MarcusAurelius 10145379

H E NRY D W W
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I G H T
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SS AYS
O F
O LD
FRAN
N
MAIDS
GREAT
C IS
W
A
PAR
N
RIT
D
K MAN
O
E
T
RS
H E R E SS AYS
D A N T E , E T C .
M A R C U S A U R E LI U S
BIOG RA PHY T O LD
W
A As MUC H As
M AY BE BY LE T T E R S , TO G ETH E R
I TH SO ME A C C O UN T O F TH E
STO I C R E LI G I ON A ND AN E XPOSI
’
TION O F TH E R O M A N G o v E R NM E NT s
A TT EMPT To SUPPRE S S . CH RI STI A N
W W
’
ITY D UR I N G MAR CU s s R E I G N
BY
H EN RY D I G HT SEDG ICK
NE W H AV EN
YA L E U N I V E R S I TY P R E S S
ON D ON HUMPH R EY MI LF O R D O X F O R D UN I V E R S IT Y P R E S S
M D C C C CK X I ,
C O P Y R I G H T , M D C C C C X X I , B Y
Y A LE U N I V E R S I T Y P R E S S
I N M E M O R I A M
t r b th at by d st p s asp ir
S om e he e e ue e e
T o lay th ir j ust h and s on th at G o ld n K

e e ey
T h t op s t h P a l a c
a e e f E t rnity
e O e
T o su ch my rrand i
e s .
C o M U s .
P RE FACE
this littl book my purpos i t provid thos p opl

I
N e e s o e e e e
f whom t h M di t ti of Marcus Aur lius contain

or e e a on s e
a d p r ligious m aning with such introductory i f

ee e e ,
n or
mation about him h i ch aract r hi r ligion and hi li f

,
s e , s e , s e,
as I think j ud ging f rom my own xp ri nc th y m y d

,
e e e e, e a e
sir S I b gin with an xposition f Stoic p h ilosop hy

e
. O e e o ,
and as I b li v th at p h ilosop hy to h av b n primarily a

,
e e e e ee
r li gion I pr s nt it as such And in my d f nc to

e ,
e e . e e e s un
dry criticisms mad upon Marcus by anci nt and mod rn e e e
writ rs I giv by far t h most spac to t h grav st th at

e ,
e e e e e ,
h p rs cut d t h
e e eC hristians for I think no accusation
e e ,
would h av surpris d him mor or h av s m d to him

e e e, e ee e
mor unr asonabl

e e e .
I h av not wis h d to ncumb r t h pag s wit h not s and

e e e e e e e ,
th r for I h av r l gat d to t h app ndix most r f r nc s

e e e e e e e e e e e e e
to my authority for stat m nts in t h t xt Such quotations e e e e .
in a for ign langua g as h av not b n translat d in t h

e e e ee e e
t xt will b found translat d in t h app ndix Gr k p h ras s

e e e e e . ee e
th at occur in t h l tt rs I h av r nd r d in F r nch
e e e e e e e e .
Cambridg Massachus tts e, H D S e ,

. . .
Octob r 1 92 0 e , .
T A B L E O F C O N TE N TS
I N TROD U CTI O N
C H A P TE R
I . T H E FO U N DER S OF S TO I C IS M
II . S TO I C E T H I CS U N DE R T H E E MP IRE
III . B OYHOOD AN D YO UT H
W
IV . L ITE RARY S O C IETY I N R O M E
V . T H E S T U DY O F R H ET O R I C
VI . LE TT E RS B E T EE N FR IE N DS
VI I E ARLY M AN HOOD
W
.
VIII . FR O M R H ETO RI C To P H IL OSO P HY

IX T H E I N FLU E N CE OF S K E P TI C IS M
W
.
O T H E R M O TI V E S
XI . L U C I U S VE R US AN D T H E P AR T H IAN AR
XI I . T H E E MP E R O R M AR C US A T R O ME
XII I . T H E P LA G UE AN D T H E B ARB A RIAN AR
XIV TH E R EB ELL I O N O F AVIDI U S CAS S I U S
\
.
W
XV . CL OS I N G YEARS
XV I I 7vo P A G AN CR ITI C IS M S
'
.
W
XV I I . T H E R O M AN A T TIT UD E T O AR D C H R IST IAN IT Y
XV I I I . T H E PO L I CY OF T H E G OVE R N ME N T
XIX . E N FOR CE ME N T O F T H E LA
XX . E P ILO G UE
Ap p E NDIx
A S O M E A C C O U N T OF S T O I C L OG I C AN D P HYS I CS
.
B SAYI N G S OF E P I CTET US
C . B IB L IO G RA P HY
D A U T HO RIT IES FO R S P E C IF I C S TATE M E N TS I N T H E
TR AN S LATI O N OF P A SS AG E S I N A F O RE I G N
G U AG E, ET C .
I N DE x
I NT ROD U CT I O N
sayin g Das Sch aud rn ist d M nsch

OE TH E
’
S
G
,
e er e
h it b st s T il do s not n d t h ”
e e e mm d e , e ee e r ec o en a
tion f hi nam ; it carri s i t own authority

w
o s e e s .
Am on g t h qualiti s th at g to mak up charact r a s nsi

e e o e e ,
e
ti to t h f li g f
v en es s is t h sur st si gn f t h
e ee n o a e e e o e
hi gh r li f I t li s d p r th an oth r susc ptibiliti s
w
e e . e ee e -
e e e ,
s en
suons or spiritual Lov f am or truth h av gr at r pow r . e, e, ,

e e e e
to dazzl and ov rcom bute b stows t h mor abiding

e e, a e e e e
satisfaction ; it s ts a man apart f rom t h many it li fts hi m

w
e e ,
into communion wi th wh at f hi m is t h high st and or e e ,
e nnobl s hi condi tion T his s ns f

e s is t h f ruit f . e e o a e e o
t h r ligious li f
e e wh th r th a t e, in t h solitud e e e e
of t h monast ry library or wood in t h company f p opl

e e , , ,
e o e e
cons crat d to an id al or in t h burly burly of t h world

e e e ,
e -
e .
But t h l av n of r li gion is not always at work v n in

e e e e ,
e e
m f r li gious li f
en o e Th spirit blow t h w h r and w h n it
e
. e e e e e
list th Som tim s t h caus s th at l ad m to r li gion

e . e e e e e en e ar e
clos at h and b r av m nt disappointm nt i ; som tim s

e ,
e e e e ,
e , s n e e
public calami ti s turn whol communiti s to t h gr at funda

e e e e e
m ntal qu stion of li f I s th r a God and som tim s a

e e e, e e ?
,
e e ,
r ligious g nius com s with h alin g on hi lips and rous s

e e e e s e
m both sin gly and in m ltitud s to p rc iv t h b auty

en , u e ,
e e e e e
of a univ rs in wh ich th r is a God and t h d solation f
W
e e e e ,
e e o
a univ rs in whi ch th r is non But r li gion do s not li

w
e e e e e . e e e
W
at b ck and call ;
e
c a not kindl wh e wi ll n e en e ,
Th fi whi ch i t h h art r sid s

e re n e e e e .
Th r tim s wh n t h t mpl of t h soul is mpty

e e a re e e e e e e e . e
may acknowl d g with our int llig nc t h supr m nobl

e e, e e e, e e e e
12 MA RCUS A URELIUS
n ss of that ov rpow ring s ns of r v r nc w hic h turns
e e e e e e e e e
a man in upon hi h art and fills him with a consciousn ss

w w w
s e e
o f a pr s nc int rpr t th at consciousn ss or t hat pr s nc

e e e, e e e e e e
as will ; and y t
e cannot conj ur it to com A li s e e e e . e e
b yond t h r ach of t h human will I t is in t h s mpty

e e e e . e e e
w
tim s t h s barr n moods that t h r is n d f som doc
e , e e e ,
e e ee o e
trin som rul of action th at s h all s rv as mak s hi ft t o

e, e e ,
e e e
occupy t h mpty plac w h ich t h s ns of

e e s hould e e e e a e
occupy Suc h a mak s hift is t h Stoic p hilosop hy

. e e .
Und r t h long dominion of C hristian dogma chos n

w
e e e
,
souls h av xp ri nc d in a s h arp r or dull r d gr d

e e e e e ,
e e e ee, as
S h d
c au th s hudd r of
e r n, f rom t h consciousn ss
e f e a e e e O
what th y b li v d to b a manif station of t h divin pr s

e e e e e e e e e
nc But t h C h ristian f aith h lost its anci nt authority

w
e e . e as e ,
and though t h r many cri s L h r ! L t h r ! as y t

e e ar e e ,
O e e o e e e
no r ligion h com to pr ach t h gosp l of wh at is

ne e as e e e e
to b And it is not impossibl nor y t unlik ly th at t h

e . e, e e , e
principl s und rn ath Stoic p h ilosop hy may still b of

e e e e s er
vic today to t ach t h pil grim soul to find t h at support

e
‘
, e e
within hims lf whic h h do s not find with out

w
e e e .
Th anci nt Stoics w r in t h sam ignoranc as s k r s

e e e e e e e ee e
today h no long r C h ristians T h y h d no t h i t

o ar e e . e a au or a
tiv r v lation no word f God to t ach th m t h natur f

e e e , o ,
e e e e o
t h world in w h ic h t h y f ound t h ms lv s no divin

e cod e e e e , e e
O f laws to t ll t h m w h at to do T h y look d about and

e e . e e
b h ld sorrow dis as old g maladj ustm nts f ll sorts

e e ,
e e, a e, e o a ,
wars b tw n stat s civil strif cont ntion amon g n igh

e ee e ,
e, e e
bors arth quak s and t mp sts Such was t h world th n ;

,
e e ,
e e . e e
it i not v ry diff r nt now I n a world of this sort wh at

s e e e .
,
s h all a man do to p rsuad hims lf th at it is a world of e e e
ord r and not f c haos th at th r is som th ing in it oth r

e o ,
e e e e
th an vanity th at it h wh at t h human h art i f t h human

,
as e e ,
e
h art h d spiritual y s would pronounc to b a m anin g

e a e e ,
e e e ?
Th Stoics w r h on st m
e and would not g b yond t h
e e e en o e e
e vid nc f t h s ns s th y turn d away from Plato s dr am

e e o e e e ,
e e
’
e
W
IN TRODUCTION 13
th at t h soul r l as d f rom t h body may b h old divin

e e e e e e e
b auty and f rom Socrat s h op f communion with t h

w
’
W
e e e
w
, o e
h roic d ad and cr at d w h at t h y call d a p h ilosop h y but
w
e e ,
e e e e ,
wh at may mor prop rly call a r li gion out f t h world

e e e e , o e
as th ir h uman s ns s
e it a r li I on aust r and cold but
e e sa e e e
m met en m
w
m 1 u
W
,
t he way with th m f th ir p hysics w r c hildis h and th ir

e ,
or e e e ,
e
m tap hysics not v ry muc h b tt r but I do th ink can go

e e e e , e
far nou gh to d riv h lp and consolation h ow v r m a gr

e e e e ,
e e e e
and barr n both h lp and consolation s h all app ar match d

e e e e
with th os o ff r d by C h ristianity
e e e .
T h y b li v d th at all t h 8 . e e e e e
u i v rs is f
n e substanc and constitut s a unity t h at
e o on e e, e ,
m en int gral parts f t h mi ghty whol and in th ir

ar e e o e e, e
liv s h lp to ac c omplis h t h will of t h wh ol ; and f rom

e e e e e
th s post l at s t h y d riv d an abiding s ns of t h s ri

e e u e ,
e e e e e e e
ou s n es s and d gn ty f human l f T h y d duc d as a

i i o i e e e e
M
.
,
M w ars as it w r t h uni e ,
e e, e
form f t h univ rs and must quit hims l f with wisdom

O e e e, e ,
t d y many a man o a ,
”
p rh aps not v ryon if h will consid r t h starry

e e e e, e e e
h av ns and t h
e e arth with its vast div rsity f t hin gs som
e e e o ,
e
instinct with lif som ndow d with mi nd may brin g hi m

e, e e e ,
s l f to f l t h at t h univ rs is ntitl d to t h adj ctiv

e ee e e e e e e e e
di iv ne, h ow v r muc h t h at t rm may vad h i att mpts at

e e e e e s e
d finition and th at h h ims l f is a c omrad f ll th at

e , e e e o a
e xists f t h infinit ly gr at and t h infinit ly littl and

,
O e e e e e e,
t h at h is bound by virtu f th at comrad s hi p to fulfill t h

e ,
e o e ,
e
bond f all gianc w h ich t h acc ptanc f lif impli s th at

o e e e e e o e e ,
th e bond is sacr d lik t h m t m f th Roman

e ,
e e s ac r a en u o e
soldi r and th at h m r ly b caus h is a man must

e ,
e, e e e e e ,
s ee
to it th at h i li f is cons crat d s e e e .
O f ll Sw t i aMarcus Aur lius h

o cs t and most e e u r es
sympath tic ; ind d is f t h most gracious fi gur

y ‘ n
e ee e one o e e
out f all history I n t h b wild rm nt f untoward cir

o . e e e e o
strov f a th ory f t h univ rs th at s hould
mand hi r v r n c and xcit hi
he
s ed for a pra
t h at s hould mak him t h ob di nt s rvant of a divin
e
e e
or
e
e
e
e
o
e
s a
e
e
w e, a n
e
e e
will Lik us h was h d g d about wit h doubts Lik us

. e , e e e . e ,
b con f ront d t h alt rnativ of a univ rs w hic h mov d by

e e e e e e e ,
e
r ason proc ds toward a rational goal or f an irrational

e ,
ee , o
u iv rs prop ll d by i t own blind prop rti s upon a pur

n e e, e e s e e
wW
p l cours A h says Eith r th r is a compound
o s e es s e . s e :
“
e e e
ing a confusion and a disp rsion or t h r is unity and e e e
W
, , , , ,
ord r and provid nc I f t h form r hy car to liv on

e ,
e e . e e ,
e e
‘
in suc h a m aningl ss turmoil and muddl ? hy conc rn

e e e e
mys lf wit h anything xc pt t hat som tim I s h all b com

e e e e e
‘
e e
earth ? hy x mys l f ? F or what v r I do t h di p

’
ve e e e , e
‘
s er
sion will com upon m But if t h latt r alt rnativ i

’
e e
. e e e e s
tru I stand r v r nt and st ad fast and I trust in my

e, e e e ,
e ,
rul r (M A VI
e . F rom t h is similarity in situation
. .
,
com s hi pow r to h lp us on our way

e s e e .
Th r tim s in v ry man s li f in which a lon ging

e e ar e e e e
’
e
poss ss s hi m to com into ri ght r lations with t h univ rs

e e e e e e e,
to bring hi spirit into accord with its laws hi individual

s , s
wi ll into unison with t h univ rsal wi ll Wh n sorrow com s e e . e e ,
or t h v nin g of li f approach s t h gr at probl ms of

e e e e e , e e e
at t h door I t is b caus Marcus Aur lius e . e e e
was h au t d by th s qu stionin gs and found t h solution

n e e e e e ,
at l ast for h ims l f to li in

e in kind
e ,
e
ruits f hi sc h olar f o s
s h ip may h av with r d and di d is still amon g t h first

e e e e ,
e
o f sc h olars in h i sympat h y wit h h uman n ds and in h i

s ee ,
s
knowl d g f t h human h art truly said

e e o e e , :
L livr d Marc A el y t auc n bas do gmatiqu

“ —
’
e e e ur e, n a an u e e e,
cons rv ra ét rn ll m nt f rai ch ur Tous d puis l t h é

e e e e e e sa e .
,
e
’
a e
ou c lui q i croit t l j usqu a l homm l plus ngagé

e u se e ,
’ ’
e e e
dans l croyanc s p t i lié d c h aqu cult p uv nt y

es e ar cu r es e e e, e e
IN TRODUCTION 15
trouv r d frui ts d é di fi t i C st l livr l plus pur

e es
’
ca on .
’
e e e e e
m nt humain qu il y ait
e livr incomparabl ’
ce e e, ce
manu l d la i r ési gné t E gi l d c ux qui croi nt

e e v e e, c e v an e e e ne e
pas surnatur l
au La sci nc pourrait détruir Di u t
e . e e e e e
l am q l livr d P é r st rait j un ncor d i

’
e, ue e e es en s es e e e e e e e v e
e t d v é rit é La r ligion d Marc Aur el

e . t la r ligion
e e
-
e, es e
absolu c ll q i r ésult d simpl fait d un h aut con

e, e e u e u e
’
e e
sci nc moral placé

e e f ac d l i e,Ell n st i e en e e
’
u n v er s . e
’
e n
d un rac ni d un pays Aucun é Ol t i aucun p g é

’
e e
’
. e r v u on , ro r s,
aucun dé couv rt e pourront la ch ang r e e ne e

”
.
And R nan says no mor th an wh at many m h av f lt

ww
e e en e e ,
e ach in hi s v ral way from t h anci nt unknown annotator

s e e ,
e e
o f t h V atican manuscript
e h xpr ss d hi gratitud in , o e e e s e
v rs down to F r d rick t h Gr at h says Marc Aurel

e e, e e e e , o ,
“ -
e
p ut etr d tous l humains a pouss é la v rtu d gr é l

e -
e, e es ,
e au e e
w
plus émin nt and wh n fals f ri nds b tray d him b took
e ,
e e e e e e
hims l f f estr ngth and comfort to t h M di t t i ; down

or e e e a on s
to Mont squi u h wrot Jamais p h ilosop h n a mi ux

e e o e:
“
e
’
e
fait s ntir aux homm s l douc urs d la v rtu t la dignité

e e es e e e e
d l ur etr q Marc Aur el l ur t touché l am ’

e e e ue -
e: e od e es ,
e
di l p i t el v down to G n ral Gordon Mat

’
r an
a
gg e, es r e e e e ,
th w Arnold F r d ric W H My rs and many anoth r f

e ,
e e . . e ,
e o
l ss nam And b caus

e e many p opl f so many sorts
. e e so e e o
h av t gr at stor by t hi Roman gos p l and b caus “ ”

e se e e .
s e ,
e e
m ditations about conduct gain in int r st f rom a knowl d g

e e e e e
t h at t h writ r h liv d in full accord with hi own id als

e e as e s e ,
I h av th ou gh t t h at in spit f t h numb r f books alr ady

e ,
e o e e o e
writt n t h at conc rn Marcus Aur lius th r migh t b room

e e e ,
e e e
for still anoth r I h av tri d to s h ow him as w ll as t h

e . e e ,
e e
mat rials would p rmit not

e h app ars on t h cold e ,
as e e e
h i ghts of h i r li gious p h ilosop h y but as h was s n by

e s e ,
e ee
h i cont mporari s in yout h manh ood and in lat r y ars

s e e , , ,
e e .
And I h av tri d to pr s nt Stoic p h ilosop hy not as mod rn

e e e e ,
e
p hilosop h rs int rpr t it but as Marcus vi w d it and

e e e ,
e e
acc pt d it And I h av also f lt it ri gh t to j usti fy hi m in

e e . e e
16
e
MA RCUS
n forcing t h law of t h land against t h C hristians
e e
AU
look back with our knowl dg of w h at C h ristianity is at its

e
e e
b st and with our knowl dg t hat it was d stin d to pr vail

e e
RELIUS
e
e e
.
e
W e
,
,
and assum too r adi ly t hat t h pagan opposition was wron g

e e e .
P rhaps r ason as w ll as faith may j ustify its partisans

e e ,
e , .
Marcus Aur lius did t h right as God gav h im to

e e th
“
e s ee e
right ; and in doing add d a ch apt r to t h h istory f

”
so , e e e o
trag dy and of lif s irony

e
’
e .
H D S . . .
or Habakkuk T h y w r dogmatic m car l ss of cus
. e e e en , e e
t m
o
y civility v n to t h point
ar f insol nc but fl m
e e e o e e, a a e
with a passionat ardor to mak m good according to th ire e en e
conc ption f goodn ss Sk ptics and m

e o f th world e . e en o e
pour d ridicul upon t h ir way of livin g and h av h and d

e e e ,
e e
down j ocos an cdot s about th m ; but th s critics w r

e e e e e e e e
blind d by pr j udic Epict tus look d with sympath tic

w
e e e . e e e
e y s and h drawn quit a di ff r nt pictur His account

e as e e e e .
e nabl s us to und rstand hy Z no with h i H braic t m

e e e , s e e
p m
er a t turn d to t h m rat h r t h an to oth r s cts f
en ,
e e e e e or
W
practical wisdom in t h conduct of li f Th Cynic E pi t e e . e ,
c e
tus says is lik a fath r for all m

,
hi sons and all
e e ,
en are s
om n hi daught rs ; h must l t hi li gh t s h in b for m

e s e e e s e e e en
and s h ow th m t hat without any of t h th in gs th y t

e ,
e e se
stor by a man may b virtuous and th at simplicity and

e , e ,
frugality good f t h body as w ll t h soul His

are or e e as e .
consci nc must b pur and h i li f also H must watch

e e e e, s e . e
and labor for mank ind His th oughts must b such

w
. e as a re
worthy of a f ri nd f t h gods f a s rvant f Z us f e o e ,

o e o e ,
o on e
h s h ar s in t h divin pow r H must always b r ady to

o e e e e . e e e
sa y 0,
Z us l
“
ad t h ou m on H must not blam God or
e ,
e e . e e
man ; h must b f r from ang r nvy or r s ntm nt ; h

e e ee e ,
e ,
e e e e
must rid hi ms l f f all d sir Oth r m may wis h to con

e o e e . e en
c al wh at th y do and th r for liv in a hous s hut t h

e e ,
e e e e e, e
door and t a port r to guard it ; but t h h ous f t h

,
se e e e o e
Cynic is built of mod sty mod sty is hi door and mod sty e ,
e s ,
e
t h port r t h at guards it (Discours s I I I

e e . e , ,
T h s doctrin s accord d with Z no s racial inh ritanc

e e e e e
’
e e,
and b incorporat d th m into hi cr d H took also

e e e s ee . e an
oth r f amous t n t f th irs T h y ass rt d th at m not

w
e e e o e . e e e en a r e
citiz ns f t h town w h r th y h app n to b born but

w
e o e e e e e e ,
citiz ns of t h world and

e all gianc to t h whol world
e ,
o e e e e e .
Th Cynics l arn d t h is f rom Socrat s ; in h i tim

e e h e e s e, o
v r t h notion was a m r acad mi c th ory but a ft r Al x

e e , e e e e e ,
e e
and r t h Gr at h d sw pt away t h ind p nd nc of citi s

e e e a e e e e e e e
THE FOUNDERS OF STOICISM
w
19
and stat s and h d gath r d a gr at portion of t h arth

e a e e e e e
into vast mpir it acqui r d a

on e e and practical i g i fi
e, e ne s n
canc ; and by t h ti m f Marcus Aur lius wh n ll t h

e ,
e e o e , e a e
w st rn world was und r Roman sway it h d b com a

e e e , a e e
commonplac amon g ducat d Romans And naturally t h

e e e . e
t h ory was asy f acc ptanc for a P h o nician br d in

e e o e e e , e
Cyprus and living in Ath ns e .
Had Z no liv d in J d h would h av b n a prop h t

e e u a ea e e ee e
of J h ovah but hi lot h a p p n d to b cast in G k trad

e , s e e e a
'
r ee
ing city t h m tin g plac of many div rs id as and f

,
e ee -
e e e e ,
o
t h s h absorb d t h mat rialistic t h ori s f t he arly

e e e e e e e e o e
I onian p h ilosop h rs ; h di d not c onc iv of a di vin p rson

e e e e e e
ality nor b com a monoth ist furth r th an to acc pt t h

,
e e e e e e
u ity f t h univ rs nor ris to a spiritual conc ption f

n o e e e, e e o
r ality oth r t han to grant an xtr m t nuousn ss to t h

e e e e e e e e
univ rsal substanc I f h consid r d th s id as h r j ct d

e e . e e e e e e e e e e
th m and took su c h suit d hi m wh r v r h f ound th m

e ,
as e ,
e e e e e ,
f rom H raclitus So c rat s Plato Aristotl or Dio g n s

w
e ,
e , ,
e, e e ,
and fusin g t h m to g th r by t h h at f hi passionat

,
e e e e e o s e
t mp ram nt cr at d a
e e e p h ilosop hy P rh aps h gav
,
e e ne . e e e
fr r r in to hi t mp ram nt and laid gr at r m p h asis on

ee e s e e e e e e
s l f d nial in ord r to mak t h contrast mor vivid b tw n

e -
e ,
e e e e e ee
h i puritan band in t h
s Paint d Porc h wh r t h v ry e e ,
e e e e
walls nrich d by pictorial art pr ach d h roism and th at

e e e e e ,
pl asant gard n outsid t h city g at s wh r among f uits

e e e e e e e, r
rip in th ir s asons E p icurus mock d t h b li f in a

e e e ,
e e e e ra
ti l u iv rs and tau gh t h i di scipl s t h way to a li f

on a n e e s e e e
fr f rom car As to Z no s doctrin s I will l t hi

ee e . e
’
e ,
e s s en
ten c es ,w hich som tim s ch ar g d with passion lik

ar e e e e e
p h ras s from I saiah som tim s pr gnant with h om ly wit

e ,
e e e e
a ft r t h mann r of t h Book f Prov rbs sp ak for th m

e e e e o e ,
e e
s lv s
e e .
Y sh all not mak any grav

e imag s e en e ,
N ith r sh all y build t mpl s to t h God

e e e e e e s,
For nothing b uild d i wort hy f t h G ods e s o e ;

20 MA RCUS AURELIUS
Th e h a diwork f n o artisans and carp enters
Is ittl w orth
of l e , neither i s it sacred .
Y sh ll not b auti fy t h city

e a e e ,
S av w ith t h ri gh t ousn ss f th m th at li v th r in
e e e e o e e e e
N ith r sh all y hav courts f law

.
e e e e o
L v i t h g d f amity and f r dom

.
o e s e o o ee ,
L ov i di in h h lp th to k p t h c ity sa f
e s v e, e e e ee e e,
H i t i th at p r p ar th c onc or d
e s e e .
Y sh l l not li v divi d d into c iti s

e a d into to wnshi p s
e e e an
Nor b k p t asund r b y contrary l aw s ;

,
e e e
B ut y sh a ll ho ld ll m as f ll o w c itiz ns and f llo w to wnsm

e a en
‘
e e e en.
Y s h all h v
e l aw and a custom
e on e one ,
Lik fl o ck h r d d und r
e a c rook th at f d th to g th r
, e e e on e , ee e e e .
Th natur
e f t h univ rs i t w o f old
e o e e e s ,
T h r i th at w hi ch w ork th an d th at wh i ch i w rough t u p on
e e s e s
A nd th at whi ch i w rought up o
.
s n
Is sub stanc that hath n ith r shap nor form

e e e e
A nd th at whi ch w ork th up on i t e
I t h w or d and t h w or d i Go d
s e , e s .
A nd G d is v rl asti ng
o e e
A nd p m t t h a ll sub stanc
er ea e e,
A n d th r by cr at th ch s v ral th ing ;
e e e e ea e e
A nd f rom this sub stan c p ro c d all cr at d things e ee e e .
A nd t h univ rsal wh o l i sub stanc

e e e s e,
A nd th at into w hi ch sub stanc i d ivi d d i matt r e s e s e ,
A n d t h uni v rsal wh ol b com th ith r gr at r nor

e e e e e ne e e e
B ut a ch s v ral th ing b com th gr t r or l ss ;

e e e e e ea e e
For t h s v ral p arts d o t r main t h sam always

e e e no e e e ,
B ut th y p art asund r and agai th y c om to g th r

e e , n e e e e .
G d i b o dy most p ur
o s , e,
A nd t h b ginni ng f all th ings

e e o ,
A nd hi p rovi d nc ps d t h a ll th at ise e er v a e .
G o d i th r Go d i i
s e e , s a r,
G d i s p irit f th r al fi
o s o e e e re ;
H i d ifi
e s d th rou gh out c r tion
’
u se ea
A s h on y through t h h on ycomb
e e e ;
G od go th to and f th r ugh out a ll th at i
e ro o s,
G d i min d G o d i soul G o d i natur

o s , s , s e
I t i G o d th at h o ld th t h univ rs to g th r
s e e e e e e .
THE FOUNDERS OF STOICISM 21
Th e ar t ifi and disp os r f t h univ rs
c er e o e e e
Is t h wor d and t h wor d i r ason

e , e s e ;
H i f at
e s e .
H i t h d t rmining c aus
e s e f all th ings
e e e o
H i Z us
,
e s e .
I n a ll th in gs i t h d ivin s e e;
Th l a w f natur i d ivi n
e o e s e
Th w or ld and t h h av ns t h sub s t nc
.
e f G d
e e e ar e e a e o o
A nd t h d ivin p o w r w ork th i t h stars

,
e e e e n e
A nd i t h y ars i t h month s and i t h s sons

,
n e e , n e n e ea .
Z us H ra and V st
e , e e a,
A nd a ll t h g d s nd go dd ss s e o a e e
A re not G ods b ut nam s , e
G iv n to th ings th t l a ck l i f and s p ch
e a e ee ;
For Z us i t h ky H ra t h i
e s e s , e e a r,
P os i d o t h
e n d H p h a stus fi
e s ea, an e e re .
L o t h f ountain f lif i ch ara ct r

e o e s e
A nd f rom i t i th ir or d r fl o w f orth actions

, .
, n e e , ou r .
B h old h app in ss i t h smooth fl o w f li f

e , e s e o e .
Th f ulfillm nt f a man s li f
’
e e o e
I to li v i a cc or d w i t h natur
s e n e;
8 to l iv i t liv i ri gh t ousn ss
0 e s o e n e e ,
For n tur l ad th t right ousn ss

a e e e o e e ,
A d th
n d f l i f i to li v i a cc or d w ith virt u
e en o e s e n e.
Follow t h G d s
Ww
e o .
M an i b orn sol ly f ri gh t ousn ss

s e or e e ,
For right ousn ss d r w th to its l f t h so ls f m

e e a e e e u o en
ith no lur no o ff ri gs f rom with oute, e n ,
B ut f i t o s pl nd r s o n e o
Virtu f its lf i suffici t f happ i ss

.
e o e s en or ne ;
R i gh t ousn ss i t h so l and only goo d
W
e e s e e ,
A nd nothing i vi l s v th at wh ich i vil and b as

s e a e s e e
W
.
O f t hi g th t som th r
‘
n s a a r e, e e e are
h i ch goo d an d som w hi ch
ar e vil e ar e e ,
A nd som w hi ch n ith r good nor vil

e ar e e e e .
A nd t h goo d th s
W
e a re e e
isd om S b i t y J usti c an d Fortitu d

o r e , e e .
A d th e vi l
, .
-
t h SE
‘
n e ar e e
22 MA RCUS URELIUS
A
Folly Int mp r nc
, e e a e, Inj ustice a nd C o w ar d ic e
A nd th i g that n i th r goo d nor evi l are in d i ff er ent

.
n s ar e e e
A nd things i di ff r nt th s
.
n e e ar e e e
L i f an d d ath goo d r p ut
e e d i ll r p ut
, e e an e e,
P ain and pl ur rich s and p ov rty
eas e, e e ,
S i ck n s and h lth and su ch li k

es ea , e .
W
A nd f m th r
o tw o sorts
en e e ar e ,
Th u p ri gh t man an d t h w i ck d m
e ; e e an
A nd t h u p righ t man all hi li f

e s e
ill d o t h things th at right

e are ,
B ut t h w ays f t h w i ck d
e vil o e e ar e e .
Th wi s man is bl ss d t h wi s man is ri ch
e e e e , e e ;
O ly t h w is how v r n dy th y b
n e e, rich ; e e ee e e, ar e
O ly t h w is h ow v r ill f avor d
n e e, b auti ful ;e e -
e a re e
For t h lin am nts f t h soul

,
e e e o e
A re mor b auti ful than thos f t h b o dy
e e e o e .
All goo d m f ri d s to anoth r

en ar e en o ne e .
A d as I h av said t h wisdom f som

n ,
e f hi maxims h ,
e o e o s as
t h h om ly tang of t h Book of Prov rbs

e e e e .
Th w is m
e will d o ll th ings w ll
e an a e ,
H will s aso hi p orri d g w i s ly

e e n s e e .
G iv not thi
e nto that which i pl asant ;
ne ear u s e
A nd tak f rom t h fi t te h i f r d om f s p ch e a er er s ee o ee .
Th ou gh y abl to g t s w ts f rom your l b ors

e ar e e e ee a ,
Y t y tak th m f rom cook sh o p s

e e e e .
His sayings in conv rsation h d t h sam individuality

w
e a e e
and vi gor B tt r to tri p with t h f t th an t h tongu

:
“
e e e ee e e .
T h r is nothing n d much as tim And h oft n

w
“ ”
e e e ee so e . e e
quot d t h r mark f a music t ac h r to a yo ng flut play r

e e e o e e u e -
e
h was blowing a g r at blast on hi flut Gr atn ss do s “

o e s e, e e e
not mak a th ing xc ll nt but xc ll nc mak s a thing

e e e e , e e e e e
gr at And wh n som sp ndthri fts w r xcusing th m

w
”
e . e e e e e e e
s lv s saying th at th y sp nt out of a larg prop rty h

e e ,
e e e e ,
e
answ r d S you agr w th t h cook h put t much

e e ,
“
o ee i e o oo
salt in hi dis h and said h h d a gr at quantity l ft H

s ,
e a e e .
”
e
T H E F O U N D E R S O F S T O I C I S M 23
d fin d in accord with Aristotl a fri nd
e e , a s cond s l f e, e as e e ,
and ass rt d th at a voic s hould b t h flow r of b auty

e e e e
“
e e e .
Sinc t h d at h f Socr at th r h d b n gr at r phil

e e e o es e e a ee e e os o
p h but no man of such incisiv p rsonality

er s , e e .
r Th r . e e
h was in At h ns a
e e ,
s
unsustain d by any b li f in a national god and

e
p e e , un su
port d by any such traditions as com fort d S mitic p opl s

e e e e e
in tim f troubl n v rth l ss h

e o t h ims l f to t he, e e e e e se e e
prop h t s task f proclaimin g th at th r is dignity in

e
’
o e e
h uman li f t h at t h r is m aning for m

e, in t h word d t e e e en e
and that nothing is of any worth but right ousn ss d

u '
e e an
nothing vil but bas n ss T h r is noth ing nov l in hi phi

e e e . e e e s
l
oso
phy His do g ma t h at man s h ould liv in h armony wi t h
. e
natur m a d i th at hi soul s h ould b in tun with t h

e, . n cn v , s e e e
soul f all things is a conc ption th at li s at t h bottom of

o ,
e e e
all r ligions ; it is x pr ss d in t h istic th ou ght by t h b

e e e e e e o e
dien ce o f t h h uman wi ll to t h divin will and in C h ristian

e e e ,
ity by t h pray r Thy will b don Z no mi ght w ll h av

w
“ ”
e e ,
e e . e e e
addr ss d thos v ry words to t h univ rs Th pro found

e e e e e e e . e
influ nc f hi t a c hin g was d not to id as but to

w
e e o s e u e, ne e ,
t h passion th at h in f us d into t h m His pr ac h in g brin g s

e e e e . e
to mind th at f anoth r gr at S m itic t a c h r h also

o e e e e e , o
w nt to At h ns God t h at mad t h world and all thin gs

e e :
“
e e
th r in
e e dw ll th not in t mpl s mad with hands ;
,
e e e e e
n ith r is wors hipp d with m n s h ands as th ou gh h n d d

e e e e
’
,
e ee e
any t hin g s in g h giv th to all li f and br ath and all

ww
,
ee e e e, e ,
thi n gs ; and h ath mad of blood all nations f m f e one o en or
to dw ll on all t h fac f t h arth I n hi m liv

w
e e e o e e . e e,
and mov and h av our b in g ; as c rtain also of your

e, e e e o n
po ts h av said F or
e e also h i o ff sprin g
,
e ar e s .
”
Z no compos d tr atis s O t h N t
e f
e M O H l e e n e a u re o a n, n e
leni c E d u c a t i o n , O n t h e Theog o ny of H es io d, O n t he Log os ,

O n t he Un i v er s e, O n S u bs t a n c e O n C i v i l P oli t y , and many ,
oth rs rounding out

e ,
hi s syst m e so th at it s h ould m t all ee
W
qu stions and criticisms f hi quick witt d h ar rs ; but
W
t he e o s
-
e e e
not hing h com down to us but scatt r d f ragm nts w h ic h

as e e e e ,
h av b n car fully coll ct d to g t h r and f rom t h s
W
e ee e I e e e e e e
W
,
h av quot d Z no was to hi g n ration w h at Carlyl was

e e . e s e e e
to our fat h rs ; th r is a kindr d virility and tonic in th ir

e e e e e
words and t h sam m anl

, e fl ud e e
toward li f S nt nc s from S t R t and H

e . e e e a r or es a r u s er o or
f iii g Ii k
'
c h o s f rom t h Paint d Porch Evil onc

—
e e e e e :
“
e
manfully f ront d c as s to b vil ; put g n rous battl h op

e e e e e e e e e
in plac f d ad passiv mis ry and vil its l f b com s a

e o e ,
e e ,
e e e e
kind f goodo H r in t his poor mis rabl h amp r d

. e e, ,
e e, e e ,
d spicabl Actual wh r in v n now th ou stand st h r or

e e ,
e e e e e ,
e e
nowh r is t hy I d al work it out th r f rom ; and workin g

e e e : e e ,
b li v liv b f r F ool ! t h I d al i in thys l f t h imp d

e e e, e, e ee . e e s e ,
e e
imcnt too is in thys l f t hy condition is but t h stu ff th ou e : e
art to s h ap th at sam I d al out of wh at matt rs wh th r

e e e : e e e
suc h stu ff h of t his sort or th at e th form thou giv st , so e e
it b h roic
e e .
Z no poss ss d t h t n ascetic valor th at stirs m to

e e e e s er , en
h roism but h lack d oth r qualiti s

e ,
qually n c ssary i f
e e e e , e e e
a prop h t wis h s to conv rt a p hilosop hy into r li gion, t h

e e e e e
quali ti s f t nd rn ss and po tical imagination T h s d fi

e o e e e e . e e e
i i
c en c es w r suppli d by Cl anth s f rom Assos in Asia
e e e e e ,
Minor hi succ ssor h ad f t h Stoic Sch ool Th most

, s e as e o e . e
notabl r mains f Cl anth s

e e in v rs o e e a re e e .
H Y M N T O Z E U S
w
M ost glorious immortal gods 0 Thou of , ,
O f many nam lm i gh t y l t i gly es , a ev er a s n ,
O Z us O Natur s l or d h rul st all b y l a w

,
’
e e o e
w
, , ,
H il ! a
Ti m t f mortal m to call on Th
w
’
s ee or en ee ;
For t hy childr n e and f ll mortal things e are, o a
T h at li v d mov arthe an alon e on e , are e e
M d i Th i imag
a e T o Th
n th r for I sing
ne e . ee, e e e,
My hym and p rais Thy p ow r for v r

n e e e e .
26 MA RCUS A URELIUS .
Cl anth s also was t h first I b li v to introduc a d i

e e , , e ,
e e e, e s
tinction in t h doctrin f d t rminism ; wh il r co gnizin g

e e o e e e e
t h absolut control of d stiny h tri s to pr s rv

e e a sort e , e e e e e
of spiritual fr dom t t h will and as was hi wont in

ee o e , , s
matt rs that touc h d hi motions h mbodi d hi id a in
W
e e s e , e e e s e
som simpl v rs s
e e e e :
L a d m O Z us and th u O D stiny
e e, e , o , e ,
h r v r y h av b i d m tak my pla c
e e e e e e e e,
A nd I sh all f oll o w una f rai d

A n d th ough I cow ar d tur and my w ill f ail
.
n ,
Non t h l ss sh all I f o ll o w
e e e .
I n Marcus s tim th is distinction b tw n t h cons ntin g

’
e e ee e e
will and t h r luctant will was acc pt d doctrin Only to

w
“
e e e e e.
living cr atur s ndow d with r ason h it b n giv n to

e e e e e as ee e
f ollow t h cours f F at wit h submissiv will f

e e o t f ll e e ,
or o o o
is s h r n c ssity f all (M A X
ee e e And S n ca says
or
”
. .
,
e e ,
l t m fata l t m t h t Him th at is will
w
“
D t
u cu n v o en e n o en e ra un ,
ing t h F at s l ad on hi m t h at is unwilling th y drag

e e e ,
e .
”
Cl anth s was succ d d by C h rysippus h cam from

e e ee e ,
o e
a littl town in Cilicia not f from Tarsus (t h birthplac

e , ar e e
also of t h po t Aratus wh om St Paul quot d in hi sp ch

e e . e s ee
on Mars Hill ) a man f l ss rugged p rsonality th an Z no

’
, o e e e ,
l ss t nd r and po tic t h an Cl anth s but f tir l ss z al

e e e e e e ,
o e e e
and industry H wrot innum rabl tr atis s strai ght n d

. e e e e e e ,
e e
crook d plac s in t h Stoic syst m fill d in gaps and gav

e e e e ,
e ,
e
it gr at r consist ncy and solidity H s ms to h av b n

w
e e e . e ee e ee
b tt r known th an Z no to t h Roman Stoics ; at l ast Mar

e e e e e
cus Aur lius h do s not m ntion Z no class s C hrysippus

e , o e e e , e
wi th Socrat s and Epicurus and Juv nal sp aks f plast r

e ,
e e o e
casts of him t h at adorn d t h h ous s of hi pro f ss d d e e e s e e a
mi rs But furth r th an this C hrysippus do s not conc rn

t e . e e e
us .T h s th r m stablis h d t h Stoic Sch ool

e e ee en e e e .
C H A P T E R I I
W
S T O I C E T H I C S U N D E R T H E
E M P I R E
ET tim of C h rysippus and t h r i gn f

E E N t he e e e o
Marcus Aur lius Stoic p hilosop hy th ou gh not e , ,
chang d in th ory with r gard to t h part iculars

e e e e
that I h av t f orth s hi ft d i t c ntr f gravity tur i n g

e se ,
e s e e o ,
n
mor and mor away f rom m tap hysics and applyin g its l f
e e e e
almost xclusiv ly to t h imm diat busin ss H i m d ct I f

e e e e e e - u .
the r ad r tak s up a book upon Gr k p hilosop hy and

e e e ee
turns to t h ch apt rs th at d al with t h Stoic sc hool h

e e e e ,
e
will almost c rtainly find Stoicism tr at d as a p h ilosop hy

.
e e e ,
or as a syst m of univ rsal knowl d g T his may b prop r

e e e e
. e e
w
so f as conc rns wh at is call d t h Gr k p riod f S t i
ar e e e ee e o o
i m t h ough it s ms to m not unlik ly th at writ rs upon

c s ,
ee e e e
p hilosop h y h h av b n pond ring ov r t h dialogu s f

o e ee e e e e o
Plato and t h tr atis s f Aristotl e too r adily induc d

e e o e, a r e e e
to in Stoicis m anoth r f orm f Gr k thou gh t rath r

s ee e o ee ,
e
th an as I v ntur to think t h y s h ould do a

, e e i gos p l e ,
e ra c e
S A M M Y But w h at v r e e
Stoicism may h av b n during t h p riod f its h om ine ee e e o e
Ath ns it und rw nt a signal chang wh n it mi grat d to

e , e e e e e e
Rom I t was carri d th r by a v ry accomplis h d m mb r

e . e e e e e e e
of t h school t h p hilosop h r P a t i a nativ of t h

e , e e n ae us
,
e e
island of R hod s and impart d to Scipio A f ricanus t h

w
e ,
e e
youn g r t h n in t h h ight f hi glory as t h d stroy r f

e ,
e e e o s e e e o
Carth a g and to t h di stin guish d group f m

e, h sure e o en o
round d hi m I n lat r g n ration wh n Cic ro was youn g

e . a e e e ,
e e ,
anoth r v ry min nt p hilosop h r

e e e s also f e e , , o
R hod s contribut d to t h spr ad

e ,
e f th e e
‘
o e
28
Stoic doctrin s
of P
e
MA
know from Cic ro although in an

e .
imp r f ct fas hi on w h at was contain d in t h nobl books

e
W
,
RCUS
e
A URELIUS
e
e ,
e
.
“
e
(as Horac calls t h m ) and from various

”
ti an ae us e e ,
sourc s t hou gh in a mor imp r f ct m asur t h dri ft f

e , e e e e e, e o
Posidonius s p hilosop hy Cic ro and t h Romans of h i

’
. e ,
e s
g n ration took from t h s t ac h rs th ir thics and vir

e e ,
e e e e e e
t
ua lly not h ing ls Th r ason f t h is was not d e to t h
e . e e o ue e
li m it d scop f w h at thos p hilosop h rs tau ght alth ough

e e o e e ,
t h y m y h av adapt d t h ir instruction to t h ir audi nc

e a e e e e e e,
but to t h Roman charact r and t h Roman traditions f

e e e o
virtu e .
Th At h nians d mand d a m tap hysical basis for t h ir

e e e e e e
e t hical cr d b caus by natur th y took pl asur in

ee ,
e e e e e e
abstract t hough t and acad mic disputations Th Romans e . e ,
on t h oth r h and w r a practical p opl indi ff r nt to

e e ,
e e e e, e e
m tap hysics and sci nc but d ply int r st d in matt rs

e e e, ee e e e e
f conduct ; t h y list n d t and acc pt d only s uch p

wm
o e e e o e e o
z ,
n ti gnsw g f Stoi c t hi as suit d t h ir h abitual n ds Of

eac n e e ee .
th s b
w w
e e i g orro n ant ,
it i n c ssary to sp ak f th y impr gnat t h int ll ctual

s e e e ,
or e e e e e e
atmosp h r in which Marcus Aur lius a br d d con

e e e s e , an
s t it tu eth sp cific doctrin s of t h l arn d m

e e h b e e e e en o e
cam hi tutors And first passing by t h doctrin f cos

e s .
,
e e o
m p li t
o o i m f citiz ns h ip in t h
an s city of humanity (a
,
o e e
doctrin r nd r d asy of acc ptanc by t h vari d ch aract r

w
e e e e e e e e e e
of t h p opl s unit d in t h Roman Empir ) l t m dw ll

e e e e e e , e e e
for a f mom nts on t h natur of t h cardinal virtu s

e e e e e e ,
bpdvnm s
(
which li t i es , ,
in spit f th ir e o i g nam s h av
e n e ,
e
no d t rminat bou ds but bl nd into

e e anoth r p e n ,
e one e , re re
s nt t h nobl st id als f t h Romans such as accordin g to

e e e e o e , ,
acc pt d tradition w r mbodi d in Cato t h Scipios and

e e , e e e e ,
e ,
oth rs and may b said to constitut t h moral dogmas of

e ,
e e e
th ir national r eligion Marcus Aur lius p E f t hem

e . e s ea s o
STOIC E THICS 29
with t h sam r sp ct with whic h t h Romans of

e e e e e t he Re
public would h av spok n of th m bu e e e ,
in an
find in h uman li f anythin g b tt r t han

on e e e
j ustic truth t mp ran c f ortitud or in s h ort th an t h

e, ,
e e e, e, , ,
e
w
cont ntm nt f your mi nd with its l f (in matt rs wh r it
e e o e e e e
s h ows you acting in accordanc with sound r ason ) or th an e e ,
its cont ntm nt with w h at v r F t allots you ith out your

e e e e a e
choosin g i f I say you —

anyt hin g b tt r than thi tur
, , s ee e e s, n
to it with your wh ol so l and nj oy t h nobl st th at you e u , e e e
can find (M A I I I ”
And again I f a man will th ink
. .
,
:
o f c rtain t h in g s as g ood in v ry trut h suc h as prud n c

e e ,
e e,
t mp ranc j ustic and fortitud th n with su c h p rincipl s

e e e, e, e, e ,
e
in hi mind h can no lon g r ndur to h ar rich s b in g

s e e e e e e e
call d good (M A V
e My x c us f tarryin g a
. .
, e e or
mom nt mor ov r th s cardinal virtu s is t h at t h usual

e e e e e e , e
En glis h translations w h ich I h av f ollow d abov pru e e e,

“
W
,
d nc t mp ranc f ortitud and j ustic tak n ov r f rom

e e, e e e, e, e, e e
t h Latin
e , ar e is not prud nc but e e
wisd a d not untouc h d b y t h os

n pro foundly po tical e e e
id as found in t h S mitic books f i d m Th v ry tru

e e e o s o :
“
e e e
B ginnin g f h is t h d sir
e o f disci p lin
er and t h car f e e e o e, e e o
W
disciplin is lov and lov is t h k pin g f h laws and t h
e e, e e ee o er ,
e
g iving h d unto h ee laws is t h assuranc f incorru p tion

er e e o ,
and incorruption mak th us n ar unto God T h r for t h e e . e e e e
d sir f wisdom brin g th to a kin gdom ( i d m f S l

e e o e . s o o o o
m o n, vi 1 7 ,
A mi q
ii j gh t muc h mor t h an
i xa i o v
-
i eou s n es s , e
j t
us i c and is
e so translat d in our En glis h Bibl (St Matt e e . .
iii 1 5 ; Romans x 3
,
5 6 1 0 ; I Cor i ,
d 3p 5 , , ,
.
,
v 6 a
,
alth ou gh translat d fortitud is prop rly t h Latin i t e e, e e v r us,
lI i word I t m ans . e t he condition of a sound mind ; sobri ty e ,

30 MA RCUS AU RELIUS
w
r word t m p h anoth r f unction it is t h q i
e er a n c e as e , e e u va
l nt f t h Gr k y p and is r nd r d in t h Bibl
W
’
e or e ee e x a r cca so e e e e e
, .
T his fourth virtu compr h nds w h at t h Romans m ant e e e e e
by da r
and
g ntl
e man I te is t h most d lic
. most sop histicat d
e e e
m im p li s a s ns of fitn ss consid ration e e e e ,

e ,
car fuln ss r asonabl n ss a r adin ss to giv to ac h h i

e e , e e e ,
e e e e s
d ; and in fact it borrows fr

ue ,
ly from t h oth r virtu s
,
ee e e e ,
for it is impossibl to imagin p r f ct propri ty with out e e e e e
wisdom coura g or ri ght ousn ss I t impli s ord rlin ss

,
e, e e . e e e ,
an d t h art f sayin g and doing t h righ t t h ing at t h righ t

e o e e
tim I t b fits all matt rs of daily li f and op rat s at

e . e e e, e e one
tim as h armony at anoth r as proport ion or still a gain

w
e , e , ,
as tact or good tast I t prompts to good will I n s h ort e . .
cr fp fi q
ca o o Cic ro d scrib s it (D Ofii ii Book I 2 7
-
v , as e e e e
‘
c s, ,
2 8 ) l ads m eto act in h armony with natur ; and i t h

en e s e
virtu (as I t hink ) w hich t h Emp ror Marcus h d in mind

e e e a
in such passa g s as th s I t is t h trait of a r asonabl

e e e: e e e
spirit to lov h i n i ghbor to lov truth and mod sty and

e s e ,
e e ,
to honor nothing mor th an r asonabl n ss f spirit (M A e e e e o

”
. .
XI , Wh n you h av don a ki nd act to a man wh at mor

e e e ,
e
do you want ? I sn t it nou gh th at you h av act d in accord ’

e e e
with your own natur ? A you looking for a r ward of e re e
your act ? As if t h y s h ould k to b paid for s in g or e e e as e ee ,
t h f t for wa lkin g ? F or j ust as y s and f t w r mad

e ee e e ee e e e
for a particular s rvic and by doin g th at particular s rvic

e e, e e
com into th ir own

e a man was cr at d by natur to do
e , so e e e
good ; and wh n h h don a good action or som thing

e e as e ,
e
t h at contribut s to t h g n ral good h h don w h at natur

e e e e , e as e e
cr at d him to do and h h com into hi own (M A IX

e e , e as e s
”
. .
,
4 2,
Such was t h Stoics thical cr d as it was acc pt d by
e
’
e ee e e
t h Roman world and no doubt t h l tt r of t h Stoic doc

e ,
e e e e
trin r main d v ry much t h sam v n to t h days of

e e e e e e e e e
STOI C ETHICS 31
Marcus Aur lius but ll t h tim t h cont nts f that cr d

e , a e e e e o ee
h d b n c h anging Th ton
a ee f t h Roman t mp r sinc . e e o e e e ,
e
the days f t h R public h d c hang d t h wh ol moral

o e e a e , e e
atmosp h r was di ff r nt Th fulln ss f t h Roman sum

e e e e . e e o e
mer h d pass d and t h r was alr ady a touc h f autumn

a e ,
e e e o
in t h air But in som ways th is autumnal quality mani

e . e
f t d its l f m r ly in gr at r rip n ss How v r muc h cor
w w
es e e e e e e e e . e e
ruption display d its l f in t h imp rial palac ls wh r

e e e e e, e e e e
th r
e e an i ncr as f t en d
as s com passion f justic e e o ennes , z
o e
f rom man to man Latin lit ratur sh o s a sor ry f allin g ff

. e e o ,
but Roman law s h ows a h andsom gain Civilization h e . as
acquir d som f t h virtu s tli at commonly g und r t h

e e o e e o e e
w
W
conc d t at
wnMrations it
e e e h
a matt r of e t he
int lle e ct ,
with in a fe ge e ha d acquir d t h e e em o
’lQ
t QBR SE M
L —a ’— a
M J— fi t
p h ilo h into a
s ion Th aust rity f arly Stoicism re . e e o e
h d b n so ft n d by contact wit h li f in t h m tropolis f

a ee e e e e e o
t h world it h d b n t mp r d by oth r p h ilosop h i s

e ,
a sp
ee e e e e e ,
e e
i lly by Epicur anism it h d loos d its l f f rom t h H

c a e ,
a e e e e
brai do gmas f Z no and acquir d a rip n ss a m llow

e o e ,
e e e ,
e
n ss th at m r ly n d d t h saintlin ss f Marcus Aur lius

e ,
e e ee e e e o e
to giv it a r li gious spirit such as

e e can find ls wh r on e e e e e
at th at tim only in C h ristianity e .
T h is rip n ss th at I sp ak f is found in t h writin gs f

e e e o e o
S n ca but f various r asons Marcus was not draw to

e e ,
or e n
hi m ; h may h av t h ou gh t f S n ca as too clos ly associat d

e e o e e e e
with t h in famous m mory f N ro or h may h av f lt

e e o e , e e e
that S n ca s luxurious li f hi w alth hi villas and g

e e
’
e, s e ,
s ar
d ns hi lov f f am gav t h li to hi Stoical prof ssion ;

e ,
s e o e, e e e s e
and it i c rtain th at h was tau ght from arli st boyhood

s e e e e
to d t st t h particular form f rh tor c I n whic h S n ca
e e e o e i e e
h abitually xpr ss d h ims lf B sid s Marcus h d at h and

e e e e . e e ,
a
a book in whic h spiritual x h ortation qual to t h b st f e e e e o
S n ca was to b f ound to g th r with an arn stn ss and

w
e e e ,
e e e e e
sinc rity b yond t h r ach of incr dulity Th Emp ror

e e e e e . e e
n v r for got hi gratitud to t h Stoic R t i y h p

e e s e e , us c ,
o re
s nt d it to h im (M A I
e e I t s ms to h av b com h i. .
,
ee e e e s
favorit book to hav s rv d him in its own way as t h

e ,
e e e
,
e
Bibl h s rv d to str n gt h n and comfort C hristians in

e as e e e e
t h ir s asons f discourag m nt or sorrow H quot s it f

e e o e e . e e re
qu ntly and tim and again hi th oughts

e , e cho s f its s ar e e e o
t aching Th Emp ror sp aks of this book as t h m mora

e . e e e e
“
e
bilia f Epict tus ; w h r as suc h t ach ings f B rim

o e
”
e e e o
hm “ consist f a coll ction f discours s

“ ”
o e o e ,
writt n out by a pupil and a manual w h ic h is a com

e , ,
p d
en i m uf t h discours
o s ; t h y e no doubt a part at l ast e e ar e e
o f w h at t h Emp ror r f rs to As vid nc of t h r ligious

e e e e . e e e e e
c haract r f Stoic p hilosop hy at this tim I quot various

e O e, e
e xtracts from Epict tus in t h App ndix e e e .
Th s simpl pr c pts and this is a simpl phi l

e e are e e e , e oso
ph y ; ind d it is obviously l ss a p h ilosop h y t h an an

ee e en
d to illumin conduct with r li gious motion and giv

ea v o r e e e ,
e
to m som t hing st adfast to fix th ir y s upon in plac

en e e e e e e
o f t h s h i ftin g s h adows t h at constitut li f

e T h h abit f e e . e o
mind th at Epict tus r pr s nts is t rnal in h umanity ; it

e e e e e e
is akin to that f t h discipl s f Budd h a as w ll as to th at

o e e o ,
e
o f t h H br w prop h ts Th gr at
e e e d t h at h t b f or e . e e en e se e e
h ims lf is p ac
e f t h soul Th discipl s of Budd h a br d
e e o e . e e ,
e
in th ir ast rn civilization for ign to us w r f mor

e e e , so e ,
e e ar e
th orough t han is possibl f t h c h ildr n of t h W st e or e e e e .
Accordin g to th m mi s ry is t h ins parabl companion

e ,
e e e e
o f li f and not to b cast ff xc pt by casting away ll

e, e o e e a
d sir ; h th at awak ns to th s truths must fr h ims lf

e e e e e e ee e
f rom impur h op s from i gnoranc e from wrong b li fs as

e ,
e, e e ,
w ll as f rom all unch aritabl n ss Th Roman Stoics such

e e e . e ,
would h av call d walkin g with God All t h ir rul s
e e to . e e a re
h l p us xtricat ours lv s f rom t h m s h s w hic h t h s ns s

e e e e e e e e e e e ,
misl d ( t h y ass rt ) by t h ima gination cast about us

e as e e e ,
.
Ot h r t ac h r s of quit di ff r nt sc hools and cr ds t ac h

e e e , e e e ee ,
e
t h sam doctrin ; but suc h ot h r sc h ools and cr ds try to

e e e e ee
giv t h pow r f scap

e us e by t h quick ning f t h spirit
e o e e, e e o e ,
by t h stimulus of passion of mystic f rvor of dogmatic

e , e ,
h op T h y striv to giv t h spirit win gs Th Stoic on t h

e . e e e e . e ,
e
contrary plants hi f t , t up in its

s ee e s ,
divin di gnity of Go
t he e
app al to a s ns f p rsonal dignity th at giv s to Stoicism

e e e o e e
its imp ris h abl valu To t h Stoics a man s inn r p rma

e e e . e
’
e ,
e
n nt s l f i lik t h imag f Pallas Ath n in h t mpl

e e s e e e o e e er e e .
I t must b k pt inviolat h i gh abov t h commotion f lif

e e e, e e o e,
untouch d by t h marring passions of h at r v n g gri f

e e e, e e e, e ,
or d sir ; it must b approach d and minist r d to v n in

e e e e e e ,
e e
privacy with t h r v r nc d to t h godd ss I t is a f l

, e e e e e ue e e . ee
ing akin to t h ch ivalric id al f h onor La i n st ll

e e o .
“
v e
’
e
‘
I un
plaisir mi e doul ur c st
, un fl i g rav dont nous e ,
’
e un e a
’
a re e
somm s c harg é s qu il f aut conduir t t min r av c h

e ,
’
e e er e e on
u his -
this attitud
d r t li e —u n iv er saf r em '
nN An d, if e
soul pr s nts on e e sid an asp ct f prid on t h oth r it

on e e e o e, e e
pr s nts an asp ct f f aith mor t h an C h ristian in its sim

e e e o , e
p li i t
c y t h at
,
t h doin g s f t h univ rsal
e r ason wort h y o e e e ar e
o f t h is d vout ob di nc
e Epi c t tus pus h s th is simpl f aith
e e e . e e e ,
th is trust ful confid n c furth r v n than S n ca furth r e e, e e e e e ,

e
th an any of t h s ct and b yond wh r t h Emp ror Marcus

w
e e , e e e e e
i abl to f ollow hi m
s e .
I t may b i f do not find in ours lv s t h pow r to

e, e e e e e
f orsak t h l ad rs h ip f r ason t h at t h r can b no nobl r

e e e e o e ,
e e e e
e th ical id al t h an t his of t h Stoics and t hat no man can

e e ,
STOIC E THICS 35
do b tt r th an s k to patt rn hi li f upon it But quit

e e ee e s e .
, e
apart f rom any p h ilosop hi c al d fici nci s it li s op n to e e e ,

e e
this suspicion A man in hi ff ort to acc pt it may bring

.
, s e e ,
hims l f to cast ff or disr g ard

e by t h obj cts
O f e ,
on e o n e, e e o
ordinary h uman d sir w hic h t h Stoics j ud g to b vil e e, e e e e ,
or at b st matt rs f indi ff r n c not m r ly as luxury

