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General LettersPart IV
Part IV
XXVII
To Baebius Macer
It gives me great pleasure to find you such a reader of my uncle`s works
as to wish to have a complete collection of them, and to ask me for the names
of them all. I will act an index then, and you shall know the very order in
which they were written, for the studious reader likes to know this. The first
work of his was a treatise in one volume, "On the Use of the Dart by Cavalry";
this he wrote when in command of one of the cavalry corps of our allied
troops, and is drawn up with great care and ingenuity. "The Life of Pomponius
Secundus,"^1 in two volumes. Pomponius had a great affection for him, and he
thought he owed this tribute to his memory. "The History of the Wars in
Germany," in twenty books, in which he gave an account of all the battles we
were engaged in against that nation. A dream he had while serving in the army
in Germany first suggested the design of this work to him. He imagined that
Drusus Nero^2 (who extended his conquest very far into the country, and there
lost his life) appeared to him in his sleep, and entreated him to rescue his
memory from oblivion. Next comes a work entitled "The Student," in three
parts, which from their length spread into six volumes: a work in which are
discussed the earliest length training and subsequent education of the orator.
"Questions of Grammar and Style," in eight books, written in the latter part
of Nero`s reign, when the tyranny of the times made it dangerous to engage in
literary pursuits requiring freedom and elevation of tone. He has completed
the history which Aufidius Bassus^3 left unfinished, and has added to it
thirty books. And lastly he has left thirty-seven books on Natural History,
a work of great compass and learning, and as full of variety as nature
herself. You will wonder how a man as busy as he was could find time to
compose so many books, and some of them too involving such care and labour.
But you will be still more surprised when you hear that he pleaded at the bar
for some time, that he died in his sixty-sixth year, that the intervening
time was employed partly in the execution of the highest official duties,
partly in attendance upon those emperors who honoured him with their
friendship. But he had a quick apprehension, marvellous power of application,
and was of an exceedingly wakeful temperament. He always began to study at
midnight at the time of the feast of Vulcan, not for the sake of good luck,
but for learning`s sake; in winter generally at one in the morning, but never
later than two, and often at twelve.^4 He was a most ready sleeper, insomuch
that he would sometimes, whilst in the midst of his studies, fall off and then
wake up again. Before daybreak he used to wait upon Vespasian (who also used
his nights for transacting business in), and then proceed to execute the
orders he had received. As soon as he returned home, he gave what time was
left to study. After a short and light refreshment at noon (agreeably to the
good old custom of our ancestors) he would frequently in the summer, if he was
disengaged from business, lie down and bask in the sun; during which time some
author was read to him, while he took notes and made extracts, for every book
he read he made extracts out of, indeed it was a maxim of his, that "no book
was so bad but some good might be got out of it." When this was over, he
generally took a cold bath, then some light refreshment and a little nap.
After this, as if it had been a new day, he studied till supper-time, when a
book was again read to him, which he would take down running notes upon. I
remember once, his reader having mispronounced a word, one of my uncle`s
friends at the table made him go back to where the word was and repeat it
again; upon which my uncle said to his friend, "Surely you understood it?"
Upon his acknowledging that he did, "Why, then," said he, "did you make him go
back again? We have lost more than ten lines by this interruption." Such an
economist he was of time! In the summer he used to rise from supper at
daylight, and in winter as soon as it was dark: a rule he observed as strictly
as if it had been a law of the state. Such was his manner of life amid the
bustle and turmoil of the town: but in the country his whole time was devoted
to study, excepting only when he bathed. In this exception I include no more
than the time during which he was actually in the bath; for all the while he
was being rubbed and wiped, he was employed either in hearing some book read
to him or in dictating himself. In going about anywhere, as though he were
disengaged from all other business, he applied his mind wholly to that single
pursuit. A shorthand writer constantly attended him, with book and tablets,
who, in the winter, wore a particular sort of warm gloves, that the sharpness
of the weather might not occasion any interruption to my uncle`s studies: and
for the same reason, when in Rome, he was always carried in a chair. I
recollect his once taking me to task for walking. "You need not," he said,
"lose these hours." For he thought every hour gone that was not given to
study. Through this extraordinary application he found time to compose the
several treatises I have mentioned, besides one hundred and sixty volumes of
extracts which he left me in his will, consisting of a kind of commonplace,
written on both sides, in very small hand, so that one might fairly reckon the
number considerably more. He used himself to tell us that when he was
comptroller of the revenue in Spain, he could have sold these manuscripts to
Largius Licinus for four hundred thousand sesterces,^5 and then there were not
so many of them. When you consider the books he has read, and the volumes he
has written, are you not inclined to suspect that he never was engaged in
public duties or was ever in the confidence of his prince? On the other hand,
when you are told how indefatigable he was in his studies, are you not
inclined to wonder that he read and wrote no more than he did? For, on one
side, what obstacles would not the business of a court throw in his way? and
on the other, what is it that such intense application might not effect? It
amuses me then when I hear myself called a studious man, who in comparison
with him am the merest idler. But why do I mention myself, who am diverted
from these pursuits by numberless affairs both public and private? Who amongst
those whose whole lives are devoted to literary pursuits would not blush and
feel himself the most confirmed of sluggards by the side of him? I see I have
run out my letter farther than I had originally intended, which was only to
let you know, as you asked me, what works he had left behind him. But I trust
this will be no less acceptable to you than the books themselves, as it may,
possibly, not only excite your curiosity to read his works, but also your
emulation to copy his example, by some attempts of a similar nature. Farewell.
