ungnentarium (sc. argenfnm), lit. "ointment money,"
was a euphemistic term for a gratuity. (Merrill.)
'34
BOOK II. xi.-xii
put down as toilet-money. "■ An entry quite in keeping
with his foppish and effeminate personal habits! It
was a^eed, at the mCitiSri t)"f Comutus, to proceed
against him, at the next meeting of the senate : for,
either by accident or conscious guilt, he was at this
time absent.
Thus have I given you an account of what is doing
in town. Let me know in return, the news of the
country ; how your groves and your vineyards, your
corn and your choice breed of sheep flourish ? In
fine, if you do not return me a letter as long as this,
you need not expect to receive from me for the future
any but the briefest. Farewell.
XII
To THE Same
That apjyendix to the case of Priscus, which I
mentioned to you in my former letter, is at last
polished off'' — after a fashion. Firminus being
brought before the Senate, made such a sort of
defence as a man generally does who is conscious
of detected guilt. The consuls-elect thereupon
pronounced divergent opinions. Cornutus Tertullus
moved he should be expelled the Senate ; Acutius
Nerva, that he should be left out from the allotment
of provinces to past consuls ; and this, as it had the
appearance of a milder sentence, prevailed, though
in truth it was the sterner and more severe. For
can any situation be more wretched, than to be cut
' Apparently a metaphor borrowed from the "finishing"
of a statue by chiselling and filing.
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
exectum et exeniptum honoribus senatoriis labore et
molestia non carere ? quid gravius quam tanta
ignominla adfectiiin non in solitudine latere, sed in
hac altissima specula conspiciendum se monstraiidum-
que praebere ? praeterea quid publice minus aut
congruens aut decorum quam ^ notatum a senatu in
senatu sedere ipsisque illis, a quibus sit notatus,
aequari^summotuma proconsulatu, quia se in legatione
turpiter gesserat, de proconsulibus iudicare damna-
tumque sordium vel damnare alios vel absolvere ?
Sed hoc pluribus visum est. Numerantur enim
sententiae, non ponderantur ; nee aliud in publico
consilio potest fieri, in quo nihil est tarn inaequale
quam aequalitas ipsa. Nam, cum sit impar prudentia,
par omnium ius est.
Implevi promissum priorisque epistulae fidem
exsolvi, quam ex spatio temporis iam recepisse te
colligo ; nam et festinanti et diligenti tabellario
dedi ; nisi quid impedimenti in via passus est.
Tuae nunc partes, ut primum illam, deinde
banc remunereris litteris, quales istinc redire uber-
li rimae possunt. Vale.
^ quam add. Sichard. / / .
(y^'
BOOK II. xii
off from senatorial honours^ without exemption from
the laborious duties of a senator ? What can be
harder to bear than, after having received such an
ignominy, not to lie hid in solitude, but to be
exposed in so lofty a station to the view of the
world ? Besides, to consider this with respect to
the public, what can be more unbecoming the
majesty of the Senate, than to suffer a person to
retain a seat in the House, after having been publicly
censured by it? What can be more indecent than
for the censured to be ranked with his censors ?
for a man excluded the Proconsulship, because he
behaved infamously as a lieutenant, to sit in judge-
ment upon Proconsuls ? for one proved guilty of the
most sordid avarice, to condemn or acquit others of
the like? But this was what seemed good to the
majority. Votes go by number, not weight ; nor can
it be otherwise in assemblies of this kind, where
nothing is more unequal than that equality which
prevails in them ; for though every member has the
same right of suffrage, every member has not the
same strength of judgement to direct it.
I have thus discharged the promise I gave you in
my last letter, which by my reckoning of the time
elapsed (unless any accident has befallen the post-
runner to whom I gave it) should now have reached
your hands ; for he is a diligent fellow, and besides
was in a hurry. I hope you will now, on your part,
make me as full a return for this and my former as
the scep.e you are in will permit. Farewell.
137
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XIII
C. Plinius Puisco Suo S.
Et tu occasiones obligandi me avidissime amplec-
teriSj et ego nemini libentius debeo. Duabus ergo
de causis a te potissimum petere constituij quod
impetratum maxime cupio. Regis exercitum am-
plissimum ; hine tibi beneficiorum larga materia,
loiigum praeterea tempus, quo amicos tuos exornare
potuisti. Convertere ad nostros nee hos multos.
Malles tu quidem multos, sed meae verecundiae
sufficit unus aut alter ac potius unus. Is erit Voco-
nius Romanus.
Pater ei in equestri gradu clarus, clarior
vitricus, immo pater alius (nam huic quoque
nomini pietate successit), mater e primis. Ipse
eiterioris Hisj^aniae (scis, quod iudicium provinciae
illius, quanta sit gravitas) flamen proxime fuit. Hunc
ego, cum simul studeremus, arte familiariterque
dilexi ; ille meus in urbe, ille in secessu contuber-
nalis, cum hoc seria, cum hoc iocos miscui. Quid
" It is possible that the Priscus here addressed was L.
Neratius Priscus, praetorian legate of Pannonia 9S or 99 a.d.
* i.e., priest of the Temple of "Rome and Augustus" at
Tarraco. This j?aj?<on was elected annually by the cities of
the province.
BOOK II. xiii
XIII
To Priscus
As I know you gladly embrace every opportunity
of obliging me, so there is no man to whom I had
rather lay myself under an obligation. Thus I am
(loubly prom))ted to apply to you, pi-eferably to any
"body else, for a favour which I am extremely
desirous of obtaining. You who are at the head of
a very considerable army " have many opportunities
of bestowing kindnesses ; and the length of time
you have enjoyed that post, must have enabled you to
advance all your own friends. I hope you will noAv
turn your eyes upon some of mine : they are but one
or two indeed, for whom I shall solicit you ; a man
of your disposition, I knov/, would be better pleased
if the number were greater. But I am too modest
to trouble you with recommending more than one
or two ; at present I will only mention Voconius
Romanus.
His father was of great distinction among the
Roman knights ; and his step-father, or as I might
more properly call hirir,~his second father (for his
affectionate treatment of Voconius entitles him to
that appellation) was still more conspicuous. His
mother belonged to one of the most considerable
families. He himself was lately Flamen ^ of Hither
Spain : you know what character the people of
that province bear, and how remarkable they are for
the strictness of their manners. Our friendship
began with our studies, and we were early united
in the closest intimacy. We lived together in town
and country ; he shared with me my most serious
139
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
enim illo aut fidelius amico aut sodale iucundius ?
Mira in sermone, mira etiam in ore ipso viiltuque
suavitas. Ad hoc ingenium excelsum, subtile, dulce,
facile, eruditum in causis agendis ; epistulas quidem
^ scribit, ut Musas ipsas Latine loqui credas. Amatur
a me plurimum nee tamen vincitur. Equidem iuve-
nis statim iuveni, quantum potui per aetatem^ avi-
dissime contuli et nuper ab optimo principe trium
liberorum ei ius impetravi. Quod quamquam parce
et cum delectu daret, mihi tamen, tamquam eligeret,!
indulsit. Haec beneficia mea tueri nullo modo
melius, quam ut augeam, possum, praesertim cum
ipse ilia tam grate interpretetur, ut, dum priora ac-
cipit, posteriora mereatur.
Habes, qualis, quam probatus carusque sit
nobis ; quem rogo pro ingenio, pro fortuna tua
exornes. In primis ama hominem ; nam, licet
tribuas ei, quantum amplissimum potes, nihil
tamen amplius potes amicitia tua ; cuius esse eum
usque ad intimam familiaritatem capacem quo
^ eligeret Rirc. Fa, K, liceret M V.
11 " Augustus, with a view to counteracting the tendency to
'! race suicide, had granted certain exemptions and privileges
j to fathers of three legitimate children. But the uis trium
I liberorum became later an artificial privilege which the
! Emperor could confer at his pleasure on childless citizens ;
thus Pliny himself received it from Trajan (x. 2) and
requested it for Suetonius (x. 9i}.
140
BOOK II. xiii
and my gayest hours : and where, indeed, cuiild
I have found a more faithful friend, or more agree-
able companion ? In his conversation, and even in
his very voice and countenance, there is an extraor-
dinary sweetness ; to this advantage he joins an
elevated, penetrating, facile, and charming mind,
deeply versed in legal practice. His letters are
such, that were you to read them, you would
imagine the Muses themselves talk Latin. I love
him with more than common affection, yet not
exceeding his for me. For my part, from our boyish
days I warmly embraced every opportunity of doing
him all the good offices which then lay in my power ;
as I have lately obtained for him of our excellent
Emperorthe privilege granted to those who have thiee
children : ^'^ favour which though Caesar bestows
sparingly and with discrimination, yet he conferred,
at my request, in such a manner as to give it the air
of being his own choice. My best way of main-
taining tiie obligation he has already incurred to me,
is by adding more to them, especially as he always
accei)ts my good offices with so much gratitude as to
merit farther.
Thus I have given you a faithful account of
Romanus, and informed you how thoroughly I have
experienced 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, admit him into a share of 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 highest
141
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
magis scires, breviter tibi studia, mores, omnem
denique vitam eiiis expressi. Extenderem preces,
nisi et tu rogari diu iiolles, et ego tola lioc epistula
fecissein ; rogat enim et quidern efficacissime, qui
reddit causas rogandi. Vale.
XIV
C. Plinius Maximo Suo S.
Verum opinaris ; distringor centumviralibus causis
quae me exercent magis qiiam delectant. Sunt
enim pleraeque parvae et exiles ; raro incidit vel
personarum claa'itate vel negotiimagnitudine insignis.
Ad hoc perpauci, cum quibus iuvet dicere, ceteri
audaces atque etiam magna ex parte adulescentuli
obscuri ad declamandum hue transeunt tarn irreve-
renter et temere, ut mihi Atilius noster expresse
dixisse vidcatur sic in foro pueros a centumviralibus
causis auspicari ut ab Homero in scholis. Nam hie
quoque ut illic primum coepit esse, quod maximum
est. At hercule ante memoriam meam (ita maiores
natu Solent dicere) ne nobilissimis quidem adulescen-
tibus locus erat nisi aliquo consular! producente ;
142
BOOK II. xiii.-xiv
degree of intimacy, I liave sent you this short sketcli
of his tastes, his manners, in fine, his whole character.
(I should continue my intercessions in his behalf, but
that I am sure you do not love long appeals, and I
have uttered one in eveiy line of this letter : for to
show good cause for a request, is to make it, and
that in the most effectual way. Farewell.
XIV
To Maxim us
You guessed right : I am engrossed in plead-
ing before the Centumviri, a business which brings
me more of fatigue than pleasure. The causes are
generally trivial and jejune, and it is very seldom
that any thing considerable, either from the impor-
tance of the question, or the rank of the persons
concerned, comes before them. There is this
farther disagreeable circumstance attending it, that
there are very few counsel who frequent this court,
with whom I can take any sort of satisfaction in
appearing. The rest are a parcel of impudent
fellows, and the majority actually obscure young
men, who migrate hither from the schools, to
practise declaiming, with so much irreverence and
impropriety, that my friend Atilius with great just-
ness observed, " our boys set out at the bar with
Centumviral causes, as they do at school with
Homer," intimating, that in both places they begin
at the top of the ladder. But " before I can remem-
ber " (to use an old man's phrase) it was not
admissible for the youth, even of the best families,
to appear as counsel, unless introduced by some
143
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
tanta veneratione pulcherrimum opus colebatur.
Nunc refractis pudoris et reverentiae claustris omnia
patent omnibus, nee inducuntur, sed irrumpunt.
Sequuntur auditores actoribus similes, conducti et
redempt) ; ^ nianceps convenitur; in media basilica
tam palam sportulae, quam in triclinio dantur. Ex
iudicio in iudicium pari mercede transitur, Inde
iam non inurbane So^okXcis vocantur a-rro toS o-o<^a)s
Koi KaXeiaOaL ; isdem Latinum nomen impositum est
' Laudiceni.' Et tamen crescit in dies foeditas utraque
lingua notata. Heri duo nomenclatores mei (habent
sane aetatem eorum, qui nuper togas sumpserint)
ternis denariis ad laudandum trahebantur. Tanti
constat, ut sis disertissimus. Hoc~pretio quamlibet
numerosa subsellia implentur, hoc ingens corona
coUigitur, hoc infiniti clamores commoventur, cum
ixeaoxopos dedit signum. Opus est enim signo apud
non intellegentes, ne audientes quidem ; nam
plerique non audiunt, nee ulli magis laudant. Si
1 conilucti et redempti ; manceps convenitur ; in media A'
ex M V D, condncti et redempti mancipes. convenitur a
cond. et red. pro, manceps conv. a conductis et red. F {om.
nianceps) Otto, Miiller.
" i.e. of money, which replaced the dole of food anciently
given by a patron to his clients. Here the fee paid in
advance to these professional claqueurs by the agents (man-
ceps) who employ them.
* Lit. "from the words ' Bravo!' and 'to call.'" The
second pun (on Laodiceans, fiom laus, "praise" and cena,
" supper,") is the less execrable of the two.
144
BOOK II. xiv
person of Consular dignity : so much respect did our
ancestors bear to this noble profession. But now, since
every restraint of modesty and reverence is broken
down, and all distinctions levelled and confounded,
the youth of our day are so far from waiting to be
introduced, that they rudely rush in uninvited.
The audience that follow them are fit for such
performers, a low rout of hired mercenaries ; they
keep their appointment with the contractor ; in the
middle of the court-house 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 !
Hence this sort of people are dubbed in Greek,
wittily enough, Sophocleses, importing that they are
applauders by profession,* and we call them in
Latin table-Jlalterers ; yet the meanness stigmatized
in both languages increases every day. It was but
yesterday two of my remembrancers," who are only
just old enough to wear the toga, were hired to
applaud at the price of three d^riarii apiece ; so
cheaply may you buy the title of Most Eloquent !
Upon these terms, we fill any number of benches
and gather a huge circle ; and thus it is those
unmerciful shouts are raised, when the chorus-
conductor gives the word. For you must know,
these honest fellows, who understand nothing of
what is said, and cannot even hear it, would be at
a loss, without a signal, how to time their applause ;
for most of them do not hear a sj'llable, and these
are as clamorous as any of the rest. If at any time
* Romans of quality kept one or more slaves, called
nomenclatores, M'hose business it was to know every one by
sight, and prompt their master with tiie names of those who
called on him, or saluted him abroad.
VOL. I. L
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
quando transibis per basilicam et voles scire, quo
modo quisque dicat, nihil est, quod tribunal
ascendas, nihil, quod praebeas aurem ; facilis divi-
natio; scito eum pessime dicere, qui laudabitur
maxime.
Primus hunc audiendi morem induxit Larcius'
Licinus, hactenus tamen, ut auditores corrogaret.
Ita certe ex Quintiliano, praeceptore meo, audisse
memini. Narrabat ille : ' Adsectabar Domitium
Afrum, Cum apud centumviros diceret graviter et
lente (hoc enim illi actionis genus erat), audiit
ex proximo immodicnm insolitumque clamorem.
Admiratus reticuit. Ubi silentium factum est,
repetiit, quod abruperat. Iterum clamor, iterum
reticuit, et post silentium coepit idem tertio. Novis-
sime, quis diceret, quaesivit. Responsum est, " Lici-
nus." Turn intermissa causa, " Centumviri," inqjiit,
" hoc artificium periit." ' Quod alioqui perire incipie-
bat, cum perisse Afro videretui*, nunc vero prope
funditus exstinctum et eversum est. Pudet referre,
quae quam fracta pronuntiatione dicantur, quibus,
quam teneris ^ clamoribus excipiantur. Plausus tan-
tum ac potius sola cymbala et tympana illis canticis
desunt ; ululatus quidem (neque enim alio vocabulo
potest exprimi theatris quoque indecora laudatio)
large supersunt. Nos tamen adhuc et utilitas
amicorum et ratio aetatis moratur ac retinet ; vere-
' Larcius Rice. Fa, K, Largius M VD i^r.
2 teneris vulg. taetris Momms. K ii, JJiill.
146
BOOK II. xiv
you should happen to pass by the court-house, and
would know the merit of any of our advocates, you
have no occasion to give yourself the trouble of
mounting the bench or of listening to them : here
there is a simple method of divination : take it for
a rule, he that has the loudest commendations is the
worst orator.
Larcius Licinus was the first who gave rise to this
custom ; but then he went no farther than to solicit
an audience : so I remember to have heard my tutor
Quintilian say. He used to relate this anecdote — ■
" I was a follower of Domitius Afer. Pleading one
day before the Centumviral Court, in his wonted
grave and deliberate manner, he heard near by a
most immoderate and unusual noise. Being a good
deal surprised, he left off; when the noise ceased, he
began again ; he was interrupted a second time, and
a third. At last he inquired Vvho it was that was
speaking? He was told, Licinus. Thereupon, aban-
doning the suit, 'Your Honours,' says he, 'it is all
over with this profession.' " The truth is, it was only
beginning to decline, when in Afer's opinion it was
entirely perished : whereas now it is almost utterly
ruined and extinct. I am ashamed to say with what
an unmanly elocution the orators deliver themselves,
and with wliat a squeaking applause they are received ;
nothing seems wanting to comple Jt-^ this sing-song
oratory, but the claps, or rather the cpnbals and tam-
bourines of Cybele's votaries. Howlings (for I can
call by no other term a sort of applause which
would be indecent even in the theatre), we have
enough of and to spare. Hitherto the interest of my
friends, and the consideration of my early time of
life, has retained me in this court : for it would be
147
L 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY •
mur enim, ne forte noii has indigiiitates reliquisse,
sed laborem refugisse videamur. Sumus tamen
solito rariores, quod initiuvn est gradatira desinendi.
Vale.
XV
C. Plinius V'ai.eriano Sue S.
QuoMODo te veteres Marsi tui ? quomodo eraptio
nova ? Placent agri^ postquam tui facti sunt ? Rarura
id quidem ! Nihil enim aeque gratum est adeptis,
quani concupiscentibus. Me praedia materna parum
commode tractant, delectant tamen ut materna^
Jilioqui longa patientia occallui. Habent hunc
finem adsiduae querelae, quod queri pudet. Vale.
XVI
C. Plinius Annio Suo S.
Tu quidem pro cetera tua diligentia admones me
codicillos Aciliani, qui me ex parte instituit heredem,
pro non scriptis habendos, quia non sint confirmati
testamento ; quod ius ne mihi quidem ignotum est^
1/ "A codicil, by the ancient civil law, was a less solemn
J kind of will, in which it was not necessary to observe so
j strictly the ceremonies prescribed by the law for a will. But
^ L^j^ v}'^^' '"-''-^ ■ ^-
BOOK II. xiv.-xvi
thought, I fear, rather an evasion of fatigues than a
relinquishment of these indecencies, were I yet to
leave it : however I come there less frequently than
usual, and am thus preparing a gradual retreat.
Farewell.
XV
To Valerianus
How goes on your old Marsian estate ? and how
do you approve of your new purchase ? Has it as
many beauties in your eye now, as before you bought
it.-* That would be extraordinary indeed ! for an ob-
ject in possession never retains the same charms it
had in pursuit. As for myself, the estate left me by
my mother uses me but ill ; however I value it for
her sake, and am, besides, grown a good deal in-
sensible by a long course of endurance. Thus con-
stant complaints generally end at last in being
ashamed of complaining any more.
XVI
To Annianus
You act agreeably to your usual kind concern for
my interest, when you advise me to look upon the
codicils of Acilianus (who has appointed me one of
"■hrs~'cb-lTeirs) as void, because it is not confirmed by
his will. That the law in this case esteems it invalid,
I well know ; and it is a point to which even those
no legacy given by a codicil was valid, unless confirmed by
the will, which was esteemed i(,3 basis. (Melm.)
149
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
cum sit lis etiam notum, qui nihil aliud sciunt. Sed
ego propriam quaiidam legem milii dixi, ut de-
functorum voluntates, etiamsi iure deficerentj quasi
perfectas tuerer. Constat autem codicillos istos
Aciliani manu scriptos. Licet ergo non sint
confirmati testamento, a me tamen ut confirmati
observabuntur^ praesertim cum delatori locus non sit.
Nam, si verendum esset, ne, quod ego dedissem,
populus eriperet, cunctatior fortasse et cautior esse
deberem ; cum vero liceat heredi donare, quod in
hereditate subsedit, nihil est, quod obstet illi meae
legi, cui publicae leges non repugnant. Vale.
XVII
C. Plinius Gallo Suo S.
MiRARis, cur me T^aurentinum^ vel, si ita mavis,
Laurens meum tantcperc delectet. Desines mirari,
cum cognoveris gratiam villae, opportunitatem loci,
litoris spatium. Decern et se])Lem milibus passu um
ab urbe secessit, ut peractis, quae agenda fuerint,
salvo iam et compositodie possis ibi manere. Aditur
noii una via ; nam et Laurentina et Ostiensis eodem
" i.e. pass to the State treasury, under the laws relating
to intestacy and void bequests.
BOOK II. xvi.-xvii
who are ignorant of every other are usually no
strangers. But I have as it were laid down a special
law for myself, and that is, to carry out the intention
of the dead, though it may not be legally binding,
as if it were formally valid. This codicil, beyond all
manner of doubt, is of Acilianus's own hand-writing ;
therefore though it is not confirmed by his will, I shall
be guided by it as strictly as if it were : especially
as there is no danger that any informer can take ad-
vantage of this mistake. If indeed there was any
hazard, that what I give to the legatees in the
codicil would be forfeited to the use of the public,**
I ought perhaps to act with more caution and de-
liberation ; but as the heir may dispose of what
accrues to him as such, in the manner he thinks
proper ; nothing hinders, since the law of the land
does not, my observing that law which I have laid
down to myself. Farewell.
XVII
To Gallus
You are surprised, it seems, that I am so fond of
my Laurentinum, or (if you like the appellation
better) my Laurens : but you will cease to wonder,
when I acquaint you with the charm of the villa, the
advantages of its situation, and the extensive prospect
of the sea-coast. It is but seventeen miles distant
from Rome ; so that having finished your affairs
in town, you can sj)end the night here after
completing a full workmg-day. There are two
different roads to it ; if you go by that of Lauren-
turn, you must turn off at the fourteenth mile-
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
feruntj sed Laurentiiia a quartodecimo lapide,
Ostiensis ab undcciino relinquenda est. Utrimque
excipit iter aliqua ex parte harenosum iunctis paulo
gravius et longius^ equo breve et molle. Varia hinc
atque inde facies ; nam modo occurrentibus silvis via
coartatur, modo latissimis pratis diffunditur et
patescit ; multi greges ovium, multa ibi equorum
boiniique armenta, quae montibus hieme depulsa,
herbis et tepore verno nitescunt.
Villa usibus capax, non sumptuosa turela. Cuius in
prima parte atrium frugi nee tamen sordidum, deinde
porticus in D litterae similitudine circumactae, quibus
pai'vula sed festiva area includitur. Egregium hae
adversus tempestates reeeptaculum ; nam specularibus
ac multo magis imminentibus tectis muniuntur. Est
contra medias cavaedium hilare^ mox triclinium satis
pulchrum, quod in litus excurrit ac, si quando Africo
mare impulsum est, fractis iam et novissimis fluctibus
leviter adluitur. Undique valvas aut fenestras non
minores valvis habet atque ita a lateribus et a fronte
quasi tria maria prospectat ; a tergo cavaedium,
porticum, aream, porticum rursus, mox atriumj silvas
et longinquos respicit montes.
Huius a laeva I'etractius paulo cubiculum est
(!/' i^t-^'i^^t O^f'^^
BOOK II. xvii
stone ; if by Ostia, at the eleventh. Both of them
are in some parts sandy, which makes it something
heavy and tedious if you travel in a coach, but easy
and pleasant to those who ride. The landscape on
all sides is extremely diversified, the prospect in
some places being confined by woods, in others
extending over broad meadows, where numberless
flocks of sheep and herds of horses and cattle, which
the severity of the winter has drove from the
mountains, fatten in the vernal warmth of this rich
pasturage.
My villa is large enough for my convenience,
without being expensive to maintain. The entrance-
hall is plain, but not mean, through which you enter
into a portico in the form of the Letter D, wliich
includes a small, but agreeable area. This affords
a capital retreat in bad weather, as it is sheltered by
glazed windows, and much more by overhanging
eaves. From the middle of this portico you pass
into an inward hall extremely pleasant, and from
thence into a handsome enough dining-room which
runs out towards the sea ; so that when a south-west
wind drives the sea shoreward, it is gently washed
by the edge of the last breakers. On every side of this
room there are either folding doors or windows equally
large, by which meanl"y5trharvB a view from the front
and the sides, as it were of three different seas ; from
the back part you see the middle court, the portico
and the area ; and by another view you look through
the portico into the atrium, from whence the prospect
is terminated by the woods and mountains which are
seen at a distance.
On the left-hand of this room, something
retired from its fa9ade, lies a lai-ge drawing-room,
153
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
aniplum, deinde aliud minus, quod altera fenestra
admittit orientem, occidentem altera retinet, hac
et subiacens mare longius quidem, sed securius
intuetur. Huius cubiculi ct triclinii illius obiectu
includitur angulus, qui jiurissimum solem continet
ct acccndit. Hoc hibernaculumj hoc etiam gymna-
sium meorum est ; ibi omnes silent venti exceptis
qui nubilum inducunt et serenum, ante quam
usum loci eripiunt. Adnectitur angulo cubiculum
in hapsida cu^vatum, quod ambi turn solis fenestris
omnibus sequitur. Parieti eius in bibliothecae
speciem armarium insertum estj quod non legendos
libroSj sed lectitandos capit. /Adhaeret dormitorium
membrum transitu interiacente, qui suspensus et
tubulatus conceptum vaporem salubri temperamento
hue illucque digerit et ministrat. Reliqua pars
lateris huius servorum libertorumque usibusdetinetur
plerisque tarn mundis, ut accipere hospites possint.
Ex alio latere cubiculum est politissimuni ; deinde
vel cubiculum grande vcl modica cenatio, quae
plurimo sole, plurimo mari lucet ; post hanc cubiculum
cum proicoetone altitudine aestivum, munimentis
hibernum ; est enim subductum omnibus ventis.
154
BOOK II. xvii
and beyond that, a second of a smaller size^ which
has one window to the rising, and another to the
setting .sun : this has likewise a prospect of the sea,
but being at a greater distance, is less incommoded
by it. The angle which the projection of the hall
makes with this drawing-room, retains and increases
the warmth of the sun; this serves as a winter
retreat, and also as a gyiiinasium for my houseliold ;
it is sheltered from all winds except those which are
generally attended with clouds, so that nothing can
render this place useless, but what at the same time
destroys the fair weather. TContiguous to this, is a
room forming the segment of a circle, the windows
of whlcTT are so placed as to receive the sun the
whole day ; in the wall is contrived a cupboard like a
bookcase, Avhich contains a collection of such authors
whose works can never be read too often. From
hence you pass into a bedchamber through a pa&sage,
which having a boarded floor over a stove which runs
underneath, and jiipes in the walls, tempers the heat
which it receives and conveys to the adjacent rooms.
The remainder of this side of the house is appro-
priated to the use of my slaves and freedmen, but
however most of the apartments in it are neat enough
to entertain guests.
In the opposite wing is a very elegant parlour ;
next to which lies another room, which though
large for a parlour, makes but a moderate dining-
room ; it is exceedingly warmed and enlightened
not only by the direct rays of the sun, but by
their reflection from the sea. Beyond this is a
chamber, together with its ante-chamber, the height
of which renders it cool in summer, as its being
sheltered on all sides from the winds makes it warm
155
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Huic cubiculo aliud et procoeton communi pariete
iunguntur. Inde balinei cella frigidaria spatiosa et
eff'usa, cuius in contrariis parietibus duo baptisteria
velut eiecta sinuantur, ahunde capacia, si mare ^ in
proximo cogites. Adiacet unctorium, hypocauston,
adiacet propnigeon balinei mox duae celiac magis
elegantes quam sumptuosae ; cohaeret calida piscina
mirifica, ex qua natantes mare aspiciui/t, nee procul
sphaeristerium, quod calidissimo soli inclinato iani
die occurrit. Hinc turris erigitur, sub qua diaetae
duae, totidem in ipsa, praeterea cenatio, quae la-
tissimum mare, longissimum litus, amoenissimas
villas prospicit. Est et alia turris. In hac cubicu-
lum, in quo sol nascitur conditurque, lata post
apotheca et horreum, sub hoc triclinium, quod
turbati maris non jnisi fragorem et sonumi patitur
eumque iam languidum ac desinentem ; hortum et
gestationem videt, qua hortus includitur.
Gestatio buxo aut rore marino, ubi deficit buxus,
ambitur ; nam buxus, qua parte defenditur tectis,
abunde viret ; aperto caelo apertoque vento et quam-
^ mare MV Dr, K, Merr., sin marc Rice. Fp, si innare a,
si nare Catan., Otto, Miill.
" i.e. there is no need for extra large cold baths, when you
can get your plunge in the sea.
BOOK II. xvii
in winter. To this apartment another of the same
sort is joined by one common walh From tlience
you enter into the grand and spacious coo/ing-room
belonging to the baths, from the opposite walls of
which two basins curve outwards as though the
wall were pressed into half-hoops ; these are fully
large enough, if you consider that the sea is close
by.** Contiguous to this is the anointing room,
the fui'nace adjoining, and boiler-room ; then come
two other little bathing-rooms, which are fitted up
in an elegant rather than costly manner : annexed
to this, is a warm bath of extraordinary workmanship,
wherein one iiiay swim, and have a prospect at the
same time of the sea. Not far from hence stands
the tennis-court, which lies open to the warmth of
the afternoon sun. From thence you ascend a sort
of turret, which contains two entire apartments
below ; there are the same number above, besides
a dining-room which commands a very extensive
prospect of the sea and coast, together with the
beautiful villas that stand upon it. There is a
second turret, containing a room which takes both
the I'ising and setting sun. Behind this is a store-
room and a larder, and underneath a spacious dining-
room where the sea roai'ing in tempest is not felt,
but only heard, and that faintly : it looks upon
the garden and the atlee, which surrounds the
garden.
The allee is encompassed with a box-tree hedge,
and where that is decayed, with rosemary ; for the
box in those parts which are sheltered by the
buildings, preserves its verdure perfectly well : but
where by an open situation it lies exposed to the
winds and to the dashing sea-water, though at a great
157
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
quam longinqua aspergine maris iiiarescit, Adia-
cet gestation! interiore circuitu vinea tenera et
umbrosa nudisque etiam pedibus mollis et cedens.
Hortum morus et ficus frequens vestit, quarum
arboriim ilia vel maxima ferax teiTa est, mali-
gnior ceteris. tLic non deteriore quam maris fa-
cie cenatio remota a mari fruitur, cingitur diaetis
duabus a tergo, quarum fenestris subiacet vestibulum
villae et hortus alius piiiguis et rusticus.
Hinc cryptoporticus prope publici operis extenditur.
Utrimque fenestrae^ a mari plures, ab horto singulae,
et alternis pauciores. Hae, cum serenus dies et im-
motus, omnes, cum hinc vel inde ventus inquietus,
qua venti quiescunt, sine iniuria patent. Ante crypto-
portlcum xystus violis odoratus. Teporem solis infusi
repercussu cry[)toporticus auget, quae at tenet solem
sic aquilonera inhibet summovetque, quantumque
caloris ante tantum retro frigoris. Similiter Africum
sistit atque ita diversissimos ventos alium alio latere,
frangit et finit. Haec iucunditas cius hieme, maicr
aestate. Nam ante meridiem xystum, post meridiem
gestationis hortique proximam partem umbra sua
" Cryptoporticus, a portico walled ou both sides, forming a
corridor.
* Lit. a number on the seaward side, on the side towards
Lhe garden they are placed singly and are fewer by every
other window (than those opposite).
158
BOOK II. xvii
distance, it entirely withers. Between the garden
and this allce runs a shady walk of vines, soft and
yielding to the tread, even when you walk bare-
foot. Tlie garden is thickly planted with fig and
mulberry trees, to which this soil is as favourable
as it is averse to all others. In this place is a
banqueting room, which though it stands remote from
the sea, enjoys however a prospect nothing inferior
to that view : two apartments run round the back
part of it, whose windows look respectively upon the
entrance of the villa, and into a well-stocked kitchen
garden.
From hence a gallery* extends itself, which by
its size you might take for a public one. It
has a range of windows on each side, but on that
which looks towards the sea they are double the
number of those next the garden.* When the
weather is fair and serene, these are all thrown open ;
but if it blows, those on the side the wind sits are
shut, while the others remained unclosed without
any inconvenience. Before this gallery lies a t^i^m^
perfumed with violets, and warmed by the reflection
of the sun from the gallery, which as it retains the
rays, so it keeps oft' the north-east wind ; and it is as
warm on this side, as it is cool on the opposite : in
the same manner it is a defence against tlie south-
west, and thus in short, by means of its several sides,
breaks the force of the winds from what point soever
they blow. These are some of the winter advantages
of this building, which however has still more
considerable in the summer ; for at that season it
throws a shade upon the terrace during all the
forenoon, as it defends the nearest part of the allee
and garden from the afternoon sun, and casts a
159
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
temperat, quae, ut dies crevit decrevitve, modo
brevior, modo longior liac vel iliac cadit. Ipsa vero
cryptoporticus turn maxime caret sole, cum ardentis-
simus culmini eius insistit. Ad lioc patentibus fe-
nestris favonios accipit transmittitque nee unquam
acre pigro et manente ingravescit.
In capite xysti deinceps cryptoporticus, horti
diaeta est, amores mei, revera amores ; ipse posui.
, In hac heliocaminus quidem alia xystum, alia
mare, iitraque solem, cubicnlum autem valvis
cryptoporticum, fenestra prospicit mare. Contra
parietem medium zotheca perquam eleganter recedit,
quae specularibus et velis obductis reductisve modo
adicitur cubiculo, modo aufertur. Lectum et duas
cathedras capit ; a pedibus mare, a tergo villae, a capite
silvae. Tot facies locorum totidem fenestris et
distinguit et miscet. lunctum est cubiculum noctis
et somni. Non illud voces servulorum, non maris
murmur, non tempestatum motus, non fulgurum
lumen ac ne diem quidem sentit nisi fenestris
r
apertis. i Tarn alti abditique secret! ilia ratio, quod in-
teriacens andron parietem cubiculi hortique distinguit
atque ita omnem sonum media inanitate consumit.
" Heliocamirius, "sun-parlour."
1 60
BOOK II. xvii
greater or less shade either way as the day either
increases or decreases ; but the portico itself is then
shadiest when the sun is most scorching, tliat is,
when its rays fall directly upon the roof. To these
advantages I must not forget to add, that by setting
open the windows, the western breezes have a free
draught, and by that means the enclosed air is
prevented from stagnating.
Crowning the terrace, portico, and garden, stands
a detached buildfng, which I call my Javowitc: and
in truth i am extremely fond of it, as I erected it
myself.<' It contains a very warm winter-room," one
side of which looks upon the terrace, the other has
a view of the sea, and both lie exposed to the sun ;
and a chamber looking by folding- doors upon the
enclosed portico and by a window on the sea.
Against the middle wall stands a little elegant
retired closet, which by means of glass doors and
a curtain, is either laid into the adjoining room, or
separated from it. It holds a couch and two chairs.
As you lie upon this couch, from the feet you have
a prospect of the sea ; if you look behind, you see
the neighbouring villas ; and from the head you have
a view of the woods : these three views may be seen
either distinctly from so many different windows in
the room, or blended together in one confused
prospect. Adjoining to this, is a bed-chamber,
which neither the voice of the servants, the murmur
of the sea, nor even the roaring of a tempest can
reach ; not lightning nor the day itself can pene-
trate it, unless you open the windows. This pro-
found tranquillity is occasioned by a passage, which
divides the wall of this chamber from that of the
garden, and thus, by means of that void intervening
t6i
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Applicitum est cubiculo hypocauston perexigiium.
quod angusta fenestra suppositum calorem, ut ratiu
exigitj aut eflTundit aut retinet. Procoeton inde et
eubiculuin porrigitur in solem, quern orientem statim
exceptum ultra meridiem obliquum quidem, sed
tamen servat. In banc ego diaetam cum me recipio,
abesse mibi etiam a villa mea videor magnamque
eius voluptatem praecipue Saturnalibus capio, cum
reliqua pars tecti licentia dierum festisque clamoribus
personat ; nam nee ipse meorum lusibus nee illi
studiis meis obstrepunt.
Haee utilitas, haec amoenitas deficitur aqua sali-
enti, sed puteos ac potius fontes habet ; sunt enim in
summo. Et omnino litoris illius mira natura. Quocun-
que loco moveris humum, obvius et paratus umor
occurrit isque sincerus ac ne leviter quidem tanta
mai-is vicinitate salsus. Suggerunt adfatim ligna pro-
ximae silvae ; ceteras copias Ostiensis colonia mini-
strat. Frugi quidem homini sufficit etiam vicus, querji
una- villa discernit. In hoc balinea meritoria tria,
magna commoditas, si forte balineum domi vel subitus
adventus vel brevior mora calefacere dissuadeat.
Litus ornant varietate gratissima nunc continua
nunc intermissa tecta villarum^ quae praestant mul-
162
BOOK II. xvii
space, every noise is drowned. Annexed, is a small
stove-room, which, by opening a little window, warms
tlie bed-chamber to the degree of heat required.
Beyond this lie a chamber and ante-chamber which
catch the rising sun and enjoy it, though obliquely
indeed, till the afternoon. When I retire to tkis
garden-apartment, I fancy myself a hundred miles
from my own house, and take particular pleasure in
it at the feast of the Saturnalia, when, by the licence
of that season of joy, every other part of my villa
resounds with the mirth of my domestics : thus I
neither interrupt their diversions, nor they my
studies.
Among the pleasures and conveniences of this
situation, there is one disadvantage, and that is,
the want of a rumiing stream ; but this defect is
in a great measure supplied by wells, or rather I
should call them springs, for they rise very near the
surface. And indeed the quality of this coast is
pretty remarkable ; for in what part soever you dig,
you meet, upon the first turning up of the ground,
with a spring of pure water, not in the least salt,
though so near the sea. The neighbouring forests
afford an abundant supply of fuel ; every other con-
venience of life may be had from Ostia : to a moderate
man, indeed, even the next village (between which
and my house there is only one villa) would furnish
all common necessaries. In that little place there
are no less than three public baths ; which is a great
convenience if one happens to arrive home unexpec-
tedly, or make too short a stay to allow time for
preparing my own.
The whole coast is beautifully diversified by the
joining or detached villas that are spread upon it,
163
M 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
tarum urbium facit-ni, sive mari sive ipso litore utare ;
quod non numquam longa tranquillitas moUit, saepius
frequens et contrarius fluctus indurat. Mare non sane
pretiosis piscibus abundat, soleas tamen et squillas
optimas suggerit. Villa vero nostra etiam mediter-
raneas copias praestat, lac in primis ; nam illuc e
pascuis pecora conveniunt, si quando aquam um-
branive ^ sectantur.
Justisne de causis cum tibi videor incolere, inhabi-
tare, diligere secessum ? quem tu nimis urbanus es
nisi concupiseis. Atque utinani concupiseas ! ut tot
tantisque dotibus villulae nostrae maxima comnien-
datio ex tuo contubernio accedat. Vale.
XVIII
C. Plinius Maurico Suo S.
Quid a te iucundius mihi potuit iniungi, quam
ut praeceptorem fratris tui liberis quaererem ? Nam
beneficio tuo in scholam redeo, illam dulcissimam
aetatem quasi resumo ; sedeo inter iuvenes, ut
solebam, atque etiam experior, quantum apud illos
auctoritatis ex studiis habeam. Nam proxime fre-
* umbramve M Va, umbramque Hicc. F.
164
BOOK II. xvii.-xviii
which whether you are travelling along the sea or
the shore, have the effect of a series of towns. The
shore is sometimes, after a long calm, loose and
yielding to the feet, though in general, by the winds
driving the waves upon it, it is compact and finn.
I cannot boast that our sea produces the more costly
sorts of fish ; however, it supplies us with exceeding
fine soles and prawns ; but as to provisions of other
kinds, my villa pretends to equal even inland
countries, particularly in milk ; for thither the cattle
come from the meadows in great numbers when-
ever they seek shade or water.
Tell me now, have I not just cause to bestow my
time and my affection upon this agreeable retreat?
Surely you are unreasonably attached to the pleasures
of the town, if you have no hankering after it ; as
I much wish you ha.d, that to so many charms with
which my favourite villa abounds, it might have
the very considerable addition of your presence to
recommend it. Farewell.
XVIII
To Mauricus
What can be more agreeable to me, than the
office you have enjoined me, of finding a tutor for
your nephews? It gives me an opportunity of re-
visiting the scene of my education, and of turning
back again, as it were, to the most pleasing part
of my life. I take my seat, as formerly, among the
young lads, and have the pleasure to experience the i-e-
spect my character in eloquence meets with from them.
I lately came in upon them, while they were loudly
165
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
quenti .luditorio inter se coram multis ordinis nostri
clare loquebantur ; ^ intravi, conticuerunt ; quod non
referrem, nisi ad illorum magis laudem quam ad
meam pertineret, ac nisi «perare te vellem posse
fratris tui filios probe discere. Quod suj)erest, cum
omnes, qui profitentur, audiero, quid de quoque
sentianij scribain efficiamque, quantum tamenepistula
consequi potero, ut ipse omnes audisse videaris.
Debeo enini tibi, debeo memoriae fratris tui hanc
fidem, hoc studium, praesei'tim super tanta re. Nam
quid magis interest vestra^ quam ut liberi (dieerem
i,uij-Hist^tinc illos magis amares) digni illo patre, te
patruo reperiantur j!'\^quam curam mihi, etiamsi non
mandasses, vindicassem. Nee ignoro suscipiendas
offensas in eligendo praeceptore, sed oportet me non
modo ofFensaSj veruni etiam simultates pro fratris tui
filiis tarn ae(}uo aninio subire quam parentes pro suis.
^ (ValO
XIX
iS' C. Plinius Cereali Soo S.
HoRTARiSj ut orationem amicis pluribus recitem.
Faciam, quia hortaris, quamvis vehementer addubi-
tem. Neque enim me praeterit actiones, quae
» MV, K.II, iocabantur RFDpra, K\ Mull.
1 66
BOOK II. xviii.-xix
conversing in presence of a large company of my
own rank ; the moment I appeared, they were silent.
I mention this for their honour, rather than my own ;
and to let you see the just hopes you may conceive
of your nephews obtaining a truly moral education.
I purpose to hear all the several professors ; and
when I have done so, I shall write you such an
account of them, as will make you (as far as a letter
can do it) imagine you have heard them yourself.
The faithful and zealous execution of so important
a commission, is what I owe to the friendship that
subsists between us, and to the memory of your
brother. Nothing, certainly, is more your concern,
than that his children (I would have said yours, but \ y
that I know you now look upon them even with / ^^^
more tenderness than your own) may be found
worthy of such a father, and such an uncle ; and I
should have claimed a part in that care, though you had \
not charged me with it. I am sensible, in choosing />\
a preceptor I shall draw upon me the displeasure of
all the rest of that profession : but when the interest
of these young men is concerned, I esteem it my
duty to hazard the displeasure, or even enmity of
any man, with as much resolution as a parent would
for his own children. Farewell.
XIX
T(j Cerealis
You advise me to recite my late speech before an
assembly of my friends. I shall do so, since you
advise it, though I have many scruples about it.
For speeches delivered in court lose, I well know,
167
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
recitantur, impetum omnem caloremque ac prope
nomen suum perdere, ut quas soleant commendare
simul et accendere iudicum consessus, celebi'itas
advocatorum, exspectatio eventus, fama non unius
actoris diductiiinque in partes audientium stiidium,
ad hoc dicentis gestus, incessus, discursus etiam
omnibusque motibus animi consentaneus vigor cor-
poris. Unde accidit, ut hi, qui sedentes agunt,
quamvis illis maxima ex parte supersint eadem ilia
quae stantibus, tamen hoc, quod sedent, quasi debili-
tentur et depriniantur. Recitantium vero praecipua
pronuntiationis adiumenta, oculi, manus praepedi-
untur. Quo minus mirum est, si auditorum intentio
languescit nullis extrinsecus aut blandimentis capta
aut aculeis excitata.
His accedit, quod oratio, de qua loquor, pugnax
et contentiosa est. Porro ita natura comparatum
est, ut ea, quae scripsimus cum labore, cum labore
etiam audiri putemus. Et sane quotus quisque tam
rectus auditor, quern non [)otius dulcia haec et
sonantia quam austera et |)ressa delectent .'' Est
quidem omnino turpis ista discordia, est tamen, quia^
plerumque evenit, ut aliud auditores, aliud indices
exigant, cum alioqui lis ^ j)raecipue auditor adfici
debeat, quibus idem, si foret index, maxime per-
moveretur.
' quia, M V, K, quae Rice. Fa, quod pr.
* cum alioqui iis, K, his M V.
" Cicero and Quintilian have laid down rules how far, and
in what instances, this liberty was allowable. The latter
mentions a witticism of Flavins Virginius, who asked one of
1 68
BOOK II. xix
all their fire and force, and even almost their very
name, by a recital. It is the array of jurors, the con-
course of the bar, the suspense as to the event, the
reputation of the rival orators concerned, the differ-
ent parties formed amon2;st the audience in their
favour ; furthermore, it is the gestures, the gait, and
even the striding to and fro of the speaker, whose
energetic frame harmoniously interprets his every
emotion,'* which conspire to give a grace and spirit
to what he delivers. Hence those who sit when
they plead, though they have most of the advantages
I just now mentioned in common with those who
stand, yet from that single circumstance, weaken
and depress the whole force of their eloquence.
But when a speech is read, the eyes and hands of
the reader, those important instruments of graceful
elocution, being engaged, it is no wonder the hearer
grows languid, while he has no external cliarms to
captivate, or spurs to excite his attention.
To these general considerations, I must add that
the speech in question is polemical and controversial,
and, moreover, we instinctively suspect that what we
wrote with labour will not be read with pleasure.
For who is there so unprejudiced, as not to prefer
the flowing and florid oration to one in the close and
unornamented style? It is very unseemly there
should be this discrepancy ; however, there it is ; the
reason being that juries generally expect one manner
of pleading, and audiences another ; whereas in truth
an audience ought to be affected only with those
things which would strike them most were they in
the place of the jury.
these oratois " Qnol milia passuum dedavmsset ? " "How
many milts he had declaimed." (Melm.)
169
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Potest tamen fieri, ut quamquam in his difficultati-
bus libro isti novitas lenocinetur, novitas ajjud nostros ;
apud Graecos enim est quiddam quaravis ex diverso,
non tamen omnino dissimile. /Nam, ut illis erat moris
leges, quas ut contrarias prioribus legibus arguebant,
aliarum collatione convincere, ita nobis inesse re-
petundarum legi, quod postularemus, cum hac ipsa
lege turn aliis colligendum fuit ; quod nequaquam
blandum auribus imperitorum tanto maiorem apud
doctos habere gratiam debet, quanto minorem apud
indoctos habet. Nos autem, si placuerit recitai-e,
adhibituri sumus eruditissimum quemque. Sed plane
adhuc, an sit recitandum, examina tecum, omnesque,
quos ego movi, in utraque parte calculos pone idque
elige, in quo vicerit ratio. A te enim ratio exigetur,
nos excusabit obsequium. Vale.
XX
C, Plinius Calvisio Suo S.
AssEM para et accipe auream fabulam, fabulas
immo ; nam me priorum nova admonuit, nee re-
fert, a qua potissimum incipiam.
<* Some think this speech was that which Pliny delivered
in the Senate against M. Prisons. See Letter xi. of this
book. (Melm.)
* This eeems to have been the cry of the wandering story-
170 .
BOOK II. xix.-xx
Nevertheless it is possible the objections whicli
lie against this piece may be got over^ by the attrac-
tion of its novelty — novelty, I mean, with respect to
us ; for the Greek oi*ators have a method, though
inversely ^applied, not altogether unlike what I made
use of. (They, when they would throw out a law, as
conti-ary to some former one, habitually proved this
by the analogy of other laws^^^sunilaxly, I endeavoured
to prove that the indictment I was putting forward "
came within the provisions of the law relating to
public extortions, by inference not only from that
law itself, but from others. Those who are not
experts, can have no taste for reasonings of this
kind ; but those who are, ought to be so much
the more pleased with them. I shall endeavour
therefore, if you persist in my reciting it to collect
a judicious audience. But before you determine
this point, I entreat you tlioroughly to weigh the
difficulties I have laid before you, cast up both
sides of the account, and then decide according to
the balance. For yoti will be expected to render a
reckoning, whereas obedience to your commands
will be a sufficient apology for me. Farewell.
XX
To Calvtsius
" Pay a penny, and I'll tell you a golden tale " ''
— nay, two or three, for one brings to my mind
another. 'Tis no matter which I begin with, so
take them as follows.
tellers who gained their livelihood by gathering an audience
around them in public places, and amusing the gaping
multitude bj' popular traditionary tales, or wonderful
stories of their own invention. (,Alehn.)
171
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Verania Pisonis graviter iacebat, huius dico Pisonis,
quern Galba adoptavit. Ad banc Regulus venit. Pri-
mum impudentiam hominis, qui venerit ad aegram,
cuius niarito inimicissimuSj ipsi invisissimus fuerat !
EstOj si venit tantum ; at ille etiam proximus toro
sedit, quo die, qua bora nata esset interrogavit. Ubi
audiit, componit vultum, intendit oculos, niovet
labra, agitat digitos, computat ; nibil. Ut diu
miseram exspectatione suspendit, ' Habes,' iuquit,
' cliraactericum tenipus^ sed evades. Quod ut tibi
magis Uqueat, Iiaruspicem consulam, queni sum
frequenter expertus.' Nee mora, sacrificium facit,
adfirmat exta cum siderum significatione congruere.
Ilia ut in periculo credula poscit codicillos, legatiini
Regulo sci-ibit. Mox ingravescit ; clamat morieus,
' O bominem nequam, perfidum, ac plus etiam
quam periurum ! ' qui sibi per salutem filii peierasset.
Facit boc Regulus non minus scelerate quam fre-
quenter, quod iram deorum, quos ipse quotidie fallitj
in caput infelicis pueri detestatur.
Velleius Blaesus, ille locuples consularis, novissima
valetudine conflictabatur. Cupiebat mutare testa -
17a
BOOK II. XX
Verania, the wife of that Piso who was adopted
by Galba, lay extremely ill : upon this occasion
Regulus made her a visit. By the way, mark the
assurance of the man, to visit a sick lady to whom
lie was so extremely odious, and to whose husband
he was a declared enemy I Even barely to enter
her house would have been impudent enough ; but
he had the confidence to go much farther, and verv
familiarly placed himself by her beds side. He
began with inquiring what day and hour she was born :
Being informed of these particulars, he composes his
countenance, fixes his eyes, mutters something to
himself, counts on his fingers ; nothing comes of it.
After keeping the poor lady on tenterhooks, " You
are," says he, "in one of your climacterics; however,
you will get over it. But for your greater satis-
faction, L will consult with a certain diviner, whose
skill I have frequently experienced." Accordingly
away he goes, sacrifices, and returns with the strong-
est assurances that inspection of the victim's entrails
confirmed what he had predicted by astrology. Upon
this the good woman, made credulous by her danger-
ous state, calls for her will, and gives Regulus a hand-
some legacy. Some time afterwards her distemper
increased ; and in her last moments she exclaimed
against this perfidious, worse than perjured, wretch,
who had wished every curse might befall his son,
if what he promised her was not true. But such
sort of imprecations are as common with Regulus as
they are impious; and he continually devotes that
unhappy youth to the curses of those gods by whom
he swears falsely every day.
Velleius Blaesus, a person of consular dignity and
remarkable for his immense wealth, in his last sick-
173
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
mentum. Regulus, qui speraret aliquid ex novis
tabulis, ([Ilia niiper caj)tare eum coeperat, medicos
Iiortarij ro<i,arCj quoquo modo spiritum homini pro-
rogarent. Postquam signatum est testamentum,
mutat personam, vertit adlocutionem isdemque
medicis : ' Quousque miseriim cruciatis ? Quid in-
videtis bonam mortem, cui dare vitam non potestis ? '
Moritur Blaesus et, tamquam omnia audisset, Regulo
ne tantulum quidem.
Sufficiunt duae fabulae, an scholastica lege tertiani
poscis ? est, unde fiat.
Aurelia, ornata femina, signatura testamentum
sumpserat pulcherrimas tunicas. Regulus cum veuis-
set ad signandum, ' Rogo,' inquit, 'has mihi leges.'
Aurelia Uidere hominem putabat, ille serio instabat ;
ne multa, coegit mulierem aperire tabulas ac sibi
tunicas, quas erat induta, legare ; observavit scri-
bentem, inspexit, an scripsisset. Et Aurelia quidem
vivit, ille tamen istud tamquam moritiiram coegit.
Et hie hereditates, hie legata, quasi mereatur,
accipit !
I' A\Xa Ti SiaTeivofiai in ea civitate, in qua iampridem
" The rhetoricians of tlie period set the fashion of using
triplets in composition.
* This was an act of great ceremony, and the gala dress of
Roman ladies being exceedingly costly, the legacy Regnkis
had the impudence to ask must have been considerable.
(Melm.)
174
A-
r\
BOOK II. XX
ness had an inclination to make some alterations in
his will. Regulus, who had lately endeavom'ed to
insinuate himself into his friendship, hoped to receive
some advantage by the intended change, and ac-
cordingly applies himself to his physiiians, and con-
jures them to exert all their skill to prolong the poor
man's life. But the moment the will was signed, his
role and style were changed : " How long," says he
to these very physicians, " do you design to keep
this poor fellow in misery ? Since you cannot pre-
serve his life, why grudge him an easy death.''"
Blaesus is since dead ; and as if he had overheard
every word that Regulus had said, he has not left
him one farthing.
Will two stoi'ies serve you, or must you have
a third, according to the canon of tlie schools ?"
If so, Regulus will supply you.
You must know then, tliat Aurelia, a lady of
property, designing to execute her will, had
dressed herself for that purpose in a very
splendid manner.'' Regulus, who was present as a
witness, turned about to tlie lady, and, " Pray," says
he, "leave me these fine clothes." Aurelia at first
thought him in jest ; but he insisted upon it very
seriously, and, to make a long story short, obliged
her to open her will, and insert this legacy ; and
though he saw her write it, yet he Avould not be
satisfied till he read the clause himself However
Aurelia is still alive ; though Regulus forced her to
make this bequest, as though her death were im-
minent. And yet legacies and estates are conferred
upon this abandoned man as if he really deserved
them !
But why should 1 fret myself at this in a city
175
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
non minora praemia, immo maiora nequitia et irnpro-
bitas quam piulor et virtus habent ? Aspice Regulum,
qui ex paupere et tenui ad tantas opes per flagitia
processit, ut ipse mihi dixerit, cum consuleret, quam
cito sestertium sescenties impleturus esset, inve-
nisse se exta duplicia, quibus portendi, milies
et ducenties habiturum. Et habebit, si modo, ut
coepit, aliena testamenta, quod est improbissimum
genus falsi, ipsis, quorum sunt ilia, dictaverit
Vale.
176
BOOK II. XX
where impudence and iniquity have long received the
same, do I say, even greater encouragement than
modesty and virtue ? Regulus is a glaring instance
of this truth, who, from a state of indigence, has, by
a train of the most villainous actions, arrived to such
immense riches, that he once told me himself, upon
consulting the omens to know how soon he should be
worth sixty millions of sesterces, he found a double
liver within the sacrificial victim, which portended
that he should possess double that sum. And so he
will, if he continues thus to dictate wills for other
people ; a sort of forgery, in my estimation, of all
others the most infamous. Farewell.
177
VOL. I. N
BOOK III
n S
LIBER TERTIUS
I
C. Pi-iN'ius Calvisio Rufo^ Suo S.
Nescio, an iillum iucundius temjnis exegeiini^ (juani
quo miper apud Spurinnam fui, adeo quidem, ut
neniinem niagis in senectute, si modo senescere
datum est, aeraulari velim ; nihil est enim illo vitae
genera distinctius. Me autem ut certus siderum
cursus ita vita hominum disposita delectat, senum
praesertim. Nam iuvenes confusa adhuo quaedam
et quasi turbata non indecent, senibus plaeida omnia
et ordinata conveniunt, quibus industria sera, turpis
ambitio est.
Hanc regulam Spurinna constantissime servat :
quin etiam parva liaec, parva, si non cotidie
fiant, ordine quodam et velut orbe circumagit.
Mane lectulo continetur, hora secunda calceos poscit,
ambulat milia passuum tria nee minus animum quam
corpus exercet. Si adsunt amici, honestissimi ser-
mones explicantur ; si non, liber legitur, interduni
> RuFO add. Havet ex Rice.
180
BOOK III
I
To Calvisius Runs
I NEVER spent my time more agreeably, I think,
than I did lately with Spurinna. I was so much
j)leased with his Avay of life, tliat if ever I should
arrive at old age, there is no man whom I would
sooner choose for my model. I look upon order in
human actions, especially at that advanced period,
with the same sort of pleasure as I behold the settled
course of the heavenly bodies. In youth, indeed, a
certain irregularity and agitation is by no means
unbecoming ; but in age, when business is unseason-
able, and ambition indecent, all should be calm and
uniform.
Spurinna religiously pursues the above rule of
life, nay even in the details 1 shall describe, which
one might call minute and inconsiderable did they
not occur every day, he observes a certain periodical
season and method. The first part of the morning
he keeps his bed ; at eight he calls for his shoes, and
walks three miles, in which he enjoys at once con-
templation and exercise. Meanwhile, if he has any
friends with him in his house, he enters upon some
pohte and useful topic of conversation ; if he is alone,
somebody reads to him ; and sometimes, too, nhen
i8i
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
etiam pracsciitibus amicis, si tamen illi non gravaiitiir.
Deiiitlc considit, et liber rursus aut sermo libro
potior; mox vehiculum ascendit, adsumit uxorein
singularis exempli vel aliquem amicorum, ut me
proxime. Quam pulchrum illud, quam dulce se-
cretum ! quantum ibi antiquitatis ! quae facta, quos
vires audias ! quibus ])raeceptis imbuare ! quamvis
ille hoc temperamentum modestiae suae indixerit,
ne pi'aecipere videatur. Peractis septem milibus
passuum iterum ambulat mille, iterum residet vel
se cubiculo ;ic stilo reddit. Scribit enim et quidcin
utraque lingua lyrica doctissime ; mira illis dulcedo,
mira suavitas, mira hilaritas, cuius gratiam cumulat
sanctitas scribentis.
Ubi hora balinei nuntiata est (est autem hieme
nona, aestate octava), in sole, si caret vento, ambulat
nudus. Deinde movetur pila vehementer et diu ;
nam hoc (juoque exercitationis genere pugnat cum
senectute. Lotus accubat et paulisper cibum diff'ert ;
interim audit legentem remissius aliquid et dulcius.
Per hoc onme tempus liberum est amicis vel eadem
182
BOOK III. i
he is not, if it is agreeable to his company. When *
this is over, he reposes himself, and again takes
up a book, or else falls into discourse more im-
proving than a book. He afteryi^ards takes the air
in his chariot, either with his wife (a lady of
exemplary character) or with some friend ; a happi-
ness which lately was mine. How agreeable, how
noble is the enjoyment of him in that hour of
privacy ! You would fancy you were hearing some
worthy of ancient times, inflaming your breast with
the most heroic examples, and instructing your mind
with the most exalted precepts, which yet he delivers
with such an infusion of his native modesty, that
there is not the least appearance of dictating in his
conversation. When he has thus taken a tour of
seven miles, he gets out of his chariot and walks a
mile more, after which he either reposes himself, or
retires to his study and pen. For he is an accom-
plished writer of lyric verse, and that both in Greek
and Latin. It is surprising what an ease and spirit
of gaiety runs through his verses, which the moral
virtue of the author renders still more acceptable.
When the baths are ready, which in winter is
about three o'clock, and in summer about two, he
undresses himself; and if there happens to be no
wind, he walks about in the sun. After this he puts
himself into prolonged and violent motion at playing
ball : for by this sort of exercise, too, he combats the
effects of old age. When he has bathed, he throws
himself on his couch and waits dinner a little while,
and in the meanwhile some agreeable and entertain-
ing author is read to him. In this, as in all the rest,
his fi'iends are at full liberty to partake ; or to
employ themselves in any other manner more suitable
183
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
facere vel alia, si malint. Adponitur cena non minus
nitida quam frugi in argento puro et antiquo ; sunt in
usu et Corinthia, quibus delectatur nee adficitur. Fre
quenter comoedis cena distinguitur, ut voluptates
quoqiie studiis condiantur. Sumit aliquid de nocte et
aestate. Nemini hoc longum est ; tanta comitate con-
vivium trahitur. Inde illi post septimum et septua-
gensimum annum aurium oculorumque vigor integer,
inde agile et vividum corpus solaque ex senectute
prudentia,
Hanc ego vitam voto et cogitatioue praesumo
ingressurus avidissime, ut primum ratio aetatis re-
ceptui canere permiserit. Interim mille laboribus
conteror, quorum mihi et solacium et exemplum est
idem Spurinna ; nam ille quoque, quoad honestum
fuit, obiit officia, gessit magistratus, provincias rexit
multoque labore hoc otium meruit. Igitur eundem
mihi cursum, eundem terminum statuo idque iam
nunc apud te subsigno, ut, si me longius evehi
videris, in ius voces ad hanc epistulam meam et
quiescere iubeas, cum inertiae crimen effugero.
Vale.
i8t
BOOK in. i
to their taste. You sit down to an elegant, yet
frugal repast, which is served up in plain and antique
])late. He uses likewise dishes of Corinthian bronze,
which is his hobby, not his passion. At intervals
of the repast he is frequently entertained with
comedians, that even his very pleasures may be
seasonedi with letters ; and though he continues
there, even in summer, till the night is somewhat
advanced, yet he prolongs the sitting over the wine
with so much affability and politeness, that none of
his guests ever think it tedious. By this method of
living he has preserved his sight and hearing entire,
and his body active and vigorous to his 78th year,
without discovering any appearance of old age, but
the wisdom.
This is the sort of life which I ardently aspire
after ; as I purpose to enjoy it, when I shall arrive at
those years wiiich will justify a retreat from business.
In the meanwhile, I am harassed wilh a thousand
affairs, in wliich Spurinna is at once my support and
my example. For he too, as long as it became him,
fulfilled the duties of public life, held the various
offices of state, governed provinces, and by indefatig-
able toil merited the repose he now enjoys. I
propose to myself the same course and the same
term ; and I give it to you under my hand that
I do so, in order that, should you see me carried
beyond that limit, you may produce this letter
against me ; and sentence me to repose whenever I
can enjoy it without being charged with indolence.
Farewell.
1^5
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
II
C. Plinius Vinioi Maximo Suo S.
Quoo ipse amicis tuis obtulissem, si mihi eadem
materia suppeteret, id nunc iure videor a ^te meis
petiturus. Arrianus Maturus Altinatium est princeps ;
cum dico princeps, non de facultatibus loquor, quae
illi large supersunt, sed de castitate, iustitia, gravi-
tate, prudentia. Huius ego consilio in negotiis,
iudicio in studiis utor; nam plurimum fide, plurimum
veritate, plurimum intellegentia praestat. Amat me,
nihil possum ai-dentius dicere, ut tu. Caret ambitu ;
ideo se in equestri gradu tenuit, cum facile posset
ascendere altissimum.
Mihi tamen ornandus excolendusque est. Itaque
magni aestimo dignitati eius aliquid adstruere in-
opinantis, nescientis, immo etiam fortasse nolentis,
adstruere autem, quod sit splendidum nee molestum.
Cuius generis, quae prima occasio tibi, conferas in
eum rogo; habebis me, habebis ipsum gratissimum
debitorem. Quamvis enim ista non adpetat, tam
grate tamen excipit, quam si concupiscat. Vale.
' ViBio add. Havet ex Rice.
" Altinum was a town on the Adriatic coast, near Venice.