,
e ,
e o e e e, e e e e, ,
f am th e,passions but also h alt h good r put and t h

e , e ,
e e, e
a ff ctions ; and climbin g hi gh r and h igh r to a sinl ss

e ,
e e e
summit brin g h ims l f into h armony with w h at h d ms to

, e e ee
b t h proc ss s f Et rnal R ason but i f h do s to wh at

e e e e o e e : e e ,
h ash attain d but an infinit lon lin ss f soul And as

e e , e e e o ?
,
h approac h s t h at c old p r f ction su p pos h i h art s h all

e e e e ,
e s e
f ail hi m at t h si ght may it not b too lat t h n to turn

e ,
e e e
back r trac hi st ps acc p t t h low r standards f com

,
e e s e ,
e e e o
mon m and on c mor warm hi h ands at t h fi f li f

en , e e s e re o e?
I t is impossibl to r ad t h M d i t t i f Marcus Aur lius

e e e e a o ns o e
and not to susp ct wit h a sinkin g f t h h art th at t h e ,

o e e ,
e
crown f absolut r si gnation to t h univ rsal r ason is as

o e e e e e
vain a thing as t h m an st passing pl asur But t his i t h

w
e e e e e . s e
sk p ticism f a humanity compound d f t h dust f t h

e o e o e o e
e arth T h r is humanity f anoth r kind Th scul p tor h

. e e o e . e ,
o
plans mod ls c h an g s c ont mplat s tou c h s and r touch s

, e ,
e ,
e e ,
e e e ,
s q uand rin g hi h art on plan s and sur fac s on pois bal

e s e e e ,
e,
anc proportion and h armony in valiant stri f to giv to

e, , ,
e e
e ach s v ral c ontour f h i statu t h forc and d licacy

e e o s e e e e
th at h s s in h i mind s y may s rv as a com p arison

e ee s
’
e e, e e .
So t h Stoic looks u p on t h lump f matt r committ d to

, e e o e e
hi s ch ar g and works ov r it with t h artist s infinit

e, e ,
e
’
e
pati nc and t h artist s int nsity f passion in ord r to

e e e
’
e o ,
e
produc a soul with out a bl mi s h And w h th r any i t lli

e e .
,
e e n e
g nc
e divin
e, or h uman s h all b h oldew h at h h don or ,
e e as e,
wh th r this obj ct radiat its nobl b auty in an infinit

e e e e e e e
dark and but f a mom nt f tim is th at mom nt not

,
or e o e, e
ch aply bou ght with t h r nunciation f all l ss r th in gs

e e e o e e ?
But h ow v r this may b unl ss it is Marcus Aur lius no

e e e, e e ,
MA RCUS A URELIUS
w
36
oth r man h climb d so high as to attain t h Stoics goal ;

e as e e
’
and to us common m h lack t h si gh t to t h out
w
en , o e s ee e
str tc h d hands f a p rsonal God th ir t achings furnis h

e e o e ,
e e
a rod and a sta ff that h lp us as trav l along t h rough

e e e e
road of lif e
.
C H A P T E R I I I
B O Y H O O D A ND Y O U T H
HE Emp ror Domitian f vi l f am by whom ll e , o e e, a
p hilosop h rs including Epict tus w r banis h d e e e e e
from Rom di d in t h y ar 9 6 A D H was

w
e, e e e . . e su c
cee d d by a s ri s of abl m
e f h igh c h aract r known as
e e e en o e ,
th e g ood mp rors h h av won from t h gr at st f

e e , o e e e e o
mod rn h istorians this h onorabl ncomium I f a man w r

e e e :
“
e e
call d to fix t h p riod in t h hi story f t h world durin g

e e e e o e
wh ic h t h condition f t h h uman rac was most h appy and

e o e e
prosp r us h would without h sitation nam that which

e o , e ,
e , e
e laps d from t h d ath f Dom i tian to t h acc ssion f

e e e o e e o
Commodus Th vast xt nt f t h Roman Empir was g

. e e e o e e ov
e rn d by absolut pow r und r t h guidanc f virtu and

e e e ,
e e e o e
wisdom Th armi s w r r strain d by t h firm but g ntl

. e e e e e e e e e
h and f four succ ssiv

o mp rors wh os ch aract rs and e e e e , e e
authority command d involuntary r sp ct Th labors of e e e . e
th s monarch s w r ov rpaid by t h imm ns r ward th at

e e e e e e e e e
ins p arably wait d on th ir succ ss ; by t h h on st prid f

e e e e e e e o
virtu and by t h x quisit d li gh t f b holdin g t h g n ral

e, e e e e o e e e e
h appin ss f wh ic h t h y w r t h aut h ors

”
e o (D li d e e e e . ec n e an
F ll t
a ,C hap I I I )
e c .
, . .
Th g ntl N rva r i gn d but a y ar or two (96 9 8 ) hi

e e e e e e e
-
s
gr at st ac hi v m nt was to s l ct Traj an as hi coll a g

e e e e e e e s e ue
and succ ssor Traj an (9 8 1 1 7 ) was an u p ri ght man an

w
e .
-
e xc ll nt administrator and f v ry gr at abiliti s as a sol

e e ,
o e e e
di r h sp nt much f hi r ign wagi g war and add d

e ,
o e o s e n ,
e
t h provin c s of Da c ia Arm nia M sopotamia Assyria and

e e , e ,
e , ,
Arabia to t h Empir H was succ d d by Hadrian (1 1 7

e e . e ee e
p rh aps t h most tantalizin g fi gur in Roman h istory

e e e ,
38 MA RCUS A URELIUS .
for only nough is known of hi m to s how th at in addition

e ,
to t h national qualiti s t h at h d mad t h Romans a domi

e e a e e
nant rac h poss ss d many tal nts quit ali n to th ir

e, e e e e e e e
ch aract r H prov d hims l f a r markabl command r f

e . e e e e e e o
m en , firm f will st ady of hand strict in disciplin quick

o , e , e,
to r ward m rit and comp t nt to dir c t larg armi s ; h

e e ,
e e e e e e
was ric hly ndow d wit h common s ns and for si ght ; b

e e e e e e
d vis d a military policy for t h d f nc f t h Empir

e e e e e e o e e,
dr w up t h n c ssary r gulations to put that policy into

w
e e e e e
action and nforc d th m And y t wit h all th s high

,
e e e . e , e e
soldi rly qualiti s no soon r

e h Emp ror t h an h gave ,
e as e e e e
up t h provinc s in t h ast b yond t h iv r Eup h rat s

e e e e e e r e e ,
w hic h Traj an h d lat ly conqu r d and withdr w t h bound

a e e e , e e
ary of t h Roman Empir back to t h riv r H studi d

e e e e . e e
with minut att ntion t h various n ds f t h s v ral parts

e e e ee o e e e
o f th Empir ; and in ord r to l arn t hos n ds h

e e e e e ee ,
e
trav ll d ast and w st north and south th rough t h l ngt h

e e e e , ,
e e
and br adth f t h wh ol Roman r alm I t s ms probabl

e o e e e . ee e
t h at a roving int ll c tual curiosity lay b n ath this policy ;e e e e
lik Ulyss s h b cam a nam f always roaming with a

w
“
e e e e e e, or
h u gry h art H was ag r to b acquaint d with all con

”
n e . e e e e e
di t i f m
on s o and all sorts of things H
en , a lov r of t h . e as e e
arts f music paintin g and sculptur a connoiss ur and

, o , ,
e, e
dil ttant ; h was a gr at b i ld r ; h was also a sc holar

e e e e u e e ,
f amiliar wit h Gr k lit ratur a lov r of Ath ns and of ee e e, e e
Ath nian glory and h wrot po try ; h was inquisitiv

e ,
e e e e e
about p h ilosop hy and r ligions i i t t m omnium x e ,

“
cu r o s a u e
pl t according to t h p h ras f T rtullian O f all this

o r a o r,
”
e e o e .
bustling int r st in li f scarc a v sti g is l ft Marcus

e e e e e e e .
Aur lius says Th v ry nam s f t h much sun g h ro s of

e :
“
e e e o e -
e e
old n d a glossary now

ee soon will th os f Hadrian e o
and Antoninus So quick doth h uman glory f ad int l g nd

. e o e e ,
so quick is it su k in oblivion (M A IV And y t

n . . .
,
e
th e Mus f history migh t h av d alt mor t nd rly with

e o e e e e e
Hadrian His parks and t mpl s at Tivoli and h i attach

. e e ,
s
th eN il
e
AND YOUTH
BOYHOOD
m nt to t h handsom youth Antinous h was drown d in

e
t h b st known circumstanc s in hi li f
e, a re e e
e
39
So-
,
w o
e s
e
e .
e ndurin g was t h m mory f this young man s b auty and

e e o
’
e
f t h imp rial h oma g th at long a ft r Hadrian s d ath ’

o e e e, e e ,
pri sts c l brat d sacr d rit s in t mpl s d dicat d to t h

e e e e e e e e e e e
Divin Antinous Apart from th s f a c ts littl d finit is

w
e . e e e e e
known A b ggarly bio grap hy f much lat r dat giv s a

. e o e e e
fe scraps f in formation f doubt ful trustworthin ss ; f

o o e or
t h r st
e e must build up a f abric f c onj ctur f rom coins
on e o e e ,
inscriptions t h ruins f buildi n gs and such thin gs T h is

,
e o , .
muc h is c rtain ; Hadrian maintain d p ac and ord r to a

e e e e e
d gr rar in Roman h istory Durin g t h last y ars f hi

e ee e . e e o s
li f hi h alth was infirm and h su ff r d much pain R p ort

e s e ,
e e e . e
says th at h b cam moros and cru l ; su ch stori s w r

e e e e e e e e
v ry acc ptabl to writ rs f Roman imp rial h istory T h y

e e e e o e . e
may b tru At any rat toward t h d hi old sk ptical

e e . e, e en ,
s e ,
play ful h umor flas h d up and h gr t d d ath with smil e ,

e ee e e
i g v rs s
n e e :
A ni mul vagul blan dul a a a
h p m q corp oris
os es c o es ue ,
qua nunc b ib i i loc e a s n a
p lli d l rigid a d l ;
a u a, , nu u a
t so l s d ab is j o c os ?
n ec u e ,
Litt l soul w and r r fi t t e e e , a er er ,
C omp ani o d gu st f m y b o dy
,
n an e o ,
T o w h at pl c s no w you going a e ar e ,
P alli d an d ri gi d d nak d , , an e ;
No mor to j st as you us d to ? e e , e
Marcus Aur lius was born in t h f ourth y ar f Hadrian s

e e e o
’
r ign on April 2 6 1 2 1 in hi fath r s h ous on Mons

e , , ,
s e
’
e
C liae that risin g ground h ardly a hill at t h south rn

u s, , ,
e e
en d f Rom o wh ith r si gh t s rs now g to

e, t h c h arm
e -
ee o s ee e
i g aps
n f SS Paolo
e o Giovanni and t h an c i nt ch urch f
. e e e o
San St fano Rotondo His anc stors th ou gh f I talian

e . e , o
stock cam f rom Spain as t h S n cas Hadrian s f amily

,
e ,
e e e ,
’
,
and Traj an hims l f h d don His grand fat h rs and gr at e ,
a e . e e
g rand f at h rs w r f teh h i g h st o fficial rank

e e o ; h i f at h r e e s e ,
w hom h sp aks f as distin g is h d f manlin ss and mod

e e o u e or e
sty (M A I
e . di d youn g not long a ft r hi son s birt h
.
,
e , e s
’
and b for h h d h d tim to ris high r th an t h rank f

e e e a a e e e e o
pra tor His fath r s sist r F austina h d marri d a man

e . e
’
e , ,
a e
f solid r putation and brilliant promis

o e Titus Aur lius e, e
Antoninus a f ri nd and couns llor of Hadrian

,
e e .
Aft r hi fath r s d ath Marcus liv d in hi pat rnal

e s e
’
e ,
e s e
grand fath r s hous which was n ar by clos to w h r t h

e
’
e, e ,
e e e e
c hurc h f St Joh Lat ran now stands and lat r on

o . n it e ,
e , so
s ms p r haps wh n hi grandfath r gr w v ry old in hi

ee , e e s e e e ,
s
mot h r s h ous again (M A IX

e
’
e Th r lation b tw n . . .
, e e e ee
h i m and hi mot h r was v ry intimat S h taug h t m

”
s e h e e . e e, e
writ s in h i not book t h f ar of God ch arity and not

e s e -
,
“
e e , ,
only to k p f rom doin g vil but v n from thinking vil

ee e e e e ,
and simplicity in my way f livin g f r mov d f rom t h o ,

ar e e e
h abits f t h ric h (M A I nam was D m i t i

”
o e H . . .
,
er e o a
Lucilla S h h d b n ducat d in t h polit l arning f t h

. e a ee e e e e e o e
day ; at l ast h was f amiliar wi t h Gr k and must h av

e s e ee ,
e
h ard it spok n in h f at h r s h ous at t h tim wh n a ’

e e er e e, e e e
young Ath nian H rod s Atticus aft rwards a v ry m i

e ,
e e ,
e e e
“ n nte man f l tt rs and o f h e son s t eac h rs nj oy d on e o er

’
e e ,
e e
f at h r s h ospitality and appli d h ims l f to l arn t h

.
h
N
O ’
er e e e e e
customs of Rom e .
Marcus was brought up a ft r t h mann r f boys in th os e e e o e
patrician h ous h olds th at h ld fast to t h simpl and aust r

e e e e e e
traditions f arli r days H did not go to sch ool but

o e e . e ,
studi d with tutors at hom I n t h at part f hi not book

e e . o s e
-
print d as Book I wh r h r cords hi gratitud to t h

e ,
e e e e s e e
p rsons to whom h thinks h ims l f principally ind bt d h

e e e e e ,
e
sp aks with r sp ct and a ff ction f hi tutors I t is plain

e e e e o s .
,
as would conj ctur th at all or most f th m w r f

on e e e, ,
o e e e o
th eStoic sch ool T h y tau ght him t h Stoic morals to . e e ,
sc h w gladiatorial s hows rac s q uail fi ghts and suchlik

e e ,
e , ,
e
he r a ft r h was a v ry winning and a gr abl companion
e e ,
e e ee e .
T h r xists a bri f biograp hy of him tog th r with H

e e e e ,
e e a
d i
r an s , among a littl coll ction of biograp h i s f t h Em
’
e e e o e
p er o r s of t h s cond and t h ird c nturi s Th writ rs of t his

e e e e . e e
book S ipt ,
Hi t i
cr A g t liv d som two
o r es s or ae u u s a e, e e c en
t i
u r es a ft r Hadrian s tim and althou gh t h y hav p
e
’
e, e e re
s rv d som valuabl in formation tak n from arli r hi

e e e e e e e s
tori s th y h av stu ff d t h ir pag s with all t h vul gar

e ,
e e e e e e
scandal th y co ld lay h old of much of it monstrous and

e u ,
obviously f als T h s low mi nd d writ rs (how v r trust

e . e e -
e e ,
e e
worthy far as t h y b ar t stimony to t h d g n racy of

so e e e e e e e
h istory and lit ratur in t h ir own tim ) could not b li v
W
e e e e, e e e
t hat d c ncy xists in palac But as Marcus Aur elius says

e e e a e .
,
30 1 f Zfiv
’
kfi,
’
ef ev a i i
( M A . . t h r was laxity in t h
V , If e e e
it could not h av b n v ry gross in a court w h r Antoninus

e ee e e e
was of t h principal figur s f t h wh ol anci nt world

on e e e ,
or e e e
was agr d th at h poss ss d all t h virtu s Lucius V rus

ee e e e e e . e
was not a puritan h probably liv d a ft r t h luxurious

w
, e e e e ,
s lf indul g nt dissipat d f as hion of t h Roman nobl s of

e -
e ,
e e e
t h l wd r sort ; but Hadrian

e e e h was d ply int r st d in ,
o ee e e e
th eEmpir was not t h man to appoint a m r pl asur

e, e e e e e
lov r to succ d hiN i V rus h d a son Lucius at

e ee uc us e a , ,
th at tim a v ry littl boy and also a daught r At t h

e e e ,
e . e
Emp ror s wis h t h girl was b troth d to Marcus Aur lius

e
’
e e e e .
I t is plain t h at t h Emp ror anticipat d a g r at car r f e e e e ee or
Marcus ; and it is incr dibl th at h s h ould h av propos d -
e e
- ~
e e e
to bring to g th r m r d bauch and t his youn g m b di

w
e e a e e e ee e o
m nt f innoc nc Lucius V us h ow v r di d within a

e -
o e e . er ,
e e ,
e
fe y ars on January 1 1 3 8 ; and t h v ry n xt mont h

e , ,
e e e ,
Hadrian adopt d Antoninus hi son and succ ssor and in

e as s e ,
ord r to s cur an ntail f t h Empir add d to t h t rms

ww w
e e e e o e e, e e e
of adoption a claus th at Antoninus s h ould adopt bot h hi e s
sist r s e Marcus h
’
s on th n n arly s v nt n and ,
o as e e e e ee ,
young Lucius V rus a boy of s v n I t t h first tim an

e ,
e e . as e e
AND YOUTH
BOYHOOD
w
43
Emp ror h d att mpt d to nam hi succ ssor s succ ssor

e a e e e s e
’
e ,
but t h imp rial constitution

e e unwritt n and ind finit ; as e e e
and Hadrian act d no doubt in wh at h b li v d to b t h e , ,

e e e e e e
b st int r st f t h Stat
e e e o f Marcus is asily
e e . o e
und rstood ; is th at f
e so t h gh m d f o “
ou
“
a e or
quit a di ff r nt r ason Hadrian h d b n d ply attach d

e e e e . a ee ee e
to t h f ath r and a ft r h i d ath h d k pt t h boy in hi

e e ,
e s e a e e s
palac as a m mb r f t h imp rial family ; it is lik ly th at

e e e o e e e
h g r w f ond f h i m and also t h at h con c iv d t h at youn g

e e o , e e e
V rus h ims l f or oth rs on hi b h al f mi gh t think t h at t h

e e ,
e s e ,
e
f at h r s d si gnation as Ca sar con f rr d upon t h son Som

’
e e e e e e e
inh ritabl claim upon t h thron and mi ght in t h futur

e e e e, e e
giv occasion to j alousi s i f not to civil war T h r was a

e e e , . e e
f urt h r stipulation in t h s ttl m nt f succ ss

e e e e e o e
t i
on n u s s hould b troth hi dau ght r F austina e s e
plan was to giv t h gov rnm nt wh at v r stability mighte e e e e e
b g t f rom dynastic marriag s Hadrian di d t h at summ r

e o e . e e ,
and Antoninus succ d d to t h th ron ee e e e .
By t h adoption Marcus h d b com son f An

e ,
a e e o
and grandson f Hadrian and accordin gly h d gon at

o ,
a e
to liv with hi imp rial grand fath r Hadrian I t is said

e s e e .
t h burd n of Empir cast its dark s h adow b for

e e and e e e,
Marcus l ft hi h ous on t h Ca lian Hill and t h fr dom

e s e e e ,
e ee
attac h d to t h condition f a subj ct with un f i gn d g

e e o e ,
e e re -
g r et On .t h d at h f Hadrian Marcus
e eb cam a m mb r
o f! ,
e e e e o
h i imp rial f at h r s h ous h old and liv d in t h gr at palac
w
’
s e e e e e e e
o f Tib rius on t h north slop

e f t h Palatin Hill T h is
e e o e e .
as h i h om w h il in t h city xc pt t h at h s ms to h av
s e, e e , e e e ee e
liv d f a tim by t h banks f t h Tib r His moth r w nt

e or e e o e e . e e .
with hi m H r b gan or continu d f b for th y b cam

. e e e ,
e ,
or e e e e e
f at h r ande th y may h av b n clos f ri nds as uncl

s on e e ee e e e
and n p h w f t h e most b auti ful f ri nds h ips b tw n
w
e e on e o e e e ee
,
man and man th at h istory r cords e .
Antoninus a gr at lov r f t h c ountry and country

as e e o e
pl asur s and w h n h was fr to tak a h oliday or was

e e ,
e e ee e ,
abl to transact t h busin ss f Stat away from Rom ff
e e e O e e, o
h w nt takin g hi f ami ly wit h hi m His two f avorit plac s

e e , s . e e
w r Lo ium a villag on t h V ia Aur lia s om doz n mil s

e e t ,
e e e , e e e
w st f Rom w h r h h d sp nt hi boy h ood and Lanu

e o e, e e e a e s ,
vium t h hill town wh r h was born H built a villa at

,
e e e e . e
L i m and may h av found t h r som sp cial c h arm f

or u ,
e e e e e o
wood or fi ld or in t h str tc h s and win di ngs f t h riv r

,
e , e e e o e e
Arron f h was fond of fis hin g h untin g and walking ;

e, or e , ,
but L i m f amous in arly history h d muc h mor

an u v u ,
e , a e
ch aract r I t stood on a w st rn spur f t h Alban Hills

e . e e o e ,
j ust ff t h V ia Appia about tw nty mil s south of Rom

o e ,
e e e
.
Th town f A i i is n ar by and t h Lago di N mi Lanu

e o r c a e ,
e e .
vi m was a pious plac fill d with t mpl s c hi f amon g

u e, e e e ,
e
t h m a f amous s h rin to Juno Sospita and p rhaps t h most

e e ,
e e
r c nt was th at to t h Divin Antinous T h s t mpl s w r

w
e e e e . e e e e e e
d corat d wit h mural paintings of mor t h an local r nown

e e e e ,
w hich p r haps w r int r sting to t h youn g princ h

e e e e e e e, o
among h i oth r l ssons h d studi d paintin g L i m

s e e a e . an u v u
was also c l brat d for its tradi tions and l g nds On t h

e e e e e . e
slop f t h hill was a cav and within t h cav a sacr d

e o e e, e e e
s rp nt lay asl p and v ry y ar a troop f girls w nt

ww
e e ee ,
e e e o e
t hit h r carrying littl bask ts f barl y cak s to f d t h

e , e e o e e ee e
s rp nt ; and i f t h r was
e e among t h m h not a e e on e e o as
vir gin t h s rp nt would r fus to t and th n a bli gh t

,
e e e e e ea ,
e
would f all upon t h h arv st f t hat y ar And th r was e e or e . e e
wors th an th is By t h sid of t h b auti ful lak f N mi

e . e e e e e o e ,
at t h di stanc of an asy walk from L i m down in a

e e e an u v u ,
h al f ravin was a sacr d grov and in t h grov a t mpl

e, e e, e e e e
to Diana Long lon g ago as t h story w nt I p hi g nia and

.
, , e e ,
e
her broth r Or st s h d fl d from Tauris a ft r h avin g kill d

e e e a e , e e
K ing T h oas and stol n t h statu f Diana and h d f ound e e e o ,

a
r fug at t h lak f N mi and th r for at that spot a

e e e e o e
'
e e e
t mpl h d b n built With n t h sacr d nclosur liv d a

e e a ee . i e e e e e
solitary pri st a fugitiv f rom j ustic H r h r main d in

e ,
e e . e e e e e
sa f ty xc pt for a singl dang r At any tim anoth r

e ,
e e e e . e e
AND YOUTH BOYHOOD 45
slav flying from j ustic mi ght com and ki ll hi m and tak

e, e, e , e
for h ims l f t h solitary sa f ty f t h sacr d spot So t h

e e e o e e . e
occupant was always xp ctant sword in h and P rh aps e e , . e
th s dark tra di tions and l g nds h d arous d f ar ful p

w
e e e e a e e a
pr h nsion in t h mind f Marcus a littl boy f h

e e e o as e ,
or e
r cords hi gratitud to hi tutor D i g t

e s h tau ght e s ,
o ne u s
, o
hi m not to b li v w h at sorc r rs and wizards said about

e e e e e
incantations and xorcisin g vil spirits and th ings f th at

,
e e , o
kind (M A I ”
And p rh aps lon g a ft rwards t h
. .
,
e , e ,
e
m mori s of th s vil myst ri s bl nd d with stori s cur

e e e e e e e e e e
r nt about t h nov l sup rstitions and dark practi c s f an

e e e e e o
ori ntal s ct that was croppin g up h r and th r all ov r

w
e e ,
e e e e, e
th e Empir and prompt d hi m to r cord this parti c ular

e, e e
matt r f thank fuln ss th at hi mind

e or untouch d by e , s as e
w hat h j ud g d to b t h d gradation f su p rstitious

e e e e e o e
th oughts .
Marcus r lis h d t h country and its pl asur s thou gh

e e e e e ,
p rh aps with not so k n a z st as Antoninus As a boy h

e ee e . e
took hi f ull s har in athl ti gam s and outdoor sports

s e e c e
aft r t h mann r f young Roman patricians H lik d box

e e e o . e e
i g wr stlin g running f owlin g t h rowin g t h j av lin but

n ,
e , , ,
e e ,
most f all ridin g playin g ball and h untin g t h wild boar

o , , ,
e ,
and lik Antoninus h nj oy d fri ndly r lations with t h

e ,
e e e e e e
p asants and husbandm n f t h n i ghborh ood and d

e e o e e ,
e
light d to pick grap s with th m in t h vintag s ason At

e e e e e e .
bottom h was primarily a stud nt and a lov r f

,
e e e o
and h always h d a liking f solitud and communion with

e a or e
h i own t h ough ts but h was not

s uncompanionabl as hi
,
e so e s
sug g st H contract d a r al intimacy with

w
M dit t i
e a on s e . e e e
A fidi
u V ictorinus and S ins F i
us two youn g nobl ,
e u s c an u s , e
men , as w ll as oth rs h s m to h av r main d hi

e e ,
o ee e e e s
f ri nds all t h ir liv s H did not avoid com p any

e e ith r f e . e ,
e e o
h i fri nds or m r acquaintanc s I t is said f hi m at th i i

s e e e e . o ,
s
p riod f hi li f th at h was virtuous but not pri ggis h

e o s e, e ,
mod st but not prudis h s rious mind d but not low spirit d
e ,
e
-
e
-
e ,
in spit f hi rapid l vation in rank t hat h r main d
e o s e e ,
e e e
as natural familiar and kind as v r with hi r la , , , e e ,

s e
H was always punctual at h i l ssons and h us d

e s e , e e
to visit t h sick e .
I t is probabl t h at it was not until a ft r Marcus h d b n

e e a ee
“
adopt d h ir appar nt t h at t h most distin guis h d of
w
e as e e , e e
hi t ac h rs w r
s e n gag d for him I t s ms c rtainly so in
e e e e e . ee e
t h cas of som
e e f t h m F ronto ( h a ft r Marcus Aur
e o e . o, e e
lius will b t h principal p rsonag in this littl book )

,
e e e e e
tau ght hi m r h toric and Latin lit ratur H rod s Atticus

e e e . e e ,
t h old f ri nd of hi f amily a man f h igh birt h normous

w
e e s , o , e
w alt h and f gr at r putation tau ght h im Gr k S xtus

e ,
o e e ,
ee . e ,
a grandson of Plutarc h Junius Rusticus h w h n Marcus , , o e
b cam Emp ror h ld t h fli of City Pr f ct and Clau

w
e e e e e o ce e e ,
dins Ma x imus s m to h av taught him w h at th y may hav

,
ee e e e
call d thics or Stoic p h ilosop hy but wh at

e e might call , e
l ssons upon li f or l ssons of wisdom Marcus sp aks f

w
e e e . e o
t h m all wit h admiration and t nd r a ff ction xc pt H

e ,
e e e ,
e e er
od s Atticus h in spit of various good qualiti s was a

e ,
o, e e ,
con c it d s l f important quarr lsom p rson and him h

e e ,
e -
,
e e e ,
e
do s not m ntion (M A I 7 9 1 1
e e P rhaps hi s v n r
. . .
, , , ,
e e e
ation f Claudius Maximus was gr at r th an f any of t h

or e e or e
oth rs H sp aks of him as t h patt rn of good ess a man

e . e e e e n ,
in wh om sw tn ss and s riousn ss ee com

e e e
m in gl d e .
Marcus gav much f hi tim to t h e o s e e
h ard st studi s lay in practical g

e e m ov ern
b cam qua stor at i ght n h was rais d to t h consuls h ip

e e e ,
e ee e e e
and ei d t h formal titl of C

r ec ve
‘
H i duti s in t h s
‘
e e a es a r
//
r s e e e
fi as w ll as palac brou t
’
f
i fd li f i m h i m i l h h i m
'
p os t s, t pEf e g e e -
a e,
into v ry clos intimacy with t h Emp ror and it was th is

e e e e
clos 3 5 m
,
e m v n th an hi e e s
tutors t h at constitut d t h chi f factor in hi ducation

,
e e e s e .
T h r h av b n s v ral v ry famous fri nds h ips in h istory

e e e ee e e e e ,
b tw n David and Jonath an Montaign and L B ét i Sir

e ee ,
e a o e,
AND YOUTH BOYHOOD 47
P h ilip Sidn y and F ulk Gr vill Go th and Schill r and

e e e e, e e e ,
ot h rs and f suc h f ri nds hips

e , or bot h f t h fri nds
o e ,
on e o e e
h av l f t loqu nt m morials but I know f no ulo gy

e e e e e ,
o e so
d lib rat
e e f ull fr f rom t h
e, s o motional xtrava ganc , so ee e e e e
of conscious loss as t h at w h ic h Marcus Aur lius d dicat d , e e e
to hi f ath r long y ars a ft rwards wh il fi ghtin g t h Bar

s e , e e , e e
b i among t h for sts and mars h s alon g t h Danub

ar a n s e e e e e.
Les s o n s f r om m y Fa t her
G ntl n ss and uns h ak abl firmn ss I n d cisions com

e e e ,
e e e e e
to a ft r full d lib ration no vain glory in wh at m n call

w
e e e : e
h onors lov f h ard work p rs v ran c

: e o and a r ady ,
e e e e, e ear
for thos h h av nythin g to p ro p os f t h common

e o e a e or e
g ood an unsw rving d t rmination to giv to v ry man

: e e e e e e
accordin g to hi d s rts a knowl d g g t by xp ri nc f

w
s e e : e e, o e e e e, o
w h n it is ri ght to insist and w h n to l t th in gs g con

e ,
e e o:
sid ration f oth rs h h l ft hi f ri nds quit f r to

ww
e or e , o e e s e e ee
din with hi m or not and und r no obli gation to att nd h im

e ,
e e
abroad ; and h m h h d stay d away constrain d by

o en o a e e
som n c ssity or oth r always found hi m j ust t h sam

e e e e ,
e e:
h i h abit f t h orou gh inv sti g ation at t h coun c il board hi

s o e e ,
s
p rsist ncy and furt h r hi r fusal to d sist from in quiry

e e , ,
e , s e e
and to r st satisfi d with plausibl im p r ssions hi constancy

e e e e s
to hi fri nds n v r fickl nor foolis hly fond f th m hi

s e , e e e o e : s
suffici n c y unto h ims l f on v ry occasion and hi ch r ful

w
e e e e s ee
n ss hi gr at for sigh t and hi provision f t h small st

e : s e e ,
s or e e
d tails with out makin g a fuss about th m h h ch c k d

e e : o e e e
c h rs and applaus and all kinds f flatt ry h i watch ful

ee e o e : s
car ov r t h int r sts f t h Empir hi mana g m nt f

e e e e e o e e, s e e o
its r sourc s and hi pati nc und r t h cond mnation h

w
e e s e e e e e e
,
was subj ct d to in cons q u nc hi fr dom f rom p t i

e e e e e: s ee su er s
tion in h i attitud to ard t h gods ; and in hi attitud

s e e ,
s e
toward m no ch as a ft r popularity no ff orts to pl as

w
en , e e e e e
,
th m no humorin g t h mob but always sobri ty and t di

e ,
e ,
e ,
s ea
n ss n v r any vulgarity or a g rn ss f
e e e thin gs e e e or n e .
And as to thos thin gs th at contribut to t h comfort of
e e e
li f w hic h fortun h d h ap d upon him hi

e, of t h m
e a e e , s use e
with out arroganc and at t h sam tim with out apolo gy so

e e e e ,
t h at w h n th y w r at h and h partook f t h m without

e e e e e o e
ost ntation and wh n th y w r not h w nt wit h out And

e , e e e e e e .
non could y th at h was a sop hist or a p dant or h d

e sa e e ,
a
any qualiti s f t h s rvil courti r but h was rip finis h d

e o e e e e , e e, e ,
fl t d by prais w ll abl to manag hi own a ff airs

'
una ec e e, e e e s
and also th os f oth r p opl e o e e e .
B sid s this hi d p r sp ct for tru ph ilosop h rs (h

e e s ee e e e e ,
e
was polit v n to humbugs ) and y t h was not asily l d

e e e ,
e e e e
by th m And also h was a ff abl and gracious but not to

e . e e
e xc ss And h took prop r car of hi body (though not

e . e e e s ,
as a lov r of p hysical li f ) and h n v r g av too much or

e e, e e e e
too littl att ntion to hi good looks but did j ust right
e e s , ,
so
t hat by t h car h took h h ardly v r n d d a doctor or

e e e ,
e e e ee e ,
m dicin s or bandag s
w
e e ,
e .
And abov all hi d f r nc and fr dom from nvy

e s e e e e, ee e ,
toward th os h poss ss d any sp cial accomplis hm nt

e o e e e e ,
suc h as oratory f knowl dg of law or th ics or any oth r

,
o e e ,
e ,
e
subj ct ; and h di d hi b st for th m th at ac h Sh o ld

e e s e e so e u
r c iv full r cognition according to hi sp cial xc ll nc ;

e e e e , s e e e e e
and h always act d in accordanc with traditional usa g s

e e e e ,
not in o rd r to mak a display of doing so but f t h sak

w
e e , or e e
of pr s rvin g such usag s

e e e .
F urth rmor h e not unstabl or vacillating but h

e, e as e ,
e
lik d to f r qu nt t h sam plac s and do t h sam t h ings ;

w
e e e e e e ,
e e
and a ft r viol nt h adac h s h would com back fr s h and

,
e e e e ,
e e ,
e
vi gorous to hi usual occupations H h d v ry f s cr ts

,
s . e a e e e e ,
and th os v ry s ldom and only about a ff airs of Stat H

e e e ,
e . e
display d prud nc and mod ration in t h mana g m nt f

w
e e e e e e e o
public s hows in t h construction of public works and in

,
e ,
distributin g bounti s and such matt rs as a man do s h e ,

e ,
e o
looks s h arp at wh at ou ght to b don and not to t h r puta e e, e e
tion that may com from wh at h do s e e e .

C H A P T E R I V
L I T E R A R Y S O C I E T Y I N R O M E
NRom at this tim w hil Marcus was still in hi

e e,
w e s
W
stud nt y ars th r a cl v r cultivat d soci ty
w
e e ,
e e as e e , e e
int r st d in lit ratur and p hilosophy and mor par

e e e e e , e
l ly conc rning its lf ith ghet g i and matt rs f

w
ticu a r e e «
r c e o
i T h art of
s t h
. f i ewas s riously tak n e c on er en c er
’
e e ,
as it i in Paris today T hos h h av h ard M J an

s . e o e e . e
Ri h pi
c ef instanc will b abl to un d rstand t h t h
n, or e, e e e e en u
i m f p rsons of lit rary tast in t h r ign f Antoninus

s as o e e e e e o
Pius ov r a discours on any subj ct that o ff r d scop for

e e e e e e
t h display of imagination wit or rudition and was artis

e , ,
e ,
tically d si gn d with xordium and p roration with climax

e e e e ,
and h appy turns of ph ras wi th a finis h d l ganc of
w
e, e e e e s en
t nc and a display of trop s and simil s Som times t h

e e, e e . e e
oo n fé i spok in Latin som tim s in Gr k M of

r enc er e , e e ee . en
l tt rs d vot d wh olly to t h art would trav l about to t h

e e ,
e e e ,
e e
principal citi s of t h Empir from Antioch and Ep h sus

e e e e ,
to Ath ns Al xandria Rom and far as Lyons giving

e ,
e ,
e, as ,
l ctur s Of t h s t h v rs atil of S m t a city

w
e e . e e e e e a o s a a,
by t h Eup h rat s i far and away t h m ost brilliant ; at

e e , s e
l ast h s ms to us h bas our opinions on p rma

e e ee so ,
o e e
n en c e in lit ratur and p rh aps ov rr ady to d cry

e e, ar e e e e e
t al nts t h at only satisfy t h tast

e f t h ir own g n ration e e o e e e .
Lucian would giv a fé on S l d on C m p i e con r en c e an er, o a n on s
f Hi
or in prais f Th Fly in d f ns f Th Ty t or
r e, e o e , e e e o e ra n ,
d liv r a humorous satir on som f anatical p hilosop h r or

e e e e e ,
popular ch arlatan mixing to g th r truth xa gg ration m i,

e e , e e ,
s
r pr s ntation and fancy wi th stori s wort hy of Baron

e e e , ,
e
LI TE RARY S OCI ETY IN ROME 51
Munch aus n and a ff ct to pr s nt t h racy compound as a

e ,
e e e e
tru narrativ O migh t a w ll giv cr d nc to Gulli

e e. ne s e e e e e
ve r s trav ls Lucian was a Syrian or a Gr k p rh aps

’
e .
,
ee e ,
r ady to mak f
e f all t h world and h d no r putation
e un o e ,
a e
for s riousn ss to up h old Oth rs lik P l m or A li

e e . e ,
e o e on e us
Aristid s p rh aps b caus th y lack d Lucian s wit and

e ,
e e e e e
’
f ancy w r s rious nough and in Rom t h traditional
w
,
e e e e ,
e e
w
di gnity f t h conqu rin g p opl still maintain d its l f
o e e e e e e .
Among t h cl v r m of l tt rs h w r drawn to
e e e en e e o e e
Rom F e, f L ons H may s rv as a ty p

y as a v o ri n u s o f . e e e e o
t h lit rary fi gur s f ami liar t

e e Marcus in hi youth F avo e o s .
rinus was a phi losop h r and sc holar v ry w ll r ad I n Gr k

w
e ,
e e e ee ,
and by no m ans d fici nt in a knowl d g f Latin lit ra

e e e e e o e
tur H e . loqu nt r ady abl to turn an pi gram

e as e e ,
e ,
e e ,
e ndow d with a prodi gious m mory and in addition to all

e e ,
th at was a v ry a gr abl companion Amon g oth r works

,
e ee e . e
h h d w itt n a book on sk p tical p hi losop h y but h di d

e a r e e ,
e
not disdain l ss s rious matt rs and a ft r t h f as hionabl

e e e , ,
e e e
mann r f t h day nj oy d propounding a paradox such

e o e ,
e e ,
as an ar gum nt in prais f T h rsit s or f a quartan f v r

e e o e e ,
o e e .
I t was t h custom at hi h ous w h n h invit d gu sts to

e s e, e e e e
dinn r f a slav to r ad aloud out f som Latin or Gr k

e ,
or e e o e ee
auth or ; and f rom wh at was r ad h would ch oos a topic f e e e or
conv rsation Th topic might b Socrat s or a lin f

e . e e e ,
e o
V ir gil Lucr tius Pindar or Euripid s or a stanza from

,
e , ,
e ,
som lyrical po t or a gain som point of h istory or a q u s

e e , ,
e ,
e
tion f th ics as f instanc S ll t d nunciation f

o e , or e, a us
’
s e o
avaric At oth r tim s h and fri nds f lik tast s A p ol

e . e e ,
e e o e e ,
li i
n ar sSulpicius a sch olar S xtus C ili an min nt , , e a ec u s, e e
lawy r and oth rs would m t in Traj an s forum at t h

e ,
e ,
ee
’
,
e
bath or in ,
of t h public librari s or p rh ap s in t h
on e e e ,
e ,
e
v stibul f t h im p rial palac whil waitin g f t h Em

e e o e e e e or e
p to
er or app ar and conv rs on matt rs
e of r h toric ,
I f t h e e e e . e
w ath r was cold t h f ri nds mi gh t stroll to and f on

e e ,
e e ro
t h sunny sid
e f som h i gh wall d buildin g ; or if it was
e o e e
summ r tim th y would g out f town to a fri nd s villa
e e, e o o e
’
on t h coast at Alsium Ostia or A t i m (now Porto d A

e , ,
n u
’
n
zio ) O f th
. youn g r f t h s lit rary m
ne o e e o e e e en ,
b d a gr at admiration f r F
o re i e or av o r n u s
p t bord rin g so clos on v n ration th at it

ee e e e e
r calls Bosw ll to on s mind j ott d down in hi not book

e e e
’
,
e s e -
various an cdot s f hi c l brat d fri nd w hic h s how him

e e o s e e e e ,
to h av b n a man of s ns and also that this lit rary

e ee e e, e
club as ,may call it was not w holly giv n ov r to t h

one , e e e
vapidity f a r h toric divorc d from li f Onc a voung prig

o e e e . e
j oin d th ir company and mad an ost ntatious parad f

e e ,
e e e o
antiquat d words and on b ing brought to book j ustifi d

e ,
e ,
e
t h practic by h i profound r g ard f

e e antiquity its prob s e or ,
ity i t t mp ranc and s l f control W ll and good said

,
s e e e e -
,
“
e ,
f as h ion your conduct on t h antiqu patt rn

“
F i
av o r n u s , e e e ,
but sp ak t h langua g of your g n ration H was s v r

e e e e e .
”
e e e e
upon t h gr at lu x ury of Roman banqu ts couch s f gold

e e e ,
e o
and silv r purpl rob s rar and x quisit dis h s If

e ,
e e ,
e e e e :
“
luxury continu s at this pac th r will b nothing l ft f

e e, e e e e or
us but to h ir p o p l to sav
, t h troubl of ating
e e H e e us e e e . e
was a r ad r f Epict tus and gr atly admir d t h famous

e e o e ,
e e e
apoth gm B ar and forb ar Th conv rsation h ow v r

e e e . e e ,
e e ,
usually g t round to nic ti s of xpr ssion or oth r points f

o e e e e , e o
lit rary criticism C h ang a word in Plato h said and

e .
“
e ,
”
e ,
“
you mar t h l ganc f hi lan gua g ; c h ang a word in

e e e e o s e e
Lysias and you mar hi m aning H was d li ght d by a

, s e .
”
e e e
lin in t h N l i of Plautus th at d scrib s som wom n

e e er v o a r a ,
e e e e
of t h town e tt pi p d ,
“
t itt i il di d
s c ra ae, s c ru e a e, s r v a e, s or a e,
hi d h bbli g h n g h l t
eo u s , o and ass rt d th at you
n ,
an ar o s ,
”
e e
might know by th is lin th at Plautus h d writt n t h on e e a e e
play A d onc w h n t h discussion turn d on t h f amiliar

. n e, e e e e
saying th at it is dang rous to marry a woman too ugly or e
too b auti ful F i e r mark d th at t h two xtr m s

,
av o r n u s e e e e e e
w r wid apart and th at th r mi gh t b a m an Som body

e e e ,
e e e e . e
quot d Ennius authority that t t (middlin g) was t h

e as s a a e
LI TE RARY SOCIETY IN ROME
w
53
prop r word to d scrib t h middl typ ; but F i

e e e e e e a vo r n u s
sugg st d i (wi f ly )
w
e e u or a e .
Th most distin guis h d m mb r f t h is grou p h o w v r

e e e e o , e e ,
was a man f many tal nts h o e ,

o
h d a in north rn A frica to mak e ,

e
h i f ortun in Rom
s and h d b n succ ss ful to a rar d
e e, a ee e e e
gr H ran a brilliant car r at t h bar o ft n ar guin g

ee . e ee e ,
e
cas s f gr at importanc b for t h S nat ; h b cam

e o e e e e e e e e e e
famous as an orator and was r gard d as t h h ad f t h ,

e e e e o e
world f l tt rs a mast r f styl and an admirabl critic

o e e ,
e o e, e
of lit ratur Lik hi cont mporari s h i d lg d i t h

e e . e s e e , e n u e
’
n e
f as h ion f parado x ical ssays and wrot O S l p O

o e , e n ee ,
n
Sm k O D t and oth r suc h subj cts H was a clos

o e, n us ,
e e . e e
f ri nd f F e i and s ms to h av b com t h c ntr f

o av o r n u s , ee e e e e e e o
t h at cot ri f int ll ctual m His conv rsation was not d

e e o e e en . e e
accu
ous ; th y cam upon t h at Fr o n t o
’
s h e e e e
W
usual com p any and f ll to talkin g about lan gua g F avo
,
e e .
i
r nu s said t h at th r w r mor words to x p r ss s had s f e e e e e e e e o
color in Gr k th an in Latin F ronto took u p t h ar gum nt

ee . e e
on b h al f f Latin
e will not d ny th at t h Gr k lan
o :
“
e e e ee
guag to wh ic h you h av award d t h palm is mor vari d

e, e e e e e
W
,
and c opious t h an our own ; but as to th s colors you h av e e e
m ntion d
e d f instanc our pov rty is not l an as
e , re or e, e so e
y ou sup p os for t h words fe, and b w h ic h you e ru us ru er ,
b rin g up not our only words to d not a d color

, ar e e e re . e
h av ot h rs and v n mor t h an you h av cit d f rom t h

e e ,
e e e e e e
Gr k F lee
fl . bi d p h
u vu s , i t i l l t
avu s , ru us, o en c eu s , ru us, u eu s ,
and p di all x p r ss va i ti s f d i
s a x, m g its spl n
e e r e e o re ,
n c r ea s e
,
dor as with fi bl nding it with gr n dark nin g it with
re, e ee ,
e
b lack or making it mor luminous wit h w h it ; and h

”
w
e e e
,
q uot d Enniuse P i and V ir g il in vid

,
nc f h i ass r
ac u v u s , e e e o s e
tions Wh n h h d finis h d F i
. e eith t h candor and
a e ,
av o r n u s , e
c ourt sy f good soci ty in south rn lands prais d hi rip

e o e e ,
e s e
knowl d g and hi nic e f lan gua g
e W r it not f s e u se o e: e e or
you my d ar F ronto th r is no doubt but th at t h Gr k

,
e , e e e ee
languag would b far ah ad f ours but th anks to w hat

e e e o ,
you h av don t h v rs f rom Hom r puts it

e e, a s e e e e ,
Y ou h av w on or l f t t h vi c tory i d oub t e , e e n .
Anoth r day of t h gu sts r ad aloud from a Roman

e ,
one e e e
historian Claudius Q d i g i this passa g A ft r t h “ ‘
,
ua r ar u s
,
e: e e
ass mbly was disp rs d M t llus w nt to t h Capitol m

e e e ,
e e e e cu
m lt i m
u t li b (in
s t h company of many mortals ) and O
or a us e n
hi way h om from th r all t h city w nt with h i m

s e Som e e e e . e
body spok up and said th at t h p hras m m lt i m t l

e ,
e e cu u s or a
ib usinst ad of m m lti k m i i b for an pisod in hi

e cu u s o n us, e e s
tory was absurd and f rigid th at it savor d too much f

, ,
e o
po try F ronto turn d t t h sp ak r Will you a man of

e . e o e e e :
“
,
suc h xquisit tast in oth r matt rs maintain th at t h

e e e e e ,
e
p h ras m m lt i m t lib is absurd and sti ff ? Do you

e cu u s or a us
suppos that Q d i g i w hos styl is pur and y t

e ua r ar u s , e e so e e
almost colloquial h d no motiv for saying m t lib , a e or a us
rath r than k m i i b ? N ow in my opinion unl ss it may

e o n us ,
—
e
b t h at my fondn ss my v n ration for t h is auth or and f

e e , e e , ,
or
our anci nt sp ch r nd r my j ud gm nt blind t h word

e ee ,
e e e —
e
m t l h
o r a es a far wid r and mor compr h nsiv i g i fi
as e e e e e s n
canc in d scribing t h concours f a whol city th an

e e e e o e ,
h mio Th xpr ssion m lti h m i may b compris d

n es . e e e u o n es e e
and contain d within a mod rat numb r but m lti me e e e ,

u or
t l
a es , i som p culiar way th at I cannot xactly xplain
n e e e e ,
includ s all p opl f v ry kind in t h city f v ry rank

e e e o e e e ,
o e e ,
ag and e x And as Q d ig i wis h d to d scrib (as it

se . ua r ar u s e e e
h app ns ) a vast numb r f p opl commingl d in a m dl y

e e o e e, e e e ,
h said M t llus cam m m lt i m t li b to t h Capi

‘
e ,
e e e cu u s or a us e
tol and d pict d t h incid nt

,
’
b e c p pl d m ph e e e a v ec ea u ou us
’
e as e
th an i f h h d said m m lti k m i i b e a
”
Th w hol com cu u s o n us . e e
pany admir d F t d f nc of t h auth or and Aulus e ron o s

’
e e e e ,
LI TE RARY S OCI ETY IN ROME 55
G elli u snot d down hi accurat and subtl distinction

e
“
s e e
b tw n words
e ee .
On anoth r day a distinguis h d company of m not d

e , e en , e
for th ir rank th ir rich s or th ir l arning h d m t at

e ,
e e ,
e e ,
a e
h ous F ronto was lying down on a Gr k couc h
w
’
F t
ron o s e . ee ,
hi gouty l g str tc h d out xaminin g various plans f a

w
s e e e ,
e or
ne bath th at h propos d to build H s l ct d f th

e e . e e e e on e o e
plans and ask d h much it wo l d cost Th arc hit ct

,
e o u . e e
r pli d th r hundr d th ousand s st rc s

e e ,
ee Som e e e e e
body knowing t h ways f arch it cts put in you may add

,
e o e ,
fifty th ou and s st rc s mor p t p pt (or th r

s e e e e, r a e er ro er e e
O f t h company a grammarian passin g ov r

ne o e , ,
e
t h dig at arc h it cts obj ct d to t h words p

e t p p te ,
e e e ra e er ro er,
as a vulgar xpr ssion h ard from t h mouth s f m ch anics

e e e e o e .
F ronto how v r support d t h p h ras and quot d a pas
w
,
e e ,
e e e, e
sag from Enni us wit h t h v y words in it And so t h

e ,
e er . e
conv rsations w nt ;
e Julius Ca sar ri ght to insist th at
e as e
a r ena t sand not sands was t h corr ct xpr s

no a rena e, ,
e e e e
sion ? I s p m ili or i t h b tt r Latin word for

u o n es , n an , e e e
dwar fs ? At l ast such w r t h matt rs th at int r st d Aulus

e e e e e e e e
G lli
e and found th ir way into hi not book
us e s e -
.
T h s m w r sc h olars or at l ast f sch olarly tast s

e e en e e ,
e o e .
T h y h d nj oy d t h b st lib ral ducation th at an g

e a e e e e e e a e
int r st d in lib ral studi s h d to giv first at t h provin

e e e e e a e, e
w
i l univ rsity suc h as t h at at Carth ag
c a e and a ft rwards at
,
e, e
Ath ns or at Rom T h y w r f amiliar

e ,
—th t e . e e e a .
h d b n t h ough t and writt n on p h ilosop hy r h toric h i

”
a ee e ,
e ,
s
tory lit ratur

,
d p h ilology But t hfim k i u eaL
e e, h an . a re
T h y f lt no stim lus from Hm e e to u
r li v a t min g ima gination by puttin g into words wh th r

e e e ee ,
e e
o f po try or pros t h ou gh ts th at w ll d up with in impati nt

e e, e e e
minds T h y w r not young in spirit ; th y n v r drank of

. e e e e e e
t h intoxic ating cup

e f int ll ctual moral or spiritual d o e e , ,
a
v ntur I h y trod an w
e e . T h y liv d it is
e e e e ,
obvious nough in a narrowin g world and look d back at

e , ,
e
t he lar g r fr dom of t h past with a sort of b numb d
e ee e e e
admiration I t was an g as t h books y f criti c ism f a e, e sa o o
classification analysis and com arisons Th M

.
, ,
i e a n
m
, , .
m t h at h rald t h . e e
closing of an ; but among th m cropping up h r and era e , e e
t h r scanty b caus so littl f w h at th y wrot h com

e e, e e e o e e as e
down to trac s f t h b auty and c h arm as w ll as

u s , are e o e e ,
e
o f t h f rivolity and s nsuous r fin m nt t h at accompani s

e e e e e ,
e
ov rrip n ss and t h downward road Such trac s

e e e e . e ar e
P ronto s fabl f Sl p t h story f C pid d P yc h in

’
e o ee , e o u an s e
Apul ius and t h po m P ig ili m V i

e ,
e e er v u en er s .
N v rth l ss t h s m
e e h d a purpos
e e and strov to e e en a e, e
ac hi v it Auth ors orators scholars grammarians w r

e e .
, , , , e e
m
tryin g to ff ct a ch an g in lit rar Latin and th y t
e e e e ,
e se
about it d e vanity of th ir e e
fl t comparabl in its way to t h at f Marcus Aur lius to

'
e or ,
e o e
cur t h ills f t h world by t h pr c pts f Stoicism w ars

w
e e o e e e e o ,
e
a path tic asp ct But th y w nt gallantly to work T h ir

e e . e e . e
slogan Jetu to t h ld c la ssics T h y acknowl d g d

as a rn e O . e e e
t h aut h ority
e but r b ll d against t h e e e e
absolut auth ority in styl t h at t h s lords f lan guag h d

e e e e o e a
im p os d upon t h following g n rations and strov to ff ct

e e e e ,
e e e
t h f r dom t h y h d in mind by going back

e ee e f as might
a , so ar
b don with r ason to t h styl of t h

e e arli r Latin classi c s
e , e e e e e ,
o f Ennius and Plautus of old Cato and t h Gracc h i T h y ,

e . e
wo l d talk of Lucilius N i P i Accius T r nc

u ,
aev u s , a cu v u s , , e e e,
Claudius Q d i g i but n v r a word about Tacitus

ua r ar u s , e e ,
P tronius Martial Pliny t h Young r or Statius ; S n ca

e , , e e ,
e e
was only m ntion d to b scorn fully cond mn d a cor

e e e e e as
ru p t i g influ nnc and Lucan was bar ly

e nam d I n
e, t h s e e . e e
anci nt writ rs th y found a f r s hn ss an n r gy a natural

e e e e e ,
e e ,
n ss wh ich th y miss d in t h h igh ly cultivat d mann r f

e ,
e e e e e o
t h gold n
e g I n esuc h a mood lov ars of et h. Elizab t h an ,
e e e
past C h arl s Lamb p rh aps mi ght propos a r turn to

,
e e ,
e e
S h aksp r and Hook r An d this lit rary mov m nt was not

e e e . e e e
mod l of loqu nc tak Plautus f s riousn ss and w i ght
e e e e e , or e e e
tak Cato for bitt r inv ctiv Gracchus f

e , loqu nc e e e , or e e e
Cic ro for pomp and circumstanc tak F ronto Orator

e , e e
“
insi gnis Orator bi li i m

,
” “
no ss us .
”
Orator y h d always b n h ld in hi gh st m amon g t h

a ee e e ee e
Romans Wh r t h r . no n wspap rs t h pow r of

e e e e a re e e , e e
sp c h i a pot nt instrum nt of gov rnm nt ; and und r t h

ee s e e e e e e
R public w h t h r in t h S nat in courts of law or b for

e ,
e e e e e, ,
e e
ass mbli s f vot rs a skillful orator was a man f

e e o e , o con se
I n S h aksp r s play of J li ff cts

’
u en c e
q . C th e e u us a es a r, e e e
wrought by t h sp ch s of Brutus and of Mark Antonye ee e
a re r asonably tru to Roman li f Und r t h Empir also

e e e . e e e, ,
a discours b for t h S nat or a h arangu to t h P t

e e e e e e, e e rae o
rian Guard might b a matt r of consid rabl political

,
e e e e
importanc ; and oratory was always h ighly valu d as a

e e
social accomp lis h m nt I n t h conv rsations r port d by e . e e e e
WW
Aulus G lli t h sp ak rs mph asiz t h trivial sid f
e u s, e e e e e e e o
oratory m r ly b caus t h y tak t h s rious for grant d

,
e e e e e e e e e .
Th gr at w igh t attac h d to t h
e e ducation f an orator is
e e e e o
plain from Cic ro s tr atis s and from Qui ntillian s I ti

e
’
e e
’
ns
t t
u es A d from t h
. arli st tim s it was r co gniz d th at
n e e e e ,
e e
N t h fundam ntal r qui it ;

e e e s e
for succ ss is ch aract r A orator must first of all b an

e e n e
IM
.
; h must first lay t h corn r an e e e
ston f ri ght ousn ss and aft r th at build up hi sup r

w
e o e e ,
e s e
structur f history po try p hilosoph y and forth Cato s

e o , e , ,
so .
’
d finition
e acc pt d as an axiom O t
as t i b
e e ,
ra o r es v r o nu s
di
c en di p it an orator is a good man skill d in t h art
er u s, e e
of sp aking e .
F ronto as t h most min nt orator f hi tim was natu

e e e o s e,
rally mark d out as t t p rson to instruct a f utur

e e es e e
sov r i gn I n I S
e e ranc o roya l arning and 1a e ,
a
cc o r i g y n cam r us s e f r h e eac er o e on e . e
natur f Il s t aching is t forth in th ir corr spond nc ;

e o l e se e e e e
and in r ading t h arli r l tt rs th at pass d b tw n th m

e e e e e e e e ee e ,
LI TE RARY S OCI E TY IN ROME 59
must r m mb r th at t h corr s d t mast r and

M
on e e e e e e on en s a r e e
pppi l t h at t,
h l tt rs in a e e an se a r e, e
in rh toric mad so partly on purpos and partly b c aus

e , e e, e e
th e r lation b tw n t h two gav t hat cast to t h corr

e e ee e e e e
sp d on and both ch os to abid by it ; and no doubt

en c e, e e , ,
F ronto advis d hi pupil th at it was a good practic to f l

e s e o
low t h rul s f rh toric in writing l tt rs Many passa g s

e e o e e e . e ,
in f act sound i f t h corr spond nts w r carryin g on

,
as e e e e e
un finis h d discussions and conv rsations f t h l ctur room

e e o e e e .
Wh at s ms to us f orc d stilt d xa gg rat d or fantastic

ee e ,
e ,
e e e , ,
was acc pt d by t h corr spond nts at its rh torical valu ;

e e e e e e e
v n in t h ir most a ff ctionat l tt rs it pl as d th m both

e e e e e e e ,
e e e
to k p to t h styl f a r h torical ssay Occasionally th r

ee e e o e e . e e
is an out and out laying down f principl s and f th ir

- -
o e o e
application but g n rally t h l m nts and fundam ntal

,
e e e e e e e
propositions f oratory assum d

w
o a re e .
Critics br d upon t h En glis h traditions of composur

, e e e
and s l f r straint h d m it a point f good ma n rs to

e -
e , o ee o n e
pr s nt a mask of in di ff r nc toward th ir d ar st fri nds

e e e e e e e e e ,
r f r with disapprobation to t h f rvid xpr ssions f ff

e e e e e e o a ec
tion b tw n F ronto and Marcus J W M k il f i

w
e ee . . . ac a ,
or n
stanc compar s t h nthusiastic p h ras s in w hi c h t h ir

e, e e e e e
mutual f ondn ss loth s its l f to t h ff e f s c h ool

C e e ,
‘
e e us en es s o
girls T his criticism if I may v ntur to say so disr gards

w
”
.
,
e e ,
e
on e o f t h si gns f t h os tim s Latin as a spok n lan gua g

e o e e .
,
e e,
h d alr ady b gun to br ak up and tak on a

a e e f orm t h at e e ne
was d stin d ultimat ly to b com t h I talian lan guag

e e e e e e e .
Som f t h adj ctiv s th at F ronto and Marcus Aur lius

e o e e e e
apply to anoth r amon g t h arli st tok ns th at t h

on e e are e e e e e
writt n sp c h was followi n g t h sam cours En glis h m n

e ee e e e . e
may confin th ms lv s to D ar Smith and Yours truly

e e e e
“
e ,
” “
,
”
but I tali ans h av anoth r conv ntion th y b gin th ir l tt rs

e e e ,
e e e e e
I llustrissimo N obilissimo D i l t t i i m ,
and d with ,
e ss o en
Oss qui umilissimi

e S rvitor d t i i m and wh at ,
” “
e e ev o ss o,
not Th florid adj ctiv s th at t h two f ri nds

. e di ti e e e e u s e, s er s
60 MA RCUS A U R E L I US
sim d t i im mi hi carissim d l i i m Magist r opta
e, oc ss e, e, u c ss e e
tissim amic d i d t i im (th s

e, eth ir Latin words )
es era ss e e e ar e e ,
nothin g ls t han f rank I talian t rms of nd arm nt

w
a re e e e e e e ,
suc h as add a warmt h to ordinary I talian corr spond nc e e e,
and j usti fy t h ms lv s to t hos h b li v as F ronto did

e e e e o e e e, ,
t hat words s h ould x p r ss not only thou ght but also m e e , ,

e o
tion with nic accuracy Mann rs h av th ir g of rococo

,
e . e e e a e ,
as w ll as f Doric simplicity and t h rococo is not with out

e o , e
artificial c h arm f its own F t l tt rs m r ly adopt t h

o . ron o s
’
e e e e e
lit rary fas hion f t h tim s t h y h av (to quot an i ght

e o e e ,
e e e e
t h c ntury xpr ssion ) a corr ctly l gant pistolary

w
“
een e e e e -
e e e
styl A li Aristid s was quit

e . e usxtravagant and fri gid e e as e ,
as w ll F i wrot to H rod s Atticus h h d b n

e . av o r n u s e e e , o a ee
a Roman consul and hi anc stors consuls b for h i m

w
°
s e e e
Wh n s hall I
e you and kiss both corn rs of your lips
s ee , e
( pA f
i re L eL éu )
’
And H rod s hims l f famous as t h
To o r a e e e ,
e
ton gu f Ath ns h d th s v rs s inscrib d upon a statu

e o e ,
”
a e e e e e e
r ct d on t h Appian Way in h onor of hi d c as d wi f

e e e e , s e e e e
T O R E G I L LA
w
Come it r to this t m pl y d aught rs f T ib r
h he e e e e o e ,
S tr w in c ns
e t h s h rine f R gi ll
e on e e o e a ;
S p rung f rom t h mu ch owning sons f A as
ww
Sh e as e -
o en e ,
Of th f f m d r c
e arf A nch i s an d I d ali n Aph ro d it
-
a e a e o se a e .
A t M arathon w as h d an d t h go dd ss s f h av
s e e e e e o e en
H onor h D m t r t h and D m t r t h old

,
er , e e e e ne e e e e
For t th m t h s cr d statu f this f air gir dl d lady i d dicat

.
o e e a e e o e s e e;
B ut h inh b it th t h h appy is l s
s e a e e e
Wh r Kro os r i gns among t h h roin s

e e n e , e e e
Z us on t h E lysian b r z f Z p hyrus
.
e e ee e o e
S nt t h f ir l a dy to t h O c a S
e e a t t e e n ea , e c .
, e c .
As som of th s v rs s r f r to t h Empr ss F austina

e e e e e e e e e ,
th r may b good r ason to suppos th at t h y w r first

e e e e e e e e
submitt d to h and ap p rov d F t o ff ndin g li s in

e er e . ro n o s
’
e e
t y to ris abov t h acc pt d standards f hi e e e e e o s

C H A P T E R V
T H E F RH ETORIC S T U D Y O
F all h i t ac h rs Marcus was most intimat with

s e e e
F ronto and t h ough in lat r y ars h did not h av

, e e e e
th admiration f h im th at h nt rtain d toward

e or e e e e
Maximus and Rusticus p r h aps b caus F ronto was av rs ,

e e e e e
to all p hilosop hy and particularly to Stoic p h iloso p hy y t

, ,
e
all hi li f lon g h f lt a p culiar fondn ss f t h t h

s e e e e e or e en u
loqu nt kind f ri nd much old r t h an h ims l f

w
i ti
s as c, e e ,
e ,
so e e .
Evid ntly F ronto was a lov abl man with a warm h art
w
e e e e
h attach d p opl to hi m by transpar nt kindlin ss

o e e e e e .
Lucius V rus h also b cam hi p upil was as d vot d

e ,
o e e s ,
e e
to hi m as Mar c us h ims l f ; and F t x p r ssions f e ro n o s

’
e e o
admiration f h i f ri nds r v al v ry p lainly t hat a ff ction

or s e e e e e
and r sp c t must h av b n mutual O h says is r mark

e e e ee . n e, e ,
e
abl f t h l ganc f hi sc h olarly attainm nts ; anoth r

e or e e e e O s e e
h asa d licat s ns f words is a good f llow and phi

e e e e o ,
e no
l
os O
p h ; a
ert h ird is a man f xc p tional l arnin g and ora o e e e
t i l g i f ts ; a f ourt h is v ry brilliant in mars h allin g hi

or c a e s
p h ras s ; a fi fth l arn d and loqu nt ; a si x th I lik v ry

e ,
e e e e ,
“
e e
muc h b caus f hi acquir m nts and scrupulously h onor

,
e e o s e e
abl ch ara c t r ; anoth r is wort hy f any o ffic ; and to

e e
”
e
“
o e
”
h writ s Wh n I r m mb r t h at my b lov d fri nd is

w
one e e , e e e e e e e
sa f and w ll I b com a l ss asy pr y to gri f and t h

e e ,
e e e e e e ,
e
e vil c h anc s f li f and to anoth r T h r

e o e p opl h e ,
“
e e ar e e e o
alth ou gh th y h av b n fri nds f a long tim part all f

w w
e e ee e or e, o
a sudd n ith r b c aus th ir c h aract rs

e ,
e e sli gh t or
e e e e ar e ,
b caus f
e e o f ound f ri nds ; but
ne not m f t h at e e ar e en o
calibr e
”
.
I ima gin too t h at F ronto was ndow d with t h gi ft

e, , e e e
62 MA RCUS A U R E L I US
of instant sympat hy w h th r in j oy or sorrow and an ,
e e ,
instinctiv impuls to d clar that sym pat hy to g t h r with

e e e e ,
e e
a r ady pow r of x pr ssion in word look and g stur

e e e e , , ,
e e,
suc h as i o ft n t h pr ro gativ f south rn p opl and

s e e e e o e e e,
m ans muc h in s rious matt rs and in tim s of li ght h art d

e e e , ,
e —
e e
l isur r nd rs human int rcours v ry a gr abl A d

e e, e e e e e ee e. n
t h r is p r haps a f urth r xplanation of t h particular

w
e e ,
e ,
e e e
a ff ction t h at Marcus h arbor d toward him Th imp rial

e e . e e
h ous h old in its appointm nts and c r moni s

e ,
unos e e e e , as
t ntations v ryt hi n g was ord r d in accord with t h

e , e e e e e so
b i t y and s l f r straint of t h Emp ror s c h aract r and

’
r e e -
e e e e
tast ; n v rth l ss t h Domus Ti b i was t h palac f

e e e e e e er a n a e e o
t h mast r f t h world and could not disp ns wit h formal

e e o e ,
e e
d corum and t h conv ntional di gnity f royalty Marcus

e e e o .
h ims l f was t h appoint d h ir and willy i lly was oblig d

e e e e ,
-
n e
to maintain a styl f living uncon g nial to hi id als f lif e o e s e o e.
nj oy d hi uncl s soci ty but t h tim s w h n h was

w w
H
’
e e e s e e , e e e e
abl to nj oy it at l ast during th ir r sid nc in Rom

e e ,
e e e e e e,
must h av b n f and s hort Th Emp ror

e ee occupi d
e . e e as e
with a ff airs f Stat and Marcus on h i part h d c r

o e, , s ,
a e e
monial obli gations pri stly functions fli i l duti s in ,

e , o c a e ,
addition to hi hours f study Lif must h av contain d

s o . e e e
muc h irksom routin F or div rsions th r w r gladi atorial

e e . e e e e e
s h ows rac s t h t h atr ; but Marcus though h was oft n

,
e ,
e e e , e e
oblig d to b a sp ctator was av rs both by natur and

e e e ,
e e, e
by arly trainin g to such x hibitions and h d no tast f

e ,
e ,
a e or
f astin g or carousin g His int ll ctual curiositi s hi lit r

e . e e e , s e
ary nthusiasms n d d companions hip I n t h s thing

e ,
ee e . e ee
tim f adol sc nc a youn g man crav s sympathy outsid

e o e e e, e e
o f hi imm diat f amily

s e d wit h all t h
e . se e
virtu s but it do s not

e ,
h or hi wi fe
e e, s
F austina h d int ll ctual tast s ; D m i t i Lucilla was a