[Footnote 1: A poet to whom Quintilian assigns the highest rank, as a writer
of tragedies, among his contemporaries (book x., c. i. 98). Tacitus also
speaks of him in terms of high appreciation (Annals, v. 8).]
[Footnote 2: Stepson of Augustus and brother to Tiberius. And amiable an
popular prince. He died at the close of his third campaign, from a fracture
received by falling from his horse.]
[Footnote 3: A historian under Augustus and Tiberius. He wrote part of a
history of Rome, which was continued by the elder Pliny; also an account of
the German war, to which Quintilian makes allusion (Inst. x. 103), pronouncing
him, as a historian, "estimable in all respects, yet in some things failing to
do himself justice."]
[Footnote 4: The distribution of time among the Romans was very different from
ours. They divided the night into four equal parts, which they called watches,
each three hours in length; and part of these they devoted either to the
pleasures of the table or to study. The natural day they divided into twelve
hours, the first beginning with sunrise, and the last ending with sunset; by
which means their hours were of unequal length, varying according to the
different seasons of the year. The time for business began with sunrise, and
continued to the fifth hour, being that of dinner, which with them was only a
slight repast. From thence to the seventh hour was a time of repose; a custom
which still prevails in Italy. The eighth hour was employed in bodily
exercises; after which they constantly bathed, and from thence went to supper.
M.]
[Footnote 5: $16,000.]
XXVIII
To Annius Severus
I have lately purchased with a legacy that was left me a small statue of
Corinthian brass. It is small indeed, but elegant and lifelike, as far as I
can form any judgment, which most certainly in matters of this sort, as
perhaps in all others, is extremely defective. However, I do see the beauties
of this figure: for, as it is naked the faults, if there by any, as well as
the perfections, are the more observable. It represents an old man, in an
erect attitude. The bones, muscles, veins, and the very wrinkles, give the
impression of breathing life. The hair is thin and failing, the forehead
broad, the face shrivelled, the throat lank, the arms loose and hanging the
breast shrunken, and the belly fallen in, as the whole turn and air of the
figure behind too is equally expressive of old age. It appears to be true
antique, judging from the colour of the brass. In short, it is such a
masterpiece as would strike the eyes of a connoisseur, and which cannot fail
to charm an ordinary observer: and this induced me, who am an absolute novice
in this art, to buy it. But I did so, not with any intention of placing it in
my own house (for I have nothing of the kind there), but with a design of
fixing it in some conspicuous place in my native province; I should like it
best in the temple of Jupiter, for it is a gift well worthy of a temple, well
worthy of a god. I desire therefore you would, with that care with which you
always perform my requests, undertake this commission and give immediate
orders for a pedestal to be made for it, out of what marble you please, but
let my name be engraved upon it, and, if you think proper to add these as
well, my titles. I will send the statue by the first person I can find who
will not mind the trouble of it; or possibly (which I am sure you will like
better) I may myself bring it along with me: for I intend, if business can
spare me, that is to say, to make an excursion over to you. I see joy in your
looks when I promise to come; but you will soon change your countenance when I
add, only for a few days: for the same business that at present keeps me here
will present my making a longer stay. Farewell.