1 86
BOOK III. ii
II
To ViBius Maximus
I THINK I may claim a right to ask the same
services of you for my friends, as I would offer to
yours if I were in your station. Arriaiius Maturus
is a pei-son of great eminence among the Alti-
nates. « When I call him so, it is not with respect
to his fortunes (which, however, are very consider-
able) ; it is in viev,- to the purity, the integrity, the
prudence, and the gravity of his manners. His
counsel steers me in my affairs, and his judgement
directs me in my studies ; for trutli, honour and
understanding, are the shining qualities which mark
his character. He loves me (and I cannot express
his affection in stronger terms) with a tenderness
equal to yours. As he is a stranger to ambition, he
has contentedly remained in the Equestrian order,
when he might easily have advanced himself into
the highest rank.
It behoves me, however, to take care he be
advanced and ennobled ; and I would fain without his
knowledge or expectation, nay, even perhaps con-
trary to his inclination, add to his dignity. But
the post I would obtain for him should be something
very honourable, and attended with no trouble. I
beg when anything of that nature offers, you would
confer it on him ; it will be an obligation, which
both he and I shall ever remember with the greatest
gratitude. For though he has no aspiring wishes
to satisfy, he will be as sensible of the favour, as if
he had received it in consequence of his own desires.
Farewell.
187
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
III
C. Pl.lNUIS CoREM-IAE HlSPUI.I.AE S.
Cum, patrem tiium, gravissiniiim ct sanctissimuni
virum, suspcxerira niagis an amaverim, dubitem
teque in menioriam eius et in honorem tiiiiin unicc
diligani;, ciipiani neccsse est atque etiam, quantum
in me fuerit, enitar, ut filius tiius avo similis exsistat,
equidem nialo, materno ; quamquam illi paternus
etiam clarus spectatiisque contigerit ; pater qiioque
et patruus illustri laude conspicui. Quibus omni
bus ita demum similis adulescet, si imbutus honestis
artibus fuerit, quas plurimum referta quo potissinuim
accipiat.
Adhuc ilium pueritiae ratio intra contubernium
tuum tenuit, praeceptores domi habuit, ubi esterrori-
bus vel modica vel etiam nulla materia. lam studia
eius extra limen proferenda sunt, lam circumspicien-
dus rhetor Latinus, cuius scholae severitas, pudor, in
primis"'castitas, constet. Adest enim iidulescenti
nostro cum ceteris naturae fortunaeque dotibus exi-
mia corporis pulcliritudo, cui in hoclubricoaetatis non
praeceptor modo, sed custos etiam rectorque quaeren-
dus est.
" Corellius Rufus. See i. 12.
1 83
BOOK III. iii
111
To Cor ELM A Hispulla
It is not easy to determine whetlier my love or
esteem were greater, for that grave and saintly
man vour father ; * while both in respect to his
memorvj and yom- own virtues, I have the tenderest
value for you. Can I fail then to wish^ and by every
means in my power endeavour, that your son may
grow to resemble his paternal, or (better still, to my
thinking) his maternal grandfather ? Though I
express this preference, 1 am well aware his pateimal
grandfather was a man of great note and celebrity,
as his father and father's brother v.ere also of the
highest distinction. The one method to train him
up in the likeness of these valuable men is early to
season his mind with polite learning and useful
knowledge : and it is of the last consequence from
whom he receives these instructions.
Hitherto, as is the rule with children, he has
lived in your society, and had teacliers at home,
where he is exposed to few, I should i-ather say to
no temptations. But he is now of an age for
outdoor schooling, and it is time to look about
for some professor of Rlietoric whose discipline and
method, but above all whose morals, are well known.
Amongst the many advantages for which our dear
lad is indebted to nature and fortune, he has that of
a most beautiful person ; it is necessary, therefore,
at this dangerous period of life, to find out one
who will not only be his tutor, but his guardian
and his guide.
189
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Videor ergo demoiistiare tibi posse lulium Geni
tt)rem. Arnatur a ine ; iudicio tamen nieo noii obstat
caritas hominisj quae ex iudicio nata est. Vir est
emendatus et gravis, paulo etiam horridior at durior
ut in hac licentia teniporuni. Quantum eloquentia
valeat, pluribus credere potes ; nam dicendi facultas
aperta et exposita statim cernitur. Vita hominum
altos recessus magnasque latebras liabet ; cuius pro
Genitore me sponsorem accipe. Nihil ex hoc viro
filius tuus audiet nisi profuturum, nihil discet, quod
nescisse rectius fuerit, nee minus saepe ab illo quam
ate meque adnionebiku", quibus inuiginibus oneretur,
quae nomina et quanta sustineat.
Proinde faventibus diis trade eum praeceptori, a
quo mores primum, mox eloquentiam discat, quae
male sine moribus discitur. Vale.
C. Plinius Caecilio^ Macrino Suo S.
QuAMVis et amici, quos praesentes habebam, et
sermones hominum factum meum comprobasse vide-
antur, magni tamen aestimo scire, quid sentias tu.
' Caecilio add. Havel ex Eicc.
190
BOOK III. iii.-iv
I will venture to recommend Julius Genitor to
you under that character. I love him, I confess :
but my affection does by no means prejudice my
judgement, on the contrary, it is in truth the effect
of it. His behaviour is grave, and his morals irre-
proachable ; perhaps something too severe and rigid
for the libertine manners of these times. His quali-
fications in his profession you may learn from many
others ; for eloquence, as it is open to all the world,
is soon discovered : but character lies more con-
cealed, and out of the reach of common observa-
tion ; and it is on that side I undertake to be answer-
able for my friend. Your son will hear nothing from
this worthy man, but what will be for his advantage
to know, nor learn anything of which it would be
fitter he should be ignorant. He will represent to
him as often, and with as much zeal as you or I
should, what a glorious weight of ancestral reputa-
tion he has to support.
Pray, then, under the happiest auspices, place him
with a tutor whose first care will be to form his
manners, and afterwards to instruct him in eloquence ;
an attainment ill-acquired if with the neglect of
moral improvements. Farewell.
To Caecilius Macrinus
Though my friends here, as well as the town in
general, seem to approve of my conduct in the affair
I am going to mention, yet I set great store upon
knowing your sentiments ; and as I wished for your
191
thp: letters of pliny
Nam, cuius Integra re consilium exquiiere optassem,
huius etiani pcracta iudicium nosse rnire concupiseo.
Cum publicum opus mea pecunia inchoaturus
in Tuscos excucurrissem accepto ut praefectus
aerari commeatu, legati provinciae Baeticae questuri
de proconsulatu Caecili Classici advocatum me a
senatu petierunt. Collegae optimi meique aman-
tissimi de communis officii necessitatibus praelo-
cuti excusare me et eximere temptarunt. Factum est
senatus consultuni perquam honorificum, ut darer
provincialibus patronus, si ab ipso me impetrassent.
Legati rursus inducti iterum me iam praesentem advo-
catum postulaverunt implorantes fidem meam, quam
essent contra Massam Baebium experti, adlegantes
patrocinii foedus. Secuta est clarissima senatus
adsensio, quae solet decreta praecurrere. Turn ego
'Desino/ inquam, 'patres conscripti, putare me iustas
excusationis causas attnlisse.' Placuit et modestia
sermonis et ratio.
Compulit autem me ad hoc consilium non solum
consensus senatus, quamquam hie maxime, verum
etiam alii quidam minores, sed tamen numeri. Venie-
" See X. 8. * Now Andalusia. • See iv. 3.3.
192
BOOK III. iv
advice before I engaged in it, so I am vastly desirous
of your judgement now it is over.
Having obtained leave to.be absent from my office
as head otTRe'treasury, I went into Tuseany to look
after a public woi'k which I am carrying on there at
my own expense.'' In the interval, deputies from
the Province of Baetica^ arrived, to complain of
some grievances they had suffered under the govern-
ment of Caecilius Classicus ; and applied to the
Senate that I might be appointed counsel for them.
My very worthy and obliging colleagues represented
on my behalf, the necessary engagements of our
office, and endeavoured all they could to get me
excused. Upon this the Senate passed a decree
greatly to my honour ; they ordered that I should
be counsel for the province, provided the deputies
could obtain my consent. At my return they
were again introduced into the Senate, and there
renewed their petition in my presence. They
asked ray protection, which they had experienced
when 1 was their counsel against Baebius," and
alleged tlieir claim upon me as my clients. I per-
ceived the Senate was inclined to grant this petition
by that unmistakable applause which is the usual
forerunner of all their decrees. Whereupon I rose
up and told the house that I no longer insisted upon
the reasonableness of the excuse I had alleged : and
they were pleased alike with the purport and the
respectful modesty of my answer.
I was determined in this resolution, not only
because I found it agreeable to the inclinations of
the Senate (which indeed had great weight with
me), but for many other, though less important, con-
siderations. I reflected that our ancestors thought
VOL. (. a
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
bat in mentem priores nostros etiam singiiloriim hos-
pitum iniurias accusationibus voluntariis exsecutos;
quo deformius arbitrabar public! hospitii iura negle-
gere. Praeterea cum recordarer, quanta pro isdem
Baeticis priore advocatione etiam pericula subissem,
conservandum veteris officii meritum novo videbatur.
Est enim ita comparatum, ut antiquiora beneficia
slibvertas, nisi ilia posterioribus cumules. Nam quam-
libet saepe obligati, si quid unum neges, hoc solum
meminerunt, quod negatum est. Ducebar etiam;
quod decesserat Classicus, amotumque erat, quod in
eiusmodi causis solet esse tristissimumj periculum
senatoris. Videbam ergo advocation! meae non
minorem gratiam, quam si viveret ille^ propositam,
invidiam nullam. In summa computabam, si munere
hoc iam tertio fungerer^ faciliorem mihi excusationem
fore, si quis incidisset, quern non deberem accusare.
Nam, cum est omnium officiorum finis aliquis, turn
optime libertati venia obsequio praeparatur.
Audisti consilii mei motus ; superest alterutra ex
parte iudicium tuum, in quo mihi aeque iucunda erit
simplicitas dissentientis quam comprobantis auctoritas.
Vale.
" He had already prosecuted two provincial governors ;
Baebius Massa in 93 or 94 a.d. , and Marius Priscus (see ii.
II) in 100 A.D. The next year, the Baetici .sought his
assistance to impeach Claudius, on whose trial see iii. 9,
194
BOOK III. iv
themselves obliged to engage voluntarily in defence
of even particular persons, with whom they were
united by the ties of hospitality, and that therefore
it would be the more ungenerous to abandon a
collective body, to whom I stood in the same relation.
Besides, when I considered the danger as well as the
fatigue I went thi-ough in the last cause I undertook
for this province, I thought it fit to maintain the
merit of my former services, by rendering a fresh
one. For such is the disposition of mankind, you
cancel all former benefits, unless you add to them
a heap of subsequent favours ; oblige people never
so often, and, if you deny them on a single point,
they remember nothing but that refusal. 1 con-
sidered likewise, that Classicus being dead, tKe'greaT^
objection of imperilling a senator, was removed ; and
that in undertaking this defence, I should merit the
same thanks as if he wei'e alive, without the hazard
of giving any offence. In a word, I reckoned if I
now for the third time discharged such an office,**
I could with a better grace excuse myself in future,
should some one be impeach.ed whom I might have
personal reasons for declining to prosecute. For all
our duties have their limits ; and the best way of
reserving to ourselves the liberty of refusing where
we would, is to comjily where we can.
Thus you have heard the motives which influenced
me in this resolve ; it now remains that you pro-
nounce judgement for or against it; I shall be equally
pleased by your sincerity, if you dissent from my
view, and by the weight of your sanction, if you
approve it. Farewell.
195
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
V
C. Plinius Bakuio Macro Suo S.
Pekgratum est mihi, quod tam diligciiter libros
avunculi niei lectitas, ut habere omnes velis quaeras-
que, qui sint omnes. Fungar indicis partibus atque
etiam^ quo sint ordine scripti, notum tibi faciam ;
est enim haec quoque studiosis non iniucunda
cqgnitio.
' De iaculatione equestri unus ' ; hunc, cum prae
fectus alae militaret, pari ingenio curaque com-
posuit. ' De vita Pomponii Secundi duo'; a quo
singulariter amatus hoc memoriae amici quasi de-
bitum munus exsolvit. ' Bellorum Germaniae vi-
ginti ' ; quibus omnia, quae cum Germanis gessimus
bella, collegit. Inchoavit, cum in Germania mihta-
ret, somnio monitus. Adstitit ei qiiiescenti Drusi
Neronis effigies, qui Germaniae latissime victor ibi
periit, commendabat memoriam suam orabatque, ut
se ab iniuria oblivionis adsereret. ' Studiosi tres/
in sex volumina propter ampbtudinem divisi, quibus
oratorem^ab incunabulis instituit etperfecit.^ ' Dubii
sermonis octo' scripsit sub Nerone novissimis
' perfecit Rice. Fra, Muller, perficit vtdg.
" Consul 44 A.D. Wrote tragedies praised by Quintilian.
* Brother of Tiberius. Died, aged 30, from the effects of a
fall from Iiis horse.
196
BOOK ill. V
To Baebius Macer
It is with mucli pleasure I find you are so constant
a reader of my uncle's works, as to wish to have
a complete collection of them ; and for that purpose
desire me to send you an account of all the treatises
he wrote. I will fill the place of an index and even
acquaint you with the order in which they were
comjwsed : for that, too, is a sort of information not
at all unacceptable to men of letters.
The first book he published was a treatise con-
cerning the A?t of tisiiig a javelin o7i horseback : this
he wrote when he commanded a troop of horse, and
it is drawn up with equal accuracy and judgement.
The life of Pomponins Secnndus,'^ in two volumes:
Pomponius had a very 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 campaigns
we were engaged in against that nation. A dream
which he had when he served in the army in
Germany, first suggested to him the design of this
work. The phantom of Drusus Nero* (who ex-
tended his conquests very far into that country, and
there lost liis life) appeared to him in his sleep,
and conjured him not to suffer his memory to be
buried in oblivion. He has left us likewise The
Students, in three books, divided into six volumes,
owing to their length. In this work he takes the
orator from his cradle, and leads him on till he has
carried him up to the highest point of perfection
in this art. In the last years of Nero's reign, when
197
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
annis, cum omne studiorum genus paulo liberius
et erectius periculosum servitus fecisset. ' A fine
Aufidi Bassi triginta iinus.' 'Naturae historiarum
triginta septem,' opus diffusum, erudituni nee
mii)us varium quam ipsa natura.
Miraris, quod tot volumina multaque in his tarn
scrupulosa homo occupatus absolvent^ magis miraberis,
si scieris ilhim aliquandiu ; causas actitasse, decessisse
anno sexto et quinquagensimo, medium tempus dis-
tentum impeditumque qua officiis jnaximis qua
amieitiajjjnrjygum egisse. Sed erat acre ingenium,
incredibile studium, summa vigilantia. Lucubrare-'
Vulcanalibus incipiebat non auspicandi causa, sed
studendi, statim a nocte multa, hicme vero hora
septinia vel, cum tardissime, octava, saepe sexta.W
Erat sane somni paratissimi, non numquam etiam
inter studia instantis et deserentis.
Ante lucem ibat ad Vespasianum imperatorem (nam
ille quoque noctibus utebatur) inde ad delegatum
sibi officium. Reversus domum^ quod reliquum tem-
poris, studiis reddebat. Post cibum saepe, quem
interdiu levem et facilem veterum more sumebat,
" Died probably circa 60 A. D.
* Tliis encyclopaedic work is extant.
' See iv. 24, n.
ig6
BOOK III. V
the .tyranny of the times made it dangerous to
engage in studies of a more free and elevated spirit,
he publislied Linguislic Queries, in eight books ; A
Contbiitation, in one book, of the thirty books of
Aiifidiiis Bassus' <* history; and thirty-seven books
of a Natural History ^ : this is a work of great com-
pass and learning, and as full of variety as nature
herself.
You will wonder how a man so engaged as he was,
could find time to compose such a number of books ;
and some of them too upon abstruse subjects. But
your surprise will rise still higher, when you hear,
that for some time he engaged in the profession
of an advocate, that he died in his fifty-sixth year,
that from the time of his quitting the bar to his
death he was engaged and trammelled by the
execution of the highest posts, and by the friendship
of his sovereigns.*' But he had a quick apprehension,
incredible zeaI7 and a wakefulness beyond compare.
He always began to work at midnight when the
August festival of Vulcan came round ; not for tlie
good omen's sake, but for the sake of study ; in
winter generally at one in the morning, but never
later than two, and often at midnight. No man ever
slept more readily, insomuch that he would some-
times, without retiring from his book, take a short
sleep, and then pursue his studies.
Before day- break he used to wait upon Vespasian ;
who likewise chose that season to transact business.
When he had finished the affairs which that emperor
committed to his charge, he returned home again to
his studies. After a short and light repast at noon
(agreeably to the good old custom of our ancestors)
he would frequently ba the summer, if he was
199
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
aestate, si quid otii, iacebat in sole, liber legebatur,
adnotabat excerpebatque. Nihil enim legit, quod non
excerperet ; dicere etiara solebat nullum esse librum
tam malum, ut non aliqua parte prodesset. Post
solem plerumque frigida lavabatur, deinde gustabat
dormiebatque minimum ; mox quasi alio die studebat
in cenae tempus. Super banc liber legebatur, ad-
notabatur et quidem cursim. Memini quendam ex
amicis, cum lector quaedam perperam pronuntiasset,
revocasse et repeti coegisse ; huic avunculum meum
dixisse, ' Intellexeras nempe.' Cum ille adnuisset :
' Cur ergo revocabas ? decem amplius versus hac
tua interpellatione perdidimus.' Tanta erat par-
simonia temporis. Surgebat aestate a cena luce,
hieme intra primam noctis et tamquam aliqua lege
cogente.
Haec inter medioj labores urbisque fremitum ;
in secessu solum balinei tempus studiis exime-
batur. Cum dico balinei, de interioribus loquor;
nam, dum destringitur tergiturque, audiebat aliquid
aut dictabat. In itinere quasi solutus ceteris curis
huic uni vacabat ; ad latus notarius cum libro et
200
BOOK III. V
disengaged from business, repose himself in the sun :
during which time some author was read to him,
from whence he made extracts and observations, as
indeed this was his constant method whatever book
he read : for it was a maxim of his, that " no book
was so bad but some profit miglit be gleaned from
it." When this basking was over, lie generally went
into the cold bath, and as soon as he came out of it,
just took a slight refreshment, and then reposed
himself fo. a little while. Then, as if it had been a
new c'^''', he immediately resumed his studies till
dinner-time, when a book was again read to him,
upon which he would make some running notes. I
remember once, his reader having pronounced a
word wrong, somebody at the table made him repeat
it again ; upon which my uncle asked his friend if he
understood it? Who acknowledging that he did;
"why then," said he, "would you make him go back
again ? We have lost by this interruption of yours
above ten lines : " so chary was this great man of
time ! In summer he always rose from supper by
day-light ; and in winter as soon as it was dark : and
this was a sort of binding law with him.
Such was his manner of life amidst the noise and
hurry of the town ; but in the country his whole
time was devoted to study without intermission,
excepting only while he bathed. But in this ex-
ception I include no more than the time he was
actually in the bath ; for all the while he was rubbed
and wiped, he was employed either in hearing some
book read to him, or in dictating himself In his
journeys, as though released from all other cares, he
found leisure for tiiis sole pursuit. A shorthand
writer, with book and tablets, constantly attended
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
pugillaribus, cuius manus hieme manicis munie-
bantur, ut ne caeli quidem asperitas ullum studiis
tempus eriperet ; qua ex causa Romae quoque sella
vehebatur. Repeto me correptum ab eo, cur am-
bularem. ' Poteras/ inquit ' has horas non per-
dere ' ; nam perire omne tempus arbitrabatur, quod
studiis non impei'tiretur. Hac intentio'^e tot ista
volumina peregit^ electorumque ieommentarios cen-
tum sexaginta mihi reliquit, opisthographos quidem
_et„minutissime scriptos ; qua ratione multiplicatur
hie numerus. Referebat ipse potuisse se, cum pro-
curaret in Hispania, vendere hos commentaries
Larcio ^ Licino quadringentis milibus nummum^ et
tunc aliquanto pauciores erant. '
Nonne videtur tibi recordanti, quantum legerit,
quantum scripserit, nee in officiis uUis nee in amicitia
principum fuisse, rursus, cum audis, quid studiis
laboris impendent^ nee scripsisse satis nee legisse ?
Quid est enim, quod non aut illae occupationes im-
pedire aut haec mstantia non possit efficere ? Itaque
soleo ridere^ cum me quidam studiosum vocant, qui, si
comparer illi, sum desidiosissimus.yEgo autem tantuni,
quem partim publica, partim amicorum officia distrin-
gunt? quis ex istis, qui tota vita litteris adsident.
^ Larcio Rice, p, Midler, Largio M V D, K.
203
BOOK III. V
him in his chariot^ who, in the winter, wore a
particular sort of Avarm gloves, that the sharpness of
the weather might not occasion any interruption to
liis studies ; and for the same reason my uncle always
used a sedan chair in Rome. I remember he once
reproved me for walking ; " You might," said he,
"not have lost those hours:" for he thought all
was time lost that was not given to study. By this
extraordinary application he found time to write so
many volumes, besides one hundred and sixty which
he left me, consisting of a kind of common-place,
written on both sides, in a very small character; so
that one might fairly reckon the number consider-
ably more. I have heard him say that when he was
comptroller of the revenue in Spain, Larcius Licinus
offered him four hundred thousand sesterces for
these manuscripts : and yet they were not then quite
so numerous.
When you reflect upon the books he has read, and
the volumes he has wi-itten, are you not inclined to
suppose that he never was an official or a courtier ?
On the other hand, when you are informed how pains-
taking he was in his studies, are you not disposed to
thi?ik that he read and v.rote too little .'' For, on one
side, what obstacles would nob, the business of a court ^^
throw in his way ? And on the other, what is if
that such intense application might not perforin ? I
cannot but snitte'ttierefore when I hear myself called
a studious man, who in comparison to him am a mere
loiterer. But why do I mention myself, who am
diverted from these pursuits by numberless duties
both public and private? Where is he, among those
whose whole lives are spent in study, who must
not blush under the consciousness of being but a
203
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
collatus illi non quasi somno et inertiae deditus
erubescatT j
Extendi epistulam, quairtVis hoc solum, quod
requirebas, scribere destinassem, quos libros re-
liquibset; confide tamen haq^ quoque tibi non
minus grata quam ipsos libros nitura, quae te non
tantum ad legendos eos, verum etiam ad simile
aliquid elaborandum possunt aemulationis stimulis
excitare. Vale.
C. PuNius Annio Severo Sue S.
Ex hereditate, quae mihi obvenit, emi proxime
Corinthium signum modicum quidem, sed festivum
et expressum, quantum ego sapio, qui fortasse in
omni re, in Iiac certe perquam exiguum sapio ; hoc
tamen signum ego quoque intellego. Est enim
nudum nee aut vitia, si qua sunt, celat aut laudes
parum ostentat. Effingit senem stantem ; ossa,
musculi, nervij venae, rugae etiam ut spirantis appa-
rent, rari et cedentes capilli, lata frons, contracta
facies, exile collum, pendent lacerti, papillae iacent,
recessit venter ; a tergo quoque eadem aetas ut
ante. Aerugo aes ipsum,i quantum verus color,
indicat vetils et antiquum; talia denique omnia, ut
1 ante. Aerugo aes ipsum /S^a/iZ, Miis. Rhen. xxix. 365, ut a
tergo. Aes ipsum codd. , edd.
" The making of the " Corinthian bronze," so much prized
bv Roman connoisseurs, had apparently long been a lost art.
The story went that the alloy was produced by the fusing of
gold, silver and bronze, M'hen Mummius burnt Corinth.
146 B.C. It seems this bronze had a peculiar colour, and
took a peculiar patina {aei-ugo).
204
BOOK III. v.-vi
sluggard and a dreamer, compared with this great
scholar ? /
I iiave run out my letter, I perceive, beyond/tne
extent I at first designed, which was only to kiform
you, as you desired, w'hat treatises he has left behind
him. But I trust this will not be less acceptable to
you than the books themselves, as it may possibly
not only raise your curiosity to read his works, but
your emulation to copy his example by some attempts
of the same nature. Farewell.
VI
To Annius Severus
I HAVE lately purchased with a legacy that was
left me, a statue of Corinthian bronze. It is small,
but pleasing, and finely executed, at least, if I have
any taste ; which most certainly in matters of this
sort, as perhaps in all others, is extremely defective.
However, I think even I have enough to discover
the beauties of this figure ; as it is naked, the faults,
if tiiere be any, as well as the perfections, are more
observable. It represents an old man in a standing
posture. The bones, the muscles, the veins, and
wrinkles are so strongly expressed, that you would
imagine the figure to be animated. The hair is thin
and failing, the forehead broad, the face shrivelled,
the throat lank, the arms languid, the breast fallen,
and the belly sunk ; and the back view gives the
same impression of old age. It appears to be a
genuine antique, alike from its tarnish and from
what remains of the original coloiif oftlie bronze."
In short, it is a performance so highly finished as to fix
205
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
possint artificum ociilos tenere, delectare impcri-
torum. Quod nii; qiiamquam tiruneyjuni soUioitavit
ad emendum. Emi autem, non ut liaberem donii
(neque enini ullum adhuc Corintliium domi habeo),
verum ut in patria nostra celebri loco ponerem, ac
potissimum in lovis temple ; videtur enim dignum
templo, dignum deo donum.
Tu ergO;, ut soles omnia, quae a me tibi iniunguntur,
suscipe banc curam et iam nunc iube basim fieri, ex quo
voles marmore, quae nomen meum horibresque capiat, J
si hos quoque putabis addendos. Ego signum ipsum, I
ut primum invenero aliquem, qui non gravetur; I
mittam tibi vel ipse, quod mavis, adferam mecum.
Destino enim, si tamen officii ratio permiserit
excurrere isto. Gaudes, quod me venturum esse
polliceor, sed contrahes frontem, cum adiecero ad
liaucQS-dies ; neque enim diutius abesse me sinunt
eadem haec, quae nondum exire patiuntur. Vale.
VII
C. PuNius Caninio Rufo Suo S.
Mono nuntiatus est Silius Italicus in Neapolitano
suo inedia vitam finisse. Causa mortis valetudo.
Erat illi natus insanabilis claviis, cuius taedio ad
mortem irrevocabili constantia decucurrit usque ad
I (<» ^uthor of the longest extant Latin poem, an Epic in
I lTt)Ooks on the Second Punic War, Died 101 a.d.
\ 206
^ (vitCJii^'fyCAJi JiA^yy^
BOOK III. vi.-vii
the attention of artists, and delight the least knowing
observer ; and this induced jnei_whfi_aHL_a_^Jiiej:^
novice in this art, to buy it. But I did so, not with
any intent of placing it in my own house (for I
have as yet no Corinthian bronzes there) but with
a design of fixing it in some conspicuous place in
my native province, preferably in the temple of
Jupiter; for it is a present well worthy of a temple
and a god.
Pray, then, undertake this, as readily as you
do all my commissions, and give immediate orders
for a pedestal to be made. I leave the choice
of the marble to you, but let my name be en-
graven upon it, and, if you think proper, my titles.
1 will send the statue by the first opportunity ; or
possibly (which I am sure you will like better) I may
bring it myself; for I intend, business permitting, to
make an excursion to you. This is a promise
which I know you will rejoice to hear ; but you
will change your countenance when I add that.j3iy...
visit will be only for a few days, for the same
affairs that now detain me here will prevent my
making a longer stay. Farewell.
VII
To Caninius Rufus
I AM just now informed that Silius Italicus « has
starved himself to death, at his villa near Naples.
Having been afflicted with an imposthume, which
was deemed incurable, he grew weary of life under
such uneasy circumstances, and therefore put an end
to it with the most determined courage. He had
207
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
supremum diem beatus et felix, nisi qUod niinoreni e
libcris duohus amisit, sed maiorem melioremque
flurentem atque etiam consulareni reliquit. Laeserat
famam suam sub Nerone (credebatur sponte ac-
cusasse) ; sed in Vitelli amicitia sapienter se et
comiter gesserat, ex proconsulatu Asiae gloriam
reportaverat, maculam veteris industriae laudabili otio
abluerat.
Fuit inter prineipes civitatis sine potentia,
sine invidia ; salutabatur, colebatur multumque in
lectulo iacens cubiculo . semper non ex fortuna
frequenti doctissimis sermonibus dies transigebat,
cum a scribendo vacaret. Scribebat carniina maiore
cura quara ingenio, non numquam iudieia hominum
recitationibus experiebatur, Novissime ita suadenti-
bus annis ab urbe secessit seque in Campania tenuit
ac ne adventu quidem novi pi-incipis inde commotus
est. Magna Caesaris laus, sub quo hoc libei'um fuit,
magna illius, qui hac libertate ausus est uti.
Erat ^lAo/caXos usque ad emacitatis reprehensionem. ■
• ?«/Trajan (98 a. d.). Not to offer him congratulations in
Iperson might have been construed as a mark of disaffection.
^3 08
BOOK III. vii
been extremely fortunate through the whole course
of his days, excepting only the loss of his younger
son ; however, that was made up to him in the
satisfaction of seeing his elder, who is of a more
amiable character, attain the consular dignity, and
of leaving him in a very flourishing situation. He
suffered a little in his reputation in the time of
Nero, having been suspected of forwardly joining
in some of the informations which were carried on
in the reign of that prince ; but he made use of
his intimacy with Vitellius, with great discretion
and humanity. He acquired much honour by his
administration of the government of Asia ; and by
his approved behaviour after his retirement from
business, cleared his character from that stain which
his former intrigues had thrown upon it.
He lived among the nobility of Rome without
power, and consequently without envy. He was
highly respected and much sought after, and though
he was bedridden, his chamber was always thronged
with visitors, who came not merely out of regard to
his rank. He spent his time in philosophical dis-
~cusslon, when not engaged in wi*iting vei'ses ; these
he sometimes recited, in order to try the sentiments
of the public, but he discovered in them more
industry than genius. Lately, owing to declining
years, he entirely quitted Rome, and lived alto-
gether in Campania, from whence even the accession
of the new El.mperoii^'did not draw him. A circum-
stance which I mention as well to the honour of the
prince, who permitted such a liberty, as of Italicus,
who was not afraid to take it._
He carried his taste for objects of virlu so far as
to incur reprehension for greedy buying. He had
209
VOL. L P
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Plures isdem in locis villas possideb.it adamatisque
iiovis priorcs neglegebat. Multum ubique librorum,
multum statuarum, multum imaginum, quas non
habebat modo, verum etiam venerabatur, Vergili
ante omnes, cuius natalem religiosius quam suum
celebrabat, Neapoli maxime, ubi monimentum eius
adire ut templum solebat.
In hac tranquillitate annum quintum et septua-
gensimum excessit delicato magis corpore quani
infirmo ; utque novissimus a Nerone factus est
consul, ita postremus ex omnibus^ quos Nero
consules fecerat, decessit. Illud etiam notabile :
ultimus ex Neronianis consularibus obiit, quo con-
sule Nero periit. Quod me recordantem fragili-
tatis humanae miseratio subit. Quid enim tarn
circumcisum, tam breve quam hominis vita longis-
sima ? An non videtur tibi Nero modo modo fuisse ?
cum interim ex iis, qui sub illo gesserant consulatum,
nemo iam superest. Quamquam quid hoc miror ?
nuper L. Piso, pater Pisonis illius, qui a Valerio
Festo per summum facinus in Africa occisus est,
dicere solebat neminem se videre in senatu, quern
consul ipse sententiam rogavisset.
Tam angustis terminis tantae multitudinis vivacitas
ipsa concluditur, ut mihi non venia solum dignae,
verum etiam laude videantur illae regiae lacrimae.
068 A.D. •
' The number of senators, as fixed by Augustus, was 600.
L. Piso was consul 27 a. d.
BOOK III. vii
several villas in the same districts^ and the last pur-
chase was always the chief favourite, to the neglect
of the rest. They were all furnished with large
collections of books, statues and portraits, which
he more than enjoyed, he even adored ; above
all the portrait of Virgil^ whose birthday he
celebrated with more solemnity than his own,
especially at Naples, where he used to approach
his tomb with as much reverence as if it had been
a temple.
In this tranquillity he lived to the seventv-sixth year
of his age, with a delicate, rather than a sickly, con-
stitution. It is remarkable, that as he was the last
person upon whom Nero conferred the consular
office, so he was the last to die of all those who had
been raised by him to that dignity ; and again, that
the last survivor of Nero's consuls was the one in
whose year of office that prince was killed. ** When
I consider this, I cannot forbear lamenting the tran-
sitory condition of mankind. Is there anything in
nature so short and limited as human life, even in
its most extended period } Does it not seem to
you, my friend, but yesterday that Nero was upon
the throne ? and yet not one of all those who were
consuls in his reign now remains ! But why should
I wonder at a circumstance so common? Lucius
Piso (the father of that Piso who was infamously
assassinated by Valerius Festus in Africa) used to
say he did not see one person * in the Senate whom
he had called upon to speak on the motion before
the house when he was consul.
Such multitudes, however strong their vitality, are
swept away in so short a space I I am therefore so
far froiu thiaking^Kose historic tears of Xerxes need
311
p 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Mam fernnt Xerxen, cum immensum exercitum oculis
obisset, illacrimasse, quod tot milibus tain brevis
immineret occasus. Sed tanto magis hoc, quidcjuid
est temporis futtilis et caduei, si non datur factis
(nam horum materia in aliena manu), certe studiis
proferamus et, quatenus nobis denegatur diu vivere,
relinquamus aliquid, quo nos vixisse testemur. Scio
te stiiniilis non egeie ; me tamen tui caritas evocat,
ut curreiitem quoque instigem, sicut tu soles me.
'kyaO)] 8' f.pi'i} cum invicem se mutuis exhorta-
tionibus amici ad amorem immortalitatis exacuunt.
V^ale.
van
C. Pmnius SuEToNio Tranquillo Suo S.
Facis pro cetera reverentia, quam mihi praestas,
quod tarn soUicite petis, ut tribunatum, quem a
Neratio Marcello, clarissimo viro, impetravi tibi,
in Caesennium Silvanura, propinquum tuuin, trans-
feram. Mihi autem sicut iucundissimum ipsum te
1 Hes. " Worha and Days,'' 24.
" i.e. in that of the Emperor, with whom rested all public
appointments.
2ia
BOOK III. vii.-viii
any apology, that in my judgement the story does
honour to his chai'acter, which informs us, that when
this prince had attentively surveyed his immense
army, he could not refrain from weeping at the
thought that so many thousand lives would so soon
be extinct. Let us strive the more earnestly there-
fore to lengthen out our span of life — life that is
poured out like water and falls as the leaf — if not
by action (the means to which lie in another's
power <*), yet in any case by study and research ;
and since it is not granted us to live long, let us
transmit to posterity some memorial that we have
at least lived. 1 well know, you want not any in-
citement to virtue ; but the warmth of my alfection
for you inclines me to forward you in the course
you already pursue ; as I have often found myself
encouraged by your generous exhortations. " Good
is the contention," when friends thus strive who shall
animate each other most in their pursuit of immortal
fame. Farewell.
VIII
To Suetonius Tranquimu.s
The obliging manner in which you desire me
to confer the post of military tribune ^ upon your
relation, which I had obtained of the most illus-
trious " Neratius Marcellus for yourself, is agreeable to
that respect with which you always tj-eaT hie. As it
would ha;ve giverTISe'^gfeat pleasure to nave' seen
* There were six of these officers lo eacli legion. The sons
of Roman knights and senators commonly served with the
army as trihunes before commencing their civil career.
' darlssimus was the official style of a Senator.
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Lrihuiiuin ita non minus gratuin alium per te videre.
Neque enim esse congrueiis arbitror, (|iiem augere
honoribus ciipias, huic pictatis titulis iiividere, qui
sunt oniiiibus honoribus pulchriores. Video etiam,
cum sit egregium et niereri beneficia et dare,
utranujue te laudem simul adsecuturum, si, quod ipse
nieruisti, all is tribuas.
Praeterea intellego iiiilii (juoque gloriae fo)e, si
ex lioc tuo facto noil fuerit ignotum amicos meos
non gerere tantuni tribunatus posse, verum etiam
dare. Quare ego \ ero honestissimae voluntati tuae
parco. Neque enim_jiJJiuc nomenjn numeros relatum
est, ideoque liberum est nobis Silvanum in locum
tuum subdere ; cui cupio tam gratum esse munus
tuum, quam tibi meum est. V^ale.
IX
C. Pmnius Cornklio MiNiciANo Suo S.
Possum iam perseribere tibi, quantum in publica
piovinciae IJaeticae causa laboris exliauserim. Nam
t'uit multiplex actaque est saepius cum magna va-
rietate. Unde varietas .'" unde plures actiones .''
Caecilius Classicus, homo foedus et aperte malus,
proconsulatum in ea non minus violenter quam snrdide
<• iSee ii. 4.
214
BOOK III. viii.-ix
you in that post, so it will not be less acceptable to
me to have it bestowed upon one whom you recom-
mend. For hardly, I think, would it be consistent
to wish a man advanced to honours, and yet envy
him a title far nobler than any other he can receive,
even that of a generous and an affectionate relation.
To deserve and to grant favours is the fairest point
of view in which we can be placed ; and this amiable
character will be yours, if you resign to your friend
what is due to your own merit.
Your action will also, I see, reflect credit on
myself, as the world will learn from hence that my
friends not only have it in their power to enjoy such
an honourable post, but to dispose of it. I readily,
therefore, comply with your generous request ; and
as your jianie is not yet entered upon the roll, I can
witnout difficulty insert Siivanus's in its stead ; and
I wish your benefaction may be as acceptable to him
as mine is to you. Farewell.
IX
To Cornelius Minicianus
I AM now at leisure to inform you of the great
fatigue I underwent in defence of the province of
Baetica ; "^ a cause which turned upon a variety of
issues, and took up several days for the separate
counts. Why so, you ask ?
Caecilius Classicus was governor of Baetica, the
year that Marius Priscus enjoyed the same honour in
Africa Caecilius was a man of a base, abandoned
215
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
gesserat eodem anno quo in Africa Marius Priscus.
Erat autem Priscus ex Baetica, ex Africa Classicus.
Inde dictum Baeticoruin, ut plerumque dolor etiam
venustos facit, non inlcjiidum ferebatur: 'Dedi
malum, et accepi.' Sed Marium una civitas publico
multique privati reum peregerunt, in Classicum tota
provincia incubuit. I lie accusationem vel fortuita
vel voluntaria morte praevertit. Nam fuit mors eius
infamis, ambigua tamen ; ut enim credibile videbatur
voluisse exire de vita, cum defendi non posset, ita
mirum pudorem damnationis morte fugisse, queni
non puduisset damnanda committere. Niliilo minus
Baetica etiam in defuncti accusatione perstabat.
Provisum hoc legibus, intermissum tamen et post
longam interca^edinem tunc reductum. Addiderunt
Baetici, quod simul socios ministrosque Classici
detulerunt nominatimque in eos inquisitionem
postulaverunt.
Aderam Baeticis mecumque Lucceius Albinus, vir
in dicendo copiosus, ornatus ; quern ego cum olim
mutuo diligerem, ex hac officii societate amare arden-
tius coepi. Habet quidem gloria, in studiis prae-
sertim, quiddam aKoivovorjTov,^ nobis tamen nullum
' hKoivov6y]Tov F, Muller, kKoivaiv-qTov Da, Catan.
2l6
BOOK III. ix
character, and exercised his authority with equal
violence and rapacity. He was a native of Africa, as
Priscus was of Baetica ; in allusion to which the
Baetici used archly to say (as resentment often
gives a certain agreeable sprig htliness), " we are paid
in our own coin." But the difference between them
Avas, that Marius was prosecuted by a single city, and
several private persons ; whereas the charge ?gainst
Classicus was brought by the whole united province
of Baetica. He escaped, however, the consequences
of this impeachment, either by an accidental or volun-
tary death, I know not which. It is certain, at least,
his end was disreputable, though the manner of it is
doubtful ; for as on the one hand it seems credible
that he should have resolved to depart this life, in
despair of being acquitted, so, on the other, Ji_is-
surprisiftg, that he who saw no disgrace in committing
criminal offences, dies to escape the disgrace of a
public conviction. Nevertheless, the Baetici persisted
in going on with the prosecution, albeit of a deceased
man. This form of })rocedure, of which the laws
admit, was now, after long disuse, revived in the
present instance. Tliey ""W^il Wl'fUW, and indicted
the associates and the inferior officers of Classicus,
and demanded an individual inquiry into the charges
against each of them.
I was counsel for the province ; Lucceius Albinus
w?s with me. He is a copious and elegant orator ;
and though we had long been mutually attached, yet
being associated with him in this cause, has con-
siderably heightened my affection for him. There
is something in the pursuit of fame, especially
oratorical fame, that is selfish, unsociable, and
jealous of participaTiorTpbut "there was no rivalship
217
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certamen, nulla contentio, cum uterque pari iugo non
pro se, sed pro causa niteretur ; cuius et magnitudo
et utilitas visa est postulare, ne tantum oneris sin-
gulis actionibus subiremus. Verel)amur, ne nos dies,
ne vox, ne latera deficerent, si tot crimina, tot reos
uno velut fasce complecteremur ; deinde ne iudicum
intentio multis nominibus multisque causis non
lassaretur mode, verum etiam confunderetur ; mox ne
gratia singulorum collata atque permixta pro singulis
(juoque vires omnium acciperet j^^postremo ne poten-
tissimi vilissimo quoque quasi piaculari dato alienis
poenis elaberentur. . Etenim turn maxinie favor et
ambitio dominatur, cum sub aliqua specie severitatis
delitescere potest. Erat in consilio Sertorianum
illud exemplum, qui robustissimum et infirmissimum
militem iussit caudam equi — reliqua nosti. Nam nos
quoque tarn numerosum agmen reorum ita demum
videbamus posse superari, si per singulos carperetur.
Placuit in primis ipsum Classicum ostendere
nocentem. Hie aptissimus ad socios eius et minis-
tros transitus erat, quia socii ministrique probari
nisi illo nocente non poterant ; ex quibus duos
" The story, as related bj* Valerius INIaximus, is to this
purpose : Sertorius being proscribed by Sylla, put himself at
the head of the Lusitani. These people upon a certain
occasion, were for attacking at once the whole Roman arnn',
greatly superior to them in numbers. Sertorius endeavoured
to dissuade them, by all the arguments in his power, from so
rash a purpose ; but finding his oratory prevailed nothing,
he ordeied two horses to be brought before him, and calling
2lS
BOOK III. ix
between us, and we united our^joint .efforts in the
management of this cause, without going into any
separate or private views of our own. We thought
the point in question was of too much importance,
and of too complicated a nature, for each of us to be
limited to a single speech. We were apprehensive
we should neither have voice and breath, nor time to
make good so many charges against so many parties,
if we made one fagot of them, so to speak. Such
a variety of persons and facts would be apt to
confound, as well as weary, the attention of the
judges. Again, by this collective indictment, all
the defendants would benefit by the popularity of
some of their number. Finally, the most powerful
parties might get off by making scapegoats of their
most inconsiderable co-defendants ; for partiality
never exerts itself with more success than when
it is concealed under the specious appearance of
severity. We remembered the well known advice
of Sertorius, who directed the strongest soldier to
tear off the horse's tail at once, and the weakest
to pull it off hair by hair. But you know the rest
of the story." In the same manner we thought we
had no other way to cope with such a numerous
body of culprits, but by attacking them singly.
Our first and principal point was to prove Classicus
guilty, which would prepare the way to his ac-
complices; for till that was done, it would not be
possible to fix anything upon them. Amongst these
a young lusty soldier, and a worn-out veteraii, he directed
the former to pull off the horse's tail at once, and the other
by degrees. The consequence was, the young man exerted
all his strength in vain, while the old fellow performed his
task. (Melm.)
ai9
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
statira Classico iunximus, Baebium Probum et
Fabium Hispanum, utrumque gratia, Hispanum
etiam facundia validuin. Et circa Classicum qui-
dem brevis et expeditus labor. Sua inanu reli-
querat soriptum,^ quid ex quaque re, quid ex quaque
causa accepisset. Miserat etiam epistulas RoTnani
ad amiculain quandam iactantes et gloriosas his
quidem verbis : ' lo io, liber ad te venio ; iam
sestertium quadragies redegi parte vendita Baeti-
corum.' Circa Hispanum et Probum multum
sudoris. Horum ante quam crimina ingrederer.
necessarium credidi elaborare, ut constaret minister-
ium crimen esse ; quod nisi effecissem, frustra minis-
tros probassem. Neque enim ita defendebantur, ut
negarent, sed ut necessitati veniam precarentur ;
esse enim se provinciales et ad omne proconsulum
imperium metu cogi.
Solet dicere Claudius Restitutus, qui mihi re-
spondit, vir exercitatus et vigilans et quamliljet
subitis paratus, numquam sibi tantum caliginis, taii-
tum perturbation is offusum, quam cum praerepta et
extorta defensioni suae cerneretj in quibiis omnein
fiduciam reponebat. Consilii nostri exitus fuit :
bona Classici, quae habuisset ante provinciam,
placuit senatui a reliquis separari, ilia filiae, haec
spoliatis relinqui. Additum est, ut pecuniae, quas
22.0
BOOK III. ix
we singled out Baebius and Probus, and Fabius
Hispanus, whom we thought proper to join with
Classicus ; these persons were considerable by their
interest, and Hispanus in particular by his eloquence.
There was no difficulty in proving the charge against
Classicus, for there was found among liis papers an
account under his own hand of the several sums he
had taken, and upon what occasions. A boastful,
exultant letter was also produced which he sent to
one of his mistresses at Rome, wlierein he expresses
himself in these words : " Huzza ! Huzza ! I am
coming back to you solvent, having raised four
millions of sesterces upon the Baetici." But it cost
us much exertion to make good the articles against
Hispanus and Probus, Before entering on the
particular charges against them, I thought it needful
to establish by argument that their having been
accessories was in itself criminal, otherwise it would
be useless to prove that they were accessories.
Their defence was not based on denial of the
fact, but on the plea of compulsion ; they alleg-
ing that as provincials fear of the Proconsul
obliged them to obey his ordeis,
Claudius Restitutus, their counsel, though experi-
enced, vigilant, and equal to all emergencies, assures
everyone he was never more perj)lexed and con-
founded than when he perceived I had forestalled
and demolished the defence, in which he had placed
all his confidence. The result of my plan was, the
Senate decreed that the effects Classicus possessed
before he went into his government shoidd be
deducted from his estate, and given to his daughter ;
the overplus to be divided among the victims of his
spoliation. The decree added further that his
221
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
creditoribus solverat, rcvocarciitur. Hispanus et
Probus in quinquennium relegati. Adeo grave
visum est, quod initio dubitabatur an omnino crimen
esset.
Post paucos dies Claudium ^ Fuscuni, Classici gene-
rum, et Stilonium Priscum, qui tribunus cohortis sub
Classico fuerat, accusavimus dispari eventu ; Pciseo
in biennium Italia interdictum, absolutus est Fuscus.
Actione tertia commodissimuni putavimus pliires
congregare, ne, si longius esset extracta cognitio,
satietate et taedio quodam iustitia cognoscentium
severitasque languesceret ; et alioqui supererant
minores rei data opera hunc iii locum reservati,
excepta tamen Classici uxore, quae sicut implicita
suspicionibus ita non satis convinci probationibus
visa est. Nam Classici filia, quae et ipsa inter
reos erat, ne suspicionibus quidem haerebat. Itaque,
cum ad nomen eius in extrema actione venissem
(neque enim ut initio sic etiam in fine verendum
erat, ne per hoc totius accusationis auctoritas
minueretur), honestissimum credidi non premere
immerentem idque ipsum dixi et libere et varie.
Nam mode legatos interrogabam, docuissentne
me aliquid, quod re probari posse confiderent,
mode consilium a senatu petebam, putaretne de-
bere me, si quam haberem in dicendo facultatem,
in iugulum innocentis quasi telum aliquod inten-
dere ; postreino totum locum hoc fine conclusi :
' Claudium Fp, MiiUer, Clavium a, Oluviuiii Z), A''.
22S
BOOK III. ix
creditors should refund whatever moneys they had
received since his return. Hispanus and Probus
were sentenced to be banished for five years ; so
very atrocious did that conduct now appear, whicli
seemed at first to be doubted whether it was criminal
at all.
A few days afterwards we proceeded against
Cluvius Fuscus son-in-law to Classicus, and Stilonius
Priscus, who commanded a troop under him ; but
the issue was unequal, for the former was acquitted,
and the latter banished Italy for two years. At the
third hearing, we thought it advisable to join several
accomplices in one general charge, lest by protract-
ing this inquiry any longer, the justice and finuness
of the Court should flag through a sort of surfeit
and disgust. And anyhow only the lesser defen-
dants were left, Ifavmg been designedly reserved
for this stage ; I must except, however, the wife of
Classicus, but she, though strongly suspected, was
not found guilty on the evidence. For as to his
daughter, who was likewise among the defendants
she was not even under suspicion. When, therefore,
on the conclusion of my speech I was to take notice
of her, I thought 'twas the honourable thing not to
hear hard upon one who deserved it not, and
expressed that opinion freely and in several ways,
as there was now no danger that this would weaken
my whole case, as it would have done if I had
begun with it. For I inquired of the delegates,
whether they could acquaint me with anything
against her, which they thought they could prove ;
next appealed to the senate whether I ought to aim
my eloquence, if in truth I had any, javelin- wise, at
an innocent heart : and I concluded with saying,
323
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
' Dicet aliquisj " ludicas ergo ? " Ego vero non
iudico, mcmini tamen me advocatum ex iudicibus
datum.'
Hie numerosissimae causae terminus fuit quibus-
daiTi absolutis, pluribus damnatis atque etiam rele-
gatis, aliis in tempus, aliis in perpetuum. Eodem
senatus cousulto industria, fides, constantia nostra
plenissimo testimonio coniprobata est, dignum
solumque par pi-etium tanti laboris. Concipere
animo potes, quam simus faLigati, quibus totiens agen-
dum, totiens altercandum, tarn multi testes inter-
rogandi, sublevandi, refutandi. lam ilia quam ardua,
quam molesta, tot reorum amicis secreto rogantibus
negare, adversantibus palam obsistere ! Referam
unum aliquid ex iis, quae dixi. Cum mihi quidam e
judieibus ipsis pro reo gratiosissimo reclamarent,
' Non minus,' inquam, ' hie innocens erit, si ego
omnia dixero.' Coniectabis ex hoc, quantas conten-
tiones, quantas etiam ofFensas subierimus dumtaxat
ad breve tempus ; nam fides in praesentia eos, quibus
resistit, ofFendit, deinde ab illis ipsis suspicitur
laudaturque.
Non potui magis te in rem praesentem perducere.
Dices : 'Non fuit tanti ; quid enim mihi cum tam
longa epistula ? ' Nolito ei*go identidem quaerere,
quid Romae geratur, Et tamen memento esse non
224
BOOK III. ix
" But perhaps I slmll be asked if I take upon myself
to act as a juror. By no means ; I bear in mind,
however, that I am an advocate appointed from
amidst that venerable body."
Thus ended this cause, in which so many parties
were concerned, some of whom were acquitted, but
the greater number convicted, and, what is more,
sentenced, some to perpetual, others to a term of
exile. The Senate, in the same decree, amply
testified their approbation of our diligent, honourable,
and resolute conduct as counsel — the fit, and
adequate reward for so laborious a task. You will
easily conceive the fatigue we underwent in speaking
and debating so long and so often, and in examining,
assisting, and confuting such a number of witnesses ;
not to mention the difficulties and annoyance of
withstanding the private solicitations, and public
opposition of the defendants' friends. To give you
only one instance : some of the jurors themselves,
who thought I pressed too hard upon a defendant they
favoured, called me to order; " Give me leave," said
I, " to go on ; for when I have said all I can, he will
still be as innocent as he was before." From hence
you will collect what a scene of contention I went
through, and what enemies I brought upon myself.
However, it is but for a short season. For though
honesty may, for the time being, offend those it
opposes ; yet it will at last be justified and admired,
even by the very persons who suffer from it.
Thus I have laid before you, in the clearest
manner I am able, this whole transaction. You will
regret, perhaps, the reading so long a letter, and tell
me it was scarce worth the trouble. Ask me then
no more what is doing at Rome ! And yet remember
225
VOL. I. g
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
epistulam longam, quae tot dies, tot cognitiones, tot
denique reos caususque complexa sit. Quae omnia
videor mihi non minus breviter quam diligenter per-
secutus. Temere dixi ' diligenter * ; succurrit, quod
praeterieram, et quidem sero, sed, quamquam prae-
..postere, reddetur. Facit hoc Homerus multique
illius exemplo, est alioqui perdecorum, a me tamen
non ideo fiet.
E testibus quidam sive iratus, quod evocatus esset
invitus, sive subornatus ab aliquo reorum, ut accusa-
tionem exai-maret, Norbanum Licinianum, legatuin
et inquisitorem, reum postulavit, tamquam in causa
Castae (uxor haec Classici) praevaricaretur. Est lege
cautum, ut reus ante peragatur, tunc de praevari^
catore quaeratur, quia optime ex accusatione ipsa
accusatoris fides aestimatur. Norbano tamen non
ordo legis, non legati nomen, non inquisitionis
officium praesidio fuit ; tanta conflagravit invidia
homo alioqui flagitiosus et Domitiani teniporibus usus
ut multi electusque tunc a provincia ad inquirendum
non tamquam bonus et fidelis, sed tamquam Classici
inimicus. Erat ab illo relegatus.
Dari sibi diem et edi crimina ^ postulabat.
Neutrum impetravit, coactus est statim respondere ;
^ diem et edi crimina, Bipons, K, diem edi cr. D, idem et
edi cr. MF, diem ad diluenda or. Fpra, Miiller.
" cf. Cic. ad. Att. i. 16 : respondebo tibi vcrrepov irp6repov,
'O/UTjpiK&jj. The allusion is to Homer's plunging in viedias
res (Horace, Ars Poet. 147) by beginning the Iliad with an
episode in the 10th year of the siege, while previous events
are told incidentally in later books. The rhetorical term
for this device was vcrrepov irpSTtpov.
* Inquisitorea were persons officially appointed to get
together the evidence in a case.
226
BOOK III. ix
that considering how many days and inquiries, how
many defendants and their several trials my letter
deals with, it is not really a long one. I venture to
think I have related the whole with as much brevity
as exactness. Nay, I must recall that last word ;
for I perceive, a little too late indeed, that I have
omitted something. However, I will mention it here,
though in inverted sequence. This is the practice of
Homer,** and imitated by many poets ; and indeed
this irregular manner has its beauties, not that I
shall adopt it for that reason.
One of the witnesses whether angry at being
called against his will, or suborned by a defendant to
invalidate the charge, desired leave to impeach
Xorbanus Licinianus, a delegate and commissioner,*
for having prevaricated "^ in his charge against Casta,
the wife of Classicus. The law provides that a trial
must be concluded before an action for prevarication
"can lie against tb.e prosecutor, because his bona fides
can best be judged from the prosecution itself. (But
so extremely odious was Norbanus, that neither l;t>c
legal order of procedure, nor his being a delegate
and commissioner, could protect him ; for he was
otherwise of infamous character, and, like many
others, had taken advantage of the evils of Domitian's
reign. He was chosen commissioner by the province,
not because they had any opinion of his integrity,
l)ut as hostile to Classicus, by whom he liad been
banished.
Norbanus asked to have time allowed him, and a
copy of the indictment. Both which were refused,
and he was ordered to answer immediately to the
' i.e. wilfully defeated his own case, by collusion with the
defendant. See i. 20, n.
227
Q 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
respondit, malum pravumque ingenium homiriis faoit
ut dubitein, confidenter an constanter, certe paratis-
sime. Obiecta sunt multa, quae magis quam prae-
varicatio nocuerunt. Quin etiam duo consulares,
Pomponiiis Rufiis et Libo Frugi, laeserunt eum testi-
monio, taniquam apud iudicem sub Domitiano Salvi
Liberalis accusatoribus adfuisset. Damnatus et in
insulam relegatus est.
Itaque, cum Castam accusarem, nihil magis pressi,
quam quod acciisator eius praevaricationis crimiue
corruisset ; pressi tamen frustra ; accidit enim res
contraria et nova^ ut accusatore praevaricationis
damnato rea absolveretur. Quaeris, quid nos, dum
liaec aguntur ? Indicavimus senatui ex Norbano
didicisse nos pul:)licam causam rursusque debere ex
iiitegro discere, si ille praevaricator probaretur, atque
ita, dum ille peragitur reus, sedimus. Postea Nor-
banus omnibus diebus cognitionis interfuit ean-
demque usque ad extremum vel constantiam vel
audaciam pertulit.
Interrogo ipse me, an aliquid omiserim rursus, et
rursns ])aene omisi. Summo die Salvius Liberalis
reliquos legatos graviter increpuit, tamquam non
omnes, quos mandasset provincia, reos peregissent,
atque, ut est vehemens et disertus, in discrimen
addnxit, Protexi viros optimos eosdemque gratissi-
223
BOOK III. ix
charge. He did so ; when I consider his depraved
character, I know not whether I should say with
assurance, or firmness, but undoubtedly with great
readiness. There were many things alleged against
him, much more damaging than the charge of
prevarication. Two ex-consuls, Pomponius Rufus,
and Libo Frugi, gave the damning evidence that in
the reign of Domitian he was counsel for the prose-
cutors of Salvius Liberalis. He was found guilty,
and sentenced to exile in an island.
When, therefore, I had to charge Casta, I laid the
greatest stress on the fact that her accuser had
broken down in his case by collusion. But I urged
this to no purpose ; for against all reason and
precedent, the accused was acquitted, though her
accuser had been convicted of collusion with her.
You will be curious to be informed how we acted in
this conjuncture. We acquainted the Senate, that as
we had received our briefs in a public prosecution
from Norbanus, we could not, if he should be
convicted of collusion, proceed without new ones ;
and accordingly we sat through his trial without
intervening. When this was over, Norbanus daily
attended in Court, and preserved the same resolution,
or impudence, to tlie last.
And here, uj)on interrogating myself, I find I have
been almost guilty of another omission. I should
have told you that on the last day Salvius Liberalis
inveighed strongly against the rest of the delegates,
on the ground that they had not brought to justice all
the parties they were commissioned by the province to
prosecute. As he is a man of great impetuosity
and eloquence, he put them in a dangerous position.
But I protected those worthy men, whom I found
229
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
mos ; mihi certe debere se praedicantj quod ilium
turbiiiem evaserint. Hie erit epistulae finis, re vera
finis ; litteram non addam, etianisi adhuc aliquid
pi'aeterisse me sensero. Vale.
C. PuNius Vkstricio Spurinnae Suo et Cottiae S.
CoMPosuissE me quaedam de filio vestro non
dixi vobis, cum proxime apud vos fui, primum quia
non ideo scripseram, ut dicerem, sed ut meo amori,
meo dolori satisfacerem^deinde quia te, Spurinna,
cum audisses reeitasse me, ut mihi ipse dixisti, quid
recitassem, simul audisse credebam.'> Praeterea
veritus sum, no vos festis diebus confunderem, si in
memoriam gravissimi luctus reduxissem. Nunc
quoque paulisper haesitavi, id solum, quod recitavi,
mitterem exigentibus vobis an adicerem, quae in
aliud volumen cogito reservai-e. Neque enim
adfectibus meis uno libello carissimam mihi et
sanctissimam memoriam prosequi satis est, cuius
famae latius consuletui*, si dispensata et digesta
fuerit.
Verum haesitanti mihi, omnia, quae iam composui,
vobis exhiberem an adhuc aliqua differrera, simplicius
230
BOOK III. ix.-x
most grateful, too ; for they declare I saved them
from the storm with which they were threatened.
And now, my friend, I will put an end to my letter
in good earnest ; and will not detain you with
adding a syllable more, even though I should find
some circumstances have still escaped me. Farewell.
X
To Spurinna and Cottia
I DID not, it is true, acquaint you, at my last visit,
that I had composed something in praise of your son ;
because it was not written for the sake of ostentation,
but merely as a private tribute of affection to his
memory, and as a consolation to me in my concern
for the loss of him. .Besides, my dear Spurinna, as
you told me you heard I had recited, I imagined you
were informed at the same time of the subject ; and
I was unwilling to cast a gloom upon your cheer-
fulness in that season of gaiety in which I found
you, by recalling to your remembrance so severe a
misfortune. I have even still some doubt, whether I
should only send you both, upon your request, what
I then recited, or join with it what I design for
another essay : for a single ti'act was not only in-
sufficient to give due scope to the sentiments of my
heart, and to comprise the full offerings I would pay
to one whose memory I so infinitely love and honour;
but it seemed also more for the interest of his fame,
to have it thus spread by separate pieces.
But the consideration, that it will be treating you
with a more friendly openness to transmit to you the
whole now, rather than reserve part of it to another
231
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
et amicius visum est omnia, praecipue cum ad fir-
metis intra vos futura, donee placeat emittere. Quod
superest, rogo, ut pari simplicitate, si qua existi-
mabitis addenda, commutanda, omittenda, indicetis
mihi. Difficile est hucusque intendere animum in
dolore ; difficile, sed tamen, ut scalptorem, ut
pictorem, qui filii vestri imaginem faceret, ad-
moneretis, quid exprimere, quid emendare deberet,
ita me quoque formate, regite, qui non fragilem
et caducam, sed immortalem, ut vos putatis, effigiem
Conor efficere ; quae hoc diuturnior ei'it, quo verior,
melior, absolutior fuerit. Valete.
XI
C. Plinius Julio Genitori Suo S.
Est omnino Artemidori nostri tam benigna natura,
ut officia amicorura in maius extollat. Inde etiam
meum meritum ut vera ita supra meritum praedi-
catione circurafert. Equideni, cum essent philosophi
ab urbe summoti, fui apud ilium in suburbano et,
quo notabilius hoc periculosiusque esset, fui praetor.
Pecuniam etiam, qua tune ille ampliore opus erat,
ut aes alienum exsolveret contractum ex pulcherrimis
4^.
"^ Nothing is known of him except from this letter.
* By Domitian, in 93 a.d.
BOOK III. x.-xi
time, has determined me to do so ; especially as you
have assured me you will not part with it out of your
hands, till I think proper to send it abroad. I beg
you would give me an instance of the same unreserved
freedom, by pointing out to me what you shall judge
would be best altered, omitted, or added. It is
difficult (and I know it by what I feel myself) for a
mind in affliction to attend to such little cares.
However, as you would direct a painter or statuary
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 picture
of his mind, which I am endeavouring to draw : for
the nearer it shall resemble the original, and the
more finished it shall be, so much the more lasting it
is likely to prove. Farewell.
XI
To Julius Gknitor
It is the generous disposition of Artemidorus ** to
heighten the good offices of his friends ; hence,
though I have really obliged him, he gives |)eople an
exaggerated account of his obligation. (It is true,
indeed, when the philosophers were expelle"d Rome,''
I went to see him at his house near the city, and I
ran the greater hazard in paying him that visit, as I
was at that time Praetor. I likewise presented him
with a considerable sum to discharge some debts he
had contracted upon very glorious occasions, though
I was obliged to borrow the money myself; while
certain other friends, who both in power and fortune
233
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
.^.^. • ■'■
causis^ mussantibus magnis quibusdam et locupletibus
amicis mutuatus ipse gratuitam dedi. Atque haec
feci, cum septem amicis meis aut occisis aut relegatiSj
Decisis Senecione, Rustico, Helvidio, relegatis
Maurico, Gratilla^ Arria, Faimia, tot circa me iactis
fulminibus quasi ambustus mihi quoque impendere
idem exitium certis quibusdam notis augurarer.
Non ideo tamen eximiam gloriam mei'uisse me, ut
ille praedicat, credo, sed tantum effugisse flagitium.
Nam et C. Musonium, socerum eius, quantum
licitum est per aetatem, cum admiratione dilexi et
Artemidorum ipsum iam tum, cum in Syj-ia tribunus
militarem, arta familiaritate complexus sum idque
primum non nullius indolis dedi specimen, quod
virum aut sapientem aut proximum simillimumque
sapienti intellegere sum visus. Nam ex omnibus,
qui nunc se jihilosophos vocant, vix unum aut alteram
invenies tanta sinceritate, tanta veritate. Mitto,
qua patientia corporis hiemes iuxta et aestates ferat,
ut nullis laboribus cedat, ut nihil in cibo aut potu
voluptatibus tribuat, ut oculos animumque contineat.