, a e e e o a
sw t and loving moth r but mat rnal t nd rn ss is not

ee e ,
e e e e
all th at a brilliant n ds And of hi cousin F austina s on ee . s
t h you g r n it h r durin g t h
e n p riod of th ir b troth al
e ,
e e e e e e
THE STUDY OF RHE TORIC 63
nor a ft r th ir marr a g I s th r any vid nc th at h h d

e e i e, e e e e e s e a
int r sts b yond h family a ff ctions Marcus s oth r tutors

e e e er e .
’
e
w r Stoics disciplin d m un motional disillusion d p

w
e e , e en , e , e er
h aps and would h av r pr ss d t h os

,
bullitions of ff e e e e e e a ec
tion and f ancy whi ch F ronto ncoura g d Marcus of a e e . as
s rious disposition but youth sp cially youth ndow d

e , ,
e e e e
with int llig nc and ima gination and rais d to a position

e e e ,
e
wh r o ly s lf r straint stands b tw n its l f and t h grati

e e n e
-
e e ee e e
fi tica f v ry wis h naturally r ac h s out to a larg r f r

on o e e ,
e e e ee
dom wh r it s h all find ampl scop for f ancy f s l f

,
e e e e ,
or e
e xpr ssion and for m r int ll ctual discursiv n ss F ronto

e ,
e e e e e e .
,
t h r for cam as a lib rating spirit H op n d windows

e e e, e e . e e e
upon a di ff r nt world ; and w h at m ant v n mor than

e e ,
e e e e
th is in hi warm impulsiv African way h lavis h d upon

, s , e ,
e e
Marcus an outspok n a ff ction and admi ration th at t h e e e
Roman tutors did not approv of and som tim s t l e e e a u s er e
r pr ss d Wh n Marcus was f ound w pin g at t h loss f

e e e . e ee e o
a f ri nd hi Stoic tutors r buk d hi m ; t h kind h art d

e , s e e e -
e e
Antoninus bad th m l t hi m alon sayin g n ith r phi e e e e, ,

“
e e
l
os o h
p y nor imp rial pow r can d stroy t h a ff ctions e e e e e .
”
A d y t Anto inus if
n e may j udg f rom hi ch aract r
,
n ,
on e e s e ,
did not g furth r th an fr dom f rom int r f r nc wh r as

o e ee e e e e, e e
F ronto laud d Marcus s capaciti s to t h ski s

’
e e e e
hi tast and r scu d t h di ffid t youn g man

w
p li h ms t en s , s e, e e e en
f rom t h h ost f appr h nsions t h at hi f utur

e op i b i li e e s e r es on s
ti s cast li k a gr at s h adow about hi m F ronto too

e e e .
, ,
as
stu ff d wi th a knowl dg f lit ratur and notions f lit r

e e e o e e o e
ary valu s and glow d with nt husiasm for h i art ; and

e e e s
F t z al f Latin lit ratur was not m r ly f Latin

r on o s
’
e or e e e e or
lit ratur as such but as a gr at achi v m nt f t h Latin

e e ,
e e e e o e
rac H was an int ns patriot hims l f and wh n h wis h d

e . e e e e ,
e e e
to mak h i gh comm ndation f a fri nd h would call hi m

e e o e e
“
a gr at l f h i country (p atria
e m ti im
ov er o ) H s e a an ss us . e
was at with t h Emp ror in M

on e M e e
past in v neration for t h stabl

,
M N
e
m
H e e
’
é
s to t hat past
and str ngth
w
~ w ~
e
tb t he E m p i re7 afi d he(ifi i é ké ii tffl i r hi s r o yal l li v ely

’
r ~
u
p pi ~a ~
ad mi ration fo r t he
anci nt h ro s h h d mad t h Roman e e e o a e e
nam proud a poss ssion As a natural corollary or

e so e .
ac c ompanim nt to t his patriotism F ronto mbrac d t h

e , e e e
fas hionabl cult f anti q uity in lit ratur and tau ght a
e or e e,
d vout loyalty f t h anci nt aut hors and wh at v r ls

e or e e e e e e
h d issu d out f t h h roic days f t h R public Mor t h an

a e o e e o e e . e
t hirty y ars a ft rwards hi imp rial pupil still class d t h

e e s e e e
old words and t h old h ro s to g th r in hi m mory (M Ae e e e e s e . .
IV ,
And abov all F ronto was truthful p ur mind d
,
e , ,
e
-
e ,
h on st and g nuin
e and vid ntly from t h v ry b gin
e e, ,
e e ,
e e e
nin g conc iv d a d p and a g r a ff ction f t h winning

,
e e ee e e e or e ,
wist ful youn g man , .
F ronto was marri d ; h i h ous stood in wh at h d onc e s e a e
b n t h gard ns f Ma c nas on t h Esquilin Hill n ar

ee e e o e e ,
e e ,
e
t h old wall f S rvius Tullius a littl to t h sout h ast p

e o e ,
e e e ,
er
h aps f w h r S Maria Ma ggior now stands His wi f s

’
,
o e e . e . e
nam was Grac and th y h d

e dau ght r also nam d
e, e a on e e , e
Grac ; and all th r w r on t rms f a ff ctionat familiar

e ee e e e o e e
ity with Marcus and hi moth r Th part f t h corr spond s e . e o e e
e nc b tw n F ronto and Marcus th at I am about to quot

e e ee e,
runs ov r t h y ars f rom 1 3 9 to 1 4 3 or t h r abouts w h n

e e e e e ,
e
Marcus is i ght n to tw nty two y ars old Th x act

e ee e -
e . e e
c h ronology is not important f our purpos s I t s ms or e . ee
lik ly t h at F ronto was livin g in Rom and th at Marcus

e e,
usually wrot f rom som wh r in t h country L i m or

e e e e e ,
or u
L i m p r h aps and part f t h tim

anu v u ,
e f rom N a pl s or , ,
o e e, e
Baia Som l tt rs as will b s n r lat to t h pr c din g

e . e e e , e ee ,
e e e e e
l tt rs and som do not Gr k p h ras s I h av r nd r d in

e e ,
e . ee e e e e e
F r nc he .
66
Esp cially t h
e
sl p I do not succ d in
ee —
as
MA
thin g I d sir to t ach you h to

e on e
RCUS
ee .
AU
e
RELIUS
e e —
o w
F ollow your good pl asur ; and may t h gods pr s rv e e e e e e
you for m bot h w h il you sle p and w h il you wak Good e ee e e .
by my j oy good by
e, ,
-
e.
F RO N T O .
Ma rc u s t o Fr o n t o
MY DEAR MAsT E R
I s h all h av nothin g to do all day I f you v r lov d m
e . e e e e,
lov m today and s nd m a good f rtil subj ct I b g I

e e e e e e e . e ,
b s ch j t p i j t
e ee ,
e
p p li
’
j t
en i m pl F or
r e, in t h is e
’
en s u e, e
’
ore .
th m about t h C t m i I hav discov r d not hin g x

e e e en u v r s, e e e e
c pt d ph
e es ib t p t m i
ra s es l di c v F ar
r a n es ou r er n er e s o u rs . e
w ll B st f Mast rs Th Lady my Mot h r s nds you h

e ,
e o e . e , e , e er
kind r gards I h av b n wanting to writ about som th in g

e . e ee e e
w h r it would b n c ssary to rant and rav B nic about

e e e e e e . e e
it and s nd m a good ranting j t

e e su e .
M AR C U S .
Fr o n t o t o Ma rc u s
MY D EA R L O RD
I av got a th m for you ; it is a s rious subj ct A
h e e e e e .
consul f t h Roman P opl at t h f stival of Min rva laid

o e e e, e e e ,
asid hi o fficial toga put on gauntl ts and ri ght among t h

e s ,
e , ,
e
gladiators in t h pr s nc f t h Roman P opl kill d a

, e e e e o e e e, e
lion A d mand for punis hm nt h b n lodg d wi th t h

. e e as ee e e
C nsors E mp l j t d b d p i il f t t d
e . os e e su e
’
a or , u s au e n rer a ns
tou sl d é t i l F ar w ll my c h arming Lord Pl as giv

es a s . e e ,
. e e e
my r sp cts to my Lady your Moth r

e e ,
e .
F RO N T O .
M a rc u s t o F ro n t o
D E AR F R O N T O
Wh n did it h app n ? Was it at Rom ? Ar n t you sp aking
e e e e
’
e
of t hat a ff air und r Domitian at Albano ? I may y that it

e sa
will b n c ssary to do a gr at d al f work on this subj ct

e e e e e o e ,
in ord r to mak it s m cr dibl or rath r to stir up any

e e ee e e, e
indignation at it I t s ms to m j t t e p . i m ee e an s u e r s eu o ra s e
bl bl
a e .l as writ m at onc w h n it took plac
P
e e e e e e e .
M AR C U S .
Ma rcu s t o Fr on t o
MY D E A R M A ST E R
I av writt n out my th m compl t ly (s nd m anoth r
h e e e e e e e e e
subj ct ) but my s cr tary was not on hand to copy it out

e ,
e e .
N v rth l ss I h av not writt n it to my liking ; in t h first

e e e e ,
e e e
plac I was in a h urry in t h s cond your sickn ss took

e , e e e
away som of my pow rs But my apolo gi s s h all g tomor

e e . e o
row w h n I s h all s nd my t h m Good by my Sw t st

,
e e e e .
—
e, ee e
Mast r Th Lady my Moth r s nds h kind r gards

e . e ,
e ,
e er e .
M AR C U S .
F r on t o t o Ma r cu s
D E AR C A E S A R
Grac cam h om last night And a s cond grac b caus
e e e . e e, e e
you hav transpos d thos apoth gms admirably ; ind d

e e e e so ee
th I r c iv d today is
e on e n arly p r f ct th at it could
e e e so e e e
-
b put in a volum
e f Sallust wit h out any s h ortcoming or
e o ,
lack f h armony Wh n you

o making suc h good progr ss
. e a re e ,
I b com v ry h appy g y h alth y and young
w
e e e ,
a ,
e ,
.
I am goin g to ask som t h ing h ard of you ; but sinc I e e
r m mb r h much it b n fit d m I cannot h lp xacting

e e e o e e e e, e e
it f you Transpos t h sam apoth gm ov r and ov r

o . e e e e e e
a gain two or t hr tim s at l ast j ust as you h av don

,
ee e e ,
e e
with this littl Go on and transpos t h long r on s

e on e . e e e e
also two or t hr tim s ; b dili g nt and bold ; for w h at v r

,
ee e e e e e
you attack boldly you will wit h your int lli g nc do x , e e e, e
c ellen t l
y .
Wh n by t h grac of t h gods
e , e e e , you com back to Rom
e e,
es MA RCUS A U R E L I US
I s h all ask you to do daily v rs s again My ob isanc e e . e e,
pl as to my La dy your Moth r
e e, ,
e .
FRO NT O .
Marcus to Fro n t o
M O S T N O B L E C O NS U L :
I am plac d in t h at condition f fortun in w hic h as

e o e, ,
Ennius says :
Th c ou s l f ll m i h oll o w
e n e o a en s ,
U r ging alw ys to pl a ur us a e s e .
Plautus too says admirably on t his subj ct in hi C l
W
, , e ,
s o ax
Th ou gh th y h av pl d g d th ir h o r th y d c iv
e e e e e no e e e e
H i m th at b li v th m sn k ing sycoph ts
,
e e es e ea an
h p r ss ab ut t h k ing th ir lip s
, ,
o ed o e , an on e
Is thing i th i h rts anoth r

one , n e r ea e .
T h r was a tim w h n th is misc hi f conc rn d K in gs only ;

w
e e e e e e e
but now t h sons f K ings h av t h sam ki nd f courti rs

e o e e e o e ,
h o, as N i says a ev u s :
List n o b s qui ous d uck and pl ay t h l ck y

e e , , e a e .
Am I not ri ght d ar Mast r to b wroth to put b for ,

e e ,
e ,
e e
mys l f e l b t ? and am I not righ t to fix my t h ough ts

u n s eu u
on man only wh n I pick up my p ?

on e ,
e en
You ask m in a most flatt rin g way f my v rs s ; and

w
e, e ,
or e e
I s h ould h av s nt th m at onc i f I h d h d t h m with

e e e e, a a e
m e. But my s cr tary (you kno hi m I m an Anic tus )

e e , e e ,
wh n I was startin g did not pack any f my writin gs H

e ,
o . e
kn w my failin g and was a fraid th at i f I g t h old f t h m

e o o e ,
I S h ould do as I usually do and t h row t h m in t h fi But ,

e e re .
t hos v rs s ran no risk ; f as I will con f ss truly to my

e e e or, e
Mast r I lik th m
e , e e .
I n th is plac I study at ni gh t ; for my day is s p nt at t h

e, e e
th atr I accomplis h littl tir d at nigh t and I g t u p in

e e . e, e ,
e
t h mornin g h alf asl p I n spit

e f t h is I h av fill d fi ee . e o ,
e e ve
books with t c t f m i ty l m ! But wh n you r ad

ex r a s ro s x vo u es e e
sixty r m mb r t h at th y includ th in gs by N i and

,
e e e e e ov u s ,
f arc s and Scipio s s h ort sp c h s I was a f raid t h numb r

’
e ,
ee e . e e
mi gh t f right n you e .
Good by my v ry d ar my most a ff ctionat F ri nd ;

-
e, e e ,
e e, e
good by most nobl Consul sw t st f Mast rs

-
e, e , ee e o e .
M ARC US .
F ro n t o t o M a rc u s
MY D E AR L O R D
You may th ink th at I sl pt all last ni gh t but most f t h e , o e
tim I lay awak wond ring wh th r I am not too lax and

e e, e e e
too l ni nt toward your f aults on account f my x c din g

e e ,
o e ee
a ff c tion f you and w h th r you ough t not to b f arth r

e or , e e e e
advanc d in r h toric and hav a mor loqu nt way f

e e , e e e e o
e xpr ssin g yours lf w r it not th at sloth and car l ssn ss

e e ,
e e e e e
st lti fy your tal nts Wh il I was turnin g t his ov r anxiously

u e . e e
in my mind I b gan to r aliz th at you h av pro gr ss d

,
e e e e e e
muc h b yond your y ars mor th an was r asonabl to h op

e e ,
e e e e
for f rom t h l n gt h f tim y e h av studi d t h subj ct

e o e ou e e e e ,
and v n mor than I h d xp ct d alth ough I h d t my

e e e a e e e ,
a se
h op s xc ssiv ly h i gh
e e e e .
L t us gird ours lv s and mak an ff ort I will guarant

e e e e e . ee,
go bail giv any pl dg th at I s hall quickly t you on t h

, e e e, se e
v ry pinnacl f loqu nc Th gods will do it th y will

w
e e o e e e . e ,
e
bl ss Good by my Lord pe i b c g fi t i
e us .
-
e, , es r e, a e on o u ra e, e -
o
au t mp e t t l pé i s Pl as giv my humbl r sp cts

e a
’
e r en c e . e e e e e e
to my Lady your Moth r I n th at passag on t h di sci

,
e . e e
pli n f t h P rsians your xpr ssion l y l d is good

e o e e ,
e e a on oa .
F R O N TO .
M a rc u s t o Fr o n t o
D E A R M AS T E R
av r c iv d two l tt rs from you at onc I n
I h e e e e of e e e. on e
t h m you f ound f ault with m

e and ac c us d m f h avin g e e e o
w itt n a passa g car l ssly ; in t h oth r you w r watch

r e e e e e e e e
i g ov r my x rtions and makin g th m asi r by your com

n e e e e e e
pli m en t s N ev erth el ess I
sw ar on my li f on my moth r s ’
. e e, e ,
,
on yours that your first l tt r gav m t h gr at r pl asur

, e e e e e e e e e .
Whil I was r adin g I xclaim d again and a gain How

w
e e e e
W
,
lucky I am ! Som body may ask A you lucky b caus you

e ,
re e e
h av a mast r to t ac h you h to t i t wit

w
e e
j t
e h o ra er nu su e ,
ing nuity lucidity br vity and l ganc ? N o th at is not

e , ,
e ,
"
e e e ,
t h r ason
e ehy I call mys lf lucky hy i it t h n ? B caus e . s ,
e e e
I l arn from you to S p ak t h truth To sp ak t h trut h

e e e . e e
strai ght out is a h ard matt r both f gods and m T h r e or en . e e
is no oracl so truth ful but it contains som doubt som

e e ,
e un
c rtainty som thing intricat by whic h imprud nt man

e ,
e e, an e
is caught as in a snar So I must t hank you b caus e . e e
you t ac h m so w ll bot h to sp ak t h truth and to list n

e e e e e e
to t h truth e .
M AR C U S .
Wh n t h tim cam for Marcus as consul to mak hi

e e e e , ,
e s
maid n sp c h in t h S nat (1 4 0 A D ) F ronto was mor

e ee e e e . . e
n rvous th an hi pupil
e s .
MY L O R D
I f you h av e any a ff ction for m sl p w ll th s nights e e ee e e e ,
so th at you s hall nt r t h S nat with a good color and

e e e e e ,
sp ak with a good vigorous voic

e e .
F R O N TO .
D E A R M A ST E R '
s h all n v r h av nough a ff ction

I e e e e e for you ; I will go to
sl p
ee .
M AR C U S .
MY L O RD
Excus m Pl as strik out
e word from your sp ch
e
. e e e on e ee ,
and I b g th at you will n v r y di ti f

e ti e e sa c on or o ra on .
Good by my Lord my v rlasting glory Pl as giv my

—
e, ,
e e . e e e
r sp cts to my Lady your Moth r

e e , e .
FRO NTO .
D E AR M A ST E R
If
you will r mind e me about th at word tomorrow , I will
g iv you my r asons
e e .
MA RC US .
Ifl y
m
Emp
t he ror appoint
m d F ronto
eai t m consul m ,
t he e e
for t hgb i f t rm of two month s according to t h custo m

'
r e e , e
th at obtain d at t his tim p g habm er m ari i hi e, r OR— s
s rvic s s t t to Marcu s for t h sam h onor h d b n

e e a u or ,
e e a ee
fd d a littl arli r to H rod s Atticus Th ffi

m
h u
a fz c d fe e e e e e . an c ea z as
h onora r and F t ch i f duty was to ’

e r on o s e
d liv r a pan gyric upon t h Emp ror Th occasion was

e e e e e . e
to b f gr at social importanc ; and in ord r to mak t h

e o e e e e e
w
oration worthy both of t h Emp ror and of hi own r puta e e s e
tion F ronto spar d n ith r tim nor pains B for it was

,
e e e e . e e
d liv r d h s nt c rtain passag s to Marcus p rh aps ith

e e e , e e e e ,
e
th id a f finding out wh th r t h styl and substanc

e e o e e e e e
would b satisfactory to hi imp rial patron

e s e .
Fr o n t o t o M a rc u s
Rom July
w
e, ,
1 43 .
MY D E A R L O R D C A E S AR
I n your last l ett er you asked h y I ha d not d eliv er ed my
e e
. w
sp eech in t he S enat e I s h all d eliver it on t he id es of Au
gust P er h a p s you want to know h y so lat e ? B ecaus e I am
n v r in a urry in any r sp ct to ulfill a c r monial f
h ,
.
e e ,
f e e un c
tion But also it is my duty to tr at you without di i m
.
,
as e ss u
lation or ambi guity I will t ll you wh at is t h id a in t h ,

e . e e e
back f my mind I h av o ft n in t h S nat prais d your

o . e e e e e e
g rand f at h r t h Divin Hadrian copiously and gladly

e ,
e e , , ,
too ; th r many f thos sp c h s and th y

e e ar e in v ry o e ee e e are e e
W
,
body s h ands My attitud toward Hadrian (b it said with

’
. e e
t h kind p rmission
e f your filial r sp ct ) was rat h r t h at
e o e e e
o f d sir to h av h i m w ll dispos d and g ntl as i f h w r

e e e e -
e e e, e e e
Mars G d i or F at h r Ju p it r than f a ff ction hy ?

ra vu s e e , o e . so
B caus
e a ff ction
e fo r n ds som assuranc and f amil
e on e ee e e
i i t y ; but I lack d ssuran c

ar and t h r for th ou gh I f lt
e a e, e e e, e
g r at
e r v r n c f
e h i m I
e ewas not bold enou gh to nt rtain
or ,
e e e
a ff ction for hi m But Antoninus I lov d dot upon as I

e . ean e ,
lov t h e day li f t h soul and I f l th at h lov s

e s un , ,
e, e ,
ee e e
m e Unl ss I S p ak h i prais in suc h a way th at my ulogy

. e e s e e
s hall not li buri d in t h r c ords f t h S nat but b in

e e e e o e e e, e
m n s h ands and y s th n I v n f ail in gratitud to you

e
’
e e ,
e e e e .
F or as t h runaway slav is r port d to h av said

“
, e I e e e e ,
always ran lik sixty f my mast r but now to mak my

e or e ,
e
e scap I ll run lik a h undr d So w h n I us d to ulo giz

e,
’
e e .
”
e e e e
Hadrian I was running f a mast r ; but now I am runnin g

,
or e
on my own a c count for my own sak I say and I am put ,

e, ,
tin g all my mind into th is oration T h r for accordin g to . e e e,
my conv ni n c I s h all proc d slowly l isur ly c om fort

e e e, ee , e e ,
ably .
I f you in a gr at h urry find som di v rsion in t h

ar e e ,
e e e
m anwhil ; kiss your F ath r h g him and th n ulo giz

e e e ,
u ,
e e e
h i m yours l f How v r you may xp ct to h ar som t h in g

e . e e ,
e e e e
to your tast on t h id s f Au gust Good by Ca sar try to

e e e o .
—
e, e ,
d s rv such a f ath r ; and i f you m an to writ anyth in g

e e e e e e ,
writ slowly e
FRO NTO .
T h s l tt rs e e not in s qu nc ; possibly I am quit

e e ar e e e e e
wron g as to t h pisod s to which th y r lat ; and it is

e e e e e e un
c rtain j ust wh ich f F t l tt rs call d forth t h f l

e o r on o s
’
e e e e o
lowin g r h tori c al answ r f rom t h princ

e e e e .
Marcu s t o Fr o n t o
N apl es ,
July ,
143 .
MY D E A R F R O NT O , M O ST I L LU ST R I O U S C O N S U L
I surr nd r ; you h av conqu r d B yond a doubt you
e e e e e . e
h av outdon in a ff ction all t h lov rs t h at v r x ist d

e e e e e e e e e .
Tak t h victor s wr ath ; and b sid s l t t h h rald pro

e e
’
e ,
e e , e e e
ears burn d for a lon g w hil My Sov r i gn lik s and
e e . e e e a
p
prov s your r ason for adj
e i g your sp c h e ou r n n ee .
M A RC U S .
F ro n t o t o Ma rc u s
MY D E AR L O R D A N D C A E S A R
I tak it f grant d my Lord th at you d vot a littl
e or e , ,
e e e
tim to writing pros ; for alth ough a rid r x rcis s hi

e e e e e e s
h ors s sp d w h t h r h go s at a gallop or at a trot n v r

’
e ee e e e e ,
e e
th l t h mor us ful gait s h ould b t h mor fr qu ntly

e es s e e e e e e e e
practis d e .
You th at I am not d aling with you as if I h d in

s ee e a
mind t h at you but tw nty two y ars old At th at g I

are e -
e . a e
h d h ardly r ad any of t h classics ; but by t h grac

a e f th e , e e o e
g ods and your own virtu s you h av attain d a profici ncy e ,

e e e
in oratory t hat would suffic to stablis h t h r putation of e e e e
m enof matur y ars And also (a difficult accomplis h

e e .
,
m nt ) you h av dO qually w ll in all forms f writin g

e ,
e ne e e o ,
for t h l tt rs w h ich you writ so assiduously s how m

e e e e e
cl arly nough wh at you can do in t h l ss c r monious

e e e e e e
l tt r writin g styl in Cic ro s mann r

e e -
e, e
’
e .
Th v rs s t h at you h av s nt m
e e e I h av s nt back by e e e e e
A fi di
u V ictorinus A d I s nt th m back in this way I
us . n e e .
car fully s w d t h pap r tog th r wit h th r ad and I

e e e e e e e e ,
s al d t h th r ad tigh t th at not v n th at littl mous

e e e e so e e e e
could g t a glimps in any way F or h h n v r s h ar d

e e . e as e e e
any f your h x am t rs with m ; h i

o ly and cun ing
e e e e e s so s n .
I n xcus h says t h at you r cit your h xam t rs on pur

e e, e e e e e e
pos v ry f ast and th at th r for h can t commit t h m to

e e , e e e e
’
e
m mory But h is paid tit f tat H g ts as good as h

e . e or . e e e
g av ; h s h an t h ar a sin gl lin B sid s I r m mb r you

’
e e e e e . e e ,
e e e
h av o f t n admonis h d m not to S h ow your v rs s to any
w
e e e e e e
on e .
W ll h do things go my Lord ? You

e ,
o sur ly in good ,
ar e e
spirits sur ly w ll sur ly saf and sound in v ry r sp ct

,
e e ,
e e e e e e .
THE STUDY OF RHETORIC 75
F ar w ll my d li gh t my saf ty my mirth my glory F ar

e e ,
e ,
e , , . e
w ll and I b s ch you lov m w holly both in j st and

e , , e ee ,
e e e
e arn st e .
I h av writt n your moth r a l tt r in Gr k (suc h is my

e e e e e ee
pr sumption ) and I h av nclos d it in my l tt r to you

e ,
e e e e e .
R ad it first and i f th r
e gross mi stak s in it will you
,
e e ar e e , ,
as you f r s h r from Gr k lit ratur

ar e corr ct th m and
e e ee e e, e e ,
t h n h and it to your moth r ; f I don t want h to d spis

e e or
’
er e e
m as a yok l Good by my Lord and giv your Mot h r a

e e .
-
e, ,
e e
ki ss w h n you giv h t h l tt r so th at h s hall b t h

e e er e e e ,
S e e e
mor willing to r ad it
e e .
C O R N E LI U S F RO N T O ,
C O N S UL .
M a rcu s t o Fron t o
N apl es ,
August 15 143 .
MY D E A R C O N S U L A N D M A ST E R
I f any of t h anci nt Gr ks v r wrot lik you l t e e ee e e e e ,
e
scholars j udg ; f my part i f I may v ntur to y I

e or ,
e e sa s o,
h av n v r found a passa g in Cato t h at vitup rat s

e e e w ll e e e as e
as you ulo giz I f it w r possibl to ulogiz our Sov r ign

e e . e e e e e e e
as h d s rv s c rtainly your ulo gy of hi m would b d

e e e e ,
e e e a e
quat M i t t t d h t c d f i And y t it would

e . a s ce e c e es en ore a re . e
b asi r to imitat P hidias or Ap ll s it would b asi r

e e e e e e , e e e
to imitat D mosth n s hims l f or Cato v n th an your

e e e e e , e e ,
work it i wrought with much laboration and finis h d

, s so e e
e xc ll nc I hav n v r r ad anyt h ing in whic h th r was

e e e . e e e e e e
such cultur such flavor f our old classics su c h polis h

e, o , ,
such pur Latin O h h ap p y m to b taught by suc h a

e .
,
e, e
mast r ! Q l g m t ! Q l d Wh at brilliancy '

e ue s ar u en s ue or re ’
W
.
w h at wit ! w h at gra c s ! Q l é c l t O h in v ry li n f it e ue a .
’
, e e e o !
May I di but you s h ould h av a s c ptr put into your

e e e e
h ands a crown , t on your f or h ad and a j ud gm nt s at

se e e ,
e e
r ct d f you T h n a h rald s h ould summon us all hy

e e e or . e e .
do I y sa I m an all m
u s,— of l tt rs and orators By t h e en e e . e
authority of your sc ptr you would bring th m up by e e e on e
one and discours wisdom to th m e e .
I writ th is to you in t h gr at st hurry b caus as I am

e e e e ,
e e,
s ndin g you a most gracious l tt r from our Sov r i gn

e e e e e ,
wh at n d is t h r of a long r l tt r f rom m
ee e e good by e e e e, s o ,
-
e,
h onor of Roman oratory prid f your f ri nds h m m i m ,

e o e ,
o e
p y a bla most d li g
e,h t f ul f m most illustrious f consuls
e o en , o ,
sw t st f mast rs
w
ee e o e .
I n f utur pl as b war f suc h m ndacious xag g ration

e, e e e e o e e e
about m sp cially in t h S nat And y t h wond r ful

e, e e e e e . e o e
of you to h av writt n t h at sp c h ! 0 t h at I mi gh t kiss

e e ee ,
your h ad at v ry h ading V
e h m
e e t t l e . ou s a v ez c ar
’
e ou e
m d
on A ft r r ading your sp ch it is f no
e . e e f m to ee , o u se or e
stru g gl and labor and strain v ry n rv F ar you w ll

e ,
e e e e . e e
always sw t st Mast r,
ee e e .
M AR C U S .
l tt r from t h Emp ror contain d this passag t h

Th e e e e e e e, e
r st is lost
w
e
By H rcul s ! you h av don capitally to h av f ound

e e e e e
som th in g
e in such a f amiliar and w ll worn subj ct
ne e -
e .
But f cours v n to wis h to do wh at you can do so w ll

,
o e, e e e ,
is a sourc of ff ctiv n ss N othin g could b b tt r th an

e e e e e . e e e
your id as ; nothing mor urban (and y t th y k p th ir

e e e e e ee e
so ndn ss ) than your way f xpr ssin g th m N or will I

u e o e e e .
do you t h wrong to d fraud you f your w ll arn d prais

e e o e -
e e e,
f f ar f t h impropri ty f praisin g my own prais s So

or e o e e o e .
,
you h av mad your f ormal acc ptanc and by a most d

e e e e, ,
e
s rvin g p r formanc wh ich (t h subj ct apart ) is ntitl d

w
e e e, e e e e
to v ry h onor F or t h r st th r was littl to do in ord r

e e . e e ,
e e e e
to l t m know h you f lt toward m for I w ll know

e e o e e, e
th at wh at I say and do m ts your most kind approval ee .
Good by F ronto my d ar f ri nd
-
e, ,
e e .
A N T O N I N U S, I M P E R AT O R .
B S Th tribut to my F austina w h ic h you introduc d into

. e e ,
e
your sp ch most grac fully I thou gh t v n mor tru th an

ee e ,
e e e e
it was loqu nt Wh at you said was absolut ly tru By t h

e e . e e
. e
gods ! I h d rat h r liv with h on t h prison island of

a e e er e
Gyara th an on t h Palatin with out h

e e er .
L E T T E R S
C H A P T
B E T W E R
E E N
V I
F R I E N D S
WW W
HE not book f Marcus s m ditations is d and
e -
o
’
e sa
b longs to a b r av d old g ; it is a book f
W
e e e e a e o
antiqu hardi hood and f r li gious d sir almost

e o e e e,
r li gious passion t hwart d by a p hysical p h ilosop hy ; t h

w
e ,
e e
MEEB M M M M M M
o Lhim ; b ggarly bio grap h r h go s und r t h nam
t he e e ,
o e e e e
of Julius C pit li sp nt hi tim lik a ragpick r pok

a o nu s, e s e, e e ,
I ng about in t h r f us f h istory ; so t h at t h s l tt rs b
e e e o e e e e e
tw n t h kind old mast r and t h imp rial pupil

ee e almost e e e a re
t h only do c um nts t h at h av any biograp h ical valu

e e and e e,
t h r for it may not b out of plac to introduc som mor

e e e e e e e e
of th m A p h ras h r and t h r an an cdot a r qu st a

e . e e e e e, e e, e e ,
casual r f r nc r ports of r ading and x pr ssions f

e e e e, e e ,
e e o
a ff ction all contribut th ir s v ral touc h s to a pr s nta

e ,
e e e e e e e
tion f h i ch aract r At l ast th y act as a gloss to xplain

o s e . e e e
and ampli fy t h t stimony giv n by t h gracious sculptur d

e e e e e
e ffi gy f hi m as a yout h a s rvic w h ic h t h marbl statu s

o ,
e e e e e
o f hi s rious car worn man h ood r turn by t h i

s e ,
omm n
e —
e ,
e r o e
tary on t h book f M di t t i e o e a o ns .
I will b gin wit h a l tt r writt n in Gr k by F ronto to

e e e e ee ,
Marcus s mot h r sinc h was a gr at f actor in hi duca

w
’
e ,
e s e e s e
tion and b longs to t h cat gory as it s ms to m f t hos

, e e e ,
ee e, o e
wom n h e ntitl d to s h ar in t h glory f t h ir illus

o ar e e e e e o e
trio s sons
n .
Fro n t o t o D om i t ia Lu c illa
August , 143 .
MY LADY
Gladly , g ladly ,
I assur you by e t he gods ind d most
,
ee
L ETTERS
ag rly h av I s nt my d ar Grac to c l brat your birth
B ET W EE N F RIE ND S 79
w
e e ,
e e e e e e e
day and I s hould h av gon mys l f h d it b n possibl ;

,
e e e ,
a ee e
but my f t in t h sto ks of o ffic F or th r

ee are af e c e . e e a re e
days of offic l ft and th r is a gr at d al f public busi

w
e e ,
e e e e o
n ss to do Wh n th at Sh all l t m g I am sur to run to

e . e e e o, e
you much mor a g rly th an runn rs h run a rac ; th y e e e e o e e
a re start d a ft r t h y h av b n but a mom nt or two on

e e e e ee e
th ir marks but this is alr ady t h s cond month that I am

e , e e e
k pt back from my rac to you

e e .
T h t h ing t h at ou gh t to h av b n don to C l brat t h is
w
e e ee e e e e
day was f wom n to ass mbl from v rywh r ; first t h

w
or e e e e e e e ,
e
wom n h lov th ir husbands and lov th ir ch ildr n

w
e o e e e e e ,
,
and w ll b h av d ; s condly thos h

ar e e -
etru and e e ,
e o ar e e
quit with out guil ; and th irdly t h wom n h h av ch ar

e e ,
e e o e
ity t h a ff abl t h court ous and suc h as

,
e e, fr f rom e e ,
ar e ee
prid s hould all tak part in t h c l bration And many

e, e e e e .
anoth r troop f wom n S h ould b t h r to S har in your

e o e e e e e
prais and partak f your virtu f you poss ss all t h

e e o e, or e e
virtu s and you e ,

wis in all t h accomplis hm nts th at ar e e e e
b c om a woman j ust as At h n poss ss s and is wis in t h

e e ,
e e e e e e
arts ; but f oth r wom n non o v rs d in mor th an

e e ,
e a re e e e on e
particular virtu and a ch is prais d f t h at j ust as praise e e or , e
i divid d amon g t h Mus s to ac h f

s e h art e e ,
e or er o n e .
And if it h d b n my lot to h av h d ch arg of o p ning

a ee e a e e
your door to gu sts worthy f t h f stival I s h ould hav

w
e o e e , e
ob y d Hom r and xclud d th os t h at fals ly pr t nd to

e e e e e e e e e
kind f lin gs h hid ee thin g in t h ir h arts w h il th y

,
“
o e on e e e e e
utt r anot h r and

e count r f it all t h way f rom laugh
e , are e e e
ter to t ars e .
F RO N T O .
T h s ot h r l tt rs I h av pick d out r gardl ss f bro

e e e e e e e ,
e e o e
l gy f
no o th in formation th y contain ab ut Marcus s
,
or e e o
’
doin gs and h i way of li f s e .

M a rc u s t o Fr o n t o
D E A R M A ST E R
Wh n my F ath r b took hims l f h om f rom t h vin yard
e e e e e e e ,
I as usual mount d my h ors and t out on t h road A ft r
w
e e, se e . e
I h d gon a littl way ri ght in t h road t h r w r a gr at

a e e , e e e e e e
many s h p all huddl d tog t h r I t

ee a lon ly S pot e e e . as e .
T h r w r four do gs and two s h p h rds and nothin g

e e e e e e ,
e ls T h n
e . f t h s h p h rds w h n h saw s v ral h ors
e on e o e e e ,
e e e e e
m cri d to t h oth r Look out f thos f llows on

en , e e e ,
“
or e e
h ors ba c k t h y
e o ft n t rribl robb rs Wh n I h ard
,
e are e e e e . e e
t h at I t spurs to my hors and das h d in among t h

se e, e e
W
,
s h p T h y took fright and scatt r d som h r som

w
ee . e e e ,
e e e, e
t h r bl atin g and scamp rin g in v ry dir ction O

e e, e e e e e . ne
s h p h rd h url d hi sta ff wh ic h land d on t h rid r h

w
e e e s ,
e e e o
was followin g m g a llop d away Th ups h ot was t h at

e . e e . e
t h man
e h was a f raid l st h los h i s h p lost h i sta ff
o e e e s ee ,
s .
Do you t hi k I am romancin g N o i t a tru storyn ?

,
’
s e .
T h r s mor b sid s and I s hould writ t h r st but t h

e e
’
e e e , e e e ,
e
s rvant com s to t ll m that my bat h i r ady Good by

e e e e s e .
—
e,
sw t st Mast r rar st and b st f m ; you

ee e e my id al
, e e o en a re e
o f pl asantn ss of kindlin ss and d ligh t fuln ss

e e ,
e , e e .
M AR C U S .
Marc u s t o Fro n t o
MY D E A R M A ST E R
you
that g t
w
Aft r I h d got into t h carria g and said good by to
w w
sprinklin
e
g f
e rain Buto b
a
did not h av by any m ans a bad j ourn y x c pt

,
a
e
f or r ac h d
e
e
o
e
.
e
e e w e
e
,
-
e
e
e
our co ntry h ous w nt about a mil out f our road to

u e, e e e o
visit A a gni and saw wh at th r was to

n ,
in t his old e e s ee
tow I t is a littl bit f a plac but it contains many

n . e o e,
antiquiti s and t mpl s and mor thin gs conn ct d with

e ,
e e ,
e e e
wors hip th an you can count N ot a corn r but th r is som . e e e e
sanctuary or s h rin or t mpl B sid s th r

,
a quan e, e e. e e ,
e e ar e
tity f books writt n on lin n t h at h av to do wi th r li gious

o e e e e
82
t hin g N v rth l ss
. e e e e
in t h a ft rnoon w nt h om and I b took mys l f to my

e e
MA
w
w
did c limb up a v ry st p hill ; and
e
,
RCUS
e
e
A
e,
URELIUS
e
e ee
books I pull d ff my boots took ff my cloth s and sp nt

. e o , o e ,
e
two hours on my b d I r ad Cato s sp ch O t h p p ty e . e

’
ee n e ro er
o f P lc h and
u anot h r in
ra, w h ich h brough t c h arg s e e e
a gainst a tribun Ho ! (you will y to your s rvant ) g e

.
“
sa e o
as fast as you can and f tch m t h os sp c h s from ,

e e e ee e
Apollo s library But y will s nd in vain f th os v ry

’
. ou e ,
or e e
books h av com down a ft r m So you must do your b st

e e e e . e
with t h librarian f t h Tib rian library ; som thin g will

e o e e e
h av to b paid in doing it and wh n I com to town h can

e e ,
e e e
g iv m e h alf e .
A ft r I h d r ad th os sp ch s I wrot som poor stu ff

e a e e ee e ,
e e
t hat d s rv s to b burnt up or th rown in t h wat r V i

w
e e e e e e . ra
j i éc it é j d h i compositions
’ ’
m ten , a r s a ns s ucc s au ou r u ,
worthy f t h h untsm n and vintag rs h makin g a

w
o e e e o ar e
f righ t f ul rack t n ar my room s h outing and singin g T h y

e e . e
ar e odious and t dious nou gh f a l y Wh at is th at e e or a er .
I m sayin g I was quit corr ct f my Mast r is an

’
? t e e or e o ra o r .
,
I s m to h av caug ht cold ; I don t know w h th r it is

’
ee e e e
b caus I walk d about this morning in my sandals or b

e e e e
caus I wrot e badly A yh ow th ou gh I am g n rally a

e so . n ,
e e
man f p hl gmatic humors y t today I find my nos run

o e ,
e e
ni g much mor th an usual So I s h all pour oil on my h ad

n e . e
(f I don t propos to put a singl dro p today into my

’
or e e
lamp ) and go to sl p ; for I am d ad tir d with riding and ee e e
sn zing Tak good car f yours l f for my sak d ar st

ee . e e o e e, e e
and sw t st of Mast rs for wit hout xagg ration I miss

ee e e ,
e e
you mor th an I do t h city f Rom

e e o e .
M AR C U S .
M a rcu s t o Fr o n t o
D E AR M A S T E R ,
A N D M O ST N O B L E C O N S U L
I he ard P o lem o n d liv r an addr ss
e e e t he oth r day e —
pa r
LE T T E R S B E T
Do you want to know
W EE N F RIE ND S 83
w
lo ns un t o u t pet i t peu d e c es m es s i eu rs .
wh at I t ou t H r you h av it H s m d to m
h gh o f h im ? e e e . e ee e e
lik a s hr wd n rg tic farm r h h plant d a larg

e e , e e e e , o as e e
f arm wit h grain and vi s and not h in g ls ; f rom wh ic h to ne ,

e e ,
b sur h d riv s a h andsom crop and a v ry ric h r turn

e e, e e e e e e .
But in hi fi lds not a sin gl Pomp ian fi g tr no Arician

s e e e ee,
v g tabl s not a ros f Tar ntum no pl asant grov no

e e e , e o e ,
e e,
thick cops no s h ady plan tr Ev ryth ing for utility

e, e ee . e
rath r th an f pl asur ; and

e f ls a gr at r obligation
or e e on e ee e e
to b complim ntary th an to b pl as d Don t you think

e e e e e .
’
m bold nou gh in my opinion and audacious nough in my

e e ,
e
criticism wh n I pass j udgm nt on a man of such a v ry

,
e e e
gr at r putation ? But w h n I b th ink mys l f th at I am

e e e e e
writin g to you I b li v I am not so bold you would wis h

,
e e e as .
On such an occasion as this doubt bbs and flows lik t h ,

e e e
s ea! T h r you h av an out and out h xam t r So b for I

e e e e e e .
,
e e
b gin to writ po try I will mak an d to th is l tt r

e e e ,
e en e e .
Good by most wis h d for f m my b st f ri nd most

-
e, e o en , e e ,
nobl Cons l d ar st Mast r F ar you w ll always my

e u ,
e e e . e e ,
sw t st spirit
ee e .
M AR C U S .
MY W S E E T E ST
My b st gr tings All w ll
e ee
M A ST E R :
r I S l pt a littl lat on
Ma rcu s
. e
t o Fro n t o
he e, e e e
account f my tiny cold wh ich s ms to h av gon away

o , ee e e .
So f rom fi o clock th is mornin g to ni n I sp nt part f

, ve
’
e, e o
t h tim r adin g Cato s book on agricultur and part of ’

e e e e,
t h tim I wrot
e not so badly th ank h av n as I did y
e e, ,
e e ,
es
t d y I w nt to
er a .
yg ood mornin g to
e my F at h r and t h
san e ,
e
I paid att ntion to my th roat I sip p d wat r and h on y

e . e e e ,
l tting it go part way down to t h gull t and spittin g it

e e e
out ; I pr f r to xpr ss it in this way rath r th an to y

e e e e e sa
g g arl d alt h oug

e h I t
,
h ink g g l d is found in N i and ar e ov u s
e ls wh r A ft r I h d appli d thi s r m dy to my t h roat

e e e . e a e e e ,
MA RCUS A URELIUS
w
84
I w nt ff to my F ath r and stood b sid him w hil h

e O e e e e e
o ff r d sacrific T h n w nt to lunch Wh at do you think

e e e e e e
W
. .
I t ? A m r scrap of br ad w hil I watc h d t h oth rs
w
a e e e e e e e e
,
d vourin g b ans onions and sardin s with

e e A ft r th at
, ,
e r oe . e
t to work picking grap s and got into a gr at p

e se e ,
e er
spiration and sang son gs and as t h po t says only

w
“
, , e e , e
l ft som bu c h s h anging h igh last survivors of t h vin

e e n e ,
e
ta g At tw lv o clock w nt hom ; I did littl work

e
.
”
e e
’
e e e a e ,
but not with any good r sult T h n I h d a long c h at with e . e a
my d ar mot h r w hil h was sittin g on t h couch T his

e e e s e e .
was w h at I said Wh at do you t hink my d ar F ronto is ,

“
e
doing now And h answ r d And wh at do you think

?” s e e e ,
“
d ar Grac is doing T h n I w nt on And wh at is our

w
” “
e e ? e e ,
littl lady sparrow d ar littl Grac doing And whil

e
-
, e e e, ? ”
e
ew r talking about t h at and discussing as to wh ich f us

e e o
was fond r of or t h oth r of you t h gong sound d

w
e on e e e , e e ,
w hic h is t h way of announcin g th at my F ath r h gon to

w w
e e as e
tak hi bath So h d dinn r aft r our bat h in t h room

e s . e a e e e
with t h oil pr ss ; I don t m an th at h d our bat h i
w
’
e -
e e e a n
th e room with t h oil pr ss but a ft r our bath h d e -

e , ,
e ,
e a
dinn r t h r An d
e h d a good tim list ning to t h
e e . e a e e e
country folks j ollying anoth r I h av now g t back one e . e o ,
and b for I turn ov r on my sid to snor I r l ff my

e e e e e, ee o
task and giv an account f my day to my d ar st Mast r

e o e e e .
And i f it w r possibl f m to long for hi m mor th an I

e e e or e e
do I would gladly b oblig d to pin away still mor Tak

,
e e e e . e
good car f yours l f f my sak wh r v r you

e o my e or e, e e e a r e,
h on y sw t d ar d ar d li gh t ful F ronto W h at
e -
ee ,
e your ,
e ,
e . ar e
f li gs f
ee mn I lov you th ou gh you
or fe? away e ar e ar .
M AR C U S .
Ma rcu s to F r o n t o
MY D E A R C O N S U L A N D M A ST E R
Sinc e I last wrot to you nothing h e as h app n d worth t h
e e e
L ETTERS
labor f writin g it or that would b f any i f known
B ET W EE N F RIE ND S 85
w
o ,
e o u se .
F or our days g by l mm l t Th sam S h ow t h

o
’
u n co e
’
au r e, e e ,
e
sam bor dom and t h sam d sir for you But hy do I

e e , e e e e .
sa y t h sam F or in truth v ry day it is born an w and

e e? e e e
grows in int nsity And t h words th at L b i says about

e . e a er u s
lov e,
Your lov grows fast as t h l k and also as firm as t h

e e ee e
palm tr ee,
”
I apply to my lon gin g for you I want to w t a gr at d al . ri e e e
mor to you but nothing pr s nts its lf

e e e e .
O h I h av t hou gh t f som th ing I h av b n list ning

, e o e . e ee e
to thos f amous pan gyrists Gr ks of cours but wond r

e e ,
ee e, e
ful cr atur s ; so t hat th ough I am as f from any knowl

e e ,
ar
e d g f Gr k lit ratur as my birthplac on t h C a lian

e o ee e e e e e
Hill i from Gr c n v rth l ss I h op in comparison

s ee e, e e e e ,
e,
with th m to b bl t rival Th p m p f I h ar th at
e , e a e o eo o u s, or e
h i t h most loqu nt f t h Gr ks So t h s m f an
w
“
e s e e e o e ee . e e en , o
imp rvious ignoranc as C ili says h av b n push ing

e e
”
a ec us ,
e ee
m e, h m littl b tt r th an a lout into writing Gr k

o a e e e ,
ee .
Th climat e f N apl s is v ry pl asant but fri gh t f ully

e o e e e ,
variabl Within t h tw nty f ourth part of an h our it g ts

e. e e -
e
too ld too h t or v ry rou gh Som tim s at t h mid dl

co ,
'
or o ,
e . e e e e
o f t h ni gh t it is pl asantly warm as at L
e t m th n e , au r en u ,
e ,
at cock crow it turns as f rigid as at L i m ; at oth r

—
,
an u v u e
tim s t h first f t h ni gh t t h dawn and arly mornin g

e ,
e o e , e e
until t h is up it is cold v ry bit as Algi d

w
e su n ,
as e e us .
A ft r th at in t h morning it i sunny lik Tusculum th n

e , e s ,
e ,
e
at midday h av all t h h at of Pozzuoli And w h n t h

w
e e e e . e e
sun h gon down to hi oc an bath th n at last t h t m

as e s e ,
e e e
p t is
er a u r e g ntl t h kind of air heav at Tivoli
e, and e e e ,
during t h v nin g and t h first sl p f ni ght it k ps on

w
e e e e ee o ee
in t h sam way until to q uot

e e Cato t h d ad f ni ght
, ,
e ,
e e O
g o s h adlong But hy do I a ft r saying I s h ould writ

”
—
e e .
,
e e
but littl pil up this worth l ss stu ff ? So good by kind st

e, e e ,
-
e, e
Mast r most nobl Consul and miss m as muc h as you lov
e ,
e , e e
me .
M AR C U S
w
.
W Ma rc u s t o Fr o n t o
G O O D M O RR o , S EET M A ST E R
Th e post is at last about to start and
at last can s nd , I e
you w h at I h av don in t h s th r days I y noth in g I

e e e e ee . sa ,
am so out f br ath with dictatin g n ar t hirty l tt rs And

w
o e e e e .
I h av not y t told my F at h r about w h at you t h ou ght con

e e e
c rning t h last l tt rs But wh n

e e g t to town ; pl as
e e . e e e e e
t h gods r mind m to t ll you som t h in g about t h m But

e ,
e e e e e .
your t hough ts and min too h igh up in t h air so t h at

,
e ,
a re e ,
you will not r mind m d I s h a ll not t ll you ; lth ough

e e, an e a
it is a matt r th at n ds to b though t about Good by my

e ee e .
-
e,
—
what S hall I y ? noth in g th at I y will b nou gh sa sa e e
good by my longin g my li ght my j oy

—
e, , , .
M AR C U S .
M a rc u s t o Fro n t o
B E ST OF M A ST E R S
How you I know th at on a birth day it is t h custom
a re ?
,
e
f f ri nds to mak good wis h s f

or e t h man born on t h at
e e or e
day ; n v rth l ss b caus I lov you as much I lov m y

w
e e e e ,
e e e as e
s l f this day th ou gh it is y birth day I mak pray r

w
e ,
on ,
ou r ,
e e s
for m y lf T h r for I b s c h ll t h gods h mak th i

se . e e e e ee a e o e e r
pow r a pr s nt h lp to m anyw h r h in dr ams in

e e e e en , e e, o e ,
s cr t wors hip i h alin g art or oracl s b stow th ir mighty

e e , n e e , e e
aid ach s parat g d in vows I h r invok and accord

w
—
e e e o e e e, ,
ing to t h natur f ach s v ral vow I transport my l f

e e o e e e ,
se
to wh at v r spot t h god h h t h particular matt r in

e e e o as e e
hi c h arg may h ar most asily T h r f or

s e first f all I
e e . e e e, o ,
climb t h citad l f P rgamum and mak my pray r to

e e o e e
‘
A s c ulapius th at h k p wh ol my Mast r s h alth and

e ,
e ee e e
’
e
g uard it wit h mi gh t and main F rom t h nc I h i to At h n . e e e e s

L
and on b nd d kn supplicat Mi
E TTE RS
e eb hi g h ee
B ET W EE
e
N F
n er v a,
RIE
'
es eec
ND S
n
87
er ,
if v r I
e m to l arn augh t about lit ratur
e
-
a th at it s h all
e e e,
(rat h r t h an f rom anywh r ls ) transmi grat from

w
e e e e e e
P ronto s lips into my mind N ow I r turn to Rom and

’
. e e,
with my pray rs implor t h gods h watch ov r trav ll rs

e e e o e e e
by land and t h at you may accompany m wh r v r I

w
s ea, e e e e
go, and t h at I may not b torm nt d f r qu ntly and e e e so e e so
fi rc ly by your abs nc F inally I b g all t h gods h

e e e e . e e o
guard all nations I b g t h sacr d grov its l f w h ic h rustl s

,
e e e e e e
on t h Capitolin Hill to grant m th is boon t h t I with

e e ,
e ,
a .
you may c l brat this day on wh ich you w r born f my

e e e e e or
sak and th at you may b both w ll and m rry

e, e e e .
F ar w ll my sw t st d ar st Mast r Pl as pl as
e e ,
ee e ,
e e ,
e . e e, e e,
tak good car f yours l f so th at wh n I com I may

e e o e , e e s ee
you My Lady Moth r s nds h kind r gards

. e e er e .
MARC U S .
Fro n t o t o M a rc u s
MY D E AR L O R D
m ; f
e
e ei
t in gs
All h
e
w ll with m wh n you o ff r pray rs for
t h r i no or
ar e
h d s rv s mor t h an you to
e e
e
s
r c v from t h gods w h at h asks for ; and b sid s wh n

e
on e w o
e
e
e e
e
e
e
e e
e
,
e
I mak supplication f you

e d s rv s mor than you or ,
n o on e e e e e
to r c iv w h at i ask d f you
e e e s e or .
Good by my sw t st Lord Mak my r v r nc pl as

-
e, ee e . e e e e e, e e,
to my Lady .
F RO N T O .
W W
It
is h ard not to b ov rcritical with r sp ct to composi e e e e
tions th at lack t h qualiti s by wh ich mod rn coll ctions of

e e e e
l tt rs h av b com famous and tak n th ir plac i li t ra

e e e e e e e e n e
tur e . br d upon too h i gh a standard

e are e look for . e
th wit t h d lica c y t h rar gi ft f S impli c ity or t h

e ,
e e , e e o ,
e
simplicity f rar art su ch as mak William Cowp r s l t

o e , e e
’
e
t rs d li ght ful ; or t h bant r t h li ght satir t h practis d

e e e e ,
e e, e e
S kill of t h r ady t poss ss d by Horac Walpol ;
e e r a c o n eu r , e e e e
or t h whimsical grac f C h arl s Lamb ; or t h spontan ous

e e o e e e
e loqu nc f t h qu n f l tt r writ rs Madam d S evign e

e e o e ee o e e -
e ,
e e .
R ad rs of t h classics look for t h various m rits t h y find

e e e e e e
in Cic ro or Pliny Th l tt rs of Marcus Aur lius poss ss

e . e e e e e
non f t h s q ualiti s T h y
e o almost all a littl forc d
e e e e a re e e
W
. ,
and t h y all savor a littl of l ssons in r h toric ; and y t

e e e e e
t h s d fici nci s m r ly s how th at h was not a born l tt r

e e e e e e e e e e
writ r N atur is as wayward in b stowin g t h gi ft f

e . e e e o
l tt r writin g as in b stowing t h gi ft f po try

e e -
xp ct e e o e . e e e
much Th l tt rs do r v al hi h on sty hi a ff ctionat

. e e e e e s e ,
s e e
rt and also hi natural r s rv I tak it t hat t h main

,
s e e e . e e
in th m i f satir of cl v r conc its f a wayward

e s o e, e e e , o
f ancy t h at i , f condim nt f suc h animation as a

s, o pg e ,
o s ou on
o f onion is said to b stow on a salad and t h at t h lack is e , e
d ue to a compl t abs nc f s l f lov A littl gotism ise e e e o e -

e
. e e
n c ssary in a good l tt r writ r A Gr k critic f t h n x t

e e e e -
e . ee , o e e
g n ration to Marcus br d upon lit ratur

e e and com f a ,
e e e, e o
f amily distin guis h d for its int ll ctual accomplis hm nts e e e e ,
a painstakin g stud nt and h istorian f t h c l brat d r h t e o e e e e e
i i
o r c an s and sop h ists f th at tim and t h r for w ll o e, e e e e
qualifi d to S p ak f t h ducat d tast f t h day rat s

w
e e or e e e e o e ,
e
Marcus s l tt rs v ry h ighly I sp ak f P hi l t t t h
’
e e e . e o o s ra u s e
Ath nian h is known to lov rs f En glis h po try b caus

e ,
o e o e e e
B Jonso took s nt n c s h r and th r from t h littl

en n e e e e e e e e e
po ms in pros th at P hil t t c alls lov l tt rs and put

e e os ra u s e -
e e ,
t h m into En glis h rhym s in t h song

e e e
D rink t m only with thin y s o e e e e ,
A nd I w ill pl d g w ith min e e e .
P hi l t t says I n r s p ct to pistolary styl f p hilos

os ra u s : e e e e, o
o ph Apollonius f Tyana and Dio (C h rysostom )

er s , o en
j oy d I th ink t h r putation f gr at st xc ll nc ; f
e , ,
e e or e e e e e e o
military m Brutus or wh om v r Brutus m p loy d to

en , ,
e e e e
writ hi l tt rs ; f Emp rors t h divin ly

e s e e o e ,
e e
C H A P T E R v i 1
E A R L Y M A N H O O D
s ms to h av b n Marcus s principal
H E T O RI C ee e ee
’
study during hi arly y ars from ight n to tw nty s e e e ee e
fi but h follow d t h curriculum usual f young

v e, e e e or
Romans f t h patrician ord r and d vot d a good d al of

o e e ,
e e e
tim to Gr k I n t h M di t ti
e ee r f r nc s occur to
. e e a on s e e e e
Hom r Euripid s Aristop h an s and Plato and in t h

w
e ,
e ,
e , , ,
e
corr spond nc b tw n hi m and F ronto to X nop h on

e e e e ee ,
e ,
T hucydid s D mosth n s and to Attic com dy N and

e , e e e ,
e ,
e
Old Probably h r ad many auth ors b sid s th s Gr k

. e e e e e e . ee
was t h lan guag f p h ilosop hy of Epict tus as w ll as f

e e o ,
e e o
Epicurus Z no and Plato and various allusions s h ow that

,
e , ,
Marcus r ad wid ly in Gr k p hilosop hy Mor ov r t h

e e ee . e e ,
e
r cords of h i lat r li f y th at h att nd d l c tur s at

e s e e sa e e e e e
Ath ns and Smyrna and list n d not only to Gr k sop hists

e ,
e e ee ,
but also to Gr k advocat s in t h ar gum nt of caus s ; it

ee e e e e
th r for s ms lik ly th at h spok t h languag r adily

e e e ee e e e e e e .
Th Empir r cogniz d t h two lan gua g s and it was i

e e e e e e ,
n
cumb nt upon a consci ntious Emp ror to b mast r of

e e e e e
both H l arn d Gr k from hi tutors at h om

. e e e ee s e .
O cannot but r gr t f hi sak t h at h did not nj oy

ne e e , or s e, e e
the car l ss f r dom f univ rsity li f suc h as h mi ght

e e ee o e e, e
h av h d at Ath ns far f rom both o fficial and dom stic

e a e ,
e
r sponsibiliti s ; th at h did not l arn in hi youth t h l

e e e e s e es
sons f b auty as w ll as f right ousn ss ; th at h did not

O e e o e e e
wand r alon g t h b ac h was h d by t h wat rs of Salamis

e e e e e e ,
stroll b sid t h gray gr n O liv tr s t h at cloth t h p lains

e e e
-
ee e ee e e
and slop s around t h city with a grac worthy of Pallas

e e e
At h n or climb t h Ac ropolis and sit b n ath t h marbl s

e e, e e e e e
E A R LY MANHOOD 91
of Parth non wh r sunli gh t and s h adow mor th an

t he e ,
e e ,
e
ls wh r display t h ir rival b auti s to mus upon t h

w
e e e e, e e e ,
e e
rich s f Gr k glory th at h d mad Ath ns th ir tr asur

e o ee a e e e e e
h ous Oe . would lik to t h ink of hi m as

ne do f Cic ro e , e o e ,
saunt rin g with oth r you g m th rou gh t h C ramicus

e e n en e e ,
and out by t h Dipylon gat to e t h h aunts f t h gr at e s ee e o e e
Ath nian p h ilosop h rs H mi ght w ll h av b n t h gu st

e e . e e e ee e e
o f H rod s Atticus in h i h ospitabl vill by t h footh ill

e e s e a e s
o f P nt licus h av pac d up and down t h pl asant s h ady

e e , e e e e
walks f hi gard ns and undisturb d by such conc rt as

o s e , ,
e e
t h birds and f ountains k pt h av li st n d to t h

e loqu nt e , e e e e e e
prais s of hi h ost upon t h b auty of Ath ns Th En glis h

e s e e e . e
po t quall d in r nown as w ll as in fat to blind Maconi
W
e ,
e e e e e
d h
es , d scrib d t h sc n
as e e e e e
B ho ld e
h r t h A g an sh or
e e on c ity st nd se e e e a a ,
B ui lt nobly p ur t h i and li ght t h soil , e e a r e ,
A th ns t h y f G r c moth r f arts
e , e e e o ee e, e o
A nd loqu nc nativ to f mous w its

e e e, e a
O r h os p it bl i h sw t r c s a e, n er ee e es ,
Cit y or sub urb an studi ous w alk s and sh a d s ; , e
S th r t h oli v grov f Acad m

ee e e e e e o e e,
P l ato s r tir m nt w h r t h A tti c b ir d

’
e e e , e e e
T ri lls h thi ck w arbl d not s t h summ r long ;

er -
e
'
e e e
Th r fl o w ry hi ll H ym ttus w ith th sou d

e e e e e n
w
,
Of b i nd ustrious murmur f t in i t s
’
ees , o v e
To stu di ou musing th r I li ssus ro ll s s ; e e
H i whi s p ring str am

s ithin t h wall s th n i w
e e ; e e v e
Th s ch ool e f anc i nt sag s s o e e
w
Marcus might w ll h av b n a m mb r f th at group of e e ee e e o
young Roman stud nts of which Aulus G lli was e ,

e us o n e,
h us d to c l brat th ir nativ f ast f t h S t

o e e e lie e e e o e a u r na a
within si ght of t h Parth non T h y nj oy d as G lli e e . e e e ,

e us
says mirth and gai ty within t h bou ds of d corum and

,
e e n e ,
f ound t h ir gr at st pl asur
e lik t h youn g r h toricians
e e e e, e e e
th at th y w r in lit rary conv rsation Th h ost f t h

e e e, e e . e o e
e ev ning (a ft r t h xampl of F i ) would propound

e e e e av o r n u s
qu stions on various lit rary topics such as a lin from an
e e , e
old po t a point of anci nt history a p h ilosop hical para
w
e ,
e ,
d x a S op h istry or som rar word or matt r f grammar

o , , e e e o .
Th priz e f th b st answ r was a book and a laur l

e or e e e e
r at h ; or i f nobody could answ r t h qu stion th n book

e ,
e e e , e
and wr at h w r d dicat d to Saturn t h god of t h f ast

e e e e e ,
e e e .
T h s youn g m h d t h sam tast s t h sam nthusiasm

e e en a e e e , e e e
for l tt rs f styl t h at Marcus s h ows in hi corr spond

e e ,
or e, s e
e nc wit h F ronto P rh aps h thou ght of ll th s int l

e e e a e e e
l ctual pl asur s th at h might h av h d and r gr tt d th ir

e e e e e a , e e e e
loss w h n in lat r y ars h visit d At h ns and nd avor d

,
e e e e e e e e e
to pour f r s h li f into h d g n rat schools by t h ndow

e e er e e e e e e
m nt of ch airs of l arnin g But Marcus was a princ bound

e e . e,
ld f tt rs to quot h i p dagogu
en e e
g R m ,
h e s e e, e o o ae er eo
d ib e i i t H stay d in Rom and studi d

us a u re s v nc u s . e e e, e
rod s Atticus e e .
H rod s did not touch Marcus s h art at l ast h is not

e e
’
e ,
e e
m ntion d in t h not book H was a man of passionat

e e e e -
. e e
t mp ram nt ; wh n a d arly b lov d fri nd a m mb r of

e e e e e e e e ,
e e
h i h ous hold di d H rod s continu d to h av hi plac

s e ,
e ,
e e e e s e
at tabl t as usual and t h carriag was ord r d as usual

e se ,
e e e e
to com and tak him to driv H rod s also mad many

e e e . e e e
e n mi s and was constantly ngag d in quarr ls and law

e e e e e
suits ; and it h app n d that F ronto as a l ad r f t h bar e e ,

e e o e ,
at t h v ry b ginning of hi acquaintanc with Marcus was

e e e s e ,
r tain d to conduct a suit against him T h is h pr par d to

e e . e e e
do with g at spirit Marcus got wind of it and in ord r to

re .
,
e
mak p ac b tw n th m wrot to F ronto (quit di ff r

e e e e ee e e e e
e ntly from hi custom wh n practisin g an ssay in rh toric )

s e e e
with simplicity good s ns as w ll as tact and not with out

,
e e, e ,
a ton of aut hority

e .
MY DEAR FR O NT O
I r m mb r you h av oft n said to m th at you w r
e e e e e e, e e
looking f a ch anc to do som thing th at would giv m

or e e e e
EARLY MANHOOD 93
g r eat pl asur T h at
e tim h com N ow
e
. you can incr as e as e . e e
my a ff ction for you supposing th at it is capabl of

e ,
e
incr as e e .
Your cas is coming on at wh ich I xp ct th os pr s nt

e ,
e e e e e
will not only list n to your sp ch with kindly int r st but

e ee e e ,
will also and with malign int r st giv clos att ntion
w
,
e e ,
e e e
to any x pr ssions f ang r And I can t th ink f anybody

w
’
e e o e . o
ls h will h av t h courag to giv you good advi c in

w
e e o e e e e e
t his a ff air F or th os h . not your f ri nds will pr f r

e o are e e e
to you transgr ss t h propri ti s ; and th os h

s ee e e e e e o ar e
your r al fri nds will b a fraid you may th ink th m too

e e e e
inclin d to your adv rsary i f th y s h ould p rsuad you to

e e ,
e e e
l av unsaid wh at would naturally mak a part f your

e e e o
pros cution And b sid s i f you h av work d up som car

e . e e ,
e e e e
f ully c h os n passag s f t h occasion t h y can t b ar to

’
e e or e ,
e e
mak you h old your ton gu and mar t h sp ch So p r h aps

e e e ee . e
you will t hink m a pr sumptuous couns llor or an auda e e e ,
cions youn g f llow or too kindly dispos d toward your

e ,
e
adv rsary ; but f non f t h se r asons s h all I hold back

w
e or e o e e
from givin g you t h d t h at I think ri gh t and prop r

e a vI ce e .
But hy do I say advic ? f I am d mandin g th is f “

e
”
or e o
you and I d mand it with insist nc ; and i f I g t my way

,
e e e e ,
I promis you on my part th at I S h all hold mys lf und r

e e e
a li k obli gation to you

e .
You may y How s th is i f h attacks m am I not to

sa ,
’
, e e,
pay him back with as good as I g t But you will g t e ? ”

