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Correspondence With The Emperor TrajanPart VI
Part VI
LI
Trajan to Pliny
There is something in the scheme you propose of opening a communication
between the lake and the sea, which may, perhaps, tempt me to consent. But you
must first carefully examine the situation of this body of water, what
quantity it contains, and from whence it is supplied; lest, by giving it an
opening into the sea, it should be totally drained. You may apply to
Calpurnius Macer for an engineer, and I will also send you from hence someone
skilled in works of this nature.
LII
To the Emperor Trajan
Upon examining into the public expenses of the city of Byzantium, which,
I find, are extremely great, I was informed, Sir, that the appointments of the
ambassador whom they send yearly to you with their homage, and the decree
which passes in the senate upon that occasion, amount to twelve thousand
sesterces.^1 But knowing the generous maxims of your government, I thought
proper to send the decree without the ambassador, that, at the same time they
discharged their public duty to you, their expense incurred in the manner of
paying it might be lightened. This city is likewise taxed with the sum of
three thousand sesterces^2 towards defraying the expense of an envoy, whom
they annually send to compliment the governor of Moesia: this expense I have
also directed to be spared. I beg, Sir, you would deign either to confirm my
judgment or correct my error in these points, by acquainting me with your
sentiments.
[Footnote 1: About $480,]
[Footnote 2: About $120.]
LIII
Trajan to Pliny
I entirely approve, my dearest Secundus, of your having excused by
Byzantines that expense of twelve thousand sesterces in sending an ambassador
to me. I shall esteem their duty as sufficiently paid, though I only receive
the act of their senate through your hands. The governor of Moesia must
likewise excuse them if they compliment him at a less expense.
LIV
To the Emperor Trajan
I Beg, Sir, you would settle a doubt I have concerning your diplomas;^3
whether you think proper that those diplomas the dates of which are expired
shall continue in force, and for how long? For I am apprehensive I may,
through ignorance, either confirm such of these instruments as are illegal or
prevent the effect of those which are necessary.
[Footnote 3: A diploma is properly a grant of certain privileges either to
particular places or persons. It signifies also grants of other kinds; and it
sometimes means post-warrants, as, perhaps, it does in this place. M.]
LV
Trajan to Pliny
The diplomas whose dates are expired must by no means be made use of. For
which reason it is an inviolable rule with me to send new instruments of this
kind into all the provinces before they are immediately wanted.
LVI
To the Emperor Trajan
Upon intimating, Sir, my intention to the city of Apemea,^1 of examining
into the state of their public dues, their revenue and expenses, they told me
they were all extremely willing I should inspect their accounts, but that no
proconsul had ever yet looked them over, as they had a privilege (and that of
a very ancient date of administering the affairs of their corporation in the
manner they thought proper. I required them to draw up a memorial of what they
then asserted, which I transmit to you precisely as I received it; though I am
sensible it contains several things foreign to the question. I beg you will
deign to instruct me as to how I am to act in this affair, for I should be
extremely sorry either to exceed or fall short of the duties of my commission.
[Footnote 1: A city in Bithynia. M.]
LVII
Trajan to Pliny
The memorial of the Apameans annexed to your letter has saved me the
necessity of considering the reasons they suggest why the former proconsuls
forebore to inspect their accounts, since they are willing to submit them to
your examination. Their honest compliance deserves to be rewarded; and they
may be assured the enquiry you are to make in pursuance of my orders shall be
with a full reserve to their privileges.
LVIII
To the Emperor Trajan
The Nicomedians, Sir, before my arrival in this province, had begun to
build a new forum adjoining their former, in a corner of which stands an
ancient temple dedicated to the mother of the gods.^1 This fabric must either
be repaired or removed, and for this reason chiefly, because it is a much
lower building than that very lofty one which is now in process of erection.
Upon enquiry whether this temple had been consecrated, I was informed that
their ceremonies of dedication differ from ours. You will be pleased,
therefore, Sir, to consider whether a temple which has not been consecrated
according to our rites may be removed,^2 consistently with the reverence due
to religion: for, if there should be no objection from that quarter, the
removal in every other respect would be extremely convenient.
[Footnote 1: Cybele, Rhea, or Ops, as she is otherwise called; from whom,
according to the pagan creed, the rest of the gods are supposed to have
descended. M.]
[Footnote 2: Whatever was legally consecrated was ever afterwards unapplicable
to profane uses. M.]
LIX
Trajan to Pliny
You may without scruple, my dearest Secundus, if the sieuation requires
it, remove the temple of the mother of the gods, from the place where it now
stands, to any other spot more convenient. You need be under no difficulty
with respect to the act of dedication; for the ground of a foreign city^3 is
not capable of receiving that kind of consecration which is sanctified by our
laws.
[Footnote 3: That is, a city not admitted to enjoy the laws and privileges of
Rome. M.]
LX
To the Emperor Trajan
We have celebrated, Sir (with those sentiments of joy your virtues so
justly merit), the day of your accession to the empire, which was also its
preservation, imploring the gods to preserve you in health and prosperity; for
upon your welfare the security and repose of the world depend. I renewed at
the same time the oath of allegiance at the head of the army, which repeated
it after me in the usual form, the people of the province zealously concurring
in the same oath.
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