Sunt haec magna, sed in alio, in hoc vero minima,
si ceteris virtutibus comparentur, quibus meruit,
ut a C. Musonio ex omnibus omnium ordinum
adsectatoribus gener adsumeretur.
» An eminent teacher of Stoicism, fragments of whose
works are extant. He suffered banishment to an island
under Nero (65 a.d. ), but spent his later j-ears in Rome,
and was speoiall}' excepted when Vespasian banished all
philosophers from the city (71 a.d.).
234
BOOK III. xi
were capable of assisting hirtij dared not come for-
ward. This I did though I had before my eyes the
sufferings of seven of my friends ; Senecio, Rusticus,
and Helvidius being just then put to death, at the
same time that Mauricus, Gratilla, Arria, and Fannia
were sent into exile. And scorched as I was with
the lightning of the State, which thus flashed round
me, I had great reason to expect it would not be
long before it destroyed me too. But I do not
esteem myself upon that account as meriting the
hifh encomiums my friend bestows upon me ; all I
pretend to is, that I was not guilty of the infamous
meanness of abandoning him in his misfortunes.
I had, as far as the difference of our ages would
admit, a friendship for his father-in-law Musonius,''
whom I both loved and esteemed. Artemidorus
himself I made acquaintance with when I was mil-
itary tribune in Syria, where 1 entered into the
strictest intimacy with him. And 'twas the first
mark I gave of being not without parts, that 1
understood his character, who, if he is not a wise
man,^ is next door to one ; I am sure at least, of all
those who now call themselves philosophers, you will
scarce find one so genuine and sincere. I forbear to
mention how patient he is of heat and cold, how in-
defatigable in labour, how indifferent to the pleasures
of the table, what strict guard he keeps over his
eyes and thoughts ; for these qualities, considerable
as they would certainly be in any other, are eclipsed
in him, by the superior lustre of those other virtues
which recommended him to Musonius for a son-in-law,,
in preference to so many other suitors of altranks.
* The Stoics held that their ideal of the Wise, or Perfect,
Mdu had never been realised, even by Socratea.
235
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Quae mi hi recordanti est quidem iucundum, quod
me cum apud alios turn apud te tantis laudibus
cumulat, vereor tamen, ne modum excedat, quem
benignitas eius (illuc enim, unde coepi, reverter)
non solet tenere. Nam in hoc uno interdum vir
alioqui prudentissimus honesto quidem, sed tamen
errore versatur, quod pluris amicos suos, quam sunt;
arbitratur. \'^ale.
XII
C. PuNius Catilio Severo Suo S.
Veniam ad cenam, sed iam nunc paciscor, sit
expedita, sit parca, Socraticis tantum sermonibus
abundet, in his quoque teneat modum. Erunt offi-
cia antelucana, in quae incidere impune ne Catoni
quidem licuit, quem tamen C. Caesar ita reprehen-
ditj ut laudet. Scribit enim eos, quibus obvius
fuerit/ cum caput eorii retexissent^ erubuisse ; deinde
adicit : ' Putares non ab illis Catonem, sed illos a
Catone deprehensos.' Potuitne plus auctoritatis tribui
Catoni, quam si ebi'ius quoque tam venerabilis
erat ? Nostrae tamen cenae ut apparatus et impen-
1 fuerit F D Rice, a, K, fuerat M Vr.
" Part of a client's duty towards his patron was to attend
his lev4e, which was commonly held at daybreak. The story
seems to have been that Cato, going home drnnlc, was stopped
and recognised by persons bound on this errand.
2.^6
BOOK III. xi.-xii
I cannot therefore but be highly sensible of the
advantageous terras in which he speaks of me to
everybody, and particularly to you. But I am appre-
hensive (to return to the observation with which I
set out) that the warmth of his generous benevolence
may carry him beyond the bounds I deserve : for he,
who is so free from all other errors, is extremely apt
to fall into this good-natured one, of over-rating the
merit of his friends. Farewell. ^^_^^-'
XII
To Catilius Severus
I ACCEPT of your invitation to supper ; but I must
make this agreement beforehand, that you dismiss
me soon, and treat me frugally. Let our table
abound only in philosophical conversation, and let
us enjoy even that within limits. There are those
early morning callers to think of, whom Cato himself
could not safely fall in with'' ; though I must confess
that Julius Caesar, when he reproaches him upon
that head, exalts the character he endeavours to
expose : ^ for he describes those persons who met
this reeling patriot, as blushing when they dis-
covered who he was ; 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 vener-
able even in his cups } As for ourselves nevertheless,
' Soon after Cato's suicide at Utica, Cicero published a
panegyric on him, to which Caesar, though in the middle of
a campaign, found time to write a rejoinder — the"Anti-
Cato," in two books, depreciating Cato, while complimenting
Cicero.
237
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
dii sic temporis modus constet. Netjuc enim ii
sumus, quos vituperare ne inimici quidem possint,
nisi ut simul laudent. Vale.
XIII
C. Pmnius Vocomo Romano Suo S.
LiBRUM, quo nuper optimo principi consul gra-
tias egi, misi exigenti tibi missurus, etsi non exe-
gisses. In hoc consideres velim ut pulchritudinem
materiae ita difficultatem. In ceteris enim lectorem
novitas ipsa intentum habet, in hac nota, vulgata
dicta sunt omnia ; quo fit, ut quasi otiosus secu-
rusque lector tantum elocutioni vacet, in qua satis-
facere difficilius est, cum sola aestimatur. Atque
utinam ordo saltem et transitus et figurae simul
spectarentur ! Nam invenire praeclare, enuntiare
magnifice interdum etiam barbari solent, dispo-
nere apte, figurare varie nisi eruditis negatum
est. Nee vero adfectanda sunt semper elata et ex-
celsa. Nam, ut in pictura lumen non alia res magis
quam umbra commendat, ita orationern tam sum-
mittere quam attollere decet.
" See Introduction.
238
BOOK III. xiL-xiii
let temperance not only spread our table, but regulate
our hours : for we are not arrived at so high a re-
putation, that our enemies cannot censure us but to
our honour. Farewell,
XIII
To VOCONIUS RoMANUS
I HAVE sent you, as you desired, my late speech of
thanks to our most excellent Emperor ** on my
appointment to the consulship ; and I intended to
have done so, though you had not requested it.
I could wish when you peruse it, you would consider
the difficulty, as well as the dignity, of the subject.
In other compositions, where the reader is not
acquainted with the subject, the mere novelty of
it engages his attention ; but in a topic so trite and
hackneyed as this, he has nothing to divert him
from considering the style and manner of his
author, which he is at full leisure to contemplate :
and the writer has a hard task to please his readers,
when the whole force of their criticism is directed to
that single point. But I should be glad they would
have in view the disposition, the figures, and con-
nections I have observed in this discourse. A strong
imagination, and grandiose expression will sometimes
break out in the most unpolished writer ; but regu-
larity in the plan of a work, and propriety in the
figures, are the distinguishing mark and particular
privilege of an improved genius. And yet the lofty
and the elevated are not always to be affected.
For as shades in a picture best bring out the high
lights, so the plain and simple style in writing is
as effective as the sublime.
239
€:
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Sed quid ego hacc doctissimo viro ? quin potius
ill lid : adnota, quae putaveris corrigenda. Ita enini
magis credam cetera tibi placere, si quaedam
displicuisse cognovero. Vale.
XIV
C. PUNIUS AciLio Suo S.
Rem atrocem nee tantum epistula dignam Larcius ^
Macedo, vir praetorius, a servis suis passus est,
superbus ab'oqui dominus et saevus, et qui servisse
patrem suum parum, immo nimium meminisset.
Lavabatur in villa .Formiana. Repente eum servi
circumsistunt ; alius fauces invadit, alius os verbe-
rat, alius pectus et ventrem, atque etiam, foedum
dictu, verenda contuiidit ; et, cum exanimem pu-
tarent, abiciunt in fervens pavimentum, ut ex-
perirentur, an viveret. Ille, sive quia non sentiebat,
sive quia se non sentire simulabat, immobilis et
extentus fidem peractae mortis implevit. Tum
demum quasi aestu solutus efFertur ; excipiunt servi
' Larcius Z), Mommsen, Largius vulg.
240
BOOK III. xiii.-xiv
But I forget tliat I am talking to one who is so
complete a judge of these matters ! I should rather
beg of you to point out to me what you shall think
requires correction : for if I find you dislike some
parts, I shall be more inclined to believe you appi'ove
of the rest. Farewell.
XIV
To AciLius
The horrid barbarity which the slaves of Larcius
Macedo, a person of Praetorian rank, lately exercised
upon their master, is so extremely tragical, that it
deserves to be the subject of something more con-
siderable than a private letter ; though at the same
time it must be acknowledged, there was a haughti-
ness and severity in his treatment of them, which
shewed him little — nay, I should rather say, too —
mindful that his own father was once in the same
station.
They suddenly surrounded him as he was bathing
at his villa near Formiae ; one seized him by the
throat, another struck him on the face, yet others
trampled upon his breast, his belly, and actually,
shocking to relate, on a part I forbear to name.
When they imagined him senseless, they threw him
upon the boiling-hot pavement of the bath, to try if
there was any remaining life left in him. He lay
there stretched out, and motionless, either as really
senseless, or counterfeiting to be so ; upon which
they concluded him actually dead. In this condition
they brought him out, pretending that he had fainted
away by the heat of the bath. Some of his more
trusty servants received him, and the alaim being
241
VOL. I. R
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
fideliores, concubinae cum ululatu et clamore con-
currunt. Ita et vocibus excitatus et recreatus loci
frigore sublatis oculis agitatoque corpore vivere se
(et iam tutum erat) confitetur. DifFugiunt servi ;
quorum magna pars comprehensa est, ceteri re-
quiruntur. Ipse paucis diebus aegre focilStus noh^
sine ultionis solacio decessit ita vivus vindicatus, ut
occisi Solent.
Vides, quot periculis, quot contumeliis^ quot ludi-
briis simus obnoxii ; nee est, quod quisquam possit
esse securus, quia sit remissus et mitis ; non enim
iudicio domini, sed scelere perimun'tiir. Verum haec
hactenus.
Quid praeterea novi ? quid ? nihil ; alioqui sub-
iungerem ; nam et charta adhuc superest, et dies
feriatus patitur plura contexi. Addam, quod op-
portune de eodem Macedone succurrit. Cum in
publico Romae lavaretur, notabilis atque etiam, ut
exitus docuit, ominosa res accidit. Eques Romanus
a servo eius, ut transitum daret, manu leviter
admonitus convertit se nee servum, a quo erat tactus,
sed ipsum Macedonem tarn graviter palma percussit,
ut paene concideret. Ita balineum illi quasi per
gradus quosdam primum contumeliae locus, deinde
exitii fuit. Vale.
242
BOOK III. xiv
spread through the family, his mistresses ran to him
with the most violent shrieks. The noise of their
cries, together with the fresh air, brought him a
little to himself, and he gave signs (as he now safely
might) that he was not quite dead, by motion of his
eyes and limbs. The slaves fled in various direc-
tions, but the greater part of them are taken, and
search is being made for the rest. With much
difficulty, he was kept alive for a few days, and
then expired ; but not before he had the consolation
of seeing his murder avenged Avhile he yet lived.
Thus you see to what indignities, outrages, and
dangers we are exposed. Nor is lenity and good
treatment any security from the villainies of your
servants ; for it is malice, and not reflection that
arms such ruffians against their masters. So much
for this piece of news.
But you will ask, I imagine, " Is this all the news ? "
In truth it is ; otherwise, you should have it ; for my
paper and my time too (as it is a holyday with me)
will allow me to add more. Upon recollection, how-
ever, I can tell you one farther circumstance relating
to Macedo, which just now occurs to me. As he was
once in a public bath at Rome, a remarkable, and (as
it should seem by the manner of his death) an
ominous accident happened to him. A slave of
Macedo's, in order to make way for his master, laid
his hand gently upon a Roman knight, who, suddenly
turning round, by mistake gave not him, but Macedo
so violent a cuff, that he almost knocked him down.
Thus the bath seems to have been fatal to him by a
kind of gradation ; for first he received an indignity,
and afterwards lost his life there. Farewell.
243
B 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XV
C. Plinius SiLio Proculo Suo S.
Petis, ut libellos tuos in secessu legam, exami-
nemque, an editione sint digni, adhibes preces,
adlegas exemphim ; rogas etiam^ ut aliquid subse-
civi temporis studiis meis subtraham, impertiam tuis,
adicis M. Tullium mira benignitate poetarum
ingenia fovisse. Sed ego nee rogandus sum nee
hortandus ; nam et poeticen ipsam religiosissime
veneioi* et te validissime diligo. Faciam ergo, quod
desideras, tarn diligenter quam libenter.
Videor autem iam nunc posse reseribere esse opus
pulchvum nee supprimendum, quantum aestimare
licuit ex his, quae me praesente recitasti, si modo mihi
non imposuit recitatio tua ; legis enim suavissime et
peritissime. Confido tamen me non sic auribus
duci, ut qmnes aculei iudicii mei illarum deleni-
mentis refringantur ; hebetentur fortasse et paulu-
lum retundantur, evelli quidem extorqueriqiie non
possunt. Igitur non temere iam nunc de univer-
sitate pronuntio, de partibus experiar legendo.
Vale.
S44
BOOK III. XV
XV
To Si LI us Procultis
You desire me to read your poems in my retire-
ment, and to examine whether they are fit for a
pubhe view ; you put in a petition, and quote a
})recedent ; for after requesting me to tui-n some
of my leisure liours from my own studies to yours,
you remind me that Tully was remarkable for his
generous encouragement and patronage of poetical
geniuses. But you did not do me justice if you sup-
posed I wanted either entreaty or example upon this
occasion, who not only honour the Muse with the
most religious regard, but have also the warmest
friendship for yourself: I shall therefore do what you
require, with as much pleasure as care.
But I believe I may venture to reply off-hand that
your performance is extremely beautiful and ought
by no means to be suppressed, so far as I could judge
those parts which I heard you recite : if indeed your
manner did not impose upon me ; for the skill and
harmony of your elocution is certainly superlative.
I trust, however, I was not so enthralled by the
pleasure my ear received, as that my critical faculty
was wliolly destroyed ; it might possibly be a little
weakened and blunted, but could not, at any rate, be
completely extirpated. I think therefore I may now
safely pronounce my opinion of your poems in gen-
eral ; what they are in their several parts, I sliall
judge when I read them. Farewell.
»4S
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XVI
C. Plinius Nepoti Suo S.
Adnotasse videor facta dictaque viroruni femina-
riimque illustrium alia clariora esse, alia maiora.
Confirmata est opinio mea hestemo Fanniae ser-
mone. Neptis ha^'c Arriae 'illius, quae marito et
solacium mortis et exemplum fuit. Multa refei-ebat
aviae suae non minora hoc, sed, obscuriora ; quae
tibi existimo tarn mirabilia legenti fore, quam mihi
audienti fuerunt.
Aegrotabat Caecina Paetus, maritus eius, aegrotabat
et filius; uterque mortifere, ut videbatur. Filius
decessit eximia pulchritudine, pari verecundia et
parentibus non minus ob alia carus, quam quod filius
erat. Huic ilia ita funus paravit, ita duxit exsequias,
ut ignoraret maritus ; quin immo, quotiens cubiculum
eius intraret, vivere filium atque etiam commodiorem
esse simulabat ac persaepe interroganti, quid ageret
puer, respondebat, ' Bene quievit, libenter cibum
sumpsit.' Deinde, cum diu coliibitae lacrimae vincer-
ent prorumperentque, egrediebatur ; turn se dolori
dabat ; satiata siccis oculis composito vultu redibat,
246
BOOK III. xvi
XVI
To Nepos
Methinks I have observed, that amongst the
actions and sayings of distinguished persons in either
sex, those which have been most celebrated have
not always been the most illustrious ; and I am con-
firmed in this opinion, by a conversation I had
yesterday with Fannia. This ladyfs granddaughter
to that celebrated Arria, who gave her husband not
only consolation, but an example, in the hour of
death. She informed me of several particulars re-
lating to Arria, not less heroical than this famous
action of hers, tho' not so well-known ; which I am
persuaded will raise your admiration as much when
you read, as they did mine when I heard them.
Arria's husband, Caecina Paetus, and her son,
were both at the same time attacked with a seem-
ingly mortal illness, of which the son died. This
youth, who had a most beautiful person and was as
modest as he was beautiful, had endeared himself to
his parents no less by his other claims on their
affection than by his relation to them. His mother
managed his funeral so privately that Paetus did not
know of his death ; nay, more, whenever she came
into his bed-chamber, she pretended her son was
better ; and as often as he inquired after his health,
would answer that he had rested well, or had eaten
with an appetite. When she found she could no
longer restrain her grief, but her tears were gushing
out, she would leave the room, and having given
vent to her passion, return again with dry eyes and
a serene countenance, as if she had dismissed every
247
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
tamquam orbitatem foris reliquisset. Praeclarum
quidem illiid eiusdenij ferrum stringere, perfodere
pectus, extrahere pugionem, porrigere marito, ad-
dere vocem immortalem ac paene divinam : ' Paete,
non dolet.' Sed tamen ista facienti dicentique
gloria et aeternitas ante oculos erant ; quo raaius
est sine praemio aeternitatis, sine praemio gloriae
abdere lacrimas, operire luctum amissoqiie filio
matrem adhuc agere.
Scribonianus arma in Illjiico contra Claudium
moverat; fuerat Paetus in partibus, occiso Scri-
boniano Romam trahebatur. Erat ascensurus navem.
Arria milites orabat, ut simul imponeretur. ' Nempe
enim,* inquit, 'daturi estis consulari viro servulos
aliquos, quorum e manu, ci^um capiat, a quibus
vestiatur, a quibus calcietul-'': ' oin'nia sola pvaestabo.'
Non impetravit ; conduxit piscatoriam naviculam
ingensque navigium minimo secuta est. Eadem
apud Claudium uxori Scriboniani, cum ilia pro-
fiteretur indicium, 'Ego,' inquit, ' te audiam, cuius
in gremio Scribonianus occisus est, et vivis ? ' Ex
quo manifestum est ei consilium pulcherrimae mortis
non subitum fuisse.
il " Paetus had taken part in the military revolt raised by
I Scribonianus, the governor of Dalraatia (a.d.. 42). It failed
' in four days, the troops refusing to march to Italy ; S. fled,
and was killed by one of his soldiers. Paetus was brought
to Rome, tried and found guilty, and ordered to commit
suicide in prison. When the last moment came, his wife
I took the dagger, plunged it into her own breast, and drawing
|[ it forth, gave it to him with the immortal words. Her
i| attempted suicide in Thrasea's house, which Pliny presently
\ 248
BOOK III. xvi
pang of bereavement at her entrance. The action
was, no doubt, truly noble, when drawing the dagger
she plunged it in her breast, and then presented it
to her husband with that ever-memorable, I had
almost said that divine expression, " It does not
hurt, my Paetus." "■ It must however be considered,
when she spoke and acted thus, she had the prospect
of immortal glory before her eyes to encourage and
support her. But was it not something much greater,
without the view of such powerful motives, to hide
her tears, to conceal her grief, and cheerfully play
the mother when she was so no more ?
Scribonianus had taken up ai*ms in Illyria against
Claudius, but being slain, Paetus, who was of his
party, was brought prisoner to Rome. When they
were going to put him on board a ship, Arria
besought the soldiers that she might be permitted
to go with him : "Of course," said she, "you mean
to give a consular, as he is, a few slaves to wait
upon him at his table and toilet ; but if you will
take me, I alone will perform their whole duties."
This favour, however, she could not obtain ; upon
which she hired a small fishing-vessel, and pursued
that great ship in a mere cockle-shell. At her return
to Rome, she met the wife of Scribonianus in the
emperor's palace, who had turned evidence for the
prosecution: "What," said she, " am I to suffer you to
address me, who saw your husband murdered even
in your very arms, and yet survived him .'' " An ex-
pression which plainly shews, that the noble manner
in which she put an end to her life, was no un-
premeditated effect of sudden passion.
mentions, probably occurred when Paetus had been already
found guilty, and was awaiting execution.
249
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Qiiin etianij cum Thrasea, gener eius, deprecareturj
ne mori pergeret, interque alia dixisset : * Vis
ergo filiam tuam, si mihi pereundum fuerit, mori
mecum ? ' respondit : * Si tarn diu tantaque concordia
vixerit tecum, quam ego cum Paeto, volo.' Auxerat
hoc response curam suorum, attentius custodiebatur ;
sensit et ' Nihil _ agitis ' inquit ; * potestis eiiim
efficere, ut jmale moriar, ne moriar, non potestis.'
Dum haec dicit, exsiluit cathedra adversoque
parieti caput ingenti impetu impegit et corruit.
Focilata ' Dixeram,' inquit ' vobis, inventuram
me quamlibet duram ad mortem viam, si vos facilem
negassetis.'
Videnturne haec tibi maiora illo, ' Paete, non
dolet,' ad quod per haec perventum est ? cum
interim illud quidem ingens fama^ haec nulla cir-
cumfert. Unde colligitur, quod initio dixi, alia
esse clariora, alia maiora. Vale.
" Twenty-four years later, Thrasea was condemned for
treason, under Nero, and ordered to choose the manner of
his death (66 a.d. ). His wife, the younger Arria, sought to
die with him, but he persuaded lier to live for the sake of
their daughter, Faunia (vii. 19).
250
BOOK III. xvi
When, tooj Thrasea, who married her daughter,
was dissuading her from her purpose of destroy-
ing herself, and among 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 heightened the alarm
of her family, and made them observe her for
the future more narrowly; which, when she per-
ceived, "you are wasting your trouble," said she,
"you can oblige me to die a painful death, but you
cannot prevent me from dying." She had scarce
said this, when she sprang from her chair, and
running her head with the utmost violence against
the wall, she fell down, in appearance dead. But
being brought to herself, " I told you," said she,
"if you would not suffer me to take the easy path
to death, I should make my way to it through some
more difficult passage."
Now, is there not, my ft-iend, something much
greater in all this, than the so-much-talked-of
" Paetus, it is not painful," to which these actions led
the way ; and yet this last is the favourite topic of
fame,^ while all the former are passed over in pro-
fouxid silence. Whence we must infer, what I
observed in the beginning of my letter, tliat the
most famous actions are not always the most noble.
Farewell.
' (j/". Martial's famous epigram (i. 14).
251
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XVII
C. Plinius Iulio Serviano Suo S.
Rectkne omnia, quod iam pridem epistulae tuae
cessant ? an omnia I'ecte, sed occupatus es tu ? an
tu non occupatus, sed oecasio seribendi vel rara
vel nulla? Exime hunc niihi scrupulum, cui par esse
non possum, exime autem vel data opera tabellario
misso. Ego viaticum, ego etiam praemium dabo,
nuntiet rnihi modo, quod opto. Ipse valeo, si valere
est suspensum et anxium vivere exspectantem in
horas timentemque pro capite amicissimo, quidquid
,12 accidere homini potest. Vale.
I XVIII
/ C. Plinius VibioI Severo Suo S.
Officiom consulatus Iniunxit mihi, ut reipublicae
nomine principi gratias agerem. Quod ego in
senatu cum ad rationem et loci et temporis ex
more fecissem, bono civi convenientissimum credidi
eadem ilia spatiosius et uberius volumine amplecti,
primum ut imperatori nostro virtutes suae veris
laudibus commendarentur, deinde ut futuri principes
non quasi a magistro, sed tamen sub exemplo
' ViBio Mommttn, Mailer, Curio Fpr, K.
" See Letter xiiL of this book.
252
BOOK III. xvii.-xviii
XVII
To Julius Servianus
Can all be well with you, when you have written
me nothing for so long ? Or is all well, but you are
too busy to write ? Or is it, perhaps, that you have
leisure to write, but no few opportunities of conveying
your letters ? Free me, I entreat you, from this
anxiety, which is more than I can bear ; and do so,
even though it be at the ti'ouble of sending a mail-
carrier ; I will gladly bear his charges, and even
"reward him too, should he bring me the news I wish.
As for myself, I am well, if to be well can mean to
live in suspense and anxiety, under the hourly
apprehension of all the accidents which can possibly
befall the friend one most tenderly loves. Farewell.
XVIII
To ViBius Severus
I WAS obliged, on attaining the consulship,® to
return thanks to the emperor 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 the
patriotic course to enlarge those, and amplify my
remarks into a complete discourse. My principal
view in doing so was, to confirm our emperor in
his virtues, by paying that tribute of applause to
them which they so justly deserve ; and next to
direct future princes, not in the formal way of
lecture, and yet by the method of example, to those
253
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
praemonerentur, qua potissiraum via possent ad
eandem gloriam niti. Nam praecipere, qualis esse
debeat prineeps, pulchrum quidem, sed onerosum
ac prope superbum est, laudare vero optimum
principem ac per hoc posteris velut e specula
lumen, quod sequantur, ostendere idem utilitatis
habet, adrogantiae nihil.
Cepi autem non mediocrem voluptatem, quod,
hunc librum cum amicis recitare voluissem, non per
codicillos, non per libellos, sed ' si commodum ' et
'si valde vacaret' admoniti (numquam porro aut
valde vacat Romae aut commodum est audire reci-
tantem) foedissimis insuper tempestatibus per biduum
convenerunt, cumque modestia mea finem recitationi
facere voluisset, ut adicerem tertium diem, exe-
gerunt. Mihi hunc honoreni habitum putem an
studiis ? studiis malo, quae prope exstinota refo-
ventur. .^^At cui materiae banc sedulitatem praesti-
teruntl*-^empe quam in senatu quoque, ubi perpeti
necesse erat, gravari tamen vel puncto temporis sole-
bamus, eandem nunc, et qui recitare et qui audire
triduo velint, inveniuntur, non quia eloquentius quam
prius, sed quia liberius ideoque etiam libentius
scribitur. Accedet ergo hoc quoque laudibus prin-
254
BOOK III. xviii
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 a presumption ; but
to applaud the character of an accomplished em-
peror, and to hold him out to posterity, as a light
to guide succeeding monarchs, is a method equally
useful, and much more modest.
It afforded me a very singular pleasure when I
recited this panegyric, that my friends gave me
their company, though I did not solicit them in the
usual form ot circular billets, but only desired their
attendance, if it would be agreeable to them, and
they were entirely disengaged (and, you know, either
time or inclination is always wanting to men about
town, when they receive invitations of this kind I)
Yet, though the weather proved extremely bad, they
attended the recital for two days together ; and
when I thought it would be immodest to detain them
any longer, tliey insisted upon my going through
with it the next day. Shall I consider this as an
honour paid to myself, or to polite literature ?
Rather let me suppose to the latter, v.hich 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
fomierly, even in the Senate, where we were obliged
to submit to it, we could not hear without enmii,
though but for a few moments. But now, you see,
we have patience to recite and attend to a topic of
this nature for three days together ; and the reason
of the difference is not that we have more eloquence
but more liberty than formerly, and consequently,
write with more spirit. It is an additional glory
«55
THE LETl'ERS OF PLINY
cipis nostri, quod res antea tarn invisa quam falsa
nunc ut vera ita amabilis facta est.
Sed ego cum studium audientium turn iudicium
mire probavi ; animadvert! enim, severissiina quaeque
vel maxime satisfacere. Memini quidem me non
multis recitasse, quod omnibus scripsi, nihilominus
tamen, tamquam sit eadem omnium futura sententia^
hac severitate aurium laetor ac, sicut olim theati'a
male musicos canere docuerunt^ ita nunc in spem
adducor posse fieri, ut eadem theatra bene canere
musicos doceant. Omnes enim, qui placendi causa
scribunt, qualia placere viderint, scribent. /Ac mihi
quidem confido in hoc genere materiae laetioris stili
constare rationem,^um ea potius, quae pressius et
adstrictius, quam ilia, quae liilarius et quasi exsul-
tantius scripsi, possint videri arcessita et inducta.
Non ideo tamen segnius precor, ut quandoque veniat
dies (utinamque lam venerit !), quo austeris istis
severisque dulcia haec blandaque veliustapossessioney
decedant. "~"
Habes acta mea tridui ; quibus cognitis volui
tantum te voluptatis absentem et studiorum nomine
" i.e. even where it can justifiably be used.
256
BOOK III. xviii
therefore, to our present emperor, that this sort
of harangues, which were once as odious as they
were false, are now as pleasing as they are
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 even the more nervous parts of my
discourse gave them much satisfaction. I am aware,
indeed, this work, which was written for the perusal
of the world in general, was read only to a few :
however, I rejoice at their manly taste as an earnest
of public approval. It was in eloquence as in music,
the vitiated ears of the audience introduced a
depraved style ; but now, I am inclined to hope, as a
more refined judgement prevails in the public, our
compositions of both kinds will improve too ; for
those authors, whose only view is to please, will form
their works upon the general taste of the people. <^I
imagine, however, in subjects of this nature thfe
florid style is most proper ; and am so far from
thinking that the gay colouring I have used, will be
esteemed foreign and unnatural, that I am most
apprehensive that censure will fall upon those parts
where I have been most plain and unornamented.
Nevertheless I sincerely wish the time may come,
(and would to heaven it now were !) when the
smooth and luscious manner which has infected our
style, shall yield place even where it has a just
title," to severe and chaste composition.
Thus I have given you an account how I have been
employed these last three days, that your absence
might not deprive you of a pleasure, which, from
your friendship to me, and the part you take in
257
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
et meo capere, quantum praesens percipere
potuisses. Vale.
XIX
C, Plinius Calvisio Rufo Suo S.
Adsumo te in consilium rei familiaris, ut soleo.
Praedia agris meis vicina atque etiam inserta venalia
sunt. In his me multa sollicitant, aliqua nee minora
deterrent. Sollicitat primum ipsa pulchritude iun-
gendij deinde quod non minus utile quam voluptuo-
sum posse utraque eadcm opera, eodem viatico
invisere, sub eodem procuratore ac paene iisdem
actoribus liabere, unam villam colere et ornarCj
alteram tantum tueri. Inest huic computationi
sumptus supellectilis, sumptus atriensium, topia-
riorum, fabrorum atque etiam venatorii instrumenti ;
quae plurimum refert unum in locum conferas an in
diversa dispergas.
Contra vereor, ne sit incautum rem tam magnam
iisdem tempestatibus, iisdem casibus subdere. Tutius
videtur incerta fortunae possessionum varietatibus
experiri. Habet etiam multum iucunditatis soli
caelique mutatio ipsaque ilia peregrinatio inter sua.
258
BOOK III. xviii.-xix
everything that concerns the interest of learning, 1
know you would have received, if you had been
present. Farewell.
XIX
To Calvisius Rufus.
I MUST have recourse to you, as usual, in an affair
which concerns my finances. An estate is offered to
be sold which lies contiguous to mine, and indeed is
intermixed with it. There are several circumstances
which strongly incline me to this purchase, as there
are others no less weighty which deter me from it.
The first recommendation it has is, that throwing
both estates into one will make a really fine property ;
the next, the advantage as well as the pleasure of
being able to visit it under one trouble and expense ;
to have it looked after by the same agent, and
almost by the same under-bailiffs ; and to have only
one villa to maintain handsomely, as it will be suffic-
ient to keep up the other just in common repair. I
take into this account, cost of furniture, house-
keepers, gardeners, workmen, and all the apparatus
that relates to the game,.i^ it saves a very consider-
able expense when you are not obliged to keep them
at more houses than one.
On the other hand, I don't know whether it is
prudent to venture so much of one's property under
the same climate, and to the same casualties; it
seems a more sure method of guarding against the
capi-ices of fortune, to distribute one's possessions
into different situations : besides, there is something
extremely amusing in shifting the scene, and travel-
ling from one estate to another. But to mention the
259
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Liin, quod deliberationis nostrae caput est, agri sunt
fertiles, pingues, aquosi, constant campis, vineis,
silvis, quae materiam et ex ea reditum sicut modicum
ita statum praestant. Sed haec felicitas terrae
inibecillis cultoribus fatigatur. Nam possessor prior
saepius vendidit pignora et, dum reliqua colonorum
minuit ad tempus, vires in posterum exhausit, qua-
rum defectione rursus reliqua creverunt. Sunt ergo
instruendi complures frugi mancipes ; nam nee ipse
usquam vinctos habeo nee ibi quisquam.
Superest, ut scias, quanti videantur posse enii.
Sestertio tricies, non quia non aliquando quinquagies
fuerint, verum et hac penuria colonorum et communi
temporis iniquitate ut reditus agrorum sic etiam pre-
tium retro abiit. Quaeris, an hoc ipsum tricies facile
colligere possimus. Sum quidem prope totus in
pi'aediis, aliquid tamen foenero, nee molestum erit
mutuari ; accipiam a socru, cuius area non secus ac
mea utor. Proinde hoc te non moveat, si cetera non
refi-agantur,quae velim quam diligentissime examines.
Nam cum in omnibus rebus turn in disponendis
facultatibus plurimum tibi et usus et providentiae
superest. Vale.
260
BOOK III. xix
point of principal difficulty : the lands are rich,
fertile and well ■•.vatered, consisting chieHy of
meadow-grounds, vineyards, and woods, the timber
of which affords a moderate but regular profit : but
then, the fertility of the soil has been reduced by
poor husbandry. The person who was last in pos-
session used frccjuently to seize and sell the tenants'
stock for debt, by which means, though he lessened
their arrears for the present, yet he exhausted their
resoui'ces for the future, and the consequence was,
that they were again in arrears. I shall be obliged
therefore to contract for labourers with several
decent employers of farm-hands, as there are no
bond-slaves left upon the estate, neither have I any
on my other properties.
And now it remains only to inform you of the
price : I believe I may get it for three millions of
sesterces. True, it has been formerly sold for five
millions, but partly by the general calamity of the
times, and partly by its being th^is_stripj)ed of
Jabourers, the income of this estate'is reduced, and •
conVequently its value. You will be inclined, per-
haps, to inquire whether I can easily raise the pur-
chase-money? It is true, indeed, my estate is chiefly
inland; but I have some money placed out at in-
terest, and I can borrow without difficulty. I
have alwa3^s a sure resource in the purse of my
wife's mother, which I can use with the same
freedom as my own ; so that you need not give your-
self any trouble as to that article, if you should
have no other objections, which I beg you would very
maturely consider : for as in every thing else, so par-
ticularly in matters of economy no man has more
judgement and experience than yourself. Farewell.
261
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XX
C. Pi.iNius Messio Maximo Suo S.
Meministine te saepe legisse, quantas contentiones
excitarit lex tabellaria, quantumque ipsi latori vel
gloriae vel reprehensionis attukrit ? At nunc in
senatu sine ulla dissensione hoc idem ut optimum
placuit ; omnes comitiorum die tabellas postulaverunt.
Excesseramus sane manifestis illis apertisque suffra-
giis licentiam concionum. Non tempus loquendi,
non tacendi modestia, non denique sedendi dignitas
custodiebatur. Magni undique dissonique clamores,
procuvrebant omnes cum suis candidatis, multa
agmina in medio multique circuli et indecora confu-
sio; adeo desciveramus a consuetudine parentum^
apud quos omnia disposita, moderata, tranquilla
maiestatem loci pudoremque retinebant.
Supersunt senes^ ex quibus audire soleo hunc
ordinem comitiorum ; citato nomine candidati silen-
tium summum ; dicebat ipse pro se, vitam suam
" The author of this law was one Gabiiiius, a tribune of
the people, A.U.C. 614 (Melm.).
* One of the fiist acts of Tiberius was to transfer the
election of magistrates from the comitia centuriata (the
assembly of the whole people, arranged in "centuries,"
which met in the Campus Martins) to the Senate. Turn
primum e campo comitia ad 2'cUres translata siuU . . . neque
populus ademptum ius questiis est nisi inani rumore, et senatus
largitionibiis ac precibus sordidix exwlntxts lihens tenuit. — Tac.
Arm. i. 15. What Pliny seems to regret as a good old
262
BOOK III. XX
XX
To Messius Maximus.
You remember, no doubt, to have often read what
commotions were occasioned by the law which
directs that the '^ elections of magistrates shall be by
balloting, and how much the author of it was both
"approved and condemned. Yet this very rule the
Senate lately unanimously adopted, and upon the
election-day, with one consent, called for the ballots.
It must be owned, the method by open votes had
introduced into the Senate more riot and disorder
than is seen even in the assemblies of the people ;
no regularity in speaking, no respectful silence,
not even the decorum of remaining seated, was
observed. It was universal dissonance and clamour ;
the several candidates running forward with their
patrons, a serried throng in the middle of the senate-
house, the rest broken up in small groups, created
the most indecent confusion. Thus widely had we
departed from the manners of our ancestors, who
conducted these proceedings with a calmness and
regularity suitable to the reverence which is due to
the majesty of the place.
I have been informed by some aged persons who
remember those times, that the method observed in
their elections was this : ^ the name of the person
who offered himself for any office beiiig called over,
a profound silence ensued ; the candidate appeared,
institution, was really the annihilation of tlie last vestige
of the Roman people's power. The ballot had long been
introduced into the Coinitia, but the Senate had hitherto
retained the practice of open voting.
263
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
explicabatj testes et laudatores dabat vel eum, sub
quo niilitaverat, vel eum, cui quaestor fuerat, vel
utrumque, si poterat, addebat quosdam ex suffraga-
iL toribus ; illi gi'aviter et paucis loquebantur. Plus hoc
quam preces proderat. Non iiumquam candidatus aut
natales competitoris aut annos aut etiam mores
arguebat. Audiebat senatus gravitate censoria. Ita
saepius digni quam gratiosi praevalebant.
Quae nunc immodico favore corrupta ad tacita
suffragia quasi ad remedium decurrerunt ; quod
interim plane remedium fuit ; erat enim novum et
subitum. Sed vereor, ne procedente tempore ex ipso
remedio vitia nascantur. Est enim periculum, ne
tacitis sufTragiis impudentia irrepat. Nam quoto
cuique eadem honcstatis cura secreto quae palam ?
Multi famam^ conscientiam pauci verentur. Sed
nimis cito de futuris ; interim beneficio tabellarum
habebimus magistratus, qui maxime fieri debuerunt.
Nam ut in reciperatoriis iudiciis sic nos in his
comitiis quasi repente adprehensi sinceri iudices
fuimus.
Haec tibi scripsi^ primum ut aliquid novi scriberem,
-"" On reciperatores, see ii. 11 n.
264
BOOK III. XX
and, after he had spoken for himself, and given an
account to the Senate of his'life and manners, called
witnesses in support of his character. These were,
either the person under whom he had served in the
army, or to whom he had been Quaestor, or both (if
the case admitted of it), to whom he also joined some
of those friends who esjwused his interest. They
delivered what they had to say in his favour, in a
few words, but with great dignity : and this had far
more influence than humble solicitation. Some-
times the candidate would object either to the
birth, or age, or character of his competitor ; to
which the Senate would listen with a censorial
gravity ; and thus was merit generally preferred to
interest.
But partisan licence having corrupted this in-
stitution, recourse was had to balloting, as the most
probable remedy for this evil. The method being
new, and summarily adopted, it certainly has hitherto
answered the purpose ; but, I am afraid, in process
of time it will introduce new inconveniences ; as this
silent way of voting seems to afford a loophole to
effrontery. For how few are there who preserve the
same delicacy of conduct in secret, as when exposed
to the view of the world ? The truth is, the generality
of mankind stand in awe of public opinion, while
conscience is feared only by the few. But I am
pronouncing too hastily upon a future contingency ;
in the meanwhile, thanks to the ballot, we shall have
such magistrates as best deserve office. For our
election resembled a trial by special commissioners ; "^
we were unbiassed judges, because suddenly seized
upon, as it were, to deliver judgement.
I have given you this incident not only as a piece
265
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
deinde ut non numquam de republica loquerer, cuius
materiae nobis quanto rarior quam veteribus occasio
tanto minus omittenda est. Et hercule quousque
ilia vulgaria 'Quid agis ? ecquid commode vales?'
Habeant nostrae quoque litterae aliquid non humile
nee sordiduni nee privatis rebus inelusum. Sunt
quidem cuncta sub unius arbitrio, qui pro utilitate
communi solus omnium curas laboresque suscepit ;
quidam tamen salubri quodam temperamento ad nos
quoque velut rivi ex illo benignissimo fonte deeurrunt,
quos et haurire ij)si et absentibus amicis quasi minis-
trare epistulis possumus. Vale.
XXI
C. Plinius Cornelio Frisco Suo S.
Audio Valerium Martialem decessisse et moleste
fero. Erat homo ingeniosus, acutus, acer, et qui
plurimum in scribendo et salis haberet et fellis nee
candoris minus. Prosecutus eram viatico seceden-
tem ; dederam hoc amicitiae, dederam etiam versi-
culis, quos de me composuit. Fuit moris antiqui eos,
,^—— — — -
qui vel singulorum laudes vel urbium scripserant, aut
" A.D. 101-104; the exact date is unknown. Martial had
retired, probably 9S a.d., to his native town Bilbilis in
266
BOOK HI. xx.-xxi
of news, but because it afrords me an opportunity to
speak of the republic ; a subject which as we have
fewei* occasions of mentioning than our ancestors, so
we ought to be more careful not to let any of them
slip. In good earnest, I am tired with repeating
over and over the same compliments, "How d'ye do ?"
and " I hope you are well." Why should our letters,
too, for ever turn upon petty domestic concerns ? It
is true, indeed, the direction of the public weal is in
the hands of a single person, who, for the general
good, takes upon himself solely to ease us of the
care and weight of government ; but still that
bountiful source of power permits, by a very whole-
soixie^dispensation, some streams to flow down to us :
and these we may not only imbibe ourselves, but, as
it were, administer them by letter to our absent
friends. Farewell.
XXI
To Cornelius Priscus
I HAVE just heard of the death « of poor Martial,
Avhich much concerns me. He was a man of an acute
and lively genius, and his writings abound in both wit
and satire, combined with equal candour. When he
left Rome I complimented him by a present to
defray the charges of his journey, not only as a
testimony of my friendship, but in return for the
little poem which he had written about me. It was^^
the custom of the ancients to distinguish those poets
with honours or pecuniary rewards> who had
celebrated particular persons or cities in their verses ;
Spain, whence he issued his last Book of Epigrams (xii) in
101 A.D.
267
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
honoribus aut pecunia ornare ; nostris vero tempori-
bus ut alia speciosa et egregia ita hoc in piimis
exolevit. Nam, postquam desiimus facere laudanda,
laudari quoque incj)tum j)iitamus. Qiiaeris, qui sint
versiculi, quibus gratiam rettuli. Remitterem te
ad ipsum volumen, nisi quosdam tenerem ; tu, si
placuerint hi, ceteros in libro requires. Adloquitur
Musatn, mandat, ut domum meam Esquiliis quaerat,
adeat reverenter :
Sed ne tempore non tuo disertam
pulses ebria ianuam, videto.
Totos dat tetricae dies Minervae,
dum centum studet auribus virorum
hoc, quod saecula posterique possint
Arpinis quoque comparare chartis.
Seras tutior ibis ad lucernas ;
haec hora est tua, cum furit Lyaeus,
cum regnat rosa, cum madent capilli.
Tunc me vel rigidi legant Catones.
Meritone eum, qui haec de me scripsit, et tunc
dimisi amicissime et nunc ut amicissimum defunctum
esse doleo ? Dedit enim mihi, quantum maxime
potuit, daturus amplius, si potuisset. Tametsi quid
homini potest dari maius quam gloria et laus et aeter-
nitas ? At non erunt aeterna, quae scripsit. Non
erunt fortasse, ille tamen scripsit, tamquam essent
futura. Vale.
" These words summarise the first eleven lines vi the
epigram (x. 19), the remainder of which Pliny quotes.
263
BOOK III. xxi
but this practice, with every other that is fair and
noble, is now grown out of fashion ; and in con-
sequence of having ceased to act laudably, we con-
sider applause as an impertinent and worthless
tribute. You will be desirous, perhaps, to see the
verses which merited this acknowledgement from me ;
and I believe I can, from my memory, partly satisfy
your curiosity, without referring you to his works:
but if you are 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 seek my
house upon the Esquiline, and to approach me 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, wond'rous Tully ! thine.
Then, cautious, watch the vacant hour,
When Bacchus reigns in all his power I
When crown'd with rosy chaplets gay.
E'en rigid Catos read my lay."
Do you not think that the poet who wrote in such
terms of me, deserved some friendly marks of my
bounty Ihen, and that he merits my sorrow now ? For
he gave me the most he could, and it was want of power
only, if his present was not more valuable. But to
say truth, what higher can be conferred on man than
fame, and applause, and immortality .'' And though
it should be granted, that his poems will not be
immortal, still, no doubt, he composed them upon the
contrary supposition. Farewell.
369
BOOK IV
LIBER ^UARTUS
C. Plinius Fabato Prosocero Suo S.
Cui»is post longum tempus neptem tuam meque
una videre. Gratum est utrique nostrum, quod cupis,
mutuo mehercule. Nam invicem nos incredibili
quodam desiderio vestri tenemur, quod non ultra
differemus ; atque adeo iam sarcinulas alligamus
festinaturi, quantum itineris ratio permiserit. Erit
una, sed brevis mora ; deflectemus in Tuscos, non ut
agros remque familiarem oculis subiciamus (id
enim postponi potest), sed ut fungamur necessario
officio.
Oppidum est praediis nostris vicinum (nomen
Tifernum Tiberinum), quod me paene adhuc puerum
patronum cooptavit tanto maiore studio quanto
minore iudicio. Adventus meos celebrat, profectioni-
bus angitur, honoribus gaudet. In hoc ego ut re-
ferrem gratiam (nam vinci in amore turpissimum
est), templum pecunia mea exstruxi, cuius dedica-
" Calpurnia, Pliny's wife.
272
BOOK IV
To Fa BAT us
You have long desired a visit from your gi-and-
daughter « and myself. Nothing, be assured, could
be more agreeable to us both ; for we equally long
to see you and are determined to delay that pleasure
no longer. For this purpose our baggage is actually
making ready, and we shall hasten to you with all
the expedition the roads will permit. We shall stop
only once, and that for a short time ; intending to
turn a little out of the way in order to go into
Tuscany ; not for the sake of looking upon our
estate and into our personal property, for that we
could defer to another opportunity ; but to perform an
indispensable duty.
There is a town near my estate called Tifernum-
upon-the-Tiber, which, making up in goodwill what
it lacked in judgement, put itself under my patronage
when I was yet almost a boy. These people cele-
brate my arrival among them, express the greatest
concern when I leave them, and rejoice over every
prefermenfT attain. That I may return their good
offices (for nothing is baser than to be outdone in
affection) I have built a temple in this place, at my
273
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
tioneQij cum sit paratum, differre longiiis irre-
ligiosum est.
Erimus ergo ibi dedicationis die, quern epulo cele-
brare constitui. Subsistemus fortasse et sequenti,
sed tanto magis viam ipsam corripiemus. Contingat
modo te filianique tiiam fortes invenire ! nam hilares
certum est, si nos incolumes receperitis. Vale.
II
C. Plinius Attio Clementi Suo S.
Regulus filium aniisit hoc uno malo indignus, quod
nescio an malum putet. Erat puer acris ingenii, sed
ambigui, qui tamen posset recta sectari^ si patrem non
referret. Hunc Regulus ^mancipavit, ut heres
matris exsisteret ; mancipatum (ita vulgo ex moribus
hominis loquebantur) foeda et insolita parentibus
indulgentiae simulatione captabat. Incredibile, sed
Regulum cogita. Amissum tamen luget insane.
Habebat puer mannulos multos et iunctos et solutos,
habebat canes maiores minoresque, habebat luscin-
'\J;Ca]puinia Hispulla. See iv. 19.
Jh\ A Roman citizen held the 2)at7-{a poffstas over his legiti-
mate children for life, unless he cliose to emancipate them by
a special legal process ; and while under patria potestas they
were legallj' incapable of owning property.
274
BOOK IV. i.-ii
own expense ; and as it is finished, it would be a sort
of impiety to omit the dedication of it any longer.
We design therefore to be there on the day that
ceremony is to be performed, and I have resolved to
celebrate it with a general feast. We may possibly
continue there all the next day, but we shall make
so much the more expedition upon the road. May^
we have the happiness to find you and your daughter'ii/
in good health ! as I am sure we shall in good spirits,
if you see us safely arrived. Farewell.
II
To Attius Clemens
ReguiLus has lost his son; the only undeserved
misfortune which could have befallen him — and I
much doubt whether he thinks it one. The boy v/as
of a sprightly but ambiguous turn ; however, he
seemed capable enough of steering right, if he could
have avoided s})litting^-upon his father's example.
Regulus gave him hisi!'^ ft-eedom, in order to entitle
him to the estate left^iim by his mother; and then
endeavoured (as the character of the man made it
generally believed) to wheedle him out of the
reversion to it 5.- by the complaisance the most
revolthig and the most unusual in a parent. This
perhaps you will scarce think credible ; but consider
what Regulus is ! However, he now expresses his
concern for the loss of this youth in a most outrageous
manner. The boy had a great number of little coach
and saddle horses ; dogs of large and" small sorts
tSgelher with parrots, black-birds and- Jliahtingales,
* Captare {aliquem) was the stock phrase for curryiii"
favour with a person in order to get a legacy.
275
T 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
ias, psittacos, merulas ; omnes Regulus circa rogum
trucidavit. Nee ~3olor erat ille, sed ostentatio
doloris.
Conveiiitur ad euni mira celebritate. Cuncti detes-
tantnr, oderimt at, quasi probent, quasi diligant,
cursant, frequeutant, utque breviter, quod sentio,
enuntiem, in Regulo demerendo Regulum imitantur.
Tenet se trans Tiberim in liortis, in quibus latissi-
mum solum porticibus immensis, ripam statuis suis
occupavit, ut est in summa avaritia sumptuosus, in
summa infamia gloriosus Vexat ergo civitatem in-
saluberrimo tempore et, quod vexat, solacium putat.
Dicit se velle ducere uxorera, hoe quoque sicut alia
perverse. Audies brevi nuptias lugentis, nuptias
senis ; quorum alterum immaturum, alterum serum
est. Unde hoc augurer, quaeris. Non quia adfinnat
ipse, quo mendacius nihil est, sed quia certura est
Regulum esse facturum, quidquid fieri non oportet.
Vale.
Ill
C. Plinius Arrio Antonino Suo S.*
Quod semel atque iterum consul fuisti similis
antiquis, quod proconsul Asiae, qualis ante te, qualis
' Akkio liicc. K{1), MidUr, om. rdl.
276
BOOK IV. ii.-iii
all these Regulus slew round tJie funeral pile of his
son, in the ostentation of an affected grief.
He is visited upon this occasion by a surprising
number of people, wlio^ though they all detest and
abhor him^ yet are as assiduous in their attendance
upon him as if they were influenced by real esteem
and affection; and, to speak my sentiments in few
words, endeavour, in courting his fa\ our, to follow his
exam])le." He is retired to his gardens across the
Tiber ; where he has covered a vast extent of ground
with huge porticos, and crowded all the shore with
liis statues : for he blends prodigalit}' with covetous-
ness, and vain glory with infamy. By his continuing
there, he lays society under tlie great inconvenience
of coming to him at this unwholesome season ; and
he seems to consider the trouble he puts them to as
a matter of consolation. He gives out with his usual
wrongheadedness, that he designs to marry. You
must expect, therefore, to hear shortly of the wedding
of a man oppressed with affliction and years ; that is,
of one who marries both too soon and too late. Do
you ask me why I conjecture thus ? Certainly, not
because he affirms it liimself (for never was there
such a liar) but because there is no doubt that
Regulus will do everything he ought not. Farewell.
HI
To Arrius Antoninus
That you have twice enjoyed the dignity of
Consul, with a conduct equal to that of our ancient
" i.t., as an assiduous legacy hunter (cf. ii. 20). Pliny
insinuates that these people had similar designs on the now
childless Regulus. (MerrilL)
277
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
post te vix unus aut alter (noii sinit enim me vere-
cundia tua dicere nemo) quod sanctitate, quod auc-
toritate, aetate quoque princeps civitatis, est quidem
veiierabile et pulchrum ; ego tamen te vel magis in
remissionibus miror. Nam''' sevei'itatem Istam pari
iucuiiflitate eondire summaeque gravitati tantum
comitatis adiungere non minus difficile quam magnum
est. Id tu cum incredibili quadam suavitate ser-
monum tum vel praecipue stilo adsequeris. Nam et
loquenti tibi ilia Homerici senis mella profluere et^
(piae scribiSj complere apes floribus et nectare
^ \identur.
Itacerte sum adfectus ipsCjCumGraecaepigrammata
tua, cum mimiambos^ proxime legerem. Quantum
ibi humanitatis, venustatis, quam dulcia ilia, quam
antiqua, quam arguta, quam recta ! Callimachum
me vel Heroden, vel si quid his melius, tenere
credebam f-^quorunj tamen neuter utrumque aut
absolvit aut attigi*?'' i Horainemne Roraanum tarn
Graece loqui ? yt'ion medius fidius ipsas Athenas tani
Atticas dixerim. Quid multa? invideo Graecis, quod
^ mimiambos D, Skulsch, Kulcula, iainbos rdl.
» Experienced Nestor, in persuasion skill'd :
Words sweet as honey from his lips distiil'd.
^ ~\ n. i. 247. (Pope.)
\* LJfc. "mimic poems in iambics." The only extant
specTmeus are the Mimes of Herodas (discovered 1891),
"little scenes of real life dranTStTsed in dialogue" (Jebb).
Herodas, whom Pliny mentions below, lived probably
c. 300-250 B.o.
278
BOOK IV. iii
worthies ; that few (your modesty will not suffer me
to say none) ever have, or ever will come up to the
integrity and wisdom of your Asiatic administration ;
that in virtue, in authority, and even in years you
are the first of Romans ; these, most certainly, are
shining and august parts of your character : never-
theless, I own, it is in your retired hours that I most
admire you. To season that severity of virtue with
sprightliness, and to temper dignity with politeness,
is as difficult as it is great : yet these uncommon
qualities you have most happily united in those
wonderful charms, Avhich not only grace your con-
versation, but pai-ticularly distinguish your writings.
Your lips, like the venerable old man's in Homer,*
drop honey, and one would imagine the bee had dif-
fused her sweetness over all you compose.
These were the sentiments I had when I lately
read your Greek epigi'ams and mimeS^ i What ele-
gance, what beauties shine in this collection ! how
sweetly the nnmbers flow, and how exactly are they
wrought up in the true spirit of the ancients ! what
a vein of wit runs through every line, and how
conformable is the whole to the rules of just
criticism ! I fancied I had got in my hands Callima-
chus " or Herodas^or, if possible, some poet even
superior to theses^though, indeed, neither of those
authors excelled iri, or even attempted, both those
species of poetiyr-i^ Is it possible, that a Roman can
write Greek in-s5ifruch perfection.'' > I protest I do
not believe Athens herself can be more Attic. In a
" Fl. 260 B.C., prince of the Alexandriau school of poetry.
Besides mythological poems, we have 74 of his epigrams, to
which Pliny refers here. One is familiar to English readers
in Cory's lovely translation — "They told me, Ilcraclitus..."
279
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
illorum lingua scribere maluisti. Neque enini
coniectura eget, quid sermone patrio exprimere
possis, cum hoc insiticlo et inducto tarn praeclara
opera perfeceris. Vale.
IV
C. Pi.iNius Sosio Senecioni Suo S.
Varisidium Nepotem validissime diligo, virum in-
dustrium, disertum, rectum, quod apud me vel
potissimum est. Idem C. Calvisium, contubernalem
meum, amicum tuum, arta propinquitate complec-
titur ; est enim filius sovoris. Hunc ergo rogo se-
mestri tribunatu splendidiorem et sibi et avunculo suo
facias. Obligabis me, obligabis Calvisium nostrum,
obligabis ipsum,non minus idoneum debitorem, quam
nos putas. Multa beneficia in multos contulisti :
ausim contendere nullum te melius, aeque bene vix
unum aut alterum conlocasse. Vale.
C. Plinius Julio Sparso Suo S.
Aeschinem aiunt petentibus Rhodiis legisse ora-
tionem suam^^deinde Demosthenis>.summis utramque
clamoribus.xQuod tantorum virorum contigisse scriptis
" See iii. 8, a.
280
BOOK IV. iii.-v
word, I cannot but envy the Greeks for the prefer-
ence you have displayed for their language. And
since you can write thus elegantly iij^an.exptic and
acquired tongue, it is past conjecture what you could
nave performed in your own. Farewell.
IV
To Sosius Senecio
I HAVE a very singular value for Varisidius Nepos
as indeed he is a man of industry, eloquence and
(the chief merit with me) integrity. He is closely
related to your friend and my comrade, C. Calvisius,
being his sister's son. I beg therefore, you would do
him and his uncle the honour of making him one of
the military tribunes." It will be an obligation to me,
to our good Calvisius, and to himself; who is as
solvent a debtor as you reckon me to be. You have
bestowed numberless good offices upon many ; but I
will venture to say, you never conferred one that was
better placed than here ; and but few so Avell.
Farewell.
To Julius Sparsus
It is said that when Aeschines, at the request of
the Rhodians, read to them one of his orations,
together with that which Demosthenes had com-
posed upon the same occasion, they were both
received with the loudest applause. I am not
surprised that the compositions of such eminent
"rneii'should be thus warmly admired, when I con-
281
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
non miror, cum orationem meam proximo doctissimi
homines lioc studio,, hoc adsensu^ hoc etiam labore
per biduuin juidierint;, quamvis intentionem eorum
nulla hinc et inde collatio, nullum quasi certameii
acccnderet. Nam Hhodii cum ipsis orationum
virtulibus turn etiam comparationis aculeis excita-
bantur, nostra oratio sine aemulationis gratia proba-
batur. An merito, scies, cum legeris librum, cuius
amplitudo non sinit me longiore epistula praeloqui,
Oportet enim nos in hac certe, in qua possumus,
breves esse^ quo sit excusatius, quod librum ipsuni,
non tamen ultra causae amplitudinem, extendimus.
^ Vale.
VI
C. Plinius Iulio ^ Nasoni Suo S.
(, Tusci grandine excussi,|in regione Transpadana
sumnia abundantia, sed par vilitas nuntiatur; solum
mihi Laurentinum meum in reditu. Nihil quidem
ibi possideo praeter tectum et hortum statimque are-
nas^ solum tamen mihi in reditu. Ibi enim plurimum
scribo nee agrum, quern non habeOj sed ipsum me
* I OLIO Rice. (Havet).
282
BOOK IV. v.~vi
sidcr that an oration of mine, 'which I lately recited
before a very learned audience, was heard with
equal earnestness, approbation, and even fatigue for
two daj's successively ; though there was not the
pleasure which arises from a comparison, and, as it
'.vere, duel between two rival pieces, to awaken their
attention. The Rhodians, besides the particular
merit of the orations, had the entertainment of
comparing them together, to Avhet their interest ;
but mine pleased without having the recommendation
of rivalry ; whether deservedly or not, you will
ascertain when you i-ead tlie performance ; the
extent of which will not permit me to introduce it
to you with a longer letter. For I must be brief
here, where brevity is possible, in order to excuse
the better the length of the speech itself: which,
however, I have not enlarged beyond the bounds my
subject requires. Farewell.
VI
To Julius Naso
A STORM of hail, I am informed, has destroyed all
the produce of my estate in Tuscany!; while that
which I have on the other side of the Fo, though it
has proved extremely fruitful this season, yet from
the excessive cheapness of every thing, turns to
small account. My Laurentine seat is the single
possession which yields me any return. I have
nothing there, indeed, but a house and gardens, and
the sands lie just beyond ; still, hoAvever, my sole
profit comes thence. For there I cultivate, not my
land (since I have none), but my mind, and form
283
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
studiis excolo ; ac iam possum tibi ut aliis in locis
horreum plenum sic ibi scrinium ostendere. Igitur
tu quoque, si certa et fructuosa praedia concupiscis,
aUquid in hoc litore para. Vale.
VII
C. Plinius Catio Lepido Sue S.
Saei'e tibi dico inesse >|jm Rcgulo. Mirum est,
quam efficiat, in quod incubuit. Plaouit ei lugere
filium ; luget ut nemo. Plaouit statuas eius et ima-
gines quam plurimas facere ; hoc omnibus officinis
agit, ilium coloi'ibus, ilium cera, ilium aere, ilium
ai'gento, ilium auro, ebore, marmore effingit. Ipse
vevo nuper adhibito ingenti auditorio librum de
vita eius recitavit, de vita pueri, recitavit tamen ;
eundem librum in exemplaria mille transcriptum per
totam Italiam provinciasque dimisit. Scripsit publice,
ut a decurionibus eligeretur vocalissimus aliquis ex
ipsis, qui legeret eum populo. Factum est.
Hanc ille vim, seu quo alio nomine vocanda est
intentio, quidquid velis, obtinendi, si ad potiora ver-
tisset, quantum boni efficere potuisset ! Quamquam
minor vis bonis quam malis inest, ac, sicut a-iiaBia
284
BOOK IV. vi.-vii
many a composition. As in other places I can shew
you full barns ; so there I can display a well-stocked
bookcase. Let me advise you then, if you wish for
an e"vef -productive farm, to purchase something upon
this coast. Farewell.
VII
To Catius Lepidus
I HAVE often told you that Regulus is a man of
energy : 'tis surprising how he executes whatever he
takes in hand. He chose lately to mourn for his
son ; accordingly he mourns as nobody ever mourned
before. He took it into his head that he would
have statues and busts of him by the dozen ; imme-
diately all the artisans in Rome are set to work.
In colours, wax, bronze, silver, gold, ivory, marble,
the young Regulus is depicted again and again.
Not long ago he read, before a vast audience, a
memoir upon the life of his son : the life, if you
please, of a mere boy ! Never mind, he did it.
Then a thousand copies were written of the said
memoir, which he dispersed all over the empire.
He wrote likewise a sort of circular letter to the
municipal corporations to desire they would each
select one of their councillors who had a strong,
clear voice, to read this eulogy to the people ; and I
am informed it has been done accordingly.
Had this energy (or whatever else we must call a
pertinacity in gaining one's ends) been better applied,
what infinite good might it have produced ! The
misfortune is, this active cast is generally stronger in
the vicious than the virtuous, for as "ignorance
285
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
/xlv dpdao^, Xoyicr/xos Bk okvov (pepei, ita recta ingenia
debilitat verecundia, perversa confirmat audacia.
Exemplo est Regulus. Imbccillum latus^ os confusum,
haesitans lingua^ tardissima inventio, memoria nulla,
nihil denique praeter ingenium insanum, et tarnen eo
impudentia ipsoque illo furore pervenit, ut a pluri-
mis orator habeatur. Itaque Herennius Senecio
mirifice Catonis illud de oratore in hunc e contrario
vertit : ' Orator est vir malus dicendi imperitus.'
Non niehereule Gate ipse tain bene verum oratoreni
quam hie Regulum expressit.
Habesne, quo tali epistulae parem gratiam referas ?
Habes, si scripseris, num aliquis in munieipio vestro
ex sodalibus meis, num etiam ipse tu hunc luctuosum
Reguli librum ut circulator in foro legeris,''€7rapas
scilicet, ut ait Demosthenes, tj)v (fuDvrjv koi yeyr]dw<;
Koi Xapvyyi^oiv. , Est enim tarn ineptus, ut risum
magis possit exprimere quam gemitum ; credas non
de puero scriptum, sed a puero. Vale.
VIII
C. Plinius Maturo Arriano Suo S.
Gratularis mihi, quod acceperim auguratum.
lure gratularis, primum quod gravissimi principis
« Thuc. ii. 403.
' Vir bonus dicendi perittts. Cited by Quiutilian, xii. 1.
0 Dem. de Corona, 291.
286
BOOK IV. vii.-viii
begets daring, but reflection breeds hesitancy, " "
so modesty is apt to depress and weaken the well-
formed genius, whilst boldness supports and strength-
ens the perverse. Regulus is a strong instance of
the truth of this observation : he has weak lungs, an
indistinct delivery, a halting speech, a slow invention,
and no memory ; in a word, he has nothing but
a talent run mad : and yet by dint of impudence and
this same flighty turn, he passes with many for a
finished orator. Herennius Senecio admirably re-
versed Cato's famous definition of an orator^ with
reference to Regulus : " An orator," said he, " is a
bad man unskilled in the art of speaking." And, in
good earnest, Cato's definition is not a more exact
description of a true orator, than Senecio's is of the
character of this man.