,
e
g r at r h onor f rom t h is v ry th in g t h at v n t h ou gh you

e e e , e e ar e
attack d you y nothin g in r ply I t is tru th at i f h

e sa e . e e
s h ould b gin wh at v r you mi ght answ r back would b

e ,
e e e e
e xcusabl ; but I h av mad a d mand upon hi m not to

e e e e
b gin and I b li v th at I h av g t my way th r F or I

e ,
e e e e o e e .
lov you both and ach f hi d s rts I r m mb r too

e , e or s e e . e e e , ,
th at h was b rou ght up in t h hous f my moth r s f ath r

e e e o e
’
e ,
Publius C l i i and on t h ot h r h and th at I h av

a v s u s, , e e ,
e
studi d with you ; and th r for I h av gr atly at h art th at

e e e e e e e
t his h orrid a ff air s hould b conduct d with t h utmost pro e e e
p i t y I trust t h at you will t h ink w ll of my advic

r e . f you e e, or
wi ll c rtainly approv f my int ntion I h d rath r sp ak

e e o e . a e e
out to t h d trim nt f discr tion th an hold my tongu to

e e e o e e
t h d trim nt
e e f t h obli g ations f fri nds h ip
e o e o e .
Good by my v ry d ar F ri nd
-
e, e e e ,
MARC U S .
F rontowrot a most polit answ r H b gg d Marcus to

e e e . e e e
tak back t h words pr sumptuous couns llor and auda

e e e e
i
c ou s young f llow said th at h h d no id a th at H rod s
e ,
e a e e e
was a f ri nd f Marcus or h woul d n v r h av spok n ill

w
e o e e e e e
of h i m and ask d for mor sp cific advic as to t h conduct

,
e e e e e
of t h cas f not only b but ot h r la y rs h d b n

e e, or e e e a ee
r tain d in it Marcus answ r d

e e . e e :
MY D E AR E ST F R O N T O
My b st gr tin gs to you I thank you and I am v ry
e ee .
,
e
grat f ul th at you not only h av not r j ct d my advic but

e e e e e e,
h av v n giv n it your approval A d as to t h matt r that

e e e e . n e e
you consult m about in your most kind l tt r my opi i on

e e e ,
n
is th is Ev ryth ing th at is strictly p rtin nt to t h S id f

: e e e e e o
cas that you up h old f cours s hould b t f orth ;

w
th e e ,
o e, e se
but wh at v r is m r ly p rtin nt to your own f lings no

e e e e e e ee ,
matt r h j ustifi d th y
e o no matt r w h at your provoca
e e a r e, e
tion s h ould b pass d ov r in sil nc

, eO th ing I e e e e . ne
h av muc h at h art
e th at you s h ould not y anything (not
e ,
—
sa
n c ssary to t h cas ) unworthy f your c h aract r and

e e e e o e
which migh t app ar obj ctionabl to your audi nc e e e e e.
Good by my v ry d ar d lightful F ronto

-
e, e e ,
e , .
M ARC US .
T h r is no furth r in formation conc rning th is lawsuit ;

e e e e
but it is k own t h at F ronto and H rod s b cam good

n e e e e
f ri nds and r main d

e all th ir liv s e e so e e .
MANHOOD E A R LY 95
I t may b p rtin nt to quot h r f rom anoth r l tt r

e e e e e e e e e
writt n by F ronto wh ich sp aks f t h youn g princ s

e , e o e e
’
pow r f making hi own fri nds fri nds to

e o s anoth r and e e on e e ,
warns hi m f t h main obstacl in t h way t h v r pr s nt

w
o e e e ,
e e e e e
e n my to fri nds h ip among courti rs j alousy Fronto b

e e e ,
e . e
g ins wit h f anci f ulad scription of Orp h us h h i music

e e ,
o s
c omp ll d t h lion and t h lamb to liv tog th r and

e e e e e e e ,
so
forth
“
I f th r v r liv d a man f so many tal nts th at h was
e e e e e o e e
a bl to unit h i fri nds and follow rs in mutual amity you

e e s e e ,
will do it f mor asily f N atur anticipat d ducation

ar e e , or e e e
i fittin g you f
n all t h virtu s B for you w r old nou gh
or e e . e e e e e
to und r go any instruction you w r alr ady absolut ly

w
e e e e e
,
p r f ct in all good conduct ; b for you w r fourt n you

e e e e e e ee ,
r a good man ; b for you put on t h t g i i li you

e e
‘ ’
e e e a a v r s
w r skill d in t h art f sp akin g But v rily f all your

e e
‘
e e o e .
’
e , o
v irtu s t his is t h most admirabl th at you unit all your

e e e, e
f ri nds in mutual good will ; I will boldly ass rt t h at t h is

e e
is a mu ch mor di fficult j ob th an to tam lions with a lut

e e e .
You will do this t h mor asily i f you t yours l f to pull e e e se e
up and root out j ust

,
vi c Do not l t your f ri nds h
, on e e . e e e
e nvious or j alous f y or f e anoth r or think th at

o ou o on e e ,
wh at you may do f or con f r upon is a loss or

w
or o n e, e o n e,
takin g from anoth r J alousy among m is a most d t

w
e . e en es r u c
t iv p rnicious vil qually h arm f l f th os h c h ris h

e, e e ,
e u or e o e
it and thos h th
e obj cts of it I f you manag to
o are e e . e
k p it f from your doors you will nj oy kind and h

ee ar ,
e ar
m i
o n ou s f ri nds as you do now ; but s h ould it by any m ans
e , e
g t abroad amon g t h m it will cost gr at pains and labor

e e ,
e
to crus h it down .
But pl as l t us talk f som thing pl asant r I lov

w
“
w
,
e e, e o e e e . e
Julian (f h is t h ori ginal caus f th is l tt r ) ; I lov

or e e e o e e e
a ll h f ond f you ; I lov t h gods

o ar e o h prot ct you ; e e o e
I lov li f b c aus
e e f you ; I lov
e xch an gin g l tt rs with
e o e e e e
y ou And. your f ri nds and I r v l in youre a ff ction e e e

”
.
96 MARCUS AURELIUS
Som w h r in this p riod f h istorians disagr Mar
e e e e ,
or ee,
cus marri d hi cousin Faustina daught r f Antoninus

e s ,
e o .
Som y that it was in 1 4 5 and f various r asons th at

w
e sa ,
or e
s ms a lik ly dat Th marriag was t a lov match it

ee e e . e e no e ,
was a m i g d ar a d t rmin d by r asons f

e e c o n v en a r e, e e e e o
stat and accordin g to t h c hronicl rs acc pt d by Marcus

e, , e e ,
e e
with p h ilosop h ic d lib ration But th r can b littl doubt e e . e e e e
t hat it was a happy marriag ; and I h d b tt r y at onc e a e e sa e
t hat t h infamous stori s circulat d about Faustina

e e e ar e
wholly fals Th original b trot hal of F austina to you g

e . e e n
Lucius V rus and th at of Marcus to V

e ,
sist r h d er u s s
’
e ,
a
b n t asid appar ntly wit h t h cons nt of all conc rn d

ee se e, e e e e e .
Lucius V rus ultimat ly marri d Marcus s dau ght r Mar

e e e
’
e .
cus and Faustina h d thirt n c hildr n in all ; but only fi

w
a ee e ve
liv d to surviv th ir f ath r Th mortality among c hildr n

e e e e . e e
at th at tim v ry gr at Poor F ronto f instanc lost

e as e e .
, or e,
five out of six T h r was gross i gnoranc of hygi n and

. e e e e e
di t and Roman p hysicians at l ast t h f amous Gal n f

e , ,
e so e e o
thought w r v ry incomp t nt
w
,
e e e e e .
Th loss of hi c h ildr n was a gr at g ri f to Marcus and

e s e e e ,
h i v ry nd avors at conc alm nt s rv but to s h ow h
w
s e e e e e e e o
bitt r t h at gri f was I n hi not book h r cords hi d bt to

e e . s e -
e e s e
t h p h ilosop h r Apollonius h tau gh t h i m to r main t h

“
e e o e e
sam una ff ct d by t h loss of a ch ild (M A I

e, e e And e . .
, ,
accordin g to t h t stimony gri f h d littl or no pow r to

e e ,
e a e e
t h outward tranquillity f hi fac and b arin g ; but

e o s e e
and tranquil as b for e e,
contradict d by hi n d f r p ating to hims l f t h st rn

e s ee o e e e e e
i r fl ctions by w h ic h t h os h au ghty p h ilosop h rs h o p d
w
o e e e e e e
ov rcom all human w akn ss On

e e pag h writ s e e . on e e e e
down O m prays O h h can I sav my littl boy

:
“
ne an ,
‘
,
o e e
but do th ou pray How may I b fr d from t h f ar of ,

‘
e ee e e
losin g hi m ? (M A IX ”
On anoth r pag Th . .
,
e e:
“
e
h alt h y y s h ould look at all t h in g s visibl ; it s h ould not

e e e e
sa y ,I want‘
to look at gr n t h in g s for t h at is t h d sir ee ,
’
e e e
98 MARCUS AURELIUS
no dang r f starvin g ; for your moth r will s har with h
e o e e er
li g woman t h li ttl d licaci s th at you hav s nt to h

e e e e e e e e er .
N or is Grac poss ss d of a gr at app tit suc h as (it is

e e e e e e,
said ) wiv s of lawy rs h av S h would liv in gr at h appi

e e e . e e e
n ss on nothing but your moth r s kiss s But w h at is going

e e
’
e .
to b com f m ? T h r i not a singl kiss l ft for m in

e e o e e e s e e e
Rom My w hol fortun and all my d light is at N apl s

e . e e, e ,
e .
FRO Nr o '
.
Fr o n t o t o M a r cu s
MY L O RD
D EA R
I lov you t tim s as much I h av s n your daught r
e en e . e ee e .
I t s m d to m as i f I w r looking simultan ously at you

ee e e e e e
and F austina to g th r childr n a gain ; th r was such a

,
e e , e e e
h appy mi xtur f bot h your f ac s ! I lov you t

e o tim s as e e en e
much F ar w ll my Sw t st Lord My r sp cts pl as to

. e e ,
ee e . e e ,
e e,
my Lady .
FR O Nr o '
.
W M a rc u s t o Fro n t o
w
D E A R FR O N T O
too lov your daught r Grac b tt r b caus h
e, , e e e e e e e s e
looks lik you So asily und rstand th at t h lik n ss f

e . e e e e e e o
our littl girl to us s h ould win f h your a ff ction ; and

e or er e
of cours it is a gr at pl asur to m th at you h av s n

e e e e e e ee
her Good by B st f Mast rs

.
-
e, e o e .
M AR C US .
M a rc u s
w
t o Fr on t o
D E AR FRO NT O
By t h will of H av n s m to h av a h op f r cov ry
e e e e ee e e o e e .
T h diarr h o a h
e stopp d and t h f v ris h ss h abat d
e as e e e e ne as e
°
n v rth l ss th r is xtr m maciation and slight cough

e e e e e e e e e e ,
ing holds on Of cours you know I am w iting about our

. e r
e
c rn d
e e
EARLY MANHOOD
d ar littl F austina about whom hav b n gr atly con
.
e
99
,
w e e ee e
D ar Mast r l t m know i f your h alth con forms to my

e e , e e e
wis h s for it
e .
M AR US C .
Frou t o t o M arcu s
D E A RE S T C A E SA R
By t h Gods ! I was fri ght n d wh n I r ad t h b gin ing
e e e e e e e n
o f your l tt r F or it was e xpr ss d th at I ima gin d you

e . so e e e e
spok f dan g r to your own h alth A ft rwards f cours

e o e e . e ,
o e,
you mad it plain th at t h dang r w hich at t h b gi ning

e e e e e n
o f your l tt r I h d t h ough t yours conc rn d your dau gh t r

e e a ,
e e e
Faustina My f ars w r compl t ly s h i ft d and not only

. e e e e e e ,
s hi ft d but f som r ason or ot h r som wh at r li v d

e ,
or e e e ,
e e e e .
You may ask Did you think dan g r to my daught r is of

:
“
e e
l ss cons qu nc th an dang r to m ? Did you r ally think

e e e e e e e
s o, alth ou gh you pro f ss th at Faustina a ff cts you lik a e e e
lov ly morning a holi day a hop n ar at h and a grant d

e , ,
e e ,
e
pray r a p r f ct d ligh t a nobl and ndurin g fam

w
”
e , e e e , e e e?
ww
W ll I k ow wh at my motions w r
e ,
n I r ad your l t e e e as e e
ter , but hy I f lt I don t know ; I r p at I don t k ow e s o,

’
e e ,
’
n
hy I mor ups t by a dan g r to you than to your

as e e e
dau ght r unl ss p r h aps th at t h misfortun you h ar f

e , e ,
e , e e e o
first s ms to b t h gr at r v n i f it r ally b no wors

,
ee e e e e , e e e e e .
Wh at by analysis i t h r ason of th is you will u d rstand

, , s e e ,
n e
b tt r th an I f you know mor about human natur and

e e ,
or e e
t h human f lings and you h av studi d mor about th m
w
e ee ,
e e e e
and to b tt r purpos th an I h av ;
e e n v rth l ss I think e e e e e e ,
I h av found a simil to xplain hy my f ars s m d

w
e e e e ee e
li ght r w h n th y w r s hi ft d I t i lik t h r li f th at
e e e e e e . s e e e e
com s to a man h is carrying a h avy burd n on

e o e e on e
s h ould r wh n h trans f rs t h burd n from t h ri gh t

e ,
e e e e e e
s ho ld r to t h l ft ; f alth ough t h w i gh t i not l ss n d

u e e e o r, e e s e e e
at all n v rth l ss t h s hi ftin g s ms to mak it light r

,
e e e e , e ee e e .
1 00 MARCUS AURELIUS
N ow sinc t h last part of your l tt r in w hic h y t ll
'
, e e e e , ou e
m t h at F austina is a littl b tt r h
e disp ll d all my f ar e e e ,
as e e e
and anxi ty it do s not s m to m an inappropriat tim

w
e ,
e ee e e e
to sp ak som w h at at l ngth and fr ly f my a ff ction for

e e e ee o e
you F or m
. h h av b n f r d f rom g r at dan g r and
en o e ee ee e e
alarm g n rally allow d to indulg t h ms lv s and b a

ar e e e e e e e e e
littl f oolis h I r aliz f rom indications and not only of a

w
e . e e ,
w ighty natur but also v ry o ft n of a frivolous natur

e e e e e,
h o muc h I lov you ; I will t ll you w hat t h frivolous

e e e
occasions lik are e .
Wh n v r as t h po t says I am bound in t h chai ns

e e e ,
e e ,
e
of sw t and g ntl sl p and you in my dr ams th r

ee e e ee ,
s ee e , e e
is n v r a tim t h at I do not kiss and h g you and (accord

e e e u ,
ing to t h ch aract r f t h dr am ) ith r I w p pro fus ly

e e o e e e e ee e
or I xult f j oy and d ligh t T h is last instanc d riv d

e or e . e, e e
f rom E A l s h all b t h po tical and c rtainly

’
i nn u s s n na s , e e e ,
e
t h drowsy proof f my lov f you H r is anoth r th at

w
e ,
o e or . e e e ,
h asa flavor f quarr ls and scoldin g Som tim s in t h

o e . e e ,
e
company f a v ry f intimat f ri nds w h n you w r n t

o e e e e ,
e e e
’
t h r I h av rail d at you in good t t rms b caus (th is

e e, e e se e , e e
was som tim g ) you would go into a gath ring of m

e e a o e en
muc h mor distant and grav in mann r th an was polit or

e e e e,
b caus you us d to r ad books at t h th atr or at tabl

e e e e e e e, e
in t h pr s n c f gu sts (I n thos days I us d to go to t h

w
e e e e o e . e e e
th atr and din out ) So I h av o ft n call d you an

e e e . e e e un
sociabl f llow h did not do th ings as h ou ght and

e e o e ,
som tim s (w h n I was much put out ) I h av v n said

e e e e e e
th at you w r p r f ctly h orrid But i f any oth r man w r

e e e e . e e e
to d pr ciat you in my h arin g in that abusiv way I

e e e e e ,
would not list n with a calm spirit As you eit was much . s ee,
e asi r f m to sp ak ill f you mys l f th an to allow oth r

e or e e o e e
m ento do ; j ust as I h d rath r slap my dau ght r Grac

so a e e e
th an h slapp d by anybody ls
s ee er e e e .
I will giv you a th ird instanc of th s f rivolous occa

e e e e
sions You k ow th at on all t h mon y d al rs tabl s in

. n e e -
e e
’
e ,
on foot and g in a carriag Last night t h pain cam on
o e . e e
v ry viol nt but n v rth l ss if I li still I can b ar it w ll

e e ,
e e e e e e e
e nou gh unl ss it s h ould b com wors

,
e e e e .
I h ar t h at t h Princ ss your wif is not w ll I pray

e e e e e .
t h gods to tak car of h

e Good by my sw t st Lord
e e er .
-
e, ee e .
Pl as giv my r sp cts to my Lady your Moth r

e e e e e ,
e .
FR O N T O .
F ro n t o t o M a rc u s
MY D E A R L O RD
V ictorinus t ells j ust now th at your Lady h mor me as e
f v r th an y st rday Grac said th at v rythin g was going

e e e e . e e e
b tt r I h av not b n to you b caus I am laid up with

e e . e ee s ee ,
e e
a bad cold N v rth l ss I s h all go to t h palac tomorrow

. e e e e ,
e e
morning and wh n th r I s h all pay my r sp cts to my

,
e e e e e
Lady if it b conv ni nt
,
e e e .
FRON TO .
M a rcu s t o Fron t o
D E A R M AS TE R
Faustina h d f v r again today ; But by t h gods
w
’
a e e , e
grac h h rs lf puts my mind mor at as b caus h

e, s e e e e e e, e e s e
conforms ob di ntly to w h at want You wo l d h av

so e e e . u e
com if you could I am sur A d d ar Mast r I am d

e ,
e . n , e e ,
e~
ligh t d th at you can com now and h av promi s d to

'
e e e e .
Good by most pl asant of Mast rs

-
e, e e ,
MAR C US .
F r on t o t o Ma r c u s
MY L O RD
DEAR
I am g tting in t h grap s in my own gard n I am pr tty
e e e e . e
w ll xc pt t h at I can h ardly stand up on account f pain

e ,
e e o
in t h to s of my l ft f oot I pray t h gods v ry mornin g

e e e . e e e
f
or Faustina ; and I know th at in doing I am praying for so
EARLY MANHOOD 1 03
your h alth Good by my v ry sw t Lord Pl as giv

e .
-
e, e ee . e e e my
r sp cts to your Lady
e e .
FRO NT O .
Ma rc u s t o Fron t o
MY M AS TE R
w
D E AR
I l arn t h at you h av a pain in t h groin ; and w h n I
e e e e
r m mb r h much you usually su ff r from th at affliction

e e e o e ,
I f l t h gr at st anxi ty But it c h rs m to h op t h at
ee e e e e ee e e
Ww
.
in t h tim it h tak n t h m ss ng r to bring t h n ws

e e as e e e e e e e ,
t h forc of t h pain may h av yi ld d to compr ss s and
w
e e e e e e e e
w
r m di s
e e e .
still xp ri ncing summ r h at but sinc

e ar e e e e e e ,
e e
r ally can y th at our littl on s

e sa g tting on w ll e e ar e e e ,
e
f l th at
ee nj oying a most com fortabl t mp ratur
e ar e e e e e e,
r al spring w ath r Good by my xc ll nt Mast r

e e e .
-
e, e e e e .
M AR C US .
M a rcu s
w
Fro n t o t o
MY DE AR L O RD
Happy N Y ar ! A d I pray that v rything th at you
e e n e e
h av a righ t to wis h for may go w ll wit h you wit h our

e e ,
Lord your F ath r with your Moth r your Wi f your littl

e ,
e ,
e, e
gi rl and all oth rs wh om you d s rv dly lov I h av stay d

,
e e e e e . e e
away as my body is frail f f ar f t h pus h ing crowd

, , or e o e .
I f t h gods pl as
e t h day a f t r tomorrow I s h all
e you
e, e e s ee
pronounc t h vows Good by my v ry sw t Lord Pl as

e e .
-
e, e ee . e e
giv my r sp cts to your Lady

e e e .
FRO N T O .
M arc u s t o Fr on t o
D E A R M AS TER
A d may t h y ar b gin w ll for you May t h gods bring
n e e e e . e
all your good wis h s on your own h ad and th at will b a e e , e
f ulfillm nt for And may you continu to pray for your

e us . e
1 04 MARCUS AU RE LI US
fri nds and to wis h w ll for v rybody ls Th pray rs
e , e e e e e . e e
you o ff r d f m cam I know from your h art A d in

e e or e e, , e . n
b waring of t h crowd you consid r d not only yours l f

e e , e e e
but also my an x i ty Th day a ft r tomorrow will b l ss e . e e e e
noisy pl as t h gods Your Grac did h duty ; but I don t

,
e e e . e er
’
know w h t h r h paid h r sp cts to h Ladys h ip Good

e e s e er e e er .
by my v ry sw t Mast r My Moth r asks to b r m m

e, e ee e . e e e e
b r d to you
e e .
M AR C US .
Fro n to t o Ma rcu s
MY L O RD
D E AR
All t h pray rs you h av said for m d p nd on your
e e e e e e
w ll b ing I h av h alth str ngth h appin ss and prosp r

e —
e . e e ,
e ,
e ,
e
ity whil you

,
w ll in body soul and public st m
e a re s o e , ,
e ee ,
so d ar to your F ath r
e sw t to your Moth r pur e , so ee e ,
so e
and d vot d (t m e t ) to your wif so go d and kind

e a s anc us e, o
to your broth r I t i this that in spit of my poor h alth

e . s , e e ,
mak s m wis h to liv With out you nou gh and mor th an

e e e .
,
e ,
e
enough f g and toil and law and fam ; and in truth

, o a e, , , e , ,
of sorrows and ailm nts nough and mor th an nou gh e ,

e e e .
According to your ord rs I b stow d t h kiss upon my e e e e
daught r ; h n v r s m d to m
e s sw t to kiss nor did
e e e ee e e so ee ,
I v r kiss h
e e sw tly er s o ee .
Good by and giv a kiss for m to my littl mistr ss

-
e, e e e e .
FRO NT O .
M a rc u s .
t o Fr o n t o
D E A R M AS T E R
May you c l brat this birth day in good h alth and th os
e e e e ,
e
h r a ft r in str ngth and h ap pin ss wit h all your wis h s
w
e e e e e e
f ulfill d T h is birt h day pray r of min b c om s mor and

e . e e e e e
mor d vout as I gain gr at r po r for lovin g and t h

e e ,
e e e e
p riod of our v ry d li ght ful intimacy l ngth ns out Good

e e e e e .
by most pl asant of Mast rs My Moth r wis h s to b

e, e e . e e e
1 06
Ti b i er a n a,
MARCUS AURELIUS
and if succ d in brus hing this cloud asid
t h r is littl l ft but a f sti ff fi gur s ambulating about
e e e e
ww e ee
e e
e,
in vacancy no light no s h ad no color no atmosp h r no

, ,
e, ,
e e,
p rsp ctiv I t is t hi s historical vacancy th at giv s sp cial

e e e . e e e
valu to th is corr spond nc and conf rs upon th s random

e e e e, e e e
r v lations of busin ss dutifully don f S impl r cr ation

e e e e, o e e e ,
o f family a ff ctions of a xi ty ov r sick c hildr n and f

e ,
n e e e , o
sympathy with t h ac h s and pains of an ag d body an e e e ,
importanc th at similar l tt rs could not h av in other

e e e e
p riods f history What th y do not giv xc pt by rar

e o . e e, e e e
touch s is t h consciousn ss that t h young r l tt r writ r

e , e e e e e e -
e
is t h h ir appar nt to unlimit d pow r th at hi wif is t h

e e e e e , s e e
daught r of t h r igning monarch and th at thos littl

e e e ,
e e
dimpl d baby h ands th at h old th ir fath r s h art mi ght

e e e
’
e
on e day b kiss d by subj ct kings Th S h adows of court

e e e . e
li f bar ly fall across t h pag for a mom nt and th n

e e e e e e ar e
gon ntir ly ; th r is no word f wars or military ambi

e e e e e o
tions ; no m ntion of intrigu s cabals mistr ss s or i m

e e , ,
e e ,
p rial f avorit s ; nothi n g t indicat b yond t h f rvid

e e o e, e e e
e xpr ssions of d vot d fri nds hip which

e quit as f rvid
e e e ,
ar e e e
from t h princ as from t h advocat th at th is young b

e e e e, ,
e
lov d and loving corr spond nt was oth r th an a privat

e , ,
e e e e
w
g ntl man livin g on t h Palatin Hill h ard by t h spot
e e ,
e e , e
wh r Cic ro h d liv d And y t th s Antonin s w r m

e e e a e . e ,
e e e e e en
o f g r at di gnity and royal b aring ; th ir court sy

e such e e e as
as b fits gr at kin gs A d th ir world did not f a mom nt

e e . n e or e
forg t th at th y w r mast rs Th most distin guis h d m

e e e e e . e e en
of l tt rs wait d outsid t h palac d ors until Antoninus

e e e e e e o
Pius mi ght pl as to walk abroad ; t h S nat was all agog

e e e e e
to do hi wi s h s ; l gions in Britain in G rmany in R h a tia

s e e , e ,
e ,
N oricum Pannonia M i ,
Dacia Syria Cappadocia , aes a, , , ,
Egypt Africa and Spain march d h ith r and thith r

, , ,
e e e
accordi ng to h i nod And t h ladi s of t h imp rial family

s . e e e e
w r tr at d with qual r v r nc Th imp rial titl

e e e e e e e e e . e e e,
Augusta which t h Empr ss bor and Marcus s wi f w ll

,
e e e
’
e as e ,
EARLY MAN HOOD 1 07
set th poss ssor apart almost lik a godd ss and th ir

e e ,
e e ,
e
efli gi w r stamp d wi th thos f godd ss s upon t h

es e e e e o e e e
coins And wh n Antoninus or F austina di d t h p opl

. e e , e e e
w
b li v d th at t h divin spirit wh ich h d animat d a mortal
e e e e e a e
body f a tim r turn d to its h om among t h oth r gods

or e, e e e e e
and godd ss s All thi s s h ould b r m mb r d wh n r ad

w
e e . e e e e e ,
e e e
th is corr spond nc b tw n th s two g ntl m n ; nd th n

e e e e ee e e e e e a e
eb gin to und rstand that its fri ndly quality conform d

e e e e e
not much to t h good tast f t h young Ca sar to t h

so e e o e e as e
l m ntal S i
e e e f hi o s
C H A P T E R V I I I
F ROM R H E T ORI C T O P H I LOSO P H Y

som tim in th is p riod w hic h cannot now b dat d
e e e , e e
with xactn ss Marcus cast asid t h study f r h t

e e , e e o e
ori or rath r a larg r xp ri nc f t h world f

e, ,
e ,
e e e e e o e o
r ality d tac h d hi int r st from th at rococo art wit h its

e e e s e e ,
inad quacy and triviality f

e it must h av com to s m , or s o e e ee
to hi m durin g t h s rious moods f young manhood Poor

w
e e o .
F ronto was in dismay but h could do nothing Marcus ,

e .
ascrib s th is turnabout on hi part to Rusticus h h

e s ,
o, e
says taught him to put asid rh toric po try and t h

,
“
e e ,
e ,
e
f astidious nic ti s of lan g ua g M A T is conv r ”

( e I 7
e
) h e . .
,
e
sion may h av b gun about t h y ar 1 4 6 for a l tt r writt n

e e e e ,
e e e
to F ronto in th at y ar or in t h b ginning f 1 4 7 s hows

e e e o ,
th at p hilosop hy h alr ady t to work to crowd out rh t

as e se e
ori e
MY M AS TE R
w
DEAR
I am looking f orward to your comin g wit h both pl asur e e
and un asin ss ; with pl asur ( v rybody knows hy) and

e e e e e e ,
as f t h un asin ss I will mak a cl an br ast of it I hav

or e e e ,
e e e . e
not giv n t h sli ght st att ntion to wh at you told m to

e e e e e
writ although I h av b n quit at l isur My tim h

e, e ee e e e . e as
b n sp nt ov r Aristo s books ; th y a sourc of g t i fi

w
’
ee e e e ar e e ra
cation and di scomfort T h y t ac h m b tt r th in gs and th at

. e e e e e ,
i grati fyin g ; but ind d w h n t h y S h ow m h

s ,
far from ee ,
e e e o
t hos b tt r th in gs my c h aract r is your pupil blus h s con

e e e e ,
e
ti lly and is an gry wit h h ims l f t h at at t h

nu a , g f e e a e o
tw nty fi hi h art h not drunk in any f th s xc ll nt

e -
ve s e as o e e e e e
do c trin s and nobl p h ilosop hy So I am punis h d f it

e e .
,
e or ,
1 10
are fr
MARCUS AURELIUS
from pain or in agony wh th r
ee can k p cold
and h n g r at arm s l n gth h answ r d Suc h a lif is
u e
’
e , e
, e
e e
e w
:
e
“
ee
ma gnific nt and spl ndid ; you will do wh at you think is

e e
ri ght you will n v r los your t mp r you will n v r know

,
e e e e e ,
e e
d sir and you wi ll n v r f ar T h s doctrin s vigorously

e e, e e e . e e e ,
x pr ss d c h all ng d t h yo ng man s att ntion and

’
e e e , e e e u e ,
i k a trump t in hi ars T his conv rsion i Mar

e e s e . e s
it l xp ri nc t h most important h app n ua e e e e, e e
t h y ars b tw n h i adoption as princ imp rial

e e e ee s e e
acc ssion to t h th ron I t did not h ow v r at t h

e e e .
,
e e ,
e
g r v al its s riousn ss for F ronto in a l tt r

n ,
e e e e , , e e
to con gratulat hi imp rial pupil on an scap e s e e e
f rom a t h r at n d accid nt allud s to Stoicism in a bant r

e e e e ,
e e
ing f as hion th at h could scar c ly h av us d h d h pp e e e e a e a re
h nd d t h at p h ilosop h y would r ally ali nat Marcus fro m

e e e e e
r h toric
e .
MY L O RD
I giv most d vout t h a ks to t h gods for pr s rving you
e e n e e e
sa f and sound A I k ow t h m xim y h

e d pt d
. s n e a s ou ave a o e ,
I am sur t h at you w r not at all di sturb d ; for my part

e e e e .
h ow v r muc h you p h ilosop h rs may lau gh at m

e e I was e e,
v ry much alarm d Good by my sw t Lord may t h

e e .
-
e, ee ,
e
gods k p you Pl as giv my r sp cts to my Lady your

ee . e e e e e ,
Moth r e .
FR O N T O .
w But wh th r t h ch an g cam gradually or abruptly and

e e
or not to t h admonitions f Rusticus and t h aus

e e e ,
w
d
as ue e o e
t r do gmas of Aristo or to t h g ntl r influ nc f Epi t

e e ,
e e e e e o c e
tus it was as
,
can an in vitabl ch ang Marcus s
,
e s ee, e e e .
’
Lh j h
e rwhi c h h d last d lon g w r ov r and s rious
a re, a e ,
e e e e
li f h d b gun Th h ir to an mpir th r at n d by
e a e . e e e e, e e e
en mi s from with out and by w akn ss and d cay within

e e e e e ,
i not f r
s lik a privat citiz n to spar grav att ntion
ee, e e e ,
e e e
RHE TORIC TO P HILOSOPH Y 111
f or what h h com to look upon as a pr tty accomplis h

e as e e
m nt as an art f litté rat urs wh os ch i f ambition is to b

e , or e e e e
applaud d in a l ctur room or at its b st as a minor aid

e e e , ,
e ,
in t h gov rnm nt f m H r was r ason nou gh f

w
e e e o en . e e e e or
g ivin g up r h toric but t h f urt h r st p f turning to phi

e ,
e e e o
l
os o h
p y h said or
,
s
as h ould y to r li gion was
e , , as e sa , e ,
d ue to many contributory caus s som t h at influ nc d hi m e ,

e e e
as an individual oth rs as a m mb r f soci ty ,

e e e o e .
Marcus poss ss d a s nsitiv spirit and a h roic soul ; both’

e e e e e
h d t h ir n ds A simpl li f f work and kindn ss
W
a e ee . e e o e
amiability doin g ac h day som daily good such as suffic d

, e e ,
e
Antoninus Pius could not satisfy hi m ; n ith r could t h

,
e e e
arts nor int ll ctual div rsions such as fill d Hadrian s

,
e e e ,
e
’
activ li f ; nor ambition and war

e e with Traj an His , as .
hi gh strun g soul b h ld li f as a matt r of duty not

-
e e e e ,
0
h appin ss and h wis h d to lay h

e , fi gt h
e e o
h co l d com at in ord r to do t h full m asur

e u e f hi
,
e e e e o s
duty On t h oth r h and hi s nsitiv spirit was inclin d

. e e , s e e e
w
to doubt to find vanity lurkin g b h ind v ry s mblanc f
,
e e e e e o
good and to s k r li f in an imp rious d mand th at t h

, ee e e e e e
world b mad int lli gibl to hi m ; in th s r sp cts h

e e e e e e e e e as
r li gious mind d and wh th r h kn w it or not h was

e -
e , ,
e e e e , e
s king a r ligion H h d arriv d I th ink quit or v ry

ee e . e a e , ,
e e
n arly to t h point at whic h h would h av acc pt d Lord

e , e e e e e
Ba c on s words I t is tru th at a littl p h ilosoph y inclin th

’
:
“
e, e e
Man s mi nd to At h i m ; But d pth in P h ilosoph y brin g

’
e e s e e
t h M n s Mi d about to R li gion F or w hil t h Mind

’
e e n es e : e e e
o f Man look t h u p on S cond Caus s Scatt r d it may som

e e e e e ,
e
tim s r st in th m and g no furth r ; But w h n it b

e e e ,
oe e e e
h old t h t h C h ain
e f th m Con f d rat
e and Li k d to e o e ,
e e e n e
g t
e h r it must n e d fl i to P id c and D i ti C
e ,
e e ro v en e e e .
”
er
t i ly Marcus was far from t h ath ism of t h E p icur ans
w
a n e e e e ,
and sou ght i f not to fly to provid nc and d ity at l ast

, e e e , e
to f ollow t h gods But h ? Accordi e . o

as h i starting point s .
I n hi M d i t t t i t d to S xtus Plu
w
s e a u e e ,
t h
a rc grandson for t his conc ption p Z m
’
s ,
K ) e ,
rv
‘
z ia/ a y a r e.
di
n c {fi (M A I v and h also th anks t h gods that
. .
, e e
h h e t hou ght o ft n and with a cl ar und rstandin g f w h at

as e e e o
li f according to N atur r ally is (M A I 1 7

e Marcus e e . .
, ,
was by no m ans an original t hink r nor f a m tap hysical

e e ,
o e
cast f mind ; h was groping hi way f a r ligious con

o e s or e
of li and acc pt d t is articl Stoic cr d

w
ce pt i on f h e, f t h e e e o e ee
h sitation e .
But w h at is this N atur with wh ich must mak our e, e e
liv s accord ? B for hi y s pass d multitudinous proc ss s

w
e e e s e e e e e
of c h ang mov m nts goings to and fro ; and most r stl ss

e, e e , ,
e e
o f all t h strang pow r t h at

,
e call li f w hich f rom tiny
e e e e,
b ginnings draws to its lf particl s f matt r or ganiz s

e e e o e ,
e
t h m us s th m and th n moving on from in fancy to

e ,
e e ,
e ,
maturity f rom maturity to d cay finally lays down its

, e ,
burd n and is lost to mortal y s l aving its anci nt h ous

e e e ,
e e e
to crumbl and pass on to oth r us s N atur m ch anical

e e e . e, e
car e .
c h an gin g all things for v r (M A V I I I 6 ) not from m r e e . .

,
e e
wanton r stl ssn ss but in ord r to k p t h univ rs v r

e e e ,
e ee e e e e e
fr s h and young (M A VI I T h anks to h

w
e . .
,
er
Di b g ifl i h h oh n W rk e un e re c e e e
S in d h rr li ch i am rst T g e e e en a .
And w h at v r h do s to ach individual compon nt part

e e s e e e e
is f its good and not f its good at som r mot tim by

or ,
or e e e e
m ans f t h attainm nt of som ultimat d but at t h

e o e e e e en ,
e
v ry mom nt h con f rs it (M A X 2 0 ; I I
e e s e and w hat e . .
, ,
e v r ach part do s (for ach part lik wis is for v r S h ift

e e e e e e e e
w WWW
N atur h ima gin d by t h b atings of hi own h art
e, so e e ,
e e s e .
Wh at do s h d mand but hi gh mind dn ss f r dom i m

e s e e
-
e e ,
ee ,
s
pli i t y c h arity and h olin ss (M A V

c ,
Natur to hi m
,
e . .
, e
s m car s for nothing but virtu ; e e
sh snaps h
e fin g rs at li f er e e
failur pl asur or pain rich s or pov rty ; h toss s all

e, e e ,
e e s e e
suc h things lik t h tras h that th y to t h good and

w
w
,
e e e a r e, e
t h bad alik
e (M A I I S h mak s low r t h ings
e . .
,
e e e s er
vants f t h high r and s ts h fac t

o e dw rjg h t eansggs
e ,
e er e o ar s
(M A X I . T h n to compl t t h circl d com back

.
, e ,
e e e e an e
to wh r h start d Marcus in f rs th at b caus N atur is

e e e e ,
e e e e
ri ght ous man must b right ous Ri ght ousn ss is t h

e e e e e
/
,
e .
gm ng m—NM M do wron is
} ipi ty To b u ust is impi ty N atur h fas hion d
e e n
g im —
e
_O
e as e
.
j .
rational cr atur s f mutual s rvic Suc h is h will ; h

e e or e e . er e
t hat transgr ss s i guilty of impi ty N atur too is Truth

w
e e s e . e, , ,
and t h first caus f all th at is tru Th liar th r for is

e e o e . e e e e
guilty f impi ty ; and h also h sp aks fals ly alth ough

o e e o e e ,
by rror I t is impi ty also to pursu pl asur as i f it w r

e . e e e e e e
good or to s hun pa n as f it w r vil ; or to b oth r th an

,
i 1 e e e e e
indi ff r nt to lif and d ath to good r port and vil r port

e e e e ,
e e e
( M A IX . H. t h at complains of wh at v r h app ns is a
,
e e e e
r b l against N atur ; mor ov r it is wrong to do h arm to

e e e e e
any man or v n to turn away from him or to play t h

,
e e ,
e
hypocrit or act or think with idl aiml ssn ss n gl ct ful

e, e e e , e e
of t h g oal My body may rot and pass away my soul may

e .
,
b but as a dr am or a mist but I no vil i f I follow ’
e fl e ,
su er e
N atur (M A I I e N o man can h ind r or stay m f rom

. .
,
e e
livin g accordin g to t h r ason of my natur ; and nothin g e e e
can b f all m contrary to t h r ason of un iv rsal N atur

w
e e e e e e
(M A VI path and min (M A V
w
. H
.
, er e a r e on e . .
,
N or is it h ard to liv in accordanc with N atur for e e e, e ar e
so born and br d th at can b ar wh at may b f all us

e e e e
(M A V 1 8) . . is it also with t h b ast and plant N atur

, so e e . e
wi ll not lay on us too h avy a load (M A VI I I If I e . .

,
RHE TORI C TO P HILOS OP H Y 1 15
t hink t h burd n too gr at t h fault li s in my thinking

e e e , e e so
(M A X . .
,
This is not p hilosop h y nor y t th olo gy ; it i a cr d ,

e e s ee
irradiat d by po try a cr d th at t stifi s to an inn r n d

e e ,
ee e e e ee
similar to th at w hic h imp ls t h po t and musician to x e e e e
pr ss t h y arnin gs and aspirations th at w ll up with in

e e e e
t h ir h arts And I ima gin t hat in t h first f rvor f hi

e e . e e e o s
int r st in r ligion Marcus pus h d hi outposts f urth r th an

w
e e e ,
e s e
h was abl to maintain t h m and t h at if hi M d i t t i
w
e e e ,
s e a ons
h d b n writt n t h n
a ee s h ould h av found t h m full f
e e , e e e o
a r v r nt warmth such as now find o ly h r and th r

e e e e n e e e e
in an occasional s nt nc N v rth l ss in th is attitud e e e . e e e e ,

e
toward N atur Marcus is not f from t h attitud f t h

e, ar e e o e
C h ristian toward hi God N atur is a divin pow r full f s . e e e ,

o
di gnity purity and truth With h f ar is out f plac ;

, , . er e o e
rit s and c r mo i s sacrific s wh th r to app as to con

e e e n e ,
e ,
e e e e,
ciliat or to thank
e, out of plac Sh r wards t h faith ,
are e . e e e
ful by l ttin g th m p rc iv th at th y
e takin g th ir parts
e e e e e ar e e
in t h accomplis hm nt f h v rlastin g task ; and w h at

e e o er e e
mor could t h soul at l ast t h proud Roman soul d sir

e e , e e ,
e e?
I n t his doctrin of li f accordin g to N atur is c rtainly

e e e e
t h C h ristian doctrin
e f submission to And e o
cross t h ch asm b tw n imp rsonal e e ee e
N atur and t h p rsonal d ity N atur cannot for hi m

e e e e . e
d p n into N atur s God H h d long b n tau ght to

ee e e
’
. e a ee
r j ct t h anci nt d iti s f t h common p opl Jupit r and

e e e e e e o e e e, e
his f llows P hilosophy could not acc pt such anth ropo

e . e
morp h ism P hilosop hy h d r j ct d p rsonality as a divin

. a e e e e e
attribut and now alth ou gh it was r ady to conc d unity

e, ,
e e e ,
r ason b auty ri ght ousn ss it could not turn compl t ly

e ,
e ,
e e ,
e e
about and p rsoni fy t h t rnal forc th at mov s through

e e e e e e
all th in gs .
What Marcus m ant wh at d fi i t of conc ption h

w
e ,
e n en es s e e
h d in mind w h n h us s t h word g d or g d
a ,
e was I e e e o o s, ,
t h i k in t h natur f an mp h asis upon wh at

n , e todaye o e e, ,
s hould call t h e th r th an e
any lik n ss to e e in a mor e
e motional mood h f ls N atur clos r mor kindly th n ,

e ee e e ,
e ,
e
h fa lls back upon t h nativ languag

e f pi ty and out of e e e o e , ,
gratitud and with a s ns of duty hal f filial giv s utt r

e e e ,
e e
anc to hi s ns of loyalty (M A I I I 9 ; I I I 6 § 2 ) and

e s e e . .
, , ,
acknowl d g s our duty to follow t h gods (M A X

e e e . .
,
to i m itat t h m (M A X 8 e to r v r nc th m (M A
e . .
, ,
e e e e e . .
V 3 3 ; VI 3 0 and to liv wi th t h m (M A V
w
, , ,
e e . .
,
T his is it s ms to m as f as hi r li gion go s N atur

, ee e, ar s e e . e
cannot ris high r than th is ; h r mains t h rulin g r ason

e e s e e e e
of t h univ rs moving on h mi ghty march in ob di nc

e e e, er e e e
to h own thical constitution s ttin g all parts to harmony

er e ,
e
as h go s and scatt rin g b auty w h r h pass s ; a d

s e e ,
e e e e s e e n
s h mak t h for ri ght ousn ss

e e f e e . o
F low rs laugh b for th on th ir b ds

e e e ee e e ,
A nd f ragran c i t hy f o ting tr ad s e n o e ;
T hou d ost p r s rv t h stars f rom w rong e e e e ;
A nd t h most anci t h v ns th rough th
e f r sh and en ea e , ee, ar e e
strong
w
,
and h also stoops to t h humbl r functions f guiding

s e e e o
erring m h s k a r l of conduct Marcus s attitud is

en o ee u e .
’
e
not unlik Wordsworth s His conv rsion i f may

w w
’
e th . e , on e u se e
word was quit di ff r nt from t h passionat motional

, e e e e e, e
up h avals th at
e find in C hristians h sudd nly e o e ar e
bl ss d with a vivid consciousn ss of t h r ality of God

e e e e e .
H h ars no T ll l g ; h s s no divin union But in h i

e e o e, e e e ee e . s
rational Roman way h b li v s in th at pro found moral

, ,
e e e e
'
ch ang which C hristians b li v to b wrou ght by t h grac

e e e e e e e
f God H says I f you tak upon yours l f t h s nam s “

o . e : e e e e e
g ood mod st trut hful wi s m k magnanimous cl av —

,
e e, ee e e
, , ,
u to th m An d r m mb r t h at wisdom com s f rom an int l

n e . e e e e e
l ctual compr h nsion of ach s v ral thing th at m kn ss

e e e e e e ,
ee e
m ans t h willin g acc ptanc of w h at v r univ rsal N atur

e e e e e e e e
C H A P T E R I X
T H E FLU EN CE OF SKEPTICISM
I N
ARCUS in yout h at l ast was of t hos d li

,
e ,
on e e e
cat impr ssionabl c h aract rs th at

e, pus h d
e e e are e
this way or t h oth r by influ nc s that would l av e e e e e e
a mor stolid natur una ff ct d B auty will draw s nsitiv

e e e e . e e e
spirits to it l f will h roism or grand ur ; u glin ss foul

se ,
so e e e ,
n ss or d pravity will r p l t h m I n th s r sp cts t h

e ,
e e e e . e e e e e
spirit is mobil in proportion to its virtu and its fi

e e re ne
m nt but for all th at it n d not b l ss stron g l ss pois d

e , ,
ee e e ,
e e ,
or l ss t nacious Suc h a c haract r t h Stoics would y

e e . e ,
as e sa ,
is in a hi gh r stat of t nsion I n this p riod f w h at I

e e e . e o
call hi conv rsion virtu and r li gion did not draw Marcus
s e , e e
as t h lod ston draws ; rath r as I th ink hu m ghL fi g

e e e e , ,
rfi
- e
imp rsonality
e m out f r ach of ,
o e
th impur ori ntal sup rstitions t h at w r rampant in

e e e e e e
Rom His ins e . t surr nd r e e e
climb d t h mountain of S
W
e e
br ath pur air f abov t h gross r vapors th at spr ad
W
e e e , ar e e e e
ov r t h lowlands f li f Sk pticism m ock ry irony in

e e o e . e ,
e ,
r sp ct to w hat h r gard d as sacr d w r v ry distast
W
e e e e e e ,
e e e e
ful to hi m H could not nj oy satir v n w h n gay and

. e e e e e e
d bonair t h f ath r d wit th at stings t h lau ghin g mo c k

e , e e e e , e
ery t h at scorns .
; h f lt e e
th at r li gion was too n c ssary f m t b approa ch d

w
e e e or en o e e
oth rwis th an with r v r nc And all thos qualiti s

e e e e e e . e e , so
d li ght ful to t h car l ss mind d which

e e inaccurat ly e e -
e ,
e, e
INFLUEN
CE OF SKEPTICISM 1 19
p r h aps m up und r t h adj ctiv V lt i i lik t h

e ,
su e e e e o a r a n, e e
wind blowing on t h trav ll r mad him wrap h ims l f mor e e e ,

e e e
clos ly in hi principl s T h r was muc h mock ry in hi

e s e . e e e s
world Th r li gious cr d f wh ich Marcus Aur lius f lt

. e e ee ,
or e e
strong a s ntim nt o ff r d a broad targ t for th os

w
so e e ,
e e e e
w hom h calls mock rs f t h p h m ral lif of man

e
“
e o e e e e e ,
”
M i pp
en Lucian and such And I do not th ink
u s, c an,
. e
quit und e e
spirit at work pulling down und rmining and h l , ,

e , o
lowing out Lucian th at tricksy sprit indi ff r nt to truth

.
,
e, e e ,
car l ss f social duty fond f sland r a gath r r f ros s

e e o , o e ,
e e o e
wh il h could is t h v ry antith sis to Marcus Aur lius

e e ,
e e e e ,
ori ntal as against Roman Epicur an as against Stoic

e , e ,
pl asur lov r as against puritan ; and I think th at an b

e e e a
stract of of h i satirical com di s will s rv as a back

on e s e e e e
ground th at s h all caus Marcus s ch aract r by its compl t e

’
e ,
e e
d tachm nt to stand out mor vividly Lucian is making

e e ,
e .
fu n,not only f t h old r li gion f t h Olympian gods to

o e e o e ,
which Stoicism was t nd r but f Stoicis m its l f e e ,

o e .
Z E U S I N H I G H T R A G E D Y
Z us is discov r d wan groaning and in gr at a gitation
e e e , , ,
e .
H rm s and Ath n muc h alarm d nd avor to com fort

e e e e, e ,
e e
hi m but H ra approac h s wit h a sn r I t Dana e S m l

“ ’ '
,
e e ee : s , e e e,
or Europa ; this is t h way h b h av s wh n h is in lov e e e e e e e

”
.
Z us succ ds in calming h ims l f and xplains th at t h

e ee e ,
e e
a ff airs of t h gods in t h worst way ; Damis t h Epi

e ar e e e cu
r an in a disput with Ti m l t h Stoic h d ass rt d th at

e ,
e oc es e ,
a e e
t h g ods do not x ist l t alon t h at t h y do not ov rs

e e or , e e e e ee
dir ct v nts Th two p h iloso p h rs

e e e .
g oin g to finis
e h t h ir e ar e e
d bat n x t day and t h At h nians

e e e ag rly awaiting t h
,
e e ar e e e e
issu I f Damis wins far w ll to honors sacrific s public
e .
,
e e ,
e ,
wors hip ; t h gods will b but idl nam s Of cours t h r

e e e e . e e e
is gr at and g n ral alarm on Olympus All t h gods and

e e e . e
godd ss s summon d in council To mak hi sp c h

e e ar e e . e s ee
worthy f t h occasion Z us adapts t h op ning f an ora

o e e e e o
tion by D mosth n s but unabl to maintain t h is h roic

w
e e e ,
e e
styl h t lls hi tal baldly Y st rday as you know

e, e e s e :
“
e e , ,
M ith
n es th captain o ff ring sacrific in r turn
eu s e s ea as e e e
for t h saf ty f h i s hi p wh ic h h d n arly b n wr ck d

e e o s ,
a e ee e e
o fl C ph
'
and th os f us whom h invit d din d at t h

a ereu s , e o e e e e
Pira us A ft r t h libations you all w nt ff som

e . e waye e o , e on e ,
som anoth r ; but as it was arly I w nt to tak an v nin g

e e e ,
e e e e
stroll in t h C ramicus thinkin g about M i t h

e e stin gi ,
n es eu s s
’
n ss To f ast si x t n gods h h d sacrific d

e . e cock an ee e a e one ,
old consumptiv cock at th at and four inc ns cak s j olly

e ,
e e e ,
w ll mouldy th at wouldn t burn on t h fi or start nou gh

e ,
’
e re e
smok f you to sm ll it with t h tip f your nos and h

e or e e o e, e
h d promis d w h ol h catombs w hil h was dri fting on

a e e e e e
t h rocks
e .
And as I was t hinking about this I cam to t h Paint d

w
, , e e e
Porc h w h r I found a gr at crowd som within but most

,
e e e ,
e
outsid and a f sitting on t h s ats bawlin g with might

e, e e e ,
and main I thou ght it lik ly th at th y w r p h ilosop h rs f

. e e e e e o
t h argum ntativ sp ci s (and I was right ) so I stopp d

e e e e e ,
e
to h ar wh at th y h d to y I was wrapp d in a thi c k

e e a sa . e
cloud and adapting my clot h s to th ir styl and pulling

,
—
e e e
down my h d I mad mys l f look v ry lik a p h ilosop h r

ea r , e e e e e .
T h n quit inco g I lbow d my way th rou gh t h crowd I

w
e , e ,
e e e .
f ound Damis t h Epicur an t h at old rascal and Ti m l e e , ,

o c es
t h Stoic h is a p r f ct brick disputing away to h art s

’
e ,
o e e ,
e
cont nt ; at l ast Ti m l h d alr ady s hout d hi voic

e e o c es a e e s e
to a w hisp r and was sw atin g for Damis with h i sardonic

e e , s
smil h d almost thrown hi m into a paroxysm

w
e a .
And th ir argum nt was all about us T hat d d Damian

“
e e .
—
cont nd d th at do not x rt any provid nc on b h al f f

e e e e e e e e o
out Oh Pos idon ! I s this a j ok ? Or hav you compl t ly
:
f orgott n t h at
do t h spinning and d cr h
e
,
e
w
h av no suc h pow r but t h at t h F at s
e
man s hall di by a
,
e e
e ee o w
e
on e
e
,
,
e
e
e e
t hund rbolt anoth r by t h sword anoth r by f v r or con

e , e e , e e e
sumption ? I f I h d h d any pow r in t h matt r do you a a e e e

,
t hink I would hav allow d t hos sacril gious robb rs to g t e e e e e e
away from Olympia a coupl f days g a ft r t h y h d e o a o, e e a
cut ff two f my curls w i ghin g i x pounds api c without

o o e s e e,
d b lt i g t h m ? Or would you h av l t t h at fis h rman
w
th un er o n e e e e
st al your trid nt from t h t mpl at G

e t ? B sid s
e e e e eraes u s e e ,
p opl will t hink th at

e e angry b caus t h s h o pinc h s e are e e e e e ,
and a fraid f wh at Damis may say and th r for h av

ar e o ,
e e e e
got rid f hi m without waitin g for Ti m l to ar gu t h

o ,
o c es e e
matt r out T h y will think it a m r victory by d fault

e . e e e e .
”
P N You t h ink
O SEi D O but it s ms to m t h at I h av
: s o, ee e e
h i t upon a s hort cut to victory .
Z Com ff T h at s a moon cal f id a

Eu s : e o
’
-
e .
Apollo th n tak s t h floor T his Ti m l is an hon st

e e e :
“
o c es e ,
god f aring man and h knows Stoic doctrin s v ry accu

-
e ,
e e e
ra et ly much t h at h t ac h s wisdom to many young

, so so e e e
m en and r c iv s no inconsid rabl comp nsation and w h n

e e e e e e ,
e
h is conv rsing in privat wit h h i pupils h is v ry p

e e e s e e er
suasiv ; but in sp aking b for a crowd h is utt rly d void

e e e e e e e
o f s an
g f i d and h i—
lan ua
g gro i t h at f an un ducat d
, s e s o e e
man and mix d with barbarisms and in cons qu nc at

,
e ,
e e e
public m tin gs h provok s lau ght r ; h do s not talk con

ee e e e e e
n ec et d ly but stamm rs and g ts confus d sp cially w h n e e e ,

e e e
v r i spit f th s d f cts h wis h s to mak a parad

w
e e ,
n e o e e e e ,
e e e e
o f r h toric H i
e xtr m ly subtl and k n d g d p
. e s e e e e ee —
e e , so eo
pl e sa y h w ll acquaint d with Stoicism ; but wh n h

o ar e e e e e
is dis c oursing and xpounding h is so f bl t h at h spoils e ,

e ee e e
and muddl s wh at h wants to say H do s not mak any

e e . e e e
th in g cl ar ; h puts forward propositions that

e e lik ar e e
riddl s and in answ r to qu stions h is v n mor obscur

e , e e e e e e e .
His list n rs don t know what h is talkin g about and lau gh

e e
’
e
INFLUEN
C E O F S K E P T I C I S M 1 23
at hi m I n my j udgm nt it is absolut ly n c ssary to sp ak
. e e e e e
cl arly and mor th an anything ls to tak gr at pains

e , ,
e e e, e e
in ord r th at t h audi nc s h all und rstand wh at you y

e e e e e sa .
”
Apollo s ulo gy upon cl ar pronounc m nt calls forth

’
e e e e
from t h oth r gods som sarcastic r f r nc s to hi own

e e e e e e e s
sayings at D lp hi and ls wh r and a ch all ng f hime e e e e, e e or
to prop h sy on t h spot wh th r Tim l or Damis S h all

e e e e o c es
win Apollo prot sts th at h h no tripod at h and or i

. e e as ,
n
c ns or holy wat r ; but Z us ncourag s hi m h acc pts

e e e e e e , so e e
t h c h all n g
e H turns pal hi
e y s roll hi h air Stands
e . e e, s e e , s
on d h bursts into a d moniacal f r nzy and utt r s non

en ,
e e e ,
e
s nsical v rs s which d (I quot Mr Harmon s t l

e e e , en e .
’
r an s a
tion )
Y t w h n t h h ook talon d vultur t h grass h opp r g rips
e e e -
e e e e
in hi clutch s s e ,
T h n S h all t h i b i g crows mak an d f th ir

e e ra n ea r n e en o e
cawing f or v r e e
V i t y s h all go to t h mul s and t h ass will r j oic in hi

’
c r e e ,
e e e s
o ff spring !
w Criticism upon th is prop h cy is int rrupt d by H rcul s

h sp aks to t h ori ginal qu stion
o e F or my part F ath r
alth ou gh I am only a naturaliz d g d I s h all not h sitat
e
e
e
:
“
o
e
,
e
,
e
e
e
e
to y wh at I th ink A ft r t h p hilosop h rs h av m t and

w
sa . e e e e e
h av b gun t h d i
e e m about us th n in cas Ti m l
e s cu s s n ,
e ,
e o c es
i g tting t h b st f it
s e will p rmi t t h proc din gs to
e e o , e e e ee
continu ; but i f it turns out t h oth r way th n i f you

e e e ,
e ,
approv I will g v t h Porch a S h ak and throw it down

e, i e e e
on top f Damis so th at t h d d f llow s h all stop hi irr

o ,
e —
e s e
li gi insol nc
ou s e e
.
Z E U S O H r c ul s By H rcul s You bumpkin ! you Boco

: e e e e
tian ! Wh at you saying F or t h sak f

are rascal to ? e e o on e
d stroy many h on st m and t h Porch with pictur s

e so e en , e e
f Marat h on f Miltiad s f A sc h ylus s brot h r ! t

’
o , o e , o e e e c .
1 24 MARCUS AU RELIUS
Th council is int rrupt d by n ws t hat Ti m l
e and e e e o c es
Damis h av b gun t h ir d bat Z us bids t h Hours op n

e e e e e
. e e e
t h g at s f h av n and h looks down By H rcul s w h at “

e e o e e ,
e : e e ,
a crowd h com to list n ! I am not a bit satisfi d with

as e e e
h is all f a tr mbl and muddl d up H will
w w
Ti m l o c es , e o e e e . e
ruin v ryt h in g today I t is obvious th at h will not b abl

e e . e e e
to stand up a gainst Damis But must do what can . e e :
L t us pray f hi m
w
e or .
Th g ods list n d to t h d bat

e e e e e e
.
T M L
1 Damis you t mpl robb r hy do you say
OC Es : , e e— e ,
t h at t h gods do not xist and x rcis no provid nc ov r

first w
e e , e e e e e e
m en ?
D A M I S N o You answ r m
: .hy h h th e e you t ink t at e
g ods do x ist e .
T M 1 L O h no ! You answ r you rascal

OC Es : ,
e ,
.
D A M I S O h no ! Your turn
: , .
Z EU s :Our man is a gr at d al b tt r and loud r in this e e e e e
kind f rou ghhousing Bully f you Ti m l ! Pour out

o . or ,
o c es
your scurriliti s ! T h r s w h r your str n gt h li s ! in v ry

e e e
’
e e e e e e
t hin g ls h ll put a hook in your mouth and S h ow you r

e e e
’ ’
e
a bull h ad e .
N ow by Ath n I won t answ r you first

’
T M 1 L OC Es : ,
e e, e .
D A M I S All right Tim l

: k your qu stion ; t h at oat h
,
oc es , a s e
you v sworn puts you ah ad But stop your scurriliti s i f

’
e e . e ,
you pl as e e .
T M 1 L Good nou gh T ll m th n you cuss don t

OC Es : e . e e e , ,
’
you b li v in Provid nc
e e e e e?
D A M I S N ot a bit: .
T M 1 L Wh at do you y ? I s th r no Provi d nc in
OC Es : sa e e e e
anyth in g ?
D M A No is: .
T M 1 L N o god tak s any car of t his u iv rs ?

OC Es : e e n e e
D A M IS N o : .
T M 1 L And v rything go s along with out a purpos ?