XXIX
To Caninius Rufus
I have just been informed that Silius Italicus^1 has starved himself to
death, at his villa near Naples. Ill health was the cause. Being troubled with
an incurable cancerous humour, he grew weary of life and therefore put an end
to it with a determination not to be moved. He had been extremely fortunate
all through his life with the exception of the death of the younger of his two
sons; however, he has left behind him the elder and the worthier man of the
two in a position of distinction, having even attained consular rank. His
reputation had suffered a little in Nero`s time, as he was suspected of having
officiously joined in some of the informations in that reign; but he used his
interest with Vitellius, with great discretion and humanity. He acquired
considerable honour by his administration of the government of Asia, and, by
his good conduct after his retirement from business, cleared his character
from that stain which his former public exertions had thrown upon it. He lived
as a private nobleman, without power, and consequently without envy. Though he
was frequently confined to his bed, and always to his room, yet he was highly
respected, and much visited; not with an interested view, but on his own
account. He employed his time between conversing with literary men and
composing verses; which he sometimes read out, by way of testing the public
opinion: but they evidence more industry than genius. In the decline of his
years he entirely quitted Rome, and lived altogether in Campania, from whence
even the accession of the new emperor^2 could not draw him. A circumstance
which I mention as much to the honour of Caesar, who was not displeased with
that liberty, as of Italicus, who was not afraid to make use of it. He was
reproached with indulging his taste for the fine arts at an immoderate
expense. He had several villas in the same province, and the last purchase was
always the especial favourite, to the neglect of all the rest. These
residences overflowed with books, statues, and pictures, which he more than
enjoyed, he even adored; particularly that of Virgil, of whom he was so
passionate an admirer that he celebrated the anniversary of that poet`s
birthday with more solemnity than his own, at Naples especially, where he used
to approach his tomb as if it had been a temple. In this tranquillity he
passed his seventy-fifth year, with a delicate rather than an infirm
constitution. As he was the last person upon whom Nero conferred the consular
office, so he was the last survivor of all those who had been raised by him to
that dignity. It is also remarkable that, as he was the last to die of Nero`s
consuls, so Nero died when he was consul. Recollecting this, a feeling of pity
for the transitory condition of mankind comes over me. Is there anything in
nature so short and limited as human life, even at its longest? Does it not
seem to you but yesterday that Nero was alive? And yet not one of all those
who were consuls in his reign now remains! Though why should I wonder at this?
Lucius Piso (the father of that Piso who was so infamously assassinated by
Valerius Festus in Africa) used to say, he did not see one person in the
senate whose opinion he had consulted when he was consul: in so short a space
is the very term of life of such a multitude of beings comprised! so that to
me those royal tears seem not only worthy of pardon but of praise. For it is
said that Xerxes, on surveying his immense army, wept at the reflection that
so many thousand lives would in such a short space of time be extinct. The
more ardent therefore should be our zeal to lengthen out this frail and
transient portion of existence, if not by our deeds (for the opportunities of
this are not in our power), yet certainly by our literary accomplishments; and
since long life is denied us, let us transmit to posterity some memorial that
we have at least lived. I well know you need to incitements, but the warmth of
my affection for you inclines me to urge you on in the course you are already
pursuing, just as you have so often urged me. "Happy rivalry" when two friends
strive in this way which of them shall animate the other most in their mutual
pursuit of immortal fame. Farewell.
[Footnote 1: Born about A.D. 25. He acquired some distinction as an advocate.
The only poem of his which has come down to us is a heavy prosaic performance
in seventeen books, entitled "Tunica," and containing an account of the events
of the Second Punic War, from the capture of Saguntum to the triumph of Scipio
Africanus. See Smith`s Dict. of Gr. and Rom. Biog.]
[Footnote 2: Trajan.]
XXX
To Spurinna and Cottia^1
[Footnote 1: Spurinna`s wife.]
I did not tell you, when I paid you my last visit, that I had composed
something in praise of your son; because, in the first place, I wrote it not
for the sake of talking about my performance, but simply to satisfy my
affection, to console my sorrow for the loss of him. Again, as you told me, my
dear Spurinna, that you had heard I had been reciting a piece of mine, I
imagined you had also heard at the same time what was the subject of the
recital, and besides I was afraid of casting a gloom over your cheerfulness in
that festive season, by reviving the remembrance of that heavy sorrow. And
even now I have hesitated a little whether I should gratify you both, in your
joint request, by sending only what I recited, or add to it what I am thinking
of keeping back for another essay. It does not satisfy my feelings to devote
only one little tract to a memory so dear and sacred to me, and it seemed also
more to the interest of his fame to have it thus disseminated by separate
pieces. But the consideration that it will be more open and friendly to send
you the whole now, rather than keep back some of it to another time, has
determined me to do the former, especially as I have your promise that it
shall not be communicated by either of you to anyone else, until I shall think
proper to publish it. The only remaining favour I ask is, that you will give
me a proof of the same unreserve by pointing out to me what you shall judge
would be best altered, omitted, or added. It is difficult for a mind in
affliction to concentrate itself upon such little cares. However, as you would
direct a painter or sculptor who was representing the figure of your son what
parts he should retouch or express, so I hope you will guide and inform my
hand in this more durable or (as you are pleased to think it) this immortal
likeness which I am endeavouring to execute: for the truer to the original,
the more perfect and finished it is, so much the more lasting it is likely to
prove. Farewell.
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