Can you make a suitable return to this letter ?
Yes, you can, by informing me if you, or any of my
friends in your town, have read this doleful piece of
his to the people, like a mountebank in the market-
place, " lifting up his voice with a howl of exultation,"
as Demosthenes puts it.*! For so absurd a performance
rings more of laughter than lamentation. You
would fancy the author, not the subject, was a boy.
Farewell.
VIII
To Maturus Arrianus
It is with justice that you congratulate me on
attaining to the dignity of Augur ^ ; firstly as it is
highly glorious to receive, even in the slighter
<* Conferred on him by Trajan, probably' 103 a.d. See
X. 13, aaid Introduction.
287
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
I. .
iudicium in minoribus etiam rebus consequi pulchrum
est, deinde quod sacerdotium ipsum cum priscum et
religiosum turn lioc quoque sacrum plane et insigne
est, quod non adimitur viventi. Nam cetera quam-
quam dignitate propemodum paria ut tribuuntur sic
auferuntur, in hoc fortunae hactenus licet, ut dari
possit. Mihi vero etiam illud gratulatione dignum
videtur, quod successi lulio Frontino, principi viro,
qui me nominationis die per hos continuos annos
inter sacerdotes nominabat, tamquam in locum suum
cooptaret ; quod nunc eventus ita comprobavit, ut non
fortuitum videretur.
Te quidem, ut scribis, ob hoc maxime delectat
auguratus meus, quod M. Tullius augur fuit. Laetaris
enim, quod honoribus eius insistam, quern aemulari
in studiis cupio. Sed utinam, ut sacerdotium idem,
ut consulatum multo etiam iuvenior quam ille sum
consecutus, ita senex saltem ingenium eius aliqua ex
parte adsequi possim ! Sed nimirum, quae sunt in
manu hominum, et mihi et multis contigerunt, illud
vero ut adipisci arduum sic etiam sperare nimium est,
quod dari nisi a dis non potest. Vale.
" The Emperor's right to "recommend" a candidate vir-
tually gave him the power of appointing his nominee.
* Vacancies in the College of Augurs were originally filled
by co-option of ita members, but under the Empire the
College annually uominated a list of candidates, one of whom
288
BOOK IV. viii
instances^ a mark of approbation from so Avise and
judicious a prince " ; and secondly as the priesthood
itself is not only an ancient and sacred institution,
but has tliis high and hallowed peculiarity, that it is
for life. Other Sacerdotal honours, though they may,
perhaps, equal this in dignity, yet as they are given,
so they may be taken away : but fortune lias no
farther power over ihis, than to bestow it. 'Tis a
further subject for congratulation, in my eyes, that
I have succeeded so eminent a man as Julius
Frontinus. He for many years, upon the nomination-
day of proper persons to be received into the sacred
college, constantly proposed my name, as if he were
co-opting me his successor ; * and since it has actually
proved so in the event, one may look upon it as
something more than accident.
But the circumstance, you write to me, that most
pleases you in my being appointed augur, is, that
Tully enjoyed the same post ; for you rejoice (you
tell me) to find that I follow his steps along the
path of office whom I long to emulate in oratory. I
wish, indeed, as I have been admitted to the same
sacred college, and have held the consulship at a
much earlier age than Cicero, so I might, even late
in life, catch some spark of his genius ; But, to be
sure, preferments which are in the gift of man, have
fallen to me and to many ; whereas what Heaven
alone can bestow is not more difficult to attain than
presumptuous to expect. Farewell.
was elected by the Senate to fill the next vacancy, and then
formally co-opted by the College. Virginius Rufus had also
regularly nominated Pliny (i. 8).
289
VOL. I. V
f, THE LETTERS OF PLINY
IX
C. Flinius Cornelio Urso Suo S.
Causam per hos dies dixit lulius Bassus, homo
laboriosus et adversis suis clarus. Accusatus est sub
Vespasiano a privatis duobiis, ad senatum remissus
diu pependit, tandemque absolutus vindicatusque.
Titura timuit ut Domitiani amicus^ a Domitiano rele-
gatus est ; revocatus a Nerva sortitusqiie Bithyniam
rediit reus accusatus non minus acriter quam fideliter
defensus. Varias sententias habuit, plures tamen
quasi mitiores.
~Egit contra eum Pomponius Rufus, vir paratus et
vehemens ; Rufo successit Theophanes, unus ex
legatis, [fax accusationis et origo. ' Respond! ego.
Nam mihi Bassus iniunxerat, ut totius defensionis
fundanienta iacerem, dicerem de ornamentis suis^
quae illi et ex generis claritate et ex pericubs ipsis
magna erant, dicerem de conspiratione delatorum,
(piam in quaestu habebant, dicerem causas, quibus
factiosissimum quemque ut ilium ipsum Theophanem
/ " See V. 20.
I \^ Informers had a fourth part of the effects of the persona
I convicted. (Melm.)
290
BOOK IV. ix
IX
To CoRNKLius Unsus
The last few days have been occupied by the trial
of Julius Bassus, a man constantly embarrassed, and
rendered conspicuous by his misfortunes. In the
reign of Vespasian, two private persons informed
against him ; and the affair being referred to the
Senate, it depended there a considerable time, when
at last he was honourably acquitted. During the
reign of Titus, he was under continual apprehensions
of his resentment, as being a known friend to
Domitian ; yet when the latter ascended the throne,
Bassus was exiled. Being afterwards recalled by
Nerva and having obtained by lot the Proconsulship
of Bithynia, he was at his return from thence accused
(of extortion) ; prosecuted with warmth, he has been
defended with no less firmness. The sentiments of
his judges were greatly divided; however, the majority
leaned towards clemency.
Pomponius Rufus,** a speaker of great resource and
vivacity, was counsel against him, seconded by
Theophanes, one of the delegates from the province,"
fand ^he chief promoter and inflamer of this prosecu-
tion. \X,fpnowed._ofl_ the other side; for Bassus
insisted that the foundation of his defence should be
laid by me. I was to represent the distinction
which his illustrious birth and his very perils
attached to him ; to expose the informers aaainst
him as living on the profits of such conspiracies^and
to display the true reasons which rendered liim
odious to the seditious generally, and particularly to
291
u 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
offendisset. Eundem me voluerat occurrere crimini,
quo maxima premebatur. In aliis enim quamvis
audita <rravioribus non alxsolutionem modo, verum
ctiain laiidcm merebatur, hoc ilium oncral)at, quod
homo simplex et incautus quaedam a ])rovincialibus
ut amicis acceperat. Nam fuerat in provincia eadem
quaestor. Haec accusatores furta ac rapinas, ipse
niunera vocabat ; sed lex munera quoque accipi
vetat.
Hie ego quid agerem, quod iter defensionis
ingrcderer ? Negarem ? verebar^ ne plane furtum
\ ideretur, quod confiteri timerem. Praeterea rem
manifestam infitiari augentis erat crimen, non diluen-
tis, praesertim cum reus ipse nihil integrum advo-
catis reliquisset. Multis enim atque etiam principi
dixerat sola se munuscula dumtaxat natali suo aut
Saturnalibus accepisse et plerisque misisse. Veniam
ergo peterem ? lugulassem ^ reum, quem ita deli-
quisse concederem, ut servari nisi venia non posset.
Tamquam recte factum tuerer ? non illi profuissem,
sed ipse impudens exstitissem. In hac difficultate
placuit medium quiddam tenere. Videor tenuisse.
Actionem meam, ut proelia solet, nox diremit.
^ lugulassem MV, Bip., K, iugularem F Rice, pra, iugu-
lasset D.
** Furtum as a legal term covered every species of fraud
and dishonesty. The allegation was, that Bassus had given
and received presents with corrupt intent.
* i.e. by its general tenor, not by specific enactment.
292
BOOK IV. ix
Theophanes ; but above all, to meet the most dam-
aging charge that was brought against him. For on
"all the other counts, however serious they might
sound, he not only deserved to be acquitted, but
highly commended ; but the gravamen of the in-
dictment was, that in the simplicity of his heart he
had incautiously accepted cei'tain things from the
provincials on the strength of friendship with them
(for he had been formerly Quaestor in that same
province). These things, which his accusers called
tliefts* and plunder, Bassus called presents; but
presents, too, are vetoed by the Law.*
Now, what was I to do, and what line of defence
should I strike into upon this occasion ? If I denied
the fact, I was afraid it would look as if I dared not
confess to a patent theft : besides to deny what was
so notorious, would be to heighten, not to extenuate
the charge, especially as the accused himself had cut
the ground from under his counsel. For he had
acknowledged to many persons, and actually to the
Emperor, that he received, and sent to nearly
every one, some merely trifling presents, albeit only
upon his bii-thday, or at the feast of the Saturnalia.
Should I then plead for indulgence .'' That would be
cutting the defendant's throat at once, by confessing
the nature of his offence was such, that nothing but
indulgence could save him. Should I then justify
the fact ? In so doing I should have displayed my
own impudence without rendering any service to
Bassus. Under these difficulties I thought it would
be best to steer a middle course ; and I flatter myself
I did so.
But the approach of night broke off my speech,
even as it is wont to break off battles. I had spoke
293
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Egeram horis tribus et diinidia^ supererat sesguihora.
Nam, cum e lege accusator sex horas, novem reus
accepisset, ita diviserat tenipus reus inter me et cum,
qui dictunis ])Ost erat, ut ego quinque horis, ille
reliquis utei'etur. Milii successus actionis silentium
finemque suadebat. Temerarium est enim secundis
lion esse contentum. .^Ad hoc verebar, ne mox
corporis vires iterato labore dcficerent ; quem diffici-
lius est repetere quam iungere. Erat etiam peri-
culuin, lie reliqua actio niea et frigus ut deposita et
taedium ut resumpta pateretur. Ut enim faces ignem
adsidua concussione custodiunt, dimissum aegerrime
reparant, sic et dicentis calor et audientis intentio
continuatione servatur, intercapedine et quasi re-
raissione languescit. "^-Sed Bassus multis precibus,
paene etiam lacrimis obsecrabat, implerem nieum
tempus. Parui utilitatemque eius praetuli meae.
Bene cessit ; inveni ita erectos animos senatus, ita
recentes, ut priore actione incitati magis quam satiati i
viderentur.
Successit mihi Lucceius Albinus tam apte, ut ora-
tiones nostrae varietatem duarum, contej^tum unius
habuLsse credantur. Respondit Herennius Pollio
294
BOOK IV. ix
for three hours and a half, so that I had still an hour
and a half remaining. For the law having allowed
six hours to the plaintiff, and nine to the defendant,
Bassus had so divided the allotted time between me
and the advocate who was to speak after me, that I
had five hours, and he the rest. But perceiving my
speech had made a favourable impression, I thought
it well to hold my peace and make an end ; for it is
rash, you know, to push one's success too far. Be-
sides, I was apprehensive I should not have bodily
strength to renew the struggle, as it is much easier
to go on without intermission, than to begin again
after having rested. There was also the danger that
as the discontinuance of my speech would abate my
own ardour, so the resumption of it might prove
tiresome to my hearers. When a harangue is carried
on in one continued course, the speaker best keeps
up his own fii-e, and the attention of the audience,
both which are apt to cool and grow languid upon
a remission ; just as a continued shaking preserves
the light of a torch, which- when once it is extinct,
is not easily re-inflamed. But Bassus, with repeated
prayers and almost with tears, besought me to use up
my allotted time ; which I accordingly did, prefer-
ring his interest to my own. And the event proved
extremely favourable; for I found the attention of
the senate as fresh and lively as if it had been rather
animated, than fatigued by the former part of my
speech.
I was seconded by Lucceius Albinus, who entered
so thoroughly into my reasoning, that oui- speeches,
whilst they had the variety of different and distinct
orations, had the connection and uniformity of one
entire harangue. Herennius Pollio replied to us
295
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
instanter et graviter, deinde Theophanes rursus.
Fecit enim hoc quoque ut cetera impudentissime,
quod post duos et consulares ct discrtos terrqras s\bi
et quidem laxius vindicavit. Dixit in noctem atque
etiam nocte illatis lucernis. Postero die egerunt pro
Basso Titius HomuUus et Fronto mirifice ; quartum
diem probationes occuparunt. Censuit Baebius
Macer, consul designatus, lege repetundarum Bassum
teneri, Caepio Hispo salva dignitate iudices dandos,
uterque recte. 'Qui fieri potest' inquis 'cum tarn
diversa censuerint ? ' Quia scilicet et Macro legem
intuenti consentaneum fuit damnare eum, qui contra
legem munera acceperat, et Caepio, cum putaret
licere senatui, sicut licet, et mitigare leges et inten-
dere, non sine ratione veniam dedit facto vetito qui-
dem, non tamen inusitato. Praevaluit sententia
Caepionis, quin immo consurgenti ei ad censendum
acclamatum est, quod solet residentibus. < Ex quo
potes aestimare quanto consensu sit exceptum, cum
diceret, quod tarn favorabile fuit, cum dicturus
videretur. Sunt tamen ut in senatu ita in civitate in
duas partes hominum iudicia divisa. Nam quibus
sententia Caepionis placuit, sententiam Macri ut
" See ii. 11 n.
296
BOOK IV. ix
witli great spirit and solidity : and after him Theo-
phanes spoke again : in this, as in every thing else,
discovering his uncommon assurance, by presuming
to take up the time of the Senate, and that some-
what freely, after two such eloquent persons, and
of consular dignity, had spoken before him. He
continued haranguing till evening, and even beyond
it ; for they brought in lights. The next day Titius
Homulus and Fronto spoke admirably in behalf of
Bassus. The fourth day was employed in exhibiting
the proofs. Baebius Macer, the consul-elect, pro-
~hounced Bassus guilty, under the law relating to
extortion ; Caepio Hispo moved that, Avithout pre-
judice to his status, the case should be referred to
a commission " : both pronounced riglitly. *' How
can that be," you ask, "since their views were so
extremely different?" Because, you will observe,
Macer, looking to the strict letter of the law, might
very reasonably condemn one who had taken presents
contrary to the express prohibition of that law. On
the other hand, Caepio, supposing that the Senate
had a power (as undoubtedly it has) to moderate or
extend the rigour of the laws, might upon very good
grounds grant indulgence to a course of action which,
though illegal, was not un.common. The motion of
Caepio prevailed ; nay, when he rose up to put it
to the house, the same acclamations greeted him
{IS usually follow when a speaker resumes his seat.
--You will easily judge, therefore, how warmly his
speech was approved, when^ he was so favourably
received on rising to make it.. But I find the senti-
ments of the public, as well as of the Senate, are
divided into two parties : they who approve of
Caepio's vote, condemn Macer's as severe and hard :
297
THE LEITERS OF PLINY
duram rigidamque reprehendunt ; quibus Macri, illam
alteram dissolutam atque etiam incongruentem vo-
cant ; ncgant enimcongruens esse retinere in senatu,
cui iudices dederis. ■.
Fiiit et tertia sententia. Valerius Paulinus adsen-
sus Caepioni hoc amplius censuit referendum de
Theophane, cum legationem renuntiasset. Arguebat
enim multa in accusatione fecissCj quae ilia ipsa lege,
qua Bassum accusaverat, tenerentur. Sed banc sen-
tentiani consules, quamquani maximae parti senatus
mire probabatur, non sunt persecuti. Paulinus tamen
et iustitiae famam et constantiae tulit. Misso senatu
Bassus magna hominum frequentia, magno clamore,
magno gaudio exceptus est. Fecerat eum favora-
bilem renovata discriminum vetus fama notumque
periculis nomen et in procero corpore maesta et
squalida senectus.
Habebis banc interim epistulam ut TrpoSpo/xor, ex-
pectabis orationem plenam onustamque, expectabis
diu ; neque enim leviter et cursim ut de re tanta
retractanda est. Vale.
" Not, of course, the lex repetundae itself. Pliny seems to
mean that in getting up the case, T. had had money dealings
298
BOOK IV. ix
on the other hand, the partisans of Macer's call the
former lax and even incongruous. They assert, you
cannot consistent!}' send a man for"Trial and yet
permit him to retain his seat in the Senate.
Tliere was besides those I have mentioned, a
third opinion. Valerius Paulinus, who agreed Avith
Caepio, was for adding further that the Senate
should proceed against Theophanes, after he had
finished his commission as deputy from the province.
For he insisted that Theophanes as prosecutor, had
repeatedly infringed the very law under which he
had impeached Bassus." But though this proposal
was in general highly apjiroved by the Senate, yet
the consuls thought proper to drop it : Paulinus,
however, had the full credit of so just and resolute a
motion. At the breaking up of the house, Bassus
was received by great crowds of people with the
loudest demonstrations of joy. This new difficulty
which he had fallen into, had recalled the remem-
brance of his former troubles; and a name which
had never been mentioned but in conjunction with
some misfortune, together with the appearance of
a fine person broken with sorrow and age, had raised
general sympathy towards him.
You may look upon this letter as the fore-runner
of the full and pregnant speech which you are to
expect, but not too soon ; for it is a subject of too
much importance to be revised in haste. Farewell.
with the provincials which laid him open to a charge he
had specially urged against Lassus, furtum (see note p.
292).
299
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
A
C. Plinius Static Sabino Suo S.
ScRinis niihi Sabinam, quae nos i-cliquit lieredes,
Modestum servuin suuni nusquam liberum esse
iussisse, eidem tamen sic adscripsisse k'gatum :
' Modesto, quern liberum esse iussi.' Quaeris, quid
sentiam. Contuli cuui prudentibus. Convcnit inter
omnes nee libertatem deberi, quia non sit data, nee
legatum, quia servo suo dedei'it. Sed mihimanifestus
error videtur, ideoque puto nobis, quasi scripserit
Sabina, faciendum, quod ipsa scripsisse se credidit.
Confido accessurum te sententiae meae, cum religio-
sissime soleas custodire defunctorum voluntatem,
quam bonis heredibus intellexisse pro iure est.
Neque enim minus apud nos honestas quam apud
alios necessitas valet. Moretur ergo in libertate
sinentibus nobis, fruatur legato, quasi omnia dili-
gentissime caverit. Cavit enim, quae heredcs bene
elegit. Vale.
XI
C. Plinius Cornelio Miniciano Suo S.
AuDisTiNE Valerium Licinianum in Sicilia profiteri ?
nondum te puto audisse ; est enim rccens nuntius.
BOOK IV. x.-xi
X
To Statius Sabinus
Your letter informs me, that Sabina, who ap-
pointed you and me her heirs, though she has
nowhere expressly directed that her slave Modestus
shall have his freedom, yet has left him a legacy in
the following words — " I give, etc., to Modestus,
whom I have ordered to be made free " ; upon which
you desire my sentiments. I have consulted upon
this occasion with experts, 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 devised to a slave. But it appears
])lainly to be a mistake in the testatrix ; and there-
fore I think we ought to act in this case as if Sabina
had written in so many words, what it is clear she
imagined she had. I am persuaded you will join
with me in these sentiments, who always so re-
ligiously regard the intentions of the deceased ;
which indeed, where they can be discovered, will
always be /«/?' to honest legatees. Honour is to you
and me as strong an obligation, as necessity to
others. Let us then allow Modestus to enjoy his
legacy in as full a manner, as if Sabina had made all
her dispositions in due form. For every testator
virtually does so, who makes a good choice of heirs.
Farewell.
XI
To Cornelius Minicianus
You have scarce, I imagine, yet heard (for the
news is but just arrived) that Licinianus professes
rhetoric in Sicily. This ex-Praetor, who was lately
301
u^
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Praetorius hie modo inter eloquentissimos eausarum
aetores habebatur, nunc eo deeidit, ut exsul de
senatore, rlietor de oratore fieret. Itaque ipse in
j)raefatione dixit dolenter et graviter, 'Quos tibi,
Fortuna, ludos facis ? facis enim ex professoribus
senatoreSj ex senatoribus professores.' Cui sen-
tentiae tantum bilis, tantum amaritudinis inest,
ut mihi videatur ideo professus, ut hoc diceret.
Idem, cum Graeco pallio amictus intrasset (carent
enim togae iure, quibus aqua et igni interdictum est),
postquam se composuit circumspexitque habitum
suum, " Latine," inquit, "^declamaturus sum."
Dices tristia et miseranda, dignum tamen ilium,
quia haec ipsa studia incesti scelere maculaverit.
Confessus est quidera incestum, sed incertum, uti-um
quia verum erat, an quia graviora nietuebat, si
negasset. Fremebat enim Domitianus aestuabatque
in ingenti ^ invidia destitutus. Nam, cum Corneliam,
Vestalium nlaximam,^ defodere vivam concupisset,
ut qui illustrari saeculum suum eiusmodi exemplis
arbitraretur, Pontificis maximi iure seu potius imman-
itate tyranni, licentia domini reliquos pontifices non
in Regiam, sed in Albanam villam convocavit. Nee
minora scelere, quam quod ulcisci videbatur, absen-
tem inauditamqiie damnavit incesti, cum ipse fratris
» in ingenti Eicc. F D, K, in om. M Vpra.
"^ Vestalium maximam MV, maximillam vestalem 7^ ^icc.
pra.
" Lit. " those interdicted from the use of fire and water."
The old formula of banishment was a sort of excommuni-
cation.
302
BOOK IV. xi
esteemed the most eloquent of our advocates, is now
fallen from a senator to an exile, from an orator to
a teacher of rhetoric. Licinianus himself alluded
to this sad change in strong and poignant terms,
when making the prefatory remarks at the opening
to a lecture, " O Fortune," said he, " how caprici-
ously dost thou sport with mankind ! Thou makest
rhetoricians of senators, and senators of rhetoricians ! "
a sarcasm so full of gall, that I fancy he turned
rhetorician on purpose to utter it. On entering his
class-room in a Grecian cloak (for exiles "' are denied
the privilege of the Roman gown), " 'Tis in Latin,"
says he, adjusting and looking upon his habit, " that
I am going to declaim."
You will say, this situation, wretched and deplor-
able as it is, is what he well deserves for having
sullied his profession by the crime of incest.^ And
indeed, he confessed to the charge ; but whether
because he was guilty, or because he apprehended
worse consequences if he denied it, is not clear.
For Domitian was raging with baffled fury under the
intense odium that he had recently incurred. He
had set his heart on having Cornelia, the Head of
the Vestal Virgins, buried alive, from an extrava-
gant notion that those kind of exemplary severities
did honour to his reign. Accordingly, in the cha-
racter of high-priest, or rather indeed in that of a
cruel tyrant, he convened the Sacred College, not
in the pontifical court where they usually assemble,
but at his villa near Alba ; and there (by a sentence
no less wicked, as it was passed when Cornelia was
not present to defend herself, than the action he
professed to avenge), he condemned her on the
* i.e. by an amour with a Vestal Virgin. iSee next note.
2>^Z
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
filiam incesto non polluisset solum, verum etiam
occidisset ; nam vidua abortu periit.
Missi statim pontificeSj qui defodiendam necan-
damque curarent. Ilia nunc ad Vestam, nunc ad
ceteros dcos manus tendens multa, sed hoc frequen-
tissime clamitabat : 'Me Caesar incestam putat, qua
sacra faciente vicit, triumphavit ? ' Blandiens haec
an irridens, ex fiducia sui an ex contemptu principis
dixerit, dubium est. Dixit, donee ad supplicium,
nescio an innocens, certe tamquam innocens ducta
est. Quin etiam, cum in illud subterraneum cubicu-
lum deniitteretur, haesissetque descendenti stola,
vertit se ac recollegit, cumque ei carnifex manum
daret, aversata est et resiluit foedumque contagium
quasi plane a casto puroque corpore novissima sancti-
tate reiecit omnibusque numeris pudoris ttoWijv
TTpovoiav ecrx^v cva^rjIJ-f^v Treaeli'.
Praeterea Ceier, eques Romanus, cui Cornelia
obiciebatur, cum in comitio virgis caederetur, in hac
voce perstiterat : ' Quid feci ? nihil feci.'
" Unchastity in a Vestal Virgin was regarded as incest bj^
Roman Law, since the Vestals were in theory daughters of
the State, and sisters to all citizens.
* Meaning her guilt would have brought disaster to his
arms.
•= Doniitian twice celebrated a triumph after victories over
barbarians, which were popularly but unjustly regarded as
imaginary. See Merrill, p. 306.
<« Eurip. Hec. 569.
BOOK IV. xi
charge of incest." Yet he himself had not only
incestuously debauched his brother's daughter, but
was also accessory to her death : for that lady being
a widow, endeavoured to procure an abortion and
by that means lost her life.
However, the priests were immediately dis-
patched to see the sentence of death by burying
alive performed. As for Cornelia, she implored
now Vesta, now the rest of the Gods ; and amongst
other exclamations, frequently cried out, *' Is it
possible that Caesar can think me polluted,
during whose exercise of sacred functions he has
conquered and triumphed ? " ^ Whether she said
this in flattery or derision; from a consciousness of
her innocence, or contempt of the emperor, is not
certain ; •= but she continued exclaiming in this
manner, if perhaps not guiltless, at least with every
appearance of innocence, until she was carried off
to execution. As she Vv^as sent down into the sub-
terraneous cell, her gown hung upon something in
the way ; on her turning back to disengage it, the
executioner offered her his hand, which she, stai-tinsT
back with averted face, refused, as if by a last im-
""l^nlse of chastity warding off his polluting touch
from her pure and spotless person. Thus she
observed every point of modesty in the concluding
scene of her life — -
"And took much forethought decently to fall."^
Celer likewise, a Roman knight, who was accused
of being her gallant, during the whole time his
sentence of death by scourging was executing upon
him, in the square near the Senate-house, persisted in
saying, " What have I done ? I have done nothing."
VOL. I. X
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Ardebat ergo Domitianus et crudditatis et iniqui-
tatis infamia. Arripit Licinianum, quod in agris
suis occultasset Corneliae libertam. J lie ab iis,
quibus erat curae, praemonetur, si comitium et virgas
• pati nollet, ad confessionem confugeret quasi ad
veniam ; fecit. Locutus est pro absente Herennius
Senecio tale quiddam, quale est illud, Kctrat ITarpo-
kXos. Ait enim : 'Exadvocato nuntius factus sum:
recessit Licinianus.' Gratum hoc Doiiiitiano adeo
quidem, ut gaudio proderetur dicei-etque : ' Absolvit
nos Licinianus.' Adiecit etiam non esse verecundiae
eius instandum ; ipsi vero permisit, si qua posset, ex
rebus suis raperet, antequam bona publicarentur
exsilium molle, velut jiraemium, dedit. Ex quo
tamen postea dementia div i Nervae translatus est in
Siciliam, ubi nunc profitetur seque de foituna prae-
fationibus vindicat.")
Vides, quam obsequenter paream tibi, qui non
solum res urbanas, verum etiam peregrinas tam
sedulo scribo, ut altius repetam. Et sane putabam
te, quia tunc afuisti, nihil aliud de Liciniano audisse
quam relegatum ob incestum. Summam enim rerum
nuntiat fama, non oi'dinem. Mereor, ut vicissim,
quid in oppido tuo, quid in finitimis agatur (solent
i <• Antilocliua thus announces his death to Achilles, II.
\ xviii. 20.
306
BOOK IV, xi
Hence Domitian lay under an imputation of
cruelty and injustice^ which extremely exasperated
him. Licinianus then, being arrested by his orders
on the charge of having concealed a freed-wonian of
("ornelia's on his country estate, was advised by the
Emperor's emissaries, to seek mercy by a confession
if he wished to avoid the last punishment ; which he
accordingly did. Herennius Senecio spoke for him
in his absence, something in the style of that well-
known Homeric j:)hrase, " Dead is Patroclus ! " <* *'' In-
stead of an advocate/' said he, " I must turn messen-
ger : Licinianus offers no defence." This news was
so agreeable to Domitian, that he could not forbear
betraying his satisfaction: "Then," says he, " Lici-
nianus has acquitted us." And went so far as to add,
" We must not bear too hardly on him in his
disgrace." He accordingly permitted him to carry
off such of his effects as he could secure before they
were confiscated, and, as it were, rewarded him, by
the mild penalty of banishment. Licinianus was
afterwards, by the clemency of the late emperor
Nerva, transferred to Sicily, wliere he now gives
lessons in rhetoi'ic, and takes his revenge on Fortune
l)y his ])refatory remarks.
You see how obedient I am to your commands, by
my ferreting out and sedulously communicating not
only domestic but foreign news. I imagined, to be
sure, as all this happened in your absence, that you
liad heard nothing about Licinianus beyond the fact
of his banishment for incest. For rumour usually
reports the upshot, not the coiu'se of an affair. I
think I deserve in return a full account of all that
happens iu your town * and its neighbourhood ; for
'' Apparently Milan.
X 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
enim notabilia quaedam incidere), perscribas, denique,
quidquid voles, dum modo non minus longa epistula,
nuuties. Ego non paginas tantum, sed versus etiara
syllahasque nunierabo. Vale.
XII
C. Plinius Matuho Arriano Suo S.
Am AS Egnatium Marcellinum atque etiam milii
saepe coniniendas ; amabis magis conimendabisque, si
cognoveris recens eius foctum. Cum in provinciam
quaestor exisset scribamque, qui sorte obtigerat, ante
legitimum salarii tempus amisisset, quod acceperat
scribae daturus, intellexit et statuit subsidere apud se
non oportere. Itaque reversus Caesarem, deinde
Caesare auctore senatum consuluit, quid fieri de salario
vellet. Parva, sed tamen quaestio. Heredes scribae
sibi, praefecti aerari populo ^ vindicabant. Acta
causa est ; dixit beredum advocatus, deinde populi,
uterque perconimode. Caecilius Strabo aerario
censuit inferendum, Baebius Macer lieredibus dan-
dum ; obtinuit Strabo.
Tu lauda Marcellinum, ut ego statim feci. Quam-
vis enim abunde sufticiat illi, quod est et a principe
et a senatu probatus, gaudebit tamen testimonio tuo.
^ aerari populo K, aerario populuque Fpra, aerario
populo D.
308
BOOK IV. xi.-xii
occurrences constantly arise there worth relating ;
however, write anything, provided you send me a
letter as long as mine. But take notice, I shall
count not only the pages, but even the very lines and
syllables. Farewell.
XII
To Maturus Arrianus
I KNOW you love Marcellinus ; as indeed you have
frequently mentioned him to me with approb.ition ;
but he will rise still higher in your affection and
esteem when you learn what he has lately done.
When he went Quaestor into one of the provinces,
the secretary assigned to him by lot ha])pening to die
before his salary became due, Marcellinus saw, and'
decided, that he ought not to keep in his pocket
the sum which had been given him in order to pay
that salary. At his return therefore he ap])lied to
Caesar, who referred the consideration of what should
be done with this money to the Senate. It was a
question indeed of no great importance : however, a
question it was. The heirs of the secretary claimed
it for themselves, and the Prefects of the Treasury
for the public. The cause was tried, and counsel
were heard, who spoke extremely well on both sides.
Caecilius Strabo moved that the money be paid into
the Treasury ; Baebius Macer, that it be given to the
heirs ; Strabo's motion was carried.
Pray compliment Marcellinus on this action, as I
did immediately ; for though he is amply satisfied by
the approval of the Emperor and the Senate, yet he
will rejoice over a token of yours. Those who are
309
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Oinnes cnini, qui gloria famaque ducuntur, mirum in
modum adseiisio et laus a minoribus etiam profecta
delcctat. Te vero Marcellinus ita reveretur, ut
iudicio tuo pluriinum tribuat. Accedit his, quod, si
cognoverit factum suum isto usque penetrasse, ne-
cesse est laudis suae spatio et cursu et peregrina-
tione laetetur. Etenim nescio quo pacto vel magis
homines iuvat gloi'ia lata quam magna. Vale.
XIII
C. PUNIUS CORNELIO ^ TaCITO Suo S.
Sai.vum te ^ in urbem venisse gaudeo ; venisti autem
si quando alias, nunc maxime mihi desideratus. Ipse
pauculis adhuc diebus in Tusculano ^ commorabor, ut
opusculum, quod est in manibus, absblvam. Vereor
cnim, ne, si hanc intentionem iam in finem laxavero^
aegre resumam. Interim, ne quid festinationi meae
pereat, quod sum praesens petiturus, hac quasi prae-
cursoria epistula rogo. Sed prius accipe causas
rogandi, deinde ipsum, quod peto.
Proxime cum in pati'ia mea fui, venit ad
me salutandum municipis mei filius praetextatus.
Huic ego * Studes ? ' inquam. Respondit, 'Etiam.'
^ CoRNELlo Rice. [Havel), Bipons, om. rell.
' te pr«, om. rell.
* Tusculano codd. edd., Tuscaiio Mommitn, sed cf. v. 6, 45.
310
BOOK IV. xii.-xiii
actuated by the desire of fame and glory are amaz-
ingly gratified by approbation and praise, even
though it comes from their inferiors ; but Marcellinus
has so high an esteem of you, as to attach the
highest value to your judgement. Besides all which,
when he finds that the news of his action lias pene-
trated to your distant retreat, he cannot but exult for
that his fame has travelled so widely and so far. Foi",
1 know not how it is, mankind are generally more
pleased with an extensive than even a great re2)u-
tation. Farewell.
XIII
To Cornelius Tacitus
I REJOICE that you are safely arrived in Rome ; for
though I am always desirous to see you, I am more
particularly so now. I purpose to continue a few
days longer at my Tusculum estate in order to finish
a little work which I have upon my hands. For I
am afraid, sliould I put a stop to this design, now
that it is so nearly completed, I should find it
difficult to resume it. MeanAvhile, that I may strike
while the iron is hot, I send this letter, like an
avant-courier, to request a favour of you, which I mean
shortly to ask in person. But before I inform you
what my request is, I must let you into the occasion
of it.
Being lately at my native place, a young lad, son
to one of my fellow-townsmen, made me a visit. " Do
you go to school ? " I asked him. " Yes," said he.
" And where > " He told me, " At Milan." « " And
" About eighty miles from Conium, his own and Plin3''s
native town.
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
' Ubi ? ' ' Mediolani.' ' Cur non hie ? ' Et pater
eius (erat enim una atque etiam ipse adduxerat
puerum) : ' Quia nullos hie praeceptores habemus.'
' Quare nullos ? nam vehementer interest vestra^ qui
patrcs estis' (et opportune complures patrcs
audiebant), ' liberos vestros hie potissimum diseere.
Ubi enim aut iucundius morarentur quam in patria
aut pudicius continerentur quam sub oculis parentum
aut niinore sumptu quam domi ? Quantulum est
ergo collata pecunia conducere praeceptores, quodque
nunc in habitationes, in viatica, in ea, quae peregre
emuntur (omnia autem peregre emuntur), impenditis,
adicere niercedibus ? Atque adeo ego, qui nondum
liberos habeo, paratus sum pro republica nostra quasi
pro filia vel parente tertiam partem eius, quod con-
ferre vobis placebit, dare. Totum etiam pollicerer,
nisi timerem, ne hoc munus meum quandoque ainbitu
corrumpei'etur, ut accidere multis in locis video, in
quibus praeceptores publice conducuntur. Huic
vitio uno remedio occurri potest, si parentibus solis
ius conducendi relinquatur, iisdemque religio recte
iudicandi necessitate collationis addatur. Nam, qui
fortasse de alieno neglegentes, certe de suo diligentes
erunt dabuntque operam, ne a me pecuniam [non] ^
nisi dignus accipiat, si acceptunis et ab ipsis erit.
^ [non] ind. Bipons, K {Gesnero aucL), " aid non aut nisi
delendum " Miilkr.
BOOK IV. xiii
why not here ? " " Because " (said his father, who
was present, and had in fact brought the boy with
him), "we have no teachers." "How is that?" said
I ; " surely it nearly concerns you who are fathers "
(and very opportunely several of the company were
so) " that your sons should receive their education
here, rather than any where else. For where can
they be placed more agreeably than in their own
country, or maintained in more modest habits and at
less expense, than at home and under the eye of
their parents? Upon what very easy terms might
you, by a general contribution, procure teachers^^ji"
you would only apply towards raising a salary for
them what you now spend on your sons' lodging,
journeys, and whate\er a man has to pay for when
abroad (which means, paying for everything). Why,
I, who have as yet no children myself, am ready to
give a third part of any sum you shall think proper to
raise for this j)Urpose, for the benefit of our Common-
wealth, whom I regard as a daughter or a parent.
I would take upon myself the whole expense, were 1
not apprehensive that my benefaction might here-
after be abused and perverted to private ends ; as I
have observed to be the case in several places where
teachers are engaged by the local authorities. The
single means to prevent this mischief is, to leave the
choice of the professors entirely in the breast of the
parents, who will be so much the more careful to
detennine properly, as they shall be obliged to shai-e
the expense of maintaining them. For though they
may be careless in disposing of another's bounty,
they will certainly be cautious how they apply their
own ; and will see that none but those who deserve
it shall receive my money, when they must at the
• 313
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Proinde consentite, conspirate maiorcmque animuni
ex meo sumite, qui cupio esse quam plurimum, quod
debeam conferre. Nihil honestius praestare liberis
vestris, nihil gratius patriae potestis. Educentur hie,
qui hie nascuntur, statimque ab infaiitia n.ttale solum
amare, frcquentare consuescant. Atque utinam tarn
claros praeceptores inducatis, ut finitimis^ oppi-
dis studia hine petantur, utque nunc liberi vestri
aliena in loea ita mox alieni in hunc locum
confluant !/
FLaec putavi altius et quasi a fonte repetenda, quo
m.igis scires, quam gratum mihi foret, si susciperes,
quod iuiungo, Iniungo autem et pro rei magni-
tudine rogo, ut ex copia studiosonim, quae ad te ex
admiratione ingenii tui convenit, circumspicias prae-
ceptores, quos sollicitare possimus, sub ea tamen
condicione, ne cui fidem meam obstringam. Omnia
enim libera parentibus servo; illi iudicent, illi
eligant ; ego mihi curam tantum et impendium vin-
dico. Proinde, si quis fuerit repertus, qui ingeniosuo
fidat, cat illuc ea lege, ut hinc nihil aliud certum
quam fiduciam suam ferat. Vale.
1 ut fin. R M V, Miilkr, ut in fin. FDpa, at a fin. r, etiam
fin. coni. K.
3H
BOOK IV. xiii
same time receive theirs too. Let my example then
encourage you to unite heartily in this design ; and
be assured the greater the sum my share shall
amount tOj the more agreeable it will be to me.
You can undertake nothing more advantageous to
your children, nor more acceptable to your country.
They will by this means receive their education
where they receive their birth, and be accustomed
from their infancy to inhabit and affect their native
soil. May you be able to procure professors of such
distinguished abilities, that the neighbouring towns
shall be glad to draw their learning from hence ;
and as you now send your children to foreigners
for education, may foreigners hereafter flock hither
for their instruction."
I thought pi'oper thus to lay open to you the rise
of this affair, that you might be the more sensible
how agreeable it will be to me, if you undertake the
office I request. I entreat you, therefore, with all
the earnestness a matter of so much importance
deserves, to look out, amongst the great numbers of
men of letters which the reputation of your genius
brings to you, teachers to whom we may apply for
this purpose ; but it must be understood that I
cannot make a binding agreement with any of them.
For I would leave it entirely free to the parents to
judge and choose as they shall see proper: all the
share I pretend to claim is, that of contributing my
care and my money. If therefore any one shall be
found who relies upon his own talents, he may
repair thitlier ; but under the proviso that the said
reliance is all he can count upon, so far as I am
concerned. Farewell.
315
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XIV
C. Plinius Paterno Suo S.
Tu fortasse orationem, ut soles^ et flagitas et
exspectas, at ego quasi ex aliqua peregrina delicata-
que merce lusus meos tibi prodo. Accipies cum
liac epistula hendecasyllabos nostros, quibus nos in
vehiculo, in balineo^ intei* cenam oblectamus otium
temporis. His iocamur^ ludimus, amamus, dcjlemus,
querimur, irascimur, describimus aliquid modo pressius,
niodo elatius atque ipsa varietate tentamus efficere, ut
alia aliis, quaedam fortasse omnibus placeant. Ex
quibus tamen si non nulla tibi paulo petulantiora
videbuntur, erit eruditionis tuae cogitave summos
illos et gravissimos viros, qui talia scripserunt, non
modo lascivia rerum, sed ne verbis quidem nudis
abstinuisse ; quae nos refugimus^ non quia severiores
(unde enim ?), sed quia timidiores sumiis. Scimus
alioqui huius opusculi illam esse verissimam legem,
quam Catullus expressit :
Nam castum esse decet plum poetam
ipsum, versiculos nihil necesse est,
qui tunc denique habent salem et leporem,
si sunt molliculi et parum pudici.^
* Calull. xvi. 5.
31*6
BOOK IV. xiv
XIV
To Paternus
You expect and demand^ perhaps^ as usual, an
oration ; but I am going to put into your hands, as if
they were some clioice bits of foreign merchandise,
some of mv poetical amusements. You will receive
then with this letter a collection of my hendecasyl-
labic verses, which I write to while away an idle
hour upcjji the road, in the bath, or at table. They
express different moods — ^jesting, frivolous, amorous,
melancholy, plaintive, or irate ; or give descriptions,
in a style sometimes concise, and sometimes lofty.
I endeavoured by this variety to hit different tastes
v.'ith different pieces, and provide a few, perhaps, of
general relish. If you should meet with any passages
which may seem too free, your reading will supply
you with my apology, in the example of those great
and venerable names who have gone before me in
the same kind of writing, who without scrup.le have
employed not only the warmest descriptions, but the
plainest terms. This, however, is a liberty I have
not allowed myself; not as pretending to more
austerity (for why should I ?) but because, in truth,
I have less courage. Nevertheless, I entirely approve
of the rule which Catullus lays down for this kind of
compositions :
" Let the poet's conduct be
Free from wanton levity :
Not so his Muse — her sportive lay
Pleases most, when most she's gay."
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Ego quanti faciam iudicium tuum^ vel ex hoc potes
aestiraare, quod nialui omnia a te pensitari quani
electa laudavi. vEt sane quae sunt coramodissinia,
desinunt videri,cum paria esse coepenint. ) Praeterea
sapiens subtilisque lector debet non diversis conferre
diversa, scd singula expendere ncc deterius alio
putai'e, quod est in suo geneve perfectum. Sed quid
ego plura? nam longa praefatione vel excusare vel
commcndare ineptias, ineptissimum est. Unum
illud praedicendum videtur^ cogitare me has nugas
nieas inscribere ' hendecasyllabos/ qui titulus sola
metri lege constringitur. Proinde, sive epigrammata
sive idyllia sive eclogas 'sive, ut multi, poematia
seu quod aliud vocare malueris, licebit voces, ego
tantuni hendecasyllabos praesto.
A simplicitate tua peto, ut, quod da libello
meo dictnrus es aliis, mihi dicas ; neque est diffi-
cile, quod postulo. Nam, si hoc opusculum nos-
trum aut potissimum csset aut solum, fortasse
posset durum videri dicere : 'Quaere, quod agas';
molle et humanum est : * Habes, quod agas.'
Vale.
318
BOOK IV. xiv
You must look upon it as an instance of the great
value I set upon your judgement, that I venture to
submit the wliole to your examination, rather than
select out of them some of the more finished pieces
for your approbation. And, indeed, poems which are
Ideally excellent no longer seem so when they appear
in company. But a sensible and discerning reader
ought not to compare pieces of distinct sorts with
one another, but examine each performance apart ;
and if a poem is perfect in its kind, not reckon it
inferior to another of a different class. But I will
say nothing more ; for to excuse or recommend my
foolish verses by a long preface, would be the excess
of folly. I will only therefore premise farther, that
I design to call these trifles of mine Hendecasyllables,
a title which will cover any sort of poem composed
in that measure. Call them, if you think proper.
Epigrams, Idylls, Eclogues (as many others have).
Little Poems ; in a word, give them what name you
please, I ofl^er them only as Hendecasyllables.'^
What I beg of your sincerity is, that you would
speak your opinion of them to me, with the same
freedom that you would to others. When I ask this,
I think, I lay you under no difficulty. If, indeed,
these little poetical essays were my only or chief
productions, it might sound, perhaps, a little harsh
to advise me to find something else to do; but you
may with great delicacy and politeness tell me, I
have something else to do. Farewell.
" The eleven-syllabled metre (made famous by Catullus)
had been so largely emploj'sd for one theme, that " hendeca-
eyllabica " became a synonym for erotic poetry.
319
V
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XV
C. Plinius Minicio^ Fundano Suo S.
Si quid omiiino, hoc ceite iudicio facio, quod
Asinium Rufuni singulariter anio. Est homo
eximius et bonorum amantissimus. Cur enim non
me quoque inter bonos nuraerem ? Idem Corneliuna
Taciturn (scls^ quem virum) arta familiaritate com-
plexus est. Proinde, si utrumque nostrum probas^
de Rufo quoque necesse est idem sentias> cum sit ad
connectendas amicitias vel tenacissimum vinculum]
morum similitudo. Sunt ei liberi plures. Nam in
hoc quoque functus est optinii civis officio^ quod
fecunditate uxoris large frui voluit eo saeculo^^uo
plerisque etiam singulos filios orbitatis praemia graves
faciunt ; quibus ille despectis, avi quoque nomen
adsumpsit. Est enim avus, et quidem ex Saturio
Firmo, quem diliges ut ego, si ut ego propius
inspexeris.
Haec eo pertinent, ut scias, quam copiosam, quam
numerosam domura uno beneficio sis obligaturus ; ad
quod petendum voto primum, deinde bono quodam
omine adducimur. Optamus enim tibi ominamurque
in proximum annum consulatum ; ita nos virtutes
^ MiNicio solus Rice.
" Lit. " the rewards attaching to childlessness."
320
BOOK IV. XV
XV
To MiNICIUS FuNDANUS
If I can pretend to judgement in any thing, it is
undoubtedly in the singular affection which I have
for Asinius Rufus. He is a person of the highest
merit, and a devoted friend to good men — for why
may I not venture to include myself among the
good ? He and Tacitus (to whose eminent virtues
you are no stranger) are united in the strictest
intimacy. If therefore you esteem Tacitus and
myself, you cannot but have the same favourable
sentiments of Rufus ; for a similitude of manners is,
you know, the strongest cement of friendship. He
has several children. For in this, as in other respects,
he has fulfilled the duty of a good citizen, that he
has chosen to reap the full blessing of a fruitful
marriage ; knd this in an age when even one child is
thought a burthen, as it prevents that lucrative
adulation which is usually paid to those who have
none." But he scoi*ns such low views, and has added
the title of grandfather to his paternal dignity ; for
which he is indebted to Saturius Firmus, a person
whom you would esteem as much as I do, if you
knew him as well.
My design in all this detail, is, to let you see, what
a numerous family you may oblige by conferring a
single favour : a favour which I am induced to
solicit both by the wish of my heart, and a certain
good omen for its fulfilment. For I wish, and augur too,
that you shall be Consul the approaching year : and
in this presage I am confirmed both by your own
321
VOL. I. V
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
tuae, ita iudicia priucipis augurari volunt. Con-
currit autem, ut sit eodem anno quaestor maximus ex
liberis Rufi, Asinius Bassus, iuvenis (nescio, an dicam,
quod me pater et sentire et dicere cupit, adulescentis
verecundia vetat) ipso patre melior. Difficile est^ ut
^- mihi de absente credas, quamquam credere soles om-
nia, tantum in illo industriae, probitatis, eruditionis,
ingenii, studii, memoriae denique esse, quantum
expertus invenies. Vellemtam ferax saeculum bonis
artibus haberemus, ut aliquos Basso praeferre
deberes ; turn ego te primus hortarer moneremque,
circumferres oculos ac diu pensitares, quern potissi-
mum eligeres. Nunc vero — sed nihil volo de amico
meo adrogantius dicere, hoc solum dico, dignum
esse iuvenem, quern more maiorum in filii locum
adsumas.
Debent autem sapientes viri ut tu tales quasi
liberos a republica accipere^ quales a natura solemus
optare. Decorus erit tibi consuli quaestor patre
praetorio, propinquis consularibus, quibus iudicio
ipsorum quamquam adulescentulus adhuc iam tamen
invicem ornamento est. Proinde indulge precibus
meis, obsequere consilio et ante omnia, si festinare
videor, ignosce, primum quia votis suis amor plerum-
que praecurrit, deinde quod in ea civitate, in qua
322
BOOK IV. XV
conspicuous merit, and the distinguishing judgement
of the emperor. It is a further coincidence^ that
Asinius Bassus, the eldest son of Rufus, should attain
the Quaestorship in the same year. I know not
whether I ought to say (which, liowever, the father
would have me both say and think, though the
youtli is too modest to allow of it) that he is an even
better man than his father. Were I to represent
his abilities, his probity, his learning, his genius, his
application and his parts as great as you will most
certainly experience them, you, who never yet
suspected my veracity, Avould scarce conceive, not
having yet met him, that he deserved the character.
I wish our age so abounded in merit, as to supply
some whom you might justly prefer to him. In that
case I should be the first to advise you to look about
and to consider for a long time where to fix your
choice : but as it is — however I will not speak of my
friend in too arrogant a strain. I will only say, he is
a young man, who deserves you should look upon
him in the same relation, as our ancestors used to
consider their Quaestors, that is, as your son.
Men of your character for wisdom should choose
their political children of the same cast they would
wish nature to form their real ones. It will be an
honour to your Consulship to have a Quaestor whose
father has been Praetor, and whose relations Consuls,
yet who, though but a youth, reflects back to his
family (and that by their own confession) as much
credit as he derives from it. Let me entreat you
then to comply with my petition and my advice.
Above all, if I seem jiremature, I beg you will pardon
me, when you consider that affection commonly runs
ahead of its wishes ; again, that in a State where
323
Y 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
omnia quasi ab occupantibus agiintur, quae legitimum
tempus exspectant, non matura, sed sera sunt, deinde,
quod reruni, quas adsequi cupias, praesumptio ipsa
iucunda est.
Revereatur iam te Bassus ut consulem, tu dilige
eum ut quaestoreni, nos denique utriusque vestrum
arnantissinii duplici laetitia pei'fruamur. Eteiiim,
cum sic te, sic Bassum diligamus/ut et ilium cuius-
cumque et tuum quemcumque quaestorem in petendis
honoribus omni ope, labore, gratia simus iuvaturi,J^
perquam iucundum nobis erit, si in eundem iuvenem
studium nosti'um et amicitiae meae et consulatus tui
ratio contulerit, si denique precibus meis tu potissi-
mum adiutor accesseris, cuius et suffragio senatus
libentissime indulgeat et testimonio plurimuni
credat. ^'^ale.
XVI
C. Plinius Valerio Paulino Suo S.
Gaude meo, gaude tuo, gaude etiam publico
nomine ; adhuc bonor studiis durat. Proxime cum
dicturus apud centumviros essem, adeundi mihi locus
nisi a tribunali, nisi per ipsos indices non fuit ; tanta
stipatione cetera tenebantur. Ad hoc quidam
ornatus adulescens scissis tunicis, ut in frequentik
<• i.e., in this case, the following year; when Minicius
would be Consul, and Basaua would attain the age (twenty-
BOOK IV. xv.-xvi
every office is held on the principle of first come first
served, appointments are not seasonable, but overdue
when deferred until the legitimate time "• ; finally,
that to antedate the achievement of one's desires is
in itself a pleasure.
Allow Bassus then to revere you as already Consul,
and do you in return esteem him as your Quaestor ;
and let me, who fervently love you both, enjoy a
twofold happiness. For, as I so equally value Bassus
and yourselfthat I shall assist with all my assiduity
and credit both him, to whomsoever he may be
Quaestor, and your Quaestor, be he who he may,
when they stand for higher office; so it will be
extremely agreeable to me if my twofold regard for
my own friend, and for your Consular dignity, should
centre my endeavours upon one and the same young
man ; if, in fine, my solicitations have your support,
in whose suffrage the Senate most gladly acquiesces,
and to whose testimony they attach the utmost value.
Farewell.
XVI
To Valerius Paulinus
Rejoice, my friend, not only upon my account, but
your own, and that of the public ; for oratory is still
held in honour ! Being lately engaged to plead in a
cause before the Centumviri, the crowd was so great
that I could not get to my place, but by way of the
tribunal and the very seats of the jury. And I have
to add, that a young nobleman having got his tunic
seveu) at which a Roman became legally eligible for the
ofiBce of Quaestor — the first step in the > unua honorum.
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
solet, sola velatus toga perstitit et quidem horis
septem. Nam tarn diu dixi magno cum labore, sed
maiore cum fructu. Studeamus ergo nee desidiae
nostrae praetendamus alienam. Sunt, qui audiant,
sunt qui legant, nos modo dignum aliquid auribus
dignum chartis elaboremus. Vale.
XVII
C Plinius AsiNio Gallo Suo S.
Et admones et rogas, ut suscipiam causam Corel-
liae absentis contra C. Caecilium, consulem designa-
tum. Quod admones, gratias ago, quod rogas,
queror. Admoneri enim debeo, ut sciam, rogai-i non
debeo, ut faciam, quod mihi non facere turpissimum
est. An ego tueri Corelli filiam dubitem ? Est
quidem milii cum isto, contra quem me advocas, non
[)lane familiaris, sed tamen amicitia. Accedit hue
dignitas hominis atque hie ipse, cui destinatus est,
honor ; cuius nobis hoc maior agenda ^ reverentia est,
quod iam illo functi sumus. Naturale est enim, ut
ea, quae quis adeptus est, ipse quam amplissima
existimari velit. Sed mihi cogitanti adfuturum me
Corelli filiae omnia ista frigida et inania videntur.
' agenda Rice. FDpra, K, habenda M V.
326
BOOK IV. xvi.-xvii
torn, as will happen in a crowd, stood in nothing but
his toga to hear me for seven hours together. For
so long I was speaking ; and with a success greater
than my great fatigue. Come on then, my friend,
and let us earnestly pursue our studies, nor screen
our own indolence under pretence of that of the
public. We shall find no lack, rest assured, of
either hearers or readers, if only we elaborate com-
positions worth the hearing, and worth connnitting
to parchment. Farewell.
XVII
To Gallus
You acquaint me that Caecilius, the consul elect,
has commenced a suit against Corellia, and earnestly
beg me to undertake her cause in her absence. As
I have reason to thank you for your information, so I
have to complain of your entreaties : without the
first, indeed, I should have been ignorant of this
affair, but I want no solicitations to comply, where it
would be most base in me to refuse ; for can I
hesitate a moment to defend a daughter of Corellius ?
It is true, indeed, you are calling me to oppose a man
with whom I am on friendly, though not intimate,
terms. He has further claims in his high rank, and
in the mere fact of his prospective office, which I am
the more bound to revere as having already filled it
myself. For it is natural for a man to wish those
offices should be i-eckoned illustrious, which he him-
self once possessed. Yet all these objections seem
feeble and inane when I reflect that it is the daughter
of Corellius whom I am to defend.
327
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Obversatur oculis ille vir, quo neminem aetas
nostra graviorem, sanctiorerrij subtiliorem denique
tulit ; quem ego cum ex admiratione diligere coepis-
sem, quod evenire contra solet, magis admiratus sum^
postquam penitus inspexi. Inspexi enim penitus ;
nihil a me ille secretum, non ioculare, non serium,
non triste, non laetum. Adulescentulus eram, et
iam mihi ab illo honor atque etiam (audebo dicere)
reverentia ut aequali habebatur. Ille meus in
petendis lionoribus suffragator et testiSj ille in inchoan-
dis deductor et comeSj ille in gerendis consiliator et
rector^ ille denique in omnibus officiis nostris, quam-
quam et imbecillus et senior, quasi iuvenis et validus
conspiciebatur.
Quantum ille famae meae domi, in publico, quan-
tum etiam apud principem adstruxit ! Nam, cum
forte de bonis iuvenibus apud Nervam imperatorem
sermo incidisset, et plerique me laudibus ferrent,
paulisper se intra silentium tenuit, quod illi plurimum
auctoritatis addebat ; deinde gravitate, quam noras,
' Necesse est,' inquit, ' parcius laudem Secundum,
quia nihil nisi ex consilio meo facit.' Qua voce
tribuit mihi, quantum petere voto immodicum erat,
nihil me facere non sapientissime, cum omnia ex
consilio sapientissimi viri facerem. Quin etiam
328
BOOK IV. xvii
The image of that excellent person, than whom
this age has not produced a man of greater dignity,
rectitude, and penetration, rises on my mental vision.
I began to love him out of admiration ; and contrary
to what is usually the case, my admiration increased
after I came to know him thoroughly. Which indeed
I did ; for he had no merry or earnest thought, no
mood grave or gay, that he concealed from me.
When I was but a youth, he respected, and (I will
even venture to say) revered me, as if I had been
his equal. When I solicited any office, he supported
me with his interest, and recommended me by his
testimony ; when I entered upon it, he was my
introducer and my escort ; while I exercised it, he
was my guide and my counsellor. In a word, during
my whole official career, though he was both infirm
and elderly, he displayed the energy of a young man
in robust health.
In private, in public, and at Court, how often has
he advanced my reputation ! It happened once, that
the conversation before the Emperor Nerva turned
upon the hopeful young men of that time, and
several of the company were pleased to mention me
with applause ; Corellius 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
my advice." By which single sentence he gave
me a greater character than I would presume even
to wish for, as he represented my conduct to be
always such as Avisdom 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
329
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
moriens filiae suae, ut ipsa solet praedicare : ' Multos
quidem amicos/ inquit, ' tibi in longiore vita paravi,
praecipuos tamen Secundum et Cornutum.' Quod
dum recordor, intellego mihi laborandum, ne qua
parte videar lianc de me fiduciam providentissimi
viri destituisse.
Quare ego vero Corelliae adero promptissime nee
subire offensas recusabo ; quamquam non solum
veniam me, varum etiam laudem apud istum ipsum,
a quo, ut ais, nova lis fortasse ut feminae intenditur,
arbitror consecuturum, si haec eadem in actione,
latius scilicet et uberius, quam epistularum angustiae
sinunt, contigerit mihi vel in excusationem vel etiam
in commendationem meam dicere. Vale.
XVIII
C. Plinius Arrio Antonino Sue S.
QuEMADMODUM magis adprobare tibi possum,
quantopere mirer epigrammata tua Graeca, quam
quod quaedam aemulari Latine et exprimere temptavi?
in deterius quidem. Accidit hoc pi'imum imbecillitate
ingenii mei, deinde inopia ac potius, ut Lucretius ait,
' egestate patrii sermonis.' ^ Quodsi haec, quae
sunt et Latina et mea, habere tibi aliquid venustatis
videbuntur, quantum 2:)utas inesse iis gratiae, quae
mihi et a te et Graece proferuntur ? Vale.
1 Lucr. i. 832.
330
BOOK IV. xvii.-xviii
daughter (as she often mentions)^ " I have in the
course of a long life raised up many friends to you ;
but there is none that you may more assuredly
depend upon, than Pliny and Cornutus." A remark
I cannot call to mind without perceiving how
earnestly I must endeavour not to belie in any wise
the forecast of one so gifted with prevision.
I shall therefore most readily appear for Corellia
in this affair ; nor shrink from the risk of giving
offence by doing so. Though I think the very man
who is bringing what you call " this novel form of
suit" (possibly as it is against a woman), will not only
, excuse but applaud me, if I have the opportunity of
stating these same reasons, by way of apology or
maybe recommendation (more at large, of course,
than the limits of a letter permit), in my speech to
the jury. Farewell.
XVIII
To Arhius Antoninus
Can I give you a stronger proof how much 1
admire your Greek epigrams, than by having endea-
voured to imitate and express some of them in
Latin? — to their detriment, I confess. This
inferiority results firstly from the weakness of my
poetic genius ; secondly from the poverty, or, rather,
as Lucretius has it, "the destitution of our mother-
tongue." But if these poems, even when translated,
and translated by me, retain for you some measure
of their beauty, what must their charms be, do you
imagine, when they are presented to me in Greek,
and in Greek composed by you ? Farewell.
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XIX
C. Plinius Cau'URNiae Hispullae Suae S.
Cum sis pietatis exemi)liim fratremque optimum et
amantissimum tui pari caritate dilexeris filiamque
eius ut tuam diligas nee tantum amitae ei, verum
etiam patris amissi adfectum repraeseiites, non dubito
maximo tibi gaudio fore, cum cognoveris dignam
patre, dignam te, dignam avo evadere. Summum est
acumen, summa frugalitas, amat me, quod castitatis
indicium est. Accedit his studium litterarum, quod
ex mei caritate concepit. Meos libellos habet,
lectitat, ediscit etiam. Qua ilia sollicitudine, cum
videor acturus, quanto, cum egi, gaudio adficitur !
Disponit, qui nuntient sibi, quern adsensum, quos
clamores excitarim, quern eventum iudicii tulerim.
Eadem, si quando recito, in proximo discreta velo
sedet laudesque nostras avidissimis auribus excipit.
Versus quidem meos cantat etiam formatque cithara
non artifice aliquo docente, sed amore, qui magister
est optimus.
His ex causis in spem certissimam adducor per-
petuam nobis maioremque in dies futuram esse con-
cordiam. Non enim aetatem meam aut corpus, quae
paulatim occidunt ac sencscunt, sed gloriam diligit.
Nee aliud decet tuis manibus educatam, tuis prae-
" Calpurnia, Pliny's wife. * Fabatus.
BOOK IV. xix
XIX
To Calpurnia Hispulla
As you are an exemplary instance of tender regard
to your family in general, and to your late excellent
brother in particular, whose wai'm attachment you
returned with an equal fondness : and have not only
shewn the affection of an aunt, but supplied that of
a lost father, to his daughter*^ ; you will hear, I am
persuaded, with infinite pleasure, that she behaves
worthy of her father, her grandfather,* and yourself.
She is incomparably discerning, incomparably thrifty ;
while her love for her husband betokens a chaste
nature. Her affection to me has given her a turn
to books ; and my compositions, which she takes
a pleasure in reading, and even getting by heart,
are continually in her hands. How full of solici-
tude is she when I am entering upon any cause '
How kindly does she rejoice with me when it
is over ! When I am pleading, she stations mes-
sengers to inform her from time to time how I
am heard, what applauses I receive, and what success
attends the cause. When at any time I recite my
works, she sits close at hand, concealed behind a
curtain, and greedily overhears my praises. She sings
my verses and sets them to her lyre, with no other
master but Love, the best instructor.
From these circumstances I draw my most assured
hopes, that the hai-mony between us will increase with
our days, and be as lasting as our lives. For it is
not my youth or my person, which time gradually
impairs ; it is my glory of which she is enamoured.
But what else could be expected from one who was
333
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
ceptis institutam, quae nihil in contubernio tuo vi-
derit nisi sanctum honestumque, quae denique amare
me ex tua praedicatione consueverit. Nam, cum
matrem meam parentis loco verereris, me a pueritia
statim formare, laudare talemque, qualis nunc uxori
meae videor, ominari solebas. Certatim ergo tibi
gratias agimus, ego, quod illam mihi, ilia, quod me
sibi dederis, quasi invicem elegeris. Vale.
XX
C. Plinius Nonio Maximo Suo S.
Quid senserim de singulis libris tuis, notum tibi,
ut quemque pei'legeram, feci ; accipe nunc, quid de
universis generaliter iudicem. Est opus pulchrum,
validum, acre, sublime, varium, elegans, purum, figur-
atum, spatiosum etiam et cum magna tua laude
difFusum, in quo tu ingenii simul dolorisque velis
latissime vectus es ; et horum utrumque invicem
adiumento fuit. Nam dolori sublimitatem et magni-
ficentiam ingenium, ingenio vim et amaritudinem
dolor addidit. Vale.
XXI
C. Plinius Velio Cereali Suo S.
Tristem et acerbum casum Helvidiarum sororum !
Utraque a partu, utraque filiam enixa decessit.
334
BOOK IV. xix.-xxi
trained by your hands, and formed by your instruc-
tions ; who was surrounded under your roof with all
that is pious and moral, and had learned to love me
from your account of my character ? For while you
honoured my mother as if she were your own, so
you formed and encouraged me from infancy, pre-
saging that I should become all that my wife now
thinks I am. Accept therefore of our mutual
thanks, that you have given us to each other, and,
as it were, chosen the one for the other. Farewell.