OC Es : e e e e
D AMIS Y : es .
126 MARCUS AURELIUS
Z E U S By g mini gods h t h crowd s hout d at t h at
: e
and clapp d Damis ! I t looks as i f our man didn t know

e
, w , o e e
’
w hat to do At any rat h is sw ating nd tr mblin g ; it s

w
’
. e, e e a e
cl ar th at h is going to giv up t h fight ; h is alr ady

“
e e e e e e
lookin g round to h h can slip away and run f

s ee it o e ,
or .
Ti m l h ow v r h olds on H brin gs in Euripid s but

o c es , e e , . e e ,
Damis is abl to quot Euripid s on hi S id T h n t h Stoic

e e e s e
. e e
cit s t h univ rsal b li f in gods and univ rsal wors hip

e e e e e e .
Damis r torts by num rating contradictory b li fs in dif

e e e e e
feren t plac s ; t h Scyt h ians wors hip a scimitar t h E t hi

e e ,
e o
pians wors hi p day t h Assyrians a dov t h P rsians fi , e e, e e r e,
and t h Egyptians a b ll an ibis a crocodil or a cat

e u , ,
e, .
Ti m l tri s oracl s and altars with no b tt r succ ss

o c es e e e e e ,
th n
e :
T M 1 L T ll m you d d rascal h av you v r mad

OC Es : e e, —
, e e e e
a voyag e?
D M A Many a tim
is : e .
W ll th n w h th r it was t h wind th at car

w
T M 1 L OC Es : e ,
e ,
e e e
ri d you alon g or t h row rs any h ow it was t h captain

e ,
e e , e
h st r d t h s h ip and k pt it saf wasn t it ? ’

o ee e e e e,
D A M I S Y of cours : es , e .
T M 1 L OCT h n if t h S hip could not h av mad h

Es : e ,
e e e er
voya g with out a captain to st r do you fancy th at this

e ee ,
univ rs can g along with out captain or pilot ?

e e o
Z E U S Bully ! Ti m l h us d a mighty good simil

: o c es as e e
with gr at sagacity e .
D A M I S (j m pi g t t h ill t t i ) Th
u n captain a e u s ra on : e s ea
mak s a d fi i t plan giv s ord rs and maintains v ry

e e n e ,
e e , e e
thin g aboard i s hips h ap ord r and s mlin ss But look

n e e ee e .
at t h univ rs t h mainsail is las h d to t h bowsprit t h

e e e, e e e ,
e
j ib i ntangl d with t h h lm h al f t h sailors

s e e land e e ,
e ar e
lubb rs and in t h first cabin S it p i i d thi v s and

e ,
e ar c es , e e ,
p fli g t
ro wh il t h good and virtuous crowd t h st ra g
a es , e e e ee e .
Socrat s drinks poison but Sardanapalus wallows in luxury

e ,
.
I f t h r w r a captain would t h s t h ings b

e e e e ? ,
e e e so
INFLUEN
CE OF SKEPTICISM 1 27
F oil d a gain Ti m l plays h i trump card

e ,
o c es s .
Z Wh at can h b going to y
Eu s : e e sa ?
T M L 1 N ow look and
OC i f my r asonin g is not pur
Es : s ee e e
lo gic and i f by any possibility you can ups t it I F THE RE

,
e .
ARE ALTARS THERE ARE GODS THE RE ARE , .
ALTARS THERE F ORE THE RE ARE GODS WHAT ,

.
DO YOU SAY TO THAT ?
D M Wh n I h d my fill of laugh ing I ll answ r

A ls : e
’
ve a ,
’
e
you .
But h can har dly stop lau gh in g long nough to j r and

e e ee ,
finally x claims th at t h ar gum nt did ind d s ttle t h

e e e ,
ee ,
e e
disput e .
O h you r you ? you body

w
’
T M L 1 OC i ic l Es : , e ro n a , are
snatch r ! you dirty black guard ! You s hould b spit on and

e e ,
whi pp d and t hrown down t h c sspool ! I gu ss

e ,
know e e e e
wh at kind of a man your fath r was and your moth r was e ,

e
a and you stran gl d your broth r you d bos h d t e e ,

e e ,
e c .
,
H i ! Don t scap till I giv you a th ras h ing

’
t
e c . e e e e .
And t h irritat d Stoic pursu s hi adv rsary with a

w
e e e s e
brick .
To t h car l ss mind d to thos h abl to nj oy

w
e e e -
e , e o ar e e e
t h h uman com dy and lau gh wit h F i garo at i t f olly its

e e , , , s ,
vic its nons ns and vanity h r gard t h world as a

e, e e, ,
o e e
ch anc combination f atoms and li f as a bubbl th at

w
e o , e e
br aks t his rollickin g satir f Lucian is v ry d li ght ful

e ,
e o e e .
But f him h is pain fully striving to p r form w h at h

or o e e
d ms t h part f a man and a Roman to prop up a f alling

ee e o ,
world to follow as b st h may t h footst ps f t h gods

,
e e e e o e ,
and bring hi will into h armony with t h univ rsal will such
s e e ,
bant r as th at of this cynical M rcutio is lik acid upon raw

e e e
fl s h Th xcus th at Lucian do s not attack virtu but

e . e e e e e
f oolis h n ss not r li gion but sup rstition cannot b s riously

e , e e , e e
maintain d ; and in t h y s f t h r li gious mind d t h

e , e e e o e e -
e e
asp ct of t h cas i not c h an g d b caus in th ir support rs

e e e s e e e e e ,
as Montaign says il y pl d pi i t t é t d pi t i e , a us
’
o n a s re e e c o er e
128 MARCUS AU RELI US
q u il
’
n a
’
ppa r t ien t a u n e r li gious

s i s a i n te
pr of es s io n . Th e e
mind d n it r e nor car t h at

e he s ee is no mor x g e Ti m oc les e e a
g rat d t h an Malvolio or M J
e e d i th y not d alin g . ou r a n e a re e
wit h com dy but what to t h m is t h hi gh and nobl trag dy

e ,
e e e e
o f li f T h y e
. fi ghtin g t h battl f God and t h mo c k rs
e a re e e o , e e ,
sinc th y e not with th m

e a re a gainst t h m Marcus e ,
are e .
Aur lius f lt t his and at t h sound f sarcastic lau gh t r

e e , e o e
c limb d t h hig h r on hi lon ly mountain top to wors hip

e e e s e ,
und r t h tranquil stars t h at n it h r laugh nor mock t h

e e ,
e e ,
e
Stoic id al f holin ss I f t h r ad r h ow v r acc pts t h

e o e . e e e ,
e e ,
e e
po t s sayin g th at rip n ss is all and b li v s th at in

e
’ “
e e ,
”
e e e
rip n ss l d d
e e i e d on must find its plac
e s o u r re e s on ceu vre e,
l t h i m r m mb r t h at Marcus attain d to t h at rip n ss and

e e e e e e e
di d id
e
“
h m
r e n s res u a na s .
”
t h s nsual brut t h murd r r t h tyrant ! (M A VI
”
e e e, e e e , e . .
,
A d how v r f
n th liv s f Traj an Hadrian A
e e ar e e o , ,
n
t i
o n nu s Pius and h i own mi ght s m to b from th os t rri
,
s ,
ee e e e
bl pr d c ssors t h t hou gh t of w h at im p rial pow r mig ht

e e e e ,
e e e
do would som tim s ris up b for him lik a hid ous appa
e e e e e e e
r it i on : Tak car not to b C

“
e i fi d k p from t h at dy
e e a es a r e , ee e
f or su c h t hin gs h app n (M A V I Th M d it e . .
, e e a
it is tru mbody a muc h lat r cast of thou gh t and

w
ti o ns , e, e e ,
not t h at of hi youth ; but th y S h ow t h road th at hi mi nd

s e e s
was to trav l and b tray t h r asons hy h abandon d

e ,
e e e e e
r h toric
e .
I n addition to t h s p rsonal f actors t h r was a con e e e ,

e e
tory caus f w hic h h could h ardly h av b n awar

e o e e ee e
h i wakin g consciousn ss Th f atal words m

s m e . e ,
en e, en e,
h d b n writt n on t h wall f t h Domus

a ee e e o e
a but no Roman y h d t h prop h tic insight to

, e e a e e
p rc iv and to int rpr t th m And y t t h M d i t t i

w
e e e e e e . e e e a o ns
e x pr ss som t hin g mor

e l m ntal th an t h s l f commun
e e e e e e e -
ings f a man h h at n t h br ad f li f and found

o o as e e e e o e
it bitt r and dru k f t h cup f li f and found it vanity ;

e n o e o e
th y sugg st t h psyc hical r cord f a soul th at down in its

w
e e e e o
unconscious d pth s is s nsitiv to t h first tr mors f a uni

e e e e e o
v rsal comm otion I t is t h book f a man h buckl s hi

e . e o o e s
armor on to m t invisibl vils as w ll as th os th at h can

ee e e , e e e
s ee .Som d licat instinct within him lik th at f mi gratory

e e e ,
e o
birds s hiv r d at t h first touch f autumnal chill wh ich

,
e e e o
h rald d a wint r th at s h oul d strip t h Roman oaks f all

e e e e o
th ir glory
e .
Outwardly how v r t h Roman Empir look d as solid

,
e e , e e e
as t h Coloss um To t h casual y t h city was at t h

e e . e e e e e
z nith f its spl ndor A li Aristid s f Smyrna f

e o e . e us e o ,
or
e xampl t h sch olar and man f l tt rs m r ly xpr ss d

e, e o e e ,
e e e e e
in h i oratorical way wh at all for ig rs f lt Rom is t h

s e ne e :
“
e e
m tropolis f t h world s busin ss m rcantil as w ll as

e o e
’
e , e e e
political M rch andis f rom I ndia and Arabia is import d

. e e e
OTHE R MOTIVES 131
in su c h gr at quantiti th at you would b li v thos coun

e es e e e e
tri s stri p p d bar and th at I ndians and Arabians must

e e e
com to Rom to g t t h products of th ir nativ lands

e e e e e e .
Cloth s f rom Babylon ornam nts from t h f arth st Bar

e ,
e e e
b i carri d to t h imp rial city in gr at r quantiti s

ar an s , a r e e e e e e e
and with gr at r as th an goods f rom N axos to Ath ns

e e e e e .
Sicily Egypt t h cultivat d acr s of Africa

, ,
Roman e e e ,
ar e
f arms And s h ips sailin g in and out

. continuous th at , ,
ar e s o
t h wond r is not t h at t h h arbors but t h at t h

e e ,
its l f e ,
e s ea e ,
can giv th m room I n s h ort all things com to g th r in

e e .
,
e e e
Rom m rch andis traffick rs h arv sts t h products of

e, e e, e , e ,
e
min s all th at h andicra ft cr at s or t h arth grows And

e ,
e e e e .
t h outward asp ct
e f t h c ity was comm nsurat wit h its e o e e e
w alt h and m rcantil activity Stud nts f arch a olo gy

e e e . e o e
sa y t h at Rom was t h most ma gnific nt city t heat v r e e e e
e xist d Th Coloss um Hadrian s Mausol um and t h

e . e e ,
’
e ,
e
Panth on still h int at wh at th y w r in th ir prim but

e e e e e e,
to build up r stor and roof a h undr d t mpl s to gird th m

,
e e e e e ,
e
with columns to d corat th m with mosaics paintings , e e e , ,
bronz and statuary to crowd into city t h tr asur s

w
e, , on e e e e
o f E gypt Gr c th A g an islands Asia Minor and

,
ee e, e e e , ,
Sicily and Sh ow Rom as it

, with palac s th atr s e as, e ,
e e ,
dom s t mpl s all bright and glitt ring in t h smok l ss

e ,
e e , e e e e
air would r quir t h wand f Prosp ro Th city cov r d

,
”
e e e o e . e e e
its s v n hi lls and t h spac s b tw n and sprawl d ov r

e e e e e ee , e e
th eadj ac nt p lain and across t h riv r ; gr at roads d

e e e e ,
a
m i bly pav d radiat d out in all dir ctions Aqu ducts

ra e ,
e e . e
th eClaudia Julia Marcia Vir go and t h ,

i g on , , , o er s m
ru n n n
arch s f wh ic h ach sin gl span migh t w ll h av s rv d to

e , o e e e e e e
comm morat t h conqu st of a provinc f tch d wat r f rom

e e e e e, e e e
mil s away across t h campa gna On t h Capitolin Hill

e e . e e
stood t h t mpl f Ju p it r O p timus Maximus its gild d

e e e o e ,
e
roo f all glorious in t h sun On t h Palatin t h im p rial e . e e, e e
palac s t h Domus Ti b i
e ,
t h Domus F lavia dis p lay d
e er a n a , e ,
e
th ir p ristyl s th ir colonnad s statu s pillars of granit

e e e ,
e e ,
e ,
e
and porp hyry t h ir alabast r and color d marbl s th ir
,
e e e e ,
e
g ard ns aviari s and fountains t h ir out r courts w h r

e ,
e ,
e e ,
e e
F i
avo r n u s and hi f llow sch olars and writ rs to g th r with
s e e ,
e e
military o ffi c rs civilians of all kinds plac hunt rs nvoys

e , , e -
e ,
e
f rom t h provinc s and many anot h r wait d to catc h t h

e e , e ,
e e
Emp ror s y as h walk d forth f rom t h palac N ar by

e
’
e e e e e e . e
stood t h t mpl s to Ma gna Mat r and to Apollo and in

e e e e ,
the portico f Apollo s t mpl or clos by Stood a w ll

o
’
e e, e ,
e
fur is h d library and in t h Tib rian palac anoth r

n e , e e e e ,
w h r Marcus and F ronto us d to borrow books On t h

e e e . e
Esquilin alon g t h r mains f t h old S rvian wall w r

e, e e o e e , e e
t h public g ard ns w h ic h Ma c nas h d l id out and b
w
e e ,
e e a a e
qu ea t h d to t h
e Emp rors and a stroll th rough t h city
e e ,
e
brou ght t h b wild r d for ign r h in lat r tim s mi ght

e e e e e e ,
o e e
c hanc to b an Emp ror to t h Circus F laminins t h Cir

e e e , e ,
e
cus Maximus t h th atr s f Pomp y and f Marc llus to

,
e e e o e o e ,
the bath s of N ro f Traj an f A grippa to t mpl s of

e , o , o ,
e e
t h g ods and godd ss s

e f Gr c and Rom f I sis and
e e o ee e e, o
S rapis and f d ifi d Emp rors Ev rywh r monum nts

e , o e e e . e e e e
proclaim d aloud th at Rom h d d spoil d t h world to

e e a e e e
mak h rs l f b auti ful

e e e e .
Wh n Marcus f instanc rod to town from L i m

e , or e, e an u v u ,
h cam by t h V ia Appia A h approac h d t h city h

e e e . S e e e ,
e
rod past farmh ous s fi lds of grain pastur land g

e e ,
e ,
e ,
ve e
tabl patc h s fruit tr s ; past luxurious villas with gard ns

e e ,
ee ,
e
trav rs d by s h ady walks and adorn d with s h rin s statu s

e e e e ,
e ,
plants and flow rin g s h rubs amon g oth rs th r mil s f rom

,
e ,
e ,
ee e
town th at f H rod s Atticus ; th n n ar r t h city past

, o e e e e e e ,
lon g lin s f tombs and monum nts and t h hous s and

e o e , ,
as e e
buildin gs crowd d clos r and clos r tog th r h cam upon

e e e e e , e e
first and th n anoth r sculptur d arc h that c l brat d

on e e e e e e e
t h victori s of conqu rin g Emp rors H

e e would probably e e . e
dismount b for h r ac h d t h Palatin Hill p rh aps

e e e e e e e ,
e
w h r t h road turn d hard by t h south rn d f t h

e e e e e e en o e
Circus Ma x imus (f it was particularly incumb nt on a or e

could Half t h motl y crowd wis h d to stay wh r it was ;
. e e e e e
t h ot h r hal f wis h d to pus h its way on up t h Sacra V ia

e e e , e ,
past t h long row of whit pillars ran g d long t h spl ndid

e e e a e e
Basilica A milia past t h n wly built t mpl in honor of

e ,
e e e e
Diva F austina past t h sacr d pr cincts f t h V stals or

,
e e e o e e , ,
in t h oth r dir ction down th rou gh t h F orum past

e e e , e ,
s h rin s and statu s to t h Rostra and b yond But to g t

e e ,
e ,
e . e
to t h Domus Tib iana Marcus would fac w stward

e et , e e ,
l av t h F orum b tw n t h south rn d of t h Basilica

e e e e ee e e en e
Julia and t h t mpl f Castor and follow t h Vicus T

e e e o ,
e u s cu s
until a li t tl b yond t h t mpl f Au gustus h could turn

, e e e e e o ,
e
into t h Clivus Vi t i and asc nd t h Palatin Hill

e c o r ae so e e e ,
to t h Domus Tib i
e er a n a .
T h s buildings th at I h av num rat d w r all rich and

w
e e e e e e e e
spl ndid som magnific nt ; but stran g rs w r still mor

e ,
e e e e e e
impr ss d by t h
e e forums to t h north f t h F orum
e ne e o e
Romanum wh ic h b ginning on t h furth r sid f t h

, ,
e e e e o e
Basilica A mi lia h d b n laid out in prodi gal succ ssion

e ,
a ee e ,
th e F orum f V spasian wit h its t mplo f P ac

e t h at ,
e e o e e,
o f N rva wit h its t mpl

e f Min rva t h at f Au gustus wit h
e e o e , o
its t mpl to Mars t h Av n g r and n xt b yond throu gh

e e e e e ,
e e ,
an arch t h un quall d F orum f Traj an H r in t h

, e e e o . e e, e
c ntr f a spacious court nclos d by nobl colonnad s

e e o ,
e e e e ,
stood a bronz qu strian statu f t h gr at Emp ror and

e e e e O e e e ,
in t h h alf circling nds wh ich w r pav d with whit mar

e
-
e ,
e e e e
bl w r rang d statu s f f amous m

e, e e and gild d trop hi s
e e o en e e
o f military glory On t h furth r sid f t h is squar stood

. e e e o e
t h Basi lica Ulpia and b yond t h at a public library divid d

e ,
e ,
e
into two win gs and in b tw n t h wings t h gr at column

,
e ee e e e
surmount d by T jan s statu and pictur d wit h hi Dacian

e ra
’
e e s
victori s And still b yond stood t h t mpl th at Hadrian

e . e e e e
h d built in h onor f h i imp rial F at h r I t s m d as if

a o s e e . ee e
mortal glory could g no furth r o e .
N oth ing th at Marcus b h ld with hi bodily y s but e e s e e
s h ow d forth conqu st pow r magnific nc N v rth l ss

e e ,
e ,
e e
. e e e e ,
OTHE R MOTIVES 1 35
a s h ining outsid may not b an ind x to wh at li s within e e e e .
supply t h military and civil e
ability n c ssary to h old t h world st ady upon h s houl

e e e e er
d rs Conqu st h d march d fast than h h d b n abl

e . e a e er s e a ee e
to impos h ways and usa g s Th subj ct lands h d not

e er e . e e a
h d tim to grow tog th r into a h omog n ous w h ol

a e Brit e e e e e .
ain Gaul Spain t h provinc s alon g t h R hin and t h

, , ,
e e e e e
Danub still n d d t h hand both f t h mast r and t h

e, ee e e o e e e
prot ctor Gr c and t h H ll nistic East look d down

e . ee e e e e e
wit h int ll ctual disdain upon th ir conqu rors E gypt was

e e e e .
wholly ali n ; J wry was bitt rly h ostil I taly h rs lf was

e e e e. e e
e x h aust d and pr matur ly old S p oils and tribut h d

e e e . e a
corrupt d t h old int grity f t h Roman p opl Taxation

e e e o e e e .
and military s rvic h d wrought gr at ch an g s f t h e e a e e or e
wors Th rich h d grown ric h r w hil t h poor h d b

e
. e a e ,
e e a e
com poor r Small farms h d b n swallow d up in gr at

e e . a ee e e
e stat s ; tillag h d giv n plac to s h p raisin g Slav ry

e e a e e ee -
. e
h d wrou gh t its ill

a ff cts on bot h public and privat e e e
morals A military stat waxin g in str ngth may d riv

. e, e ,
e e
advantag from slav s to do its drud g ry ; y t wh n a stat

e e e e e e
pass s its prim and h b gun to wan S lav ry corrupts

e e, as e e, e
it in a th ousand ways I t brings hon st labor into disr put . e e e,
it ncourag s i dl n ss vic intri gu untruthfuln ss and

e e e e
,
e, e, e ,
all t h bas r qualiti s And at Rom t h f r qu nt manu

e e e .
,
e, e e e
mission f t h mor ducat d and capabl slav s was cr at

o e e e e e e e
ing a class wh ich h d no part in t h Roman r li gious and a e e
patriotic traditions and inst ad of addin g str n gth w ak , ,

e e
,
e
e n d t h Stat by indi ff r nc toward t h public w al and

e e e e e e e e
by gr dy pursuit f w alt h and social advanc m nt Th

ee o e e e . e
low r class f t h city f Rom its lf h d sunk to a d grad d

e o e o e e a e e
populac d p nd nt for th ir food upon grain dol d out

e, e e e e e
by t h gov nm nt and for th ir amus m nt on gladiatorial

e er e ,
e e e
s h ows Th? w hol Empir mould rin g and d ca i

. ine e, e e 1 ,
d it b n allow d to liv ee e e
in p ac it e e f c nturi s ; but th r or e e e e
was no p ac F rom t h v ry b ginnin g on t h Palatin Hill

e e . e e e e e ,
t h li f
e f Rom h d b n
e o continuous stru ggl with h
e a ee on e e er
n i ghbors ; and f nin c nturi s t h Romans h d b n

e or e e e e a ee
victorious and pus h d th ir boundari s farth r and farth r e e e e e .
in . n r gy wit hin h d b gun to grow cold and dwindl ;

T he e e a e e
7 21 t h stru ggl no long r f dominion but d f nc dull d

15 e e, e or e e e, e
th eanci nt h ardih ood and r nd r d t h hour f d f at

e ,
e e e e o e e
m r ly a matt r of soon or lat

w
e e e e.
is I t hi h d a s cr t and
,
t i us a e e er ou s
ink\lin g His m moranda s how h h tri d to p rsuad

. e o e e e e
If t h at c h an g is according to N atur and t h r f or

g _
w
’
hi m E s e e e e e
g ood T h. N“
atur of t h univ
e rs lik s not h in g muc h e e e e e so
as to c h an g wh at v r is and to cr at
e forms of lik e e e e ne e
patt rn (M A IV
e
”
Do s any man f avor ch ang ?
. .
,
“
e e
Wh at is d ar r or n ar r to N atur
e e
(M A VI I It e e e? . .
,
“
i no wors f
s a littl box to b brok n up th an to b put
e or e e e e
tog th r (M A VI I
e e
”
All t h at you. at any tim
.
,
“
s ee, e,
may b ch an g d by N atur th at rul s t h uni v rs (M A

e e e e e e e
”
. .
VI I ,
Ev ryt hing is und r going c h an g (M A IX
“
e e e
”
. .
,
I n f act I t hi k t h r is no ot h r th ought on w hich h

,
n ,
e e e e
dw lls insist ntly A d Rom proud Roman that h was

e so e . n ,
e, e ,
must h av b n pr s nt to hi mi nd
e ee e e s .
Durin g arly manh ood h ow v r th os f lin gs of p g

e ,
e e ,
e ee re u
D a n c e,av rsion and di s gust of w h ic h I h av spok n in

e , ,
e e
pr c din g c h apt rs and t h s va gu appr h nsions f dan

e e e ,
e e e e e o
g erto Rom and to civilization w h i c h must hav tak n

e , e e
s h ap and b com cl ar and d finit nou gh a ft r hi acc s

e e e e e e e e s e
sion to t h th ron may h av b n no mor th an s h adows

e e, e ee e
passin g ov r hi S p irit rath r to b attribut d to s asons

e s ,
e e e e
o f ill h alt h and corpor al d pr ssion th an to t h p r s nc

e e e e e e e e
o f any und rstood dan g rs But b my xplanations ri gh t

e e . e e
or wron g Marcus vid nt] und rw nt a str

,
l e e e e r ev u s
'
138 MARCUS AURELIUS
s v nty four y ars old His h alth h d b gun to fail and a
e e -
e . e a e ,
c h ang f t h wors warn d hi m f a quic kly approaching

e or e e e o
en d H committ d t h Stat and h i daug ht r to t h car

. e e e e s e e e
o f Marcus Aur lius bad t h at t h g old n statu of F ortun

e , e e e e e,
w hich always stood i t h b dc hamb r of t h r igning n e e e e e
Emp ror b carri d into Marcus s room and gav out to

w
’
e ,
e e , e
t h o ffic r on guard t h watc h word Th n “ ”

e e A q im i t e e u an as . e ,
for t h first tim in hi d lirious mom nts h r v al d h

e e, s e e , e e e e o
mu c h anxious t hough t h d b n h idd n und r th at calm

w
a ee e e
e xt rior f h rambl d on about matt rs f stat and

e ,
or e e e o e
e xpr ss d indignation against t h Barbarian c hi fs h

e e e e o
h arri d t h Roman bord rs But at t h last h b cam qui t

e e e . e e e e e
and g ntly f ll asl p

e e ee .
H l f t b h ind hi m a r putation suc h as only t h at of

e e e e ,
G or g Was h ington can rival Wh n Hadrian adopt d him

e e . e e
as hi and succ ssor h pr s nt d hi m to t h S nat

s s on e ,
e e e e e e e,
saying H is nobl mild r asonabl and sagacious

w
“ ”
, e e, ,
e e, .
Hadrian s opinion h b n adopt d by h istory Soon a ft r

’
as ee e . e
wards t h S nat r ading aright t h

, e e Emp ror s ch ar
e, e e ne e
’
act r con f rr d u p on him t h titl P i t h pit h t chos n

e ,
e e e e u s, e e e e
by Virgil f t h h ro of h i pic on t h founding f Rom

or e e s e e o e,
which m ans t h at h to w hom t h adj ctiv b lon gs fulfills

e e e e e e
all hi duti s toward God and man And a h istorian f t h

s e . o e
fourt h c ntury sums up A t i ch aract r in th s ’

e n on n u s s e e e
words lli , b nuti b ig whic h may b trans

ac er us c u nc s en nu s , e
lat d by t h famous p h ras with malic toward non with

e e e
“
e e,
ch arity for all ; but p rh aps t h ulo gy which h h ims l f

”
e e e e e
wo ld hav lik d b st is th at f Dio Cassius xpr ss d in

u e e e o ,
e e e
t h words w hi c h Socrat s mploy d to d signat an uprigh t

e e e e e e
and honorabl g ntl man Ab i dy flé e e e ,

xa s Ka . a s .
W
C H A P T E R X I
L U C I U S VE RU S A N D T H E
P A RT H I A N A R
F TE R
Antoninus di d all that could b don t x e , e e o e -
a
pr ss admiration v n ration and sorrow was don !

e ,
e e , ,
e
by Marcus and t h S nat His as h s w r laid i

i'
e e e
. e e e n
t h Mausol um f Hadrian and t h t mpl

e e o th at h d b n , e e e, a ee
built h ard by t h Roman F orum in honor f hi wi f was

e O s e,
d dicat d to th m both Th l g nd D i A t i i D i
e e e . e e e ,
vo
'
n on n o c va e
F au sti carv d in stat ly Roman l tt rs is still to b r ad

na e, e e e e ,
e e
upon t h arch itrav

e e .
Marcus Aur lius was now Emp ror His body was f rail
e e .
,
h i mind inclin d by natur to p h ilosop h y and lit ratur

s e e e e,
h i spirit r li gious ; h i tast s and t mp r of t h ms lv s

s e s e e e e e e
would h av l d him to a li f of as and pl asantn ss to

e e e e e e e ,
th nj oym nt f books f f ri nds h ip and family a ff ctions

e e e o ,
o e e ,
of country pl asur s and undisturb d qui t but untoward

e e e e ,
circumstanc s call d upon hi m to tak u p arms a gainst a

e e
“
e
s ea of troubl s and b d vot d hi li f to t h fulfillm nt

e , e e e s e e e
of arduous duty I t is hi fortitud s l f .ifi and s e, e -

s ac r c e, su c
c ss th at comm nd hi p h ilosop h y to t h strong and t h

e e s e e
confid nt e muc h as hi r ligious mind dn ss comm nds

,
as s e -
e e e
it to t h d spond nt and t h hun gry h art d Th r i gn of

e e e e -
e e . e e
Antoninus h d b n qui t but in t h r ign f Marcus it

a ee e , e e o ,
s m d as i f t h an g r f h av n h d b n l t loos F loods
ee e e e o e e a ee e e .
,
f amin war r b llion and p stil nc d sc nd d upon t h

w
e, ,
e e , e e e, e e e e
Roman p opl e
M EL
e . .
Th Emp ror s first act was to associat with hi m

e ne e
’
s lf i t h gov rnm nt of t h Empir hi adopt d broth r

e n e e e e e, s e e ,
Lucius V rus T h at h did h b n mad
e . of t h c hi f e so as ee e on e e e
criticisms a gainst hi m ; it th r for b com s p rtin nt to ,

e e e, e e e e
j usti fy t h act Th critics y th at Lucius V rus was a

e . e sa e
m r d bauc h and t h at to mak hi m j oint Emp ror was

w
e e e ee, e e
f olly or wors
,
L t us xamin t h circumstanc s and suc h
e . e e e e e ,
sourc s of information as h av Hadrian no m an j ud g

e e e .
,
e e
o f m h d c h os n t h
en , ld r V rus as hi succ ssor and
a e e e e e s e ,
a ft r Ve d at h h d graft d upon t h adoption of A

eru s s
’
e ,
a e e n
t i
on n u s Pius t h condition that h s hould adopt V e son e eru s s
’
.
Antoninus Pius did and brought hi m up in hi hous s o, s e
h old ; and alt h ou gh h appoint d young Lucius qua stor and

,
e e e
also mad hi m consul it is tru that h n v r ntrust d hi m

e ,
e e e e e e
with an activ s h ar in t h g ov rnm nt And if this s ms

e e e e e .
, ee
to b a passin g ov r of V rus it is to b r m mb r d th at
e e e ,
e e e e e
V rus was forty fi y ars young r t h an hi imp rial F ath r

e -
ve e e s e e ,
and but S v n y ars old wh n adopt d ; and th r for it

e e e e e , e e e,
was natural th at Antoninus s h ould always hav r gard d e e e
h i m as a c h ild and t h mor so b caus h h d by hi sid

, ,
e e ,
e e e a s e
a much old r int lli g nt and faith ful to a rar d gr

e s on , e e e e ee .
T h r is nothing to S h ow th at Antoninus wis h d to d bar

w
e e e e
L i uc us V from t h th ron or to r strict Marcus Aur lius

"
eru s e e e e
in any ay from adopting hi m as associat ; and it s ms e ee
lik ly in vi w of t h promptitud of t h inv stitur th at

e , e e e e e e,
i
t h ir j oint rul h d b n pr d t rmin d b tw n t h two
e e a ee e e e e e ee e
broth rs I f pr c d nts on all fours w r lacking

e . e e th e ‘
e e ,
n ev er e
a
l
l ss t h doubl h ad was an innovation in titl rath r th an
e e e e e e
in actual authority ; V spasian h d associat d hi Titus e a e s s on
with hi m in th gov rnm nt f t h Empir and N rva h d

'
e e e o e e, e a
don v ry much t h sam f Traj an And quit apart f rom

e e e e or .
,
e
th e lo gical compulsion f t h S ituation th r was a con o e , e e
3 trollin g r ason f takin g Lucius as

e mp ror Marcus
_ or co e
-
e .
was by natur a man f books and such company e is o

“
as
qui t wis and good and t h ough h i ghly train d in civil

e ,
e , ,
e
administration h h d h d no xp ri nc in t h art f war,

e a a e e e e e o ,
b yond such as v ry youn g Roman nobl r c iv d H

e e e e e e e . e
142 MARCUS AURELIUS
nothin g wors to say t h an t h at h was always fond f pl as
e e o e
u r e, f ull f animal S pirits d vot d to ga m s and j ollity H

o ,
e e e . e
lik d h unting wr stling and all athl tic sports ; and gr w

e , e ,
e e
up into a handsom youn g man f xc ptionally good e ,

o e e
mann rs H was v ry fond of hi tutors and th y w r

e . e e s ,
e e e
v ry fond of hi m ; t h t i b tw n hi m and F ronto s ms to

e e e e ee ee
h av b n almost as clos and a ff ctionat as t h at b tw n

e ee e e e e ee
Marcus and F ronto Wh n F ronto b cam old and f bl . e e e ee e,
Lucius would h lp h im to hi f t giv hi m an arm almost

e s ee , e ,
carry hi m and v n gr t hi m with a kiss wh n h could

,
e e ee ,
e e
do so in privat without xciting t h j alousy f t h cour t

e e e e o e
ier s .Alto g th r Lucius V rus lik hi f ath r was a v ry

e e e ,
e s e ,
e
c harmin g p rson and at t h sam tim (th ou gh I cannot

e , , e e e
sa y j ust w h at giv s m th is impr ssion ) v ry much f a e e e ,

e o
g ra n d ig se Doubtl ss h h d t h traits f a south rn

n eu r . e e a e o e
t mp ram nt and lik d to amus h ims l f ; h was a r gular

e e e e e e e e
att ndant at t h gam s and s h ows And y t (th s sam

e e e . e e e e
bio grap h rs r port ) Antoninus lik d t h simplicity f h i

e e , e
“
e o s
ch ara c t r and t h purity f hi li f T h r for sinc hi

e e o s e .
”
e e e, e s
d bauch ry ( t h accus rs t h ms lv s say ) did not b gin

e e as e e e e e e
until h arriv d at Antioch t h sol blam to b imput d

e e ,
e e e e e
to Marcus Aur lius is th at h lack d insigh t to discov re e e e
Lucius s r al c h aract r
’
e e .
I t is unn c ssa y to r count all t h grossn ss and l wd

e e r e e e e
n ss th at t h scandalmon g rs c h arg him with L t it suffi c

e e e e . e e
th at th y com p ar him f p fl i g y and p rsonal vanity

e e ,
or ro ac e ,
to N ro and ass rt th at h d bauch d h i moth r i law and

e , e e e e s e -
n -
h i sist r i law and plott d to murd r Marcus and t h y

s e -
n -
,
e e ,
e
add t h story (with t h caution ind d th at th y do not

e e ,
ee ,
e
b li v it ) th at inst ad f Lucius s murd rin g Marcus Mar

e e e e o
’
e ,
cus murd r d Lucius by h lpin g hi m to t h poison d h al f of

e e e e e
a ch ick n Th story of would b murd r and f poisonin g

e . e -
e e o
was alr ady abroad within fi fty y ars but t h ch ar g s f

w
e e ,
e e o
d bauch ry proc d f rom ch ronicl rs f t h f ourth c ntury

e e ee e o e e ,
h o,as I h av said in compiling th ir biograp hi s j umbl d

e ,
e e ,
e
LUCIUS VERUS 1 43
to g th r r cords mad in arli r tim s Wh r th y w nt

e e e e e e e . e e e e
muckraking nobody knows T his much i probably tru ;

, . s e
t h at Lucius V rus was all too r ady to adopt t h loos e e e e
morality of f as hionabl soci ty in Antioch e e .
I n t h os days Antioc h nj oy d t h r putation such as

e e e e e ,
Paris h h d in our own tim f b ing t h gay capital

w
as a e, o e e ,
w h r pl asur and r v lry w ar th ir gaudi st liv ry And

e e e e e e e e e e .
a gr at part f this r putation was d to a suburb a f

e o e ue ,
e
mil s from t h city wh r stood a t mpl sacr d to Apollo

e e ,
e e e e e .
H r I quot Gibbon At a distanc f fi m i l f m “

’
e e e : e o ve es ro
Antioch t h Mac donian kings f Syria h d cons crat d to

w
e e o a e e
Apollo of t h most l gant plac s f d votion in t h

on e e e e e o e e
pa gan ld A magnific nt t mpl ros in h onor f t h god

or . e e e e o e
f li gh t ; and hi colossal figur almost fill d t h capacious

‘
o s e e e
sanctuary wh ich was nrich d with gold and g ms and

,
e e e ,
adorn d by t h S kill f t h Gr cian artists Th d ity was

e e o e e . e e
r pr s nt d in a b nding attitud with a gold n cup in hi

e e e e e e, e s
h and p ourin g out a libation on t h

,
arth ; as i f h suppli e e e
ca et d t h v n rabl mot h r to giv to h i arms t h c old and

e e e e e , e s e
b aut ous Dap hn ; f t h spot was nnobl d by fiction ;

e e e or e e e
and t h f ancy f t h Syrian po ts h d transport d t h

e o e e a e e
amorous tal f rom t h banks f t h P n us to thos f t h

e e o e e e e o e
Oront s T h p rp tual r sort f pil grims and p t

e . e e e e o S ec a
tors ins nsibly f orm d in t h n i ghbor hood of t h t mpl

,
e e , e e e e e,
t h stat ly and populous villa g of Dap h n

e e wh ic h m lat d e e, e u e
th S pl ndour with out acquirin g t h titl

e e f a provincial
,
e e, o
city Th t mpl and t h villa g w r d ply bosom d in

. e e e e e e e ee e
a t hick grov f laur ls and c y p r ss s wh ich r ach d f

e o e e e ,
e e as ar
as a circum f r nc f t mil s and f orm d in t h most

e e e o en e e e
sultry summ rs a cool and imp n trabl s h ad .A thousand

e e e e e
str ams of t h pur st wat r issuin g f rom v ry hill p

e e e e e e ,
re
s rv d t h v rdur f t h arth and t h t m p ratur f t h

e e e e e o e e ,
e e e e o e
air ; t h s ns s w r gratifi d with h armonious sounds and

e e e e e e
aromatic odours ; and t h p ac f l grov was cons crat d e e e u e e e
to h alth and j oy to luxury and lov Th vi gorous youth

e , e . e
pursu d lik Apollo t h obj ct of hi d sir s ; and t h
e , e ,
e e s e e e
blus hing maid was warn d by t h fat f Dap h n to s hun e ,

e e o e,
t h folly of uns asonabl coyn ss Th soldi r and t h ph i

e e e e . e e e
l
oso
ph wis ly avoid d t h t mptation f t h is s nsual para
er e e e e o e
dis ; w h r pl asur assuming t h c h aract r f r li gion

e e e e e, e e o e ,
im p rc ptibly dissolv d t h firmn ss f manly virtu

e e e e e o e .
T h s blandis hm nts h d alr ady x rt d a disastrous

e e e a e e e e
influ nc upon t h Roman camp station d h ard by and th y

e e e e ,
e
must h av sun g a sir n song to young Lucius V rus H h d

e e e . e a
pass d hi li f up to t h g f t h irty in t h simpl virtu

e s e, e a e o ,
e e,
ous monotonous soci ty f t h imp rial h ous h old in t h

, ,
e o e e e ,
e
daily pr s n c of t h Emp ror and und r t h a ff ctionat

e e e e e ,
e e e e
but cl ar S i ght d y s f hi aust r broth r and now on a

e -
e e e o s e e e , ,
sudd n h found h ims l f h al f mast r f t h world flatt r d

e ,
e e e o e ,
e e ,
court d ob y d f from dom stic r sponsibility and in t h

e , e e ,
ar e e ,
e
most lic ntious and d li gh t ful city in t h Empir His fall

e e e e .
to t h fas c ination of pl asur mi gh t w ll b xcus d But

e e e e e e e .
hi trans gr ssion m asur d by t h

s standard f princ s
e ,
e e e o e ,
s ms to h av b n very li ght I nd d it would not h av

ee e ee . ee e
arous d v n t h f aint st criticism at t h tim His o ff nc

e e e e e e e . e e
s ms to b no mor th an th is On hi acc ssion Lucius

ee e e : s e ,
h d b n b trot h d to Marcus s dau gh t r Lucilla a girl

’
a ee e e e ,
probably not mor th an tw lv or t hirt n and still too e e e ee
you g to marry ; but in t h East h for got Lucilla com

w
n e e
pl t ly and f ll in lov wit h a v ry b auti f ul Gr k lady

e e e e e e ee
h cam f rom Ep h e
o sus Panth a by nam But so f was
e ,
e e . ar
s h from b in g an vil c ompanion (at l a

e e st i f Lucian is to e ,
e
b b li v d ) t h at alt h ough h
e e e e b auty was q ual at v ry
, ,
er e e e e
point to t h most xquisit statu s by P h idias or Praxit l s

w
e e e e e e ,
h ervirtu s and accomplis hm nts w r still mor b auti ful

e e e e e e
and admirabl Accordin g to a f llow citiz n h kn w h

e . e e o e er
w ll th is lady was comparabl in mind and c h aract r to

w
e e, e ,
,
As p asia Sapp h o or N ausicaa or to th at Panth a in t h

, , ,
e e
C e p d i (VI 4 4 ) ae h said to h
a h usband w h n h
, , o er ,
e e
w nt to battl Ab d t i f v r a woman lov d h h

e e,
“
ra a as
, e e e er us
ye t ,
n it h r an ov rw ning spirit nor an xtravagant prid
e e e ee ,
e e,
is t h ir si gn f kin gs hip but on t h contrary t h v ry

e o , , e ,
e e
utmost of h i gh mind dn ss and lov f m w hich s h ows -

e e e or en , ,
in v ry trut h t hat t h ir ducation was divin ;

e ,
toward e e e
oth r princ s subj cts nt rtain a s ns of f ar but t h

w
e e e e e e e e ,
e
vows and pray rs mad for t h m proc d strai ght from t h

e e e ee e
h art Th r no n d for Aristid s to insist upon t his

”
e . e e as ee e
id ntity of c h aract r unl ss h b li v d it to b t

e Ande ,
e e e e e e ru e .
t h corr spond n c b tw n F ronto and V rus wh ic h con

e e e e e ee e ,
d during t h w h ol tim f t h latt r s stay in Antioc h

’
ti
nu e e e e o e e ,
contradi cts as flatly as indir ct vid nc can t h gross

,
e e e e , e
stori s of d bauc h ry F t l tt rs
e e full f r sp ct as
e . ro n o s
’
e e a re o e e ,
w ll as f a ff ction I n
e o h comm nds to Ve notic . o n e, e e eru s s
’
e
a young f ri nd f hi in th s t rms N o man is mor

e o s, e e e :
“
e
duti ful t mp rat or mod st H poss ss s S implicity

,
e e e, e . e e e ,
purity truth a g nuin Roman trustworthin ss and l

, ,
e e e ,
a
d t w h ic h I h ardly tak to b a Roman

’
t
en d
res s e m un a an , e e
w
quality Would it h av b n possibl to prais such quali
”
. e ee e e
ti s to a man livin g in notorious riot ? Lucius s own l tt rs

e
’
e e ,
as w ll e strong i tn ss s on hi own b h alf F or

, are e e s e .
instanc e
Lu c i u s Vc r u s t o Fr o n t o
Antioch 165 .
MY M AS T E
D EAR R
I am ash am d Pl as for giv m that ntangl d in e . e e e e, e e
ur g nt busin ss and trusting in your asy goin g kindn ss

e e e -
e
toward m I h av giv n pr c d nc to what I h d to do and

e, e e e e e e a ,
h av omitt d to writ you t h w h il

e Excus m y confid nc
e e e e . e e e
in your a ff ction i f I h av h sitat d to writ about my

e , e e e e
plans all t h d tails would p r haps b c h ang d from day

—
e e ,
e ,
e e
to day and t h r sult f t h m was unc rtain and I quit

,
e e o e e ,
e
doubt f l And wo ld you h v wis h d m whil I was

u . u a e e e, e
qu r lous and in a gr at h y t writ you l tt rs against

e u e u rr ,
’
o e e e
W
LUCIUS VERUS 1 47
my will b caus I th ough t it n c ssary not b caus I

,
e e e e ,
e e
want d to ? You may k hy didn t you want to ? B caus

e as ,
’
e e,
at th at tim not hin g h d b n accompli s h d th at mad it

e a ee e e
worth whil to call on you to s h ar in my pl asur And

e e e e
.
,
I con f ss I h d no d sir to t ll a man of w h om I am v ry

e ,
a e e e ,
e
fon d and wh om I lon g to

,
always h appy of t h xi s ee ,
e an e
ti s th at h av r nd r d m v ry mis rabl day and night

e e e e e e e e e ,
and almost mad m think that v rythin g was ruin d

w
e e e e e .
Whil I was mis rabl ov r

e matt r I could not find e e e on e e ,
it in my h art to writ of som thing ls Could L i

’
e e e e e . uc us ea r
a mask to F ronto wh n I boast th at from you I l arn d , e e e
simpl truth and tru lov f mor th an t h art of ora

e e e ar e e
tory ?
V ERU S .
And finally at t h d f t h campaign Marcus Aur lius

, , e en o e ,
e
d liv r d a sp ch in t h S nat conc rning Lucius full f

e e e ee e e e e ,
o
“
nobl s ntim nt f confid nc f a ff ction and of longing
e e e , o e e, o e ,
to hi m
s ee .
”
And now l st it b susp ct d that this cont mporary

, ,
e e e e e
evid nc may b biass d in f avor f Lucius I add t h t sti

e e e e o ,
e e
mony f lat r g n rations I n t h bio grap hy f t h Emp ror

o e e e . e o e e
Al xand r S v rus (A D 2 2 2
e e it is said that t h
e e . . e
Emp ror wh n di scussing xampl s f virtu asks I f you

e ,
e e e o e, .
look f pi ty wh r will you find it mor h oly th an in

or e ,
e e e
w
Antoninus Pius ?J£~f i dm xr h i g t L g m d se eH vs r vv c re r 1-
es e i _ ll s e
th an in Marcus Aur lius I f f innoc nc wh r is th r e ? or e e, e e e e
mor i m pm e S And in t h bio grap hy f ru s ?

”
e o
Antoninus Diadum nus (A D 2 0 2 2 1 8) it is again said t h at e . .

-
t h Antonin s w r mor st m d th an t h gods f in

“
e e e e e e ee e e , or
th m w r cons crat d t h th r virtu s wisdom goodn ss

e e e e e e ee e , ,
e ,
and pi ty in Antoninus pi ty in Marcus wisdom in V rus

e ,
e , ,
e
g oodn ss And t h Emp ror Julian (A D 3 6 1 in a

”
e . e e . .
casual r f r nc to Marcus and V rus class s th m to g th r

e e e e e ,
e e e e
as s cur from cond mnation or mock ry So much for th at

e e e e .
148 AURELIUS MA R C U S
matt r ; w hic h is mainly important as b arin g on t h c harac
e e e
t
er o f t h soci ty in w h ic h Marcus liv d
e e e .
Lucius V rus h e th a
,
a e
ld i utt rly disr gard d ers e e e
drank and w r to b ,
e e e
found mor o ft n in Dap hn th an at camp V rus in accord

e e e . e ,
anc wit h t h d cisions mad in Rom

e t h ims l f to t h
e e e e, se e e
task f r cruitin g of g tting to g t h r military stor s of

o e ,
e e e e ,
att nding to t h commissariat a

e e ,
ius Cassius But h did not r st . e e
div st d hi m S l f f all r sponsibility F ronto in wh at was

-
e e e o e .
,
int nd d to b a c hapt r in t h h istory f t h campaign

e e e e e o e ,
d scrib s V
e doin gs (and h would n v r h av h d t h
e er u s s
’
e e e e a e
fac to y w h at h do s say i f V
e sa d tractors spok e e ,
er u s s
’
e e
th e truth or anyt hing approach ing t h truth ) Lucius

,
e :
“
c h ck d t h plagu ragin g in t h military disciplin by

e e e e e e,
s tting an xampl f h ard work H marc h d at t h h ad

e e e o . e e e e
of hi troops mor o f t n on foot th an on hors back and

s , e e e ,
support d scorc hing h at as asily as a t mp rat d y; h

e e e e e e a e
bor wit h clouds f dust and t h sw at f military drill as

e o e e o ,
i f it w r sport ; h w nt bar h ad d in suns h in

e e rain hail e e e e e e, , ,
or snow and xpos d hi unarm d body to t h n my s

, e e s e e e e
’
missil s H insp ct d t h troops with minut car and

w
e . e e e e e e,
us d to visit t h sick H took h i bath at ni gh t a ft r hi

e e . e s , e s
busin ss was d spatch d His food

e plain ; in camp h
e e . as e
S h ar d t h soldi rs f ar and h would drink nativ win ’

e e e e, e e e,
or w h at wat r th r was H nj oy d work mor th an l i

e e e . e e e e e
sur ; ind d h turn d l isur into labor and sp nt wh at

e ee e e e e ,
e
tim was fr from military a ff airs ov r civil busin ss I n

e ee e e .
ni gh ts f un xp c t d d art h h mad h i couch (and tabl

o e e e e e e s e,
too ) f bran ch s and l av s and som tim s sl p t on t h

o e e e ,
e e e e
ground Hard work brou gh t sl p ; h did not n d to g

. ee e ee o
s kin g f qui t S rious o ff nc s h punis h d s v r ly but

ee or e . e e e e e e e e ,
trivial br ac h s f disciplin h pr t nd d not to

e e ; h o e e e e e s ee e
The P r ef ec t t o t he E m per o r Marc us
MY L O RD
You did wis ly to put Cassius in command f t h Syrian
e o e
army T h r is nothing b tt r f Gr cianiz d soldi rs th an

. e e e e or e e e
a v ry strict man H will t p t h h t baths ; h will strip

e . e s 0 e o e
o ff t h flow rs from round t h ir h ads and n cks and ch sts

e e e e e e .
Th f ood f
e th army is all r ady ; und r a good com
or e e e
mand r noth in g is lacking T h r is not muc h to ask for

e . e e
or to b xp nd d e e e e .
P RE F E C T O F T H E C MM A O 1 SS R1 AT
w
.
A i di
v Cassius was a Roman sol di r f t h old school
us e o e ,
proud of hi d sc nt from t h f amous Cassius h h d mur

s e e e o a
d r d Julius C a sar and

e e of b ing an h r ditary f to
e , s o, e e e oe
tyrants ; h took f hi mod l t h rough and rugg d Caius

e or s e e e
Marius conqu ror f t h Cimbri and T uton s H was a

w
,
e o e e e . e
man f strong c h aract r and s ming contradictions Som

o e ee . e
tim s h e trucul nt and rough at oth rs g ntl and

e as e ,
e e e
polit ; usually r ligious now and a gain h wo ld mock
wW
e e ,
e u
r ligion ; at tim s a gr at drink r and th n again wholly

e e e e ,
e
abstin nt ; f ond of hi dinn r and y t h would g supp r

e s e ,
e e o e
l ss to b d with out a murmur ; at tim s a slav to wom n

e e e e e ,
at tim s a d vot to c h astity I n

e e r s p ct h ow v r h
ee . on e e e ,
e e ,
e
was always consist nt a e and ,

e,
enforc d ob di nc b
e i hm
e te f gr at s v rity And
e un s en s o e e e .
y t in spit f h i cru lty toward sol di er s —

e e o h d Ob y d
s e o 1s e e ,
h was v ry popular wit h hi m

e e On assuming command s en .
,
h laid down rul s suit d to a stat of war ; h forbad t h

e e e e e e e
soldi rs to visit t h pl asur r sorts of Antioc h and Dap hn ;

e e e e e e
h bani s h d luxury and idl n ss from t h camp gav t h

e e e e e , e e
troops r gular drill ; and b for long h d t h army r ady

e e e a e e
to tak t h fi ld H i f llow g n rals s m to h av b n

w
e e e . s e e e ee e ee
equally ffici nt Th first succ ss was won by Statius

e e . e e
P i r s cu s ,h conduct d t h north rly campaign invad d

o e e e ,
e
Arm nia and took t h capital (A D

e e . .
LUCIUS VERUS 151
Th lin e f advanc assign d to Cassius lay to t h sout h

e o e e e ,
throu gh M sopotami a and was muc h mor difficult ; but h

e ,
e e
won s v ral victo i s and captur d s v ral citi s including

e e r e ,
e e e e ,
Ct sip hon and f rom th r h proc d d as f

e ,
Babylon e e e ee e ar as
in t h kingdom f M d a Th Parthians w r brou gh t

e o e e . e e e
t h ir kn s (A D
e ee T h s campaigns if not brilliant
. . e e , ,
w r worthy of t h Roman nam Th Emp ror V rus as

e e e e . e e e ,
command r i c hi f won gr at r nown and r turn d

e -
n— e ,
e e ,
e e
Rom to c l brat hi triump h (A D

e e e Avidins Cassi
e s . .
do s not s m to h av r gard d h ims lf as d fraud d

e ee e e e e e e
any laur ls d him ; at l ast at a lat r tim wh n h rais

e ue e ,
e e, e e
a r b lli on and xpr ss d hi dissatis f action with t h xi

e e e e e s e e s
ing gov rnm nt h did not complain of any such i j t i

e e ,
e n us c
F or hi r ward h was mad command r f all t h Roma

?
s e ,
e e e o e
provinc s in Asia On t h occasion of t h s victori s é

e . e e e e , ,
c h aract ristic trait of Marcus s how d its lf Th S t

d cr d sp cial honors to bot h Emp rors ; but Mar uz
e e e . e en a
e ee e e o
r fus d to acc pt hi part on t h ground th at all t h hono i

e e e s ,
e e r
was d to V rus until V

ue ur g nt solicitations induc d
e ,
er u s s
’
e e
h i m to yi ld F inally bot h s h ar d t h victorious titl s and

e .
,
e e e
the triump h But again a ft r Ve . d ath Marcus, ,

e ru s s
’
e ,
dropp d t h titl s h h d s h ar d and l ft th m sol ly to

e e e e a e ,
e e e
g rac V m mory ’
e er u s s e .
C H A P T E R X I I
T H E E M P E R O R M A RC U S A T RO M E
HE Parthian war nd d h appily but oth r and e e ,

e
gr at r vils follow d in quick succ ssion B for

e e e e e . e e
narratin g th s I will quot again from t h corr e e, e e e
sp d on b tw n Marcus Aur lius nd hi old fri nd

en c e e ee e a s e
F ronto Th two s m to h av com tog th r again a ft r

. e ee e e e e ,
e
th et mporary stran g m nt i f that b not too strong a

e e e e ,
e
word caus d by t h intrusion f p h ilosop hy and to h av

,
e e o ,
e
back F ronto with z al and t h Em p ror ym p t h t i

,
e e e s a e
to th ir old topic r h toric T h is is t h last h appy

e ,
e . e
f t h Emp ror s li f ; for wit h t h pla gu and t h

’
e e e e e e
a gainst t h T utonic Barbarians t h s h ad s of ni gh t

e e ,
e e
gin to clos in about hi m

e e .
T h e E m per o r M a rc u s t o Fr o n t o
Lan u v i u m 161 .
MY M AS T E R
DEAR
I r ad a littl f C li and f an oration f
e e o oe us o o
Cic ro s but by st alth as it w r and c rtainly in a hurry

e
’
,
e e e, e ,
on e pi c f busin ss so pr ss s on anoth r s h ls Th only

e e o e e e e
’
ee . e
r pos is to pi c k up a book in t h int rim Our littl girls

e e e e . e
are staying wit h [ th ir gr at gr at aunt ] M t i di at pr s nt

e e -
e -
a a e e
in t h town [ Mi t
e th y can t com o ft n to m
n u rn a e e
’
e e e
in t h v nin g b caus t h air is too vigorous h r

e e e e e e e e .
Good by my honor d Mast r -

e, e e .
M A R U S I M PE R A T O R C , .
Th Lord my Broth r my dau ght rs and th ir

e e , e ,
e
moth r s nd you th ir lov S nd som th in g th at you t hink

e e e e . e e
154 MARCUS AURELIUS
this not busin ss is pr ssing ; it tak s a portion of t h
e, e so e e e
night to dispos of it e .
Good by my v ry agr abl Mast r -

e, e ee e e .
M A R C U S I M P ER A T O R , .
I f you h app n to h av a s l ction of Cic ro s l tt rs

e e e e e
’
e e ,
t h w h ol or passa g s pl as
e e s nd th m to m or t ll m e , e e e e e, e e
w hich you t hink I h d b tt r r ad to cultivat my colloquial

a e e e e
styl e .
Fro n t o t o t he E m pero r Ma r c u s
Rom
w
e 161
MY L O RD
D EAR
T his is t h fifth day sinc I e s iz d with pain in all e as e e
my body sp cially in my n ck and loins I r m mb r that

,
e e e . e e e
I mad xtracts from Cic ro s l tt rs w h r v r t h r was a

’
e e e e e ,
e e e e e
di scussion f oratory p h ilosop h y or politics ; and I also

o , ,
mad xtracts of any passag th at I th ought was sp cially

e e e e
w ll xpr ss d or contain d som happy p h ras I h av

e e e e e e e . . e
s nt you wh at xtracts I h d by m r ady to

e e Pl as a e e u se . e e
h av t hos books copi d (t h two to Brutus and

e e to e , e ,
on e
Axi ) if you t hink it wort h wh il ; and s nd th m to m

u s, e e e e,
for I h av no oth r copi s of th os xtracts But in my

e e e e e .
opinion all of Cic ro s l tt rs S h o l d b r ad v n mor e

’
e e u e e ,
e e e
t h an all t h orations T h r is nothing mor p rf ct th an

e . e e e e e
Cic ro s l tt rs
e
’
e e .
FR O NT o .
Th r gaps b tw n t h l t t rs and in t h l tt rs
e e a re e ee e e e e e e
th ms lv s but such parts f t h corr spond nc as h av

e e e ,
o e e e e e
b n pr s rv d S h ow th at th r still x ist d b tw n t h
ee e e e e e e e e ee e
two m t h sam mutual a ff ction as f old with no varia

en e e e o ,
tion xc pt th at Marcus s mind is circlin g in a lar g r orbit

e e
’
e ,
and th at F ronto is as full f prid and pat rnal soli c itud o e e e
for t h laborious Emp ror as h was for t h studious boy

e e e e .
And now and again
li f as if
,
MARCUS AT ROME
g t a
w w
glimps of t h
1 55
Emp ror s
sudd nly pass d a chink in a gr at wall and
,
e e e e e
’
“
e, e e e e
could p k into t h court within F or instanc t h r is on

ee e . e, e e
such glimps of hi t e was t h f hi e as o
among t h rich Romans to g in h t w at h r to som

e o o e e e s ea
s h or plac Alsium or C t m ll
e e, t h Aur lian Way en u ce ae o n
_
e e ,
or Ostia at t h Tib r s mouth or L i i m or A t i m a

e e
’
,
av n u n u ,
littl to t h south t h furth st of th m not m or th an th irty

e e ,
e e e e
or forty m i l s from Rom ; or furth r away to Mi t

e e ,
e n u r n ae
or S i at t h v ry south rn x tr mity f Latium Li f

n u es s a , e e e e e o . e
at th s plac s was a round f r cr ations and amus m nts

e e e o e e e e ,
simpl or xtravagant according to t h tast of t h visitors

e e ,
e e e .
Som bath d or walk d along t h b ach or w nt sailing or

e e ,
e e e ,
e ,
m r ly loung d about to nj oy t h b auty f t h sky and

e e e e e e o e
s ea, t h fr s h n ss f t h br z
e eand list n to t h songs of
e o e ee e, e e
t h sailors and fis h rm n and all t h

e pl asant nois s e e ,
e e s ea e ,
h auli ng sails k ls scrapin g on t h sand and

,
forth ;
ee e ,
so
oth rs r tiring to a mor s clud d spot away from t h

e ,
e e e e e
b ach watch d t h long mars h grass s wh r t h frogs

e ,
e e e ,
e e e
troll d t h ir t rnal chorus F or many p rsons dinn r was

e e e e . e e
the gr at v nt with its dish s f oyst rs muss ls and

e e e , e o e ,
e ,
fis h s f all sorts som cau ght in t h

e o som f att n d in
, e e s ea, e e e
t h fi hp
e d f ollow d by fruits con f ction ry pastry and
s on s, e ,
e e , ,
amply ac c ompani d by win s s rv d in prodi gal crystal e e ,

e e
cups and by all t h luxurious gourmandism f Rom All

w
,
e o e .
t his was particularly tru f Alsium and h d b n f e o ,

a ee so or
g n rations ; v n in Plautus s day it

e e a voluptuous
e e
’
as
“
r sort and pl asur lov rs p opl of t h fas h ionabl

e ,
”
e e e ,
e e e e
world w nt th r to hav a good tim ; and usua

, e e e e e
so with a v n g anc But it was also possibl to liv apart

e e e . e e
from t h gay crowd and nj oy t h cool br z s and t h

e ,
e e ee e e
ch arms of natur by on s lf with no company oth r th an a

e e e ,
e
book Marcus would h av b n lik ly to tak down som

. e ee e e e
classic with him Plautus Accius Lucr tius or Ennius and

, , , e , ,
Cic ro c rtainly Such a qui t holiday of r st of r ading

e e . e e ,
e
156 MARCUS AURELIUS
g is probably wh at h h d in mind w h n h w nt th r
, e a e e e e e
t his occasion ; but a consci ntious mast r f t h world e e o e
as not mast r of hi own tim e s e .
The E m pero r M ar c u s t o Fr o n t o
Lo ri u m ,
w
w
161
D E A R M AS TE R
I am not going to t ll you h sp nt our holidays at e o e e
Alsium f f ar l st you b an gry and scold m Wh n I

, or e e e e . e
got back to L i m I found my littl lady with a touc h of

or u , e
f v r Th doctor says [ it i not h ing (

e e . e and i f you too s , ,
ar e
w ll I s hall b v ry h appy
e , e e .
Good by d ar Mast r -
e, e e .
M AR US I M P E RAT O R C ,
.
F ronto
writ s back with all t h solicitous anxi ty f an
w
e e e o
old nurs mixin g irony scoldin g and ntr ati s all to g th r

e, , ,
e e e e e .
H asks hy Marcus w nt to Alsium w h r it is said t h

e e ,
e e, ,
e
v rye at t h s ason wh n t h h alcyon builds its n st

s ea, e e e e e ,
c l brat s a tranqui l holiday I s t h h alcyon with its fl d g

e e e ? e e
lin gs mor in n d f qui t and r st th an t h Emp ror and

e ee o e e e e
hi c h ildr n ? Apollo s bow is not always b nt ; t h lut

’
s e e e e
strings not always str tch d ; a gard n to produc its

are e e e , e
b st of flow rs and v g tabl s n ds to b nric h d ; and a

e e e e e ,
ee e e e
fi ld that s hall bring forth a gold n h arv st must li fallow

e e e ,
e
h b g s t h Emp ror v n i f h h e d clar d

e e e ,
e e e as e e
war on l isur r cr ation and amus m nt at l ast to h

w
e e, e e ,
e e ,
e o
s rv t h boundari s b tw n day and night and to sl p

e e e e e ee ee
enou gh I t mak s a touc h in g pictur f th is old man h

. e e o o,
with h i mi x tur f r h toric of solicitud f foolis hn ss

s e o e ,
e, o e
and gr at good s ns f nobl and of worldly standards

e e e, o e ,
of ffi i z al and tru a ff ction r minds

o c ou s e in hi lat r e e ,
e on e s e
y much of Polonius I t is pl asant to find t h . e e
always t h sam a ff ctionat r sp ctful pupil e e e e, e e ,