XX
To Nonius Maximus
I HAVE already acquainted you with my opinion
of each separate part of your work, as I perused it ;
I must now tell you my general thoughts of the
whole. It is a strong and beautiful performance ;
it is vigorous, sublime, diversified, elegant, chaste,
and full of imagery : moreover, its copious and dif-
fusive eloquence raises a very high idea of the author.
You seem borne away on the full sails of a strong
imagination and deep sorrow, which mutually assist
and heighten each other ; for your genius gives
sublimity and majesty to your sorrow ; and your
sorrow adds strength and poignancy to your genius.
Farewell.
XXI
To Velius Cereaus
How severe a fate has attended the daughters of
Helvidius ! These two sisters are both dead in
child-bed, after having each of them been delivered
335
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Adficior dolore nee tamen supra modum doleo ; ita
mihi luetuosuni videtur, quod puellas honestissimas
in flora primo fecunditas abstulit. Angor infantium
sorte, quae sunt parentibus statim, et dum nascuntur^
orbatae, angor optimorum maritorum, angor etiam
meo nomine. Nam patrem illarum defunctum quo-
que perseverantissime diligo, ut actione mea librisque
testatum est ; cui nunc unus ex tribus liberis supei-est
domumque pluribus adminiculis paulo ante fundatam
desolatus fulcit ac sustinet.
Magno tamen fomento dolor mens acquiescet, si
Inmc saltern fortem et incolumem paremque illi
patri, illi avo fortuna servaverit. Cuius ego pro
salute, pro moribus hoc sum magis anxius, quod
unicus factus est. Nosti in amore mollitiam animi
mei, nosti metus ; quo minus te mirari oportebit,
quod plurimum. timeam, de quo plurimum spero.
Vale.
XXII
C. Pi.iNius Sempronio Rufo Suo S.
Interfui pi-incipis optimi cognitioni in consilium
adsumptus. Gymnicus agon apud Viennenses ex
cuiusdam testamento celebrabatur. Hunc Trebonius
" See ix. 13. ' The famous Helvidius Priscus, put to
death in exile under Vespasian.
BOOK IV. xxi.-xxii
of a girl. This misfortune pierces me with keen,
yet not excessive sorrow ; for indeed, to see two
such amiable young ladies fall a sacrifice to their
fruitfulness in the prime and flower of their years,
is a misfortune which I cannot too greatly lament.
I grieve for the unhappy condition of the poor
infants, who are thus become orphans from their
birth ; I grieve for the sake of the excellent
husbands of these ladies ; and I grieve, too, for my
own. The affection I bear to the memory of their
late father, is inviolable, as my defence of him in
the Senate,* and all my writings will witness for me.
Of three children which survived him there now re-
mains but one ; and his family that had lately so many
noble supports, rests only upon a single mourner !
It will, however, be a great mitigation of my
affliction, if Fortune shall kindly spare that one, and
render him worthy of his father, and grandfather*;
and I am so much the more anxious for his welfare
and good conduct, as he is the only scion of the family
remaining. You know the softness and solicitude of
my heart where I have any tender attachments : you
must not wonder then, that I have many fears, where
I have great hopes. Farewell.
XXII
To Sempronius Rufus
I LATELY attended our excellent Emperor as one
of his assessors, in a cause wherein he himself pre-
sided. A certain person left by his will a fund for
the establishment of gymnastic games at Vienna."
• In Gallia Narbonensia, now Vienne^
337
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Rufinus, vir egregius nobisque amicus, in duumviratu
suo^ tollendum abolendumque curavit. Negabatur
ex auctoritate publica fecisse. Egit ipse causam non
minus feliciter quam diserte. Commendabat ac-
tionem, quod tamquam liomo Romanus et bonus civis
in negotio suo mature et graviter loquebatur. Cum
sententiae perrogarentur, dixit Junius Mauricus, quo
viro nihil firmius, nihil verius, non esse restituendum
Viennensibus agona ; adiecit : ' Vellem etiam Romae
tolli posset.'
Constanter, inquis, et fortiter. Quidni ? sed hoc a
Maurico novum non est. Idem apud Nervam imper-
atorem non minus fortiter. Cenabat Nerva cum
paucis; Vei_entoj)roximus atque etiam in sinu recum-
bebat. Dixi omnia, cum hominem nominavi. Incidit
sermo de Catullo Messalino, qui luminibus orbatus "^
ingenio saevo mala caecitatis addiderat. Non vere-
batur, non erubescebat, non miserebatur ; quo saepius
a Domitiano non secus ac tela, quae et ipsa caeca et
improvida feruntur, in optimum quemque contorque-
batur. De huius nequitia sanguinariisque sententiis
in commune omnes super cenam loquebantur, cum
ipse imperator, ' Quid putamus passurum fuisse, si
viveret .'' ' Et Mauricus : * Nobiscum cenaret.*
^ suo Rice. Fpa, Miiller, om. MVB, K.
* orbatus Ric. Fa, K, Kukula, Merrill, captus M V,
Miiller.
" The Duumviri were two magistrates who exercised in
their respective corporations the same functions as the
Consuls at Rome ; they were chosen out of the body of
Decuriones, or looal senators.
? An infamous sycophant and informer under Domitian.
r*. Another notorious informer, whom Juvenal couples with
Veiento. •»
BOOK IV. xxii
These my worthy friend Trebonius Rufinus, when he
exercised the office of Puumvirj" had ordered to be
totally abolished ; and it was now alleged that
he had no official power to do so. He pleaded
his own cause as successfully as eloquently ; and
what particularly recommended his speech was,
that he delivered it with the deliberate gravity
proper to a true Roman and a good citizen in dealing
with a personal matter. When the sentiments of
the assessors were taken, Junius Mauricus (who in
resolution and integrity has no superior) pronounced
that these games should not be restored to the people
of Vienna; "and I would," added he, "they could
be abolished at Rome too ! "
This, you will say, was an instance of great firmness
and courage, but it is nothing new in Mauricus. He
gave as strong a proof of his courage before the
Emperor Nerva. Being at supper one evening with
that prince and a few select friends, Veiento* was
placed next to the Emperor, and actuaTty~Teclin^d
upon his bosom. To name the man is to say all !
The discourse happened to turn upon Catullus
Messalinus,* who had a soul as dark as his body;
Tor"lTe"was not only cursed with want of sight, but
want of humanity. As he was uninfluenced either
l)y fear, shame, or compassion, Domitian all the
more frequently used him to fling against every
man of worth, precisely as a dart, that flies sightless
and senseless to its mark. l"he company were
talking of the sanguinary counsels and infamous
practices of this creature. "And what," said the
Emperor, " would have been his fate had he lived
till now? " "He would be supping with us/' replied
Mauricus.
339
z 'i
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Longius abii, libens tamen. Placuit agona tolli,
qui mores Vieiinensium infecerat ut noster hie om-
nium. Nam Viennensium vitia intra ipsos residunt,
nostra late vagantur, utque in corporibus sic in im-
perio gravissimus est morbus, qui a capite diffunditur.
Vale.
XXIII
C. Flinius Pomponio Basso Sue S.
Magnam cepi voluptatem, cum ex communibus
amicis cognovi te, ut sapientia tua dignum est, et dis-
ponere otium et ferre, habitare amoenissime et nunc
terra, nunc mari corpus agitare, multum disputare,
multum audire, multum lectitare, cumque plurimum
scias, cotidie tamen aliquid addiscere. Ita senescere
oportet virum, qui magistratus amplissimos gesserit,
exercitus rexerit totumque se reipublicae, quam diu
decebat, obtulerit. Nam et prima vitae tempora et
media patriae, extrema nobis impertire debemus, ut
ipsae leges monent, quae maiorem annis [lx] ^ otio
reddunt. Quando milii licebit, quando per aetatem
honestum erit imitari istud pulcherrimae quietis
exemplum ? quando secessus mei non desidiae
nomen, sed tranquillitatis accipient ? Vale.
' LX add. Bipons, et ed. qua usus est Melmoth.
" A senator was not obliged to attend the business of the
house, after that age. (Melmoth.)
BOOK IV. xxii.-xxiii
But to return from this long digression, into whicli,
liowever, I did not fall undesignedly. It was deter-
mined these games should be suppressed, which had
greatly infected the manners of the people of Vienna;
as they have universally had the same effect among
us. But the vices of the Viennenses are confined
within their own walls ; ours spread far and wide ;
and it is in the body politic, as in the natural, those
disorders are most dangerous that flow from the head.
Farewell.
XXIII
To FoMj'ONius Bassu.s
I HAVE heard with great pleasure from our common
friends, that you support and dispose of your leisure
in retirement, as becomes a man of your distinguished
wisdom ; that you inhabit a most delightful spot,
take exercise by land and sea, and mix learned con-
ferences with much reading ; and are daily increasing
that immense fund of knowledge you already pos-
sess. To grow old in this way behoves one who has
discharged the highest civil offices, commanded an
army, and who gave himself wholly up to the
service of the Commonwealth, as long as it became
him to do so. Our youth and manhood we owe to
our country, but our declining age is due to our-
selves ; as the laws themselves seem to suggest,
which consign us to retirement, when we are arrived
beyond our sixtieth year." How do I long for the
time when I shall enjoy tliat happy privilege I
When my years will justify my following the example
of your honourable repose ! When my retirement
shall not be termed indolence, but calm ! Farewell.
THE LEITERS OF PLINY
XXIV
C. Plinius Fa bio V^ai.enti Suo S.
Proxime cum apud centumviros in quadruplici
iudicio dixissem, subiit recordatio egisse me iuvenem
aeque in quadruplici. Processit animus, ut solet,
longius ; coepi reputare, quos in hoc iudicio, quos
in illo socios laboris habuissem. Solus eram, qui in
utroque dixissem. Tantas conversiones aut fragilitas
mortalitatis aut fortunae mobilitas facit. Quidam
ex iis, qui tunc egerant, decesserunt, exsulant alii,
huic aetas et valetudo silentium suasit, hie sponte
beatissimo otio fruitur, alius exercitum regit, ilium
civilibus officiis principis amicitia exemit.
Circa nos ipsos quam multa mutata sunt ! Studiis
processimus, studiis periclitati sumus rursusque pro-
cessimus. Profuerunt nobis bonorum amicitiae,
bonorum obfuerunt iterumque prosunt. Si computes
annos, exiguum tempus, si vices rerum, aevum putes ;
quod potest esse documento nihil desperare, nulli
rei fidere, cum videamus tot varietates tarn volubili
orbe circumagi. Mihi autem familiare est omncs
cogitationes meas tecum communicare iisdemquc
» See i. 18 n. ^ i P''?' _
* The term amicitia Ca'esari.s or principis, denoted a
semi-official relation, involving personal attendance on the
Emperor. Cf. iii 5.
'^ By rendering Pliny suspect to Doniitian (iii. 11, vii. 27).
34*
BOOK IV. xxiv
XXIV
To Fabius V^ a lens
After pleading the other day before the Centum-
viri sitting as one court, I recollected having pleaded
as a youngster before the same fourfold court^^/I
could not forbear, as usual, to pursue the reflectibh
my mind had started ; I began to reckon up the
advocates who had shared my labours in the present
and in the former cause, and I found I was the only
person remaining who had been counsel in both :
such changes does the fragile nature of mortals, or
the vicissitudes of Fortune, produce ! Death had re-
moved some ; banishment others ; age and infirmities
had silenced those, while these had voluntarily-
withdrawn to enjoy the blessings of retirement ;
one was at the head of an army ; and the position
of friend to the emperor ^ had exempted another
from civil employments.
What turns of fortune have I experienced in my
own person ! It was my profession that first raised
me ; it was my profession that endangered me ; and
it was ray profession that advanced me again. Once
the friendships of good men did me much service;
they proved afterward extremely prejudicial to my
interest,'' and now they benefit me again. If you
compute the years in which all this has happened,
it is but a little while ; if you number the vicissi-
tudes, it seems an age. This should teach us to
check both our despair and presumption, when we
observe such a variety of events roll round in so
swift and narrow a circle. It is my custom to com-
municate to you all my thoughts, and to set before
343
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
te vel praeceptis vel exemplis monere, quibus
ipse me moneo ; quae ratio huius epistulae fuit.
Vale.
XXV
C. Plinius Messio Maximo Sue S.
ScRiPSERAM tibi verendum esse, ne ex tacitis
suffragiis vitium aliquod exsisteret. Factum est. Pro-
ximis comitiis in quibusdam tabellis multa iocularia
atque etiam foeda dictu, in una vero pro can-
didatorum nominibus suffragatorum nomina inventa
sunt. Excanduit senatus magnoque clamore ei, qui
scripsisset, iratum principem est comprecatus. Ille
tamen fefellit et latuit, fortasse etiam inter indig-
nantes fuit.
Quid lumc putamus domi facere, qui in tanta re
tam serio tempore tarn scurriliter ludat^ qui denique
omnino in senatu dicax et urbanus et bellus est ?
Tantum licentiae pravis ingeniis adicit ilia fiducia:
quis enira sciet ? Poposcit tabellas, stilum accepit,
demisit caput, neminem veretur, se contemnit. Inde
ista ludibria scaena et pulpito digna. Quo te vertas .''
quae remedia conquiras ? ubique vitia remediis
fortiora. 'AXAa ravra T(3 vTrep rj/j-a^ [xiXrjaci, cui
- iii. 20.
344
BOOK IV. xxiv.-xxv
you the same rules and examples by which I regu-
late my own conduct : and such was my design in
this letter. Farewell.
XXV
To Messius Maximus
I MENTIONED to you in a former** letter, that I
apprehended the method of voting by ballot would
lead to some abuse, and so it has proved. At the
last election of magistrates, upon some of the tablets
were written several pieces of pleasantry, and even
indecencies ; in one particularly, instead of the
names of the candidates, was inserted the names
of their supporters. The Senate was extremely
exasperated, and clamorously threatened the ven-
geance of the Emperor upon the author. But he
lay concealed, and possibly might be in the number
of those who expressed their indignation.
What must one suppose of such a man's private
conduct, who upon so important an affair, and at so
solemn a time, could indulge in ribald drollery ; who,
finally durst play the prater, witling, and exquisite,
in the very Senate ? " Nobody will know," is the
argument that emboldens depraved minds to commit
these indecencies. This person called for the tablets,
took up the pen, and bent his head to write, unde-
terred by fear of others or by self-respect. Hence
arise these buffooneries, fit only for the boards of a
theatre. \Vliither is one to turn, what remedies
may one search out ? Our disorders everywhere
prove irremediable; but ''all this will be the care of
345
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
raultuni cotidie vigiliarum, multum laboris adicit
haec nostra iners sed tamen effrenata petulantia.
Vale. ~-
XXVI
C. Plinius Metiuo Nepoti Suo S.
PetiSj ut libellos meos, quos studiosissime com-
parasti^ legendos recognoscendosque curem. Faciam.
Quid enim suscipere libentius debeo, te praesertim
exigente ? Nam^ cuin vir gravissimus, doctissimus,
disertissimus, sujier haec occupatissimus, maximae
proviiiciae praefuturus tanti putes scripta nostra
circumferre tecum^ quanto opere mihi providendum
estj ne te haec pars sarcuiarum tamquam supcrvacua
ofTendat ? Adnitar ergo, primum ut couiites istos
quam commodissimos habeas, deinde ut reversus
inveniaSj quos istis addere velis. Neque enim
mediocriter me ad nova opera tu lector hortaris.
Vale.
XXVII
C. Plinius Pompeio Falconi Suo S.
T'ertius dies est, quod audivi recitantem Serium ^
Augurinum cura sumina mea voluptate, immo etiam
admiratione. Poematia appellat. Multa tenuiter,
multa sublimiter, multa venuste, multa tenere, multa
1 Serium Mommsen, Mailer, Seutiuni vid^j.
346
BOOK IV. xxv.-xxvii
that superior Power," who by our futile, but unbridled
effrontery, has daily fresh occasion of exerting all
his pains and vigilance. Farewell.
XXVI
To Metii.ius Nepos
You request me to supervise the revision of my
works, which you have most diligently collected. I
shall do so ; for what task ought I to undertake more
willingly, especially at your instance ? When a man
of consummate dignity, learning and eloquence (who
is, moreover, deep in affairs and governor designate of
an important province), thinks it worth while to
carry my writings about with him, must 1 not
earnestly see to it that this part of his baggage may
not prove a superfluous incumbrance ? My first care
therefore shall be, that these companions of yours
may be as agreeable as possible ; and my next, that
vou may find others on your return, whom you will
gladly add to your present suite. For to have such a
reader as you are is no small inducement to attempt
fresh compositions. Farewell
XXVII
To PoMPEIUS FaLCO
I HAVE been attending these tliree days the recital
of Augurinus's poems, which I heard not only with
great pleasure, but even admiration. He calls them
" Poems in Little." They are conceived with much
delicacy and elegance, and abound with numberless
347
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
dulciter, multa cum bile. Alig^uot annis puto nihil
generis eiusdem absolutius scriptum, nisi forte me
fallit aut amor eius, aut quod me ipsum laudibus
vexit. Nam lemma sibi sumpsit, quod ego interdum
versibus ludo. Atque adeo iudicii mei te iudicem
faciam, si mihi ex hoc ipso lemmate secundus
versus occurrerit ; nam ceteros teneo, et iam ex-
plicui.
Canto carmina versibus minutis,
his olim quibus et meus Catullus
et Calvus veteresque. Sed quid ad me ?
unus Plinius est mihi priores ;
mavult versiculos foro relicto
et quaeritj quod amet, putatque amnri.
Ille o Plinius, ille quot Catones !
I nunc, qui sapias^^ amare noli.
Vides, quam acuta omnia, quam apta, quam expressa.
Ad hunc gustum totum librum i-epromitto, quem
tibi, ut primum publicaverit, exhibebo. Interim
ama iuvenem et temporibus nostris gratulare pro
ingenio tali, quod ille moribus adornat. Vivit cum
^ qui sapias a, Midler, qiiisquis sapias Fpr, quisquis amas
MD, K, Bipons.
° lemma (Gr. XvH-lJ-'^) "theme"; but iu the next sentence
used of the epigram itself.
348
BOOK IV. xxvii
strokes of tenderness and sublimity, of wit and satire.
I am of opinion, there has not any thing for these
many years appeared more finished of the kind ; if
indeed my great affection for him and the praises he
bestows iijion me, do not bias my judgement. For he
has made it the subject of an epigram ** that I some-
times amuse myself with writing verses. If I can
recollect the second line of this epigram (for the rest
I remember and have already got correctly) you
shall judge if my sentiments are just :
*' Sweetly flow my tender lays,
Like Calvus' or Catullus' strains,
(Bards approv'd of ancient days !)
Where Love in all its softness reigns.
" But wherefore ancient poets name?
Let Pliny my example be :
Him the sacred Nine inflame ;
Yet strict as any Cato he !
"To mutual love he tunes the lay.
While from the noisy bar he flies:
Say then ye grave, ye formal say.
Who shall gentle Love despise.''"
You see with what s])rightliness of imagination,
what propriety of sentiment, what clearness of
expression the whole is wrought up ; a^d in this
taste I will venture to assure you, you will find his
performance in general, which I will send you as soon
as it shall be published. In the meanwhile, admit
this excellent youth into a share of your afl^ection,
and congratulate our age on the production of such a
genius, whose virtues render him still more illustrious.
He spends his time partly with Spurinna, and partly
349
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Spurinna, vivit cum Antonino, quorum alteri adfinis,
utrique contubernalis est. Possis ex hoc facere
coniccturam, quam sit emendatus adulescens, qui a
gravissimis senibus sic amatur. Est enim illud
verissimum :
ytVdiiTKiov, on
Totot'Tos icTTiv, oiiTTvep -^Scrat avvuiv.
Vale.
XXVIII
C. Plinius Vibio Severo Suo S.
Herennius Severus, vir doctissimus, magni aesti-
mat in bibliotheca sua ponere imagines municipum
tuorum^ Coinelii Nepotis et Titi Cati, petitque, si
sunt istic, ut esse credibile est, exscribendas pingen-
dasque delegem. Quam curam tibi potissimum
iniungo, primum quia desideriis meis amicissime
obsequeris, deinde quia tibi studiorum summa
reverentia, summus amor studiosorum, postremo quod
patriam tuam omnesque, qui nomen eius auxerunt,
ut patriam ipsam veneraris et diligis. Peto autem,
ut pictorem quam diligentissimum adsumas. Nam
cum est arduum similitudinem effingere ex vero/tum
longe difficiilima est imitationis imitatio ; a qua
rogo ut artificem, quem elegeris, ne in melius quidem
sinas aberrare. Vale.
1 Eurip. fragm. (Nauck F.T.O. p. 490).
BOOK IV. xxvii.-xxviii
with Antoninus ; be has the honour to be related to
one, and to be the companion of both. You will
easily imagine what uncommon virtues he must
possess, who is thus the favourite of two such
venerable old men : for the poet's observation is
most undoubtedly true :
" Those who in close society are join'd
In manners equal, you will ever find."
Farewell.
XXVIII
To ViBius Severus
Herennius Severus, a person of distinguished
learning, is greatly desirous to have the pictures of
two of your fellow townsmen, Cornelius Nepos, and
Titus Catus, to adorn his library ; and has entreated
me, if they are to be met with where you are (as
probably they may) that I would procui'e copies of
them for him. That care I recommend to you,
rather than to any other, not only because I know
your friendship for me readily inclines you to comply
with my requests ; but as being sensible of the high
regard you have for learning and all her friends ; and
that your affection and veneration for those who
Jiave been an ornament to your country, is equal to
that which you bear towards your country herself
I beg, moreover, you would employ some skilful
hand in this work ; for if it is difficult to draw an
exact likeness from the life, it is much more so to
preserve it in copying what is itself a copy ; so I
desire you would not suffer the painter you select
to deviate from the latter, not even for the better.
Farewell.
351
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XXIX
C. Plinius Romatio Firmo Suo S.
Heia tu ! cum proxime res agentur, quoquo modo
ad iudicandum veni. Nihil est, quod in dextrarn
aurem fiducia mei dornlias. Non impune cessatur.
Ecce Licinius Nepos praetor, acer et fortis vir,
multam dixit etiam senator!. Egit ille in senatu
causani suam, egit auteni sic, ut deprecaretur.
Remissa est iiiulta ; sed tiniuit, sed rogavit, sed opus
venia fuit. Dices : * Non omnes praetores tarn
severi.' Falleris. Nam vel instituere vel reducere
eiusmodi exemplum non nisi severi, institutum
reductumve exercere etiam lenissimi possunt. Vale.
XXX
C. Plinius Licinio Surae Suo S.
Attuli tibi ex patria mea pro munusculo quae-
stionem altissima ista eruditione dignissimam. Fons
oritur in monte, per saxa decurrit, excipitur cenati-
uncula manu facta ; ibi paulum retentus in Larium
lacum decidit. Huius mira natura ; ter in die statis
'*■ in dcxtram aurem dormire, " to sleep soundly,'' pro-
/ vefbial for lazy unconcern.
' 352
BOOK IV. xxi.v.-xxx
XXIX
To RoMATIUS FlRMUS
Hark ye, my friend, you must at all rates take
your place upon the bench the next time the cou.r±
„ sits. -^ In vain would your indolence repose itself-5--*
under my protection; for if you shirk, you will rue
it. Behold that severe Praetor, the bold Licinius
J epos, fining even a senator for the same neglect
he senator pleaded his cause in person; but pleaded
in suppliant tone. The fine, it is ti'ue, was remitted ;
but sore was his dismay, but humble his entreaty,
but urgent his need of indulgence. All magistrates
in that office, you will tell me, are not thus formidably
rigid. You may be mistaken ; for though only men
of such a character would set or revive a precedent
of this kind ; yet when once it is introduced or
restored, even lenity herself may follow it. Fare-
well.
XXX
To Licinius Sura
I HAVE brought you as a fairing from my home-
country, a problem worthy of your profound erudi-
tion. There is a spi'ing which rises in the mountain,
and running among the rocks is received into a little
banqueting-room, from whence, after being detained
a short time, it falls into the Larian lake. The
nature of this spring is extremely surprising ; it ebbs
353
VOL. t. A A
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
auctibus ac diminutionibus crescit decvescitque. Cer-
nitur id palam et cum summa voluptate deprehenditur.
luxta recumbis et vesceris atque etiam ex ipso fonte
(nam est frigidissimus) potas, interim ille certis
dimensisque momentis vel subtrahitur vel adsurgit.
Annulum sen quid aliud ponis in sicco, adluitur
sensim ac novissime operitur, detegitur rursus paula-
timque deseritur. Si diutius observes, utrumque
iterum ac tertio videas.
Spiritusne aliquis occultior os fontis et fauces modo
laxat, modo includit, prout illatus occurrit aut decessit
expulsus? quod in ampullis ceterisque generis eius-
dem videmus accidercj quibus non hians nee statim
patens exitus. Nam ilia quoque^ quamquam prona
atque vergentia, per quasdam obhictantis animae
moi'as crebris quasi singultibus sistunt, quod efFun-
dunt. An, quae Oceano natura, fonti quoque, qua-
que ille ratione aut impellitur aut resorbetur, hac
modicus hie humor vicibus alternis supprimitur vel
erigitur ? An, ut flumina, quae in mare deferuntur,
adversantibuFventis obvioque aestu retorquentur, ita
est aliquid, quod huius fontis excursum repercutiat ?
An latentibus venis certa mensura, quae dum colligit,
quod exhauserat, minor rivus et pigrior, cum collegit,
agilior maiorque profertur ? An nescid quod libra-
354
BOOK IV. XXX
and flows by regular amounts three times a day.
This increase and decrease can be plainly observed^
and under very delightful conditions. You recline
by the side of the fountain, and whilst you are
taking a repast and drinking its water too, for it is
extremely cool, you see it rise and fall by fixed and
measured gradations. If you place a ring, or any-
thing else, on the dry margin, the stream reaches it
by degrees till it is entirely covered, and then again
gently retires from it ; and this you may see it do,
if you prolong your watch, for three times succes-
sively.
Shall we say, that some secret current of air stops
and opens the outlet of the spring, as it is borne
into, or expelled from it ; as we see in bottles, and
other such vessels, where there is not a free and
open outlet, though you turn and tilt them down-
wards, yet the outward air obstructing the vent,
they discharge their contents as it were by a suc-
cession of gurgling sobs .'' Or may not this spring
have the same property as the ocean, so that the
same principle which governs the flux and reflux of
the latter, may account for the alternate suppression
and effusion of this small body of water.'' (Or, as
rivei's, which discharge themselves into the sea,
meeting with contrary winds and the landward swell
of the ocean, are forced back in their channels ; so
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, which while it is recruiting its
discharges, the stream flows more slowly and in less
quantity, but when it has collected its due measure,
it runs again in its usual strength and fullness? Or
355
A A 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
mentum abditum et caecum, quod cum exinanitum
est, suscitat et elicit fontem, cum repletum, moratur
et strangulat ?
Scrutare tu causas (potes enim) quae tantum mira-
culum efficiunt ; milii abunde est, si satis express],
quod efficitur. Vale.
356
BOOK IV. XXX
lastly, is there I know not what kind of subter-
raneous poise, that when dry allows the spring to
"rise, but when full obstructs and chokes it?
You, who are so well qualified for the inquiry, will
examine the reasons of this wonderful appearance ;
it will be sufficient for me if I have given you a
clear description of it. Farewell.
357
BOOK V
LIBER QUINTUS
I
C. Plinius Annio Skvero Suo S.
Lkgatum mihi obvenit modicum, sed amplissimo
gratius. Cur amplissimo gratius ? Pomponia Galla
exheredato filio Asudio Curiano heredem reliquerat
me, dederat coheredes Serlorium Severum, prae-
torium virum, aliosque equites Romanos splendidos.
Curianus filius oj'abat, ut sibi donarem portionem
meam seque praeiudicio iuvarem, eandem tacita con-
ventione salvam milii pollicebatur. Respondebam
lion convenire moribus meis aliud palam, aliud agere
secreto, praeterea non esse satis honestum donare et
loeupleti et orbo, in summa non profuturum ei, si
donassem, profuturum, si cessissem, esse autem
me paratum cedere, si inique exheredatum mihi
liqueret.
Ad hoc ille : ' Rogo, cognoscas.* Cunctatus
paulum ' Faciam ' inquam : ' neque enim video, cur
" i.e. it would have the appearance of bribing him to
make a will in Pliny's favour.
360
BOOK V
I
To Annius Severus
A SMALL legacy which was lately left me, has
given me gi*eater pleasure than I could have received
by a very large one. How so, you ask ? Pomponia
Galla, having disinherited her son Asudius Curianus,
made me her heir, and appointed Sertorius Severus,
a man of Praetorian rank, together with several
eminent Roman knights, as coheirs. The son
begged me to make him a gift of my share, in
order to afford him a precedent for recovery from
the rest of the heirs ; offering at the same time to
enter into a secret agreement to return it. I told
him, it was by no means agreeable to my character
to carry the appearance of acting one thing, whilst
I was, in truth, acting another ; and that there
was something dishonourable in making a gift to a
man both rich and childless * ; and, in fine, that
such a gift would not at all answer the purpose at
which he was aiming. But (I added) if I were to
renounce my legacy, that would advantage his claim :
and this I was ready and willing to do, if he could
prove to me that he was unjustly disinherited.
" Let me beg you," said he, " to investigate my
case yourself." After a short pause, " I will do so,"
361
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
ipse me minorem putem, quam tibi videor. Sed iam
nunc memento non defuturara mihi constantiam, si
ita fides duxerit, secundum matrem tuam pro-
uuntiandi.' ' Ut voles' ait: 'voles enim, quod
aequissimum.'
Adhibui in consilium duos, quos tunc civilas
nostra spectatissimos habuit, Corellium et Frontinum.
His circumdatus in cubiculo mieo sedi. Dixit Curia-
nus, quae pro se putabat. Respondi paucis ego ;
neque enim aderat alius, qui defunctae pudorem
tueretur ; deinde secessi et ex consilii sententia,
' Videtur ' inquam, ' Curiane, mater tua iustas
habuisse causas irascendi tibi.'
Post hoc ille cum ceteris subscripsit centumvirale
iudicium, mecum non subscripsit. Adpetebat iudicii
dies. Coheredes mei componere et transigere cupie-
bant non diffidentia causae, sed metu temporum.
Verebantur, quod videbant multis accidisse, ne ex
centumvirali iudicio capitis rei exirent. Et erant
quidam in illis, quibus obici et Gratillae amicitia et
Rustici posset. Rogant me, ut cum Curiano loquar.
Convenimus in aedem Concordiae. Ibi ego ' Si
mater ' inquam * te ex parte quarta scripsisset
heredem, num queri posses ? Quid si heredem qui-
dem instituisset ex asse, sed legatis ita exhausisset,
ut non ainplius apud te quam quarta remaneret }
" Gratilla was the wife of Rusticus : Rusticus was put to
death by Doinitian, and Gratilla banished.
362
BOOK V. i
I said, "for I do not see why I should rate myself
lower than you seem to do. But take notice before-
hand, I shall not want resolution to uphold your
mother's testamentary dispositions, if I honestly
think they are just." " Have your own way," said
he ; " for that is sure to be the fairest."
1 called in as advisers Corellius and Frontinus, two
of the most eminent citizens which Rome at that
time possessed. Attended with those friends, I
heard the cause in my chamber. Curianus stated
his pretensions, to whom (as there was nobody but
myself present to defend the character of the
defunct lady) I made a short reply ; then, after
private consultation with my advisers, " Curianus,"
said I, " we are of opinion that your mother had just
cause to be offended with you."
Sometime afterward, Curianus commenced a suit
in the Centumviral court against all the coheirs
except myself The day of trial approaching, the
rest of the coheirs were desirous of compromising
the affair ; not out of any diffidence of their cause,
but from a distrust of the times. They were appre-
hensive, what had been the case of many others
might happen to them, and that from a civil suit it
should end in a capital one. And there were some
amongst them whose friendship with both Gratilla "
and Rusticus might be brought up to their prejudice
at the trial. They therefore desired me to go and
talk with Curianus. We met in the Temple of
Concord ; "Suppose," said I, "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 minor bequests that there
Avould not be more than a fourth part remaining to
3^3
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Igitur sufficere tibi debet, si exheredatus a matre
quartam partem ab heredibus eius accipias, quam
tamen ego augebo. Scis te non subscripsisse mecum,
et iam biennium transisse, omniaque me usu cepisse.
Sed ut te coheredes mei tractabiliorem experiantur,
utque tibi nihil abstulerit reverentia mei, offero pro
mea parte tantundem.'
Tuli fructum non conscientiae modo, verum etiam
famae. Ille ergo Curianus legatum mihi reliquit et
factum meum, nisi forte blandior mihi, antiquum
notabili honore signavit.
Haec tibi scripsi, quia de omnibus, quae me vel
delectant vel angunt, non aliter tecum quam mecum
loqui soleo, deinde quod durum existimabam te
amantissimum mei fraudare voluptate, quam ipse
capiebam. Neque enim sum tam sapiens, ut nihil
mea intersit, an iis, quae honeste fecisse me credo,
testificatio quaedam et quasi praemium accedat.
Vale.
II
C. Plinius Calpurnio Flacco Suo S.
AccEPi pulchen-imos tui'dos, cum quibus parem
calculum ponere nee urbis copiis ex Laurentino nee
maris tam turbidis tempestatibus possuny Recipies
" These birds were in high reputation anion^ the Romans,
and generally had a place upon elegant tables.
BOOK V. i.-ii
vou ; could you justly have complained ? You ought
to be contented therefore, it being absolutely
disinherited, as you are, the heirs are willing to
relinquish to you a fourth part ; which ainount
however I will increase. You know you did not sue
me, and the prescription established by two years'
undisputed possession secures me in my legacy.
But to induce you to make terms with the coheirs,
and that you may be no loser by the respect you
shewed to me, I offer to contribute my proportion
with thcni."
The satisfaction of my own conscience is not my
only reward from this transaction ; it has enhanced
my reputation. Now, it is this very Curianus who
has left me a legacy ; thereby paying a signal tribute
to my conduct, which was (if I do not flatter myself),
true to the old Roman ideal.
I have given you this account, because I commune
with you upon all my joys and sorrows as freely as
with myself; and because I thought it would be un-
kind to defraud so tender a friend of the pleasure I
was myseJf experiencing. Pleasure, I own, was my
feeling-:, for I do not pi'etend to such refined strains
of philosophy as to be indifferent, when I think I
have behaved like a man of honour, whether my
action is, as it were, rewarded by a sort of testimonial.
Farewell.
To Calpurnius Flaccus
I HAVE received your very fine thrushes ** ;''\but
I cannot match your gift witn any dainty from town,
as I am at my Laurentinum, nor from the sea, in the
stormy weather now prevailing.^ I can only therefore
/
365
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
ergo ej^istulas steriles et simpliciter ingratas ac ne
illam qiiidem sollertiam Diomedis in permutando
munere imitantes. Sed, quae facilitas tua, hoc magis
dabis veniam, quod se non mereri fatentur. Vale.
Ill
C. Pl.INIUS TiTIO AltlSTONI SUO S.
Cum plurima officia tua mihi grata et iucunda sunt,
tdtn vel maxima, quod me celandum non putasti
fuisse apud te de versiculis meis multum copiosum-
que sermonem, eumque diversitate iudiciorum lon-
gius processisse, exstitisse etiam quosdam, qui scripta
quidem ipsa non improbarent, me tamen amice sim-
pliciterque reprehenderent, quod haec scriberem
recitaremque. Quibus ego, ut augeam meam culpam,
ita respondeo : facio non numquam versiculos severos
parum, facio et^ comoedias audio et specto mimos et
lyricos lego et Sotadicos intellego ; aliquando prae-
terea rideo, iocof, Tu'do, utqiie omnia innoxiae remis-
sionis genera breviter amplectar, ' Homo sum.'
1 facio et Dpr, K, Midi., fac. nam et M F Rice, [corr.) a,
fac. etiam Rice, ante corr.
r^i Alluding to the story in Homer, where Glaucus and
Dionied having an interview between the two armies, they
come to the knowledge of the friendship and hospitality
which had formerly subsisted between their families, and
Diomed proposes an exchange of their arms, as a token of
reciprocal friendship :
"Brave Glaucus then each narrow thought resign'd
(Jove warm'd his bosom and enlarg'd his mind) ;
For Diomed's brass arms of mean device,
For which nine oxen paid (a vulgar price)
366
BOOK V. ii.-iii
make you the churlish and baiTen acknowledgement
of a letter ; an exchange more unequal, I confess, than
that famous one of the subtle Diomed.<* But your
good-nature will so much the more readily grant me
an excuse, as I own myself not to desei've one.
Farewell.
Ill
To TiTius Aristo
( Amongst the many agreeable and obliging in-
stances I have received of your friendship, your not
thinking proper to conceal from me the long con-
versation which lately passed at your house concer-
ning my verses, and the various judgements
pronounced upon them, is by no means the least, j
There were some, you tell me, who did not''
disapprove the character of my poems, but at the
same time censured me in a candid and friendly
manner, for composing and reciting such works.
My reply to these critics is of a nature to aggravate
~Tny offence ; I confess that I sometimes write verses
of no very strait-laced kiud ; J furthermore listen
to comedies, witness bi*oad farces, read love-poetry,^
and enter into the spirit of the most wanton Muse.
Besides all this, I not seldom indulge in mirth, wit
and gaiety ; and to sum up every kind of innocent
amusement in one word, / am a man."
He gave his own of gold divinely wrought ;
An hundred beeves the shining purchase bouirht.
Pope, II. vi. 325 (Melmoth).
^ ''jLyric had become synonymous with erotic verse. Sotadir
verse was a form invented by the obscene Greek poet
Sotades.
« Homo sum ; humani nihil a me alienum puto. Terence,
Hea\a. 77.
367
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Nee vero molcste fero banc esse de moribus meis
existimationem, ut, qui nesciunt talia doctissimos,
gravissimos, sanctissimos homines scriptitasse, me
scribere mirentur. Ab illis autem, quibus notum est,
qiios quantosque auctores sequar, facile impetrari
posse confido, ut errare me, sed cum illis sinant, quo-
rum non seria modo, verum etiam lusus exprimere
laudabile est. An ego verear (neminem viventium,
ne quam in speciem adulationis incidani, nominabo) —
sed ego verear, ne me non satis deceat, quod decuit
M. TuUium, C. Calvum, Asiniuni PoUionem, M.
Messalani, Q. Hortensium, M. Brutum, L. SuUam,
Q. Catulum, Q. Scaevolam, Servium Sulpicium,
Varronem, Torquatum, immo Torquatos, C. Mem-
mium, Lentulum Gaetulicum, Annaeum Senecam et
proxime Verginium Rufum et, si non sufficiunt exem-
pla privata, divum lulium, divum Augustum, divuni
Nervam, Tiberiuni Caesareiu ? Neronem enim trans-
eo, quamvis sciam non corrumpi in deterius, quae
aliquando etiam a malis, sed honesta manere, quae
saepius a bonis fiunt. Inter quos vel praecipue nu-
merandus est P. Vergilius, Cornelius Nepos et prius
Ennius Acciusque. Non quidem hi senatores, sed
sanctitas morum non distat ordinibus.
Recito tamen, quod illi an feeerint, nescio. Etiam ;
sed illi iudicio suo poterant esse contenti, mihi
modestior conscientia ^ est, quam ut satis absolutum
putem, quod a me probetur. Itaque has recitandi
causas sequor, primum quod ipse, qui recitat, ali-
1 conscientia, Casaubon, Blp.,K, constantia MSS., Miill.
368
BOOK V. iii
But I am not at all displeased to find my character
held so high that those who are ignorant that the
most learned, the gravest and the most moral of men
have enjoyed themselves in compositions of this
order, should be surprised at my doing so ; but those
who know what noble examples I follow, will readily
allow me, I trust, to err — while I err in their company
whom it is an honour to imitate, not only in their
most serious actions, but lightest amusements. Am
I to fear (I will not name any living example, lest I
should seem to flatter) — I say, am I to fear a practice
may ill become me, which was not beneath the
dignity of Tully, Calvus, Pollio, Messala, Hortensius,
Brutus, Sulla, Catulus, Scaevola, Sulpicius, Varro,
the Torquati, Memmius, Gaetulicus, Seneca, and, in
our ow^n day, Virginius Rufus ? And, if the example
of subjects is not enough, I can add that of Julius
Caesar, Augustus, Nerva and Tiberius. I forbear to add
Nero to the catalogue ; though I am sensible, what is
the occasional employment of the vicious does not
therefore degenerate into wrong ; on the contrary,
it still maintains its credit, if frequently practised
by the virtuous. In that number Virgil, Cornelius
Nepos, and prior to these, Ennius and Accius, justly
deserve the most distinguished place. These last
indeed were not senators, but virtue knows no
distinction of rank or title.
I recite my works, however, which I rather think
my exemplars did not. Granted ; but those great
men might well be satisfied with their own judge-
ment ; / am not conscious of such talents that I can
suppose my compositions sufficiently perfect, when
they meet my own approval. My i-easons then for
reciting are these ; firstly the reciter himself becomes
-— - 369
VOL. I. B B
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
quanto acrius scrij)tis suis auditorum reverentia
intendit, deiud^ quod, de quibus dubitat, quasi ex
consilii sententia statuit. Multa etiam a multis
admouetur et, si non admoneatur, quid quisque
sentiat, perspicit ex vultu, oculis, nutu, manu,
murmure, silentio ; quae satis apertis notis iudicium
ab humanitate discernunt. Atque adeo, si cui forte
eorum, qui interfuerunt, curae fuerit eadem ilia
legere, intelleget me quaedani aut commutasse aut
praeterisse, fortasse etiam ex sue iudicio, quamvis
ipse nihil dixerit mihi. Atque haec ita dispute, quasi
populum in auditorium, non in cubiculum amicos
advocarim, quos plures habere multis glox'iosum,
reprehensioni neniini fnit. Vale.
IV
C. Plinius Iulio Valeriano Sue S.
Res parva, sed initium non parvae. Vir })raetorius
Sellers a senatu petiit, ut sibi instituere in agris suis
nundinas permitteretur ; contra dixerunt Vicetinorum
legati ; adfuit Tuscilius Nominatus ; dilata causa est.
Alio senatu Vicetini sine advocate intraverunt, dixe-
37°
BOOK V. iii.-iv
a keener critic of his work, under the diffidence
inspired by an audience ; secondly, he can settle any
points on which he feels doubtful by the advice of
assessors, so to speak. He has, moreover, the
advantage of receiving many hints from different
persons ; and, failing this, he can discover his hearers'
sentiments from the air of a countenance, the turn
of a head or eye, the motion of a hand, a murmur
of applause, or even silence itself; signs which will
})lainly enough distinguish their real judgement fi'om
the language of civility. And, indeed, if anyone of
my audience should have the curiosity to peruse the
same performance which he heai-d me read, he may
find several things altered or omitted, and peihaps
too upon his judgement, though he did not say a
single word to me. But I am arguing as if I had
invited the genei'al public to an audience-hall, instead
of friends to my own house. True, they made a
large audience ; but to have numerous friends has
been a boast to many, a reproach to none. Farewell.
IV
To luLius Valerianus
A TRIVIAL affair, but fraught with no trivial con-
sequences, has taken place. Sollers, an ex- Praetor,
petitioned the Senate's leave to hold a fair upon
his estate. This was opposed by deputies from
the Vicentini, who employed Tuscilius Nominatus
as their counsel. The cause was adjourned ; and
at the next session the deputies appeared un-
attended by their counsel, and declared that they
had been cheated : an expression, which, whether it
37'
9 B 3
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
runt se de ct-ptos lapsine verbo, an quia ita sentiebant ?
InteiTOgati a Nepote praetore, quern docuissent,
lesponderunt, queni prius. Interrogati, an tunc
gratis adfuisset, responderunt, sex milibus nummum ;
an rursus aliquid dedissent, dixerunt mille denarios.
Nepos postulavit, ut Nominatus induceretur. Hac-
tenus illo die. Sed, quantum auguror, longius res
j)rocedet. Nam pleraque tacta tantum et omnino
commotalatissimeserpunt. Erexi aures tuas. Quam
diu nunc oportet, quam blande roges, ut reliqua
cognoscas ! si tamen non ante ob haec ipsa veneris
Romam spectatorque malueris esse quam lector.
Vale.
V
C. Plinius Nonio Maximo Suo S.
NuNTiATUM mihi est^ C. Fannium decessisse ; qui
nuntius gravi me dolore confudit, primum quod
amavi hominem elegantem, disertum, deinde quod
iudieio eius uti solebam. Erat enim natura acutus,
usu exercitatus, varietate promptissimus. Angit me
super ista casus Ipsius. Decessit veteri testamento,
omisit, quos maxime diligebat, prosecutus est, quibus
offensiov erat.
Sed hoc utcunque tolerabile, gravius illud, quod
' nuntiatum ni. est M, Bipona, K, nuntiatur niihi, Rice.
Fpra, Midler.
BOOK V. iv.-v
dropped from them in the warmtli of resentment, or
that they really thought so, I will not determine.
Nepos the Praetor asked them who it was they had
briefed. They replied, the same counsel as before.
Asked whether he then appeared for them without
a fee, they said they had paid him six thousand
sesterces. Had they paid him a second fee .'' Yes,
one thousand denarii. Upon which, Nepos moved
that Nominatus should be ordered to attend. The
affair went no further that day ; but, if I argue truly,
it will not end here ; for one may observe in several
instances, the slightest sparks have lighted up a
train of very remote consequences. ; And now I have
raised your curiosity, I shall require much coaxing
to make me tell you the sequel ;^' always supposing
you do not forestall me by coming expressly to
Rome, and choosing to witness, rather than read it.
Farewell.
To NoMus Ma.vimus
I AM deeply afflicted by tidings of the death of
Fannius,^ since I not only loved that polished and
eloquent man, but constantly relied upon his judge-
ment ; for his penetrating genius was improved by
experience, and varied in resource. It aggravates
my concern that he had the misfortune to die
leaving an old will unrevoked ; the result is, he has
passed over those dearest to him, and favoured persons
who bore him some animosity.
But this can be borne, after a fashion ; a more
; ^e-See V. 1.3. ^
\ * Otherwise unknown. /
373
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
pulcherrimum opus imperfectuni reliquit. Quamvis
enim agendis causis distringeretur, scribebat tamen
exitus occisorum aut relcgatorum a Nerone et
iain tres libros absolverat subtiles et diligentes et
Latinos atque inter sermonem historiamque medios
ae tanto magis reliquos perficere cupiebat, quanto
frequentius hi lectitabantur.
Mihi autem videtur acei'ba semper et immatuva
mors eorum, qui iminortale aliquid parant. Nam,
qui voluptatibus dediti quasi in diem vivunt, vivendi
causas cotidie finiunt ; qui vero posteros cogitant
ct niemoriam sui operibus extendunt, his nulla mors
non'repentina est, ut quae semper inchoatum aliquid
abrumpat. Gaius quidem Fannius, quod accidit,
multo ante praesensit. Visus est sibi per nocturnam
quietem iacere in lectulo suo compositus in habitu
studentis, liabere ante se scrinium (ita solebat) ; mox
imaginatus est venisse Neronem, in toro resedisse,
prompsisse primum librum, quern de sceleribus eius
ediderat, eumque ad extremum revolvisse, idem in
secundo ac tei'tio fecisse, tunc abiisse. Expavit et
sic interpretatus est, tamquam idem sibi futurus
esset scribendi finis, qui fuisset illi legendi, et fuit
idem.
Quod me recordantem miseratio subit, quantum
vigiliarum, quantum laboris exhauserit frustra. Occur-
sant animo mea mortalitas, mea scripta. Nee dubito
te quoque eadem cogitatione terreri pro istis, quae
374
BOOK V. V
grievous circumstance is that he has left a master-
piece of literature unfinished. Notwithstanding his
liarassing engagements at the bar, he was Avriting a
history of the last scenes in the life of those who
suffered death or banishment under Nero, and had
already completed three books. These are written
with gi-eat delicacy and exactness in the purest Latin,
and in a style intennediate between the colloquial
and the historical ; and as they found many readers,
he was the more anxious to finish the rest.
For my part, I regard every death as cruel and
premature, that removes one who is preparing some
immortal work. The sons of sensuality, who have no
\'iews beyond the present hour, terminate with each
day the whole purpose of their lives ; but those who
look forward to posterity, and prolong their memories
bv their works : to such, death is always sudden, as
it always breaks off some unfinished design. Fannius
long beforehand had a strong presentiment of what
has happened. He thought that he was reclining
at midnight on his couch, all in the quiet midnight
hour, equipped for study, his bookcase before him as
usual ; presently, so he fancied, Nero came in and
seating himself on the couch, took up the first book
of Fannius' history of his crimes, and read it through ;
he did the same with the second and third books,
and then went away. Fannius was terror-struck ; he
took the vision as signifying that he would write no
more of his history than Nero had read ; and so it
came to pass.
Recalling this accident, I am moved to pity for his
fruitless expense of so much toil, so many vigils. It
occurs to me that I too am mortal, I too have written ;
and I doubt not the same reflection alarms you for
375
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
inter manus habes. Proinde, dum suppetit vita,
enitamur, ut mors quam paucissima, quae abolere
possit, inveniat. Vale.
VI
C. Plinius Domitio Apoi.mnari Suo S.
Amavi curam et ^aolHcitudinem tuanij quod, cum
audisses me aesta^fe Tuscos i|^eospetiturum,nefacerem,
suasisti, dum putst&-4nSaTubres. Est sane gravis et
pestilens oraTuscorum, quae per litus extenditur ; sed
hi procul a mari recesserunt, quin etiam Appennino^
saluberrimo montium, subiacent. Atque adeo ut
omnem pro me metum ponas, accipe teniperiem caeli,
regionis situm, villae amoenitatem ; quae et tibi
auditu et mihi relatu iucunda erunt.
Caelum est hieme frigidum et gelidum ; myrtos,
oleas, quaeque alia adsiduo ^ tepore laetantur^ as-
pernatur ac respuit ; laurum tamen patitur atque
etiam nitidissimam profert, interdum, sed non saepius
quam sub urbe nostra necat. Aestatis mira de-
mentia ; semper aer spiritu aliquo niovetur, fre-
quentius tamen auras quam ventos habet. Hinc
1 adsiduo M D, Bipona, K, aestivo Rice. Fpra Catan.,
Midler.
BOOK V. v.-vi
the works you have in hand. Let us strive then,
while Life is ours, to secure that Death may find we
have left little or nothing he can destroy. Farewell.
VI
To DoMiTius Apolijnaris
The kind concern you expressed when you heard
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,
is extremely agreeable to me. 1 confess, indeed, the
air of that part of Tuscany, which lies towards the
coast, is thick and unwholesome : but my house is
situated at a great distance from the sea, and at the
foot of the Apennine range, so much esteemed for
salubrity. But that you may lay aside all apprehen-
sions on my account, I will give you a descrijition of
the mildness 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 relate.
The winters are severe and cold, so that myrtles,
olives, and other trees which delight in constant
warmth, will not flourish here ; but bay trees can
grow, and even in great perfection ; yet sometimes,
though indeed not oftencr than in the neighbourhood
of Rome, they are killed by the sharpness of the
seasons. The summers are exceedingly temperate ;
currents of air are continually stirring, though
breezes are more frequent than high winds. Hence
377
THE LEITERS OF PLINY
senes multi ; videas avos proavosque iam iuvenurrij
audias falnilas veteres sermonesque maiorum, cum-
que veneris illo, putes alio te saeculo natum.
Rcgionis forma pulcherrima. Imaginare amphi-
Iheatrum aliquod immensum, et quale sola rerum
natura possit effingere. Lata et diffusa planities
montibus cingitur, montes suinma sui parte procera
nemora et aritiqua habent. Frequens ibi et varia
venatio. Inde caeduae silvae cum ipso monte
descendunt. Has inter , pingues terrenique colles
(neque onim facile usquam saxum, etiam si quaeratur,
occurrit) planissimis campis fertilitate non cedunt
opimamque messem serius tantum, sed non minus
percoquunt. Sub his per latus omne vineae porri-
guntur unamque fociem longe lateque contexunt ;
quaruni a fine imoque quasi margine arbusta na-
scuntur. Prata inde campique, campi, quos non
nisi ingentes boves et fortissima aratra ptrfringunt ;
tantis glebis tenacissiraum solum^ cum prinium pro-
secatur, adsurgit, ut nono demum sulco perdome-
tur. -, Prata florida et gemmea^^ trifQliuin aliasque
herbas teneras semper et molles et quasi novas
alunt. Cuncta enim perennibus rivis nutriuntur.
Sed ubi aquae plurimum, palus nulla, quia devexa
terra, quidquid liquoris accepit nee absorbuit, ef-
378
BOOK V. vi
old men abound ; if you were to come here and see
the numbers who have adult grandchildren and
great-grandchildren, and hear the stories they can
entertain you with of their ancestors, you would
fancy yourself born in some former age.
The aspect of the country is the most beautiful
possible ; figure to 3'^ourself an immense amphitheatre,
such as the hand of nature could alone form. Before
you lies a vast extended plain bounded by a range of
mountains, whose summits are croAvned with lofty
and venerable woods, which supply abundance and
variety of game ; from hence as the mountains
decline, they are adorned with undei'-woods. Inter-
mixed with these are little hills of so loam}' and fat a
soil, that it would be difficult to find a single stone
upon them ; their fertility is nothing inferior to the
lowest grounds ; and though their harvest indeed
is something later, their heavy ci'ops are as well
matured. At the foot of these hills the eye is
presented, wherever it turns, with one unbroken
view of numberless vineyards, which are terminated
below by a border, as it were, of shrubs. From
thence extend meadows and fields. The soil
of the latter is so extremely stiff, upon the first
ploughing it rises in such vast clods, that it is
necessary to go over it nine several times with the
largest oxen and the strongest ploughs, before they
can be thoroughly broken. The flower-enamelled
meadows produce trefoil and other kinds of herbage
as fine and tender as If' It were but just sprung up,
being everywhere refreshed by never-failing rills.
But though the country abounds with great plenty of
water, there are no marshes; for as the ground is
sloping, whatever water it receives without absorbing,
379
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
lundit in Tiberim. Medios ille agros secat navium
patiens omnesque fruges devehit in iirbem liieme
dumtaxat et vere, aestate suinmittitur irnmensique
fluminis nomen arenti alveo deserit, autumno re-
s limit.
Magnam capies voluptateni, si huiic regionis siturn
ex monte prospexeris. Neque eiiim terras tibi^ sed
formam aliquam ad exirniam pulchritudineni pictam
videberis cernere ; ea varictate, ea descriptione,
quocunque inciderint oculi, reficientur. Villain colle
imo slta prosi)icit quasi ex suniino ; ita leniter et
sensim clivo fallente consurgit, ut, cum ascendere
non putes, sentias ascendisse. A tergo Appenninum,
sed longius liabet ; accipit ab hoc auras quamlibet
sereno et {)lacido die^ non tameii acres et immodicas,
sed spatio ipso lassas et infractas.
Magna sui parte meridiem spectat aestivumque
solem ab hora sexta, hibernum aliquanto maturius
quasi invitat in porticum latam et pro modo longam.'
Multa in hac membra, atrium etiam ex more veterum.
Ante porticum xystus concisus in plurimas species
distinctusque buxoX^demissus inde pronusque pul-
vinuSj cui bestiarum effigies invicem adversas buxus
^ pro modo longam FDpra, MiiUery pi-omiuulani M,
Bipoiis, K,
3S0
BOOK V. vi
runs off into the Tiber. 'Jhis river, which winds
through the middle of the meadows, is navigable
only in the winter and spring, when it transports the
produce of the lands to Rome ; but its contracted
channel is so extremely low in summer, that it
resigns the name of a g7-eat river which, however,
it resumes in autumn.
You would be most agreeably entertained by
taking a view of the face of this country from the
mountains : you would imagine that not a real, but
some painted landscape lay before you, drawn with
the most exquisite beauty and exactness ; such an
harmonious and regular variety charms the eye
which way soever it throws itself. My villa, though
situated at the foot of the mountain, commands as
wide a prospect as the summit affords ; you go up to
it by so gentle and insensible a i-ise, that you find
yourself upon an elevation without perceiving you
ascended. Behind, but at a great distance, stand
the Apennine mountains ; in the calmest days
breezes reach us from thence, but so spent and
weakened by the long tract of land they travel over,
that they are entirely divested of all their strength
and violence. ^
The exposure of the main part of the house isH
full south ; thus it seems to invite the sun, from
midday in summer (but something earlier in
winter), into a wide and proportionably long portico,
containing many divisions, one of which is an atrium,
built after the manner of the ancients. In front of
the portico is a terrace divided into a great number
of geometrical figin-es, and bounded with a box-
hedge. The descent from the terrace is a sloping
bank, adorned with a double row of box-trees cut in
381
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
inscripsit ; acanthus in j)l.iiio mollis et paene dixerim
liquidiis. Ambit hunc ambulatio pressis varieque
tonsis viridibus incliisa ; ab his gestatio in niodum
circi, quae buxiim nuiltiformem huinilesque et
retentas manu arbusculas circumit. Omnia macena~
muniuntur <"1ianc gradata buxus operit et subtrahit.
Pratiiin inde non minus natura quam superiora ilia
arte visenduin ; campi deinde porro multaque alia
prata et arbusta.
A capite porticus triclinium excurrit. Valvis
xystum desinentem et protinus pratum multumque
ruris videt,(fenestris hac latus xysti, et quod prosilit
villae, liac adiacentis hippodromi nemus comasque
prospectat. | Contra mediam fere porticum diaeta
paulum recedit, cingit areolam, quae quattuor pla-
tanis inumbratur. Inter has marmoreo labro aqua
exundat circumiectasque platanos et subiecta pla-
tanis leni aspergine fovet. Est in hac diaeta dornii-
torium cubiculuni, quod diem, clamorem, sonum ex-
cludit, iunctaque ei cotidiana amicorumque cenatio^;
* amicorumque cen. Eicc. FDa, K, amicorum ceuatio
quae M.
38a
BOOK V. vi
the shape of animals ; the level ground at the foot
of the bank is covered with the soft, I Iiad almost
said, the liquid acanthus : this lawn is surrounded by
a walk enclosed with dense evergreens, trimmed
mt'o a variety of forms. Beyond is an allce laid out
in the form of a circus, Avhich encircles a plantation
of box-trees cut in numberless different figures, and
of small shrubs, either low-growing or prevented by
the shears from running up too high. The whole is
fenced in with a wall, /masked by box-trees, whicli
rise in graduated ranks to the top. Beyond 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 several other meadows and
fields interspersed with thickets.
At the extremity of the portico stands a grand
dining-room, which through its folding-doors looks
upon one end of the terrace ; while beyond there
is a very extensive prospect over the meadows
up into the country ; ^fVom the windows you sur-
vey on the one hand the side of the terrace and
such parts of the house which project forward, on
the other, with the woods enclosing the adjacent
hippodrome, i Opposite almost to the centre of the
portico stands a suite of apartments something
retired, which encompasses a small court, shaded by
four plane-trees, in the midst of which a fountain
rises, from whence the water running over the edges
of a marble basin gently refreshes the surrounding
plane -trees and the ground underneath them. This
suite contains a bed-chamber free froin every kind of
noise, and which the light itself cannot penetrate ;
together with my ordinary dining-room that I use
too when I have none but familiar friends with me ;
383
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
areolani illam, porticum [aliam] ^ eademque omnia
quae portkus aspicit. Est ct aliiid cubiculum a
proxima platano viride et umbrosum, marmore
excultum podio tenus, nee cedit gratiae marmoris
ramos insidentesque ramis aves imitata pictura.
Fonticulus in hoc in fonte crater; circa sipunculi
plures miscent iucundissimum murmur.
In cornu porticus amplissimum cubiculum a tricli-
nio occurrit ; aliis fenestris xystum, aliis despicit
pratum, sed ante piscinam^ quae fenestris servit ac
subiacet, strepitu visuque iucundam ; nam ex edito
desiliens aqua suscepta marmore albescit. Idem
cubiculum hieme tepidissimum, quia plurimo sole
perfunditur. Cohaeret hypocauston et, si dies
nubilus, immisso vapore solis vicem supplet. Inde
apodyterium balinei laxum et hilare excipit cella
frigidaria, in qua baptisterium amplum atque opa-
cum. Si natare latius aut tepidius velis, in area
piscina est, in proximo puteus, ex quo possis rur-
sus adstringi, si paeniteat teporis. Frigidariae celiac
conectituif media, .'cui sol benignissime praesto est,
' [aliam] incl, K, porticus alia Fpra.
BOOK V. vi
this looks upon the little court I just now described,
also upon the portico and the whole prospect thence.
There is, besides, another room, which, being situated
close to the nearest plane-tree, enjoys a constant
shade and verdure ; its sides are covered with marble
up to the cornice : on the frieze above a foliage is
painted, with birds perched among the branches,
which has an effect altogether as agreeable as that of
the marble. In this I'oom is placed a little fountain,
that, playing through several small pipes into a vase,
produces a most pleasing murmur.
From^a Aving of the portico you enter into a very
spacious cTiamber opposite to the grand dining-room,
which from some of its windows has a view of the
terrace, and from others of the meadow, Avhile those
in the front dominate an ornamental basin just
beneath them, which entertains at once both the eye
and the ear ; for the water falling from a great
height^ foams round its marble receptacle. This
"room is extremely warm in winter, being much
exposed to the sun, and in a cloudy day the hot air
from an adjoining stove very well supplies his
absence. From hence you pass through a spacious
and pleasant undressing-room into the cold-bath-
room, in which is a large, gloomy bath : but if you
are disposed to swim more at large, or in warmer
water, there is a pool for that purpose in the court,
and near it a reservoir from whence you may be
supplied with cold water to brace yourself again, if
you should perceive you are too nuich relaxed by the
warm. Contiguous to the cold-bath is a tepid one,
which enjoys the kindly warmth of the sun, but
not so intensely as that of the hot-bath, which
projects from the house. This last consists of three
385
VOL. 1. C C
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
caldariae magis ; prominet enini.f Inhac tres descen-
siones, duae in sole, tertia a sole longius, a luce
non longius.
Apodyterio superpositum est sphaeristerium, quod
plura genera exercitationis pluresque circulos capit.
Nee procul a balineo scalae^ quae in cryptoporticum
ferunt, prius ad diaetas tres. Harum alia areolae
illi, in qua platani quattuor, alia prato, alia vineis
imminet diversasque eaeli partes ut prospectus habet.
In sunima cryptoporticu cubiculum ex ipsa crypto-
porticu excisum, quod hippodromum, vineas, monies
intuetur. lungitur cubiculum obvium soli, maxime
hiberno. Hinc oritur diaeta, quae villae hippodro-
nium adnectit.
Haec facies, hie usus a fronte. A latere aestiva
cryptoporticus in edito posita, quae non aspicere vi-
neas, sed tangere videtur. In media tx'iclinium salu-
berrimum adflatum ex Appenninis vallibus recipit ;
post latissimis fenestris vineas, valvis aeque vineas,
sed per cryptoporticum quasi admittit. A latere
triclinii, quod fenestris caret, scalae convivio utilia
secretiore ambitu suggerunt. In fine cubiculum, cui
non minus iucundum prospectum cryptoporticus
386
BOOK V. vi
several divisions, each of different degrees of heat :
the two former He open to the full sun, the latter,
though not so much exposed to its heat, receives an
equal share of its light.
Over the undressing-room is built the ball-court,
which is large enough to admit of several different
kinds of games being played at once, each with its
own circle of spectators. Not far from the baths is
a stair-case/' which leads to a gallery, and to three
apartments oh the way ; one of these looks upon the
little court with the four plane-trees round it ;
another has a sight of the meadows ; the third abuts
upon the vineyard, and commands a prospect of
opposite quarters of the heavens. At one end of
the gallery, and indeed taken off from it, is a
chamber that looks upon the hippodrome, the
vineyard and the mountains ; adjoining is a room
which has a full exposure to th& sun, especially in
winter: from hence runs an apartment that connects
the hippodrome with the house.
Such are the villa's beauties and conveniences on
the front. On the side is a summer gallery which
stands high, and has not only a prospect of the
vineyard, but seems almost to touch it. Midway it
contains a dining-room cooled by the wholesome
breezes which come from the Apennine valleys :
the back-windows, which are extremely large,
let in, as it were, the vineyards, as do the
folding-doors, but you get the latter view through
the gallery. Along that side of this dining-room
where there are no windows, runs a private stair case
for the greater conveniency of serving at enter-
tainments ; at the farther end is a chamber from
whence the eye is entertained with a view of the
387
c c 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
ipsa quam vineae praebent. Subest cryptoporticus
subterraneae similis ; aestate incluso frigore riget
contentaque acre suo nee desidenit auras nee ad-
mittit.
Post utramque cryptoporlicum, uncle triclinium
desinitj incipit porticus ante medium diem hiberna,
inclinato die aestiva. Hac adeuntur diaetae duae,
quarum in altera cubicula quattuor, altera tria, ut
circumit sol^ aut sole utuntur aut umbra. Hanc dis-
positionem amoenitatemque tectorum longe late-
que praecedit hippodromus. Medius patescit statim-
que intrantium oculis totus offertur, platafiis cir-
cumitur ; illae hedera vestiuntur utque summae suis
ita imae alienis frondibus virent. Hedera truncum
et ramos pererrat vicinasque platanos transitu suo
copulat. Has buxus interiacet ; exteriores buxos cir-
cumvenit laurus umbraeque platanorum suani con-
fert. Rectus hie hippodromi limes, in extrema parte
hemicyclio frangitur mutatque faciem ; cupressis
ambitur et tegitur densiore umbra opacior nigrior-
que ; interioribus circulis (sunt enim plures) pu-
rissimum diem recipit. Inde etiam rosas effert
umbrarumque frigus non ingrato sole distinguit.
Finite vario illo multiplicique curvamine recto
388
BOOK V. vi
vineyards^ and (what is equally agreeable) of the
gallery. Underneath this room is a gallery re-
sembling a crypt, which in the midst of summer
heats retains its pent-up chilliness, and, enjoying^its
own atmosphere, neither admits nor Avan't?'' the
refreshment of external breezes.
Behind both these galleries, at the end of the
dinTng-Yoom, stands a portico, which 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, as the day progresses, alternately sun and
shade. In the front of these agreeable buildings
lies a very sj)acious hippodrome, ^nth-el^^Qpeii in, the
middle, by Avhich means the eye, upon your first
entrance, takes in its whole extent at one view. It
is encompassed on every side with plane-trees
covered with ivy, so that while their heads flourish
with their own green, their bodies enjoy a borrowed
verdure ; and the ivy twining round the trunk and
branches, spreads from tree to tree, and connects
them together. Between each plane-tree are planted
box-ti-ees, and behind these, bay-trees, which blend
their shade with that of the planes. Thejraised
path around the hippodrome, which TTere runs
"straight, bends at the farther end into a semi-circle
and takes on a new aspect, being embowered in
cypress-ti-ees and obscured by their denser and more
gloomy shade ; while the inward circular alleys (for
there are severat) enjoy the full sun. Farther on,
there ai*e roses too along the path, and the cool
shade is pleasantly alternated with sunshine.
Having passed through these manifold winding
alleys, the path resumes a straight course^ and at the
389
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
limiti redditur nee huic uni ; nam viae plures inter-
cedentibus buxis dividuntur. Alibi pratulum, alibi
ipsa buxus intervenit in formas mille discriptaj litteris ^
interdum, quae modo nomen domini dicunt, modo
artificis. 'Alternis metulae surgunt, alternis inserta
sunt poma, et in opere urbanissimo subita velut illati
ruris imitatio. Medium spatium brevioribus utrim-
<jue platanis adornatur. Post has acanthus hinc inde
liibricus et flexuosus, deinde plures figurae pluraque
uomina.
In capite stibadium candido marmore vite prote-
gitux* ; vitem quattuor coluniellae Carystiae subeunt.
Ex stibadio aqua velut expressa cubantium pondere
sipuneulis effluit^ cavato lapide suscipitur, gracili
marmore continetur atque ita occulte temperatur^ ut
impleat nee redundet. (Gustatorium graviorque cena
margini imponitur, levior navicularum et avium
figuris innatans circumit. Contra fons egerit aquam
et recipit ; nam expulsa in altum in se cadit iunctisque
luatibus et absorbetur et tollitur.
E regione stibadii adversum cubiculum tantum
stibadio reddit ornatus, quantum accipit ab iWo.j
Marmore splendet, valvis in viridia prominet et exit,
* litteris Fpra, Otto, Miiller,\itteraiS M D, B'pons, K.
» gustatorium, a tray or dish of hora (Vauvrea.
390
BOOK V. vi
same time divides into several tracks, separated
by box-hedges. In one place you have a little
meadow ; in another the box is interposed in groups,
and cut into a thousand different forms ; sometimes
into letters, expressing the name of the master,
or again that of the artificer : whilst here and there
little obelisks rise intermixetT^alternately with fruit-
trees : when 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 which lies a spot surrounded with a knot of
dwarf plane-trees. Beyond these are interspersed
clumps of the smooth and twining acanthus ; then
come a variety of figures and names cut in box.
At the upper end is a semi-circular bench of white
marble, shaded with a vine which is trained upon
four small pillars of Carystian marble. Water
gushing through several little pipes from under this
bench, as if it were pressed out by the weight of the
persons who repose themselves upon it, falls into a
stone cistern underneath, from whence it is received
ifito a fine polished marble basin, so artfully contrived
that it is always full without ever overflowing.
('when I sup here, the tray of whets'* and larger
dishes are placed round the margin, while the
smaller ones swim about in the form of little ships
and water-fowl. ) Opposite this is a fountain which
is incessantly emptying and filling : for the water,
which it throws up a great height, falling back again
into it, is by means of connected openings retui-ned
as- fast as it is received.
Fronting the bench (and which reflects as great an
ornament to it, as it borrows from it) stands a
chamber\)f lustrous marble, whose doors project and
391
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
alia viridia siipcrioribus inferioribusque fenestris sus-
picit despicitque. Mox zothecula refugit quasi in
cubiculum idem atque aliud. Lectus hie et undique
fenestrae, et tanien lumen obscurum umbra premente.
Nam laetissima vitis per omne tectum in culmen
nititur et ascendit. Non secus ibi quam in nemore
iaceas, imbrem tantum tamquam in nemore non
sentias. Hie quoque fons nascitur simulque sub-
ducitur. Sunt locis pluribus disposita sedilia e mar-
more, quae ambulatione fessos ut cubiculum ipsum
iuvant. Fonticuli sedilibus adiacent ; per totum
hippodi'omum inducti fistulis strepunt rivi, et, qua
manus duxit, sequuntur. His nunc ilia viridia, nunc
haec, interdum simul omnia lavantur.^
Vitassem iam dudum, ne viderer argutior, nisi
j)roposuissem omnes angulos tecum epistula circumire.
Neque enim verebar, ne laboriosum esset legenti tibi,
quod visenti non fuisset,praesertim cuminterquiescere,
si liberet, depositaque epistula quasi residere saepius
posses. Praeterea indulsi amori meo ; amo enim,
quae maxima ex parte ipse inchoavi aut inchoata
percolui. In summam (cur enim non aperiam tibi vel
iudicium meum vel errorem ?) primum ego officium
scriptoris existimo, ut titulum suum legat atque
* lavautur Bipons, M idler, iuvantur Fa, laetantur^.
392
BOOK V. vi
open into a lawn ; from its upper and lower windows
the eye ranges upward or downward over other
spaces of verdure. Next to this is a little private
closet (which though it is distinct may be laid into
the same room) furnished with a couch ; and not-
withstanding it has windows on every side, yet it
enjoys a very agreeable gloominess, by means of a
flourishing vine which climbs to the top, and entirely
overshades it. Here you may lie and fancy yourself
in a wood, with this difference only, that you are not
exposed to the rain. Here, too, a fountain rises and
instantly disappears. In different quarters are dis-
posed several marble seats, which serve, no less than
the chamber, as so many reliefs after one is wearied
with walking. Near each seat is a little fountain ;
and throughout the whole hippodrome small rills
conveyed through pipes run murmuring along, where-
soever the hand of art has thought proper to conduct
them ; watering here and there diff"erent spots of
verdure, and in their progress bathing the whole. ^
I should have avoided ere tiiis the appearance of
being too minute in detail, if I had not pi'oposed to
lead you by this letter into eveiy corner of riiy house
and gardens. But I am not afraid you will think it
a trouble to read of a place, which you would think it
none to survey ; especially as you can take a rest
whenever you please, sit down as it were, by laying
aside my letter. Besides I have indulged the
fondness which I confess I feel for what was mostly
either put in hand, or carried to perfection, by myself.
To sura up (for why should I conceal from my
friends my sentiments whether right or wrong ? )i I
hold it the first duty of an author to con his title-
page, and frequently ask himself what he set out to
393
THE LETTERS OF PUNY
identidem interroget se^ quid coeperit scribere,
sciatque, si materiae immoratur, non esse longum,
longissimum, si aliquid arcessit atque attrahit.
Vides, qiiot versibus Homerus, quot Virgilius arma,
hie Aeneae, Achillis ille, describat ; brevis tamen
uterque est, quia facit, quod instituit. Vides, ut
Aratus minutissima etiam sidera consectetur et
colligat ; modum tamen servat. Non enim excursus
hie eius, sed opus ijisum est. Similiter nos, ut parva
magnis, cum totam villam oculis tuis subicere
conemur, si nihil inductum et quasi devium loquimur,
non epistula^ quae describit, sed villa, quae describitur,
magna est.
Verum illuc, unde coepi, ne secundum legem meam
iure reprehendar, si longior fuero in hoc, in quod
excessi. Habes causas, cur ego Tuscos meos Tus-
culanis, Tiburtinis Praenestinisque meis praeponam.
Nam super ilia, quae retuli, altius ibi otium et
pinguius eoque securius ; nulla necessitas togae,
nemo arcessitor ex pi'oximo ; placida omnia et
quiescentia, quod ipsum salubritati regionis ut purius
caelum, ut aer liquidior accedit. Ibi animo, ibi cor-
pore, maxime valeo. Nam studiis animum, venatu
corpus exerceo. Mei quoque nusquam salubrius
degunt ; usque adhuc certe neminem ex lis, quos
394
BOOK V. vi
write ; and he may be assured if he closely pursues
his subject he cannot be tedious ; whexeas.^ if he
drags in extraneous matters^ he will be tedious to the
last degree.
You see how many lines Homer and Virgil devote
respectively to describing the arms of Achilles and
the arms of Aeneas ; yet each poet is succinct, because
he carries out his original design. Aratus, you see,
keeps due proportion, though he traces and groups
the minutest stars ; for this is no digression on his
pai-t, but his main subject. In the same manner (to
compare small things with great), if endeavouring to
bring my whole villa before your eyes, I have not
wandered into any thing foreign, or, as it were,
devious, it is not my letter, which describes, but
tlie villa, which is described, that is to be deemed
large.
But not to dwell any longer upon this digression
lest I should myself be condemned by themaxim I have
just laid down ; I have now informed you why I
prefer my Tuscan villa, to those which I possess at
Tusculum, Tiber, and Praeneste. Besides the advan-
tages already mentioned,, I there enjoy a secure:-, as TF^
is a more profound leisure ; I never need put on full
dress ; nobody calls from next door on urgent
business. All is calm and composed ; which con-
tributes, no less than its clear air and unclouded
sky, to the salubrity of the spot. There I am
peculiarly blessed with health of body and cheer-
fulness of mind, for I keep my mind in proper ')
exercise by study and my body by hunting. J And
indeed there is no place which agrees better with
all my household ; 1 am sure, at least, I have not
yet lost one (under favour be it spoken) of all
395
J
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
eduxeram mecum (venia sit dicto), ibi amisi. Di
modo in posterum hoc mihi gaudium, banc gloriam
loco servent. Vale.
VII
C. PuNius Calvisio Sue S.
Cn
JNec heredem institui nee praecipere posse rem-
publicam constat^ Saturninus autem, qui nos reli-
quit beredes, quadrantem reipublicae nostrac, de-
inde pro quadrante praeceptionem quadringentorum
milium dedit. Hoc^ si ius aspicias, irritum, si de-
functi voluntatemj ratum et firmum est. Mibi autem
defuncti voluntas (vereoi% quam in partem iuris-
consulti, quod sum dicturus, accipiant) antiquior
iure est, utique in eo, quod ad communem patriam
voluit pervenirer~An7^ui~der~meo^ sestertium sede-
"cTes contulij buic quadringentorum milium paulo
amplius tertiam parteni ex adventicio denegem ?
Scio te quoque a iudicio meo non abborrere, cum
eandem rem publicam ut civis optimus diligas.
Velim ergOj cum proxime decuriones contraben-
tur, quid sit iuris, indices, parce tamen et mo-
deste ; deinde subiungas nos quadringenta milia
ofFerre, sicut praecepit Saturninus. Illius hoc mu-
nus, iliius libei-alitas ; nostrum tantum obsequium
396
BOOK V. vi.-vii
those I brought with me hither. May the gods
continue this happiness to me, and tliis glory to
my villa 1 Farewell.
VII
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 heii", has left a fourth part of his estate to our
corporation of Comum ; which devise he afterwards
changed into an absolute legacy of 400,000 sestercesT)
This bequest, in a legal view, is void ; but, looking to
the intention of the deceased, is perfectly valid.
Now to me (though I am afraid the lawyers will not
be pleased with what I say) such intentions are of
higher force than any law, especially in a case where
the deceased meant to benefit his native town, which
is also mine. It would be extremely inconsistent
in me, who made it a present of eleven hundred ,
thousand sesterces out of my own patrimony, to
withhold from it a benefaction of a little more than
a third part of that sum, out of a windfall.
You, who have the affection of a loyal citizen for
this same commonwealth, will join with me, I dare
say, in these sentiments. I wish therefore you
would, at the next assembly of the town-council,
acquaint them, in a brief unassuming style, how the
law stands in this case ; then add that I shall pay
them 400,000 sesterces, as bequeathed by Saturninus.
You will represent it as his present and his liberality ;
and that I merely comply with his wishes. I forbear
397
THE LETIERS OF PLINY
vocetur. Haec ego scribere publice supersedi, pri-
mum quod memineram pro necessitudine amici-
tiae nostrae, pro facilitate prudentiae tuae et de-
bere te et posse perinde meis ac tuis partibus fungi,
deinde quia vercbar, ne modum, quern tibi in
sermone custodire facile est, tenuisse in epistula
non viderer. Nam sermonem vultus, gestus, vox
ipsa moderatur, epistula omnibus commendatio-
nibus destituta malignitati interpretantium expo-
nitur. Vale.
VIII
C. Plinius TiTiNio Capitoni Suo S,
SuADES, ut historiam scribam, et suades non solus ;
multi hoc me saepe monuerunt, et ego volo, non
quia commode facturum esse confidam (id enim
temere credas nisi expertus), sed quia mihi pulchrum
in primis videtur non pati occidere, quibus aeternitas
debeatur, aliorumque famam cum sua extendere. Me
autem nihil aeque ac diuturnitatis amor et cupido
sollicitat, res homine dignissima, eo praesertim, qui
nullius sibi conscius culpae posteritatis memoriam
non reformidet. Itaque diebus ac noctibus cogito,
'si qua me quoque possim tollere humo '; ^ id eniin
voto meo sufficit, illud supra votum ' victorque virum
volitare per era.' ^
• Georgica iii. 8. '^ ih. iii. 9.
BOOK V. vii.-viii
writing to their council concerning this affair, re-
flecting that our strict friendship obliges, as your
abounding good sense enables you, to act for me as
you would for yourself ; besides, I am afraid I should
not seem to have preserved that just medium in my
letter, which you will much easier be able to do in a
speech. The countenance, the gesture, and even the
tone of voice governs and determines the sense of
the speaker : whereas a letter, being destitute of all
recommendations, is liable to be misinterpreted by
malicious minds. Farewell.
VIII
To TiTiNius Capito
You are not singular in the advice you give me to
undertake the writing of history ; it is a work which
many have frequently pressed upon me; and I
strongly incline to it. Not that I have any confidence
of success (which you would think presumptuous in
a tiro), but because I hold it a noble task to rescue
from oblivion those who deserve to be eternally
remembered, and extend the fame of others, at the
same time as our own. Nothing, I confess, so strongly
affects me as the desire of a lasting name : a passion
highly worthy of the human breast, especially of
one, who, not being conscious to himself of any ill, is
not afraid of being remembered by posterity. It
is the continual subject therefore of my thoughts :
" How from the lowly ground I too may rise,"
for to that I moderate my prayers ; the sequel, to be
" Wafted victorious by the breath of men "
is much beyond them.
399
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
' Quamquam o ! ' sed hoc satis est, quod prope
sola liistoria polliceri videtur. Orationi enim et
carmini parva gratia, nisi eloquentia est summa,
liistoria quoquo mode scripta delectat. Sunt enim
homines natura curiosi et quanilibet iiuda rerum
cognitione capiuntur, ut qui serniunculis etiam fabel-
lisque ducantur. Me vero ad hoc studium impellit
domesticum quoque exemplum. Avunculus meus
idemque per adoptionem jiater historias, et quidem
religiosissime scripsit. Invenio autem apud sapien-
tes honestissimum esse maiorura vestigia sequi, si
modo recto itinere praecessei'int.
Cur ergo cunctor ? Egi magnas et graves causas.
Has, etiamsi milii tenuis ex eis spes, destine retrac-
tare, ne tantus ille labor meus, ni hoc, quod reliquum
est studii, addidero, mecum pariter intercidat. Nam
si rationem posteritatis habeas, quidquid non est
peractum, pro non inchoato est. Dices : * Potes
simul et rescribere actiones et componere historiam.'
Utinam I sed utrumque tarn magnum est, ut abunde
sit alterum efficere. Unodevicesimo aetatis anno
dicere in foro coepi et nunc demum, quid praestare
debeat orator, adhuc tamen per caliginem video.
Quid, si huic oneri novum accesserit ?
Habet quidem oratio et liistoria multa communia,
<* The unexpressed wish is for the victory just renounced.
The words are those of Mnestheus, who seeing himself dis-
tanced in a race, exclaims that he now strives not to win
(" Yet 0 ! — "), but only to escape the disgrace of coming in
last. — Aen. v. 195. * See iii. 6.
400
BOOK V. viii
" Yet O ! " — " However, the former fate is enough
for me, and History seems ahnost the only means
that can assure it. Oratory and Poetry meet small
favour unless carried to the highest point of
eloquence ; but History, however executed, always
pleases, for mankind are naturally inquisitive, and in-
formation, however baldly presented, has its charm for
beings who adore even small talk and anecdote. But,
besides this, I have an examjile in my own family
that incites me to this j)ursuit, my uncle and adoptive
father ^ having been a historian, and that a very
accurate one ; and I read in the philosophers that
'tis a high virtue to tread in the steps of our
ancestors, when they have gone before us in the
right path.
Why then, you ask, do I yet delay ? My reason
is this : I have pleaded some very important causes,
and (though I buiid but small hopes on them) 1
design to revise my speeches, lest for want of this
last cai'e, all the pains they cost me should be thrown
away, and they perish with their author ; for as far
as posterity is concerned, a work that has not
received the last polish counts no more than if you
had never begun it. You will tell me, perhaps, I
might correct my speeches and write history at the
same time. I wish I could ; but they are both such
great undertakings, that to complete either of them
would more than satisfy me. I was but nineteen
when 1 first appeai-ed at the bar ; and yet it is only
now at last I perceive (and that in truth but dimly)
what is essential to a complete orator. How then
shall I be able to support the weight of an
additional burthen .''
It is true, indeed, history and oratory have manv
401
VOL. I. D D
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
sed plura diveisa in bis ipsiSj quae communia
videiitur. Narrat ilia, narrat haec, sed aliter ; huic
pleraque humilia et sordida et ex medio petitaj jlU
omnia recondita, splendida, excelsa conveniunt : banc
saepius ossa, musculi. nervi, illam tori quidam et quasi
itibae decent ; haec vel maxime vi, amaritudine,
instantia, ilia tractu et suavitate atque etiam dulce-
dine placet ; posti'emo alia verba, alius sonus, alia
constructio. Nam plurimum refert, ut Tbucjdides
ait, KTTiiia sit an ayuiviajxa ; ^ quorinn alterum oratio,
alterum bistoria est.
His ex causis non adducor, ut duo dissimilia et
lioe ipso diversa, quod maxima, confundam misceam-
que, ne tanta quasi colluvione turbatus ibi faciani,
quod bic debeo ; ideoque interim veniam, ne a
forensibus - verbis discedam, advocandi peto. Tu
tamen iam nunc cogita, quae potissimum tempera
aggi'ediamuv. Vetei'a et scripta aliis ? Parata inqui-
sitio, sed onerosa collatio. Intacta et nova ? Graves
offensae, levis gratia. Nam praeter id, quod in tantis
vitiis bominum plura culpanda sunt quam luudanda.
' Thuc. i. 22.
- forensibus Dpra, Milller, ineis M, Bipuns, K.
40:
BOOK V. viii
common features ; yet in these very apparent re-
semblances, there are several contrasts. Both deal
in narrative, but each after a diiferent fashion.
Oratory must concern itself as a rule with the low
and vulgar facts of every-day life ; History treats
only of what is recondite, splendid, elefvateJ; a dry,
forcible, nervous style befits the one, but embellish-
ments, and what one may call iop-knols, t\\g^„^k^Y.
Oratory pleases most when it is vigorous, biting, and
vehement ; History, when it is diffusive, bland, and
even dulcet. Lastly, diction, rhythm, and the
structure of the periods, are distinctly different in
these two arts. For there is all the difference in
the world, as Thucydides observes, between a
■possession and a prize-coiii position ; the first of which
terms applies to History, the second to Oratory.
For these reasons I decline to intermingle two
dissimilar pursuits, which are opposite just because
they are both so highly important ; lest distraught
by a sort of conflux, I should do in one case
what is only proper to the other. Therefore
(to keep to my professional language) I must beg
leave the cause may be adjourned. In the mean-
while I refer it to your consideration, what period
of history I shall conmience upon. Those remote
times which have been treated of already by
others .'' Here, indeed, the materials will be ready
to my hands, but the collating of the several his-
torians will be extremely troublesome. Or shall I
write of the present times, and those wherein no
other author has gone before me } If so, I may
probably give offence to many and please but few.
For in an age so over-run with vice, you will find
infinitely more to condemn than approve ; yet your
403
D D 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
turn, si laudaveris, parcus, si culpaveris^ nimius fuisse
dicaris, quamvis illud plenissime, hoc restrictissime
feceris.
Sed haec me non retardant ; est enim mihi pro
fide satis animi. Illud peto, praestemas, ad quod
liortaris, eligasque materiam, ne mihi iam scribere
parato alia rursus cunctationis et morae iusta ratio
nascatur. Vale.
IX
C. PuNius Sempronio^ Rufo Suo S.
Descenderam iu basilicam luliam auditurus^ quibus
proxima comperendinatione respondere debebam.
Sedebant iudiees, decemviri venerant, obversabaiitur
advocati, silentium longum, tandem a praetore
nuntius. Dimittuntur centumviri, eximitur dies me
gaadente, qui numquam ita paratus sum^ ut non mora
laeter. Causa dilationis Nepos praetor, qui legibus
quaerit. Proposuerat breve edictum, admonebat
accusatores, admonebat reos exsecuturum se, quae
senatus consulto continerentur. Suberat edicto
senatus consultum hoc : - omnes, qui quid negotii
haberent, iurare, prius quam agerent, iubebantur
nihil se ob advocationem cuiquam dedisse, promisisse,
* Sempronio add. Havet ex Rice.
^ sen. cons, hoc : omnes Miil/er, sen. cons. : hoc omnes
rell.
" Where the Centumviral Court held its sessions.
* i.e. that Praetor, who was President of the Centumviral
Court. ' See iv. 29.
404
BOOK V. viii.-ix
praise, though ever so lavish, will be thought too
reserved ; and your censure, though ever so cautious,
too profuse.
However, this does not at all discourage me ; for
I want not sufficient resolution to bear testimony to
truth. I expect, then, that you prepare the way
which you have pointed out to me, and determine
what subject I shall fix upon for my history, that
when I am ready to enter upon the task you have
assigned me, I may not be delayed by any new
difficulty of importance. Farewell.
IX
To Sempronius Rufus
I WENT into the Julian Basilica * to attend a cause
in which at the next sitting I was to reply. The
jurors had taken their seats, the presiding magistrates
were arrived, the opposing counsel had taken their
places ; after a long pause, came at last a messenger
from the Praetor.* The Court broke up at once, and
the case was adjourned — much to my delight, who
am never so well prepared, but that I am glad of
delay. The occasion of this postponement was an
edict of Nepos," the Praetor for criminal causes,
wherein he bade all plaintiffs and defendants in any
cause before him take notice, that he should strictly
enforce the decree of the Senate annexed to his
edict. Which decree ran as follows — "All persons
who have any law-suit depending are hereby ordered
to take an oath before proceeding with their suit
that they have not given, promised, or become
caution for, any fee to any advocate in consideration
405
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
cavisse. His enim verbis ac mille praeterea ct venire
advocation es et emi vetabantur. Peractis tamen
negotiis permittebatur pecuniam dumtaxat decern
milium dai-e.
Hoc facto Nepotis commotus praetor, qui centum-
viralibus praesidebat, deliberaturus, an sequeretur
exemplum, inopinatum nobis otium dcdit. Interim
tota civitate Nepotis edictum carpitur, laudatur.
Multi : ' Invenimus, qui curva corrigeret. Quid ?
ante hunc praetores non fuerunt ? quis autem hie est,
qui emendet publicos mores?' Alii contra : 'Rectis-
sime fecit ; initurus magistratum iura recognovit,
senatus consulta legit, reprimit foedissimas pactiones,
rem pulcherrimam turpissime venire non patitur,'
Tales ubique sermones ; qui tamen alterutram in
partem ex eventu praevalebunt. Est omnino ini-
quum, sed usu receptum, quod honesta consilia vel
turpia, prout male aut pvospere ceduiit, ita vel pro-
bantur vel reprehenduntur. Inde plerumque eadem
facta modo diligentiae, modo vanitatis, modo liber-
tatis, modo furoris nomen accipiunt. Vale.
X
C. Plinius Suetonio Tranquillo Suo S.
Libera tandem hendecasyllaborum meorum fidem,
qui scripta tua communibus amicis spoponderunt.
406
BOOK V. ix.-x
of his undertaking their cause." In these terms,
with a deal more to the same effect, the decree
proliibits the buying and selling of legal advocacy.
However a gratuity of ten thousand sesterces is
permitted to be given, after a case is concluded.
The Praetor of the Centumviral Court, being
alarmed at this action of Nepos, gave us this un-
expected holiday in order to deliberate whether lie
should follow the example. In the meanwhile the
whole town is divided into critics and ajiplauders of
this edict. " We liave got someone at last (say a
large party) to put things straight. But pray was
there never a Praetor before ? Who is this man,
after all, that sets up for a reformer.?" Others, on
the contrary, say, "He has taken a very proper step ;
upon entering into his office, he examined the
statutes and read the decrees of the Senate ; he has
repressed a most indecent traffic, and will not suffer
a noble profession to be defiled by venality."
Tliese are the reflections which are universally
thrown out upon this occasion ; but which view is to
become general, the event alone will determine. It
is the usual though inequitable method of the world,
to pronounce an action to be either right or wrong,
as it is attended with good or ill success ; in con-
sequence of which you shall hear the very same
conduct attributed at different times to zeal or folly,
to independence or insanity. Farewell.
X
To Suetonius Tranquillus
It is time you should acquit the promise my
hendecasyllabic vei-ses gave to our common friends,
407
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Appellantur cotidie et flagitantur ; ac iani periculum
est, ne cogaiitur ad exhibendum fornuilam accipere.
Sum et ipse in edendo haesitator ; tu laineu meam
quoque cunctationcm tarditatemque vicisti. Proinde
aut rumpe iam moras aut cave, ne eosdem illos
libellos, quos tibi hendecasyllabi nostri blanditiis
elicere non possunt, convicio scazontes extorqueant.
Perfectum opus absoluturiique est nee iam splendes-
cit lima sed atteritur. Patere me videre titulum
tuum ; patere audire descnbi, legi, venire volumina
Tranquilli mei. Aequum est nos in amore tarn
mutuG eandera percipere ex te voluptatem, qua tu
perfrueris ex nobis. Vale.
XI
C. Plinius Calpurnio Fabato Prosocero Suo S.
Reckpi litteras tuas, ex quibus cognovi specio-
sissimam te porticum sub tuo filiique tui nomine
dedicasse sequenti die in portarum ornatum pecu-
niam promisisse, ut initium novae liberalitatis esset
consummatio prioris. Gaudeo primum tua gloria,
cuius ad me pars aliqua pro necessitudine nostra
redundat ; deinde quod memoriam soceri mei pul-
cherrimis operibus video proferri ; postremo quod
408
BOOK V. x.-xi
of your works. The world is every day impatiently
inquiring after them, and there is ah-eady some
danger of their being served with an order to " pro-
duce documents." I am myself a good deal backward
in publishing, but your slowness and liesitancy are
more than a match for even mine. You must hasten
your handj however, otherwise the severity of my
satiric verses may perhaps extort from you those
self-same writings which the blandishments of my
softer Muse could not obtain. Your work is already
arrived to that degree of perfection, that the file
can only weaken, not polish it. Allow me then the
pleasure of seeing your title-page, and hearing that
books of my dear Tranquillus are being copied out,
sold, and read. It is but fair, and agreeable to our
mutual friendship, that I should reap from you the
same pleasure you enjoy from me. Farewell.
XI
To Cai.purnius Fabatus His Wife's Grandfather.
Your letter informs me that you have dedicated a
noble public portico, as a memorial of yourself and
your son; and that the next day after that ceremony
you engaged to beautify the gates of our city at your
own charge, that a fresh act of munificence may
crown the completion of a former. I am gratified
by an event so conducive to your glory ; which, from
the connection between us, in some degree redounds
to mine ; and further pleased to see the memory of
my father-in-law delivered down to posterity by
such beautiful structures. I rejoice^ lastly, at the
409
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
patria nostra florescit, quam mihi a quocumqnc
excoli iucundum, a te vero laetissimum est.
Quod superest, deos precor, ut animum istum tibi,
aninio isti tempus quam longissimum tribuant. Nam
liquet mihi futurum ut peracto, quod proxime pro-
misisti, inchoes aliud. Nescit enim semel inoitata
liberalitas stare, cuius pulchritudinem usus ipse
commendat. Vale.
XII
C. PuNius ScAURo Terentio Sue S.
Recitaturus oratiunculam, quam publicare cogito,
advocavi aliquos, ut revererer, paucos, ut verum
audii'em. Nam ^ mihi duplex ratio recitandi, una,
ut sollicitudine intendar ; altera, ut admonear, si
quid forte me ut meum fallit. < Tuli, quod petebanij
inveni, qui mihi copiam consilii sui facerent. Ipse
praeterea quaedam emendanda adnotavi. Emen-
davi librum, quem misi tibi. Materiam ex titulo
cognosces, cetera liber explicabit, quem iam nunc
oportet ita consuescere, ut sine praefatione intelle-
gatur. Tu velim quid de universo, quid de parti-
^ Nam M, Bipons, K, Etenim Dpra, Miillcr.
410
BOOK V. xi.-xii
prosperity of our native province ; everything that
tends to her honour is agreeable to me, by what
hand soever it may be conferred, but infinitely
delightful when it is by yours.
I now have only to pray that Heaven may long
grant you this generous disposition^ and vouchsafe
vou many years in which to exert it : for I see
clearly that you will no sooner have carried out your
promised benefaction, than you will begin upon
some other. Generosity, when once she is set
forward, knows not how to stop her progress ; as her
beauty is of that order which grows the more
"engaging upon nearer acquaintance. Farewell.
C
XII
To Terentius Scauuus
^Designing to recite a little speech wliich I think
of publishing, I invited an audience; sufficient to
inspire me with diffidence, though at the same time
small enough to secure my hearing the truth of
their sentiments.) For I have a double vieAV in these
rehearsals ; the first is, that solicitude may stimulate
me to do my best ; the next, that any errors (which,
being my own, might escape my notice) ,be pointed
out to me. yl succeeded in my object,^nd some
present obliged me with their advice ; moreover, I
observed myself some passages which required
correction. I made a fair copy of the piece, which
I now send you. The subject of it will appear from
the title, and for the rest I refer you to the copy
itself, which it behoves you to have already so much
acquaintance with, as not to stand in need of a
preface to explain it. I beg you would sincerely
411
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
bus sentias scribas mihi. Ero enim vel cautior
in continendo vel constantior in edendOj si hue vel
illuc auctoritas tiia accesserit. Vale.
XIII
C. Pi.iNius Valeriano Suo S.
Et tu rogas, et ego promisi, si rogasses, scrip-
turum me tibi, quern habuisset eventum postula-
tio Nepotis cii'ca Tuscilium Nominatum. Inductus
est Nominatus, egit ipse pro se, nuUo accusante.
Nam legati Vicetinorum non modo non presserunt
eum, verum etiam sublevaverunt.
Summa defensionis, non fidem sibi in advocatione,
sed constantiam defuisse ; descendisse ut acturum
atque etiam in curia visum, deinde sermonibus
araicorum deterritum recessisse ; monitum enim, ne
desiderio senatoris, non iam quasi de nundinis, sed
quasi de gratia, fama, dignitate certantis tam
pertinaciter, praesertim in senatu, repugnaret, alioqui
maiorem invidiam quam proxime passurum.i Ei-at
sane prius, a paucis tamen acclamatum exeunti.
Subiunxit preces multumque lacrimarum ; quin etiam
tota actione homo in dicendo exercitatus operam
dedit, ut deprecari magis (id enim et favorabilius et
tutius) quam defendi videretur.
1 passurum M, Bipons, K, passurus Dpra, Miiller.
o See Letter 4 of this book.
412
BOOK V. xii.-xiii
tell me your sentiments of the whole, and of its
several parts. I shall be more cautious to suppress,
or bold to publish it, as your judgement shall decide
either way. Farewell.
XIII
To Valerianus
You wish to hear (what I promised to inform you,
if you should wish it) how Nepos succeeded with
his application against Tuscilius Nominatus.* The
latter being brought before the Senate, pleaded his
own cause. No accuser came forward ; for the
Vicentine delegates, so far from pressing their
charge, actually supported him.
The sum of his defence was : "That not his
integrity, but his courage, had failed him as counsel
for the Vicentines ; that he came down intending to
plead, and actually appeared in the Senate-house,
but withdrew in alarm at his friends' remarks. For
they warned him not to persist in opposing (especi-
ally in the Senate) the inclinations of a Senator, who
did not contend so much against the fair itself, as
for his own credit and character ; if he did not
desist, they said, he would undergo much greater
odium than he had just before excited." (And it is
true that on the former occasion he was hooted,
though only by a few, as he went out.) He pro-
ceeded to implore clemency, with many tears ; nay,
in fact, throughout his whole speech (as he is a man
extremely well versed in the arts of oratory) he was
careful to give the impression of excusing, rather
than justifying himself, thereby taking the more
acceptable and safer course.
413
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
vVbsolutus est sententia designati consulis Afranii
Dextiij cuius liaec summa, melius quidem Nomi-
luvtuin fuisse f;icturum, si causam Vicetinorum eodem
anirnoj quo susceperat, pertulisset ; quia tamen in hoc
genus culpae non fraude incidisset nihilque dignum
animadversione admisisse convinceretur, liberandum^
ita ut Vicetinis, quod acceperat, redderet. Ad-
senserunt onuies praeter Flavium ^ Aprum. Is inter-
dicendum ei advocationibus in quinquennium censuit
et quamvis neniinem auctoritate traxisset, constan-
ter in sententia mansit ; quin etiam Dextrum, qui
primus diversum censuerat, prolata lege de senatu
habendo iurare coegit xC republica^sse, quod cen-
suisset. Cui quamquam legitimae postulationi a
quibusdam reclamatum est. Exprubiare enini cen-
seuti ambitioneni videbatur.
Sedj priusquam sententiae dicerentur, Nigrinus,
tribunus plebis, recitavit libellum disertum et gravenij
quo questus est venire advocationes, venire etiam
praevaricationeSj in lites coiri et gloriae loco poni ex
spoliis civium magnos et statos reditus. Recitavit
capita legum^ admonuit senatus consulti^ in fine dixit
petendum ab optimo principe, ut, quia leges, quia
senatus consulta contemnerentur, ipse tantis vitiis
^ ria\ iuhi a, Bipons, Momms., Midler, Fabium M K.
414
BOOK V. xiu
Afranius Dexter, tlie consul-elect, moved his
acquittal in words to this effect : " Nominatus would
have done better to carry through the cause of the
V^icentines with the same resolution he undertook
it ; however, since he had not incurred this species
of guilt with intent to defraud, nor been convicted
of any punishable offence, he should be discharged
on condition of returning his fees to the Vicentines."
The whole Senate agreed to this motion except
Flavius Aper : his verdict was, that Nominatus
should be forbidden to practise as an advocate for
five years ; and though his influence could not win
him a single supporter, he stood firm in his opinion.
He even obliged Dexter, as proposer of the contrary
motion, to make oath that he had proposed it for the
oood of lite ?-epublic ; agveeahly to a law, wMdl'lie
cited, concerning the procedure of the senate.
This requisition, though certainly in order, was
opposed by some as seeming to cast an imputation
of partiality upon Dexter.
But before the votes of the house were collected,
Nigrinus, a tribune of the peo})le, read a ver}-
elegant and weighty remonstrance, wherein he
complained that the advocates took money not only
to defend, but actually to betray the cause of their
clients ; that law suits were settled by collusion,
and that, instead of glory, a large and fixed revenue
from the plundering of citizens was now the goal of
the legal profession. He read out the lieadings of
relevant statutes ; called attention to the decree of
the Senate : and concluded by saying that since
both the laws and the Senate had fallen into
contempt, our excellent Emperor ought to be
petitioned to remedy these crying evils himself.
4'5
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
mederetur. Pauci dies, et liber principis severus
et tamen moderatus ; leges iiisum ; est in publicis
aotis.
Quam me iuvat, quod in causis agendis non modo
pactione, dono, munere, varum etiam xeniis semper
abstinui ! Oportet quidem, quae sunt inhonesta, non
quasi illicita, sed quasi pudenda, vitare ; iucundum
tamen, si prohiberi publice videas, quod numquam
tibi ipse permiseris. Erit fortasse, immo non dubie
huius propositi mei et minor laus et obscurior
fama, cum omnes ex necessitate facient, quod ego
sponte faciebam. Interim fruor voluptate, cum alii
divinum me, alii meis rapinis, meae avaritiae oc-
cursum per ludum ac iocum dictitant. Vale.
XIV
C. PuNius PoNTio Allifano^ Suo S.
Secesseram in municipium, cum mihi nuntiatum
est Cornutum Tertullum accepisse Aemiliae viae
curam. Exprimere non possum, quanto sim gaudio
adfectus, et ipsius et meo nomine, ipsius, quod, sit
licet, sicut est, ab omni ambitione longe remotus,
debet tamen ei iucundus esse honor ultro datus,
^ Allifano add. Midler ex Bice.
" The maintenance of each of the great roads leading out
of Rome was under the charge of an ex-consul. The
416
BOOK V. xiii.-xiv
Accordingly, a few days after, an imperial edict was
published, drawn up in severe, yet moderate terms ;
this you will find in the official gazette.
How it rejoices me, that, in my practice as ad-
vocate, I have always refrained from making any
bargain, or accepting any fee, reward, or so much as
a friendly present. One ought, no doubt, to avoid
whatever is dishonourable, not so much because it is
illegal, as because it is shameful. But still there is
pleasure in seeing a practice forbidden by the State,
which one never suffered one's self to fall into.
The credit and renown of my fixed rule in these
matters may, or rather most certainly will, be
considerably diminished and eclipsed, when every-
body does on compulsion what I used to do of my
own choice. In the meantime, however, I take a
pleasure in my friends' banter, some of whom call
me " the godlike Pliny," while others never tire of
assuring me this edict was particularly levelled
against my avarice and rapine. Farewell.
XIV
To Pontius Ali.ifanus
I WAS taking holiday at Comum when I heard that
Cornutus Tertullus was appointed Curator of the
Aemilian way." This news was inexpressibly agree-
able to me, both upon his account and my own :
upon his, because though ambition should be (as it
certainly is) far removed from his heart, yet this
unsought honour cannot but be acceptable to him ;
Aemilian Way led to Milan, through Bologna, Modena,
Parma and Piacenza.
VOL. I. E E
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
meo, quod aliquanto magis me delectat mandatum
mihi officium, postquam par Cornuto datum video.
Neque enim augeri dignitate quam aequari bonis
gratius. Cornuto autcm quid melius, quid sanctius,
quid in omni genere laudis ad exemplar antiquitatis
expressius? quod mihi cognitum est non fama, qua
alioqui optima et meritissima fruitur, sed longis
magnisque experimentis.
Una diligimus, una dileximus omnes fere, quos
aetas nostra in utroque sexu aemulandos tulit ; quae
societas amicitiarum artissima nos familiaritate
conjunxit. Accessit vinculum necessitudinis pub-
licae. Idem enim mihi, ut scis, collega quasi voto
petitus in praefectura aerarii fuit, fuit et in consulatu.
Tum ego, qui vir et quantus esset, altissime inspexi,
cum sequerer ut niagistrum, ut parentem revererer,
quod non tarn aetatis maturitate quam vitae merebatur.
His ex causis ut illi sic mihi gratulor nee privatim
magis quam publice, quod tandem homines non ad
pericula ut prius, verum ad honoresvii'tute perveniunt.
In infinitum epistulam extendam, si gaudio meo
indulgeam. Praevertor ad ea, quae me agentem hie
nuntius deprehendit. Eram cum prosocero meo, eram
cum amita uxoris, eram cum amicis diu desideratis,
circumibam agellos, audiebam multum rusticarum
querelarum, rationes legebam invitus et cursim (aliis
" Pliny was " curator alvti Tiberis et riparum et cloacarum
iirbis," circ. 105-107 A.D. This post, combining conservancy
of the Tiber and charge of the sewage system, was also held
by an ex-consul.
418
BOOK V. xiv
upon mine, because I am much more gratified to
hold my office,'* now I see one of equal importance
bestowed on Cornutus ; for the pleasure of promotion
exceeds not that of being placed in the same rank
with men of worth. And where indeed is Cornutus*
superior in worth and integrity ? Or who, in every
respect, is a more express model of ancient virtue ?
In this I do not found my judgement upon report,
which justly speaks of him in the highest terms ;
but upon long and frequent experience.
We are, and ever have been, united in regard for
almost all the exemplary characters of both sexes
which this age has produced ; and our common
friendships cemented us in the strictest intimacy.
A further bond was created by our public relation ;
Cornutus, you know, was my colleague as Prefect of
the Treasury (I might almost say, in answer to my
prayers I); my colleague, too, in the consulship. It
was then I gained a thorough insight into the
nobility of his virtues ; while I followed him as a
teacher, and revered him as a parent ; and that not
so much upon account of his age, as his merit. I
congratulate myself, therefore, no less than him, and
as much upon public as private grounds, that V'irtue
is now no longer, as formerly, the road to danger,
but to office.
But if I give rein to my joyous sexitiments, I shall
never have finished my letter. Let me turn to what
I was about when the messenger arrived with this
news. I was in company with my wife's grandfather
and aunt, and with friends whose presence I had
long missed ; I was going the round of my little
property, hearing a deal of complaints from the
rustics ; inspecting accounts — reluctantly and rapidly,
419
K B 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
enim chaitis, aliis sum litteris initiatus) coeperam
etiain itineri me praeparare. Nam includor angustiis
commeatus eoque ipso, quod delegatum Cornuto
audio officium, mei admoneor. Cupio te quotpie
sub idem tempus Campania tua remittat, ne quis,
cum in urbem rediero, contubernio nostro dies
pereat. Vale
XV
C. PuNius Arrio Antonino Suo S.
Cum versus tuos aemulor, tum maxime, quam sint
boni, experior. Ut enim pictores pulchram absolu-
tamque faciem raro nisi in peius effingunt, ita
ego ab hoc archetypo laboro et decido. Quo
magis hortor, ut quam plurima proferas, quae
imitari omnes concupiscant, nemo aut paucissimi
possint. Vale.
XVI
C. Plinius Aefulano ^ Marcelling Suo S.
Tristissimus haec tibi scribo Fundani nostri filia
minore defuncta, qua puella nihil umquam festivius,
amabilius nee modo longiore vita,j sed prope immor-
talitate, 1 dignius vidi. Nondum annos XIII ^ ini-
pleverat, et iam illi anilis prudentia, matronalis
1 Aefclano add. Midler ex Rice.
* annoa XIII Merrill, from the inscription on her tomb
{G.I.L. vi. 16631), quattuordecim codd.
420
BOOK V. xiv.-xvi
for I am a devotee of quite other sorts of documents !
AlsOj I had begun to prepare for travelling. For I
am limited to a short furlough ; and indeed the
news of this office being conferred on Cornutus,
reminds me to hasten to the duties of my own. I
hope your favourite Campania will resign you about
the same time, so that when I return to Rome,
not a day may be lost to our friendly intercourse.
Farewell.
XV
To Arrius Antoninus
I AM never more sensible of the excellency of your
verses, than when I endeavour to imitate them. As
the hand of the painter must nearly always fail, when
perfect beauty sits for the picture ; so I labour to
catch the graces of this original, and still fall short
of them. Let me conjure you then to continue to
supply us with many more such models, which every
man will have the wish, but few or none the power,
to imitate. Farewell.
XVI
To Aefulanus Marcellinus
I WRITE this to you under the utmost oppression of
sorrow: the younger daughter of our friend Fundanus
is dead ! Never surely was there a more agreeable
or amiable young person, or one who better deserved
to have enjoyed a long, I had almost said, an
immortal life ! She was scarce thirteen, and already
had all the wisdom of age and sedateness of a matron.
421
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
gravitas erat et tamen suavitas puellaris j cum vir-
ginali verecundia. I Ut ilia patris cervicibus inhaere-
bat ! ut nos amicos paternos et amanter et modeste
complcctebatur ! ut nutrices et paedagogos, ut
praeccptores, pro suo quemque officio, diligebat !
quam studiose, quam intellegenter lectitabat ' | ut
parce custoditeque ludebat ! f Qua ilia temperantia,
qua patientia, qua etiam constantia novissimam
valetudinem tulit ! Medicis obsequebatur, sororem,
patrein adhortabatur, ipsamque se destitutam corporis
viribus vigore animi sustinebat. Dunivit hie illi
usque ad extremum nee aut spatio valetudinis aut
metu mortis infractus est J quo plures gravioresque
nobis causas relinqueret et desiderii et doloris.
j O triste plane acerbumque funus ! I-©-Tnorte-4psa
jnortis^i^lripus indigm«s-l I iam destinata erat egregio
iuveniiliam electus nuptiarum dies, iam nos vocati.
Quod gaudium quo moerore mu latum est ^. Non
possum exprimere verbis, quantum animo vulnus
acceperim, cum audivi Fundanum ipsum, ut multa
luctuosa dolor invenit, praecipientem, quod in vestes,
margarita,^ gemmas fuerat erogaturus, hoc in tus ^ et
unguenta et odores impenderetur. I Est quidem ille
eruditus et sapiens, ut qui se ab ineunte aetate
altioribus studiis artibusque dediderit : sed nunc
1 margarita Jf, Bipons, K, inargaritas Dpra, Miiller.
' tu8 M, Bipona, K, tura Dpra, Miiller.
422
BOOK V. xvi
though joined with youthful sweetness and virgin
modesty. With what an engaging fondness would
she hang upon lier father ! How affectionately
and respectfully embrace us who were his friends !
How warm her regard for the nurses, conductors to
school, and teachers, who, in their respective offices,
liad the care and education of her ! Hoav studious,
how intelligent, at her book, I how sparingly and
discreetly she indulged in play ! With what for-
bearance, patience, nay courage, did she endure her
last illness ! She complied with all the directions of
her physicians ; she encouraged her sister and her
father ; and when all her sti'cngth of body was
exhausted, supported herself by the single vigour of
her mind. That, indeed, continued even to her last
moments, unbroTcen by the pain of a long illness, or
the terrors of approaching death ;J|and it is a reflection
which makes the loss of her so much the more to be
lamented.
O truly hard and bitter doom ! And more cruel
than death itself, to die at that particular con-
juncture ! She was contracted to a most worthy
youth ; the wedding day was fixed, and we were all
invited. How sad a change from the highest joy, to
the deepest sorrow ! How shall I express the wound
that pierced my heart, when I heard Fundanus
himself (as grief is ever fertile in painful inventions)
ordering the money he was to have to laid out upon
cloaths, pearls, and jewels for her marriage, to be
expended on myrrh and spices for her funeral.'' He
is, indeed, a man of great learning and good sense,
having applied himself from his earliest youth to the
nobler arts and studies ; but all those maxims which
he has heard from others, and often inculcated
423
THE LETFERS OF PLINY
omnia, quae audiit, saepeque dixit, aspernatur expul-
sisque virtutibus aliis pietatis est totus. Ignosces,
laudabis etiam, si cogitaveris, quid aniiserit. Amisit
enirn filiani, quae non minus mores eius quam os vul-
tumque referebat, totumque patrem mira similitudine
exscripserat.
Proinde^si quas ad eum de dolore tam iusto literas
mittes, memento adhibere solaciumjnon quasi castiga-
torium et nimis forte, fsed molleet numanum. \ Quod
ut facilius admittat, multum faciet medii temporis
spatium. Ut enim crudum adhuc vulnus meden-
tium raanus reformidat, deinde patitur atque ultro
requirit, sic recens animi dolor consolationes reicit
ac refugit, mox desiderat et clementer admotis
acquiescit. Vale.
XVII
C. Plinius Vestricio ^ Spurinnae Suo S.
Scio, quanto opere bonis artibus faveas, quantum
gaudium capias, si nobiles iuvenes dignum aliquid
maioribus suis faciant. Quo festinantius nuntio tibi
fuisse me hodie in auditorio Calpurni Pisonis. Recita-
bat KaTaa-Tepia-jxwv eruditam sane luculentamque mate-
riam^ TScripta elegis erat fluentibus et teneris et
enodibus, sublimibus etiam, ut poposcit locus. Apte
enim et varie nunc attollebatur, nunc residebat ;
* Vestricio add. Muller ex Rice.
" i.e. the metamorphosis into stars (>caTO(j-T«pi(r/uij) of Orion,
Perseus, Andromeda, etc.
424
BOOK V. xvi.-xvii
himself, he now contemns, and every other virtue
gives place to his absorbing parental devotion. You
will excuse, you will even approve hiin, wlien you
consider what he has lost. He has lost a daughter
who resembled him as closely in manners as in
person, and exactly copied out all her father.
If you shall 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 such consolations : for
as a fresh wound shrinks back from the hand of the
surgeon, but by degrees submits to, and even craves
for, the means of its cure, so a mind under the first
impressions of a misfortune shuns and rejects all
consoling reflections, but at length, if applied with
tenderness, calmly and willingly acquiesces in them.
Farewell.
XVII
To Vestricius Spurinna
Knowing, as I do, how much you favour the polite
arts, and how greatly you rejoice whenever young
men of quality perform some action worthy of their
ancestors, I the more speedily inform you that I was to-
day one of the audience to whom Calpurnius Piso read a
poem he has composed upon a very bright and learned
subject, namely, the mythology of the constellations.'^
/His numbers, which were elegiac, were soft, flowing,
and easy, nor wanted even sublimity when the topic
demanded^ it. His style now rose, now fell, in apt
accord with the varying theme ; he passed from the
425
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
excelsa depressis, exilia plenis, severis iucunda muta-
bat, omnia ingenio pari. Commendabat haec voce
suavissima, vocem verecundia ; multum sanguinis,
multum sollicitudinis in ore, magna ornamenta reci-
tantis. Etcnim nescio quo pacto magis in studiis
homines tinior quam fiducia dccet.
Ne plura (quamquam libet plura, quo sunt pulchri-
ora de iuvene, rariora de nobili) recitatione finita
multum ac diu exosculatus adulescentemj qui est
acerrimus stimulus monendi, laudibus incitavi,
pergeret, qua coepisset^ lumenque, quod sibi maiores
sui praetulissent, posteris ipse praeferret. Gratulatus
sum optimae matri, gratulatus et fratri, qui ex
auditorio illo non minorem pietatls gloriam, quam
ille alter eloquentiae tulit ; tam notabiliter pro
fratre recitante primum metus eius, mox gaudium
eminuit.
Di faciant ut talia tibi saepius nuatiem ! Faveo
enim saeculo, ne sit sterile et effetum, mireque cupio,
ne nobiles nostri nihil in domibus suis pulchrum nisi
imagines habeant ; quae nunc mihi hos adulescentes
tacite laudare, adhortari et, quod aniborum gloriae
satis magnum est, agnoscere videntur. V^ale.
BOOK V. xvii
lofty to the low, from the close to the copious, from
the grave to the florid, and all with equal ingenuity.
These beauties were recommended by a most
harmonious voice, which his modest air rendered
still more pleasing. His cheeks were flushed, his
countenance anxious, traits which highly embellish .
a reciter ; for bashfulness is somehow more becoming
to people when they engage in literary pursuits, than
a confident air.
Not to mention farther details (though I am the
more inclined to, as they are rather noble in a young
man, and rather uncommon in a person of quality),
I will only tell you, that when lie had finished his
recital, I repeatedly embraced the youth with the
utmost complacency ; and by warm praise (than
which nothing lends advice more jiungency) incited
him to persevere in the path he had entered,
and reflect that lustre on his descendants which
his ancestors had imparted to himself. I con-
gratulated his excellent mother, and his brother,
who was as much extolled by the assembled company
for his fraternal affection, as Calpurnius for his
eloquence ; so striking was his concern during his
brother's recital, and his joy at its reception.
May the gods grant me frequent occasions of
giving you such tidings ! for I have at heart the
interest of the present generation, and would fain
see it not sterile and effete. And I ardently wish
our young men of qu^Htj' may possess other house-
hold trophies than ancestral images. As for those
that stand in the house of these excellent youths, I
now figure them to myself as silently applauding,
exhorting, and (what is glory enough for the pair)
owning them to be their kindred. Farewell.
427
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XVIII
C. Plinius Calpurnio Macro Suo S.
Bene est inihi, quia tibi bene est. Habes uxorem
tecum, habes filium ; frueris mari, fontibus, viri-
dibus, agro, villa amoenissima. Neque enim dubito
esse amoenissimam, in qua se composuerat homo
felicior, ante quam felicissimus fieret. Ego in Tuscis
et venor et studeo, quae interdum alternis, inter-
dum simul facio, nee tamen adhuc possum pro-
nuntiare, utrum sit difficilius capere aliquid, an
scribere. Vale.
XIX
C. Plinius Valerio ^ Paulino Suo S.
Video, quam molliter tuos habeas ; quo simplicius
tibi confitebor, qua indulgentia meos tractem. Est
fl3ifci"6©B9per in-aaimo etSomei'icum illudTrarTjp B' m-
^TTios ^ev ^ et hoc nostrum " pater familiae." Quod si
essem natura asperior et durior, frangeret me tamen
infirmitas liberti mei Zosimi, cui tanto maior humanitas
exhibenda est, quanto nunc ilia magis eget. Homo
' Vai,krio ex liicc. add. Midler.
* Od. ii. 47, 234.
428
BOOK V. xviii.-xix
XVIII
To Calpurnius Macer
All is well with me, since it is so witli you. You
have, I find, the company of your wife and son ; and
the enjoyment of the sea, fountains, verdure, tilled
fields, and a most delightful villa : for I doubt not the
villa deserves that title, which was the chosen
retreat of a man who was more happy before he
attained the summit of happiness. As for myself, I
am employed at my Tuscan villa in hunting and
studying, sometimes alternately, and sometimes both
together ; but I am not yet able to pronounce
whether game catching or writing is the more
difficult pursuit. Farewell.
XIX
To Valerius Paulinus
As I know how mildly 3'ou treat your own servants
I the more frankly confess to you the indulgence
I shew to mine. I have ever in my mind that line
of Homer's :
" Like to a father's was his gentle sway,"
and that expression in our own language, " fjither of
a household." But were I naturally of a rough and
hardened temper, the ill state of health of my freed-
man Zosimus (who has the stronger claim to humane
treatment, as he now stands the more in need of it)
would suffice to soften me. He is honest and well-
429
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
probiis, ofTiciosus, litteratus ; et ars quidem eius et
quasi inscriptio comoedus, in -qua "phrrimuflT foeit.
Nam proiiTintiat a<;ritery_sajiientevj- aptCy-^cenfeer
etiatn ; utilur et cithara perite, ultra quam comoedo
necesse est. Idem tain commode et orationes et
historias et earmina legit, ut hoc solum didicisse
videatur.
Haec tibi sedulo exposui, quo magis scires, quam
multa unus mihi et quam iucunda ministeria prae-
staret. Accedit longa iam caritas hominis, quam
ipsa pericula auxerunt. ( Est enim ita natura compara-
tum, ut nihil aeque amorem incjtet et accendat
quam carendi metus, quem ego pro hoc non semel
patior. - Nam ante aliquot annos, dum intente in-
stanterque pronuntiat, sanguinem reiecit atque ob
hoc in Aegyptum missus a me post longam pere-
grinationem confirmatus rediit nuper ; deinde (^um
per continuos dies, nimis imperat vociA veteris in-
firmitatis tussicula admonitus, rursus sanguinem
reddidit.
Qua ex causa destinavi eum mittere in praedia
tua, quae Foro luli possides. Audivi enim te saepe
referentem esse ibi et aei*a salubrem et lac eiusmodi
curationibus accommodatissimum, Rogo ergo, scribas
tuis, ut illi villa, ut domus pateat, offerant etiam
sumptibus eius si quid opus erit ; erit autem opus
modico. Est enim tam parens et continens, ut non
430
BOOK V. xix
educated ; but his profession, his certified accomplish-
ment, one might say, is that of comedian, wherein he
highly excels.' He speaks with great emphasis,
judgement, propriety, and some gracefulness ; and also
plays the lyre more skilfully than a comedian need
do. To this I must add, he reads history, oratory,
and poetry, as well as if he had singly applied him-
self to that art.
I am particular in enumerating these qualifications
to let you see how many and agreeable services
I receive from this one man's hand. He is, besides,
endeared to me by a long-standing affection, which
is heightened by his present danger. For nature
has so formed our hearts, that nothing contributes
more to raise and inflame our love for any object
than the aj)prehension of being deprived of it : a
sentiment which Zosimus has given me occasion to
experience more than once. For some years ago he
strained himself so much by too vehement an
exertion of his voice, that he spit blood, upon which
account I sent him into Egypt ; from whence, after
a long absence, he lately returned with great benefit
to his health. But having again exerted his voice
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, having frequently heard you mention
it as an exceeding fine air, and recommend the milk
of that place as veiy good in disorders of this na-
ture. I beg you would write directions to your
people to admit him to your grounds and house, and
to supply him with what he may have occasion for at
his expense. He will not want much, for he is so
431
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
solum deliciaSj verum etiam necessitates valetudinis
frugalitate restringat. Ego proficiscenti tantum
viatici dabo, quantum sufficiat eunti in tua. Vale.
XX
C. PuNIUS CORNELIO^ UrSO SuO S.
Iterum Bithyni ! breve tempus a lulio Basso, et
Rufum Varenum proconsule detulerunt, Varenum,
quern nuper adversus Bassum advocatum et postula-
rant et acceperant. Inducti in senatum, inquisitio-
nem postulaverunt ; tum Varenus petiit,^ ut sibi
quoque defensionis causa evocare testes liceret ; re-
cusantibus Bithynis, cognitio suscepta est.
Egi ego pro Vareno non sine eventu ; nam, bene
an male, liber indicabit. In actionibus enim utram-
que in partem fortuna dominatur ; multum commenda-
tionis et detrahit et affert memoria, vox, gestus,
tempus ipsum, postremo vel amor vel odium rei ;
liber oflfensis, liber gratia, liber et secundis casibus et
adversis caret. Respondit mihi Fonteius Magnus,
unus ex Bithynis, plurimis verbis, paucissimis rebus.
* CoRNELio ex Bice, add, Midler,
* petiit BiponSy K, petit M D pra.
432
BOOK V. xix.-xx
thrifty and temperate as not only to abstain from
delicacies, but even to deny himself the necessaries
his ill state of health requires. I shall furnish him
when he sets out with sufficient journey money to
take him to your house. Farewell.
XX
To CoHNELlUS UrSUS
The Bithynians again ! Soon after they had gone
through with their prosecution of Julius Bassus, they
also impeached their late Governor, Rufus V'arenus ;
who was but just before (and that too at their own
request) appointed counsel for them against Bassus.
Being introduced into the Senate, they petitioned
for an inquiry. Varenus, on the other hand, begged
all proceedings might be stayed till he could send
for the witnesses necessary to his defence ; but this
being opposed by the Bithynians, that point was
debated.
I was counsel (and no unsuccessful one) for
Varenus ; but whether a good one or not, you will
judge when you read my speech. Fortune has a
very considerable share in the event of every speech
in court ; the memory, the voice, the gestures of the
advocate, even the occasion itself; lastly popular
sentiment, as it is either fevourable or adverse to the
accused, all conspire to influence the success. But a
speech read in the closet, is without fear or favour,
and has nothing to fear or hope from lucky or un-
lucky accidents. Fonteius Magnus, one of the
Bithynians, replied to me with great flow of words,
and little to the purpose. It is the fault of most
433
VOL. I. r f
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Est plerisque Graecorum ut illi pro copia volubilitas ;
tam longas tamque frigidas periodos uno spiritu
quasi torrente contorquent. Itaqiie lulius Candidas
non invenuste solet dicere aliud esse eloquentiam,
aliud loquentiam. Nam eloquentia vlx uni aut alteri,
immOj si Marco Antonio credimus, nemini ; haec vero,
quam Candidus loquentiam appellat, multis atque
etiam impudentissimo cuique maxime contigit.
Postero die dixit pro Vareno HomuUus calide,
acriter, culte ; contra Nigrinus presse, graviter,
ornate. Censuit Acilius Rufus, consul designatus,
inquisitionem Bithynis dandam, postulationem Va-
reni silentio praeteriit. Haec forma negandi fuit.
Cornelius Priscus consularis et accusatoribus, quae
petebant, et reo tribuit vicitque numero. Impetravi-
mus rem nee lege comprehensam nee satis usitatam
iustam tamen. Quare iustam, non sum epistula
exsecuturus, ut desideres actionem. Nam, si verum
est Homericum illud :
T'^v yap aoihrjv fiaXXov eTrt/cXti'ovcr avOptoiroi,
^ Tis a.K0v6vT€(T<TL vewTciTi; afJL(fiLTriXr]Tai,^
providendum est mihi, ne gratiam novitatis et florem,
quae oratiunculam illam vel maxime commendat,
epistulae loquacitate praecergam. Vale.
* Od. i. 351.
434
BOOK V. XX
Greek orators, as well as of himself, that they
mistake volubility for copiousness, and thus over-
whelm you with an endless torrent of cold and
unaffecting periods. Julius Candidus used, rather
neatly, to say, that " eloquence is one thing and
loquacity another." Eloquence indeed is the
privilege of very few ; nay, if we will believe Marcus
Antonius* of none : but that faculty which Candidus
calls loquacity, is common to numbers, and generally
possessed to perfection by the most impudent.
The next day Homullus spoke for Varenus with
great art, strength, and elegance ; to whom Nigrinus
made a very close, solid, and graceful reply. Acilius
Rufus, the consul-elect, moved that the Bithynians
should be granted an inquiry ; but he took no notice
of the petition of Varenus ; which was only another
way of negativing it. Cornelius Priscus, a consular,
proposed to grant both petitions, and his motion was
carried by a majority. Thus we gained a concession
not warranted by either law or precedent, but none
the less equitable. But why equitable, I will not
expound in this letter, that you may with more
impatience turn to my speech. For if it is true, as
Homer sings, that
"... Novel lays attract our ravish'd ears ;
But old, the mind with inattention hears : "
I must not suffer the loquacity of my letter to
desggil ray speech of its principal flower, by robbing
ilT of that novelty which is indeed its chief
recommendation. Farewell.
i^The famous orator. He iloiirlahed just before Cicero,
wEo calla him the moat eloqueut speaker he ever heard.