.
w
158
g
o
racious yo ut h
MARCUS AURELIUS
h r ad t h m H d ligh ts to call up imag s of Marcus s
e e .
wh n hi rar qualiti s w r in t h s d
,
e
e
e
s e e e e
e
e ee
’
t h l a f t h blossom and carry on t h m tap h or to t h rip

e e , e , e e e e
f ruit ; or a gain h compar s h i yout h to t h first glimm r of

e e s e e
morning d stin d to mount into t h calm spl ndor f mid

w
e e e e o
day ; and mp h asiz s t h di ff r nc b tw n hims l f and t h

e e e e e e e ee e e
foolis h nurs h lov s t h littl boy b st and is p tulant

e o e e e e ,
e
and angry wh n h is oblig d to hand him ov r to t h

e s e e e e
p da go gu w h r as hi lov and admiration and j oy h av

e e, e e s e e
rown wit pupil s growt and ac i v m nts And h

w
h h
’
g h i h s e e e . e
dw ll on Marcus s filial conduct hi d votion to

w
’
0 e , s e
A toninus Pius h h always adapt d hims lf and hi

n ,
o e e e s
h abits to hi F ath r s conv ni nc stay d at hi ’

s h h e e e e, o e e s
b dsid wh n h was ill and would not l av him v n for

e e e e , e e ,
e e
t h bat h or for h i food But all th is will app ar b tt r if I

e s . e e e
quot f rome f t h l tt rs on e o e e e .
Fro n t o t o t he E m per o r M a rc u s
Rom e April 28 162 .
MY E M P ER O R
To t his old man your Mast r as you call him you wis h
h alt h a Happy N
e ,
Y ar good luck and all good th ings
And you writ that you pray d to t h gods f th s thin gs
e
,
e w e ,
e
e ,
e
,
or
,
e e
.
for m on my birthday w hic h you y is a fét day f

e ,
sa
“
e
”
or
you W ll Antoninus my h art s sw tn ss all thos good

. e , ,
e
’
ee e , e
wis h s f m d p nd upon your Broth r and yours l f

e or e e e e e .
Sinc I h av known you two and put my fortun s in your

e e ,
e
h ands I h av n v r st m d anyt h in g sw t r t h an you

,
e e e e ee e ee e ,
nor s h all I v r v n s hould I liv on f rom now as many

e e ,
e e e
y ars as I h av liv d alr ady And th r for all f us in

e e e e . e e e, o ,
our unit d pray rs pray to t h gods for

e th ing only
e , e on e ,
th at you may liv long in h alth and prosp rity d pow r

e e ,
e , an e ,
for t h good f t h Stat

e and of your fami ly N or is th r
o e e, . e e
any boon b sid s th at I d si so much to r c iv from t h

e e e re e e e e
MARCUS AT ROME 1 59
gods or f rom F ortun

,
or f rom you yours lv s as t h pl as e, e e , e e
u re o f s in g you bot h and talking to you and of g ttin g

ee , e
your most d light ful l tt rs as long may b grant d m ;

e e e as e e e
and f t h sak f th at if it w r possibl I choos to

or e e o ,
e e e, e
b com a boy again

e e .
As f oth r things I h av liv d lon g nou gh I b h o

or e , e e e . e
you Antoninus an Emp ror as xc ll nt as I hop d ; j

, ,
e e e e e as
as fr f rom wron gdoin g as I was confid nt you would

ee e
as popular and d ar to t h Roman P opl as I wis h d ; as e e e e e
a ff ctionat toward m as I d sir d ; and loqu nt as you ’
e e e e e as e e
yours l f d sir d F or as soon you turn d your mind again

e e e . as e
to oratory t h fact th at you h d forsak n it mad no di ff

,
e a e e er
enc I e .you b coming day by day v n mor loqu nt

s ee e e e e e e ,
and I j i as i f I w r still your mast r F or alth ough I

re o ce e e e .
,
lov and d li ght in all your good qualiti s (I sp ak f you

e e e ,
e o
w
both ) n v rth l ss I admit th at I d riv an sp cial p
,
e e e e e e e e er
sonal pl asur from your loqu nc I am j ust lik par nts

e e e e e . e e
h r cogniz t h ir own lin am nts in t h f ac s of t h ir

o e e e e e e e e
ch ildr n wh n I p rc iv trac s f my instruction in your

e ,
e e e e e o
sp ch s
ee e
La to n e da n s s o n c oeu r la m é r e a t r es s a i lli d e joi e .
My own words cannot xpr ss t h d pth of my d li gh t A d e e e e e . n
do not you Antoninus b pain d or troubl d in t h l ast

, , e e e e e ,
by t h m mory t h at you h av not always b n d vot d to t h

e e e ee e e e
art f loqu nc F or this is tru th at if a man f gr at

o e e e . e, o e
natural int llig nc h b n tau ght and train d in t h art

e e e as ee e e
of loqu nc f rom t h v ry b gi m g
e e e th ri ght way e e e n n ln e ,
alth ou gh h may play truant f a tim or giv it up as

e or e e ,
soon h d c id s to start a gain and g on h will r ac h t h

as e e e o ,
e e e
en d of hi j ourn y possibly by a littl di ff r nt way but

s e , e e e ,
non t h l ss h will r ach it

e e e And tak my word of
e e .
,
e ,
all t h m I hav known I h av n v r found anyon gi ft d

e en e e e e e e
with a mind f mor productiv f rtility th an yours I us d

o e e e . e
to h av gr at ar gum nt about this with our d ar f ri nd

e e e e e
V ictorinus and S w ar I was ri ght and I would
, x him e ,
ve
mi ghtily w h n I told him th at h could n v r hop to attain

w
e e e e e
t h b auty f your int ll ct At t h at tim

e e o too my old Roman e e . e, ,
Rusticus h woul d gladly h av sacrific d hi li f to sav

,
o e e s e e
your littl fing r nail was n v rth l ss v ry r luctant to

e e ,
e e e e e e
conc d your t tal nts and was cross about it too

e e en e , .
You h d dan g r Antoninus lik ll m of v ry fi

a on e e , ,
e a en e ne
mind l st your t h oughts b h amp r d by lack of copious

,
e e e e
n ss and b auty f languag ; for t h larg r t h though t t h

e e o e e e e ,
e
gr at r t h d i fli lt y to clot h it in words I t is no sli gh t

e e e cu e .
labor to t hat nobl th ough ts

s ee not ill clad n ith r e ar e —
, e e
slov nly nor l ft h al f nak d Do you r m mb r t h sp ch

e e e . e e e e ee
wh ic h you d liv r d in t h S nat w h n you w r h ardly

e e e e e e e e e
mor th an a boy ? I n it to mak your ima g fit your subj ct

e , e e e ,
you us d t h simil of a h usk and you w r consid rably

e e e ,
e e e
troubl d l st you h d mploy d a m tap hor not suitabl to

e e a e e e e
t h plac or to t h rank f t h audi nc

e e and I wrot you my
e o e e e, e
first lon gis h l tt r in whic h (and it was tru ) I prop h si d

e e ,
e e e
th at it was a si gn f gr at int lli g nc to lay h old boldly o e e e e
o f p rilous xpr ssions f t h at kind but t h at it would b

e e e o ,
e
n c ssary f you to apply yours l f with dilig nc and not

e e or e e e,
without h lp f rom mast rs f rh toric in ord r to pr s nt

e e o e ,
e e e
your t hough t in all its brilliancy N ow you th at you . s ee
h av attain d
e e
I hav b n induc d to writ all th is b caus

e ee f your last e e e e o
l tt r in whic h you wrot th at all th at you h d l arn d was

e e , e a e e
radually adin away to on contrary all t at you

w
g f g ; m t h h e, e ,
h av l arn d s ms to b g rowin g mor matur and burstin g

e e e ee e e e
into flow r Do you appr ciat suffici ntly h

e . a g rly and e e, e ,
o e e ,
with wh at ap p laus and r al pl asur t h S nat and t h e e e e, e e e e
p opl list n to you And I am r ady to go bail th at t h

e e e ? e ,
e
o ft n r th y h ar you t h mor warmly th y lik you ; t h

e e e e , e e e e e
ch arms of your mind of your app aranc of your voic ,

e e, e
and your loqu nc many and d li ghtful

e e e, a r e s o e .
As you wis h d my Lord and as my h alth r quir d I

e , ,
e e e ,
of your S p c h So now unl ss you tak car
ee you will find
.
, ,
e e e,
m som w h at mor proud f

e e I h av oth rs to lov in your e , or e e e
st ad not only with my y s but with my ars too

e ,
e e e .
FRONT O .
Th e E m pero r M a rcu s t o Fr o n t o
MY
I
M AS T ER
sa w
DE A R
my littl boys wh n you saw th m ; and I
too as I r d your l tt r I b g you to continu to lov m
,
ea
e you
e
,
e .
e
e
e
e
sa w e
,
as you do ; continu to lov m in j ust t h way you lov e e e e e
thos ch ildr n of min

e and continu to lov m j ust as
e e: e e e
you hav lov d m Th xtraordinary pl asur I g t from

e e e
. e e e e e
your l tt r caus s m to writ in th is way

e e e e e .
Wh at s h all I say of t h l ganc of your styl ? Unl ss e e e e e e ,
th at you sp ak Latin wh r as t h r st of us sp ak n ith r

e ,
e e e e e e e
Gr k nor Latin I b g you to writ oft n to my royal

ee . e e e
Broth r ; h is v ry ag r to h av m obtain this boon from

e e e e e e e
you and hi xtr m d sir s mak m importunat and

, s e e e e e e e e
pr ssin g
e .
Good by most d lightful Mast r Salutations to your

-
e, e e .
grandson .
M AR C US I M , P E R AT O R .
Th g n ral conc ption f a h istorical p rsonag

e e e I m an
e o e e, e
t h imag
e f h i m t h at ris s to t h mind on r ading hi l t
e o e e e s e
W
t rs hi m ditations or t h r marks th at hi f ri nds and
e , s e , e e s e
n i ghbors hav mad conc rnin g hi m is f as h ion d v ry

e e e e ,
e e
much in t h sam g n ral way as our notions f a cont m

e e e e o e
g t f rom littl t h ings f rom som action som
w
p o r ar
y . e e e ,
e ,
e
sp ch som th ou ght f hi a v ry d finit and s h arply

ee ,
e o s, e e e
im p r ss d f li ng th at
e e migh t not b abl to xplain or
ee ,
e e e e
j usti fy to anoth r p rson f what h i c h aract r is Som

e e ,
o s e . e
t h in g i t h act word or th ou ght its l f or in i t mann r

n e , ,
e ,
s e
o f d liv ry or in t h
e e ff ct upon t h m
,
wh om it imm e e e e en e
diat ly conc rns s ms to act as a k y to t h cip h r and

e e ,
ee e e e
MARCUS AT ROME 1 63
r v al t h w hol story f wh at t h man i A d th s

e e e e o e s . n so e e
l tt rs f Marcus Aur lius with wh at th y t ll and wh at

e e o e ,
e e
t h y conc al l av a v ry distinct impr ssion f c h aract r

e e ,
e e e e o e
and sp cially ine particular H r i a v ry finish d and

e on e . e e s e e
nobl g ntl man As I y such an impr ssion v n wh n

e e e . sa ,
e ,
e e e ,
as with Marcus Aur lius it d p ns to conviction is t h

w
e ,
ee e ,
e
cons qu nc f a sum f littl touch s or possibly an i

w
e e e o o e e ,
n
f r nc f rom many (or v n a f ) random bits f in forma

e e e e e e o
tion Marcus Aur lius

. uni f ormly m rci ful kind and e as e , ,
sympath tic ; h n v r display d xc pt wh r it s m d

e e e e e ,
e e e e ee e
for anoth r s good a consciousn ss th at h was mast r with

e
’
,
e e e
pow r to do as h will d ; rath r h car fully maintain d

e e e e e e e
t h app aranc
e f compl t
e quality p i t p e o a com e e e ,
ar n er a r es , e
p i d by t h d f r nc t h at youth ow s to
an e e g ; h was e e e e e a e e
critical of s l f g n rous in prais and ni ggard f blam ;

e , e e e, o e
h was studious f s l f ff a c m nt
e ag r to t oth rs at o e -
e e e ,
e e se e
t h ir as full of fid t ligi h onorabl toward m and
W
e e e, es e re o, e en
duti ful to t h gods ; h was punctilious in all hi fami ly

w
e e s
r lations
e ct F ronto says to hi wi f H was cour
,
s an u s , as ,
s e . e
t to v rybody and it
eo u s e e this univ rsal court sy t sti , as e e ,
e
s
y n o n yfi i flL l was
sch olarly almo t a patron f th ings of t h mind and a
hh c ltivat d w
- He u e ,
w w
s ,
o e
f ri nd to t h s rvants f int ll ctual int r sts His statu s

e e e o e e e e . e
s h ow h car ful h o in S pit of hi Stoical i di ff

e e as, e s n er
e nc conc rnin g ornam nts and outward th in gs of hi dr ss

e e e , s e
and p rsonal app aranc sp cially on public o c casions

e e e, e e
“
wh n h h d som pri stly function to f lfill All th s

e e a e e u . e e
qualiti s I tak it mak a part f what is usually m ant

w
e , e , e o e
by t h pith t e tl m And th r is e oth r trait

en e an e e on e e
fittin g in i t h f hégfi
e ,
m t d t h at d s rv s sp en u er a e ,
e e e e e
i l m ntion f
c a eit is hi gh ly ch aract ristic and th ou gh (as
,
or e , ,
it s ms to m ) prais worthy h giv n occasion to miscon

ee e e ,
as e
struction and f lt fi di g I r f r to hi p rsonal and ffi

au n n . e e s e o
64 MARCUS AURELIUS
r ports th at w h n Marcus t e ,
e se
o ff f hi nort h rn wars against t h Barbarians h

or s me e ,
e su
mou d pri sts from all ov r and p r form d for ign rit s
e e e ,
e e e e
and r li gious c r moni s of all kinds for t h purification of

e e e e e
Rom and in particular c l brat d t h sol mn f stival f

e, e e e e e e o
t h l ctist rnium f
e e s v n days T h is is cit d as vid n c
e or e e . e e e e
t h at Marcus was sup rstitious I t is also r port d th at e . e e
b for l aving Rom h took t h sp ar k pt in t h t mpl of

e e e e e e e e e e e
B llon dipp d i t point in blood and hurl d it in t h dirc

e a, e s ,
e e e
tion of t h n my ; and furth r t hat an E gyptian sooth say r

e e e e e
accompani d t h army and th at C h alda an pri sts w r

e e ,
e e e e
th r also And finally t h critics cit a passa g from

e e, .
, , e e e
Lucian s satir on a f als prop h t which says th at w h n

’
e e e ,
e
Marcus was n g a g d in a campaign against t h Barbarians

e e e ,
th is fals prop h t s nt som oracular v rs s to y th at t h

w
e e e e e e sa e
Romans wo ld conqu r if th y would throw into t h Danub

u e e e e
t lions also spic s and flow rs ; and th at t h oracl was

o ,
e e e e
ob y d Th Barbarians th ou ght th s animals w r dogs

e e . e e e e e
or wolv s and clubb d th m to d ath Wh at th y would h av

e e e e . e e
don h d t h y known th y w r lions Lucian do s not y

e, a e e e e ,
e sa .
story i f th r is any truth in it s ms to apply to a

,
e e ,
ee
b for Marcus Aur lius was in p rsonal command f

e e e e o
t h army and in its lf is t

e ,
vagu and foolis h to bas an e oo e e
inf r nc upon oth r t h an th at Lucian b li v d th at hi

e e e ,
e e e e s
r ad rs w r gullibl Th oth r actions attribut d to t h

e e e e e . e e e e
Emp ror w r don out f complianc with t h wis h s of

e e e e o e e e
hi p opl
s Wh at with t h Parthians to t h ast t h Bar
e e . e e e ,
e
b i to t h north pla gu and f amin in among th m

ar a n s e ,
e e e ,
th Roman p opl w r w ll ni gh panic strick n and All

e e e e e e — -
e , ” ,
W
C H A P T E R X I I I
T H E LAGU E
P A ND T H E
B ARB ARI A N AR
r turn of Lucius V rus (A D

w
N t he e t h im e . . e
p rial broth rs c l brat d a triump h but t h j oy f

e e e e e ,
e o
victory s hort liv d f t h soldi rs brou ght

as
-
e ,
or e e
back from Syria t h plagu in its most dr ad ful form I t

e e, e .
h d b n cau gh t
a ee t h story w nt aft r som myst rious
, so e e ,
e e e
fas hion in t h purli us f Babylon ; and Parth ia conqu r d

,
e e o e e
wrough t f mor h avoc th an Parthia victorious D ath

ar e . e
stalk d h om with t h sol di rs all t h way Th gov rnm nt

e e e e e . e e e ,
in its gr at n d of troops h d f tc h d soldi rs from many

e ee ,
a e e e
garrisons in di ff r nt parts f t h Empir and as a

e e o e e, , con s e
qu en c e, w h n t h various
e d tac
e h m nts r turn d to t h ir e e e e e
posts conta gio n was carri d far and wid Th soldi rs

,
e e . e e
suff r d worst ; crowd d in camps th y in f ct d

e e e anoth r e e e on e e ,
and of such as did not di gr at numb rs w r l ft n f bl d e e e e e e e ee e
and languid Th civil population was a ff ct d hardly l ss

. e e e e .
F rom t h bord r s f Parth ia to t h R h in

e e o v n in Gaul e e, e e ,
p opl sick n d and di d by t ns f th ousands Anci nt hi

e e e e e e o . e s
r ckon d th at but h al f t h p opl surviv d ; and
w
t i
o r an s e e e e e e
mod rn sc holars hip h r gard d t h is pla gu of t h

w
e as e e e a s on e e
c h i f f actors in t h swi ft d clin f t h Empir All I taly

e e e e o e e .
strick n ; it s ms lik ly th at our f ri nd F ronto

e ee e e as
gn t h victims e And in t h midst

. f t h la
p gg t h e o e e, e
Barbarians burst down from t h north across t h R i e ,

e ne
an MM t he
R T utonic trib s which h d occupi d
d t he e e ,
a e
t h stag
e f Europ muc h of t h tim f rom t h days of
e o e so e e e
Caius Marius t h curtain ros ,

it w r upon t h first
e e, as e e, e
TH E BARBA R IAN WAR 1 67
sc n of t h last act Th brunt of t h attack f ll on t h

e e e . e e e e
provinc s alon g t h upp r r ach s of t h Danub Th d

e e e e e e e
. e e
f nc s w r w ak ; f
e e wh n t h troops w r hurri d away
e e e or e e e e e
to withstand t h Parthian invasion this lon g fronti r h d

e ,
e a
b n l ft too thinly garrison d and t h Barbarians sw pt

ee e e , e e
across with out difficulty Th invad rs of N oricum and . e e
Pannonia w r T utonic trib s of which t h Marcomanni

e e e e ,
e
and t h Quadi w r t h most pow r ful ; som w h at lat r and

e e e e e e e ,
mor to t h ast t h J yg and oth r outlandis h nations

e e e ,
e az es , e ,
Sarmatians and Scythians j oin d in t h ,

e e
Parthian war t h raiding h d b g n but e ibcs a e u ,
and tribut t h Romans h e e s rious a e
invasion ; n all its fury lik a ,

e
spri v nts is not cl ar and I s h all e e e ,
not rv a strict ch ronolo gy w h r tim is

e e ,
e e e
not f o o t h story According to lik lih ood it e . e ,
was at t h y ar 1 66 t h at t h Barbarians d e e ,
e e
f at d a Roman g n ral with t h S laught r f tw nty th ou

e e e e ,
e e o e
sand f hi m ov rran t h Roman provinc s to t h south

o s en , e e e e
of t h Danub sack d and ravag d and carri d virtually

e e, e e ,
e
t h w h ol population into ca p tivity And at som p riod of

e e . e e
th war at t his tim or lat r a Barbarian army actually

e , e e ,
cross d t h Al p s invad d I taly and laid si g to Aquil ia

e e ,
e , e e e .
N o wond r t h at t h Romans r gard d t his as a crisis in th ir

e e e e e
h istory .
Th Emp ror Marcus ros to t h n d H

e e t an xampl e e ee . e se e e
of thrift and s l f d nial by s llin g at public auction t h

e -
e , e e
ric h v ss ls and ornam nts of t h imp rial palac cups

e e e e e e,
and dis h s f gold and crystal S ilks and mb roid ri s th at

e o ,
e e e
b lon g d to t h Empr ss j w ls coll ct d by t h virtuoso

e e e e ,
e e e e e
Hadrian also paintings and sculptur s don by t h most

,
e e e
r nown d artists T his auction wh ich took plac in T jan s

e e .
,
e ra
’
forum last d f w ks and s ms t h av l ft a vivid i m

,
e or ee , ee o e e
pr ssion upon t h b h old rs I t must h av b n a brilliant

e e e e . e ee
and animat d sc n Mon y was h ard to rais but a much

e e e
. e e,
168 MARCUS AURELIUS
di ffi cult task was to fill up t h d pl t d ranks f t h e e e e o e
To do t his Marcus t asid Roman tradi se e
t hat h d not b n vio a cc t h days f Hannibal ; ee e o
h impr ss d gladiators f
e e e amp hith atr t b e e, con s a u
lary f rom Asia Minor f rom Dalmatia fi gh tin g , 3 ,
m en from fri ndly trib s h bord r and v n S lav s

e e e e , e e e .
Wh n h nlist d t h
e e e t h wits said t h at hi pur
e e s
pos was to div rt

e to p hilosop hy A d t h s
e . n e e
public duti s w r punctually p r form d in t h midst f

e e e e e e o
privat sorrow f hi littl s v n y ar old boy A i

e ,
or s e e e -
e -
'
,
nn u
V rus di d W h n arrang m nts h d b n compl t d t h

e ,
e . e e e a ee e e , e
two Emp rors t out for t h s at of war Th n my in

e se e e . e e e ,
alarm r tr at d pr cipitously
,
e e e e .
Th Quadi b g g d f
e p ac and in tok n f submission
e e or e e, e o
ask d t h Roman Emp rors to confirm th ir n wly l ct d

e e e e e e e e
king Marcus h d no gr at confid nc in th ir pro f ssions

w
.
,
a e e e e e
o f r p ntanc
e and continu d hi northward marc h until it
e e, e s
s m d c rtain th at h h d don all th at

ee e e n c ssary f e a e as e e or
t h f utur
e s curity f t h Roman bord rs ; and th n at a
e e o e e e ,
r crud sc nc f t h pla gu t h two Emp rors start d back

e e e e o e e, e e e
f or Rom Lucius V rus whos r port d opposition to t h

e . e , e e e e
march northward i f tru must h av b n d I think to ,

e, e ee u e, ,
poor h alth was sudd nly tak n v ry ill and di d on t h

e ,
e e e ,
e e
way at Alt i m Th c h ronicl rs (as an alt rnativ to t h

,
nu . e e e e e
story f poison ) say th at h di d of apopl xy but it s ms

o e e e ,
ee
not unlik ly th at h may h av caugh t t h plagu w hic h was

e e e e e,
alr ady ra gin g with gr at f ury at Aqui l ia Marcus carri d

e e e . e
hi brot h r s body to Rom and laid it in t h Mausol um

’
s e e, e e
o f Hadrian w h r h h d alr ady laid t h as h s of two f

,
e e e a e e e o
hi own sons
s .
I n t h m antim t his e e h d e a
wrought such d t t i fi m gfi m m fi i com

es ru c o o er s ,
p llin g th m to r tr at and xtorting f rom th m oth r sig s

e e e e , e e e n
o f w akn ss t h at t h Barbarians bold r t h an v r r n w d

e e ,
e , e e e , e e e
t h ir attacks and t h fruits of t h last campaign w r all

e ,
e e e e
to t h south t h Danub r c iv s t h tributary wat rs of t h
e , e e e e e e e e
Gran w hic h flows down from t h nort h t h rou gh t h ar a

, e e e
withi n t h Carpat hian s mi circl B low t h riv r b nd

e e -
e
. e e e e ,
n ar t h sit f Budap st th r was a fourth camp Aquin

e e e o e ,
e e ,
cum and f to t h south a fi fth

,
ar e .
T h s cam
v —f
"
V indobona
e e
” 1
and ls wh r m
e
- n
e
“u m "
e e,
class s s ttl d t h r
army ; soldi rs h h d compl t d th ir w e e e e e
w
e o a e e e
t rms f s rvi c and wis h d to liv in t h n i ghbor hood of

e o e e e e e e
t h ir old l gion ; m rch ants s h opk p rs and p dlars h

e e e ,
ee e ,
e ,
o
carri d on trad with t h bord r trib s ; artisans camp

e e e e e ,
follow rs f kind or anoth r and on Doubtl ss too

e o on e e , so . e , ,
many f ri ndly Barbarians found r asons to liv th r And

e e e e e .
wh n t h Emp ror m d a camp hi h adquart rs gr at

e e e a e s e e ,
e
numb rs f civil o fficials must h av th ron g d t h r to l arn

e o e e e e e
hi will on many matt rs of imp rial busin ss

s w ll as e e e ,
as e
military offic rs f all sorts courti rs adv ntur rs and

e o ,
e ,
e e ,
such T h s towns h d th ir public bath s t h ir t mpl s

. e e a e ,
e e e ,
th ir plac s f amus m nt an amp hit h atr and villas

e e o e e ,
e e,
roundabout and all t h appurt nanc s f a provincial town

,
e e e o .
Carnuntum and Vindobona w r con ct d with I taly by e e ne e
a s ri s f xc ll nt roads f Pannoni h d b n s ttl d

e e o e e e ,
or a a ee e e
by t h Romans for ov r a h undr d and fi fty y ars Th

e e e e . e
trav ll r wo ld l av Rom wh r t h P t d l P p l now

e e u e e e e e e or a e o o o
stands follow t h F laminian Way to Rimini th n on to

, e ,
e
Aqui l ia w h r h turn d toward t h north ast and

e , e e e e e e ,
cross d t h Juli an Alps Th road ran past wh at i now t h

e e . e s e
city of Laibach and on to P t i (P ttau ) and from , oe a v o e ,
th r n arly d north by r gular stag s to Sabaria (S

e e e ue e e er
vav ) and Scarabantia (O d b g) w h r t h road fork d e en ur e e e e ,
t h w st rn branc h continuing on to V indobona (V i nna )

e e e e ,
and t h ast rn skirting t h s h allow wat rs of Lak P i

e e e , e e e e so
(N i d l ) to Carnu tum
eu s e er n .
T H E B A R B A R IAN WAR 171
Th provinc of Pannonia w h ic h as I h av said corr

e e , , e ,
e
s p d to w st rn Hun g ary was s parat d from t h prov

on s e e ,
e e e
inc of Dacia by t h lon g strip f land th at li s b tw n t h

e e o e e ee e
south going r ac h f t h Danub and t h riv r T h iss

-
e o e e e e e ,
w hic h flows n arly parall l Wh n Traj an d cid d to x t nd

e e . e e e e e
t h j urisdiction f t h Empir north f t h Danub

e h con
o e e o e e, e
fin d hi conqu sts to t h lands ast f t h Th iss and l ft

e s e e e o e e ,
e
this long strip bound d by t h two riv rs (th at pus h s in e e e e
lik a th ick w dg b tw n t h Roman provinc s ) to t h

e e e e ee e e ,
e
Sarmatian trib f J yg H probably thought this land e o az es . e
h ard to d f nd and not wort h t h takin g I t is a low flat

e e e .
, ,
monotonous r gion dott d with swamps and unr li v de ,

e ,
e e e
e xc pt by rollin g dun s or in som plac s by insi gnificant

e e , , e e ,
h ills Th cou try along t h Danub

. e b tw n t h point
n e e, e ee e
wh r t h Carpathians touch t h riv r and t h Gran is

e e e e e e ,
som w hat f t h sam c h aract r low and mars hy ; t h riv r

e o e e e , e e
flows sluggis h ly and at tim s rambl s about in many littl

,
e e e
ch ann ls as i f to amus its l f by carvin g out num rous

e , e e e
islands Such districts o ff r d asy opportunity for small

. e e e
bands of maraud rs both to attack and to scap and w r e e e, e e
v ry n favorabl f t h mov m nts f a lar g army

e u e m or e e e o e , en cu
b r d with baggag and military suppli s Th fightin g was

e e e e . e
mainly f a gu rilla sort ; t h Romans mad continual

o e e e u se
o f t h ir boats bot h f
e transport f suppli s and f carry
, or o e or
i g soldi rs to t h point f attack and th y o ft n built

w
n e e o ,
e e
t mporary brid g s across t h riv r Els wh r t h h avi r

e e e e . e e e, e e e
ba ggag drawn in two wh l d carts by mul s or ox n

e as -
ee e e e .
Th Barbarians on th ir part would s l ct a sit

e prot ct d
, e ,
e e e, e e
by mars h s cli ff s or oth r natural d f nc s and t h r build

e , ,
e e e e , e e
a stout stockad T hes t h Romans som tim s t fi to e . e e e e se re ,
and som tim s attack d with t h t studo th at is lockin g

w
e e e e e , ,
th ir S h i lds to g th r abov t h ir h ads to prot ct th m

e e e e e e e e e
s lv s from missil s and batt ring or h ackin g do n t h

e e e ,
e e
walls I n t h op n country both S id s us d cavalry ; and now

. e e e e
and again a pitch d battl was fou ght T h r is r cord of e e . e e e

a svr e e e engag m nt th at took plac upon
th froz n
e e e e e
Danub e .
I t would b a wast f tim to att m p t to f ollow t h cam

’
e e o e e e
p iga in any d tail Th pro gr ss of t h Romans th ou gh

ns e . e e e ,
slow was sur ; and t h goal aim d at by Marcus Aur lius

, e e e e
a ff ords proo f f farsi ght d stat smans hip H b li v d th at

.
o e e . e e e e
to stand on t h d f nsiv and guard t h bord rs was a S ign

e e e e e e ,
o f w akn ss bot h a virtual invitation to t h Barbarians to

e e ,
e
atta c k and an ncourag m nt f pusillanimity at h om th at

,
e e e o e,
t h tru policy was t h old Roman policy w hi c h Traj an

w
e e e ,
h d f ollow d t pus h t h boundari s f arth r and f arth r

a e , o e e e e ,
incorporat t rritory impos law introduc ord r and

e ne e , e ,
e e ,
g radually turn Barbarian warriors into p ac f ul h usband e e
m en :
w
Tu re
g ere i m per i o popu los , R o m a n e, m em en t o .
H is plan was to ann x two provinc s across t h Danub e ne e e e,
and hi p rs v ranc ( hi cont mporari s thou gh t ) would

s e e e e so s e e
h av succ d d in spit of t h slot h f ul indi ff r nc

e ee e ,
f th e e e e e o e
S nat and upp r class s whos only wis h was f p c in

e e e e ,
e or ea e
th ir own day h d it not b n f two untoward circum

e ,
a ee or
stanc s ; t h first was t h r b llion f A i di Cassius and

e e e e e o v us ,
t h s cond hi own pr matur d ath

e e s e e e .
Durin g th s y ars pass d at Carn ntum among t h

e e e ,
e
“
u ,
” “
e
Quadi on t h Gran or ls wh r in som bord r provinc

e ,
”
e e e e e e e,
t h Emp ror at suc h tim s as h could spar f rom military

e e ,
e e e
a ff airs administ r d with scrupulous car t h c ivil busin ss

w
,
e e e e e
o f t h Empir H d m d t h at nothing h wrot

e e . said or e ee e e e, ,
did ,
a minor matt r and h ld fast to hi maxim th at
as e ,
e s .
an Emp ror s hould do nothin g in a hurry And t his h did

e . e ,
in s p it f t h fact th at hi h alt h was v ry poor th at h

e o e s e e ,
e
c ould t littl or noth in g nouris h d h ims l f on dru gs and

ea e ,
e e ,
su ff r d gr atly from t h cold H was particularly d vot d

e e e e . e e e
to h i j udicial duti s Justic was hi gr at conc rn I t is

s e . e s e e :
“
th sourc h says f rom which all t h ot h r virtu s

e e,
”
e ,
“
e e e
era ] but Marcus would allow no gr at r punis h m nt t h an
,
e e e
e xil to England H s ms always to h v h ld b for hi m

e . e ee a e e e e
s lf id al f duty to all m to Barbarians as w ll as to

w
w
e an e o en , e
Romans Hav I don som t h ing for t h g n ral w l far

.
“
e e e e e e e e
o f my f llows ? ( fn d
e 6 ; ) T h n I h av e o x T l. K O t v tK 9 e e re
i d my r ward (M A XI
”
c e ve e . .
,
A narrativ f th s campaigns supposing th at it w r

e o e e ,
e e
possibl would as I h av said b quit nprofitabl

e, , e ,
e e u e .
N v rt h l ss
e e pisod (A D 1 7 4 ) must b m ntion d
e e ,
on e e e . . e e e ,
for th sak of t h m morabl plac it h occupi d in

e e e e e e as e
th ological controv rsy f rom th at tim down to t h days f

w
e e e e o
Cardinal N wman I quot t h account giv n by t h hi

e . e e e e s
torian Dio Cassius h was a lad at t h tim , o e e:
Marcus Aur lius wag d a gr at war against a p opl

“
e e e e e
call d t h Quadi and un xp ct dly gain d t h victory by

e e e e e e e ,
good luck or rath r b caus God grant d it to him F or in

,
e e e e .
th e cours f t h battl wh n t h Romans w r in p ril

e o e e, e e e e e ,
divin pow r sav d th m in a most unlook d for way Th

e e e e e -
. e
Quadi h d surround d t h Romans in an un favorabl plac ;

a e e e e
t h Romans lock d t h ir S hi lds and w r figh tin g brav ly

e e e e , e e e .
T h r upon t h Barbarians d sist d from t h attack th ink

e e e e e e ,
ing t h at th y would asily comp l t h oth rs to surr nd r

e e e e e e e
t h rou gh t h action of h at and thirst Th Barbarians w r

e e . e e e
far mor num rous and h mm d t h Romans in on v ry

e e ,
e e e e e
sid cutting ff all communication

e, th at t h y could not
o , so e
g t
e any wat r at all T h Romans teh r for w r in a bad . e , e e e, e e
plight from fati gu wounds t h h at f t h

,
and e, , e e o e su n ,
thirst ; th y could n it h r fi ght nor r tr at Sudd nly whil

e e e e e . e ,
e
t h Roman rank s stood th ir g round all but r ady to

e e , e su c
cu m b to t h h at g r at clouds gat h r d in an instant and a

e e ,
e e e ,
mi ghty rain not with out divin int rposition pour d down
,
e e ,
e
in bursts And w hil t h rain was pouring down in

.
, e e
bursts t h Romans turn d th ir fac s up and caugh t t h

,
e e e e ,
e
wat r in t h ir mouth s som h ld out th ir s hi lds oth rs

e e : e e e e ,
e
th ir h lm ts and drank gr at drau gh ts and gav th ir

e e e , e ,
e e
T HE B ARB AR IAN WAR
w
1 75
h ors s to drink A d w h n t h Barbarians c h ar g d t he

e . n ,
e e e ,
Romans drank and f ou gh t at t h sam mom nt Som h e e e . e, o
w r alr ady wound d th at th ir blood trickl d into t h ir

e e e e so e e e
h lm ts swallow d down blood and wat r to g t h r And

e e ,
e e e e .
,
as most f th m w r busy drinking t h y would h av f

o e e e ,
e e su
d gr at loss f rom t h n my s ons t h d it not b n

w
’
f er e e e e e e ,
a ee
t h at a fi rc h ailstorm with f r qu nt lightning smot down

e e e e e
upon t h n my I t e e a sigh t to
e in . and t h sam as s ee : on e e e
plac wat r and fi comi ng down from t h sky simultan

e e re e e
ou s ly On . sid m w r dr nch d and drink in g and

on e e en e e e e ,
on t h oth r th y w r burn d and dying Th fi did not

e e e e e e . e re
touch t h Romans and i f it did f all amon g th m it was

e ,
e ,
imm di at ly put out ; n ith r did t h rain h lp t h Bar

e e e e e e e
b i but rath r act d lik oil on t h flam s so th at in

a r an s , e e e e e ,
t h v ry midst of rain t h y w r
e e stru ggling to g t wat r e e e e e .
Som wound d th ms lv s in ord r to qu nch t h fi with

e e e e e e e e re
th ir blood ; whil oth rs took r fu g wit h t h Romans

e e e e e e ,
b li ving th at only th r could th y g t r fu g th at would

e e e e e e e e
sav th m And th r for Marcus h d m rcy on th m

e e . e e e a e e .
H was h ail d I m p by t h soldi rs f t h s v nth

w
e t e era o r e e ,
or e e e
tim And alth ou gh it was not hi custom to acc pt this titl

e . s e e
b for it
e e vot d by t h S nat n v rth l ss h took it
as e e e e, e e e e e ,
on t h grou d th at h r c iv d it from God and h wrot

e n e e e e , e e
to t h S nat (Roman History L XX I

e e e .
”
, ,
I t th r f or s ms t h at t h o fficial r port of t h battl

,
e e e, ee e e e e
r count d this xtraordinary circumstanc th ou gh probably

e e e e,
in l ss florid r h toric th an th at of Dio Cassius and

e e , c er
t i ly did mor
a n th an follow t h conv ntional custom f
e e e o
victorious g n rals in ascribin g victory to t h gods nou gh

e e e ,
e
at l ast to giv color to t h story f a sp cial int rv ntion f

e e e o e e e o
Provid n c Th C h ristians at onc j ump d to t h conclu

e e . e e e e
sion th at a miracl h d b n p r form d in answ r to t h

w
e a ee e e e e
pray rs of C h ristian soldi rs Claudius A p ollinaris Bis h op

e e .
,
o f Hi rapolis in Syria
e t mp , y h addr ss d an ,
a c on e
_
o ra r ,
o e e
Ap l gy f
o o C h i t i i t y to Marcus Aur lius m ntions it ;
or r s an e ,
e
and som tw nty fi y ars lat r T rtullian sp aks f t h
,
e e -
ve e e ,
e e o e
l tt rs f Marcus Aur lius an Emp ror f hi gh c h aract r

e e o e ,
e o e ,
in whic h h t stifi s to t h qu nc hing of t h at G rman

w
e e e e e e
b gott n t h irst by t h s h ow r obtain d th rough t h pray rs

e e e e e e e
of soldi rs h h app n d to b C hristians (Ap l V )

e o e e e
”
o . .
And again Marcus Aur lius in t h G rman xp dition

, ,
e e e e e
obtain d s h ow rs in t h at tim of th irst th rough t h pray rs

e e e e e
o ff r d up to God by C hristian soldi rs (Ad S c p IV )

e e e . a .
R lying on th s aut horiti s by nam as w ll as upon oth rs

e e e e e, e e
not nam d Eus bius f Ca sar a t h historian of arly

e , e o e e , e e
C h ristianity writing in t h tim of Constantin sums up

, e e e,
t h C h ristian v rsion follows I t is said that w h n Mar “

e e as : e
cus Aur lius Ca sar was forming hi troops in ord r of

e e s e
battl against t h G rmans and Sarmatians h was r duc d

e e e ,
e e e
to xtr mi ti s by a f ailur f wat r M anwhil t h soldi rs

w
e e e e o e . e e e e
in t h call d M lit n l gion whic h for its faith r mains

e so -
e e e e e ,
e
to th is day kn lt down upon t h ground as

,
e accus e ,
e ar e
t m d to do in pray r and b took th ms lv s to supplica

o e e ,
e e e e
tion And wh r as t his S ight was strang to t h n my

. e e e e e e ,
anoth r still mor strang h app n d imm diat ly thun

w
—
e e e e e e e ,
d b lt
er wh ich caus d t h n my s fli ght and ov rth row ;
o s, e e e e
’
e
and upon t h army to whic h t h m w r attac h d h

e e en e e e ,
o
h d call d upon God a rain w hic h r stor d it ntir ly w h n

"
a e , , e e e e e
it was all but p ris hing by th irst e .
T h is xtraordinary occurr nc i furth r confirm d but

e e e s e e ,
with out t h miraculous mb llis hm nts f cr dulous b

e e e e o e e
li by
ev er s , of t h pictorial r li fs on t h gr at column
on e e e e e e ,
se t up soon a ft rwards in t h city of Rom to comm morat

e e e e e
th evictorious campaign A troop of Roman soldi rs . e ar e
d pict d advancin g to battl wit h drawn swords ; b h ind

e e e e
th m oth r soldi rs
e h olding u p t h ir buckl rs a p par
e e ar e e e ,
e ntly to prot ct th ms lv s f rom a d lug of rain ; and in t h

e e e e e e e
background a mi ghty g nius f storm and rain x t nds hi e o e e s
win g d arms to th ir full str tc h whil torr nts of wat r

e e e ,
e e e
pour down from hi b ard and hair and arms I n f ront f s e , ,

. o
C H A P T E R X I V
LL I O N O F
W
T H E RE B E A V I D I U S
CASSI U S
HE Barbarians w r a fickl folk and littl s ru
w
e e e e e
p l in t h obs rvation f tr ati s Th only sur

u ou s e e o e e . e e
ea ce as to s t he
i!
as p y a a e g t
o to incorporat
c e u us us e
in t h Empir t h bord r lands of N oricum and Pannonia

e e e e ,
and Traj an to conqu r Dacia Th d p s at d law which e . e ee -

e e
gov rns t h fortun s of a conqu ring p opl h d d cr d

e e e e e e a e ee
t h at t h boundari s of t h Roman Empir must b v r

e e e e e e e
e nlarg d or th y would contract B tw n a gr at civiliz d

e ,
e . e ee e e
stat and its Barbarian n ighbors th r must b stru ggl

e e ,
e e e e
and warfar and i f t h tid of civilizing conqu st do s not

e e e e e
ris it m ans th at t h flood h b n r ach d and bb is at

e, e e as ‘
ee e e e
h and Th Roman p opl and t h S nat h aving lost t h old

. e e e e e e, e
Roman t m p r did not und rstand t his n c ssity but Mar

e e ,
e e e ,
cus Aur lius did As Pro f ssor Bury says h h d t h

e . e ,
e
“
a e
insigh t of a tru stat sman I n spit f t h in rtia at Rom

e e . e o e e e
and f hi own fond ss f p ac l isur and lit ratur

o s ne or e e, e e, e e,
th e Emp ror r co gniz d t h n c ssity f conqu st as t h

e e e e e e o e e
only foundation f p rman nt p ac and was o it s ms

e e e e, ,
as ee ,
making r ady to carry out this policy wh n f a sudd n hi

e ,
e o e s
plans and pr parations w r brou gh t to a stop H r c iv d

e e e . e e e e
word in or about t h month of May 1 7 5 A D from t h

,
e , . .
,
e
gov rnor of Capp docia th at Avidins Cassius h d rais d

e a ,
a e
th e standard f r volt in Syria and proclaim d hims l f

o e e e
Emp ror e .
R E B E L L I O N O F C A S S I U S 1 79
THE
At t h clos f t h Parth ian war wh n Lucius V rus w nt ”

e e o e ,
e e e
back to Rom Avidins Cassius h d b n l ft a kind of

e, a ee e as
'
military gov rnor f Syria and t h adj ac nt provinc s with

e o e e e
far r achin g auth ority H continu d to maintain t h high

—
e . e e e
r putation h h d won in t h Parth ian war and suppr ss d

e e a e ,
e e
r volts in Arabia and in Egypt with vi gilanc and d x

e ,
e e
t i t y But h was a m r soldi r warp d by admiration f

er . e e e e , e or
h i f amous an c stor Ca sar s n my and for t h warlik

’
s e ,
e e e ,
e e
virtu s f anci nt Rom His narrow sympathi s could not

e o e e . e
appr ciat at th ir valu ith r t h Emp ror s g n rosity

e e e e e e e e
’
e e
or hi sa gacity H ack owl d g d th at h was a good man

s . e n e e e ,
but accordin g to hi opinion an Emp ror s h ould not con s ,

e
c rn h ims l f with t h natur f t h p hysical univ rs or of

e e e e o e e e
th soul but with military matt rs ; a sol di r not a ph i

e ,
e e ,
l
os o ph s h ould i t upon t h t h ron H f lt about Marcus
er, s e e
. e e
Aur lius as som N orth rn g n rals f lt about Lin c oln in

e e e e e e
our Civil War th at h was much too d fici nt in t h st rn e e e e e
w
,
t mp r th at s hould b long to a command r i ch i f And

e e e e -
n -
e .
wh n h proclaim d th at gov rnors and o fficials appoint d

e e e e e
by t h Emp ror m p rh aps h did not look upon war

e e ,
—
en e o
as th ir main con c rn w r workin g only t mak th m

e e ,
—
e e o e e
s lv s ri ch no doubt h b li v d i t H n v r mad any

e e ,
e e e e . e e e e
att mpt to conc al hi O pinions and Lucius V rus soon a ft r

e e s ,
e e
g oin g to Syria to assum supr m command

, in t h Part h ian e e e e
war g t wind f th m and wrot to warn Marcus

,
o o e ,
e
[ Antioc h 163
D E AR MAR US C
Avidins Cassius is avid to b Emp ror at l ast h s ms e e ,

e e ee
so to m and lon g g in my Grand fath r s tim your

e a o e
’
e,
F ath r s tim h s h ow d h ims l f so I wis h you would
w
’
e e, e e e . s ee
th at h is k pt und r obs rvation H is dissatisfi d with

e e e e . e e
ev rythin g
e do h i coll cting gr at r sourc s and h
e ,
e s e e e e , e
lau gh s at our l tt rs H calls you a p hilosop h ical old

e e . e
woman and m a prodigal fool Pl as consid r wh at s hould

e . e e e
b don I don t dislik t h man ; but if you k p
’
e e . th e e ,
ee 1n e
cam p a man w h om t h soldi rs lik to h ar and lik to e e e e e s ee,
look out l st you mismanag your own int r sts and your
e e e e
c hildr n s e
’
L U C US VE US 1 R .
oolis h pun in t h op nin g f t h l tt r p r h a p s d

Th e f e e o e e e e e
tract d f rom t h s riousn ss of t h warnin g ; or Marcus

e e e e e ,
may hav s n in this l tt r a littl touc h f j alousy in t h at

e ee e e e o e ,
Lu c ius too conscious f hi imp rial di gnity h d b n v x d

w
,
o s e ,
a ee e e
to find t hat v n an Emp ror must accommodat hims l f to

e e e e e
t h downri gh t c h aract r of t h man h controls t h army
w
e e e o e ,
and h was w ll awar th at th ough Lu c ius mi ght b f gr at

e e e e o e
s rvic Cassius
e e, indisp nsabl H wrot back as e e . e e :
[ Rom e 1 63
D E AR L U C US 1
I h av r ad your l tt r ; it is rath r mor anxious mind d

e e e e e e -
e
th an b com s an Emp ror and do s not accord with pr s nt

w w
e e e ,
e e e
day usa g F or i f H av n h d stin d Cassius to r c iv

e . e e as e e e e e
t h Empir
e could not kill him v n i f
e, wis h d You
e e e e e .
r m mb r your Gr at grand f ath r s sayin g N o man can

e e e e -
e
’
:
“
kill h i succ ssor And i f not with out any act of s v rity
w
”
s e .
,
e e
on our part h will f hims l f f all into t h trap f f at

,
e o e e o e .
B sid s cannot mak h im out a traitor ; nobody h com

e e e e as e
fo ward to accus hi m and as you yours lf y t h soldi rs

r e ,
e sa , e e
lov hi m And also it is in t h natur of trials for h igh

e .
,
e e
tr ason t h at p o p l th ink th at v n th os wh os guilt is

e e e e e e e
prov d e t h victims
ar e f pow r You r m mb r v ry w ll
e o e . e e e e e
wh at your Grand fath r Hadrian said Wr tch d is t h e :

“
e e e
condition f Emp rors f no man will b li v in a plot

w
o e , or e e e
a gainst th m until th y h av b n murd r d I h av p

e ,
e e ee e e . e re
f rr d to cit hi m rat h r t h an Domitian

e e e h i said to h av e , o s e
b n t h ori ginal auth or f t h sayin g ; f v n t h wis

ee e o e or e e e e
sayings of tyrants do not h av t h w i gh t th y ou ght So e e e e .

1 82 AU RELI US MA R C U S
h asplott d against m and forc d m agains t my will to
e e e e, ,
tak t h fi ld though I h av committ d no act f inj ustic

e e e , e e o e,
nor don w h at I ou ght not to h av don Wh at virtu or

e e e . e
f ri nds h ip can b count d on as sur a f t r t h is xp ri nc of

e e e e e e e e e
min ? Has not faith su ff r d wr ck h not good hop

e e e e ,
as e
su ff r d wr ck ? I f I alon w r in dang r I s h ould hav

e e e e e e e ,
e
mad light f t h a ff air for I was not born immortal ; but as

e o e ,
t h r h b n public s c ssion or rath r r b llion and t h

e e as ee e e e e e ,
e
war a ff cts us all I cannot I s hould h av lik d h d it b n

e , . e e ,
a ee
possibl to summon Cassius to com into court and ar gu

e, e e
th e matt r out with him ith r b for you or b for t h

e ,
e e e e e e e
S nat ; and I would gladly hav r sign d my thron in hi

e e e e e e s
favor with out a struggl i f that h d s m d for t h good of e a ee e e
t h Stat
e F or e .
put faith 6
in m a ft r h h b n so faithl ss to m you must b of

e e e as ee e e, —
e
g ood courag Th Cilicians Syrians J ws and Egyptians

e . e , ,
e ,
n v r h av b n your b tt rs and n v r will b not v n if

w
e e e ee e e e e e, e e
th y could gath r tog th r as many th ousands mor th an

e e e e e
you as th y now actually l ss N or s hould

e ar e h old e . e
Cassius h ims lf of much account v n i f h is t h ough t to b

e ,
e e e e
a good g n ral and O ft n to h av manag d succ ss fully F

e e e e e e . or
an agl l ading an army of j ackdaws or a lion at t h h ad

w
e e e , e e
o f fawns do s not mak a worth y adv rsary B sid s it was

,
e e e . e e
not Cassius but you h pr vail d in t h Arabian d

, ,
o e e e an
Parthian wars A d v n i f h is w ll r put d f wh at was

w
. n e e e e e e or
don against t h Parthians y t you h av [ Martius ] V rus

e e ,
e e e ,
b n not a wh it l ss vict orious th an h nay mor

w
h h o as ee e e, ,
e,
and h brought mor booty hom

as e e .
But p rh aps Cassius h alr ady ch an g d hi mind

e as e e s ,
no
t h at h h l arn d that I am aliv F or h did this f

e as e e e
. e or n o
T H E R E B E L L I O N O F C A S S I U S 1 83
oth r r ason but that I was d ad And v n i f h still k ps
,
e
on y t wh n h l arns th at
e
e
e on t h march h will
o
e
out of f ar f you and r sp ct f m conf ss t h at h i ll

e
e
e e
w
e .
e ar e
or e,
e e
e
e
e
e
ee
s a
,
in t h wrong
W
e .
T h r is but t hin g th at I am afraid f F llow Sol

e e on e o ,
e
di rs for I s h all sp ak t h h ol truth to you and th at is

e ,
e e e ,
l st h kill h ims l f to avoid t h s h am f comin g into our

e e e , e e o
pr s nc or th at som on ls knowing th at I am on t h
e e e, e e e e, e
way to tak t h fi ld a gainst hi m may do t h d d T h n

e e e , e ee . e
w
I s h all b robb d f t h gr at priz
e f victorious war
e o e e e o ,
as n man v r h d What is t h at priz To for giv

o e e a . e? e
man h h don m wron g to r main a fri nd to h i m

o as e e ,
e e
h asviolat d my fri nds h ip and to r main f aith ful to

e e , e
a ft r h h brok n f aith with m P rh aps you find t hi

e e as e e . e
h ard to und rstand but you ou gh t not to disb li v it F or

e ,
e e e .
all good thin gs h av not utt rly p ris h d f rom t h arth e e e e e e ,
us S 1n And if
1 u e V1 r u e .
M b th e
mor for him to b h old w h at h would not b li v could b

e e e e e e e
don I s hould at l ast d riv som profit from t h pr s nt

e . e e e e e e e
e vils i f I w r abl to s ttl t h matt r with honor and

,
e e e e e e e ,
s h ow to all t h world th at it is possibl to d al ri ght ously

e e e e
e v n with civil war

e .
Marcus mad pr parations to m t t h r b ls s nt for hi

e e ee e e e ,
e s
s on Commodus th n n arly fi ft n and l ft t h north rn

,
e e ee , e e e
f ront How h proc d d toward t h East i unc rtain I f

. e ee e e s e .
t h followin g l tt rs
e g nuin h ch os t h rout th rou gh
e e ar e e e, e e e e
I taly probably in ord r to asc rtain t h t mper f t h p

,
e e e e o e eo
pl and post d down by way f Aquil ia Rom was in g r at

e, e o e . e e
alarm but t h S nat and p opl w r w holly loyal Marcus

,
e e e e e e e .
did not nt r Rom its lf f arin g p rhaps in vitabl d lays ;

e e e e ,
e e e e e
and n ws f Cassius s d ath must h av r ach d hi m soon

e o
’
e e e e .
H i h asts app ars from this bri f not d spatch d to

e e e e e e
F austina :
[ D E A RE S T FAU S T rNA ]
Lucius was righ t w h n h wrot m t h at A i di want d e e e e v us e
to b Emp ror I t hink you h av h ard w h at t h m ss n g rs

w
e e . e e e e e e
from [ Martius ] V rus hav r port d about hi m Com to e e e e . e
Albano if t h gods pl as so that may talk ov r v ry

,
e e e, e e e e
t h in g Don t b alarm d
.
’
e e .
[ MARC US ] .
[ D E A RE S T
M AR C U S ]
I will g as you wis h to Albano arly tomorrow ; n v r
w
o, ,
e e e
th l I urg you now if you lov your c h ildr n to d al

e es s e ,
e e ,
e
s v r ly wit h t h r b ls O ffic rs and privat s h oppr ss

e e e e e e . e e ,
o e
unl ss th y
e t h ms lv oppr ss d h av g t into v ry
e are e e es e e , e o e
bad ways .
[ FAU ST 1 NA ] .
[ D E A RE S T
M AR C US ]
At t h tim f C lsus r b llion my moth r F austina b
e e o ‘
e
’
e e e e
sought your F ath r Pius to s h ow first toward hi own f amily

w
e s
pi ty th at h s h ow d to oth r m n s f amili s T h at
w
’
th e e e e e e e .
Emp ror is t pious h do s not th ink f hi wi f and

e no o e o s e
childr n R m mb r h young Commodus is and our son

e . e e e o ,
i law P m p i is g tting old and h i for i gn born

w
n -
o e an u s e e s e .
B circumsp ct about w h at you do in r gard to A i d i Cas

w
e e e v us
i
s us and hi con f d rat s Don t spar m s h h av not e e e .
’
e en o e
spar d you and h i f th y h d won would not spar m

e , o, e a ,
e e
or our c hildr n I will follow a ft r you at onc I could not

e . e e .
g t to t h V illa F m i
e eb caus d ar F dill was sick or a n a, e e e a a .
A d i f I s h an t b abl to ov rtak you at F m i I will

’
n e e e e or a e,
f ollow on to Capua ; t h plac will do good to my ailm nts
w
e e e
and t h childr n s Pl as s nd Doctor S t i d to F m i

e e
’
. e e e o er as or ae .
I h av no confid nc in P i it h ; h do sn t know h to ’
e e e s eu s e e o
tak car f an unmarri d girl C lp i gav m t h

e e o e . a u rn u s e e e
s al d l tt r ; I S h all answ r it i f I am lat by C i li

e e e e e ,
e, a ec u s,
WWW
m nts inflict d by an Emp ror for wrongs don hi m
e e e e ar e
n v r in f avor ; t h mor j ust h is t h cru l r h will b

w
e e e e e e e e e e
,
t hought So you will pl as pardon t h childr n of Avidins

. e e e e
Cassius hi i law and wi f

, s s o n But hy s hould I say
—
n ,
e .
p ardon F or t h y h av don not hing L t th m liv in

’
e
”
. e e . e e e
L
S L t th m e e
liv on t h patrimony allott d t th m l t th m nj oy th ir

e e e o e ,
e e e e
g old t h ir silv
, r and t
e h ir clot h s ; l t th m b ric h m
e ,
e e e e e ,
un o
l st d and fr to go about at will ; l t t h m tak about

e e ,
ee e e e
v rywh r in all countri s t h is xampl of your and my

e e e e, e ,
e e
conc ption f wh at is right N or is t h x mption f ch il

e o . e e e o
dr n and wiv s from proscription Conscript F ath rs a

w
e e ,
e ,
gr at act f cl m ncy I nd d I k f you to d liv r all f

e o e e . ee ,
as o e e o
th S natorial and Equ strian ord rs h w r privy to

e e e e ,
o e e
th r b llion from d ath proscription f ar disgrac or

e e e , e , ,
e ,
e
odium and in s h ort from v ry vil cons qu nc and con f r

,
e e e e e e, e
th is upon my r i gn e
d ath Of v r
e e e
nat w hich in tim of alarm h d proclaim d Cas

The Se e, e , a e
si s a public n my and confiscat d hi prop rty h ail d this

n e e e s e e
W
act f cl m ncy with t multuous approval Pious A
w
o e e u : n
t i
on n u s ,may t h gods k p you ! Cl m nt Antoninus may
e ee e e ,
t h gods k p you ! You h av will d w h at was righ t

e ee h av e e e e
W
,
don our duty e d mand th at Commodus s h all h av hi

. e e e s
ri gh tful s h ar in t h Empir Stablis h your f amily and

e e e .
,
mak our ch ildr n sa f N o viol nc h pow r to hurt a

w
e e e . e e as e
good gov rnm nt ask you to giv Commodus t h tribuni

e e . e e e
i
c an pow r ; ask th at you stay in Rom I n t h nam f
e e e . e e o
your p hilosop h y your pati nc your l arning your bil

,
e e, e ,
no
ity your goodn ss You conqu r your n mi s and ov rcom

,
e . e e e e e e
th m th at hat you for t h gods prot ct you t

e e ,
e e , e c .
Th r b llion di d not last lon g Martius V rus gov rnor

e e e . e ,
e
of Cappadocia stood firm and Cl di Albinus commandin g ,

o us ,
at Bithynia ch ck d a t nd ncy among t h soldi rs sta

,
e e e e e e
T H E R E B E L L I O N O F C A S S I U S 1 87
ti d th r to j oin Cassius Wit h in a h undr d days Cassius
on e e e . e
was murd r d by hi Offic rs and hi h ad brou ght to t h

e e s e ,
s e e
Emp ror T h r was no r j oicing I t was obvious to v ry

w
e . e e e . e e
body that h would h av spar d him if h could Cassius s

e e e e .
’
s on M i was kill d by t h soldi rs and a f

a ec a n u s e e e ,
e c en
turions w r x cut d but with th s x c p t ions t h Em

e e e e e , e e e e e
p wis h s w r follow d Som on v ntur d to tak

er o r s
’
e e e e . e e e e e
h i m to task f d aling g ntly with a traitor to hims l f

or e so e e
and hi c hildr n and ask d And wh at i f Cassius h d

s e ,
e ,
“
,
a
conqu r d Marcus answ r d N ot h ave

e e ? ”
e e ,
“
so
w
h av e l lixséa tha t i tfifia
smos 511l
’
t he n s . f o r hi m 1 0
And t n r ckon d up Emp rors t at
w
QQL L
IQEQIL m e . ,
. he h e e e t he e h
b n murd r d and s h ow d h t h y h d d s rv d to
h a d ee e e ,
e o e a e e e
di e, N ro Caligula Oth o V it llius ; but t hat no r b l h

e , , ,
e e e , o
e v r strong h d b n abl to triump h ov r Au gustus

e ,
a ee e e ,
Traj an Hadrian or Antoninus Pius but h d b n put

, , ,
a ee
down som ti m s v n b for t h Emp rors h d knowl d g

w
, e e e e e e e e a e e
o f t h ir purpos And w h n a c h st f l tt rs was discov r d,

e e . e e o e e e e
th at no doubt contain d t h nam s of all h w r privy e e e o e e
to t h r b llion h bad t h cont nts b burn d unr ad

e e e ,
e e e e e e e .
At first h laid a slight punis hm nt upon t h p opl f

e e e e e o
Antioch and t h r b llious towns f Syria forbiddin g t h e e e o ,

e
c l bration of gam s and s hows and imposing som oth r

e e e ,
e e
p nalti s of th at sort ; but b f or long h r vok d v n th s

e e e e e e e e e e e .
So nd d t h r b llion with no stru ggl and littl blood

w
e e e e e ,
e e
s h d Lik t h attacks f t h Marcomanni and t h J yg

e . e e o e e az es ,
it as f t h sig s of vil days to com

on e o T h outlying e n e e
. e
m mb rs f t h Empir h d grown too h avy f

e e o t h w ak
e e a e or e e
cuin g h art ; and from th is tim on t h p rs onal vanity

e , e , e e
o f a g n ral t h ambition or gr d f hi o ffi c rs t h r st
e e ,
e ee o s e , e e
l ss wis h f ch an g and xcit m nt amon g t h troo p s or

e or e e e e e ,
m r local patriotism p rsuad d many a man to und rtak

e e , e e e e
Cassius s v ntur and f t h sak f mpir stak hi li f

’
e e or e e o e e e s e
upon t h issu f a th ousand h azards F b di g f all this

e e o . o re o n o
is writt n on Marcus s wan car worn innoc nt f ac

e
’
,
e -
,
e e .
C H A P T E R X V
C L O S I N G Y E A RS
T was x p di nt f t h Emp ror to visit t h ast rn

provinc s and
e e
wit h hi own y s h t h r b llion

e
h d a ff ct d t h m F austina and Commodus a com

e
s ee
or e
s
e
e e ow e
e e
e e
e
w
a e e e . e
p i d h i m T h cours of hi trav ls is unc rtain but v ry

an e . e e s e e ,
e e
w h r h was mad most w lcom ; and w ll th y mi ght l

e e e e e e e e e
com h i m f h w nt as on an rrand of m rcy for givin g

e , or e e e e ,
on all sid s Cy h t h birthplac f Cassius and t h

e . rr u s, e e o e
h art h ston
e f t h r b llion h pass d by p r h aps only in
e o e e e ,
e e ,
e
ord r to avoid giving o ff nc by an app aranc of triump h ;

e e e e e
but h w nt to Al xandria wh r
e e proo f of compl t
e , e e as e e
r conciliation and good will h l ft hi daugh t r and to

e e e s e ,
Antioch H probably w nt on to t h Eup hrat s ; at any rat

. e e e e e
h g av audi nc to t h bord r c h i f s and to t h P rsian

e e e e e e e e e
ambassadors H th n w nt w stward as it s ms and h d

. e e e e ,
ee ,
a
go t as f as Halala ar a littl villa g at t h f oot f Mt ,

e e e o .
Taurus w h n F austina f ll sudd nly ill and di d Th t sti

,
e e e e . e e
mony conc rnin g t h m as man and wi f is littl but it all

e e e e,
points to w dd d happin ss and tru a ff c tion Th arly

e e e e e . e e
l tt rs b tw n F ronto and Marcus th at r f r to h t h

e e e ee e e er , e
utt r abs nc f any j alousy in ith r or caus f j alousy

e e e o e e e ,
e or e
f rom h i m t h ir t h irt n c h ildr n t h ir common gri fs t h

,
e ee e ,
e e ,
e
coins th at b ar h ffigy with t h word F li it H il i

e er e ,
e e c as , ar
tas, Di C a na , di P di i t i L t i t i P bli c or suc h

o n co r a, u c a, ae a u a, ,
u p on t h back h h abit f accompanying hi m on t h

e , er o e
arduous campaigns along t h Danub f wh ich h e e, or S e re
i d t h titl M t h
ce ve e f t h C m p h e going wit h him on
o er o e a , er
h i trav ls to t h East appar ntly as a matt r f cours

s e e ,
e e o e
alth ough h h d not b n w ll and crowning all h i pri

s e a ee e , , ,
s
1 90 MARCUS AU RELI US
A ft r F austina s d at h on t h ir way back to Rom Mar
e
’
e ,
e e,
us and Commodus stopp d at Smyrna H r h d b n e . e e, as a ee
is custom in passin g t h rou gh citi s of t h H ll nistic East e e e e ,
e paid hi r sp cts to p h ilosop hy and lit ratur Possibly

s e e e e .
e turn d to th m as t h gr at comfort rs of m in sorrow

e e e e e en ,
h opin g to find t h balm t h at h could not find ls w h r ; or

e e e e e e ,
pe r h aps knowin, g t h at t h y t h gr at civiliz rs and e a re e e e ,
d v lop t h spiritual as w ll as t h int ll ctual sid f man

e e e e e e e e o ,
of a sov r i gn toward distin guis h d p rsonag s f t h prov

e e e e e o e
i
n c es ,or was actuat d by s ntim ntal m mori s f F ronto e e e e e o
and t h study of rh toric in hi h appy youth At any rat

e e s . e,
busin ss to b e e s s o rs
gon e
to h ar t h famous youn g H rmog n s a yout h so pr eco

w
"
e e e e e ,
cions t hat at t h g f fift n hi l ctur s w r t hron g d

e a e o ee s e e e e e ,
and h w h il still v ry youn g wrot a c l brat d book on

o, e e ,
e e e e
r h toric only s cond in m rit at that tim and for lon g

e ,
e e ,
e
a ft r to Aristotl s tr atis but whos g nius from t h

e ,
’
e e e, e e ,
e
v ry ov rrip n ss of hi youth was sp nt b for h was

e e e e s ,
e e e e
tw nty fi and ach i v d noth ing of not aft rwards Th

e -
ve e e e e . e
Emp ror f ound t h r port of hi loqu nc tru and richly

e e e s e e e e
r ward d hi m
e e .
At Smyrna h h d alr ady pass d th r days and h d

e a e e ee ,
a
not s n Aristid s t h most distinguis h d among Gr k

ee e ,
e e ee
m en o f l tt rs sinc H rod s Atticus so h ask d h i c h i f

e e e e e ,
e e s e
offic rs t h broth rs Q i t ilii whos car rs w r d stin d

e ,
e e u n , e ee e e e e
to a tra gic d u d r Commodus i f h mi ght not h av ov r

en n e ,
e e e
look d Aristid s among t h crowd t hat h d com to pay th ir

e e e a e e
r sp cts Th Q i t ilii said th y h d not s n him for th y

e e . e u n e a ee ,
e
would not h av fail d to introduc him So t h n xt day

e e e . e e
t h y brou gh t him to t h imp rial pr s nc and h ask d

e e e e e e, e e
“
Your Maj sty I
ww
CLOSING YEARS
Aristid es hy h h d not s n hi m b for Aristid s r pli d
e
busy with a th ory and a mind busy

e ,
1 91
as
ee e
e
e.
,
e e e ,
with a th ory must not b tak n ff t h sc nt Th Em

e e e o e e .
”
e
p was
er o r d li g t d to find h im
h frank and simpl and
e e so e, so
d vot d to study and said And w h n s h all I h ar you ?