435
F 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XXI
C. Plinius Pompeio^ Saturnino Suo S.
Vaiiie me adfecerunt litterae tuae ; nam partim
laeta, partim tristia continebant, laeta, quod te in
urbe teneri nuntiabant('nollem/ inquis ; sed ego volo)
praeterea quod recitaturum, statim ut venissem,
pollicebaiitur. Ago gratias, quod exspector. Triste
illud, quod lulius Valens graviter iacet ; quamquam
ne hoe quidem triste, si illius utilitatibus aestimetui-j
cuius interest quam maturissime inexplicabili niorbo
liberari. Illud plane non triste solum, verum etiam
luctuosum, quod lulius Avitus decessit, duni ex
quaestura redit, decessit in nave, procul a fratre
amantissimo, procul a matre, a sororibus. Nihil
ista ad mortuum pertinent, sed pertinuerunt cum
moreretur, pertinent ad hos, qui supersunt, iam,
quod in flore primo tantae indolis iuvenis ex-
stinctus est summa consecuturus, si virtu tes eius
maturuissent.
Quo ille studiorum amore flagrabat ' quantum
legit ! quantum etiam scripsit ! quae nunc omnia
» PoupKio add. Midler ex Rice.
436
BOOK V. xxi
XXI
To PoMPEius Saturninus
Your letter affected me diversely, as it contained
matter both for joy and sorrow. It rejoiced me by
announcing that you are detained in Rome (" against
my will," I hear you say ; not against mine, however),
and again by promising that you will give your
recital as soon as I arrive, and I return you my best
thanks for postponing it on my account. But it
grieved me by reporting the dangerous state of
Julius Valens ; though indeed one cannot grieve at
that if one regards it with reference to his own
good, since the sooner he is released from an
incurable disease, the better for him. But what you
•add concerning Avitus, that he died in his return
from the province where he had been Quaestor, is
news, not only sad, but deplorable. That he died on
board ship, at a distance from his fondly attached
brother, and from his mother and sisters, are circum-
stances which though they cannot affect him now he
is no more, yet undoubtedly did so in his last
moments, and still affect those he has left behind.
It adds poignancy to our grief that a young man of
his shining talents should be cut off in his early
prime, and snatched from those high honours to
which his virtues, had they been permitted to grow
to their full maturity, would certainly have raised
him.
How did his bosom glow with the love of learning !
How many books did he peruse ! nay, how many did
he compose ! But his labours are now perished with
437
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
cum ipso sine fructu posteritatis abierunt. Sed quid
ego indulge© dolori ? cui si frenos remittas, nulla
materia non maxima est. Finem epistulae faciam, ut
facere possim etiam lacrimis, quas epistula expressit.
\'ale.
438
BOOK V. xxi
him, and for ever lost to posterity. Yet why indulge
my sorrow ? A passion which, if we once give a
loose to it, will aggravate every the slightest circum-
stance. I will put an end therefore to my letter,
that I may to the tears which yours has drawn from
me. Farewell.
439
BOOK VI
LIBER SEXTUS
I
C. Plinius Tironi Suo S.
QuAMDiu ego trans Padum, tu in Piceno, minus te
requirebam ; postquam ego in urbe, tu adhue in
Piceno, multo magis, seu quod ipsa loca, in quibus
esse una solemus, acrius me tui commonent, seu
quod desiderium absentium nihil perinde ac vicinitas
acuity quoque propius accesseris ad spem fruendi, hoc
impatientius careas. Quidquid in causa, eripe me
huic tormento ; veni, aut ego illuc, unde inconsulte
properavi, revertar vel ob hoc solum, ut experiar, an
mihi, cum sine me Romae coeperis esse, similes his
epistulas mittas. Vale.
II
C. Plinius Arriano Suo S.
SoLEo non numquam in iudiciis quaerere Marcum
Regulum ; nolo enim dicere desiderare. Cur ergo
quaero ? Habebat studiis honorem, timebat, pallebat,
442
BOOK VI
I
To Tiro
I WAS less sensible of your absence wJiile you
were in the country of the Pieeni^ and I on the
other side the Po, than 1 find myself now that I am
returned to Rome. Whether it be that the scene,
where we used to associate, itself excites a more
passionate remembrance of you ; or that we never
miss absent friends so keenly as when they are only
a short way off, (our desires for a favourite object
rising in proportion to our nearer approach towards
it,) I know not. But whatever the cause may be,
put an end to the torment it gives me, I entreat you,
by hastening hither : otherwise I shall return again
into the country (whence I unadvisedly hurried),
merely to learn by experiment whether, when you
have tried doing without me at Rome, you will send
a letter like this. Farewell.
II
To Arrianus
I WILL not say I regret the loss of Regulus, but I
confess, I sometimes miss him at the bar. The man,
it must be owned, had a reverence for his profession ;
he would grow anxious and pale over his causes, and
443
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
scribebatj qiiamvis non posset dediscere. Illud
ipsum, quod oculum modo dextnim, modo sinistruni
circumlinebatj dextrum, si a j)etitore, alteruin, si a
possessore esset acturus ; quod candidum splenium in
hoc aut in illud supercilium transferebat ; quod
semper liaruspices consulebat de actionis eventu,
anili superstitione ; sed tamen et a magno studiorum
honore veniebat. , lam ilia perquam iucunda una
dicentibus, quod libera tempora petebat, quod audi-
turos corrogabat. Quid enim iucundius quam sub
alterius invidia^ quamdiu veils, et in alieno auditorio
quasi deprehensum commode dicere ?
Sed utcunque se habent ista, bene fecit Regulus,
quod est mortuus, melius, si ante. Nunc enim sane
poterat sine malo publico vivere sub eo principe, sub
quo nocere non poterat. Ideo fas est non numquam
eum quaerere. Nam postquam obiit ille, increbuit
passim et invaluit consuetudo binas vel singulas
clepsydras, interdum etiam dimidias et dandi et
petendi. Nam, et qui dicunt, egisse nialunt quam
agere, et qui audiunt, finire quam iudicare. Tanta
neglegentia, tanta desidia, tanta denique irreverentia
studiorum periculorumque est. An nos sapientiores
maioribus nostris, nos legibus ipsis iustiores, quae tot
" This silly piece of superstition seems to have beeu pecu-
liar to Regulus, (Melm. )
444
BOOK VI. ii
used to prepare his speeches in writing, though he
could not commit them to memory. Even his trick
of painting his right or left eye,'' and wearing a
white patch over one side or the other of his fore-
head, as he was counsel either for the plaintiff or
defendant ; even his custom of always cons'uTtlng the
soothsayers upon the event of every, plea through the
effect of immoderate superstition, arose also from his
veneration for eloquence. And what made it ex-
tremely pleasant to appear in the same cause with
him, he always claimed unrestricted time, and never
failed to procure an audience. For what can be
pleasanter than to speak as long as you choose,
knowing that the other side will bear the blame
of your prolixity; and moreover to speak excellently,
as if taken unawares, before an audience collected
to hear not you, but another.
But for all that, Regulus did well to die, though
he would have done still better had he died sooner ;
since he might now be alive without any danger to
the public in the reign of a prince under whom he
could do no mischief. I need not scruple therefore
to say I sometimes miss him : for since his death, the
custom has gs'own widely prevalent of not allowing, nor
indeed asking, more than an hour or two to plead in,
and sometimes not half that time. The truth
is, our advocates are better pleased to have got
through a cause, than to be engaged in it ; and
our judges are more bent on concluding, than on
deciding it. Such is their negligence, their sloth,
nay, disrespect for both the profession and the grave
issues of the Law. But are we wiser than our
ancestors ? are we more equitable than the laws
themselves, which grant so many hours and days,
445
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
lioras, tot dies, tot comperendinationes largiuntur ?
hebetes illi et supra moduni tardi, nos apertius
dicimuSj celerius intcUegimus, religiosiiis iudicamus,
quia paucioribus clepsydris praecipitamus causas,
quain diebus explicari solebant? O Regule, qui
ambitione ab omnibus obtinebas, quod fidei paucissimi
praestant !
<* Equidem quoties iudico, quod vel saepius facio,
(|uam dico, quantum quis plurimum postulat aquae,
do. Etenim temerarium existimo divinare, quam
spatiosa sit causa inaudita, tempusque negotio finire,
cuius modum ignores, praesertim cum primam
religioni suae iudex patientiam debeat, quae pars
magna iustitiae est. At quaedam supervacua
dicuntur. Etiani ; sed satius est et haec dici, quam
non dici necessaria. Praeterea, an sint supervacua,
nisi cum audieris, scire non possis. Sed de his
melius coram ut de pluribus vitiis civitatis. Nam tu
quoque amore communium ^ soles emendari eupere,
quae iam corrigere difficile est.
Nunc respiciamus domos nostras. Ecquid omnia
in tua recte ? in mea novi nihil. Mihi autem et
gratiora sunt bona, quod perseverant ; et leviora
incommoda, quod assuevi. Vale.
' amore communium M,K, Mailer {cum cruce), communi
omnium coni. Mo/nmsen, communium morum, Oierig.
446
BOOK VI. ii
and adjournments to a cause ? Were our forefathers
stupid, and dull beyond measure ? And are we more
clear in speech, more quick in our apprehension, or
more scrupulous in our decisions, because we hurry
over our causes in fewer hours than they took days
to unravel them ? To think, O Regulus, that no
jury could refuse to thy self-aggrandisement, what
very few now concede to professional honour ! "•
As for myself whenever I serve as juror (which is
oftener than I appear at the bar) I always give the
advocates as much time^ as ever they ask. For I look
upon it as highly presuming to divine before a cause 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 juror is
patience, which is a very considerable part of justice.
But, it is objected, advocates say much that is
superfluous. Granted : but better so, than that they
should leave unsaid what is necessary. Besides, you
cannot tell whether an argument be superfluous till
you have heard it. But this, and many other public
abuses, will be better discussed face to face. For
like myself, as a lover of the commonwealth, you are
always desirous of reforms, even where they have
now become difficult.
But to turn to our domestic concerns ; I hope all
goes well in your home ; everything is as usual in
mine. The good which I enjoy grows more accept-
able to me by its continuance ; as habit renders me
less sensible of my discomforts. Farewell.
"fides is here the duty of an advocate to his client, which
might oblige him to ask a liberal time-allowance.
' Literally " water," i.e. of the clepsydra.
447
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
III
C. Plinius Vero Suo S.
GiiATiAS ago, quod agelkim, quern nutrici meae
donaveram, colendum suscepisti. Erat, cum dona-
reni, centum milium nummum, postea, decrescente
reditu etiam pretium minuit, quod nunc te curante
reparabit. Tu modo memineris commendari tibi a
me non arbores et terram, quainquam haec quoque,
sed munusculum meum ; quod esse quam fructuo-
sissimum non illius magis interest, quae accepit,
quam mea, qui dedi. Vale.
^/
IV
C. Plinjus Calpurniak Suae S.
NuMQUAM sum magis de occupationibus meis
questus, quae me non sunt passae aut proficiscentem
te valetudinis causa in Campaniam prosequi, aut pro-
fectam e vestigio subsequi. Nunc enim praecipue
simul esse cupiebam, ut oculis meis crederem, quid
viribus, quid corpusculo apparares, ecquid denique
secessus voluptates regionisque abundantiam inoffensa
transmitteres. Equidem etiam fortem te non sine
cura desiderarem ; est enim suspensum et anxium de
eo, quem ai'dentissime diligas, interdum nihil scire ;
448
BOOK VI. iii.-iv
III
To Verus
I AM much obliged to you for undertaking the care
of that little farm I gave to my nurse. It was worth,
when I made her a present of it, an hundred thousand
sesterces, but the returns having since diminished,
it has sunk in its value : however, that will rise again,
I doubt not, under your management. But, remember,
wliat I recommend to your attention is not the
fruit-trees and the land (which yet I by no means
except), but my little benefaction ; for it is not more
the good woman's concern as a recipient, than mine
as the donor, that it should be as profitable as possible.
Fai'ewell.
IV
To Calpurnia, His Wife
I NEVER complained more of my business than
when it prevented me not only from escorting you
on your journey, but following you at once, when
ill health took you into Campania. For at this time
especially I wished to be with you, so as to see for
myself what improvement there is in your strength
and that dear little person of yours,^ and whether the
amusements of that retreat, and the plenty of that
district agree with you. .. Were you in sound health,
yet I could not feel easy in your absence ; for there
is harassing suspense in being every now and then
wholly ignorant of what is liappening to a most
dearly loved one ; but now your sickness conspires
449
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
nunc vero me cum absentiae turn infirmitatis tuae
ratio incerta et varia soUicitudine exterret. Vereor
omnia, imaginor omnia, quaeque natura metuentium
est, ea maxime mihi, quae maxima abominor, fingo.
Quo impensius rogo, ut timori meo quotidie singulis
vel etiam binis epistulis consulas. Ero enim securior,
dum lego, statimque timebo, cum legero. Vale.
C. PuNius Urso Suo S.
ScRiPSERAM tenuisse Varenuni, ut sibi evocare
testes liceret ; quod pluribus aequum, quibusdam
iniquum et quidem pertinaciter visum, maxime
Licinio Nepoti, qui sequenti senatu, cum de rebus
aliis referretur, de proximo senatus consulto disseruit
finitamque causam retractavit. Addidit etiam peten-
dum a consulibus, ut referrent sub exemplo legis
ambitus de lege repetundarum, an placeret in
futurum ad eam legem adici, ut, sicut accusatoribus
inquirendi testibusque denuntiandi potestas ex ea
lege esset, ita reis quoque fieret.
Fuerunt, quibus haec eius oratio ut sera et in-
tempestiva et praepostera displiceret, quae omisso
» V. 20.
450
BOOK VI. iv.-v
with your absence to affright me with a thousand
vague disquietudes. I fear and imagine every
possible calamity and, as is the way of frightened
people, my fancy paints most vividly just those that
I most earnestly implore Heaven to avert. Let me
conjure you then to pay regard to my anxiety by
writing to me every day, and even twice a day. I
shall be more easy, at least while I am reading your
letters ; and all my fears will return the moment I
have perused them. Farewell.
To Ursus
I ACQUAINTED you in a former letter," that Varenus
obtained leave to summon his witnesses. This was
judged equitable by the majority (of the Senate)
though some maintained even pertinaciously that it
was the reverse : particularly Licinius Nepos, who at
the next session of the Senate, when other business
was before the house, spoke on their last decree and
re-opened a case that had been decided. And he
went on to propose that the consuls be desired to
take the sense of the house upon the question
whether following the precedent afforded by the law
concerning bribery and corruption, a clause should
be added to the law concerning extortion, granting
defendants the same right to seek evidence and
summon witnesses as plaintiffs enjoyed under that
statute.
Some heard this speech with displeasure, regarding
it as too late, ill-timed and out of place ; Nepos they
said, had let slip the proper occasion of opposing
451
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
contradicendi tempore castigaret peractum, cui
potuisset occurrere. luventius quidem Celsus
praetor tamquam emendatorem senatus et multis et
veheiuenter increpuit. Uespondit Nepos rursusque
Celsus ; neuter contumeliis temperavit. Nolo
referre, quae dici ab ipsis moleste tuli. Quo magis
quosdam e numero nostro improbavi^ qui mode ad
Celsum, modo ad Nepotein, prout hie vel ille diceret,
cupiditate audiendi cursitabant et nunc, quasi stimu-
larent et accenderent, nunc, quasi reconciliarent
componerentque,^ frequentius singulis, ambobus
interdum propitium Caesarem ut in ludicro aliquo
precabantur.
Mihi quidem illud etiam peracerbum fuit, quod
sunt alter alteri, quid pararent, indicati. Nam et
Celsus Nepoti ex libello respondit et Celso Nepos ex
pugillavibus. Tanta loquacitas amicorum, ut homines
iurgaturi id ipsum invicem scirent,^ tamquam
convenissent. Vale.
VI
C. Plinius Fundano Suo S.
Si quandoj nunc pi*aecipue cuperem esse te Romae,
et sis rogo. Opus est mihi voti, laboris, sollicitudinis
socio. Petit honores lulius Naso, petit cum multis,
^ reconc. componerentque Dpra, Bipons, Olto, reconc. ac
recomponerent K. ^ scirent Dpa, Bipons, Otto, soierint K.
452
BOOK VI. v.-vi
the decree, and castigated a decision after it was
made, which he might have ni])ped in the bud.
JuvenrfTiis CeTsus, the Praetor, reproaclied him
warmly and at length with setting up for a reformer
of the Senate. Nepos replied ; Celsus spoke again;
and neither was sparing of abuse. I forbear to
repeat what I could not hear from their own lips
without annoyance. So much the more I disapprove
the conduct of certain Senators who ran, now to
Nepos, now to Celsus, as one or the other was
speaking, gi-eedy to hear their mutual invectives ;
and as if now stimulating and inflaming tlie com-
batants, and then again reconciling and appeasing
them, kept begging the Emperor to favour one or
the other, and occasionally both, just as they might
do at some public show.
To me, at least, it was also most bitter to observe
that each party had been informed of what the other
intended to allege ; for Celsus replied to Nepos out
of a paper, as Nepos did to Celsus out of a note-book,
which each held in his hand. Thanks to the chatter
of their friends, each knew exactly how the other
would abuse him, just as if they had previously
agreed to quarrel. Farewell.
VI
To FUNDANUS
I NEVER wished to see you in Rome more than I
do at this time, and I entreat you therefore to come
hither ; for I need a partner in my prayers, toils, and
solicitude. Julius Naso is a candidate for office : his
competitors are numerous and worthy, so that to
453
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
cum bonis, quos ut gloriosum sic est difficile superare.
Pendeo ergo, et exerccor spa, adficior metu at me
consularem esse non sentio ; nam rursus mihi vidaor
omnium, quae decurri, candidatus. Meretur banc
curam longa mei caritate. Est mihi cum illo non
sane paterna amicitia (neque enim esse potuit par
meam aatatem), solebat taman vixdum adulescentulo
mihi patar aius cum magna laude monstrari.
Erat non studiorum tantum, varum atiam studio-
sorum amantissimus ac prope cotidie ad audiendos,
quos tunc ego frequentabam, Quintilianum et Niceten
Sacerdotem ventitabat, vir alioqui clarus et gravis, et
qui prodesse filio memoria sui debeat. Sed multi
nunc in senatu, quibus ignotus ille ; multi, quibus
notus, sed non nisi viventes reverentur. Quo magis
liuic omissa gloria patris, in qua magnum ornamen-
tum, gratia infirma, ipsi enitendum, ipsi laborandum
est.
Quod quidem semper, quasi provideret hoc tempus,
sedulo fecit ; paravit amicos, quos paraverat, coluit,
me certe, ut primum sibi iudicare permisit, ad
amorem imitationemque dalegit. Dicenti mihi sol-
licitus adsistit, adsidet recitanti ; , primus ^ etiam et
cum maxime nascentibus opusculis meis interest
nunc solus, ante cum fratre, cuius nuper amissi ago
^ primus Dpra, Bipons, Miiller, primis M,K.
454
BOOK VI. vi
overcome them is no less difficult than glorious. I
am distracted by suspense, and so great is my
anxiety that I forget I have passed the consulship,
and fancy I am to stand over again for all the offices
I have held. This concern is justly due to Naso, in
return for his long affection to me. Our friendship
is not, it is true, hereditary, for I was too much his
father's junior to admit of any intimacy between us ;
yet from my earliest youth I was taught to look upon
him with veneration.
He was a devoted admirer not only of oratory, but
of those who cultivated it ; and went almost daily to
the lectures of Quintilian and Nicetes, which I was
then attending. He was, in short, a man of worth
and eminence, and one whose memory ought to
facilitate the career of his son. But there are
numbers now in the Senate who never knew that
excellent person ; and though there are many also
who did, yet they are such whose regards extend not
beyond the living. So that Nepos must not rely
upon his father's fame (which though it handsomely
adorns, can but feebly recommend him), but solely on
his own strenuous exertions.
In those, indeed, he has ever been as unremitting
as if he had foreseen the present contingency. He
has acquired friends and cultivated their friendship,
and particularly singled me out as the object of his
esteem and imitation, the moment he began to judge
for himself. Whenever I plead in court, whenever I
give a recital, he is sedulous to attend ; as he ever
shows the first and liveliest interest v/hen some little
work of mine sees the light. His brother showed
the same attachment to me. But he has lost that
excellent brother ! and it shall be my part to supply
455
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
suscipere partes, ego vicem debeo implere. Doleo
enim et ilium immatura morte indignissime raptum
et hunc optimi fratris adiumento destitutum solisque
amicis relictum.
Quibus ex causis exigo, ut venias et suflTragio nieo
tuum iungas. Permultum interest mea te ostentare,
tecum circumire. Ea est auctoritas tua, ut putem me
efficacius tecum etiam meos amicos rogaturum.
Abrumpe, si qua te retinent ; hoc tempus meum, hoc
fides, hoc etiam dignitas postulat, Suscepi candi-
datum, et suscepisse me notum est ; ego ambio, ego
periclitor ; in summam_, si datur Nasoni, quod petit,
illius honor, si negatur, mea repulsa est. Vale.
VII
C. Plinius Calpurniae Suae S.
ScRiBis te absentia mea non mediocriter adfici
unumque habere solacium, quod pro me libellos meos
teneas, saepe etiam in vestigio meo colloces. Gratum
est, quod nos requiris, quod his fomentis adquiescis.
Invicem ego epistulas tuas lectito atque identidem in
manus quasi novas sumo ; sed eo magis ad desiderium
456
BOOK VI. vi.-vii
his place. It is with grief I reflect upon the imma-
ture death of the one, as I lament that the other
should be deprived of the assistance of so valuable a
relation, and left only to the zeal of his fi'iends.
It is on these grounds I make a point of your
coming hither and uniting your support with mine.
It will be much to my advantage to exhibit you as
assisting me, and canvass in your company : for such
is your credit and influence, that I am persuaded your
presence will render my applications more effectual
even with my own friends. Let me entreat you
then to break through all obstacles that may lie in your
way ; my situation, my loyalty and my credit, all
require it. I have undertaken to support the
interest of Naso, and the world knows that I do ;
the pursuit and the hazard therefore is become my
own. In a word, if he obtains this post, the honour
will be his ; but if he be rejected, the repulse will be
mine. Farewell.
VII
To Calpurnia
You tell me, my absence is greatly uneasy to you,
and that your only consolation is in conversing with
my works, instead of their author, to which 3'ou
frequently even give my own place by your side.
How agreeable is it to me to know that you thus
wish for my company, and support yourself under
the want of it by these tender amusements ! 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 ! they only serve to make
457
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
tui accendor. NanOj cuius litterae tantum habent
suavitatis, huius serraonibus quantum dulcedinis inest !
Tu tamen frequentissime scribe, licet hoc ita me
delectet, ut torqueat. Vale.
VIII
C. Plinius Prisco Suo S.
Atilium Crescentem et nosti et amas. Quis enim
ilium spectatior paulo aut non novit aut non amat ?
Hunc ego non ut multi, sed artissime diligo. Oppida
nostra unius diei itinere dirimuntur ; ipsi amare
invicem, qui est flagrantissimus amor, adulescentuli
coepimus. Mansit hie postea nee refrixit iudicio, sed
invaluit. Sciunt, qui alterutrum nostrum familiarius
intuentur. Nam et ille amicitiam meam latissima
praedicatione circumfert, et ego prae me fero, quam
sit mihi curae modestia, quies, securitas eius.
Quin etiam, cum insolentiam cuiusdam tribunatum
plebis inituri vereretur idque indicasset mihi, re-
spondi :
Quorsus haec? ut scias non posse Atilium me
incolumi iniuriam accipere. Iterum dices : " Quor-
sus haec ? " Debuit ei pecuniam Valerius Varus.
1 Horn. II. i. 88.
458 , B,
BOOK VI. vii.-viii
me more strongly regret your absence : for how
amiable 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.
VIII
To Priscus
You know and esteem Atilius Crescens ; as indeed
what person of any distinction does not ? My own
attachment to him is much closer than the common
run of his numerous friendships. Our native towns are
separated only by a day's journey ; and we became
friends in early youth, a season when friendship is
most ardent. Ours survived that period ; and so far
from being weakened, was confirmed by our riper
judgements, as those who know us best can witness.
For he takes pleasure in boasting every where of my
friendship ; as I do to let the world know that his
honour, ease, and safety are my peculiar concern.
Insomuch that upon his expressing to me some
apprehension from the insolence of 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."
" Whither tends all this ? " you say. To shew you
that I look upon every injury offered to Atilius as
done to myself But again you will ask my drift.
You must know, then, Valerius Varus at his death,
459
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Huius est heres Maximus noster, queni et ipse amo,
seel coniunctius tu. Rogo ergo, exigo etiani pro iure
amicitiae, cures, ut Atilio meo salva sit iion sors
mode, verum etiam usura plurium annoruin. Homo
est alicni abslinentissimiss, sui diligens, nullis quaesti-
bus sustinetur, nullus illi nisi ex frugalitate reditus.
Nam studia, (niibus plurimum praestat, ad voluptatem
tantum et gloriam exercet. Gravis est ei vel minima
iactura, quia reparare, quod amiserit,^ gravius est.
Exime hunc illi, exime liunc mihi scrupulum ; sine
me suavitate eius, sine leporibus pcrfrui. Neque
enim possum tristem videre, cuius ])ilaritas me tristeni
esse non patitur.
In sumnia nosti facetias hominis ; quas velim
attendas ne in bilem et amaritudinem vertat iniuria.
Quam vim habeat ofFensus, crede ei, quam in amore
habet. Non feret magnum et liberum ingenium
cum contumelia damnum. Verum, ut ferat ille, ego
meum damnum, meam contumeliam vindicabo ; sed
non tamquam pro mea, hoc est, gravius, irascar.
Quamquam quid denuntiationibus et quasi minis ago ?
Quin potius, ut coeperam, rogo, oro, des operam,
ne ille se, quod validissime vereor, a me, ego me
* amiserit Dpr, amiseris Ma.
460
BOOK VI. viii
owed Atilius a sum of money. Though I am on good
terms with Maximus, his heir, yet there is a closer
regard between him and you. I ask tlierefore, nay,
demand in Friendship's name, that you will take
care my dear Atilius gets back not only the principal
of his loan, but several years' arrears of interest.
He neither covets the property of others, nor
neglects the care of his own ; and as he is not
engaged in any lucrative pi'ofession, he has nothing
to depend upon but his frugality ; for as to oratory,
in which he greatly excels, he pursues it merely upon
the motives of pleasure and fame. In such a
situation the slightestloas. presses hard upon a man,
since he cannot easily repair it. Relieve us both,
then, I entreat you, of this difficulty, and suffer me
still to enjoy his amiable and diverting conversation ;
for I cannot bear to see that gaiety of his over-
clouded, which dissipates every gloom of melancholy
in myself.
In a woi'd, as you are well acquainted with Atilius'
sportive temper, I hope you will look- to it that no
injury shall discompose and sour it. You may judge
by the warmth of his affection how bitter his re-
sentments would prove ; for a generous and great
mind can ill brook a loss when it is joined with an
affront. But though he should pass it over, I shall
avenge it as my own loss, and an affront offered to
myself; as for resenting it, however, that I shall do
as if another were the injured party; that is, with
double warmth. But, after all, why this air of
threatening ? rather let me end in the same style
I began, by earnestly conjuring you to use your
endeavours, that neither Atilius may think me re-
miss towards him (which I strongly deprecate), nor I
461
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
neglectum a te putem. Dabis autem, si hoc perinde
curae est tibi quam illud mihi. Vale.
rx
C. Plinius Tacito Suo S.
CoMMENDAS mihi luHum Nasonem caiididatum.
Nasonem mihi ? quid si me ipsum ? Fero tamen et
ignosco. Eundem enim commendassem tibi, si te
Romae morante ipse afuissem. Habet hoc soUici-
tudo, quod omnia necessaria putat. Tu tamen censeo
alios roges ; ego precum tuarum minister, adiutor,
particeps ero. Vale.
X
C. Plinius Albino Suo S.
Cum venissem in socrus meae villam Alsiensem, quae
aliquando Rufi Vergini fuit, ipse mihi locus optimi
illius et maximi viri desiderium non sine dolore
renovavit. Hunc enim incolei'e secessum atque
etiam senectutis suae nidulum vocare consueverat.
Quocunque me contulissem, ilium animus, ilium
oculi requirebant. Libuit etiam monimentum eius
videre, et vidisse paenituit. Est enim adhuc im-
perfectum, nee difficultas operis in causa modici ac
462
BOOK VI. viii.-x
entertain similar thoughts of yourself ; and un-
doubtedly you will, if your solicitude on the latter
point equals mine on the former. Farewell.
IX
To Tacitus
When you commend to my interest the candida-
ture of Julius Naso, what is it but commending me
to myself? However, I forgive you, for I should
have done the same thing, had you been at Rome
and I absent. The tender anxiety of friendship is
apt to imagine every circumstance to be material.
But I advise you to turn your solicitations to others ;
my own part shall be deputy, assistant, and associate
in your canvass. Farewell.
To Al.BINUS
I WAS lately at Alsiuni;. where my vt^ife's mother
has a villa which oncelseTonged to Verginius Rufus.*
The place renewed even painfully my regrets for
that great and excellent man. He was extremely
fond of this retreat, and used to call it " the nest of
his old age." Wherever I turned, my heart, my
eyes, ached to behold my vanished friend. I even
had an inclination to view his monument ; but I
repented the visit, for I found it still unfinished, and
this not from any difficulty in erecting a work of
such modest, indeed, small dimensions, but through
» See ii. 1, ix. 19.
463
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
potius exigui, sed inertia eius, cui cura mandata est.
Subit indignatio cum miseratione post decimum mortis
annum reliquias neglectumque cinerem sine titulo,
sine nomine iaeere, cuius memoria orbem terrarura
gloria pervagetur. At ille maiidaverat caveratque, ut
divinum illud et immortale factum versibus inscri-
beretur :
Hie situs est Rufus, pulso qui Vindice quondam
Imperium asseruit non sibi, sed patriae.
Tam rara in amicitiis fides, tam parata oblivio
mortuorum, ut ipsi nobis debearaus etiam conditoria
exstruere omniaque heredum officia pi-aesumere.
Nam cui non est \erendum, quod videmus accidisse
Verginio? cuius iniuriam ut indigniorem sic etiam
notiorem ipsius claritas facit. Vale.
XI
C. Plinius Maximo Suo S.
O DIEM laetum ! adhibitus in consilium apraefecto
urbis audivi ex diverso agerites summae spei, summae
indolis iuvenes duos, Fuscum Salinatorem et Numi-
dium Quadratum, egregium par necmodotemporibus
nosti'is, sed litteris ipsis ornamento futurum. Mira
<» I.e. the heir of Verginius, who neglected the injunctions
as to this monument in the latter's will.
* After the battle in which he defeated Julius Vindex, who
464
BOOK VI. x.-xi
the neglect of him to whose charge it was committed."
I could not see without a concern mixed with
indignation, the remains of a man, wliose fame
filled the whole world, lie for ten years after his
death without an inscription, or a name. Yet he
had directed that the divine and imm.ortal action
of his life should be recorded upon his tomb in the
following lines :
" Here Rufus lies, who raised in victory's hour
His country, not himself, to sovran power."(^
But a faithful friend is so rare to be found, and the
dead are so soon forgotten, that we shall be obliged
to build even our very tombs, and anticipate every
office of our heirs. For what man can feel himself
secure from undergoing the same fate as Verginius,
whose shining worth makes the wrong to his me-
mory the more cruel, and the more conspicuous?
Farewell.
XI
To Maximvs
How happy a day did I lately pass ! when having
been called by the Urban Praefect to his advisory
council, I heard two young men of the highest
promise and talents, Fuscus Salinator and Numidius
Quadratus, plead on the opposite sides ; a noble pair
who will one day prove an ornament not only to the
present age, but to literature itself. They dis-
had raised a great revolt in Gallia Lugdunensis, Verginius
was urged by his soldiers to proclaim himself Emperor, but
refused (69 a. D.).
465
VOL. !. H H
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
utrique probitas constantia salva, decorus habitus, os
Latinum, vox virilis, tenax memoria, magnum in-
genium, iudicium aequale ; quae singula mihi volup-
tati fuerunt atque inter haec illud^ quod et ipsi me
ut rectorem, ut magistrum intuebantur, et iis, qui
audiebant, me aemulari, meis instare vestigiis vide-
bantur.
O diem (repetam enim) laetum notuudunique mihi
candidissimo calculo ! Quid enim aut publice laetius
quam clarissimos iuvenes nomen et famam ex studiis
petere aut mihi optatius quam me ad recta tendenti-
bus quasi exemplar esse propositum ? Quod gaudium
ut perpetuo capiam, deos ore ; ab iisdem teste te
peto, ut omnes, qui me imitari tanti putabunt,
meliores esse quam me velint. Vale.
XII
C. PuNius Fabato Prosocero Suo S.
Tu vero non debes suspensa manu commendare
mihi, quos tuendos putas. Nam et te deeet multis
prodesse et me suscipere, quidquid ad curam tuam
466
BOOK VI. xi.-xii
covered upon this occasion an admirable probity,
supported by inflexible courage : their deportment
was decent, their language pure Latin, their voice
manly, their memory strong, their genius elevated,
and guided by an equal solidity of judgement. I was
gratified by their display of these several excellencies,
and, by the incidental circumstance that, while the
speakers themselves kept their eyes fixed upon me,
as on their guide and master, the audience con-
sidered their oratory as emulating and copying my
own.
It was a day (I cannot but repeat it again) of
exquisite happiness, 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 eloquence ; or more desirable
upon my own, than to be as it were held up as a
pattern to them in their pursuit of virtue .'' may the
gods vouchsafe me lasting enjoyment of that satis-
faction I And you will bear me witness, I sincerely
pray, that eveiy man who thinks me deserving of his
imitation, may far excel the pattern he has chosen.
Farewell.
XII
To Fabatus, His Wife's Grandfather
Most certainly you should not be chary of re-
commending to me such persons as you think
deserving of patronage ; for extensive beneficence
is as much your natural part, as mine is to take up
467
H H 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
pertinet. Itaque Vettio Prisco, quantum plurimuui
potuerOj praestabo, praesertim in arena mea, hoc est
apud ccntumviros.
Epistularura^ quas niihi, ut ais, aperto pectore
scripsisti, oblivisci me iubes. At ego nullarum
libentius memini. Ex illis cnim vel praecipue sen-
tiOj quantoopere me diligas, cum sic exegeris mecum,
ut solebas cum tuo filio. Nee dissimulo hoc mihi
iucundiores eas fuisse, quod liabebam bonam causani,
cum summo studio curassem, quod tu curari volebas.
Proinde etiam atque etiam rogo, ut niilii semper
eadem simplicitate, quoties cessare videbor (videbor
dlcOj nunquam enim cessabo), convicium facias, quod
et ego intellegam a summo amore proficisci, et tu
non meruisse me gaudeas. Vale.
XIII
C. Pi.iNius Urso Suo S.
Unquamne vidisti quemquam tam laboriosum et
exercitum ^ quam Varenum meum ? cui, quod summa
cont^Stione impetraverat, defendendum et quasi
rursus petendum fuit. Bithyni senatus consultum
apud coiisules carpere ac labefactare sunt ausi atque
etiam absenti principi criminari ; ab illo ad senatum
remissi non destiterunt.
^ et exercituni Ma, Bipons, K, tam exerc. Dr, Miiller.
468
BOOK VI. xii.-xiii
every cause you have at heart. Be assured there-
fore I shall give all the assistance in my power to
Vettius Priscus, especially in my peculiar field of
action — 1 mean the Centumviral Court.
You bid me forget those letters which you wrote
to me, you say, in the openness of your heart ; but,
believe me, there are none I remember with more
complacency. They are to me the strongest proofs
of your affection, since you call me to account, just
as you used to call your own son. And, to confess the
truth, they are so much the more agreeable, as I
could inake out a good case in reply ; for I had very
exactly performed your requests. I entreat you
again and again still to reproach me with the same
freedom, whenever I seem to fail (seem, I say, for
fail I never will) in my duty towards you. I shall
understand that the truest love inspires your re-
proaches ; and you, I hope, may rejoice to find I did
not deserve them. Farewell.
XIII
To Uitsus
Did you ever behold a man so tried and harassed
as my friend Varenus, who has been obliged to
defend, and, as it were, to seek again, what lie had
v.ith much struggle already obtained .'' "• The
Bithynians have had the assurance not only to cavil
at and impugn the decree of the Senate before the
consuls, but also to inveigh against it to the Emperor,
who had been absent when it passed. Caesar
referred them back to the Senate, where they still
persisted in their course.
" See V. 20.
469
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Egit Claudius Capito irreverenter magis quam
constanter, ut qui ipsum senatus consultum apud
senatuni accusaret. Respondit Catius Fronto graviter
et firme. Senatus ipse mirificus ; nam illi quoque,
qui prius negarant Vareno, quae petebat, eadem
danda, postquam erant data, censuerunt ; singulos
enim integra re dissentire fas esse, peracta, quod
pluribus placuisset, cunctis tuendum. Acilius tan-
tum Rufus et cum eo septem an octo, septem immo,
in piiore sententia perseverarunt. Erant in hac pau-
citate non nulli, quorum temporaria gravitas vel potius
gravitatis imitatio ridebatur. Tu tamen aestima,
quantum nos in ipsa pugna certaminis maneat, cuius
quasi praelusio atque praecursio li.is contentiones
excitavit. V^ale.
XIV
C. Plinius Mauricio Suo S.
SoLLiciTAS me in Formianum. Veniam ea condi-
cione, ne quid contra commodum tuum facias ; qua
pactione invicem mihi caveo. Neque enim mare et
litus, sed otium et libertatem* sequor ; alioqui satius
est in urbe remanere. Oportet enim omnia aut ad
1 otium et lib. p, Sichardua, Miilhr, te, otium, lib. Ma, K,
te otium et lib. Dr.
470
BOOK VI. xiii.-xiv
Claudius Capito acted as their counsel ; thereby
displaying ill-manners rather than intrepidity, since
he arraigned before the Senate one of their own
decrees. Catius Fronto replied to him with great
solidity and spirit ; the Senate itself behaved to
admiration. For even those who had opposed the
petition of Vai'enus in the first instance were in
favour of granting it, now that it had been granted.
They agreed that while the motion was under
debate, individual members were at liberty to express
dissent ; but when once carried, the whole house was
bound to support the decision of the majority.
Acilius Rufus and seven or eight others (I think
seven at the outside) were the only senators who
persevered in their former vote. Among which
small party there were some whose improvised, or,
rather, counterfeit solemnity, was extremely
ridiculed. You will judge from hence what a warm
battle we are likely to liave of it, since this prelude
and skirmish, as I may call it, has occasioned so much
contention. Farewell.
XIV
To Mauricius
I ACCEPT your invitation to visit you at your
Formian villa, but it is upon condition that you put
yourself to no inconvenience ; a compact which I
shall also strictly observe on my part. It is not tlie
beauties of your sea and your coast, it is ease and free-
dom that I aim to enjoy ; otherwise I might as well re-
main in Rome. For there is no middle course
471
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
alienum arbitriuin aut ad suum facere. Mei certe
stomachi haec natura est, ut nihil nisi totiim et
merum vclit. Vale.
X\
C. Plinius Romano Suo S.
MiniFicAE rei non interfuisti, ne ego quidem ;
sed me recens fabula excepit. Passennus Paulas,
splendidus eques Romanus et inprimis eruditus,
scribit elegos. Gentilicium hoc illi ; est enim mu-
niceps Propertii. atque etiam inter maiores suos
Propertium numerat. Is cum recitaret, ita coepit
dicere, " Prisce, iubes." Ad hoc lavolenus Priscus
(aderat enim ut Paullo amicissimus) : " Ego vero
non iubeo." Cogita, qui risus hominum, qui ioci.
Est omnino Priscus dubiae sanitatis, interest tamen
officiis, adhibetur consiliis atque etiam ius civile
publice respondet. Quo magis, quod tunc fecit, et
ridiculum et notabile fuit.
Interim Paullo aliena deliratio aliquantum frigoris
attulit. Tam sollicite recitaturis providendum est,
non solum ut sint ipsi sani, verum etiam ut sanos
adhibeant. Vale.
<* The force of excepit might be colloquially rendered by
"button-holed." Pliny means that every one he met told
him the new anecdote
* As Priscus was a jurist of great eminence, his alleged
"craziness" was probably nothing more than absent-
mindedness. Thus, roused from a reverie bj' hearing liis own
name, he makes a ludicrous reply. (Church and Brodribb.)
472
BOOK VI. xiv.-xv
betv.een being absolutely at the disposal of others,
and absolutely your own master ; my own palate, at
least, cannot relish mixtures of any kind. Farewell.
XV
To RoMANUS
You were not present at a very droll accident
which lately happened : neither was I, however, I
had an early account of it.<* Passennus Paulus, a
distinguished Roman knight, and an eminently
learned man, has a turn for Elegiac Poetry ; a talent
which runs in the family, for he is a fellow-townsman
of Propertius, and actually reckons that poet among
iiis ancestors. He was lately reciting a poem which
began thus :
" Priscus, thou dost command — "
Whereupon lavolenus Priscus (who was present,
being one of his particular friends) cried out — "But
I don't command." Think what a peal of laughter,
what numerous sallies, this occasioned ! The
intellects of Priscus, you must know, are something
suspicious ; yet he enters into common offices of life,
is called to consultations, and publicly acts as a civil
pleader, so that this behaviour was the more remark-
able and ridiculous.*
Meanwhile Paulus has to thank the craziness of
another for a somewhat cool reception. So you see,
intending reciters cannot look too carefully, not only
to their own sanity, but to that of the audience they
invite. Farewell.
473
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XVI
C. Plinius Tacito Suo S.
Petis^ ut tibi avunculi mei exitum scribam^ quo
verius tradere posteris possis. Gratias ago ; nam
video morti eius, si celebretur a te, immortalem
gloriam esse propositam. Quamvis enim pulcher-
limarum clade terrarum, ut populi, ut urbes, me-
morabili casu quasi semper victurus occiderit, quam-
vis ipse plurima opera etmansura condiderit, multum
tamen perpetuitati eius scriptorum tuorum aeternitas
addet. Equidem beatos puto^ quibus deorum munere
datum est aut facere scribenda aut scribere legenda,
beatissimos vero, quibus utrumque. Horum in nu-
mero avunculus meus et suis libris et tuis erit. Quo
libentius suscipio^ deposco etiam, quod iniungis.
Erat Miseni classemque imperio praesens regebat.
Nonum Kal. Septembres hora fere septima mater
mea indicat ei apparere nubem inusitata * et mag-
nitudine et specie. Usus ille sole, mox frigida
gustaverat iacens, studebatque ; poscit soleas, ascendit
locum, ex quo maxima miraculum illud conspici
' inusitata Dpra, Bipona, K, invisitata M, Midler.
474
BOOK VL xvi
XVI
To Tacitus
Your request that I would send you an account of
my uncle's end, so that you may transmit a more
exact relation of it to posterity, deserves my ac-
knowledgements ; for if his death shall be celebrated
by your pen, the glory of it, I am aware, will be
rendered for ever deathless. For notwithstanding he
perished, as (tid whole peoples and cities, in the
destruction of a most beautiful region, and by a mis-
fortune memorable enough to promise him a kind of
immortality ; notwithstanding he has himself com-
posed many and lasting works ; yet I am persuaded,
the mentioning of him in your immortal writings,
will greatly contribute to eternize his name. Happy
I esteem those, whom Providence has gifted with the
ability either to do things worthy of being written,
or to write in a manner worthy of being read ; but
most happy they, who are blessed with both talents:
in Avhich latter class my uncle will be placed both by
his own writings and by yours. The more willingly
do I underttike, nay, solicit, the task you set me.
He was at that time with the fleet under his
command at Misenum. On the 24th of August,
about one in the afternoon, my mother desired him
to observe a cloud of very unusual size and appear-
ance. He had sunned himself, then taken a cold
bath, and after a leisurely luncheon was engaged in
study. He immediately called for his shoes and
went up an eminence from whence he might best
view this very uncommon appearance. It was not at
475
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
poterat. Nubes, incertum procul intuentibuSj ex quo
monte (Vesuvium fuisse postea cognitum est), orieba-
tur, cuius similitudincm et formam non alia magis
arbor quani pinus expresserit. Nam longissimo velut
trunco elata in altum quibusdam ramis diffundebatur,
credo, quia receiiti spiritu evecta, dein senescente
eo destituta aut etiara pondere sue victa in lati-
tudinem evanescebat, Candida interdum, interduni
sordida et maculosa, prout terraffn cineremve
sustulerat.
Magnum propiusque noscendum ut eruditissimo viro
visum. lubet Liburnicam aptavi ; mihi, si venire
una vellem, facit copiara. Respondi studere me
malle, et forte ipse, quod scriberem, dederat. Egre-
diebatur domo ; accipit codicillos Rectinae Bassi ^
imminent! periculo exterriti (nam vWVk eius subiacebat,
nee ulla nisi navibus fuga) ; ut se tanto discrimini
eriperet, orabat. Vertit ille consilium et, quod
studioso animo inchoaverat, obit maximo. Deducit
quadrircmes ; ascendit ipse non Retinae modo, sed
multis (erat enim frequens amoenitas orae) laturus
auxilium. Properat illuc, unde alii fugiunt, rectum-
que cursum, recta gubernacula in periculum tenet
adeo solutus metu, ut omnes illius mali motus, omnes
' Bassi Gesner, Caesii Bassi, Oierig {Gl. schol. Pers. vi. 1),
fTasci K, Midler e codd. {■■iine cruce Merrill).
476
BOOK VI. xvi
that distance discernible from what mountain this
cloud issued, but it was found afterwards to be
Vesuvius. I cannot give you a more exact description
of its figure, than by resembling it to that of a pine-
tree, for it shot up a great height in the form of a
trunk, which extended itself at the top into several
branches ; because I imagine, a momentary gust of
air blew it aloft, and then failing, forsook it ; thus
causing the cloud to expand laterally as it dissolved,
or possibly the downward pressure of its own weight
produced this effect. It was at one moment white,
at another dark and spotted, as if it had carried up
earth or cinders.
My uncle, true savant that he was, deemed the
phenomenon important and worth a nearer view.
He ordered a light vessel to be got ready, and gave
me the liberty, if I thought proper, to attend him.
I replied I would leather study ; and, as it happened,
he had himself given me a theme for composition.
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 (his villa
stood just below us, and there was no way to escape
but by sea) ; she earnestly entreated him to save her
from such deadly peril. He changed his first design
and what he began with a philosophical, he pursued
with an heroical turn of mind. He ordered large
galleys to be launched, and went himself on board
one, with the intention of assisting not only Rectina,
but many others ; for the villas stand extremely
thick upon that beautiful coast. Hastening to the
place from whence others were flying, he steered his
direct course to the point of danger, and with such
freedom from fear, as to be able to make and dictate
477
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
figuras, ut deprehenderat oculis, dictaret enotaret-
que.
Iain navibus cinis inciderat, quo propiii^ accederet,
calidior etdensior, iam pumices etiam nigrique et am-
busti et fracti igne lapides, iam vadum subitum ruina-
que mentis litora obstantia. Cunctatus paulum, an
retro flecteret, mox gubernatori ut ita faceret monenti
" Fortes/' inquit, " Fortuna iuvat. Pomponianum
pete." Stabiis erat diremptus sinu medio (nam sensim
circumactis curvatisque litoribus mare infunditur) ;
ibi, quamquam nondum periculo appropinquante,
conspicuo tamen et, cum cresceret, proximo sarcinas
contulerat in naves certus fugae, si contrarius ventus
resedisset ; quo tunc avunculus meus secundissimo
invectus complectitur trepidantem, consolatur, hor- ♦
tatur, utque timorem eius sua securitate leniret,
deferri se in balineum iubet ; lotus accubat, cenat
aut hilaris^ aut, quod aeque magnum, similis hilari.
Interim e Vesuvio monte pluribus locis latissimae
flammae altaque incendia relucebant, quorum fulgor
et claritas tenebris noctis excitabatur. Ille agres-
tium trepidatione ignes relictos desertasque villas
per solitudinem ardere in remedium formidinis dicti-
^ cenat aut hil. AJ,K, cenat atque hil. pra, cenatque hil.
Sicha7'dus.
" Now called Castel i Mar di Stabia in the gulf of Naples,
478
BOOK VI. xvi
his observations upon the successive motions and
figures of that ten-ific object.
And now cinders, which grew thicker and hotter
the nearer he approached, fell into the ships, then
pumice-stones too, with stones blackened, scorched,
and cracked by fire, then the sea ebbed suddenly
from under them, while the shore was blocked up by
landslips from the mountains. After considering a
moment whether he should retreat, he said to the
captain who was urging that course, " Fortune
befriends the brave ; carry me to Pomponianus."
Pomponianus was then at Stabiae,** distant by half
the width of the bay (for, as you know, the shore,
insensibly curving in its sweep, forms here a recep-
tacle for the sea). He liad already embarked his
baggage ; for though at Stabiae the danger was not
yet near, it was full in view, and certain to be ex-
tremely near, as soon as it spread ; and he resolved
to fly as soon as the contrary wind should cease. It
was full favourable, however, for carrying my uncle
to Pomponianus. He embraces, comforts, and en-
courages his alarmed friend, and in order to soothe
the other's fears by his own unconcern, desires to be
conducted to a bathroom ; and after having bathed, he
sate down to supper with great cheerfulness, or at
least (what is equally heroic) with all the appearance
of it.
In the meanwhile Mount Vesuvius was blazing in
several places with spreading and towering flames,
whose refulgent brightness the darkness of the night
set in high relief But my uncle, in order to soothe
apprehensions, kept saying that some fires had been
left alight by the terrified country people, and what
they saw were only deserted villas on fire in the
479
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
tabat. Turn se quieti dedit et quievit verissimo quidem
somno. Nam meatus animae, qui illi propter ampli-
tudinem corporis gravior et sonantior erat, ab iis, qui
limini obversabantur, audiebutur. Sed area, ex qua
diaeta adibatur, ita iam cinere mixtisque pumieibus
oppleta surrexerat, ut, si longior in cubiculo mora,
exitus negaretur. Excilatus procedit seque Pom-
poniano ceterisque, qui pervigilarant, reddit. In
commune consultant, intra tecta subsistant an in
aperto vagentui*. Nam crebris vastisque tremoribus
tecta nutabant et quasi emota sedibus suis nunc hue,
nunc illuc abire aut referri videbantur. Sub dio
rursus quamquara levium exesorumque pumicum
casus metuebatur ; quod tamen periculorum collatio
elegit. Et apud ilium quidem ratio rationem, apud
alios timorem timor vicit. Cervicalia capitibus im-
posita linteis constringunt ; id munimentum adversus
incidentia fuit.
lara dies alibi, illic nox omnibus noctibus
nigrior densiorque ; quam tamen faces multae
variaque lumina solabantur.^ Placuit egredi in litus
et e proximo aspicere, ecquid iam mare admitteret ;
quod adhuc vastum et adversum permanebat. Ibi
super abiectum linteum recubans semel atque itenim
frigidam poposcit hausitque. Deinde flammae flam-
^ solabantur, Cortius et cod. Laurent. 47. 34 {tede Keil),
solebantur M, solvebant Catan., a, Bipons.
480
BOOK VI. xvi
abandoned district. After this he retired to rest, and
it is most certain that his rest was a most genuine
slumber ; for liis breathing, which, as he was pretty
fat, was somewhat heavy and sonorous, was heard by
those who attended at his chamber-door. But the
court whicli led to his apartment now lay so deep
under a mixture of pumice-stones and ashes, that if
he had continued longer in his bedroom, egress would
have been impossible. On being aroused, he came
out, and returned to Pomponianusand the others, who
had sfit up all night. They consulted together as to
whether they should hold out in the house, or
wander about in the open. For the house now
tottered under repeated and violent concussions, and
seemed to rock to and fro as if torn from its
foundations. In tll£^ open air, on the other hand,
they dreaded the falling pumice-stones, light and
porous though they were ; yet this, by comparison,
seemed the lesser danger of the two ; a conclusion
which my uncle arrived at by balancing reasons, and
the others by balancing fears. They tied pillows
upon their heads with napkins ; and this was their
whole defence against the showers that fell round
them.
It was now day everywhere else, but there a
deeper darkness prevailed than in the most obscure
night ; relieved, however, by many torches and
divers illuminations. They thought proper to go
down upon the shore to observe from close at hand
if they could possibly put out to sea, but they found
the waves still run extremely high and contrary.
There my uncle having thrown himself down upon a
disused sail, repeatedly called for, and drank, a
draught of cold water ; soon after, flames, and a
481
VOL. I. I I
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
marumque praemintius odor sulfiiris alios in fugam
vertunt, excitant ilium. Innitens^ servulis duobus
assurrexit et statim c-oncidit, ut ego colligo,- crassiore
caligine spiritu obstructo clausoque stomacho, qui illi
natura invalidus et angustus et frequenter inter-
aestuans ^ erat. Ubi dies redditiis (is ab eo, quem
novissinae viderat, tertius), corpus inventum est
integrum, illaesum opertumque, ut fuerat indutus ;
habitus corporis quiescenti quam dcfuncto similior.
Interim Miseni ego et mater. Sed nihil ad historiam,
nee tu aliud quam de exitu eius scire voluisti.
Finem ergo faciam. Unum adiciam, omnia me,
quibus intei'fueram, quaeque statim, cum maxime
vera memorantur, audiei'am, persecutum. Tu potis-
sima excerpes. Aliud est enim epistulam, aliud
historiam, aliud amico, aliud omnibus scribere.
Vale.
XVII
C. Plinius Restituto Suo S.
Indignatiunculam, quam in cuiusdam amici audi-
torio cepi, non possum mihi temperare quo minus
apud te, quia non contingit coram, per epistulam
' innitens M, Bipons, K, innixus Dpra, Midler.
2 colligo M, Bipons, K, coniecto Dpra, Aliiller.
BOOK VI. xvi.-xvii
strong smell of sulphur, which was the forerunner of
them, dispersed the rest of the company in flight ;
him they only aroused. He raised himself up with
the assistance of two of his slaves, but instantly fell ;
some unusually gross vapour, as I conjecture, having
obstructed his breathing and blocked his windpipe,
which was not only naturally weak and constricted,
but chronically inflamed. When day dawned again
(the third from that he last beheld) his body was
found entire and uninjured, and still fully clothed as
in life ; its posture Avas that of a sleeping, rather
than a dead man.
Meanwhile my mother and I were at Misenum.
But this has no connection with history, and your
inquiry went no farther than concerning my uncle's
death. I will therefore put an end to my letter.
Suffer me only to add, that I have faithfully related
to you what I was either an eye-witness of myself, or
heard at the time, when report speaks most trul}-.
You will select what is most suitable to your
purpose ; for there is a great difference between a
letter, and an history ; between writing to a friend,
and writing for the public. Farewell.
XVII
To Restitutus
I CANNOT forbear pouring out before you in a letter
since I have no opportunity of doing so in person,
the little fit of an^er I was taken with at a recital Th
a friend's house. The work read to us was a highly
' inleraestuana Dp a, Bipons, Miiller, intus aest. ?•,
aestuans M, K.
483
t I 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
effundam. Recitabatur liber absolutissimus. Hunc
duo aut tres, ut sibi et paucis videntur, diserti, surdis
mutisqiie similes audiebant. Non labra diduxerunt,
uon inoverunt manunij non denique assurrexerunt,
salteni lassitudine sedendi.
Quae tanta gravitas ? quae tanta sapientia ? quae
immo pigritia, arrogantiaj sinisteritas ac potius amen-
tia, in hoc totum diem impendere, ut ofFendas, ut
inimicum relinquas, ad quem tamquam amicissimum
veneris ? Disertior ipse es ? Tanto magis ne in-
yideris. Nam, qui invidet, minor est. Denique, sive
plus sive minus sive idem praestas, lauda vel inferio-
rem vel superiorem vel parem ; superiorem, quia, nisi
laudandus ille, non potes ipse laudari ; inferiorem aut
parem, quia pertinet ad tuam gloriam quam maximum
videri, quem praecedis vel exaequas.
Equidem omnes, qui aliquid in studiis faciunt,
venerari etiam mirarique soleo. Est enim res diffici-
lis, ardua, fastidiosa, et quae eos, a quibus contemni-
tur, invicem contemnat. Nisi forte aliud iudicas tu.
Quamquam quis uno te reverentior huius operis, quis
benignior aestimator ? Qua ratione ductus tibi
potissimum indignationem meam prodidi, quem
habere socium maxime poteram. Vale.
484
BOOK VI. xvii
finished performance ; but there were two or three
persons among the audience, men of eloquence in
their own and a few others' estimation, who
sate like so many deaf-mutes, without so much as
moving a lip or a hand, or once rising to their feet,
even by way of relief from a seated posture.
Now what means all this portentous wisdom and
solemnity, or rather, indeed (to give it its true
appellation), this indolence, this arrogance, this
^ucherie, nay, idiocy, that will be at the expense of
a wTioTcT day merely to affront and leave as your
enemy a man you visited as a particular friend .''
Are you more eloquent than the orator vou chance to
be listening to ? So much the rather should you be
on your guard against envy, a passion only felt
towards our superiors. In fine, be your talent
greater or equal, or less than the performer's, you
should still praise him ; if less, because if one of
more exalted abilities does not meet with applause,
neither possibly can you : if greater or equal,
because the higher his glory rises whom you equal or
excel, the more considerable yours must necessarily
be.
For my own part, I honour and revere all who
discover any talent for oratory ; for the Muse of
Eloquence is a coy and haughty dame, who scorns to
reside with those that despise her. But perhaps you
are not of this opinion : yet who has a greater
regard for this glorious science, or is a more candid
judge of it than yourself? In confidence of which, I
chose to vent my indignation particularly to you,
as not doubting you would be the first to share it.
Farewell.
485
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XVIII
C. PuNius SAniNo Suo S.
RoGAS, ut agam Firmanorum publicam causam ;
quod ego, qiiamquam plurimis occupaHonibus disten-
tus, adnitar. Cupio enim et ornatissimam coloniam
advocationis officio et te gratissimo tibi munere
obstringere. Nam^ cum familiaritatem nostram^ ut
soles praedicare, ad praesidium ornamentumque tibi
suuipseriSj nihil est, quod negare debeam, praesertim
pro patria petenti. Quid enim j)recibus aut hones-
tius piis aut efficacius amantisj} Proinde Firmanis
tuis ac iam potius nostris obliga fid em meam ; quos
laboi'e et studio meo dignos cum splendor ipsorum
turn hoc maxime pollicetur, quod cvedibile est
optimos essCj inter quos tu talis moreris.^ Vale.
XIX
C. PuNius Nepoti Suo S.
Scis tu accessisse pretium agris, praecipue subur-
banis ? Causa subitae caritatis res multis agitata
sermouibus. Proximis comitiis honestissimas voces
senatus expressit : " Candidati ne conviventur, ne
mittant munera, ne pecunias deponant." Ex quibus
' moreris M, Bipons, extiteria Dpra, K, Muller.
486
BOOK VI. xviiL-xix
XVIII
To S A BIN us
I WILL endeavour as you desire to undertake the
cause of the Firmani, though I have many affairs
upon my liands : for I should be extremely glad to
oblige an illustrious colony by my professional services,
and yourself by an acceptable favour. How indeed
can I refuse you anything, who profess to have
sought my friendship as your ornament and support,
especially when^your request is on behalf of your
native place ? vFor what can be more honourable
than the prayers of duteous -^ affection, or more
powerful than those of a friend ? You may engage for
me therefore to your, or rather as I should now call
them our, friends the Firmani. And though their
own illustrious character promises that they will
deserve my care and pains ; yet I derive my chief
assurance of this, from seeing a man of your dis-
tinguished virtues tarrying amongst them.
XIX
To Nepos
Are you informed that the price of land is risen
especially in the neighbourhood of Rome ? The cause
of this sudden advance has been much discussed,. At
the last assembly for the election of magistrates, the
Senate passed a very honourable decree, whereby the
candidates for any office are prohibited from giving
any treat, present, or depositing sums of money.'*
" fic. in the hands of agents, to be distributed as bribes.
487
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
duo priora tain aperte quam immodice fiebant, hoc
tertium, quaiiKjuam occultaretur, pro coinperto
habebatur.
Homullus deinde noster, vigilanter usus hoc con-
sensu senatus sententiae loco postulavit, ut consules
desiderium universorum notum princlpi facerent
peterentque^ sicut ahis vitiis huic quoque providentia
sua occurreret. Occunit ; nam snmptus candidatorum
foedos illos et infames ambitus lege restrinxit ;
eosdem patrimonii tertiam partem conferre iussit in
ea^ quae solo continerentur, deforme arbitratus, ut
erat/ honorem petituros urbem Italiamque non pro
patria, sed pro hospitio aut stabulo quasi peregrinan-
tes habere.
Concursant ergo candidati ; certatim, quidquid
venale audiunt, emptitant^ quoque sint plura venalia,
efficiunt. Proinde, si paenitet te Italicorum praedio-
rum, hoc vendendi tempus tam hercule quam in
provinciis comparandi, dum iidem candidati illic
vendunt, ut hie emant. Vale.
y
XX
C. PlINIUS CORNELIO TaCITO SuO S.
Ais te adductum litteris^ quas exigenti tibi de morte
avunculi mei scripsi^ cupere cognoscere, quos ego
1 ut erat a, Bipons, Midler, et erat K, codd.
BOOK VI. xix.-xx
The two former of these abuses were practised with
as little restraint as concealment ; the latter, though
carried on secretly was well known to exist.
Our friend Homullus, alertly taking advantage of
this unanimity of the Senate, instead of speaking to
the motion before the house, moved that the consuls
should acquaint the Emperor of the universal wish
and request him to obviate this abuse, as he has
otliers, by personal interposition. The Emperor was
pleased to do so, and published an edict to restrain
those infamous largesses ; wherein he directs that no
person shall be admitted as a candidate who does
not invest a third part of his fortune in real estate ;
esteeming it highly indecent (as no doubt it is) that
those who seek office should look upon Rome and
Italy not as their native land, but as a hospice or inn
for them upon their travels.
Hence there is a general struggle among candi-
dates ; they bid against each other for every estate
they hear is for sale, and thus bring more into the
market. If therefore you repent of owning Italian
lands, now is the time to sell them. And now, too,
in good faith is the time to acquire estates in the
provinces, for those same candidates are selling there,
in order to buy here. Farewell.
XX
To Cornelius Tacitus
The letter which, in compliance with your request,
I wrote to you concerning the death of my uncle,"
lias raised, you say, your curiosity to know not only
" See vi. 16.
489
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Miseni rclictus (id enim ingressus abruperam) rion
solum metuSj verura etiam casus pertulerim.
" Quamquam animus meminisse horret,
Incipiam." ^
Profecto avunculo ipse reliquum tempiis studiis
(ideo enim remanseram) impendi : mox balineum,
cena, somnus inqiiietus et brevis. Praecesserat per
multos dies tremor terrae minus formidolosus, quia
Campaniae solitus ; ilia vero nocte ita invaluit, ut nou
moveri omnia^ sed everti crederentur. Inrumpit in
cubiculum meum mater; surgebam invicem, si quie-
sceret^ excitaturus. Residimus^ in area domus, quae
mare a tectis modico spatio dividebat. Dubito,
eonstantiam vocare an imprudentiam debeam ; agebara
enim duodevicesimum annum. Posco librum Titi
Livii et quasi per otium lego, atque etiam, ut
coeperam, excerpo. Ecce amicus avunculi, qui nuper
ad eum ex Hispania venerat, ut me et matrem
sedentes, me vero etiam legentem videt, illius pati-
entiam, securitatem meam corripit, Nihilo segnius
ego intentus in librum.
lam hora diei prima, et adhuc dubius et quasi
languidus dies. lam quassatis circumiacentibus
tectis, quamquam in aperto loco, angusto tamen,
magnus et certus ruinae metus. Turn denuun
^ Verg. Aen. ii. 12.
^ Residimus Bipons, K, Merrill (e cod. Urhin.), resedi-
mu8 Dpra, Midler, residemus M.
490
BOOK VI. XX
what terrors, but what calamities I endured when
left behind at Misenum (for there I broke off my
narrative).