e e , ,
“
e e
”
Aristid s answ r d Sugg st a topic today and you s h all

w
e e e : e ,
h ar m tomorrow for I b long not to t h i m p

e e i t i, e e rov s a or ,
but to th os h sp ak aft r car ful consid ration A d will

e o e e e e . n ,
your Maj sty pl as to l t my pup ils b pr s nt at t h

e e e e e e e
“
l ctur ? T h y may Marcus said f it i op n to t h

e e
” “
e , , or s e e
public A d t h n wh n Aristid s add d And will your

.
”
n e e e e ,
Maj sty pl as l t th m clap and ch r as much as v r

e e e e e ee e e
t h y can ? t h Emp ror smil d and said T h at will d p nd

e
”
e e e ,
“
e e
on you .
”
F inally h w nt to At h ns f t h r i f anyw h r w r to
e e e , or e e e e e e
b f ound t h
e mb rs f t h fi t h at h d giv n int ll ctual
e e e o e re a e e e
and spiritual warmt h to t h H ll nic world and th r i f e e e ,

e e,
t hat warmth was to b r n w d t h dwindl d fi must b

w
e e e e ,
e e re e
f d wit h f r s h f u l and minist r d to wit h g r at r assiduity

e e e e e e e .
Marcus wis h d in particular to h ar Adrian h v n th n

e e , o e e e
e nj oy d a h i gh r p utation as a sop h ist or prof ssor f

e e , e o
l arning and was d stin d to win gr at admiration f rom t h

e , e e e e
f as hionabl world at Rom Th connoiss urs and dil ttanti

e e . e e e
of t h m tropolis w r amaz d and ch arm d by t h sw t

e e e e e e e ee
modulation f h i voic m lodious as t h ni ghtingal and

o s e, e e e,
by t h b auty f hi languag wh th r in pros or v rs ;

e e o s e e e e e e so
muc h th at wh n th s m of fas h ion w r gath r d

so e e e en e e e e
to g th r to
e e dancing or som such S h ow and word w nt
s ee e ,
e
round th at Adrian was going to d claim at t h Ath na um e e e e ,
t h y all rus h d out to h urry th ith r pus h ing and j ostlin g

e e e ,
one anoth r as t h y w nt But Marcus h d a privat motiv

e e e . a e e
o f h i own fs g oing to h ar Adrian ; h

orh d appoint d h i m e e a e
to t h ch air f rh toric or w h at v r it was sol ly upon hi

e o e ,
e e ,
e s
r putation and h wis h d to l arn with hi own ars wh th r

e ,
e e e s e e e
h h d don wis ly Th topic propos d f

e a e t h l ctur
e or . e e or e e e,
1 92 MARCUS AURELI US
d clamation was an oration a p propriat to t h orator H y
e , e e
p ider at a tim w h n h found hims l f in a particular

es , e e e e
situation with r sp ct to D mosth n s and P h ilip f Mac e e e e e o e
don R h toric i t his asp c t was laborat ly artificial it

. e ,
n e , e e ,
r quir d an unco mmon and p culiar skill bot h in com p osi

e e e
tion and in d clamation and w h n t h tal nts f th s two

e ,
e e e or e e
artificial accomplis hm nts w r h appily unit d th ir pos e e e e ,

e
b cam a v ry important p rson som wh at lik a

s es s o r e e e e , e e
g r at op ra sin g r today Adrian amply up h ld hi r puta
w
e e e . e s e
tion ; in particular h obs rv d t h propri ti s f t h situa e e e e e e o e
tion in w hich H yp i d suppos d to b and t h g n ral er es as e e, e e e
opinion w nt t hat h s how d hims lf not in f rior v n to t h

e e e e e e e e
r nown d P l m
e wh om Marcus h d h ard not with
e o e on , a e ,
w h ol h art d approval lon g y ars b for Th Emp ror

e -
e e ,
e e e . e e
r ward d t h orator with many gi fts

w
e e e .
At Ath ns h attach d salari s f t t housand drac hmas

e e e e o en
a y ar to t h principal pro f ssors h ips in wh at

e e may call e ,
e
univ rsity including th os of t h four main schools f

e ,
e e o
p h ilosop hy f t h Stoics t h Epicur ans t h Acad my and

,
o e ,
e e ,
e e ,
th e P ripat tics Th Emp ror was also initiat d into t h

e e . e e e e
El usinian myst ri s P r h a p s h did t his out f imp rial

e e e . e e o e
c ourt sy f h did but f ollow t h pr c d nt t by H

e ,
or e e e e e se a
drian and ind d by many Romans f rom t h days f Cic ro

,
ee e o e
and Atticus ; but p r h aps som wh r in t h d pth s f hi e ,

e e e e e o s
h art t h r lurk d an irid sc nt h o p t h at h r in t h is land

e e e e e e e e e
o f H llas t h is h om
e f t h oug h t of art
,
f h roism w h r e o , ,
o e ,
e e
t h soul f man h d f o nd its f l l st and nobl e

e o st xpr ssiona u u e e e ,
at l ast t h pagan world th ought th r mi gh t b fou d

e so e ,
e e e n
som illumination d ni d to oth r plac s I f th r was a

e e e e e . e e
divin li gh t s hinin g in h av n abov th rou gh wh at window

e e e e,
could it s nd its s h a ft f li gh t to th is arth f ours x c pt

e o e o ,
e e
th rou gh th at which Ath ns h d flu g op n wid And it e a n e e? ,
may b th at Adrian and oth r Ath nian sch olars r call d

e, e e e e
to hi m wh at t h Hom ric hymn t D m t r wh at Pindar e e o e e e ,
and So p ho cl s h d said f t h initiat s and t h at in hi

e ,
a o e e ,
s
h i m h ir ; h mad hi m consul conf rr d upon hi m t h sac
e e e , e e e
er d t i m t h tribunician pow r cr at d hi m Au gustus ; and

o u , e e , e e
gav hi m a wi f (A D
e T his don h hurri d back to
e . . e, e e
a ssum command of t h army takin g Commodus with him

e e ,
.
Battl s w r fought and fr s h victori s gain d T his bord r

w
e e e e e e . e
warfar i t dious and obscur I t s ms cl ar t hat t h

e s e e . ee e e
Emp ror r solut to carry out hi int rrupt d purpos

e as e e s e e e
i g t h imp rial boundary to t h riv r Elb But

w
n e e e e e
.
this was not to b A task w arisom so xacting

w
e . so e e, e ,
so
f rau gh t wit h p rils barr n of fam r quir d a man h

e , so e e, e e o
r ady to ndur gr at privations and p tty discom forts

as e e e e e ,
t osacrific s lf d r nounc all t h common pl asur s of

e e an e e e e e
li f for t h good of t h Empir Whil Marcus liv d all

e, e e e . e e
w nt w ll But hi frail body could not stand t h strain

e e . s e .
H was tak n v ry i ll at V indobona and f lt t h at d ath was

e e e , e e
upon him .
H call d h i fri nds and r lations tog t h r and

e e s t e e e e ,
se
Commodus b for th m and raising hims lf on hi couch

e e e ,
e s ,
s aid I am not surpris d t h at you gri v to

:
“
m lyi g e e e s ee e n
h r in t his condition f
e e it i in human natur t f l ,
or s e o . ee
p ity at t h misfortun s of kinsm n and su ff rin gs t h at

e e e ,
e
strik upon our si ght call forth gr at r compassion But I

e e e .
t hink that som thin g mor is d to m from you F or I

w
e e ue e .
h av h op d not with out r ason from t h stat of my f l

e e ,
e ,
e e ee
in gs toward you that my good will r turn d And now

w
,
as e e .
i a v ry tim ly tim for m to l arn t h at not in vain all t h is

s e e e e e
h il h av I s h own you h onor and sp nt mys l f f

e e you e e or ,
and for you to do a favor in r turn and S how you not e are
unmindful of wh at you hav r c iv d e e e e .
B hold my
“
e you yours lv s h av ducat d him
s on , —
e e e e e ,
j ust mbarkin g on t h g f manhood and in n d of cap

e e a e o ee
t ain and pilot lik cau ght in wint r storms l st h b

, e on e e ,
e e e
b orn adri ft by imp rf ct exp ri nc of wh at is n c ssary

e e e e e e e e ,
and das h d u p a gainst vil practic s So inst ad f m b

e e e .
,
e o e, e
t hi m many fat h rs tak good car of hi m and giv hi m t h

o e ,
e e e e
w e
CLOSING YEARS
i s st cou s l Unl ss a ruling princ h
n e .
1 95
t h good will of e e as e
w
h i subj cts no ric h s
s e suffici nt for hi h lpl ssn ss nor e a re e s e e e ,
c an a r gim nt of sp arm n prot ct him I t is t h princ s

e e e e e . e e
w
h h av instill d into t h ir subj cts h arts not f ar of
’
o e e e e e ,
e
t h ir cru lty but lov of t h ir goodn ss t h at h av r i gn d
w
e e e e e , e e e
long in sa f ty I t i not t h m e h s rv b caus t h y

. s e en o e e e e e
must but h ob y from a r ason d ob di nc th at

, o e e e e e e, are
not to b susp ct d and e fr in all th ir d alin gs from

e e ar e ee e e
hypocritical flatt ry and n v r r b l unl ss driv n t it by e ,

e e e e e e o
outra g ous insol nc e e e .
I t i h ard t b t mp rat and t a bound to our d

“
s o e e e e se e
sir s wh n pow r is th r to s rv th m But i f you will

e , e e e e e e e .
a dvis hi m in th s matt rs and r mind hi m of wh at h now

e e e e e e
h ars in our pr s nc
e you will mak of hi m an xc ll nt
e e e, e e e e
Emp ror both f yours lv s and for v rybody and you

e or e e e e ,
will do t h gr at st favor to my m mory ; in this way only

e e e e
s hall you b abl t mak it immortal e e o e .

”
w
D ath did not find t h Emp ror unpr par d I nd d h
e e e e e . ee , e
h d m ditat d
a much ov r it that t h s h adow of a sus
e e so e e
pi ic on flits across on s mind th at h almost pp h e

’
e as a re en
s iv of d ath as if h f ar d l st som vil influ nc cor

e e ,
e e e e e e e e,
p o r eal w akn ss p rh aps migh t play hi soul fals and mak

e e e , s e e
h i m fac d ath a ft r t h mann r of l ss r p opl s and not

e e e e e e e e e ,
in t h antiqu Roman way But in r ality th s m dita

e e .
,
e , e e e
tions s h ar with many oth rs t h cloak of imp rsonality as

e e e e ,
if hi instinct h d b n to pr s rv hi high Stoical attitud

s a ee e e e s e
v n in communion with hi o wn h art So m plet ely h d h

e e s
'
e . co a e
practis d hi cr d th at s l f r straint s elf dominion s l f

fi ' fi n
e s ee ,
e -
e ,
-
, e
f d at h
w w
p k s ea s o e
r
d ath with a ch r ful e ee
mind ; hy s h ould dr ad it it is but an untying of what e e ,
lif h bound to g th r ? (M A I I Birth brings

w
” “
e as e e . .
,
c rtain l m nts to g th r d ath scatt rs th m apart (M A

e e e e e e , e e e
”
. .
IV , Eith r mad f atoms and th y will b

“
e e ar e e o ,
e e
scatt r d or if lif is a wh ol in its lf it will ith r surviv

e e ,
e e e ,
e e e
or b xtinguis h d (M A VI I 3 2 ) T h r will b ith r
e e e . .
, e e e e e
no s nsation at all or li f of som oth r kind (M A V I I I

e ,
e e e
”
. .
,
T h Stoic h lon g l arn d lik a dying man to d i

“
5 8) e as e e e ,
s
dain t h fl s h (M A I I e and w hat do s li f pro ff r

e
”
. .
,
“
e e e ?
S nsation d sir growth t h

e , f sp c h t h
e x rcis f
e, , e use o ee , e e e e o
r ason ? Wh at is th r h r to t m p t
e ? ( M A X I I e e e e e on e
”
. .
,
D ath is f N atur s doin g s

e (M A I I on e o e
’ ”
. .
,
“
it is a st p tak n by t h S pirit f univ rsal li f it is part
e e e o e e,
W
f li f s busin ss (M A I X 3 ; M A X A c hildis h
’ ”
o e e . .
, . .
,
ima gination may ascrib t rrors to d ath but l t a man s e e e ,

e
’
r ason look and it finds m r ly a proc ss f N atur a

e ,
e e e o e,
sta g in li fe must pass th rough th is mom nt f tim in

e.
“
e e o e
accordanc with N atur and com ch r ful to t h

e d e, e ee e en ,
imi tatin g t h rip oliv th at f alls praising t h arth that

e e e e e
bor it and grat ful to t h tr th at nurtur d it (M A

e e e ee e
”
. .
IV ,
And nothin g is commonplac as d ath Look ba c k so e e . .
Wh r Augustus Livia t h princ ss Julia Agrippa M

e e ar e , , e e , ,
ae
c nas and all t h at illustrious c ourt ? Wh r

e , t h d sc nd e e a re e e e
ants f t h gr at Pomp y Wh at nobl br d but may com

o e e e ? e ee e
to t h trit pitap h Last of hi rac ? (M A VI I I

e e e ,
“
s e
”
. .
,
Th past is long lin of burials t h h usband buri s hi

w w
e on e e ,
e e s
wi f and th n anoth r buri s him (M A VI I I How

w w
e, e e e . .
,
many wits h many wis p hysicians h many astrolog rs

,
o e ,
o e
h h av pr dict d d at h h
o e many conqu rors kin gs and
e e e ,
o e , ,
Emp rors h av di d ? (M A IV
e And wh n a man
e e . .
,
e
looks about hi m s s wh at t h world i and p rc iv s v n

w
,
ee e s, e e e e e
at hi b dsid th os th at will b glad to b rid f hi m (M A

w
s e e e e e o . .
X ,
wh at qu stion can h ask but p xp f f ; (How e e ,
e
'
t r vo s o
long 0 God ) (M A VI
,
And h bri f and i i t
? . .
,
o e n ev a
bl t h conclusion ! T h ou h ast mbark d th ou h ast mad

“
e e e e ,
e
t hy voya g th ou hast com to land N ow dis mbark (M A ”

e, e . e . .
III I t is almost t h D c k g t t d bi t
,
H f e o e ro s .
’ a s z u au s o
H inrich H in I f th is u known S hor b a land of t h

e e e . n e e e
living t h gods will b ther but i f it b oblivion th ou s h alt

,
e e e e ,
C H A P T E R X V I
T W O P A G A N C R I T I C I S M S
this c hapt r I s hall r f r to t h criticisms that h av

N e e e e e
b n mad upon Marcus Aur lius But first as a fitti g

ee e e .
, , n
prologu to apology I will b gin with som f

e an , e e a vo r a
bl t stimoni s of Dio Cassius (1 5 0 2 3 5

e e e H di -
er o an u s
(1 6 5 2 5 5
-
and suc h oth r historians of t h anci nt e e e
world as hav spok n f hi m in ord r to mak it plain at

e e o ,
e e
t h v ry first t h at outsid of c rtain sp cial criticisms t h r

e e e e e e e
i not h ing but ulo gy Dio Cassius us s t h s p h ras s

“
s e Al . e e e e :
ways pur honorabl and r ligious mind d (LXX I

so e, e, e -
e
”
,
H r f rain d from ll wrongdoing (do 3 4 )

“ ” “
e e e All a .
that h did was don for virtu s sak and noth ing fro m
e e e
’
e,
w
pr t ns (do
e e e Most f hi li f h sp nt in acts of
.
“
o s e e e
(do H gov rn d b tt r t h an anyon

“
b fi
en e c en c e . e e e e e e
h h o v r b n in pow r (do
as e e H ow d muc h to
ee e . e e
e ducation but mor to hi natural disposition f b for h

, e s ,
or e e e
was und r hi f amous t ach rs h t hi soul stalwartly

e s e e
“
e se s
toward virtu (do

w
”
e .
H rodian says H mad v ry virtu hi busin ss (I

e :
“
e e e e e s e ,
H was t h only king h h prov d hi p hilosop hy

“
e e o as e s ,
t by words but by h i sob r righ t ous and godly lif

o , s e ,
e ,
e
d ch aract r (do Wh n h di d h l ft a lon gin g f

e
”
. e e e e
“
e or
hi m in t h h arts f livin g m
e e and an immortal m mory of
o en e
hi virtu unto g n rations y t to com And at t h n ws ”

s e e e e e .
, e e ,
v ry man wh th r in t h army or civil li f was w i gh d

e e ,
e e e e, e e
down by gri f ; not a soul in t h whol Empir but r c iv d

e e e e e e e
th e n ws with t ars th y call d hi m th ir nobl f ath r

e e ,
e e e e e ,
th ir good Emp ror th ir gallant l ad r th ir wis and

e e ,
e e e ,
e e
t mp rat king And non spok f als (do

e e e . e e e
”
.
T WO P AGA N C R I T I C I S M S 1 99
E t pi u ro(f ourt h c ntury )

us Wit h out a doubt a mos t e :
nobl man e wh om it is asi r to wond r at th an t e e e o
prais ; H r stor d t h fortun s of t h commonw alth

e
” “
e e e e e e e
by h i virtu and hi g ntl n ss

s e s e e e .
S xtus Aur lius V ictor (fourth c ntury ) H h d all

e e e : e a
t h virtu s and a c l stial mi d ; Had it not b n for h i m

”
e e e e n ee
t h w h ol Roman Stat would h av toppl d ov r in a S ingl

e e e e e e e
f all ; On hi d at h Rom was ups t by t h public g ri f

” “
s e e e e e ,
t h S nators put on mourning and m t wit h t ars in t h

e e e e e
S nat c h amb r
e e No doubt d th at h h d gon t
e one e e a e o
h av n ; h ow v r h ard it mi ght b to b li v in t h asc nsio
w
e e e e e e e e e e n
of Romulus v rybody b li v d in th at of Marcus And

,
e e e e e .
”
Julius C pi t li t h bio g rap h r h is r ady to t ll

w
a o n u s, e e ,
o so e e
e vil sp aks f hi
, e ti t t q i lliot and pi t sand s a nc as , ra n u as, e as ,
t lls h
e v rybody lov d him t h old m lov d him as
o
“
e e e ,
e en e a
s on ,t h youn g m e a fath r th os mor f hi own g en as e , e e o s a e
as a broth r and ll spok f him und r th s s v ral

w
e ,
a e o e e e e e
nam s A d on t h day of hi fun ral no

e .
”
n ,
“
though t h e s e on e e
asto b lam nt d for all w r sur th at h h d b n l nt

e e e ,
e e e e a ee e
by t h gods and h d gon hom to th m And v rybody ll

w
e a e e e . e e ,
a
ag s v ry rank and class paid him honors as a g d and

e ,
e e , o ,
anyon h migh t by hook or crook g t hi pictur and did

e o e s e
not hav it in hi h ous was th ou ght to b a sacril gious

e s e, e e
wr tch And t h c h ronicl r adds th at v n in hi day in

w
” “
e . e e e e s
many a hous a statu tt f Marcus Aur lius stood amon g

e e e o e
t h h ous h old gods ; and t h at t h r w r m

e e h said th at e e e e en o
Marcus h d for told th m in dr ams of t h futur and h d

a e e e e e a
f or told truly
”
e .
I cit t h s scatt r d bits from th s variou s writ rs

e e e e e e e e ,
as
e vid nc f t h sp cial plac which Marcus h ld and con

e e o e e e e ,
d to h old f c nturi s in t h popular ima gination a

w
ti nu e or e e , e ,
plac p rsonal to hims l f quit distinct f rom hi position

e e e ,
e s
as f t h A to i n s
on e o h tak n tog th r r pr s nt d
e n n e ,
o, e e e ,
e e e e
to suc c ding g n rations a gold n g lik th at f t h

ee e e e a e e o e
po ts (as our f ri nd F ronto says ) ill d p ti

e , c l m
e ,
u a oe s s ae u u
m m m
a u r eu t m; f I r p at outsid
e f c rtain d fi
ora u o r, e e , e o e e
nit r proach s all t h world i in ag m nt th at Marcus

e e e ,
e s r ee e
Aur lius far trans c nd d t h moral m asur f ordinary

e e e e e e o
m en .
Of t h s r proach s which
e e t h r in numb r t h first
e e ,
a re ee e ,
e
two of t h sam kind but t h third com s from quit a

ar e e e , e e e
di ff r nt and ali n sourc and must b d alt with by its l f

e e e e, e e e .
Th first two h d b tt r b t fort h in t h f orm adopt d
w
e a e e e se e e
by t h most illustrious as w ll as t h most j ust and sympa

e ,
e e
t h tic f t h anci nt critics h in pr s ntin g t he two

e ,
O e e ,
o, e e
r proach s f ollows som traditional criticism rath r than

e e ,
e e
hi own opinion and by hi xplanation and argum nt quit

w
s , s e e e
tak s th ir stin g away I r f r to wh at th at stran g way

e e . e e e,
ward g nius t h Emp ror Julian w hom

e ,
call t h Apos
e e , e e
tat h said in h i satir Th C

e, as Th story is t his s e e aes a r s . e
Rom l us h ims l f d ifi d giv s a banqu t in h av n to

u ,
e e e ,
e e e e
c l brat t h f ast of t h Saturnalia to w hich h invit s t h

ww
e e e e e e , e e e
gods and t h Roman Emp rors Th gods com first and

e e . e e
tak th ir plac s Sil nus t h g h s rv s as t h mout h

e e e . e ,
e a , o e e e
pi c f satir sits b sid t h young and laught r loving

e e o e, e e e e -
Bacchus and mak s j ib s and j sts at t h Emp rors as

,
e e e e e
th y arriv
e by Julius Au gustus Tib rius and
e, o n e on e, , ,
e ,
so
on Cali gula no soon r app ars th an h i s iz d by t h

. e e e s e e e
F uri s and h url d h adlon g to Tartarus N ro also T h n

e ,
e e e ,
. e
follow Galba Oth o Vit llius V spasian Titus Domitian

, ,
e ,
e , , ,
N rva Traj an Hadrian and Antoninus Pius and all t h

e , , , ,
e
whil Sil nus cracks hi j ok s at th ir xp ns At last t h

e, e s e e e e e . e
pair f broth rs nt r Marcus and Lucius ; Sil nus looks

o e e e ,
e
cross f h can find noth in g to j r at or mak fun f

or e ee e o ,
e sp cially to Marcus And y t Sil nus pri s in m ddl

e as . e e e e e
som fas h ion ch ar gin g th at Marcus h d not don as h

e ,
a e e
s h ould in r gard to hi wi f and hi son in th at h mourn d

w
e s e s , e e
for F austina mor t h an was b comin g consid rin g h h d e e ,

e s e a
not b n a mod l f d corum ( af ) and as to hi

ee e o e K a
, s s on ,
in th at h put it in hi pow r to d stroy t h Stat alth ou gh

e s e e e e,
to you ; but sinc you know and nothin g is hi d f rom you
e , ,
you yours lv s will stimat m according to my worth

e e e e e .
”
F or Marcus s m d a wond rful p rson in v ryth ing

“
ee e e e e e ,
and in t his r sp ct xc ptionally wis [ such is t h r fl ction

e e e e e, e e e
w
of t h Emp ror Julian ] in that h k w as t h po t says
e e , e ne ,
e e ,
W h n it tim to sp ak and e as e e
Wh n it was b st to k p sil nt e e ee e .
Th gods did not vot at onc but ask d to h ar f rom t h
w
e e e, e e e
candidat s not only t h ir ac hi v m nts b t wh at ach

e e e e e u e
thought th d and purpos of li f Th godd ss F or

as e en e e . e e
tun int rrupts to complain that non of t h candidat s

e e e e e ,
e xc pt Augustus h d acknowl d g d th ir d bt to h But

e ,
a e e e e er .
M rcury proc d d with t h qu stionin g and ask d Al x

e ee e e e ,
e e
and r t h Gr at wh at h b li v d to b t h nobl st thing

e e e e e e e e e e
and w hat h h d striv n for Al xand r answ r d To con

e a e . e e e e ,
“
qu r t h w hol world Traj an I strov f t h sam

e e e .
”
,
“
e or e e
t hin gs as Al xand r only with gr at r mod ration Sil nus

e e , e e e . e
is b gi ning t quiz Traj an w h n Bacchus br aks in Go

e n o ,
e e :
“
to glory you j r at th m all and don t l t th m sp ak for

, ee e
’
e e e
t h ms lv s But stop your nons ns about t h m now and

e e e . e e e ,
s ee wh at you can say against Marcus H s ms to m a . e ee e
man to quot Simonid s four squar and b yond t h r ach

,
e e ,
‘
e e e e
f blam M rcury turn d to Marcus and ask d A d

’ “
o e . e e e ,
n
w hat do you think Marcus is t h d f lif Marcus , ,

e en o e
answ r d qui tly and sob rly To imitat t h gods Th

e e e e , e e .
”
e
irr pr ssibl Sil nus qu stions hi m T ll m w h at did you

w
“
e e e e e , e e,
u se to think was t h way to imitat t h gods ? Marcus e e e

”
answ r d To h av as f n ds as possibl and to do good

e e ,
“
e e ee e,
to as many as I could But sur ly said Sil nus you .

” “
e ,
”
e ,
“
n d d som th ing Marcus answ r d I n d d not hing

w
ee e e ?” e e
“
ee e
, ,
but p rh aps my body h d som littl n ds To t his qu s

w
”
e a e e ee . e
tion also Marcus

,
j ud g d to h av answ r d w ll Sil
,
as e e e e e . e
nus t a loss but at last r turn d to t h

as a points in,
e e e
wh ich h thought Marcus h d not don ri gh tly or r ason

e a e e
T W O P AGA N C R I T I C I S M S 2 03
ably to hi wi f and son in t h at h h d nroll d h

,
as s e ,
e a e e er
among t h d iti s and th at h h d ntrust d t h Empir t

w
e e e e a e e e e o
h i m Marcus answ r d I n th is also I imitat d t h gods ; “

. e e : e e
f I ob y d Hom r h says
w
or e e e o ,
S ur ly w h tso v r m ei goo d and soun d f mind

a e e an s o
Lov s h i w i f an d ch rish s h
e s o n e e e er .
A d as to my I h av Jupit r s own r asoning f h ’

n s on , e e e , or e
said to Mars Long ago I would h av smitt n you with my

,
‘
e e
t hund rbolt w r it not th at I lov you b caus you

e ,
e e my e e e a re
s on B sid s I n v r th ou ght th at my
.
’
e e would be bad
e s on e so .
And t hou gh hi youth assail d on all sid s by strong t mp

s ,
e e e
t ti
a swaying to and f was born down to t h wors
on s, ro, e e e,
h was not bad wh n I ntrust d t h Stat to hi m ; h turn d

e e e e e e e e
out to b bad a ft r h h d r c iv d it T h r for as to my

e e e a e e e . e e e,
wi f I act d in accordanc with t h v h m nt lov of god

e e e e e e e e
lik Ac h ill s and as to my son I follow d t h xampl of

e e ,
e e e e
almi gh ty Jupit r ; and b sid s I did no nov l th ing I t i

e e e e . s
t h custom to b qu ath t h succ ssion to on s sons and all

’
e e e e e e ,
fath rs pray that it may b so And I am not t h first to d

e e . e o
h onor to a wi f ; I did as many oth rs h av don P r h aps it

e e e e . e
would not b wis to initiat suc h practic s but it would

e e e e ,
bord r clos on inj ustic to d bar n ar st r lations fro m

e e e e e e e
doin g wh at h d b n don ov r and ov r again But I for g t

w
a ee e e e . e
mys l f I h av mad too long a d f nc b for you O Jupi

e ,
e e e e e e e ,
ter and y Gods h h av knowl d g of t his alr ady So

e ,
o e e e e .
pl as xcus my ov r z al Wh n t h d cision of t h gods

w
e e e e e e . e e e e
was announc d Marcus h d r c iv d a maj ority f t h vot s

e a e e e o e e
w
.
I n h i satir t h Emp ror Julian r ports t h only t

s e e e e e o
r proach s th at t h anci nt world cast at Marcus that h

e e e e ,
e
ld i d wron to iv to F austina divin h onors and to

e b e e
g g
ath t h Empir to Commodus On both th s point
e e e . e e s
Julian s d f nc s ms to m an ad quat pl a in miti ga

’
e e e ee e e e e
tion ; but I th ink h s h ould h av gon f arth r and as law e e e e , ,
yer s s ay d murr d to t
,
h indictm
e nt As to F austina
e I wil l e e .
,
m r ly r p at wh at I hav alr ady said t hat th r is no
w
e e e e e e e e
,
cont mporary vid nc f h misb h avin g as a wi f and

e e e e o er e e,
t hat historians today h conc rn th ms lv s with t h , o e e e e e
matt r such as Pro f ssor Bury and Mr T homas N lson

e ,
e . e
J rom w holly r j ct t h accusation As to Commodus I

e e, e e e .
,
will ampli fy Julian s d f nc ; and in ord r to do th is it ’

e e e ,
e ,
b com s p rtin nt to quot t h n ar st cont mporary account

e e e e e e e e e
of wh at took plac on Marcus s d ath e

’
e .
I t will b r m mb r d t h at Marcus s oth r sons h d di d

e e e e e
’
e a e ,
w
Titus Aur lius A li Antoninus A i V rus and H
,
e ,
e u s, ,
nn u s e ,
a
drian and only Commodus was l ft a b auti ful boy with

, e , e ,
gold n hair Marcus us d to call hi m my f llow soldi r

e . e
“
e e
and carry hi m in hi arms to s how hi m to t h m H h d

w
s e en . e a
spar d no pains on hi ducation ; and h d h not a right to

e s e a e
e xp ct th at hi
e m m m nm A m L s o n
h d f ound a lod gm nt in h i son s h art and in matur r

’
a e s e ,
e
y ars would x rt b fi t influ nc s ? Commodus was

e e e en e c en e e
naturally as fr f rom taint as any man ; Dio Cassius h im

ee
s l f r ports th is Th stori s told of h i boyh ood by Julius

e e . e e s
C pi t li
a b lon g to t h sam cat gory as t h scandals
o nu s e e e e e
h t lls f F austina And w h n Sil nus pr s ntin g t h c h i f

e e o . e e , e e e e
traditional r proach complains t h at Marcus b qu ath d t h

e ,
e e e e
Empir to C ommodu h must h av for gott n th at Marcus

e s, e e e
h d alr ady cr at d h i m Augustus and h d con f rr d not

a e e e ,
a e e
only t h consuls h ip but also t h tribunician pow r ch i f

e e e , e
amon g t h imp rial pr ro gativ s and th at h h d don

e e e e , e a e so
in c omplianc with t h xpr ss r qu st f t h S nat C m

e e e e e e o e e e: o
m o d o i m per i u m g a m u s P r og en i em t u a m r o bo r a
ju s t u m ra . .
C o m m o d o An t on i n o t r ibu n i c i a m po t es t a t em r ag a m u s Th e .
S nat
e e h adb n t oroug ly scar d by Cassius s r b llion
ee h h e e e ,
’
th y f ar d that unl ss t h succ ssion f Commodus was

e e e e e e o
solidly stablis h d ambitious soldi rs might start up on all

e e ,
e
sid s and snatch at t h crown At th at tim t h S nat

e e . e e e e
c rtainly did not b li v vil f Commodus Th h orribl

e e e e e o . e e
wi c k d ss th at h did a ft rwards confus d public m mory

e ne e e e e
point d h ir and put a strang r in hi plac T his r proach
e e e s e
. e
i found d on t h wisdom t h at com s a ft r t h

s e e e v nt e e e e .
Th t hird r proac h proc ds from a wh olly di ff r nt

e e ee e e
sourc and r quir s a mor laborat xplanation

e, e e e e e e .
C H A P T E R X V I I
T H E RO M AN ATT I TU DE T O W A RD
C H RI ST I ANI T Y
ODE R N C hristian scholars blam Marcus Aur e e
lius for wh at th y t rm t h p rs cutions th at took e e e e e
plac i hi r ign T h y look back upon t h Early

e n s e . e e
C hurc h as Don Quixot look d back on t h Gold n Ag

,
e e e e e,
as a tim f innoc nc simplicity brot h rly lov and knowl

e o e e, ,
e e,
e d g f t h truth D i h
e o e d d di h ig l ,
“
q ll ! c os a e a , c os os s os a ue os
(t h at h appy g t h os h appy tim sa L t it b g rant d

e, e e e e e
that t h pictur of t h arly C hristian community paint d

e e e e as e
in t h b ginning of t h Book of Acts mi gh t still s rv to

e e e e e
d pict li f
e it was among t h simpl r con gr gations and
e as e e e ,
that t h maj ority f t hos arly C hristians w r worthy f

e o e e e e o
ll admiration Justin Martyr an h on st witn ss in h i
w w
a .
,
e e ,
s
m morial addr ss d to t h Emp ror Antoninus says B

w
“
w
e e e e e : e
for b cam C h ristians d li ght d in d bauch ry now

w
e e e e e e e e e ,
r j oic in purity f lif ; us d to practis ma gic rit s

ww
e e e o e e e e e
W
and sorc ry but now d dicat d to t h good unb
w
e ,
e a re e e e ,
e
g ott n God ;
e ,
us d to valu mon y and poss ssions abov
e e e e e e
e v rything but now

e ,
brin g tog th r all th at own e e e e
and s har with v ryon that n ds us d to h at

w
e e e e ee e e e on e
W w
.
anoth r and kill anoth r and b caus f a di fl

w w
'
e , on e e , , e e o er en ce
o f custom or nationality would not admit stran g rs ,

e e
within our doors but sinc t h comi n g f C h rist all

w
, no e e o e
liv to g th r
e epray for our n mi s ; try to win ov r
e . e e e e e e
t h os h h at us unj ustly so th at by livin g in accordanc

e o e ,
e
with t h nobl pr c pts of C hrist th y may b com par

e e e e e e e
tak rs with us in t h sam j oy ful hop s f obtaining our

e e e e o
r ward from God t h Lord of all (Ap l X I V ) Aristid s
e ,
e . o . . e
o f At h ns in h i p tition to Antoninus says v n mor

e ,
s e ,
e e e
.
N v rt h l ss Justin and Aristid s

e e e e advocat s and stat e a re e e
th ir cas as forcibly as th y can An opposin g advocat

e e e . e
mi ght conc d all th is as to t h g nuin discipl s f C hrist

e e e e e e o ,
and y t h could also point to di ff r nc s in dogma and

e e e e e
mutual criticisms b tw n disa gr ing s cts (and produc e ee ee e ,

e
witn ss s too ) as si gns that broth rly lov amon g C hris

e e , ,
e e
tians was not univ rsal ; h migh t submit th at not all of t h

e e e
goodly f llows h ip ndur d to t h

e d but t h at som aposta
e e e en ,
e
t i d and som b tray d t h ir f llows H mi gh t also disput

z e e e e e e . e e
t h claim t h at C h ristians h d knowl dg

e f t h trut h But a e e o e .
l t us grant t h at t h ou gh C h ristianity could not fr

e poor ee
h umanity f rom all frailty and wrongdoin g it did th n , so e
mor t han it do s now th at it mad many m and wom n

e e ,
e en e
ki d p
n , .
and tru and som h roic and th at Justin s
u r e, e, e e ,
’
d es c r h i f llow C h ristians on t h w h ol
s i tru e , e e, s e .
f t h mod rn C h ristian accusation a g ainst

o e e
Marcus A l do s not li in t h f act th at t h C h ristians

u re 1 u s e e e e
w in oc nt and good but th at h t h p rs cutor was

ere n e ,
e, e e e ,
innoc nt and good T h ir cond mnation s ms almost to

e . e e ee
indicat a f ar l st th is lack f und rstanding and sympathy

e e e o e
in a man w h om all t h world th ms lv s xc pt d r gards e ,

e e e e e e ,
e
as t nd r h art d and pron to m rcy s h ould cast a sh adow

e e -
e e e e ,
o f r proac h upon t h C h ristians f t h at g n ration F or it

e e o e e .
mi ght b t h ou gh t by som indi ff r nt p rson th at t h f ault

e ,
e e e e ,
e
did not li xclusiv ly with t h Emp ror Som su c h notion

w
e e e e e . e
may h av pass d th rou gh t h minds of th os arly C h ristian

e e e e e
apologists M lito Bis h o p f Sardis and T rtullian h

,
e ,
o ,
e ,
o
say th at o ly t h wick d Emp rors such as N ro and Domi

n e e e e
tian p rs cut d t h C h ristians and th at und r t h good Em

e e e e ,
e e
p Marcus includ d th r w r no p rs cutions and so

er o r s , e ,
e e e e e e ,
e vad t h di l mma On t h oth r h and M lito and T t l

e e e . e e ,
e er u
lian may h av spok n out f i gnoranc But l t us assum

e e o e . e e
th at t h C h ristians w r in oc nt and good ; y t it cannot

e e e n e e
r p ating t h words spok n b sid J b w ll to t h woman
e e e e e e aco
’
s e e
of Samaria ? Wh oso v r drink th f th is wat r s h all thirst

“
e e e o e
a g ain but whoso v r drink th f t h wat r t h at I s h all giv

: e e e o e e e
hi m s h all n v r t h irst ; but t h wat r t h at I s h all giv hi m

e e e e e
s h all b in him a w ll f wat r springin g up into v rlasting

e e o e e e
li f (St Jo h n iv 1 3
e . Th m an st f h i subj cts h d
.
,
e e e o s e a
acc ss to this livin g spring Th martyr Sanctus f i

e . e ,
or n
stanc i t h midst of t rribl su ff rings in t h amph i

e, n e e e e e
t h atr t Lyons alth ou gh hi body was continuous “
w
e e a , s on e
wound mangl d and s hriv ll d and h d ntir ly lost t h

w
,
e e e ,
a e e e
f orm f man to t h o xt rnal y r main d ( thos h e e e e e e e so e o
hi m said ) unsubdu d and uns h ak n firm in hi

“
sa f e e ,
s co n es
ion r fr s h d and str n gt h n d by t h c l stial fountain

,
e e e e e e e e e
of livin g wat r th at flows from C h rist O f cours it would

e .
”
e
h av b n impossibl f
e ee a man ducat d as Marcus Aur e or e e e
lius h d b n to acc pt t h r ligious b li f s f th is h roic

a ee ,
e e e e e o e
martyr but it mi gh t h av b n possibl for him to l arn

w
,
e ee e e
t h at a man not a Roman unl tt r d i gnorant f phil

, , e e e ,
o os o
phy w h os lot in li f p r h aps h d b n to b a slav

, e to h e e a ee e e, e
wood and draw wat r could b a h ro T h is th n is t h e ,

e e .
,
e ,
e
oth r sid of t h tra g dy th at t h Emp ror livin g in t h

e e e e ,
e e ,
e
midst f a soci ty in which much was cru l and vul gar

o e so e ,
h aunt d by di m appr h nsions f g r at r vils to com and

w
e e e o e e e e,
with p rsonal sorrows thick at hi h art did not know th at

w
e s e ,
th r e e a gr at company f p rsons scatt r d h r and

as e o e ,
e e e e
t h r in many parts f t h Empir h ch ris h d id als

e e o e e, o e e e
as pur hi own many of w h om w r j oyfully givin g

e as s ,
e e
t h ir liv s for t h v ry nds f wh ich h was sp ndi n g hi

e e e e e or e e s,
—
to bring th ir wills into h armony with t h divin will
e e e ,
and that in wh at h could nothin g but low sup rstition e s ee e
(M A I .
gross h abits (M A I I I
.
,
and fanatical . .
,
obstinacy (M A VI I I 4 8 ; X I 3 ) th r was r ally t h

. .
, ,
e e e e
sam h roic s lf cons cration to which h h d d dicat d h i

e e e
-
e e a e e s
own li f Marcus Aur lius could not h manly sp akin g

e . e ,
u e ,
h av b com a C h ristian ; hi spiritual task was not to f l

e e e s o
R O MAN AT T I T U D E
w
211
low t h footst ps f J sus of N azar th but to t b for t h

e e o e e ,
se e e e
world t h xampl f a man h without t h support f a

e e e o o, e o
sup rnatural cr d liv d as if h w r walking in t h sigh t

e ee ,
e e e e e
of a p rsonal g de o .
I t is now tim to t b f or t h r ad r t h various caus s

e se e e e e e e e
which not only pr v nt d ducat d Roman g ntl m n br d e e e e e e e e ,

e
upon t h cosmopolitan doctrin s f Stoicism from obtainin g

e e o ,
an inklin g f t h goodn ss and innoc nc f t h C hristians

o e e e e o e ,
but also fill d t h ir minds with all mann r f vil th oughts

e e e o e
conc rnin g th m F or it i b yond qu stion that not only t h

e e . s e e e
common p opl but also t h most ducat d Romans th os

e e, e e e ,
e
f art h st f rom t h r ach f pr j udic

e did b li v t h gross
e e o e e, e e e e
es t calumni s To S h ow w h at t h os
e calumni s w r it will
. e e e e,
b b st to cit cont mporary vid nc I quot f rom a c h arm

e e e e e e e . e
i g littl book writt n at or about t h is tim

n e by a distine e,
g i h d advocat
u s e at t h Roman bar Mi i F lix in
e e ,
nu c us e ,
w h ich und r t h guis of a discussion b tw n two fri nds

w
,
e e e e ee e ,
Octavi us a C hristian and C ili a pagan t h author

, ,
a ec u s, ,
e
pr s nts h i bri f on b h al f f t h
e e s r li gion th at h
e e o e ne e e
h ims l f h adopt d
w
e as e .
Th two f ri nds Octavius and C

e i li
e to g th r with
,
a ec u s, e e
t h t ll r f t h tal
e e e h i to act as umpir
o e g down f rom
e, o s e, o
Rom to Ostia f a h oliday Th courts

e or t sittin g and . e are n o ,
t h l isur class h
e e l ft town to nj oy t h vintag s ason
e as e e e e e
a ft r a h t summ r Th fri nds walk along t h bank f t h

e o e . e e e o e
Tib r till th y r a ch t h
e ; h r th y S it upon a br ak
e e e s ea e e e e
wat r th at s rv s to prot ct bath rs and a ft er watch ing

e e e e e , ,
boys skip S h lls ov r t h rippling wat rs t h y f all into

s ea e e e e , e
a r li gious ar gum nt Th pagan b gins by d plorin g t h

e e . e e e e
atta c k th at h b n mad upon t h gods by c rtain f llows

as ee e e e e
b lon gin g to a s ct wh os cas is hop l ss proscrib d and

e e e e e e ,
e ,
d sp rat T h y h av gath r d tog th r from t h low st

e e e . e e e e e e e e
dr gs f t h p opl a numb r f ignorant m and cr dulous

e o e e e e o en e
wom n always r ady to b li v anything and h av f orm d

e ,
e e e e ,
e e
a rabbl of impious conspirators At th ir nocturnal gath r

e . e e
in gs at th ir sol mn fasts and barbarous m als not sacr d
,
e e ,
e ,
e
rit s but crim s constitut t h ir bond of union I t is a p opl

e e e e . e e
t hat lurks in darkn ss and s huns t h li ght I ll w ds e e . ee
g row apac T h s vicious habits

e .spr adin g day by day
e e a re e .
Th abominabl s cr t h aunts w h r t h s impious wr tc h s

e e e e e e e e e e
h old t h ir m tings
e incr asing in numb r all ov r t h
ee are e e e e
world T h s x crabl conspirators must b root d out

. e e e e e e e .
T h y r cogniz
e e anoth r by s cr t signs and marks !
e one e e e
Aft r t h bri f st acquaintanc th y lov

e e e e anot h r ! A e e e on e e
kind f r li gion f s nsuality pr vails amon gst th m ; th y

o e o e e e e
call th ms lv s promiscuously broth rs and sist rs and

e e e e e ,
und r t h cloak f th s nam s

e e guilty f t h most b astly
o e e e are o e e
o ff nc s
e e T h d tails of t h initiation of novic s
. e e e e a re
as h orribl as th y w ll known A baby wrapp d up in

w
e e are e .
,
e
dou gh to d c iv t h unwary is brou ght to t h would b

e e e e , e -
e
novic h misl d by t h coatin g of dou gh i induc d to

e, o, e e , s e
d al wh at
e appar ntly h arml ss blows and s cr tly stabs
a re e e , e e
it to d ath T h n s h am on th m th y th irstily lick up

e . e —
e e —
e
t h c h ild s blood and ag rly diss ct h i limbs T h is victim

’
e e e e s .
is th ir bond f union Complicity in t h crim is th ir

e o . e e e
pl d g f mutual sil nc Suc h rit s

e e o mor abominabl e e . e ar e e e
t h an any acts f sacril g Wh at tak s plac at th ir ban

o e e . e e e
q t is also w ll known Ev rybody talks about t h m v ry

ue s e . e e e e
wh r and t h oration of our distin guis h d fri nd from

e e, e e e
Cirta confirms it On a fix d day th y ass mbl to g th r . e e e e e e ,
ch ildr n sist rs mot h rs p o p l f both s x s and of all

e ,
e ,
e ,
e e o e e
ag s A ft r muc h f astin g a dog f ast n d to t h lamp is

e . e e ,
e e e
coax d by som pi c s f m at th rown to it to spring i

e e e e o e ,
v o
l t ly b yond t h l n gt h of its c h ain Th lamp w h ic h would

en e e e . e ,
h av b n an inconv ni nt witn ss is ov rturn d and x

e ee e e e ,
e e e
t i g i h d A ft r t h is riot and ind c ncy r ign supr m

n u s e . e I ,
e e e e e.
purpos ly omit much wh at I h av alr ady said is too much

e : e e ,
and all or most f it i s hown to b tru by t h v ry atmos

o s e e e e
f s cr cy w h ic h surrou ds t h is impious r li gion

”
p h er e o e e n e
(Oc t a vi u s IX X ) , , .
2 14
th J w
MARCUS AURELI US
w
Do you lik oth rs b li v th at and w
w
e e : t m e e e e e e ea en ,
W
, ,
w h n m t a ft r our f ast put out t h lights and wallow

e e ee e e e
in promiscuous b stiality ? (D i l i th T yph X ) And e

”
a . r o, .
,
with qual dir ctn ss T rtullian a g n ration lat r in hi

e e e ,
e ,
e e e s
Ap l g y says call d t h wick d st wr tch s on “

o o , : e ar e e e e e e e
acco nt of our sacram nt f killing babi s and making food

u e o e
o f t h m and on account of inc st aft r t h banqu t b caus

e ,
e e e e ,
e e
th e dogs ov rturn t h lamps (our pand rs f darkn ss in

e e e o e
g ood trut h ! ) and h lp on t h S h am l ssn ss f our impious e e e e e o
lusts ! (Ap l VI I ) All this I quot b caus it is n c ssary

w
”
o . . e e e e e
to r lat t h f acts as t h y w r pr s nt d to th at sad soli

e e e e e e e e e ,
tary lov r f j ustic and m rcy h instinctiv ly dr w

,
e o e e ,
o e e
back f rom this strang innovating ori ntal s ct with t h e, ,

e e e
sam disdain th at h s how d toward all th at h und rstood

e e e e e
to b d grading
e e .
Suc h t h n was t h univ rsally acc pt d

e ot t L t us e e e e re
mfe
e
m
.
now glanc at t h e k dust of

e c au s a
calumni s th at in spit f innoc nc f godly liv s of

e ,
e o e e, o e ,
m morial and apolo gy Romans of v ry class t h most

e , e e ,
e
w
educat d w ll as t h mob b li v d th m with S O pitiabl
e as e e ,
e e e e e
a confid nc Th attitud f t h ducat d was bas d on con

e e . e e o e e e e
t mpt as know f rom t h xpr ss d opinions of a tol ra

w
e ,
e e e e e e
bly lon g list of m high in offic proconsuls and gov rnors en e, e ,
a class f which sc h olars hav said

o can find amon g th m e ,
“
e e
xampl s occasionally of cru lty occasionally of rapacity

w
e e e , ,
but n v r f incomp t nc T h s m look d upon t h

e e o e e e .
”
e e en e e
C hristian dogmas th at a J crucifi d as a criminal is God , e e ,
th at a ft r b in g d ad h b cam aliv again as t h t n ts

e e e e e e e , e e e
f a d bas d sup rstition and proo f s f an irrational mind
w
o e e e ,
o .
Th first of t h s Romans to com u p on t h C h ristian d g

e e e e e o
w
mas was Gallio S n ca s broth r gov rnor f Ach aia h , e e
’
e ,
e o ,
o
tr at d th m with cont mpt (Acts xviii 1 2

e e e Th s cond e .
,
e e
was F stus gov rnor f Judaca h said to K in g Agrippa

e , e o ,
o ,
in xplainin g t h natur f t h accusation against Pa l

e e e o e u
“
T h r is a c rtain man l ft in bonds by F lix about
e e e e e :
wh om wh n I
e e
,
ROMAN ATTI TUD E
w
at J rusal m t h ch i f pri sts and t h
e
ld rs f t h J ws in form d m d siring to h av j udgm nt

o e e
as
215
e
e
e,
,
e
e e e
e e
e
a gain t hi m s A gainst wh om w h n t h accus rs stood

. e e e
up t h y brought non accusation of such things I p

,
e e as su
pos d but h d c rtain qu stions a gainst hi m of th ir own

e : a e e e
sup rstition and f

e J sus which was d ad whom Paul
,
o on e e ,
e ,
affirm d to b aliv (Acts xxv 1 5 And wh n at t h

w
”
e e e , e ,
e
h arin g in t h pr s nc of K ing A g rippa Paul d l d th at

e e
y e e e ,
c a re
J sus
e rais d from t h d ad and h d spok n to him f ro m
as e e e a e
h av n F stus xclaim d Paul t hou art b sid th ys lf “

e e ,
e e e , ,
e e e
(M l y II iJ
a iz A ) muc h l arning doth mak th
,
a e mad (Acts e e ee
xxvi ,
T h s mystical doctrin s which to t h conv rts
e e e , e e
s m d doubly sacr d b caus th y w r b yond t h r ach

w
ee e e e e e e e e e e
o f a mind untouc h d by grac w r to t h Romans s h r e e, e e e ee
lunacy Som fi fty y ars lat r Tacitus h at tim was

w
. e e e , o on e e
a provincial gov rnor sp aks f t h C h ristian b li f as a

w
e ,
e o e e e
“
p rnicious sup rstition ( p t i t i i ti bili ) Su tonius
e e
”
su er s o e a s . e ,
h h d s rv d as s cr tary to t h Emp ror Hadrian calls

o a e e e e e e ,
it a mali gnant sup rstition ( p t i t i m l fi ) Pliny

“
e su er s o a e ca .
,
gov rnor f Bithynia us s t h word madn ss ( m ti )

w
“
e o ,
e e e a en a
and t h p h ras a d grad d and gross su p rstition ( p

w
“ ”
e e e e e su er
s titi p o t i m m di )
ra va T h m e h nt rtain d t h s
o ca . e en o e e e e e
opinions w r as f t h h igh st rank and som
w
e e, e s ee, o e e ,
e
f amous in lit ratur Th C h ristians w r w ll awar

e f t h is
e . e e e e e o
attitud of int ll ctual disdain F rom Justin Martyr

e e e . e
l arn th at t h Romans still mploy d t h sam word to

e e e e e e
d scrib C h ristian b li f th at F stus us d to Paul ; h says

e e e e e e e ,
F or t h is b li f t h p opl accus us of madn ss

e e e e e e e
(Ap l X I I I ) Mi
o . i F lix says it was consid r d a
. nu c u s e e e
“
vain and crazy sup rstition ( p t i ti t d m ) e
”
su er s o va na e e en s .
T h is was t h attitud of t h ducat d Roman offi cial ; v ry

e e e e e e
much t h attitud th at British rul rs in E gypt would tak

e e e e
toward t h Mah di or som wild prop h t from t h d s rt

e e e e e e .
T h proconsul V i g lli
e S t i in t h cours of t h e us a u rn n u s , e e e
trial f Th S t t o Sp t e t l h ld at Cart h ag
a e vs . er a u s e a .
, e e
(A D . also us s t h sam word madn ss
. e e e e
Anoth r word t h at t h G ntil s appli d to C h ristian do gma

e e e e e
in St Paul s tim was u pi whic h our auth oriz d v rsion

.
’
e to a
,
e e
translat s as f li h (I Cor i 2 1
e T h at word too
oo s n es s .
, , , ,
was mploy d ov r a hundr d y ars lat r in t h r i gn f

w
e e e e e e , e e O
Marcus Aur lius At P rgamum in t h provinc of Asia

e . e ,
e e ,
t h proconsul h pr sid d at t h trial in S t t C p e e e a e vs . ar os
w
e o
l says to t h prison rs Don t talk foolis hn ss (P3) “ ’ ”

e t a .
, e e ,
e
)
'
and a ain in t h cours of t h trial h r marks
w
;
a cver e e e e
u p g ,
e e ,
th at h h al r ady allow d t h m to talk a gr at d al f

e as e
“
e e e e o
nons ns ( AA éd
e e dk pfi ) Suc h was t h
”
o
‘
cr
p c as 0 6
-
va o ai
'
. e o 1 n 1 on
o f all t h s h i gh ly train d civil s rvants To t h m t h is pas

e e e e . e
i t
s o n a e, irrational r li gion was a sp ci s f f r nzy possibl e e e o e ,
e
only f un ducat d sup rstitious minds f t h low st social

or e e ,
e , o e e
‘
class s e .
Th origin f t h infamous calumni s is not quit

e o plain e e e so .
B t calumny is lik a spark t h at n ds but tind r to cr at

u e ee e e e
a blaz H r t h fu l was r ady I n t h b ginni ng t h

e . e e e e e . e e ,
e
e arly C h ristians w r mostly J ws and s h ar d in t h m e e e , e e u
popularity f t h at rac Gibbon says f t h m Th sull n

o e . o e ,
e e
obstinacy with w h ic h th y maintain d th ir p c uliar rit s

w w
e e e e e
and unsocial mann rs s m d to mark th m out a distinct e ee e e
s p ci s f m
e e h boldly pro f ss d or
o en ,h f aintly dis o e e ,
o
g uis d t h
e ir implacabl
,
h atr d to
e t h r st of h uman kind e e e e
”
(D li ec d F ll t C h ap XV ) And not only w r t h

ne an a , e c .
, . . e e e
first conv rts to C h ristianity dislik d by t h Romans b caus

e e e e e
t h y w r J ws but th y w r also hat d by th ir f llow

w w
e e e e ,
e e e e e e
J ws I t was t h chi f pri sts t h scrib s and t h ld rs

e . e e e ,
e e ,
e e e ,
h rais d t h clamor t h at caus d J sus to b cru c ifi d

o e e h e e e e ,
o
ston d St p h n and laid in wait to kill Paul drov him f rom

e e e , ,
e
city to city and h al d hi m b for ma gistrat s T h y

,
e e e e . e re
g ard d C h ristians as apostat s r n gad s and traitors
w
e e , e e e , .
Wh n Paul arriv d in Rom t h chi f of t h J ws said to

e e e, e e e e
h i m as con c rnin g t h is s ct know th at v rywh r it is

“
e e ,
e e e e e
spok n a gainst (Acts xxviii

e And Justin r cords th at
”
,
e
218 MARCUS AURELIUS
t hat w hic h t h sp ak rs did t wis h to b und rstood by
e e e no e e
e av sdropp rs B sid s this t h C hristians h ld t h ms lv s

e e . e e ,
e e e e e
aloo f as sup rior p rsons from th ir f llows T h y would

,
e e ,
e e . e
not go to t h circus or t h gam s for th y j ud g d circus

e e e ,
e e
and gam s to b wick d ; t h y would not b pr s nt at f sti

e e e e e e e e
vals for all f stivals w r accompani d by pagan rit s ;

,
e e e e e
th y would not acc p t public o ffic and sought to vad

e e e, e e
military s rvic ; th y would not illuminat th ir h ous s

e e e e e e
wh n all t h world ls was r j oicing ; th y would not tak

e e e e e e e
oaths r quir d in busin ss d alings I n s hort th y consti

e e e e . e
t t d a world apart and would not mix with ot h r m

u e e en .
Mor ov r t h C h ristians quarr ll d amon g th ms lv s and

e e ,
e e e e e e
in co s qu nc of t h misb h avior of c rtain Gnostic s cts

n e e e e e e e
(so t h C h ristian hi storian Eus bius says ) a c rtain i m
w
e e e
pious and most absurd suspicion was spr ad abroad among e
t h unb li v rs r sp cting
e e e e as f p rsons h h d unlaw
e e u s, o e o a
ful comm rc with moth rs and sist rs and mad

e e of e e e u se
e x crabl food (E l H i t I V
e e F rom som suc h
”
c c es . s .
, e
caus s and in som such way t h vil r putation f C h ris

e ,
e , e e e o
tians sprang up and r ach d its h ight in t h tim of Marcus e e e e e
Aur liuse .
C H A P T E R X V I I I
VERN M EN T G O
HE policy f t h Roman gov rnm nt in matt rs f o e e e e O
r ligion h d b n w ll stablis h d long b for t h

e a ee e e e e e e
acc ssion f Marcus Aur lius T hat policy was g

e o e . en
ly tol rant not much from motiv s f ma gnanimity

w
er o u s e ,
so e o
as f rom r li gious indi ff r nc and political good s ns

e e e e e e.
Roman citiz ns ind d ow d a duty to t h Roman gods h

e ,
ee ,
e e o
h d watc h d ov r t h
a Roman Stat and bl ss d it with
e e e e e e
victory but t h inh abitants f conqu r d provinc s w r at

, e o e e e e e
lib rty to wors hip th ir nativ gods a ft r t h ir own fas h ion

e e e e e .
Th Roman r ligion was f r

e f rom bigotry almost wh olly
e ee ,
fr mi ght say from all r li gious motions and Roman

ee, o n e ,
e e ,
Roman god s w r littl mor e e e e
bols vagu mbodim nts f forc s ill und rstood

, e e e o e e ,
and w r ch rish d by t h Stat l ss f t h sak f privat

e e e e e e e or e e o e
d votion than b caus th y s rv d as divin mbl ms f

e e e e e e e e e o
Roman pow r I n t h arly days of t h R public t h pi ty

e . e e e e e e
of t h gov rnin g class h d b n gr at and t h n t h Roman

e e a ee e , e e
gods f ling t h touch of j alousy h d d clar d th at t h

,
ee e e ,
a e e e
Romans s h ould h av non oth r gods but th m Th cours e e e e . e e
of conqu st n c ssarily c h an g d t h os
e arly notions Prov
e e e e e .
inc was add d to provinc and gods of t h conqu r d lands

e e e, e e e
w r admitt d into t h Roman panth on Som f th s w r

e e e e e . e o e e e e
discov r d to b gods and godd ss s wh om t h Romans h d

w
e e e e e e a
wors h ipp d und r oth r nam s But wh at v r form t h

e e e e . e e e
adoption or acc ptanc f diviniti s might tak t h

e e o ne e e, e
und rlying caus at work was t h sw lling f t h Roman

e e e e o e
Stat into an Empir Th old Roman gods cold and i m
e e . e
,
p rsonal mi ght satis fy a st rn s l f controll d simpl p

e ,
e ,
e -
e , e eo
p l e, t h y w r inad quat to s rv t h n ds f m and

e e e e e e e e ee o en
wom n of mor ard nt t mp ram nt or troubl d with spirit

e e e e e e e
ual d sir s ; suc h p rsons n d d myst ry and n d d pas

e e e ee e e ee e
sion and t h s t h y found i various forms of wors hip

,
e e e n
brou ght in f rom Egypt Syria and Asia Minor And as

w
, , . s o,
t h Roman pow r xt nd d fart h r and fart h r t h r w r
w
e e e e e e e , e e e e
s hiftin gs in t h Stat s attitud to ard r ligion and r ligious

e
’
e e e e
wors hip ; cults mad th ir way not only into I taly but
ne e e ,
into Rom its l f T h rough all th s ch ang s t h pol star of

e e . e e e e e
Roman policy was tol ranc So f as m r wors hip was e e . ar e e
conc rn d t h subj ct p opl s w r p rmitt d to do as th y

e e , e e e e e e e e e
lik de .
Tol ranc must h av its bounds ; and t h Roman policy

e e e e
of r ligious tol ration how v r broad mind d g n rous or

e e ,
e e -
e ,
e e ,
indi ff r nt h d c rtain r asonably d finit boundary lin s

e e ,
a e ,
e e e, e .
Th Romans n v r wis h d to constrain m n s consci nc s ;

’
e e e e e e e
th y m r ly insist d upon c rtain standards f outward

e e e e e o
conduct Just in I ndia t h Englis h do not p rmit t h

. as e e e
anci nt custom th at sacrific d a widow upon t h fun ral

e e e e
pyr f h husband t h Romans did not p rmit human

e o er ,
so e e
sacrific ; th y put down such practic s in A frica and in

e e e
Ga l Th s cond limitation upon lib rty of wors hip was a

u . e e e
pro hibition f rit s th at ith r ncoura g d or s rv d as a

o e e e e e ,
e e
scr n f gross immorality T his branc h f policy th ough

ee o r, . o ,
not t h imm diat caus f t h prohibition of C h ristianity

e e e e o e ,
was clos ly conn ct d with t h gov rnm nt s action and

e e e e e e
’
with out doubt r c iv d t h h arty support of public opinion

e e e e e .
Th b st known and most dramatic instanc

e e f t h applica e o e
tion f th is policy (b for t h att m p ts to suppr ss C h ris

o ,
e e e e e
ti
an i t y ) occurr d in t h days f t h R public not lon g aft r
,
e e o e e ,
e
t h S cond Punic war wh n t h g ov rnm nt int r f r d to

e e , e e e e e e e
put dow t h wors h ip of Bacchus Th popular f lin gs and

n e . e ee
b li fs f th at tim conc rnin g t h n wly introduc d cult

e e o e e e e e
Consul mad inv sti gations discov r d t h t th s w r Bac
e e ,
e e a e e e e
c h li
an a rit s and h aving call d t h p opl to t h forum
an e ,
e e e e e ,
addr ss d t h m as follows ]
e e e :
Romans n v r b for hav our p opl m t tog t h r

‘
,
e e e e e e e, e e e
h d a mor fit a mor n c ssary occasion to supplicat t h

a e ,
e e e ,
e e
g ods or to r m mb r t h at t h y t h gods wh om our f or
w
, e e e e ar e e e
f at h rs acknowl dg d for wors h ip v n ration and pray r ;

e e e , ,
e e ,
e
not strang gods h in fatuat m n s minds with d bas d

e o e e
’
e e ,
outlandis h rit s and driv t h m as i f goad d by t h furi s

w w
e , e e ,
e e e ,
to v ry kind of wick dn ss and vic

e e e e e .
I can ot t ll h
‘
far to sp ak out and h f to h old
n e o e o ar
my tongu I f I l av you not fully in form d I may b com

e . e e e , e e
r sponsibl for scanting prop r pr cautions ; i f I lay t h

e e e e e
W
wh ol matt r bar I f ar l st I s h ould t rri fy you too much
e e e, e e e .
Wh at v r I may say r st assur d th at it is l ss th an would

e e ,
e e e
b j ustifi d by t h atrociousn ss and magnitud of t h

e e vil
e e e e e .
s h all tak gr at pains to tak t h n c ssary st ps of

e e e e e e e e
pr v ntion
e e .
I am sur th at you alr ady know by r port and also

‘
e e e ,
by t h nois s and s h ri ks wh ic h r sound th rou gh t h city

e e e e e
at ni gh t th at Bacch analian rit s h av b n practis d in

,
e e ee e
v ry part of I taly and now in many parts f Rom its lf ;

e e ,
o e e
but you do not know wh at t h Bacch analian rit s m an e e e .
Som f you t hink it som kind f wors hip f t h gods

w
e o e o o e ,
oth rs th at it is a rath r riotous sport that do s not violat

e e e e
t h law and w h at v r it i
e ,
a ff cts only a f p opl e e s, e e e e .
A to t h ir numb rs if I t ll you t h at t h r many

w
‘
s e e ,
e e e ar e
th ousands I th ink you would b gr atly scar d unl ss I

, e e e ,
e
also told you h and wh at th y F irst th n a gr at

o e are .
,
e ,
e
part of th m wom n and th at was t h sourc f t h

e ar e e ,
e e o e
e vil ; t h m f t h foul st kind h alf mad wit h t h ir

e en ar e o e e , e
win and th ir midni gh t clan ging and ban gin g Up to now

e, e .
t h s ct still is w ak but it will b com v ry stron g ind d

e e e ,
e e e ee ,
b caus mor adh r nts j oin v ry day Your anc stors

e e e e e e e . e
n v r allow d t h p opl to h old m tin gs on casual p

e e e e e e ee re
e
P O L I C Y O F T H E G O V E R N M E N T 223
t xts ; ith r t h fl g h ung out on t h citad l and t h
e e
troops call d out f l ctions or t h tribun s summon d

e a w as e e ,
e
w
e or e e ,
e e e
t h pl b ians or som magistrat call d t h p opl to g t h r

e e e , e e e e e e e e .
T h y th ought th at wh r v r th r
e a crowd t h lawful e e e e e as , e
rul r of t h crowd s h ould b pr s nt
w
e e e e e .
But what kind th s m tin gs do you suppos h ld

w
‘
a re e e ee , e, e
at midnight m and wom n mi x d tog th r I f you k w

,
en e e e e ? ne
h o young t h boys initiat d you ould not only f l

e ar e e ,
ee
pity but s ham Romans do you think th at young m e .