"Though my shock'd soul recoils, my tongue shall
tell."
My uncle having set out, I gave the rest of the
day to study — the object which had kept me at home.
After which I bathed, dined, and retired to short
and broken slumbers. There had been for several
days before some shocks of earthquake, which the
less alarmed us as they are frequent in Campania;
but that night they became so violent that one might
think that the world was not being merely shaken,
but turned topsy-turvy. My mother flew to my
chamber ; I was just i-ising, meaning on my part to
awaken her, if she was asleep. We sat down in the
forecourt of the house, which separated it by a short
space from the sea. I know not whether I should
call it courage or inexperience — I was not quite
eighteen — but I called for a volume of Livy, and
began to read, and even went on with the extracts I
was making from it, as if nothing were the matter.
Lo and behold, a friend of my uncle's, who was just
come to him from Spain, appears on the scene ;
observing my mother and me seated, and that I have
actually a book in my hand, he sharply censures her
patience and my indifference ; nevertheless I still
went on intently with my author.
It was now six o'clock in the morning, the light
still ambiguous and faint. The buildings around us
already tottered, and though we stood upon open
ground, yet as the place was narrow and confined,
there was certain and formidable danger from their
491
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
excedere oppido visum. Sequitur valgus altonitum,
quodque in pavore simile prudentiae, alienum
consilium suo praefert ingentique agmine abeuntes
premit et impellit. Egressi tecta consistimus.
Multa ibi miranda^ multas formidines patimur. Nam
vehicula, quae produci iusseramus^ quamquam in
pianissimo campo. in contrarias partes agebantur ac
ne lapidibus quidem fulta in eodem vestigio quiesce-
bant. Praeterea mare in se resorberi et tremore
terrae quasi repelli videbamus. Certe processerat
litus multaque animalia maris siccis arenis detinebat.
Ab altero latere nubes atra et horrenda ignei sj)iritus
tortis vibratisque discursibus rupta in longas flam-
marum figuras dehiscebat ; fulgoribus illae et similes
et maiores erant.
Turn vero ille idem ex Hispania amicus acrius et
instantiuSj "Si frater," inquit, "tuus^ tuus avunculus
vivit, vult esse vos salvos : si periit, superstites
voluit. Proinde quid cessatis evadei'e ? " Respondi-
mus non commissuros nos, ut de salute eius incerti
nostrae consuleremus. Non moratus ultra proripit se
effusoque cursu periculo aufertur. Nee multo post
ilia nubes descendere in terras^ operire maria ; cinxe-
rat Capreas et absconderat^ Miseni quod procurrit,
abstulerat. Turn mater orare, hortari, iubere,
492
BOOK VI. XX
collapsing. It was not till then we resolved to quit
the town. The common people follow us in the
mtmost consternation, preferring the judgement of
others to their own (wherein the extreme of fear
resembles prudence), and impel us onwards by
pressing in a crowd upon our rear. Being got outside
the houses, we halt in the midst of a most strange
and dreadful scene. The coaches which we had
ordered out, though upon the most level ground, were
sliding to and fro, and could not be kept steady even
wlien stones were put against the wheels. Then we
beheld the sea sucked back, and as it were repulsed
by the convulsive motion of the earth ; it is certain
at least the shore was considerably enlarged, and
now held many sea animals captive on the dry sand.
On the other side, a black and dreadful cloud
bursting out in gusts of igneous serpentine vapour
now and again yawned open to reveal long fantastic
flames, resembling flashes of lightning but much
larger.
Our Spanish friend already mentioned now spoke
with more warmth and instancy : " If your brother —
if your uncle,'' said he, " is yet alive, he wishes you
both may be saved ; if he has perished, it was his
desire that you might survive him. Why therefore
do you delay your escape ? " We could never think of
our own safety, we said, while we were uncertain of his.
Witliout more ado our friend hurried off, and took
himself out of danger at the top of his speed.
Soon afterwards, the cloud I have described began
to descend upon the earth, and cover the sea. It
had already begirt the hidden Capreae, and blotted
from sight the promontory of Misenum. My mother
now began to beseech, exhort, and command me to
493
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
quoquo niodo fugerem ; posse enim iuvenem, se et
annis et corpore gravem bene morituram, si mihi
causa mortis non fuisset. Ego contra salvum me
nisi una non futurum ; deinde manum eius am-
plexus addere graduni cogo ; paret aegre, incusatque
sCj quod me morctur. lam cinis, adhuc tamen
rarus. Respicio ; densa caligo tergis imminebat, quae
nos torrentis modo infusa terrae sequebatur.
" Deflectamus/' inquam, " dum videmus, ne in via
strati comitantium turba in tenebris obteramur."
Vix consederamus,^ et nox, non quasi illunis aut
nubila, sed qualis in locis clausis lumine exstincto.
Audires ululatus feminarum, infantium quiritatus,
clamores virorum ; alii parentes^ alii liberos, alii
coniuges vocibus requirebant, vocibus noscitabant ; hi
suum casum, illi suorum miserebantur ; erantj qui
metu mortis mortem precarentur. Multi ad deos
manus tollere : plures nusquam iam deos ullos aeter-
namque illam et novissimam noctem muudo
i nterpretabantu r.
Nee defuerunt, qui fictis mentitisque terroribus
vera pericula augerent. Aderant, qui Miseni illud
ruisse, illud ardere falsOj sed credentibus nuntiabant.
Paulum reluxit ; quod non dies nobis, sed adventantis
ignis indicium videbatur. Et ignis quidem longius
substitit, tenebrae rursus, cinis rursus multus et
* consederamus Blpons, Midler^ consider. K, Mtrrill.
494
BOOK VI. XX
escape as best I might ; a young man could do it ;
she, burdened with age and corpulency, would die
easy if only she had not caused my death. I replied,
I would not be saved without her, and taking her by
the hand, I hurried her on. She complies reluctantly
and not without reproaching herself for retarding me.
Ashes now fall upon us, though as yet in no great
quantity. I looked behind me ; gross darkness
pressed upon our rear, and came rolling over the
land after us like a torrent. I proposed while we
yet could see, to turn aside, lest we should be knocked
down in the road by the crowd that followed us and
trampled to death in the dark. We had scarce sat
down, when darkness overspread us, not like that of
a moonless or cloudy night, but of a room when
it is shut up, and the lamp put out. You could
hear the shrieks of women, the crying of children,
and the shouts of men ; some were seeking their
children, others their parents, others their wives or
husbands, and only distinguishing them by their
voices ; one lamenting his own fate, another that of
his family ; some praying to die, from the very fear
of dying ; many lifting their hands to the gods ; but
the greater part imagining that there were no gods
left anywhere, and that the last and eternal night
was come upon the world.
There were even some who augmented the real
perils by imaginary terrors. Newcomers reported
that such or such a building at Misenum had collapsed
or taken fire — falsely, but they were credited. By
degrees it grew lighter ; which we imagined to be
rather the warning of approaching fire (as in truth it
was) than the return of day : however, the fire stayed
at a distance from us : then again came darkness, and
495
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
gravis. Hunc identidem adsurgentes excutiebamus ;
operti alioqui atque etiam oblisi pondere essemus.
Possem gloriari non gemitum mihi^ non vocem parum
fortem in tantis periculis excidisse, nisi me cum
omnibus, omnia mecum perire misero, magno tamen
mortalitatis solacio ci*edidissem.
Tandem ilia caligo tenuata quasi in fumum nebu-
lamve decessit ; mox dies verus, sol etiam efFulsit,
luridus tamen, quails esse, cum deficit, solet. Occur-
sabant trepidantibus adhuc oculis mutata omnia
altoque cinere tamquam nive obducta. Regressi
Misenum curatis utcunque corporibus suspensam
dubiamque noctem spe ac metu exegimus. Metus
praevalebat ; nam et tremor terrae perseverabat, et
plerique lymphati terrificis vaticinationibus et sua
et aliena mala ludificabantur. Nobis tamen ne tunc
quidem, quamquam et expertis periculum et exspec-
tantibus, abeundi consilium, donee de avunculo
nuntius.
Haec nequaquam historia digna non scripturus
leges et tibi, scilicet qui requisisti, imputabis, si
digna ne epistula quidem videbuntur. Vale.
496
BOOK VI. XX
a heavy shower of ashes ; we were obliged every now
and then to rise and shake them off, otherwise we
should have been buried and even crushed under their
weight. I might have boasted that amidst dangers so
appalling, not a sigh or expression of fear escaped
from me, had not my support been founded in that
miserable, though strong consolation, that all man-
kind were involved in the same calamity, and that 1
was perishing with the world itself.
At last this dreadful darkness was attenuated by
degrees to a kind of cloud or smoke, and passed
away ; presently the real day returned, and even the
sun appeared, though lurid as when an eclipse is
in progress. Every object that presented itself to
our yet affrighted gaze was changed, cover'd over with
a drift of ashes, as 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, and
several enthusiastic people were giving a grotesque
turn to their own and their neighbours' calamities by
terrible predictions. Even then, 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 should receive some
tidings of my uncle.
And now, you will read this narrative, so far
beneatli the dignity of a history, without any view of
transferring it to your own ; and indeed you must
impute it to your own i-equest, if it shall appear scarce
worthy of a letter. Farewell.
497
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XXI
C. Plinius Caninio Suo S.
Sum ego is,^ qui mirer antiques, non tamen ut
quidam tempoi'um nostrorum ingenia despicio.
Neque enim quasi lassa et effeta natura, ut nihil
iam laudabile pariat. Atque adeo nuper audii Ver-
gilium Romanum paucis legentem comoediam ad
exemplar vetei-is comoediae scriptam tam bene, ut
esse quandoque possit exemplar.
Nescio, an noris hominem. Quamquam nosse
debes ; est enim probitate morum, ingenii elegantia,
operum varietate monstrabilis. Scrij^sit mimiambos
tenuiter, argute, venuste atque in hoc genere
eloquentissime (nullum est enim genus, quod
absolutum non possit eloquentissimum dici), scripsit
comoedias Menandrum aliosque aetatis eiusdem
aemulatus ; licet has inter Plautinas Terentianasque
numeres.
Nunc primum se in vetere comoedia, sed non tam-
quam inciperet, ostendit. Non illi vis, non granditas,
^ sum ego is, qui mirer Oierig, Miilltr, sum ex lis, qui mirer
codd., ex lis, qui mirantur Schcifer.
" i.e. the Aristophanic ; see note below. Vergilius
Romanus is otherwise unknown. '
' On mimiamhi see IV. 3, note.
« The Alexandrian critics divided Attic Comedy into the
"Old" and the "New." Aristophanes is the greatest master
of the former, which deals with personal and political
498
BOOK VI. xxi
XXI
To Caninus
Though 1 acknowledge myself" an admirer of the
ancients, yet I am very far from despising, as some
affect to do, the genius of the moderns : nor can 1
suppose, that nature in these latter ages is so worn
out, as to be incapable of any valuable production.
On the contrary, I liave lately had the pleasure of
hearing Vergilius Romanus read to a few select
friends a Comedy so justly formed upon the plan of
the Ancient,* that it may one day serve itself for a
modeT!"""^"*
I know not whether he is in the number of your
acquaintance ; I am sure at least he deserves to be
so, as he is greatly distinguished by the probity of
his manners, the elegance of his genius, and the
variety of his productions. He has written some
very agreeable pieces of the burlesque kind in
Iambics,^ with much delicacy, wfTaftd himiour, and I
will add too, even eloquence ; for every species of
composition, which is finished in its kind, may with
propriety be termed eloquent. He has also com-
posed some Comedies after the manner of Menander
and other authors of that age, which deserve to be
ranked with those of Plautus and Terence.
He has now, for the first time, attempted the
ancient" Comedy, but in such a manner as to shew
he is a perfect master in this way. Strength,
majesty, and delicacy, softness, poignancy, and wit,
satire ; Menander of the latter, which satirised types, not
individuals, and created the stock-characters we meet in the
Latin adaptations of Plautus and Terence.
499
K K 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
lion subtilitas, non amaritudo, non dulcedo, non
lepos defuit ; oniavit virtutes, insectatus est vitia,
fictis nominibus decenter, veris usus est apte. Circa
me tantum benignitate nimia luodum excessit, nisi
quod tamen poetis mentiri licet. In summa extor-
quebo ei librum legendumque, inimo ediscendum
mittani tibi ; neque enim dubito futurum ut non
deponas, si semel sumpseris. Vale.
XXII
C. Plinius TiRONi Suo S.
Magna res acta est omnium, qui sunt provinciis
praefuturi, magna omnium^ qui se simpliciter credunt
amicis. Lustricus Bruttianus cum Montanum^
Atticinum, comitem suum, in multis flagitiis depre-
bendisset, Caesari scripsit. Atticinus flagitiis addidit,
ut quem deceperat, accusaret. Recepta cognitio est.
Fui in consilio ; egit uterque pro se, egit autem
carptim et Kara K^tjidXaiov^ quo genere Veritas statim
ostenditur.
* Moubanum p, Catan. a, Bipons, Montanium M Dr, K.
500
BOOK VI. xxi.-xxii
are the j^races which shine out in this performance
with full lustre. He represents Virtue in the fairest
colours, at the same time that he lashes vice ; he
makes use of feigned names with great propriety, of
real ones with much justness. With respect only
to myself, I should say he has erred through an
excess of good-will, if I did not know that fiction is
the privilege of poets. In a word, I will insist upon
his letting me have the copy, that I may send it to
you for your perusal, or rather that you may get it
by heart ; for I am well persuaded when you have
once taken it up, you will not easily lay it aside.
Farewell.
XXII
To Tiro
An affair has lately been transacted here, which
nearly concerns those who shall hereafter be
appointed governors of provinces, as well as every
man who too incautiously trusts his friends. Lus-
tricus Bruttianus having detected his lieutenant,
Montanus Atticinus, in several enormous crimes,
wrote a report to the Emperor. Atticinus on the
other hand added to his guilt by commencing a
prosecution against the friend whose confidence lie
had abused. His information was received, and I
Avas one of the assessors at this trial. Both parties
pleaded their own cause, but in a summary way,
keeping closely to the articles of the charge ; a
method by much the shortest of discovering the
truth.
501
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Protulit Bruttianus testamentum suum, quod
Atticini manu sciiptuin esse dicebat ; hoc cnim et
arcana familiaritas et querendi de eo, quern sic
amasset, necessitas indicabatur. Enumeravit crimina
foeda manifesta ; quae ille, cum diluere non posset,
ita regessit, ut, dum defenditur, turpis, dum accusat,
sceleratus probaretur. Corru])to enim scribae servo
interceperat commentarios intercideratque ac per
summum nefas utebatur ad versus amicuui criinine
suo.
Fecit pulcherrime Caesar ; non enim de Bruttiano,
sed statim de Atticino jiierrogavit. Damnatus et in
insulam relegatus ; Bruttiano iustissimum integri talis
testimonium redditum, quem quidem etiam constan-
tiae gloria secuta est. Nam defensus expeditissime
accusavit vehementer nee minus acer quam bonus et
sincerus apparuit.
Quod tibi scripsi, ut te sortitum provinciam prae-
monerem, plurimum tibi credas nee cuiquam satis
fidas, deinde scias, si quis forte te, quod abominor,
fallat, paratam ultionem ; qua tamen ne sit opus,
etiam atque etiam attende. Neque enim tam iu-
cundum est vindicari quam decipi miserum. Vale.
502
BOOK VI xxii
Bruttianus, as a proof of the implicit confidence
he had reposed in his friend, and that nothing but
absohite necessity could have extorted from him^
this complaint, produced his will ; all, as he said, in
the hand-writing of Atticinus. He then enumerated
the latter's infamous and patent crimes. Being
unable to rebut the accusations, Atticinus resorted
to counter-charges, which only served to show his
cowardliness as defendant and his villainy as plaintiff.
For it came out that by bribing a slave belonging to
Bruttianus' secretary, he had got at his account-
books, which he falsified ; and had the consummate
villainy to malie this criminal act a weapon against
his friend.
The Emperor took an extremely noble course ; he
immediately asked the verdict of the house, not
upon Bruttianus, but Atticinus. He was condemned,
and banished to an island. Bruttianus was thus
accorded a well -deserved testimony of his integrity,
and further reaped the credit of having behaved
courageously. For he defended himself promptly,
pressed his charges against Atticinus with vigour,
and approved himself no less a man of spirit than of
worth and honesty.
I send you this account firstly as a caution to
depend mainly upon yourself in the government you
have obtained, and not trust anyone very far ; next,
to assure you that if you should happen to be
imposed upon (which Heaven forefend) you will
readily meet with satisfaction here. Nevertheless,
be constantly on the watch that you may stand in no
need of it ; for the pleasure of being redressed
cannot compensate the wretchedness of being
deceived. Farewell.
503
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XXIII
C. Plinius Tuiario Suo S.
Impensr petis, ut agam causam pertinentem ad
curam tuarrij pulcliram alioquin et famosam. Faciam,
sed non gratis. "Qui fieri potest/' inquis, " ut iion
gratis tu ? " Potest; exigam enim mercedem hones-
tiorem gratuito patroeinio. Peto atque etiam pacis-
cor, ut siniul agat Cremutius Ruso. ' Solitum hoc mihi
et iam in pluribus claris adulescentibus factitatum.
Nam mire concupisco bonos iuvenes ostendere foro,
adsignare fomae.
Quod si cui^ praestare Rusoni meo debeo vel
propter natales ipsius vel propter eximiam mei cari-
tatem ; quem magni aestimo in isdcm iudiciis^ ex
isdem etiam partibus conspici, audiri. Obliga me,
obliga, ante quam dicat; nam cum dixerit, gratias
ages. Spondeo sollicitudini tuae, spei meae, magnitu-
dini causae suffecturum. Est indolis optimae brevi
producturus alios, si interim productus^ fuerit a nobis.
Neque enim cuiquam tam clarum statim ingenium, ut
possit emergere, nisi illi materia, occasio, fautor etiam
commendatorque contingat. Vale.
^ productus Z)r, K, provectus Mpa.
BOOK VI. xxiii
XXIII
To Triarius
You earnestly request me to undertake a cause in
which you are nearly concerned, and which, besides,
is in itself honourable and famous. Well, I will be
your counsel, but not without a fee. " Is it possible,"
you exclaim, " that my friend Pliny should be so
mercenary?" In truth it is; for I insist upon a
reward which will do me more honour than to give
ray patronage gratuitously. I request then — nay, I
stipulate, that Cremutius Ruso may be joined with
me as counsel. This is a practice which I have
frequently observed with respect to several dis-
tinguished youths ; as I take infinite pleasure in
introducing young men of merit to the bar, and
assigning theni over to Fame.
But if ever I owed this good office to any man, it
is certainly to Ruso, not only upon account of his
j)arentage, but his exceptional affection to me ; and
I should highly value the opportunity of letting him
appear in the same cause and on the same side with
myself. Oblige me in this ; oblige is the word, until
he has pleaded your cause, but then you will thank
me for doing you a favour. I will be answerable
that he shall acquit himself in such a manner as
your solicitude, my hopes, and the importance of the
cause demand. He is a youth of a most excellent
disposition, and when once I shall have produced his
merit, we shall soon see him forward that of others ;
as indeed no man's talents, however shining, can
raise him at once from obscurity unless they find
scope, opportunity, and also a patron to recommend
them. Farewell.
50s
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XXIV
C. Plinius Macro Suo S.
QuAM multum interest, quid a quo ^ fiat ! Eadem
enim facta claritate vel obscuritate facientium aut
tolluntur altissime aut humillime dcprimuntur. Na-
vigabam per Larium nostrum, cum senior amicus
ostendit mihi villam atque etiam cubical um, quod in
lacum prominet. ' Ex hoc/ inquit, ' aliquando mun-
iceps nostra cum marito se praecipitavit.' Causam
requisivi. Maritus ex diutino morbo circa velanda
corporis ulceribus putrescebat : uxor, ut inspiceret,
exegit; neque enim quemquam fideliiis indicaturum,
possetne sanari. Vidit, desperavit ; liortata est, ut
moreretur, comesque ipsa mortis, dux immo et ex-
emplum et necessitas fuit. Nam se cum marito
ligavit abiecitque in lacum.
Quod factum ne mihi quidem, qui municeps, nisi
proxime auditum est ; non quia minus illo clarissimo
Arriae facto, sed quia minor ipsa. Vale.
^ quid a quo Casarib., Bipons, quid a quoque MD pra,
a quo quid K, a quo quidque K}, Midler,
506
BOOK VI. xxiv
XXIV
To Macer
How miicli does tlie fame of human actions depend
upon the station of those who perform them ! Tlie
very same conduct shall either be extolled to the
skies or lie unregarded in the dust, as it happens to
proceed from a person of conspicuous or obscure
rank. I was sailing lately upon our Larius ^ with an
old man of my acquaintance, wlio pointed out to me
a villa, and particularly one of its chambers which
pi'ojccted into the lake. " From that room," said he,
" a woman of our city once threw herself and her
husband." Upon inquiring into the cause, he
informed me that her husband having been long
afflicted with an ulcer in those parts which modesty
conceals, she exacted his leave to inspect it, pro-
testing that no one would give him a more honest
opinion whether it was curable. She looked and
she despaired. She then advised him to put an end
to his life ; and made herself not only the companion
but actually tlie guide, example, and instrument of
his death ; for tying lierself to her husband, she
plunged with him into the lake.
Even I, her fellow-townsman, never heard of this
woman's act until the other day ; it i-emains thus
unknown, not because it was less nobly done than
Arria's famous deed, but because she was less nobly
born than Arria. Farewell.
( " d^he T^ajke of Como. Macer was evidently, like Pliny, a
native of Comum.
5^7
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XXV
C. Pmnius Hispano Suo S.
ScRiDis Robustum, splcndidum equitem Romanum,
ciiin Attilio Scaiiro, amico nieOj Ocriculum usque
commune iter peregisse, deinde nusquam compar-
uisse ; petis, ut Scaurus veniat nosque, si potest^ in
aliqua inquisitionis vestigia inducat. Veniet ; vercor,
ne frustra. Suspicor enim tale nescio quid Robusto
accidisse quale aliquando Metilio CrispOj municipi
meo. Huic ego ordinem impetraveram atque etiam
proficiscenti quadraginta milia nummum ad instru-
endura se ornandumque donaveram nee postea aut
epistulas eius aut aliquem de exitu nuntium accepi.
Interceptusne sit a suis an cum suis, dubium ; certe
non ipse, non quisquani ex servis eius a})paruit.
Utinam ne in Robusto idem experiamur^ ! Tamen
arcessamus Scaurum ; demus hoc tuis, demus oirtimi
adulescentis honestissimis precibus, qui pietate mira,
mira etiam sagacitate patrem quaerit. Di faveant, ut
sic inveniat ipsum, quemadmodum iam, cum quo
fuissetj invenit ! Vale.
^ Utinam ne — experiamiir Bipons, appariiit ut ne Rob.
qnidem. Exper. tamen, arcess. M Dp, K, Ut ne in Rob.
quoque idem cxper, Tamen accers. K^.
508
BOOK VI. XXV
XXV
To HiSPANUS
You inform nie that Robustus, a distinguished
Roman kniglit, travelled along with my friend
Attilius Scaurus as far as Ocriculum, but has never
been heard of since. In compliance with your
request, I shall send for Scaurus, in oi"der to see if
he can give us any clue to tracing him out ; though
I fear, indeed, it will be to no purpose. I suspect an
accident of the same unaccountable kind has befallen
Robustus, as foi'merly happened to my townsman
Metilius Crispus. I procured a company for him in
the army, and gave him when he set out 40,000
sesterces for his equipage : but I never received any
letter from him afterwards, or any tidings of his end.
Whether he was murdered by his servants, or to-
gether with them, is uncertain ; however, neither
he nor they ever appeared more.
I wish we may not find it thus with respect to
Robustus ; nevei'theless I shall send for Scaurus. I
caiuiot refuse this either to your request, or the verj'
laudable entreaties of that most excellent youth his
son, who discovers as much good sense in tlie
method, as he does filial affection in the zeal of his
inquiry. Heaven grant we may have the same
success in finding his father, as he has had in
discovering the person that accompanied him '
Farewell.
509
THE LEITERS OF PLINY
XXVI
C. Pi.iNius Skuviano Suo S.
Gaudeo et gratulor, quod Fusco Saliiiatori filiam
tuam destinasti. Domus patricia, pater hones-
tissimus, mater pari laude ; ipse studiosiis, litteratus,
etiam disertus, puer simplicitate, comitate iuveiiis,
senex gravitate ; neque enim amore decipior. Amo
quidem effuse (ita ofRciis^ ita reverentia meruit),
iudico tamen, et quidem tanto acrius, quanto magis
amo, tibique, ut qui exploraverim, spondeo habiturum
te generum, quo melior fingi ne voto quidem potuit.
Superest, ut avum te quam maturissime similium sui
faciat. Quam felix tempus illud, quo mihi liberos
illius, nepotes tuos ut meos vel liberos vel nepotesex
vestro sinu sumere et quasi pari iure tenere coutiu-
get ! Vale.
XXVII
C. Plinius Severo Suo S.
RoGAS, ut cogitem, quid designatus consul in
honorem principis censeas. Facilis inventio, non
facilis electio ; est enim ex virtutibus eius larga
510
BOOK VI. xxvi.-xxvii
XXVI
To Servianus
I AM extremely i-ejoiced to hear, tliat you have
betrothed your daughter to Fulcus Salinator, and
congratulate you u{)on it. His family is patrician,
and both his father and mother are persons of the
most exalted merit. As for himself, he is studious,
learned, even eloquent, and with all the innocence ot
a child, unites the sprightliness of youth to the
wisdoAi of age. I am not, believe me, duped by my
affection ; for though 1 do love him beyond measure
(as his services and respect to me well deserve) I yet
can judge him, and the more vigorously for loving
him so well. Take my word for it (and I speak
from thorough knowledge), you will have a son-in-
law who is all your fancy can paint, or your heart
desire. It only remains to wish that he may right
speedily present you with grancT-sons who shall
resemble their father. Happy the day when I shall
receive from the arms of two such friends the
children of one and grand-children of the other,
even as if I were myself their father or grandsire,
and hold them, as though by equal right, in my
embrace ! Farewell.
XXVII
To Severus
You desire me to consider what turn you should
give to your speech in honour of the Emperor, upon
your being appointed consul. It is easy to find, but
not easy to select, topics of encomium, for this
511
THE LEITERS OF PLINY
materia. Scribam tamen vel, quod malo^ coram
indicabo^ si prius haesitationem meam ostendero.
Diibito, mini idem tibi suadere quod mihi dcbeam.
Designatus ego consul omni hac^ etsi iion adulatione,
S{)ecie tamen adulationis abstinui non tamquam liber
et constans, sed tamquam intelle^ens principis nostri^
cuius videbam banc esse praecipuam laudem, si
nihil quasi ex necessitate decernerem. Recordabar
etiam plurimos honores pessimo cuique delatos, a
quibus hie optimus separari non alio magis poterat
quam diversitate censendi ; quod ipsum dissimula-
tione et silentio non praeterii, ne forte non indicium
illud meunij sed oblivio videretur.
Hoc tunc ego ; sed non omnibus eadem placenta
ne ^ conveniunt quidem. Praeterea faciendi aliquid
vel non faciendi vera ratio cum hominum ipsorum
tum rerum etiam ac temporum condicione mutatur.
Nam recentia opera maximi principis praebent
facultatem nova, magna, vera censendi. Quibus ex
causis, ut supra scripsi, dubito, an idem nunc tibi
quod tunc mihi suadeam. Illud non dubito, debuisse
me in parte consilii tui ponere, quod ipse fecissem.
Vale.
* ne Oeaner, K, nee codd.
BOOK VI. xx^^i
prince's virtues supply them in abundance. How-
ever, I will write, or (what I prefer) indicate my
views to you in person, only I must first lay my
grounds of hesitating before you.
I doubt whether I should advise you to do as I did
on the same occasion.'* When I was consul elect, I
refrained from all that customary panegyric which,
though not adulation, might yet bear the semblance
of it. Not that I affected an intrepid freedom ; but
as well knowing the sentiments of our amiable prince,
and 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 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 eulogise him in a
different manner. And this point I did not omit or
slur over in my speech, lest it might be suspected I
passed over his glorious acts, not out of judgement,
but forgetfulness.
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 pro-
priety 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
magnificent, I doubt (as I said before) whether I
should persuade you to act in this case as I did
myself. In this, however, I am clear, that it was
proper to offer to your consideration the plan I
pursued. Farewell.
» See Bk. III. 13, 18,
VOL. L LI
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XXVIII
C. Plinius Pontic Allifano ^ Suo S.
Scio, quae tibi causa fuerit impedimento, quo
minus praecurrere adventum meum in Campaniaui
posses. Sed, quaniquam absens^ totus hue migrasti ;
tantum mihi copiarum qua urbanarum quarusticarum
nomine tuo oblatum est, quas omnes improbe
quidem, accepi tamen. Nam me ^ tui, ut ita facerem,
rogabant, et verebar, ne et mihi et illis irascereris, si
non fecissem. In posterum, nisi adhibueris ^ modum,
ego adhibebo. Et iam tuis denuntiavi, si rursus tarn
multa attulissent, omnia relaturos. Dices oportere
me tuis rebus ut meis uti. Etiam ; sed perinde illis
ac meis parco. Vale.
XXIX
C. Plinius Quadrato Suo S.
AviDius Quietus, qui me unice dilexit et, quo
non minus gaudeo, probavit, ut multa alia Thra-
seae (fuit enim familiaris) ita hoc saepe referebat,
praecipere solitum susci})iendas esse causas aut ami-
corum aut destitutas aut ad exemplum pertinentes.
* Allifano add. Miiller ut V. 14, VII. 4.
' me Dpra, Bipons, Miiller, et M K.
3 adhibueris Dpra, Bipons, Miiller, adhibueritis M, K.
5U
BOOK VI. xxviii.-xxix
XXVIII
To Pontius Allifanus
I AM not ignorant of the reason which prevented
your coming into Campania to receive me. But
absent as you were, might I have judged by the
profusion of both town and country deUcacies which
were offered me in your name, I should have
imagined you liad conveyed yourself hither with
your whole possessions. I must own I was so arrant
a clown, as to take all that was offered me ; however
it was in compliance with the solicitations of your
people, and fearing you would chide both them and
me if I refused. But for the future, if you will not
observe some measure, / must. And I have warned
your domestics, if ever they serve me up such lavish
meals again, they will take them away untouched.
You will tell me that I ought to use what is yours as
if it were mine. I am sensible of that ; but I would
be as sparing of your good things as I am of my own.
Farewell.
XXIX
To QUADRATUS
AviDius Quietus, whose affection, and (what I
equally value) whose esteem I enjoyed in un-
common measure, used frequently to repeat this
maxim, among others, of Thrasea's (whom he knew
intimately) — " There are three sorts of causes which
we ought to undertake ; those of our friends, those
of the deserted, and those which tend to form a
515
L L 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Cur amicorum, non eget interpretatione ; cur de-
stitutas ? quod in illis maxiine et constantia agentis
et humanitas cemeretur ; cur pertinentis ^ ad exem-
plum ? quia plurimum referrct, bonum an malum
induceretur. Ad liaec ego genera causarum ambitiose
fortasse, addam tamen claras et illustres. Aequum
enim est agere non numquam gloriae et famae, id est,
suam, causam.
Hos tenninos, quia me consuluisti, dignitati ac
verecundiae tuae statuo. Nee me praeterit usum et
esse et haberi optimum dicendi magistnim ; video
etiam multos parvo ingenio, litteris nullis, ut bene
agerent, agendo consecutos. Sed et illud, quod vel
Pollionis vel tamquam Pollionis accepi, verissimum
experior : ' Commode agendo factum est, ut saepe
agerem, saepe agendo, ut minus commode ' ; quia
scilicet adsiduitate niniia facilitas magis quam facultas
nee fiducia, sed temeritas paratur. Nee vero Isocratij
quo minus haberetur summus orator, offecit, quod
infirmitate vocis, mollitia frontis, ne in publico diceret,
impediebatur.
Proinde multum lege, scribe, meditare, ut possis,
cum voles, dicere ; dices, cum velle debebis. Hoc
* pertinentis M D, Miiller, pertinentes vidg.
5<6
BOOK VI. xxix
precedent." The reason we should engage in the
cause of our friends requires no explanation ; we
should assist the deserted^ he said, because it shews
a resolute and generous mind ; as we ought to rise in
the cause where precedent is concerned, since it is of
the last consequence v/hether a good or evil one be
introduced. To which three sorts of pleas I will add
(perhaps in the spirit of ambition, however, I will
add) those of the splendid and illusti'ious kind. For
it is reasonable sometimes to plead the cause of
glory and fame, or in other words, one s own.
These are the limits (since you ask my sentiments)
I would prescribe to a person of your dignity and
moderation. I do not forget that practice is generally
esteemed, and in truth is, tli^'best teacher of
eloquence. I have even seen many who with small
genius and no erudition have made themselves good
pleaders by merely pleading. Nevertheless, the
observation of Pollio, or at least what passes for his,
I have found by experience to be most true ; " A
good address at the bar," said he, "brought me
much practice ; and, on the other hand, much
practice spoiled my address." The reason is, too
constant application makes eloquence rather a trick
than a talent, and gives a speaker not confidence but
assurance. Accordingly we see that the bashfulness
of Isocrates, which, together with the weakness of
his voice, hindered his speaking in public, did not
by any means obstruct his fame as a consummate
orator.
Let me farther advise you, to read, write, and
meditate much, that you may be able to speak
whenever you are inclined ; you will only speak, I
know, when your inclination coincides with duty. 1
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
fere temperamentum ipse servavi ; non numquam
neeessitati, quae pars rationis est, parui. Egi enim
quasdam a senatu iussus, quo tamen in nuniero
fuerunt ex ilia Thraseae divisionej hoc est, ad
cxemplum pertinentes.
Adfui Baeticis contra Baebium Massam. Quaesitum
estj an danda esset inquisitio ; data est. Adfui rursus
isdem querentibus de Caecilio Classico. Quaesitum
est, an provinciales ut socios ministrosque proconsulis
plecti oporteret ; poenas luerunt. Accusavi Marium
Priscum, qui lege repetundarum damnatus utebatur
dementia legis, cuius severitatem immanitate crimi-
num excesserat ; relegatus est. Tuitus sum lulium
Bassum ut incustoditum nimis et incautum ita minime
malum ; iudicibus acceptis in senatu remansit. Dixi
proxime pro Vareno postulante, ut sibi invicem
evocare testes liceret ; impetratum est. In posterum
opto ut ea potissimum iubear, quae me deceat vel
sponte fecisse. Vale.
518
BOOK VI. xxix
myself have generally observed the latter rule ;
though I have at times yielded to necessity (which,
however, is the same thing as obeyuig reason).
For I have occasionally pleaded causes by order
of the senate ; but some of these came under
one of Thrasea's classes, that is, they tended to set
up a precedent.
I appeared for the provincials of Baetica against
Baebius Massa * on the motion for bringing him to
trial ; the motion was carried. I pleaded for them
a second time when they impeached Caecilius
Classicus * on the question, whether the subordinate
officers of a consul should be punished as his agents
and accomplices ; penalties were inflicted on the
officers of Classicus. I was prosecuting counsel in
the case of Marius Priscus," who having been
convicted under the law against extortion, sought
to profit by the lenity of that statute, which provided
no adequate penalty for his enormous guilt : but he
v/as sentenced to banishment. I defended Julius
Bassus '^ on the ground that he had acted indiscreetly
and imprudently, but not in the least with any ill
intention : the case was referred to commissioners,
and he was permitted to retain his seat in the
senate. I pleaded the other day on behalf of
Varenus,* who petitioned for leave to examine
witnesses on liTs part ; which was granted him. As
to the future, I wish I may have such causes
enjoined me by authority, as it would become me to
undertake even voluntarily. Farewell.
» vii. 3.3. » iii. 4, 9. • ii. 11.
<* iv. 9. « V. 20.
5^9
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XXX
C. Pi.iNius Fauato Prosocero Suo S.
Dkdemus mehercule natales tuos perinde ac nostros
celebrare, cum laetitia nostrorum ex tuis pendeat,
cuius diligentia et cura hie hilares, istic securi sumus.
Villa Camilliana^ quam in Campania possideSj est
quidem vetustate vexata ; ea tamen,^ quae sunt
pretiosiora, aut Integra manent aut levissime laesa
sunt. Attendimus - ergo, ut quam salubeirime
reficiantur.
Ego videor habere multos amicos, sed huius generis,
cuius et tu quaeris et res exigit, prope neminem.
Sunt enim omnes togati et urbani ; rusticorum autem
praediorum administratio poscit durum aliquem et
agrestem, cui nee labor ille gravis nee cura sordida
nee tristis solitudo videatur. Tu de Rufo honestissime
cogitas ; fuit enim filio tuo familiaris. Quid tamen
nobis ibi praestai^e possit_, ignoro, velle plurimum, seio.
Vale.
XXXI
C. Plinius Corneliano Suo S
EvocATus in consilium a Caesare nostro ad Centum
Cellas (hoc loco nomen) maximam^ cepi voluptatem.
^ ea tamen a, K, et tamen Dpr, tamen M.
■' attendimus M(l)a, Bip., attendemus Dpr , K,
* maximam Dpr, Miiller, magnam Ma, K.
520
BOOK VI. xxx.-xxxi
XXX
To Fabatus, his Wife's Grandfather
I OUGHT, most certainly, to celebrate your birth-day
as my own, since all the happiness of mine arises
from yours, to whose care and diligence it is owing
that I am cheerful in town and easy in the country.
Your Camillian villa j*' in Campania has indeed
suffered by the injuries of time ; however, the most
valuable parts of the building either remain entire,
or are but slightly damaged, so I am seeing to their
being thoroughly repaired.
I flatter myself I have many friends, yet scarce
any, I doubt, of the sort you inquire after, and
which the affair you mention demands. All mine
are complete men about town ; whereas to manage
a country estate requires a person of a I'ough cast
and rustic breeding, who will not look upon the work
as heavy, the office as mean, or the solitude as
melancholy. Your thinking of Rufus does you
honour, since he was your son's bosom-friend ;
but how he can serve us yonder, I know not ;
though I know he has all the will in the world to do
so. Farewell.
XXXI
To Cornelianus
I RECEIVED lately the mostfexquisite entertainment
imaginable at Centumcellae ^ (as it is called), whither
our Emperor had summoned me to his privy council.
" So called, because it formerly belonged to Camillus.
* Now Civita Vecchia.
521
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Quid enim iucundius quam principis iustitiam, gravi-
tatem, comitatem in secessu quoque, ubi maxime
recluduntur, inspicere ? Fueriint variae cognitiones,
et quae virtutes iudicis per plures species experirentur.
Dixit causam Claudius AristoUj^ px'inceps Ephesiorum,
homo munificus, et innoxie popularis. Inde invidia
et ab dissiniillimis delator immissus. Itaque absolutus
vindicatusque est.
Sequenti die audita est Gallitta^adulterii rea. Nupta
haec tribuuo militum honores petituro et suam et
mariti dignitatem centurionis amore maculaverat.
Maritus legato consulari, ille Caesari scrij)S(prat.
Caesar excussis probationibus centurionem exaucto-
ravit atque etiam relegavit. Supererat crimini, quod
nisi duorum esse non poterat, reliqua pars ultionis ;
sed maritum non sine aliqua reprehensione patientiae
amor uxoris retardabat^ quam quidem etiam post
delatum adulterium domi habuerat quasi contentus
aemulum removisse. AdmonituSj ut perageret accusa-
tionem, peregit invitus ; sed illam damnari etiam
invito accusatore necesse erat : damnata et luliae
legis poenis relicta est. Caesar et nomen centmionis
et commemorationem disciplinae militaris sententiae
^ Ariston Dra, Bip., M'dller, Aristion Mp, K. ab a,
Bip., Midler, a r, K, om. M.
^ Gallitta Momms., Galitta vuln.
/-- '. i
" i.e. (1) forfeiture of halt her dower and one-third of her
property, (2) banishment to an island,
' 522 '^
BOOK VI. xxxi
Could anything indeed afford a higher pleasure
than to see the sovereign exercising his justice^ his
wisdom, and his aftkbilityj and that in retirement,
where they are laid most open to view ? Various were
the cases brought before him, whicli showed under
several aspects the virtues of the judge. That of
Claudius Ariston came on first. He is an Epliesian
nobleman, of great munificence and unambitious
popularity; having thus aroused the envy of persons
his oj)posites in character, they had spirited up an
informer against him ; such being the facts, he was
honourably acquitted.
The next day, Gallitta was tried on the charge of
adultery. Her husband, a military tribune, was
upon the point of standing for office, when she
disgraced both him and herself by an intrigue with a
centurion. The husband had written of this to the
consul's legate, and he to the Emperor. Caesar,
having well sifted the evidence, not only broke
but banished the centurion. Still, justice was~but
half satisfied, for the crime is one in which two
pai-ties must necessarily be involved. But the hus-
band drew back out of fondness for his wife, and
was a good deal censured for complaisance ; for
even after her crime was detected he had kept
her under liis roof, content, it should seem, with
having removed his rival. He Avas admonished
to proceed in the suit, which he did with great
reluctance : it was necessary, however, she should
be condemned, even against the prosecutoi*'s will.
Condemned she was, and given up to the punish-
ment directed by the Julian law.^^. The EmjDeror
thought proper to specify, in his judgement, the
name of the centurion, and to dwell upon the
523
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
adiecit^ ne omnes eiusmodi causas revocare ad se
videretur.
Tertio die inducta cognitio est multis sermonibiis
et vario rumore iactata lulii Tironis codicilli, quos
ex parte veros esse constabat, ex parte falsi dicebantur.
Substituebantur crimini Sempronius Senecio, eques
Roraanus, et Eurythmus, Caesaris libertus et pro-
curator. Heredes, cum Caesar esset in Dacia,
communiter ej)istula scripta petierant, ut susciperet
cognitionem ; susceperat. Reversus diem dederat et
cum ex heredibus quidam quasi reverentia Eurythmi
omitterent accusationem^ j)ulcherrime dixerat, ' Nee
ille Poljclitus est nee ego Nero.' Indulserat tamen
petentibus dilationem cuius tempore exacto con-
sederat auditurus. A parte heredum intraverurit duo
omnino : postularunt, ut aut ^ omnes lieredes agere
cogerentur, cum detulissent omnes, aut sibi quoque
desistere permitteretur.
Locutus est Caesar summa gravitate, summa mode-
ratione, cumque advocatus Senecionis et Eurythmi
dixisset suspicionibus relinqui reos, nisi audirentur :
' Non euro/ inquit, 'an isti suspicionibus relin-
quantur, ego relinquor.' Dein conversus ad nos :
' 'ETTio-TT^craTt quid facei-e debeamus; isti enim queri
voTunt,2 quod sibi non licuerit accusare.^ ' Turn ex
consilii sententia iussit denuntiari heredibus omnibus,
^ ut aut Mailer, ut Dpa, om. M, aut K.
2 queri volunt Dpra, Bipons, K^, quaeri volunt M, quaeri
nolunt K.
^ quod sibi non licuerit ace. Miiller, quod sibi lie. non ace.
codd., vulg., qu. sibi non lie. non ace. Gesner, quod illis lie.
non ace. Kukula.
524
BOOK VI. xxxi
claims of military discipline ; lest it should be sup-
posed that he intended to try all similar causes
himself.
The third day an inquiry was begun concerning the
much-discussed will of Julius Tiro, part of which was
plainly genuine, the other part, it was said, was forged.
The persons brought under the charge were Sem-
pronius Senecio, a Roman knight, and Eurythmus,
Caesar's freedman and procurator. The heirs had
written a joint letter to the Emperor when he was in
Dacia, petitioning him to reserve the case for his own
hearing. He did so, and upon his return appointed
a day for the hearing ; and when some of the heirs,
as if from respect to Eurj'thmus, would have with-
drawn the suit, he nobly said, "He is not Polyclitus,**
nor am I Nero." However, he complied with their
request for an adjournment, and the time being
expired, he now sat to hear the cause. Two only of
the heirs appeared ; they requested that either all
the heirs might be compelled to prosecute, as all
had joined in the information, or that they also
might have leave to desist.
Caesar spoke with great dignity and moderation ;
and when the counsel for Senecio and Eurythmus
said, that unless the defendants were heard, they
would remain under suspicion, "I do not care," said
the Emperor, "whether suspicion rests upon your
clients ; it rests upon myself." Then, turning to us,
" Advise me," said he, " what is my proper course,
for you see they want to complain that they have
not been allowed to prosecute." Then, by advice of
the council, he ordered notice to be given to the
heirs collectively, that they should either go on with
• A favourite freedman of Nero.
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
aut agcront aut singuli approbarent causas non
agendi ; alioqui se vel de calumpia pronuntiaturum.
Vides, quam honesti, quam severi dies ; quos
iucundissiinae remissiones scquebantur. Adhibe-
bainiir cotidie cenae : erat modica, si principem
cogitares. Inteidum aKpodnara audicbamus, interdum
iucundissimissermonibusnoxducebatur. Summo die
abeuntibus nobis (tam diligens in Caesare liumanitas)
xenia sunt missa. Sed mihi ut gravitas cognitionum,
consilii honor, suavitas siuiplicitasque convictus ita
locus ipse periucundus fuit.
Villa pulcherrima cingitur viridissimis agris,imminet
litori ; cuius in sinu fit cum maxima portus. Huius
sinistrum brachium finnissimo opere munitum est ;
dextrum elabovatur. In ore portus insula adsurgit,
quae illatum vento mare obiacens frangat tutumqne
ab utroque latere decursum navibus praestet, adsurgit
autem arte visenda ; ingentia saxa latissima navis
provehit; contra, haec alia super alia deiecta ipso
pondere manent ac sensim quodam velut aggere
construuntur. Emiiiet iam et apparet saxeum dorsum
impactosque fluctus in immensum elidit et tollit.
Vastus illic fragor canumque circa mare. Saxis
deinde pilae adicientur, quae procedente tempore
" calumnia was the legal terra for bringing a false or
malicious charge against a person,
526
BOOK VI. xxxi
the suit, or severally show cause for not doing
so ; otherwise that he would at least pi'onounce
them guilty of calumny.'*
Thus you see how honourably and seriously we
spent our days, which however were followed by the
most agreeable recreations. We were every day
invited to Caesar's supper, which, for a prince, was a
modest repast ; there we were either entertained
with interludes, or passed the night in the most
pleasing conversation. On the last day he sent each
of us presents at our departure, so unremitting is
the benevolence of Caesar ! As for myself, I was
not only charmed with the dignity of the proceedings,
the honour paid to the assessors, the ease and
unreserved freedom of the conversation, but with
the place itself
Here is a villa, surrounded by the most verdant
meadows, and overhanging a bay of the coast where
they are at this moment constructing a harbour. The
left-hand mole of this port is protected by iinmensely
solid masonry; the right is now being completed.
An island is rising in the mouth of the harbour,
which -will break the force of the waves when the
wind blows shorewards, and afford passage to ships
on either side. Its construction is highly worth
seeing ; huge stones are transported hither in a
broad-bottomed vessel, and being sunk one upon the
other, are fixed by their own weight, gradually
accumulating in the manner, as it were, of a rampart.
It already lifts its rocky back above the ocean, while
the waves which beat upon it, being tossed to an
immense height, roar prodigiously, and whiten all
the sea round. To these stones are added wooden
piles, which in time will give it the appearance of a
527
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
enatam insulam imitentur. Habebit hie portus et
iam habet nomen auctoris eritque vel maxime
salutaris. Nam per longissimum spatium litus impor-
tuosum hoc receptaculo utetur. V^ale.
XXXII
C. PlINIUS QuiNTlLIANO SuO S.
QuAMVis et ipse sis eontinentissimus et fiHam tuam
ita institueris, ut decebat fiHam tuam, Tutili neptem,
cum tamen sit nuptura honestissimo viro, Nonio
Celeri, cui ratio civiHum officiorum neeessitatem
quandam nitoris imponitj debet secundum condi-
cionem mariti veste, comitatu (quibus non quidem
augetur dignitas, ornatur tamen) instrui. Te porro
animo beatissimum, modicum facultatibus seio. Itaque
partem oneris tui mihi vindico et tamquam parens
alter puellae nostrae confero quinquaginta milia
nummum plus collaturus, nisi a verecundia tua sola
mediocritate munusculi impetrari posse confiderem^
ne recusares. Vale.
XXXIII
C. Plinius Romano Suo S.
* ToLi.iTE cuncta, inquit, coeptosque auferte
labores.'
Seu scribis aliquid seu legis, tolli, auferri iube et
accipe orationem meam ut ilia arma divinam (num
"» The speech of Vulcan to the Cyclopes, when he directs
them to prepare arms for Aeneas, Aeneid, viii. 439.
528
BOOK VI. xxxi.-xxxiii
natural island. This port will be, and already is,
named after its great author, and will prove of
infinite benefit, by affording a haven to ships on a
long stretch of harbourless coast. Farewell.
XXXII
To QUINTILIAN
Though your own tastes are of the simplest, and
you have brought up your daughter as befits a child of
vours and a grand-child of Tutilius ; yet as she is about
to marry so distinguished a person as Nonius Celer,
whose official station requires a certain display, she
must be provided with cloaths and attendance
(things which embellish worth, though they do not
augment it) suitable to her husband's rank. Now,
as I am sensible your material wealth is not equal to
the riches of your mind, I claim to myself a part of
your expense, and like another father, endow our
young lady with fifty thousand sesterces. My con-
tribution should be larger, but that I am well
persuaded the smallness of the gift is the only
inducement that can prevail with your modesty not
to refuse it. Farewell.
XXXIII
To RoMANUS
" ' Hence with the rest,' quoth he, ' and throw aside
Your tasks begun — ' " ^
Whether you are engaged in reading or writing,
cry "Hence" and "Away" to your book or papei's,
and take up my oration, which, like those arms in
the poem, is divine. Nothing, I think, could outdo
529
VOL. I. MM
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
superbius potui ? ) re vera, ut inter nieas pulchrani ;
nam mihi satis est certare mecum.
Est haec pro Attia Variola et digiiitate personae
et exempli raritate et iudicii magnitudine insignis.
Nam feniina splendide nata, nupta praetorio viro,
exlieredata ab octogenario patre intra undecim dies,
quam ille novercam ei ^ amore captus induxerat, quad-
ruplici iudicio bona paterna repetebat. Scdebant
indices centum et octoginta (tot enim quatuor con-
siliis colliguntur),- ingens utrimque advocatio et
numerosa subsellia, praetcrea densa circumstantium
corona latissimum indicium multiplici circulo ambi-
bat. Ad hoc stipatum tribunal, atque etiam ex
superiore basilicae parte qua feminae qua viri et audi-
endi, quod difficile, et, quod facile, visendi studio im-
minebant. Magna exspectatio patrum, magna fili-
arum, magna etiam novercarum. Secutus est varius
everitus. Nam duobus consiliis vicimus, totidem
victi sumus. Notabilis prorsus res et mira eadem in
causa, isdem iudicibus, isdem advocatis, eodem
tempore tanta diversitas accidit, casu, quod non casus
videretur. Victa est noverca ipsa lieres ex parte
sexta, victus Suberinus, qui exheredatus a patre
singulari impudentia alieni patris bona vindicabat non
ausus sui petere.
^ ille novercam ei Dpra, Midler, ille novercam, M, K.
^ coUiguntur Mr, Bipons, K, conscribuntur Dp, Calan.,
Mailer.
<• See p. 10, note.
* Presumably the son, by a former marriage, of Aceia's
step- mother.
BOOK VI. xxxiii
the arrogance of this remark ! But in good earnest,
take this speech into your hands as one of my best ;
for I am content to vie only with myself.
'Tis my plea on behalf of Accia Variola^ notewortliy
from the high rank of the person concerned, the
rarity of such a case in litigation^ and the amplitude
of the tribunal. For here was a high-born lady,
wife to a man of Praetorian rank, suing for her
patrimony in the Centumviral Court ** ; having been
disinherited by a father aged eighty, within eleven
days after the enamoured ancient liad brought home
a step-mother to his daughter. The Court was
composed of one hundred and eighty jurors (for
that is the number of which its four panels consist) ;
a host of advocates appeared on both sides ; the
benches were infinitely thronged, and the spacious
court was encompassed by a circle of people standing
several rows deep. In addition, the tribunal was
crowded, and the very galleries lined with men and
women, hanging over in their eagerness to hear
(which was difficult) and see (which was easy).
Fathers, daughters, and step-mothers too, anxiously
awaited the verdicts. These were diveri>ent, two of
the panels being for us, and two against us. ' , It is
something remarkable and strange, that the same
cause debated before the same jury, and pleaded by
the same advocates, and at the same time, sliould
meet with such contrary judgements— ^by an accident,
which seemed not accidental. Tlie stej)-mother,
who took under tlie will a sixth part of the
inlieritance, lost her cause. So did Subei-inus,?* -ivho
though he was disinherited by his father without
daring to sue for his own patrimony, had yet the
singular effrontery to claim that of another.
531
M M 2
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
Haec tibi exposui, primum ut ex epistula scires
quae ex oratione non poteras, deinde (nam detegam
artes) ut orationem libentius legeres, si non legere
tibi, sed interesse iudicio videreris ; quam, sit licet
magna, non despero gratiam brevissimae impe-
traturam. Nam et copia rerum et arguta divisione
et narratiunculis pluribus et eloquendi varietate
renovatur. Sunt multa (non auderem nisi tibi dicere)
elata, multa pugnacia, multa subtilia. Intervenit
enim acribus illis et erectis frequens necessitas com-
putandi ac paene calculos tabulamque poscendi, ut
repente in privati iudicii foi-mam centumvirale ver-
tatur. Dedimus vela indignationi, dedimus irae,
dedimus dolori et in amplissima causa quasi magno
mari pluribus ventis sumus vecti.
In summa solent quidam ex contubernalibus nos-
tris existimare banc orationem (iterum dicam) ut
inter meas ws virep Ktt/o-k^oJvtos esse ; an_verg»,J.u
facillime iudicabis, qui tarn memoriter tenes omnes,
ut conferre cum liac, dum banc solam legis, possis.
Vale.
" An oration of Demosthenes in defence of Ctesiphon,
esteemed the best of that noble orator's speeches. . . .
Sidonius Apollinaris says that Pliny acquired more honour
by this speech than even by his incomparable panegyric
upon Trajan. (Melni.)
532
BOOK VI. xxxiii
I have given you these details^ firstly that you
might learn from my letter wliat you could not from
my speech ; secondly (for I will lay bare the artifice)
that you might read my speech more willingly by
fancying yourself not a reader, but a spectator of
the trial. Long it may be, but I do not despair of
its gaining the same favour with you as the briefest
possible oration. For abundance of mattei", skilful
division of topics, a profusion of anecdote and variety
of style combine to give it freshness. I will even
venture to say to you (what 1 durst not to any one
else) that a spirit of great fire and sublimity breaks
out in many parts of it, at the same time that in
others it is wi-ought up with much delicacy and
closeness of reasoning. I was frequently obliged to
intermix dry computations v.ith these elevated and
vigorous passages, and to descend from the orator
almost to the accountant ;/so that you will sometimes
"iniaglne^tHe scene'was cnanged from the solemnity
of the centumviral tribunal, to that of a private and
inferior one. I ^aye^ a loose to indignation, resent-
ment, and sorrowT^iiiB steering through the broad
sea of this illustrious cause, was governed by turns
with every varying gust of the passions.
In a word, some of our circle look upon this
speech (and I will venture to repeat it again) as the
Cte.iiphon '^of my orations; whj?thex- with i"eason or
not, you will easily judge, who have them all so
~^efTectly in your memory, as to be able while you
are reading this to compare it with the rest, without
referring to them. Farewell.
533
THE LETTERS OF PLINY
XXXIV
C. Plinius Maximo Suo S.
Recte fecistij quod gladiatorium ^ iminus Veronen-
sibus nostris promisisti, a quibus olim amariSj sus-
piceris, ornaris. Indc etiam uxorem carissimam tibi
et probatissimam habuisti, cuius memoriae aut opus
aliquod aut spectaculum atque hoc potissimum quod
maxime funeri debebatur. Praeterea tanto consensu
rogabaris, ut negare non constanSj sed durum videre-
tur. Illud quoque egregie, quod tarn facilis, tarn
liberalis in edendo fuisti. Nam per haec etiam
magnus animus ostenditur. Vellem Africanae, quas
coemeras plurimas^ ad praefinitum diem occurrissent.
Sedj licet cessaverint illae tempestate detentae, tu
tamen meruisti, ut acceptum tibi fieret, quod quo
minus exhiberes^ non per te stetit. Vale.
1 gladiatorium Dpr, Billons, gladiatoriim J/ a, K,
534
BOOK VI. xxxiv
XXXIV
To Maximus
You did extremely right to promise a combat of
gladiators to our good friends the citizens of Verona,
not only since you have long enjoyed from them
regard, veneration, and marks of honour, but as it
was from thence also you received your most tenderly
beloved and excellent wife. And since you owed
some monument or public show to her memory,
what other spectacle could you have exhibited more
proper to a funereal occasion ? Besides, you were so
unanimously pressed to do so, that to have refused
would have had the appearance rather of obstinacy
than resolution. The readiness with which you
granted this request, and the magnificent manner in
which you performed it, is also much to your honour ;
for a greatness of soul is seen in these smaller
instances, as well as in matters of higher moment.
I am sorry the Afi:ican Panthers, which you had
largely purchased for this occasion, did not arrive
time enough ; but though they were delayed by the
tempestuous season, the obligation to you is equally
the same, since it was not your fault that they were
not exhibited. Farewell.
535
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THE LOEB CLASSICAL
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VOLUMES ALREADY PUBLISHED
Latin Authors
APULEIUS. THE GOLDEN ASS (METAMORPHOSES).
W. Adlington (1566). Revised by S. Gaselee. (4M /m/>.)
AULUS GELLIUS. J. C. Rolfe. 3 Vols.
AUSONIUS. H. G. Evelyn White. 2 Vols.
BEDE: J. E. King. 2 Vols.
BOETHIUS: TRACTS and DE CONSOLATIONE
PHILOSOFPHAE. Rev. H. F. Stewart and E. K. Rand.
{2nd /////).)
CAESAR: CIVIL WARS. A. G. Peskett. {yd /m^.)
CAESAR: GALLIC WAR. H.J.Edwards. (5//^ //«;>.)
CATULLUS. F. W. Cornish ; TIBULLUS. ]. B. Postgate ;
AND PERVIGILIUM VENERIS. J. W. Mackail. {gf/i
Imp. )
CICERO: DE FINIBUS. H. Rackham. {T,rd Itnp. re-
vised. )
CICERO : DE OFFICIIS. Walter Miller, {yd Imp.)
CICERO: DE SENECTUTE, DE AMICITIA, DE
DI VI NATION E. W. A. Falconer, {yd Imp.)
CICERO : DE REPUBLICA and DE LEGIBUS. Clinton
W. Keyes.
CICERO: LETTERS TO ATTICUS. E. O. Winstedt.
3 Vols. (Vol. I. t^th Imp., Vol. II. yd Imp- and III. 2nd Imp. )
CICERO: LETTERS TO HIS FRIENDS. W. Glynn
Williams. 3 Vols.
I
CICERO: PHILIPPICS. W. C. A. Ker.
CICERO : PRO ARCHIA, POST REDITUM, DE DOMO,
ETC. N. H. Watts.
CICERO, PRO QUINCTIO, PRO ROSCIO AMERIND,
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Freese.
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Greek Authors
ARISTOTLE, METAPHYSICS. II. Tredennick.
ARISTOTLE, ON THE MOTION AND PROGRESSION
OF ANIMALS. E. S. Forster.
ARISTOTLE, ORGANON, W. M. L. Hutchinson.
ARISTOTLE, POLITICS and ATHENIAN CONSTI-
TUTION. H. Rackham.
DEMOSTHENES, MEIDIAS, ANDROTION, ARISTO-
CRATES, TIMOCRATES. J. H. Vince.
DEMOSTHENES, PRIVATE ORATIONS. G. M. Calhoun.
DIO CHRYSOSTOM. J. W. Cuhoon.
GREEK IAMBIC AND ELEGIAC POETS and the
ANACREONTEA. J. M. Edmonds.
PAPYRL A. S. Hunt.
PHILOSTRATUS, IMAGINES. Arthur Fairbanks.
SEXTUS EMPIRICUS. Rev. R. G. Bury.
Latin Authors
AMMIANUS MARCELI.INUS. J. C. Rolfe.
CELSUS. W. G. Spencer.
CICERO, IN CATILINAM, PRO FLACCO, PRO
MURENA, PRO SULLA. B. L. Ullman.
CICERO, DE NATURA DEORUM. II. Rackham.
CICERO, DE ORATORE, ORATOR, BRUTUS. Charles
Stuttaford and W. E. SuUon.
CICERO, IN PISONEM, PRO SCAURO, PRO FONTEIO
PRO MILONE, etc. N. H. Watts.
CICERO, PRO SEXTIO, IN VATIXIUM, PRO CAELIO,
PRO PKOVINCIIS CONSULARIBUS, PRO BALBO.
J. H. Freese.
ENNIUS, LUCILIUS and other specimens of Old Latin.
E. H. Warmington.
MINUCIUS FELIX. G. H. Randall.
OVID, FASTI. Sir J. G. Frazer.
PLINY, NATURAL HISTORY. W. H. S. Jones.
ST. JEROME'S LETTERS. F. A. Wright.
SIDONIUS, LETTERS. E. V. Arnold and W. B. Anderson.
TACITUS, ANNALS. John Jackson.
TERTULLIAN : APOLOGY. T. R. Glover.
VALERIUS FLACCUS. A. F. Scholfield.
VITRUVIUS, DE ARCIIITECTURA. F. Granger.
DESCRIPTIVE PROSPECTUS O/V APPLICATION
London - - WILLIAM HEINEMANN
New York - - - G. PUTNAM'S SONS
r
INTRODUCTION.
The caprice of time has left us singularly ignorant of
the life of Rome in Trajan's era. We have, indeed,
to help us in the study of that restoration epoch,
a few imposing monuments, a few coins and inscrip-
tions, two or three dull historical epitomes of late
date, but all else has vanished except the works of a
handful of contemporary writers whose primary pur-
pose was to image for us something else than the
history of their own day. Yet the selection of Trajan
as colleague by the amiable but aged and ailing Nerva
made Eome breathe deeply with the joyful relief of
assured freedom. And Trajan, with all his share of
human foibles and faults, evidently justified the con-
fidence Rome felt in him from his earlier career. He
redeemed her arms from the shame of Domitian's
reign, and enlarged her boundaries by brilliant
campaigns and wise diplomacy to an extent never
surpassed. He reformed abuses in the provinces
and checked the rapacity of governors. At home he
set on foot great organized benevolences, fostered
trade and industry, constructed immense works of
public beauty and utility, and restored freedom of
speech and thought and life. Rome had reason to
xiv C. PLINI EPISTVLAE SELECTAE.
feel that now for the first time monarchy and liberty
were proved to be not inconsistent terms. The reign
of Trajan was the dawn of new life for the capital.
He made the winter of her discontent a glorious
summer.
It is the task of the historian to point out why of
this glorious summer we have so faint a picture.
We know the period must have been a most busy
one, and there are many sides to its life that arouse
our interest. But in whatever direction curiosity
leads us we sooner or later come to an impassable and
impenetrable veil that time has stretched across the
pathway. What was the character of Trajan's daily
life in Rome 1 What the details of those campaigns
on Rhine and Danube, in Dacia and the East 1 Even
the chronological outlines are shrouded in doubt.
More interesting and more important than these are
the questions that concern the life not of the
favoured few, but of that great mass of the middle
and lower classes of society, so-called, whose modes of
thought and action, whose aspirations and point
of view, whose underlying convictions and beliefs,
whose pleasures and pains alone can help us to
understand society in its true and technical sense,
and to recompose for ourselves the picture that Pliny
had before him every day, — and did not care to look
at. But we are left again in doubt and ignorance,
for the lines of satirist and epigrammatist are no
surer guide to a knowledge of the people of that day
than the pages of the penny-dreadful novel or of the
' yellow ' newspaper to the life of the present age.
xA Plinius Caecilius ^ecundus, C
6638 Letters
A2
1915
v.l
cop. 6
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