,
en
initiat d by suc h an oath f f alty

e fit to b mad l o e ar e e e so
di rs ? Do you t h ink w apons s h ould b

e ntrust d to m e e e e en
marchin g forth f rom such a t m p l f b astlin ss ? S h all e e o e e
th s f llows taint d by th ir own and th ir comrad s

e e e ,
e e e e
’
d bauch s draw t h sword to d f nd t h h onor of your

e e ,
e e e e
wiv s and dau gh t rs ?

e e
N v r was th r g r at an vil in t h Stat nor

‘
e e e e so e e e e,
on e th at a ff ct d many p opl and many th in gs Wh at

e e so e e so .
e v r wick d act f lat y ars f lust or crim h b n don

e e o e e , o e, as ee e,
you may b sur it com s f rom t h at e r ligious s ct And

e e on e e e .
t h y h av not y t p rp trat d all t h crim s f wh ic h th y

e e e e e e e e or e
unit d T his criminal s ct as y t confin s its lf to privat

e . e e e e e
wron gs b caus it is not y t stron g nou gh to attack t h

,
e e e e e
Stat But t h vil in c r as s and s p r ads daily I t is alr ady

e . e e e e e . e
too gr at for p rivat citiz ns to c h ck it and it xp cts to

e e e e , e e
dominat t h Stat t te e e,
’
e c .
, e c .
Th consul s sp c h call d out a sympat h tic r spons A

’
e ee e e e e .
policy of r p r ssion was adopt d S v n th ousand p rsons

e e e . e e e
w r arr st d and mor t h an h alf punis h d with d ath Th

e e e e , e e e . e
S nat nact d a d cr th at no Bacc h analian rit s s h ould

e e e e e ee
“
e
b c l brat d in Rom or in I taly (Livy XXXIX C h aps

e e e e e , ,
.
8
H r th n t hr h undr d and mor y ars b for was t h
e e, e ,
ee e e e e e, e
anc stral pr c d nt almost t h count rpart f t h agitation

e e e e , e e , o e ,
alarm and cont mpt which t h Roman world f lt f t h

,
e e e or e
C hristians I n ach cas a for ign s ct i sol nt to t h R

. e e e e ,
n e e 0
224 MARCUS AURELIUS
man gods and ambitious to dominat t h Stat s ttin g at
w
, e e e, e
nou ght Roman usa g s and Roman pr j udic s introduc d a e e e ,

e
strang ritual and a myst rious cr d tau gh t a g d h

e e ee ,
o o
transc nd d human xp ri nc and a wors h ip t h at contra

e e e e e e
dict d r ason and in dark corn rs and s cr t ass mbli s

e e , e e e e e
wrought upon t h motions of t h un ducat d and sp ciallye e e e e e e
o f wom n I n ac h cas i gnoranc

e . cont mpt and f ar i m
e e e, e , e
a g i ned h orribl t h ings N or was t h application

e of t h is pr c. e e
e d t unr asonabl
en f in t h wors hip of Bacc hus and t h
e e, or e e
wors hip of C hrist t h r w r som l m nts of similarity ,

e e e e e e e e ,
suc h as a conviction d p r than r ason a s ntim nt f ee e e ,

e e o
h uman and sup r h uman pow r mingl d magical and mys

e e e ,
tical and at tim s a compl t abandonm nt to t h l ss com

,
e e e e e e
pr h nsibl impuls s of t h divin s p irit Th B h f

e e e e e e . e acc ae o
Euripid s indi c at s som thing of th is Both r ligions mad

w
e e e . e e
th esam g n ral im p r ssion

e e th
e populac Th policy e on e e . e
o f t h gov rnm nt e dictat d by its s cular int r sts by

e e as e e e e ,
t h lack f sympat hy in t h upp r class s and by t h sup r

e o e e e ,
e e
s t it i and pr j udic s f t h un ducat d and with tim

on s e e o e e e ,
e
gain d fr s h str ngth and solidity I t s ms to h av b com

e e e . ee e e e
so firmly stablis h d th at it did not n d to b mbodi d in

e e ee e e e
statut law but r main d a part f t h unwritt n

e ,
e ti t e o e e co n s u
tion as a polic r gulation rath r th an as an int r f r nc in

e e e e e e e
r ligious matt rs and as I h av said constitut d t h s cond

e e , e ,
e e e
e xc ption to t h g n ral Roman policy of r ligious tol ra

e e e e e e
tion .
1
I n addition to t h s limitations upon lib rty f wors hip e e e o ,
t h Roman Stat
e xact d vid nc of loyalty f rom its sub
e e e e e e
j c t p opl s ; and as t h Roman gods w r t h political

e e e e e e e
e mbl ms f t h Stat all subj cts w r oblig d to x pr ss

e o e e, e e e e e e
th ir all gianc by acts f wors hip toward thos gods To

e e e o e .
th e Romans th ms lv s indi ff r nt or sk ptical such

e e e ,
e e e ,
re
quir d acts w r political ; and all p opl s f polyth istic

e e e e e o e
r li gions acc pt d t his vi w and w r p rf ctly willin g to

e e e e e e e e
burn inc ns on t h altars of any gods sp cially f gods

e e e ,
e e o
2 26
gi
MARCUS AU RELIUS
to Rom by public acknowl dgm nt f t h
an c e e
to burn inc ns on t h ir altars to invok th ir int rv ntion

gods e e o e ne w ,
w
e e e , e e e e ,
or to sw ar by t h g nius f Ca sar O form f this

e
“
e e o e .
”
ne o
ne wors hip was t h cult f Rom and f t h r i gning e o e o e e
sov r i gn usually known as t h cult f R m d A g t

e e , e o o e an u us us .
T his cult was r c iv d with nthusiasm and spr ad th rou gh

e e e e e
t h provinc s f t h Empir
e e ast and w st I t h d its pri st
o e e, e e . a e
h ood and its ritual ; and no polyt h ist t h ou ght of prot stin g e e .
I n t h principal city f t h provinc a t mpl to R m

e o d e e e e o e an
A g t
u was built and t h r onc a y ar it s ms d l
us us ,
e e, e e ee ,
e e
g at s f rom t h larg r provincial towns us d to m t ; t h y

e e e e ee e
p r form d sacrific s in t h t mpl c l brat d gam s and

e e e e e e, e e e e ,
transact d c rtain busin ss assi g d to t h m I n th is way

e e e ne e .
t h cult was f ost r d and t h d ifi d Emp rors took t h ir

e e e ,
e e e e e
plac s amon g t h Roman gods Acc ptanc f t h s wgods

e e . e
0 ‘ v ‘ " fl
e o
“ t u u m
e e
N n.
,
Momms n e
. of
t he R o m a spiritual symbol
c o m m u n i s om n i u m
p f a t r ia, t he o
politi c al union and it h always to b born in mind

w
as e e
th at v ry [ lawy r ] must hav ran g d cont mpt f t h

e e e e e e o e
public gods amon g t h crim s d s rving d ath and it a

e e e e e ,
as
s h r impossibility in principl f any Roman stat sman

ee e or e
to accord to th os guilty of it v n tol ratione e e e .

”
So f as th is policy in r sp ct to t h compulsory wors h ip

ar e e e
o f t h gods f t h Empir a ff c t d p opl b li vin g in poly

e o e e e e e e e e
th ism it was p r f ctly succ ss ful Th conqu r d nations

w
e e e e . e e e
acc pt d t h authority f Rom ; t h y w r usually grat ful

e e e o e e e e e
for p ac and public ord r and a f gods mor or l ss was

e e e , e e e
no gr at matt r But amon g t h nations subj ct to Rom

e e . e e e
was a p culiar p opl Th J ws pr s nt d a nov l probl m

e e e
. e e e e e e e .
POLICY OF THE GOVE RNME NT 227
d m
om k pin g J ws dw lt
scatt r d abroad in w h e -
ee e e
w
ifi fi fe fi f mh h
’
a éf t
'
ae fi ere a e e e
citi s f Asia Mi or f Gr c as w ll as in Al xandria

e o n ,
o ee e, e e
and ls w h r Th bond th at h ld th m to g th r
e e e e . e th ir e e e e as e
r li gion T h is r li gion could not min gl and would not com

e . e e,
promis with anot h r r ligion as polyth istic cr ds w r

e, e e , e ee e e
r ady to do ; it ass rt d th at it alon was tru and t h at all

e e e e e
oth r r li gions w r f als Th Romans w r puzzl d as to

e e e e e . e e e e
wh at to do and th ir policy s h ift d accordin g to t h political

,
e e e
e xig nci s f t h imm diat occasion ; th y wis h d to avoid

e e o e e e e e
quarr ls and und r e ,

pr t xt or anot h r r v rt d to t h
e on e e e e ,
e e e e
g n
e ral principl
e of tol ration a g r d to a sort
e f concordat e ,
ee o ,
l t t h J ws maintain t h ir own ways and customs and

e e e e ,
e xcus d th m from complianc wi th t h imp rial c lt T his

e e e e e u .
policy h ow v r f ail d si gnally wh th r t h failur was d

,
e e ,
e , e e e e ue
to t h inh r nt anta gonism b tw n lov f national ind

e e e e ee e o e
p end and imp

en c e rial suz rainty or to ot h r caus s ; and
e e ,
e e
t h J ws r b ll d tim and again Th long war und r V

e e e e e e . e e es
pasian nd d in t h captur of J rusal m and t h d t

e e e e e e e es r u c
tion of t h T mpl (A D e B for t h clos f T j

e e . . e e e e o ra an s
’
r i gn t h J ws ros and p rp trat d f right ful massacr s

w
e ,
e e e, e e e e
in M sopotamia Babylonia Cyr n and Cyprus ; t h r volt

e , ,
e e, e e
as put down in a d lu g f blood Und r Hadrian war e e o . e
brok out again ; J rusal m was virtually d stroy d and t h

e e e e e e
Roman city f A lia Capitolina built upon its ruins A gain

o e .
,
in t h r i gn f Antoninus Pius th r w r furt h r r volts

e e o e e e e e e .
Apart from th s r b llions t h J ws w r p rsonally u at

e e e e e e e e e n
tractiv to t h Romans as Juv nal P rsius Tacitus and

e e , e , e , ,
oth rs b ar witn ss I t is v n said t hat Marcus Aur lius

e e e . e e e ,
w h n h visit d Pal stin toward t h

e e e d of hi r i gne e e en s e ,
w ari d out by t h r b llious spirit and t h uncl anlin ss of

e e e e e e e e
t h J ws cri d out 0 Marcomanni ! O Quadi ! O Sarma

“
e e ,
e ,
tians ! I hav at last found oth rs wors th an you !

e e e
During this sam p riod wh il t h gov rnm nt was f l e e , e e e e o

228 MARCUS AURELIUS
lowing a policy f opportunism in its d alings with a mono
o e
t h istic nation it found its lf also call d upon to formulat

e ,
e e e
a policy toward a monoth istic s ct w hich di sclaim d all

w
e e e
nationality At first t h practic s b li fs and s ntim nts

. e e ,
e e ,
e e
of t his s ct s m d to b akin to t hos f t h J wis h

w
ne e ee e e e o e e
r ligion and t h probl m whic h it pr s nt d s m d a sort

e ,
e e ,
e e e , ee e
of corollary to t h J wis h probl m Th s ct claim d to

e e e . e ne e e
b t h sol poss ssor

e e f trut h ; it was intol rant ; it was
e e o e
obstinat ; it d noun c d t h Roman d iti s as d mons or

w
e e e e e e e
fictions ; it acknowl dg d as it s m d two gods a supr m e e , ee e , ,

e e
god and C h rist a crucifi d J I t turn d out to b

on e ,
e e . e e
J wis h in origin but no f urt h r and to hav no nationality

e e ,
e
to giv it a local h abitation and confin it with in national

e e
boundari s I ts rit s w r s cr t and myst rious and it

w
e . e e e e e e ,
mad pros lyt s c hi fly amon g wom n slav s and t h low st

e e e e e ,
e , e e
ord rs f soci ty V ry soon all r al knowl dg f t h

w
e o e . e e e e o e ne
s ct was totally oblit rat d by t h clouds f sland r and mis

w
e e e e o e
in formation th at h ung th ick about it But f act cl ar . on e as e
b yond all qu stion t h

e s ct was at odds with w ll
e , e ne e e
establis h d laws f th Empir Th fundam ntal t n ts

'
e o e e . e e e e
of C h ristianity ass rt d th at t h Roman gods w r fals e e e e e e,
Divus Julius Div s Augustus and t h r st w r f antasi s

, u ,
e e e e e
o f fami ly prid or imp rial policy and constrain d all its

e e ,
e
b li v rs to r fus to sacrific on pa gan altars or to sw ar

e e e e e e e
by t h g nius f Ca sar T his was

e e o e .
t he law And in addition to all t his as a minor o ff nc t h

e
.
organization of t h
,
s ct into congr gations was a f

e ne
t h r vi olation of law F rom t h tim of Julius Ca sar t h .

w e
e
,
e
e
e
e
e,
ur
e
imp rial gov rnm nt s h ow d its l f suspicious of s cr t

e e e e e e e
soci ti s f aring l st th y b com c ntr s of conspiracy

e e ,
e e e e e e e ,
and h d forbidd n all p rsons to unit and form guilds

a e e e ,
Som tim s t h Roman ma gistrat s act d und r th ir g n ral
e e e e e e e e e
duty to k p t h p ac or s iz outlaws ; som tim s th y t

ee e e e e e e e e sa
in j udgm nt upon formal accusations But what v r t h

e . e e e
statut s or dicts may h av b n by t h b ginning of t h

e e e ee , e e e
s cond c ntury t h C hristian s ct h d xcit d

e e ,
e much e a e e so
h atr d and ab horr nc

e and h d acquir d a r putation for
e e, a e e
infamy and crim so confirm d solid and f r from

e, e ,
so , ee
e xcus or palliation comparabl for instanc to th at in

e ,
e, e,
Britis h history of t h proscrib d clan of t h M G g e e e ac re ors ,
t h at t h law r gard d t h m r fact of ack owl dg d m m

e e e e e e n e e e
h i p a capital o ff nc To pro f ss t h nam of C h ristian

w
b er s e e . e e e
m ant d ath ; no oth r proo f f tr ason ath ism or crim

e e e o e ,
e , e
of any sort n c ssary O may w ll suppos t hat

as e e . ne e e
among t h i gnorant fanatical and motional p opl s of

w w
e , ,
e e e
Cappadocia Asia Bithynia and Pontus th r may w ll h av

, , , ,
e e e e
b n many
ee conv rts h burni ng with z al to s cur
ne e o, e e e
for th ms lv s t h sacr d b n diction Bl ss d y wh n

e e e e e e e ,
“
e e are e, e
m en S h all cast out your nam as vil f t h Son of e e , or e
man s sak (L k vi
’
e not only p rsist d in glorifying
u e , e e
t h nam of C h ristian but also cramm d into it a mortal

e e ,
e
d fianc of ll th at t h r st f t h world b li v d in and

e e a e e o e e e e
h ld sacr d and stirr d t h ir unconv rt d n igh bors to an

e e ,
e e e e e
e qually passionat in di gnation Probably thos n ighbors

e . e e
brough t t h o ff nd rs b for t h magistrat s and insist d

e e e e e e e ,
e
on an n forc m nt of t h law But t hou gh t h mob may h av

e e e e . e e
ori ginat d and cri d out for t h punish m nt of C hristians

e e e e ,
on e must not j mp to t h conclusion th at Roman law was

u e
indi ff r nt to t h ri ghts of t h accus d Th vid nc v n

e e e e e . e e e e, e e
f rom C hris t ian sourc s is quit to t h contrary F stus says

e e e . e :
“
I t is not t h mann r of t h Romans to d liv r any man to
e e e e e
d i b for t h at h w hic h is accus d h av t h accus rs f ac t

e, e e e e e e e e o
fac and h av lic nc to answ r for hims lf conc rnin g t h

e, e e e e e e e
crim laid against hi m (Acts xxv

e And T rtullian ”
, e
says Your practic is not h astily to cond mn m with out

,
e e en
an indictm nt and a d f nc (Ad N t i

e II e e e a o n es , ,
P O L I C Y O F T H E G O V E R N M E N T 23 1
Th first c rtain information f t h position f a Roman
e e o e o
Emp ror upon t h matt r com s from T j famous l t

w
’
e e e e ra an s e
t
er, writt n probably about 1 1 2 A D in answ r to a
e , . .
,
e re
q st f instructions fro m Pliny t h Young r h at th at

w
ue or e e ,
o
tim was gov rnor of Bithynia Gr at numb rs of C h ristians

e e . e e
h d b n h ld for trial b f or P liny

a ee e h h d h d no p e e , o a a re
vio s xp ri nc of such crimi nal cas s and s ms to hav

n e e e e e ,
ee e
known but littl conc rning t h s ct Upon inv stigation as

e e e e . e ,
h writ s to t h Emp ror h found t h at inf ctious “

e e th e e ,
e e e
sup rstition h d spr ad all ov r from citi s and villa g s to

e
”
a e e ,
e e
r mot farms and h d laid h old upon p rsons f both s x s

e e ,
a e o e e ,
of v ry g and of all ranks His proc dur at t h trials

e e a e, . e e e
was this H ask d t h prison r i f h w r a C h ristian ; if

: e e e e e e e
t h prison r said h was Pliny warn d h i m

e e f t h p nalty e ,
e o e e
and r p at d hi qu stion a s cond and th ird tim I f t h

e e e s e e e. e
prison r p rsist d in ass rting th at h was a C hristian h

e e e e e ,
e
was ord r d away to d ath ; for Pliny f lt no doubt th at

w w
e e e e
w hat v r hi particular o ff nc s such contumacy d s rv d

e e s e e , e e e
xtr m p nalty of t h l Th prison rs h d ni d

w
the e e e e e a . e e o e e
t h c h arg w r r quir d to invok t h gods to o ff r inc ns

e e e e e e e e , e e e
b for t h Emp ror s statu and to curs C h rist T h os h

e e e e
’
e, e . e o
w r willing to apostatiz said th y h d don noth ing wors

e e e e a e e
th an to m t to g th r b for daybr ak and sin g h ymns to

ee e e e e e
C hrist as God and to bind th ms lv s by an oath not to

W
,
e e e
st al or rob or commit adult ry or b tray a trust Aft r

e , ,
e ,
e . e
th is arly s rvic th y nt th ir s v ral ways and m t

e e e e e e e e e
again lat r in t h day to partak f S impl food ; but th y

e e e o e e
h d v n giv n up t h is practic a f t r Pliny in fulfillm nt

a e e e e e ,
e
of t h Emp ror s ord rs h d forbidd n all nauthoriz d

e e
’
e ,
a e u e
associations Pliny ask d t h Emp ror s wis h s on various

. e e e
’
e
points and in partic lar as to puni s hm nt and inv stiga

,
u ,
e e
tion and wh t h r t h nam its l f is to b punis h d v n

, ,
e e
“
e e e e e ,
e e
i f th r is no vid nc of abominations or wh th r t h
e e e e e ,
e e e
abominations w h ic h n c ssarily impli d in t h nam ar e e e e e e ar e

to b pu is h d (Pliny s L tt rs X
e n To this l tt r
e
’
e e , , e e as k
ing couns l t h Emp ror r pli d e e e e e
MY
w
D E A R P LrNY
You hav don j ust w h at you ou ght in your disposition
e e
o f t h os cas s con c rnin g t h os

e h w r accus d b for you
e e e o e e e e e
o f b in g C h ristians I t i impossibl to lay down any d finit

e . s e e e
f orm f proc dur as f univ rsal application N o s arc h is

o e e o e . e
to b mad f t h m I f th y
e e ac c us d and convict d th y
or e . e are e e e
must b punis h d ; with this proviso t h at i f t h accus d d ny

e e , e e e
t h at h is a C hristian and prov it by hi acts t hat i by

e e s ,
s,
wors hi pping t h gods th n hi r p ntanc will ntitl h im

e ,
e s e e e e e
to pardon althou gh in t h past h may hav b n subj ct to

, e e e ee e
suspicion Anonymous accusations must h av no w i ght

w
. e e .
T hat would b a most p rnicious pr c d nt and is contrary

e e e e e
to t h spirit of t h g in w hic h
e liv (Pliny s L tt rs e a e e e
” ’
e e ,
X ,
W h th r Traj an follow d som law or pr c d nt

e e e e e e e un
kno w n to us or w h t h r h d c id d Pliny s qu stions in

,
e e e e e
’
e ac
cor d with w h at h b li v d to b t h prop r policy

an c e e e e e e e e ,
traditional or not of t h Roman gov rnm nt t h rul s th at ,

e e e ,
e e
h approv d
e cl ar and simpl I f t h ac c us d pro f ss d
e ar e e e
. e e e e
to b a C h ristian h was to b warn d and giv n a l

e , e e e e oc u s
p i
en t t ien; if h r main d obdurat h was to b pun
ae e e e e, e e
i h d I f h d ni d t h at h was a C h ristian or r nounc d

s e . e e e e ,
e e
h i m mb rs h ip in t h s ct all h n d do was to sw ar
s e e e e , e ee e
by t h g nius f t h Emp ror burn inc ns on t h altars f

e e o e e ,
e e e o
th e Roman gods or p r form som such c r mony and h ,

e e e e ,
e
would b t fr Th pu is hm nt was crucifi x ion or to b

e se ee . e n e , e
thrown to wild b asts or to b burn d or in t h cas f e ,

e e , , e e o
p rsons f a c rtain rank to b b h ad d T h s cru l

e o e ,
e e e e . e e e
punis h m nts w r not sp c ially d vis d f

e e e against t h e e e or u s e e
C h ristians th y w r customary amon g t h Romans for

,
e e e e
g r eat crim s suc h as arson in t

e h city
,
bur g lary f a t m e ,
o e
pl e, d s rtion from t h army or murd r f n ar r lations

e e e ,
e o e e .
F O R C E M E N T O F T H E LA
E N
N t h r ign of Marcus Aur lius t h situation was

e e
C H A P T ER X I X
e e
W
rapidly ch an gin g Th numb rs of t h C hristians mul . e e e
t i pli d ; p rsons of ducation bot h m

e e and wom n f e ,
en e o
t h upp r class b cam conv rts Th s ct f lt a pr moni

e e , e e e . e e e e
tion f its comi n g pow r and many s m to h av con f ss d

o e ,
ee e e e
t h ir r ligion publi cly and proudly I n cons qu nc C h ris

e e . e e e
tians w r not m r ly r gard d with h atr d but in that

e e e e e e e ,
h atr d may b discov r d I t h ink an l m nt of f ar as if
w
e e e e , ,
e e e e ,
t h pagans f lt t h pr s nc
e f som t hin g ma gical dang r
e e e e e o e ,
e
ou s , or uncl an Suc h p rsons e w r rip f t h

. e as e e e or e ne
t aching and f lt th at it mi ght contain t h truth f th m

e ,
e e or e ,
w r taught t h gosp ls and w r conv rt d Th r st h d

e e e e ,
e e e e . e e a
no i kling f t h good and t h b auti ful th at lay b n ath

n o e e e e e
wh at s m d to t h m so gross and r pulsiv

ee e obstinat
e e e, so e
and arro gant ; th y n v r r ad t h gosp ls t h psalms or

e e e e e e , e ,
I saia h ; t h y n v r kn w t h wond rful grac of J sus li f
w
’
e e e e e e e e e
nor t h c h arm f hi words ; t h y thought nothing but vil

e o s e e
of t h s ct Th nam of C h ristian was an abomination

e ne e . e e
to th m ; and th y b li v d t h C h ristians w r
e e obnoxious
e e e e e e as
to t h gods as to th ms lv s On t h h app nin g f a public

e e e e . e e o
calamity t h populac pitch d on t h C h ristians as t h caus

e e e e e e .
T rtullian said Th C h ristians

e blam d for v ry public
:
“
e are e e e
disast r v ry mis fortu t hat h app ns to t h p opl I f

e , e e ne e e e e .
t h Tib r ov rflows i t bank s if t h N il r mains within i t

e e e s , e e e s
b d i f no rain falls or i f t h r is arth quak

e ,
f amin , or e e e e, e,
plagu at onc th r s a cry Th row t h C hristians to t h

e, e e e
’ ‘
e e
lions (Ap l
’
And in t h r ign of Marcus Aur lius
o . e e e
all th s calamiti s b f ll in quick succ ssion Th Tib r

e e e e e e . e e
o v er fl o w
E N F O R C E M E N T O F T H E L A W 2 35
d and caus d a famin ; a f
e
e y ars lat r t h
plagu sw pt ov r t h Empir and smould r d on f y ars
e e
e
e e,
e e w e e
e
or
e
e
e
br akin g out at di ff r nt tim s and plac s Th l gionari s

e e e e e . e e e
in Britain r volt d Th Parth ians invad d t h ast rn

e e . e e e e e
provinc s ; t h Barbarians burst down across t h D anub

e e e e .
Th Roman world accustom d to p ac and as

e winc d ,
e e e e e, e ,
and mor th an winc d und r th s blows Th Emp ror

e e ,
e e e . e e ,
with t h fortitud f hi rac and cre d con front d t h

e e o s e e ,
e e
e vils and manf lly oppos d th m but t h populac i g

,
u e e : e e, no
ra t volatil sup rstitious pron to panic and t rror sou gh t

n ,
e, e , e e ,
for a sacrific to app as t h ang r f t h gods D signing

e e e e e o e . e
p rsons p rh aps following t h xampl t by N ero or

e ,
e e e e se ,
e arli r still by t h high pri sts f J rusal m stirr d th ir

e , e e o e e ,
e e
suspicions against t h C hristians Th mob was asily e . e e
arous d ; so it h d b n with St Paul on s v ral occasions

e a ee . e e ,
so it was with Polycarp and h i f llow martyrs it was s e , so
in t h provinc f Asia w h n t h Emp ror Hadrian wrot

e e o e e e e
hi r script Th mob cri d out its d nunciations and t h

s e . e e e ,
e
magistrat s v ry lik ly in ord r to sav C hristians from

e ,
e e e e
viol nc took th m into custody On oth r occasions i

e e, e . e ,
n
f orm rs ag r for blood mon y or p rsonal n mi s or

e e e e ,
e e e e ,
inj ur d trad sm n w nt b for t h magistrat s and mad

e e e ,
e e e e e e
t h complaint T h r was littl or no o ffi cial huntin a ft r

w
e . e e e e
Christia
w nws no ifiq wi i t m Tra j an
,
h d xpr ssly f orbi d d n
u s n . a e e e
th is and hi succ ssors f ll d hi policy Exc pt wh r

t-
“ O n n -1 4 m ,
,
s e O o e s . e e e
t h mob or individual accus rs comp ll d t h

e ,
magistrat s e , e e e e
to act C hristians s m to h av b n l ft undisturb d Apolo

,
ee e ee e e .
gists wrot m morials to s v ral Emp rors in w hic h t h y

e e e e e e
boldly avow d t h ms lv s C h ristians and th y w r not

e e e e ,
e e e
touch d F or instanc th r w r Aristid s (of Ath ns ) and

e . e, e e e e e e
Quadratus in t h r ign f Hadrian Justin in t h r i gn of e e o , e e
Antoninus Pius Claudius Apollinaris M lito and At h g , ,

e ,
en a
oras in th at of Marcus Aur lius as w ll as such writ rs as e ,

e . e
T h op hilus f Antioch Mi i F lix Tatian and a littl

e o ,
nu c u s e , ,
e
lat r T rt llian And t h rigor f t h law was not always

e e u . e o e
e nforc d At h nagoras S p aks f a fi
e . t h punis hm nt
e e o n e as e e .
I n Lyons b for t h mob riots f 1 7 7 C hristians w r

, e e e o ,
e e
m r ly forbidd n to g to t h bath s or t h mark t plac or

e e e o e ,
e e -
e,
s how t h ms lv s in public a pro h ibition without doubt i

e e e ,
n
t nd d to pr v nt mob viol nc And at t h trial at Lyons

e e e e e e . e ,
one prison r V t t i E p g t h as it s ms w nt scot f r

e ,
e us a a u s, ee ,
e ee .
I n I taly t h ousands in plac f capital punis h m nt w r ,

e o e ,
e e
s nt to work t h min s in Sardinia And all t h trials s h ow

e e e . e
th at t h j ud g s wis h d to sav t h prison rs liv s T h y

e e e e e e
’
e . e
urg d t h m to r cant o ff r d a r spit th at th y mi ght th ink

e e e ,
e e e e e
it ov r or bl d c ll q i (with p rsuasiv words ) tri d

e ,
an o o o u o e e ,
e
to induc th m to apostatiz But wh n onc a cas cam to

e e e . e e e e
trial t h proc dur laid down by Traj an was strictly f l

e e e o
low d e .
Th first cas in t h r i gn of Marcus Aur lius of w h ic h

e e e e e ,
a r port h com down to is th at f t h S t t

e as J tie u s, o e a e vs . us n
an d th o As Justin h d submitt d an apology on b h alf

ers . a e e
o f t h C h ristians to Antoninus Pius wit h out b in g mol st d

e e e e ,
th r is som r ason to giv cr d nc to t h story t h at a

e e e e e e e e e
p rsonal n my a Cynic p hilosop h r laid t h c h arg a gainst

e e e , e , e e
hi m H and h i comrad s w r broug ht to trial b for t h
w
. e s e e e e e e
City Pr f ct At this tim t h at o ffi c was h ld by Junius

e e . e e e
Rusticus h in arli r days h d b n tutor to Marcus

,
o e e a ee
Aur lius and now was constrain d by hi im p rial mast r

e ,
e s e e
to f orsak h i books and tak public o ffic His c haract r

e s e e . e
app ars f rom wh at h i t aching laid str ss upon on doin g

e s e e :
a thing right on watc hin g ov r t h h alth f ch aract r on

, e e e o e ,
on b ing quickly r concil d a ft r a disagr m nt

e e e e ee e ,
din g sup rficially and on not yi lding ass nt too e ,

e e
to wh at a glib talk r may y Th r lation f tutor e sa . e e o
and pupil h d lon g pass d but t h two m w r clos

a e ,
e en e e e
f ri nds ; Marcus r v r d Rusticus and Rusticus as F ronto

e e e e , ,
said would giv hi li f f Marcus s littl fin g r nail

,
“
e s e or
’
e e .
”
N v rth l ss n ith r nt rtain d a blind admiration f t h

e e e e ,
e e e e e or e
oth r By th is tim Rusticus h d b c om a p rsona g of

e . e a e e e e
238
e
MARCUS AU R ELI US
w
ima gin t hat all m t in t h sam plac N ot at all ; for e
t h God f t h C h ristians i not circumscrib d but t h oug h

e o e
ee
s
e e e .
e ,
h is uns n h fills t h h av n and t h

e ee arth and h is
e e e e e e , e
wors hipp d and glorifi d by t h faith ful v ryw h r

e e e e e e e .
T P RE F E T T ll m w h r i it th at you m t in what
HE C : e e, e e s ee ,
plac do you ass mbl your discipl s ?

e e e e
J UST I N I am staying upstairs in t h hous of

: Martin e e on e ,
n ar Timothy s bathhous and all t his tim (f this is t h

e
’
e, e or e
s cond tim I h av com to Rom ) I h av known f no oth r

e e e e e e o e
m ting plac th an th at And wh n anybody wis h d to com

ee e . e e e
to m I h av impart d to hi m t h doctrin f truth

e e e e e o .
T P RE F E T So th n you
HE a C hristian
C : ,
e , a re ?
J U S T I N Y v rily I am a C h ristian
: ea, e ,
.
Th Pr f ct t h n turn d to C h ariton
e e e e e .
P RE F E T Com t ll m C h ariton
C : you a C hristian ?
e, e e, ,
ar e
C H A R I T O N I am a C hristian by t h ordination f God

: e o .
Th Pr f ct t h n turn d to C h arito a woman

e e e e e , .
P And wh at do you say C h arito ?

RE E E C T : ,
C H A R I T O I am a C hristian by t h gi ft of God
: e .
T h n Rusticus turn d to E lpi t

e e ue s us .
P And what
R EE E C T : you are ?
E LUE A slav of Ca sar s ; I too am a C h ristian

P I ST U S : e e
’
, , ,
mad f r by C hrist and by t h grac of C hrist I s h ar in

e ee , e e , e
t h sam h op
e e e .
Rusticus t h n addr ss d H i x e e e er a .
P A you too a C h ristian ?

RE E E CT : re
H x V rily I am a C h ristian f
I E RA : e I wors h ip and ador , or e
t h sam God
e e
W
.
T P RE F E C T Did Justin mak you C hristians ?

HE : e
W
H I was a C h ristian and I s h all b
I E R AX : e .
A d Pa on standin g up said I also am a C h ristian

n e : .
T P R E F E C T h was it th at tau ght you ?

HE : o
PAEON l arn d th is nobl con f ssion f rom our par

: e e e e e
e nts .
And E L UE said I us d to list n with j oy to t h

P I ST U S : e e e
E N F O R C E M E N T O F T H E L A W 2 39
words of Justin and I too l arn d to b a C h ristian from
,
e e e
my par nts e .
T HE P RE FE C T Wh r your par nts ?

: e e ar e e
E UEL I n C appadocia
P IST U s : .
T HE P RE F E C T (to H i x ) Wh r your par nts ? er a e e ar e e
H x
IERA Our tru f ath r is C hrist and our moth r is
: e e ,
e
faith in Him ; but my arth ly par nts d ad and I h av e e a re e ,

e
com h r dragg d away from I conium in P h ry gia

e e e e .
T HE P RE F E T (to Li b i ) And w h at h av you to

C er an u s : e
sa y ? A you
re a C h ristian h av n t you it h r any s ns f ,
e
’
e e e e o
r ligion
e ?
I too am a C h ristian b caus I am r ligious
w
L IB ER IAN Us : ,
e e e
and I worship t h only tru God e e .
T HE P RE F E T (to Justin ) List n you h y you

C : e , o sa are
l arn d and b li v that you know t h tru doctrin do you

e e e e e e e e,
b li v you
e e e
goin g to h av n w h n you
ar e flogg d and e e e a re e
b h ad d ?
w
e e e
J U S T I N I hop that I s h all r c iv H i r ward if I ndur

: e e e e s e ,
e e
th s th in gs ; I know th at to all h h av liv d in this way

e e o e e
t h divin grac will abid until t h

e e e d f t h w h ol world e e en o e e .
T HE P RE FE T T h n you think th at you will asc nd to

C : e e
h av n and will r c iv som r ward ?

e e e e e e e
J U S T I N I do not think but I know and am fully assur d

: , e
of it .
P RE FE T W ll l t g t on to t h imm diat busin ss

C : e ,
e us e e e e e
t h at li s b for us Com h r all to g t h r and with

e e e . e e e e e ,
on e
accord sacrific to t h gods ! e e
J U S T I N said N o right th inkin g man falls away from pi ty

: e
into impi ty e .
P RE F E T I f you do not ob y you will b punis h d

w
T HE C : e ,
e e
with out m rcy

w w
e
J S T I N answ r d T h rou gh our pray rs

U e e know th at
: e e
th ou gh b punis h d s h all b sav d by our Lord J sus

e e e e e e e
C hrist f th is will b our salvation and our trust b f or t h

,
or e e e e
mor t rribl j ud gm nt s at f our Lord and Mast r

e e e e e o e .
MARCUS AURELIUS
w
2 40
A d t h ot h r martyrs spok in t h lik mann r Do w h at

n e e e e e e :
you will ! f b C h ristians and will not sacrific to idols
w
or e e e .
A d Rusticus t h Pr f ct pronounc d s nt nc saying

n e e e e e e e
L t t hos
e h r fus to sacrific to t h gods and ob y t h
e o e e e e e e
commands f t h Emp ror b flo gg d and b conduct d to

o e e , e e e e
capital punis hm nt accordin g to t h provisions f t h law

e e o e .
On r ading t h r port of t his trial it s ms obvious th at

e e e ,
ee
t h j ud g is f ollowin g a w ll s ttl d proc dur of criminal

e e e -
e e e e
law N o vid nc is n c ssary and non is produc d b yond

. e e e e e ,
e e ,
e
t h con f ssion of t h prison rs Th only di ff r nc b tw n

e e e e . e e e e e ee
t his and a trial f sacril g murd r or arson is th at t h

or e e, e , ,
e
prison rs inst ad of d nials or xcus s glory in t h accusa

e ,
e e e e ,
e
tion brought a gainst th m Th r ports of oth r trials e . e e e a re
v ry much t h sam Th S t t
e e C p P pyl de . e a e vs . ar os , a os an
Ag t h i
a was tri d in t h city f P r gamum in t h
on c e e e o e , e
provinc f Asia b for t h proconsul As usual t h prison

e o ,
e e e .
,
e
er s ass rt d t h at t h y w r C hristians and would not sav

e e e e e e
th ms lv s by r cantation althou gh th y w r subj ct d to

e e e e ,
e e e e e
tortur according to t h practic not as punis hm nt but in

e, e e, e ,
ord r to indu c th m to r cant and sav t h ir liv s Harnack

e e e e e e e .
comm nts upon t h xtr m pati nc of t h j udg in list n

e e e e e e e e e e
ing to t h discours s f t h prison rs Th S t t vs N m

e e o e e . e a e . a
p h m
a was tri
o d in A f rica b f or t h
e proconsul V i g lli e e e e us
S t i
a u rn n u s(1 80 A t h d f ndant r sid d in M d . e e e e e e au r a
but I pr sum th at t h trial took plac at Carth a g Th

e e e e e. e
cas f Th S t t vs S p t
e o e d l a e th was also . era u s an e ev en o er s ,
tri d at Cartha g two w ks lat r (J ly 1 7 1 80 A D )

e e ee e u ,
. .
b for t h sam proconsul and with t h sam proc dur I n

e e e e ,
e e e e .
this cas t h prison rs w r o ff r d a r spit f thirty days

e e e e e e e e e o
i
n whi c h to r consid r th ir r fusal to o ff r inc ns on t h
e e e e e e e e
altars f t h gods but th y all d clin d to acc pt it

o e ,
e e e e .
Oth r C h ristians according to Eus bius w r x cut d

e ,
e ,
e e e e e
at various plac s Th a bis h op at Smyrna S g i

e ,
r a s ea s , , ,
a ar s ,
also a bis h op at Laodic a P pi i and M lito at Sardis

,
e ,
a r us e
2 42 MARCUS AU RE LI US
and suc h H aring t his t h mob could h ardly b h ld back
. e e e e
from lync hin g t h prison rs B for t h gov rno t h only e e . e e e e r e
ch ar g all g d a gainst t h m was that th y w r C h ristians ;

e e e e e e e
and in t his accusation t h prison rs glori d T h y w r con

w w
e e e . e e e
d and many of t h m horribly tortur d Th gov rnor
w
d m e ne ,
e e . e e
asin doubt as to t h prop r proc dur toward t hos h e e e e e o
w r Roman citiz ns and appar ntly also toward thos h

e e e ,
e e o
h d postatiz d and wrot to t h Emp ror f instructions

w
a a e , e e e or .
T h Emp ror r pli d t h at i f any would r nounc C h ristian

e e e e e e
ity t h y s h ould b t fr but th at Roman citiz ns h

e e se ee, e o
would not r nounc s hould b b h ad d Th oth rs accord

e e e e e e . e e ,
ing to t h criminal cod w r th rown to t h b asts I t is

e e, e e e e .
said that t h victims numb r d forty ight And with this

e e e -
e .
dr ad ful but glorious pisod t h piti ful story f t h

e , ,
e e e o e
stru ggl of pa gani sm with C h ristianity durin g t h r i gn

e e e
o f Marcus Aur lius virtually com s to an d Th only

e , e en . e
th at app ar d in vid nc ; j ust Pliny h d don in h i

e e e e e as a e s
r port to Traj an Th prison rs b long d to t h outlaw d

e . e e e e e e
s ct f C h ristians t h y avow d t h fact and d fi d t h Stat

e o , e e e e e e e,
th y would not sacrific to t h Roman gods or publicly

e e e ,
acknowl d g t h maj sty of t h Emp ror and accordin g

e e e e e e , ,
to t h t stimony of th ir slav s th y w r guilty f t h

e e e e ,
e e e o e
most abominabl crim s O can imagin und r what cire e . ne e e
cu m t t h r q u st f
s an c es instructions r a ch d t h Em p ror
e e e or e e e e
on t h Barbarian bord r P rh aps th at day h h d insp ct d

e e . e e a e e
raw troops at Carnuntum or h d sup rint nd d t h trans ,

a e e e e
p t t
or ai f sup p li
on o s f rom V indobona to t h camps edown t h e e
riv r or h d l d a f oray across t h Danub a gainst t h

e ,
a e e e e
J yg riding ov r d s rt and th rough morass or was in

az es , e e e ,
camp at Sirmium tryin g a cas on app al from Ath ns or e e e
Al x andria ; p rh aps a doz n oth r m ss ng rs w r wait

e e e e e e e e e
E N F O R C E M E N T O F T H E L A W 243
ing th ir hors s saddl d and bridl d to tak back imp rial
,
e e e e , e e
r scripts to t h command r f t h l gion at York to t h

e e e o e e ,
e
gov rnor f T
e i to t h proconsul in A f rica or to
o a r r a c o n en s s , e ,
th eg n ral i ch i f on t h Eu p h rat s ; w hil a swarm of

e e -
n -
e e e e
aid s fli s k rs purv yors ch a f d in impati nt att nd

e ,
o ce -
ee e ,
e , e e e
W
anc all clamorin g flatt ring and bribing in th ir ff orts
e, ,
e , ,
e e
to pass t h guards and nt r t h imp rial t nt T hat day

e e e e e e .
,
p rh aps h h d h d no food exc pt hi dru gs and h i

e ,
e a a e s ,
s
emaciat d body was stru ggling th rou gh its work und r t h

e e e
W
goad f hi h roic soul N v rth l ss
o s cannot doubt but
e . e e e e , on e
th at h proc d d with d d lib ration H answ r d j ust

ww
e ee e ue e e . e e e ,
Traj an had donm mty fi g j

’
b f fi t
as c
w m s z y ear s e o s
tak its cours ; th os h led g t h ir all

A Av
M ’ m M n u ou
-
ld a k
“ nu - yo u
e e e o ou c no e e e
and f mob viol nc during t h r ign f Marcus

O e e e e o
of wh ich th r is any d finit r port I t is a d

e e e e e . sa s
t h sorrow f it is incr as d by our knowl dg
w
e o f h e e e e o
th C hristians and Marcus Aur lius poss ss d in common

e e e e ,
h o n ar th y w r of kin di ff rin g littl mor th an in th is

e e e e ,
e e e ,
th at t h C hristians b li v d th at th y h d f ound t h way

e e e e e a e ,
t h ligh t and t h li f
e which t h Stoics w r s kin g Both
, e e, e e e ee .
f lt t h inad quacy f transitory things to satis fy t h n ds

e e e o e ee
of t h inn r s l f and r ach d out for t h spiritual pow r

e e e ,
e e e e
th at as ,
s ct b li v d and t h oth r r ason d must
on e e e e e , e e e e ,
g ov rn t
e h univ rs Bot h w r
e r ady to b nd t h ir wills
e e e e e e e
w w w
.
in submission to an almi gh ty wi ll ; both could say

O ur ills ours know not h ar e , e o ;
O ur w ill s ours to mak th m thin ar e , e e e .
Th Stoics w r c hildr n f r ason and t h C h ristians c h il

e e e e o e e
dr n f faith and t h langua g of

e o is th at f r ason
,
so e e on e o e
and t h lan gua g f t h oth r th at of faith and th r for

e e o e e , e e e
th r is a b auty and ardor in t h C hristian p h ras s th at

e e e e e
distin guis h th m from t h Stoic p h ras s but xc pt for that
e e e ,
e e
b auty and t hat ardor th y

e o ft n v ry muc h t h sam e are e e e e .
Marcus Aur lius says to God Giv wh at T hou wilt tak

e ,
e ,
e
back w hat T h ou wilt (M A X but Job says Th ”

. .
, ,
“
e
L O D gav and t h L O RD h ath tak n away ; bl ss d b t h

R e e e e e e e
nam of t h L Oe T h di ff r nc is in h r nt in t h di ff
e RD .
”
e e e e e e e er
e nc f th ir attitud ; t h
e o sp aks in pros t h oth r in
e e e on e e e, e e
po try If you wis h to pro p itiat t h gods b good ; tru

e .
“
e e , e e
wors hip is to imitat t h m What doth t h L O D r quir e e .

” “
e R e e
o f th but to do j ustly and to lov m rcy and to walk

ee, ,
e e ,
h umbly wit h t hy God D p li b t t His eo a r er e er a s es ,

—
s er
vic i p r f ct fr dom A im
e s e ei i p ct ee t . n us n s u ru s ac s an us es
D meu c pi t Bl ss d no n th pur in h art f th y

a ,
—
e e ar e e e e or e
s hall God Q i d di t b fi i m t t L t not t hy

s ee . u e en e c u a c ea , -
e
l ft h and know wh at t hy ri ght h and do th But put t h

e e . e
po try f b auty and f rvor asid and t h maxims and

e o e e e e
couns ls f a b tt r li f
e o ft n t h sam Vi
o e m i li t
e e ar e e e e . v er e are
es t T h is li f is a war far R d i t q t m p t
,
-
e e . ec e a n e u an u o es ,
Sink into t hy soul N d m m
\
h p d h .
pi ec o a es s e oc c or us se os
t iu m et
q ui d em br eve ho s pi t i u m ,
q u od reli n
q u en d u m es t u bi
t e g r a v em ho s pi t i v i d ea s , body is not —
om but an
Th y t hy h e
inn and but f or s hort tarryin g and thou must l av wh n e e e
w
,
t hy tim is up e .
T h r was in both a y arning to b h al d by th ir r li

e e e e e e e e
g ion and t,
h Stoic us d to turn to et h p h iloso p h r to advis e e e ,
e
and guid hi m as t h C h ristian turn d to hi pri st Both

e ,
e e s e .
se t apart an v nin g h our in h ic h to m ditat ov r th ir

e e e e e e
failur s and s hort c omin gs durin g t h day Bot h b li v d in

e e . e e e
asc ticism and s l f d nial and f lt th at th os w h om t h

e e -
e ,
e e e
world calls h ap p y not h a p py Bot h b li v d in g ntl are . e e e e e
n ss humility frat rnity ; both th at a man must do good to

e , , e
h i n i gh bor Th Stoics h d no parabl

s e . f t h Good Samari
e a e o e
but Marcus Aur lius says I t is a man s duty to lov e ,

“ ’
e
v n thos t h at s t umbl and f all (M A VI I 2 2 ) I a

e e e e . .
,
( ’L
'
r ov
(Lov your f llow m ) (M A VI I

‘ ’
flp i m
r c; a v
y o vo v ev os e e en . .
,
C H A P T E R X X
E P I L O G U E
T would not b righ t to tak l av f Marcus Aur lius

ww
e e e e o e
with an apolo gy N man in history is l ss in n d f . 0 e ee o
Th apot h osis f hi wif a d c nt r sp ct f

w w
on e . e e o s e as e e e e o
Roman customs and mod s f th ou ght ; and h can y e o o sa
h omuc h h lov d h h muc h h r li v d hi gri f by

e e er , o e e e e s e
expr ssin g th at lov in t his conv ntional r ligious way ? I f

e e e ,
e
sland r h d alr ady mad its l f audibl wh at mor forc ful

e a e e e e, e e
l d nial I t was hi wont to put t h ima g s f hi d ar st

w
e ? s e e o s e e
t ach rs a ft r d ath amon g t h l

e e ,
e and p t th at
e , e a r es ena es
guard d and watch d ov r hi hom ; hy S h ould h not

e e e s e e
f ollow t h xampl f Antoninus Pius and nroll D i

e e e o e va
F ti
au s among t h d iti s of h av n th at guard d and
na e e e e e e
watch d ov r t h Roman Empir ? And in t h arth ly apo

e e e e e e
th i of hi
eos s th l vation f Commodus to b t h auto
s s on , e e e o e e
e rat f t h civiliz d world h ob y d t h dictat s of natur

o e e ,
e e e e e e,
t h p tition of t h S nat
e e probably t h wis h s f t h p opl
e e e, e e o e e e,
and as it s ms h took t h only sa f way to pr v nt civil

,
ee ,
e e e e e
war ov r t h succ ssion B sid s wh at b tt r m thod is

w
e e e . e e , e e e
t h r to j ud g an untri d youth th an by hi ducation and

e e e e s e
hi par nta g ? His ducation

s e such as a g n ration b
e e as , e e e
f or h d h lp d to mak Marcus Aur li us w h at h was and

e, a e e e e e ,
as f hi br d no youn g man in h istory b for or sinc

or s ee , ,
e e e,
h h d suc h a f at h r and grand fat h r Th t hird ground f

as a e e . e o
c nsur th at h nforc d t h law of t h land against wh at

e e, e e e e e
h b li v d to b an obstinat
e e e e sup rstitious d grad d s ct
e e, e ,
e e e ,
i r ally
s e f no gr at r validity t h an t h ot h r two But
o e e e e .
und r this thi rd strict ur tra g dy li s and f a d p r dy

e e e e ,
o ee e e
EP ILOGU E 247
b caus it is t h first pisod in t h long and oft n bitt r

e e e e e e e e
war b tw n r ason and faith a war in wh ich r ason h not

e ee e ,
e as
always b n t h oppr ssor C hristiani ty with all its b auty

ee e e .
,
e ,
a ll its nobility all its consolation and comforts h

,
b n as ,
as ee
st rn as r solut to suppr ss di sob di nc

e , e cru l as v r
e e e e e, as e , e e
was t h Roman gov rnm nt R ason h its s ntin ls as w ll

e e e . e as e e e
as faith and it almost s ms as i f th s Roman s rvants of

w
,
ee e e e
r ason by som sort f divination for saw th at from C hris

e ,
e o ,
e
ti ani t y w h ic h to us as
—
look back on a lon g lin of , e e
saints and h ro s i rich with a b auty thos Romans could

e e , s e e
not and sw t with a fra granc t h y could not sm ll

s ee ee e e e
would rip n not t h s ds th at s h ould d clar t h goodn ss

e ,
e ee e e e e
and glory f t h tr from which th y sprun g but t h s ds

o e ee e , e ee
th at s hould grow into fruits f vil Albi g nsian p
w
—
o e e er s ecu
tions t h I nquisition t h fir s of Sm i thfi ld t h nigh t of

,
e ,
e e e ,
e
St Bartholom w autos da fé wars f r li gion in fant dam

. e ,
- -
, o e ,
nation and all t h h orrors of a h ll h r ft r T h y th at

, e e e ea e . e
h av s n som gray h air d man

e ee h os yout h was sp nt in
e
-
e ,
e e
p ril and su ff rin g for a hi gh caus whos manh ood was

e e e, e
innoc nt and upri ght sittin g alon in a dark n d room day

e ,
e e e ,
a ft r day b caus h was p rsuad d th at h h d not b n

e ,
e e e e e e a ee
numb r d among t h l ct may w ll r gr t t h pagan

e e e e e ,
e e e e
cr ds O must not f org t th at t h Roman gov rnm nt

ee . ne e e e e
was not fightin g against t h sp irit f J sus for th at it did e o e ,
not know but in support of wh at it b li v d to b t h princi

, e e e e e
pl s f r ason as w ll as of morality
e o e ,
e .
I dw ll on th is asp ct of t h Roman attitud (for it is not

e e e e,
t h plac to r p at t h u iv rsal admiration f

e e e t h h roic
e e n e or e e
C h ristian martyrs ) b caus it would b unj ust not to lay ,

e e e
e mp h a is upon t h Roman purpos to b n fit t h world by

s e e e e e
buildin g a solid Roman road f common s ns by r fusing o e e, e
to acc pt t h rainbow dr ams which t h ori ntal visionari s

e e e e e e
proclaim d Th Roman proconsul ask d t h C hristian

e . e e e
prison rs ag r f martyrdom Do you th ink you will

e ,
e e or ,
“
asc nd to h av n d r c iv som r ward Th ducat d

e e e an e e e e e ? ”
e e e
Roman o fficials plant d th ir f t on this arth and strov e e ee e , e
to mak t h world a mor p ac ful and ord rly pla c Th

e e e e e e e . e
Stoic p hilosop h rs did mor ; th y wis h d to h lp t h ir f l
w
e e e e e e e
low m in thin gs r li gious T h y bad th m acc pt li f

en e . e e e e e
as our s ns s r port it and v n mak it yi ld a r li gious

e e e ,
e e so e e e
m anin g Marcus Aur lius go s furth r still L ss motional

e . e e e . e e
and mor int ll ctual t h an Epict tus h r stl s in hi h i gh
W
e e e e , e e e s
Roman f as hion f a spiritual m aning ,

t is this
or e
WW
wr stling t h at mak s hi m
e f t h gr a fi gur se on e o e e e
in t h world s history F or this

e
’
right . rea s o e
to tak l av f h i m on t h not f t h v anit y of life

e e e o e e o e u ,
althou gh t h at is t h p r dominat not in t h M di t t i e e e e e e a on s .
M FEEH
of tim its substanc flowin g away t h at hi body is as a
e, e , s
riv r and hi soul as a dr am or a mist (M A I I

e s I e . .
,
pr f r to d wit h a r f r nc to t hos passag s in hi book

e e en e e e e e e s
wh r s ms to h ar in a low und rton Lord I b

e e on e ee e e e,
“
,
e
li v ; h lp T h ou my unb li f F or in hi s l f contain d
w
e e e e e . s e -
e ,
s lf dominating way h e was a s k r aft r t h at vision wh ich

w
e ee e e
-
e,
p d i
ret i a d M ca n ep
o , c c
t i ff f Ch ristianity t h at G d is lov
o o not possibl f , o e, as e or
hi m To h i way f th inkin g t h divin st r v lation f God

. s o e e e e o
in t h Spirit f R ason in t h conc iving mind th at

e o e ,
e e ,
b h olding t h past and for s in g t h futur guid s dir cts

e e e ee e e, e ,
e ,
and O di t all t h multitud f div rsiti s into

co r n a es e e o e e on e
gr at unity H n v r doubt d t h comp t nc or t h conclu

e . e e e e e e e e e
sions f t h h uman mind w h n it int rpr ts wh at it p

o e , e e e er
i
c e v es in t rm f law f ord r o f caus and fl t and so
e s o , o e , ,
e c
’
ec ,
on H acc pt d xiomatic and a cosmos i mpli s

w
’
m
' “
. e a
e e a co s os s a ,
e
r ason H b li v d r ligiously in this diyi

e . e e e e i l e nen n n v ers a
r ason gov rnor f t h world and t h at b st wors hip it

e ,
e o e , e e
a within ach f us as h
N
e o , e
t hou gh t: human r ason stands at t h h lm to st r our liv s

w
e e e ee e
in accord with t h c ours f t rnal r ason e e o e e e .
But can b sur f t h r lation t h at x ists b tw n

e e e o e e e e ee
MARCUS AURELIUS
w
250
was foolis hn ss to t h Stoics And without faith t w hat

e e .
, , o
could th y h follow d r ason attain ?

w
e o e e
By su dry pr gnant p h ras s h r and th r but mor

n e e e e e e, e
by t h ton and pitc h f hi M di t ti

e e may conj o s e a on s , e ee
tur that Marcus Aur lius mus d ov r t h possibiliti s of

w
e e e e e e
communion with God And if in t h s musings h might . e e e
s m to l av t h Roman h igh road f common s ns

ee e e e o e e, e
must r m mb r th at hi purpos is not lik that f C h ris

e e e s e ,
e o
tian mystics to fling r aso ov rboard but to obtain r ason

,
e n e ,
e
mor abundantly His attitud was rational and may I

e . e , ,
th i k b lik n d to th at tak n in our tim by t h Soci ty

n ,
e e e e e e e
f or Psych ical R s arch ; and ind d in th is r sp ct as in

e e , ee ,
e e ,
ot h rs our g n ration go s back passing ov r t h i t

e ,
e e e ,
e e n er v en
ing s v nt n C hristian c nturi s to t h r ign of t his Stoic

e e ee e e ,
e e
Emp ror Marcus Aur lius would hav acc pt d t h d fi i

e . e e e e e e n
ti on f r ligion which My rs lays down in hi book on

w
o e e s
li ty th at it is t h san and normal r spons

“
H m u P an er s o na , e e e e
of t h h uman spirit to all th at know f cosmic law ; th at

e e o
is to t h known p h nom na f t h univ rs r gard d as an

,
e e e o e e e, e e
int lligibl wh ol And h c rtainly stands wit hin t h class

e e e .
”
e e e
f s k rs of w hom My rs sp aks M in w h om t h gr at “
o ee e e e ,
en e e
pag ant h inspir d at l ast som vagu out r ac hing

e as e e e e
-
e
toward t h Sourc of All ; m for whom knowl d g h

e e en e e as
rip n d into m ditation and h prompt d high d sir

e e e ,
as e e e
”
.
And t h Emp ror would hav add d a pro found am n to t h

e e e e e e
e motional h op th at Th World Soul s infinit n r gy f

e ,
e -
’
e e e o
om nisci nt b n vol nc s h o ld b com in us an nthusiasm

w
e e e e e u e e e
of adoring op ration ag r ob di nc to wh atso v r

co
-
e ,
—
an e e e e e e e
with our b st pains can disc rn as t h j ustly ruling prin

e e e e
c i pl i fiy p
e— ér )with out and within e ovrx v— us .
Th pr gnant p h ras s f t h Emp ror to w h ic h I
w
e e e o e e ,
re
f rr d touc h upon an anci nt t h ory of spiritual communi

e e ,
e e
cation b tw n man and d ity T hat th ory

e ee as old as e . e as
H siod and old r Th common p opl b li v d in a class

e ,
e . e e e e e e
o f incorpor al spirits known to po try and popular m y

e , e
EP ILOGUE 25 1
t h l gy as d
o o m int rm diari s b tw n gods and m
ae o ns , e e e e ee en ,
s rvants of t h divin will Th Stoics mad no bon s about

e e e . e e e
adopting this pop l ar nam using it as a m tap hor or all u e, e e
g ory to indicat
,
various ma i f stations f t h e n r g i s f n e o e e e e o
natur T his th y always did with r ligious t rms th at

e . e e e
pass d curr nt amon g t h unp hilosop h ical many Marcus

e e e .
h ims lf sp aks of t h d ni z ns f t h air and th r (M A

e e e e e o e e e . .
but in hi mouth this po tical p h ras m ans no

w
XII , s e e e
mor than a symbol as for instanc to xpr ss p h nom na

e , ,
e, e e e e
of light or sound and h av no ground to assum th at h ,

e e e e
attac h d any psychical attribut to th os f orc s oth r th an

e e e e ,
e
in f as t h t rnal r ason ma i f sts its lf in all th ings

so ar e e e e n e e
v ryw h r But th r i a oth r passag in hi M d i t

e e e e . e e s n e e s e a
ti o ns ,r latin g to this g n ral subj ct f di vin communion

e e e e o e
with man which is ch arg d with gr at r significanc Sup

,
e e e e:
“
pos m ask h says Wh r h av you s n t h gods

e en , e ,
‘
e e e ee e
or wh at proo f hav you that th y xist th at you r v r nc e e e ,

e e e e
t h m as you do My answ r is F irst th y

e ? visibl to
’
e ,
‘
e are e
t h S i gh t ; n xt t h at I h av not s
e en my own soul but n v r
, e ee ,
e e
th l e es sI h onor it So th n f rom my continual xp ri nc f .

’
e e e e e o
th ir pow r I am convinc d th at t h gods x ist and I wor

e e ,
e e e
s h ip t h m (M A X I I e
”
His s nt nc s o ft n l nd th m
. .
, e e e e e e
s lv s to di ff r nt int rpr tations ; and t h comm ntators

e e e e e e e e ,
f rom G t k ( 1 6 5 2 ) to C R Hain s applying an l m n

a a er . . e ,
e e e
tary notion f t h Stoics th at t h h av nly bodi s

o e divin e e e e ar e e,
int rpr t t h p hras t h y

e e i i bl t t h
e ig h t as a r f r e e a re v s e o e s e e
e nc to t h sun and stars To m th is int rpr tation s ms

e e . e e e ee
narrow and unn c ssarily li t ral I f t h imaginary qu s e e e . e e
ti b li v th at t h stars
o n er s e e e gods t h qu stion is only e ar e , e e
worthy f Simpl Simon and Marcus must h av b n v ry

o e , e ee e
drowsy to h av not d down both qu stion and answ r; if e e e e
th y do not b li v that t h stars

e
gods t h answ r is
e e e e ar e ,
e e
v ry flat I think it tol rably cl ar th at hi stat m nt m ans

e . e e s e e e
th at h finds proo f t h at t h gods xist first t h gh hi

'
e e e ,
r ou
s ns s th at is th y manif st th ms lv s in t h visibl uni

e e , ,
e e e e e e e
v rs and n x t th at by som uncompr h nd d psychical
e e, e ,
e e e e
proc ss t h y also mani f st t h ms lv s to hi h art con

e ,
e e e e e s e ,
sci nc and mind With t his clu in our minds l t us look

w
e e, . e ,
e
furth r into t h curr nt notion f da mons

e e e o e .
Dio g n s L t i h tak s Stoic p h ilosop h y
w
e e a er
pi d
us o e cu e
d l l tt
e a r ports Th Stoics y t h at th r
e re, e da mons
,
e sa e e a re e
h look a ft r t h and h av sympathy wit h '
o fl i f m e e a a rs o en e
t h m T his is r ally t h popular notion Th da mon f

e .
”
e e . e e o
Socrat s o ff rs a mor p h ilosop hic conc ption Th mystical

e e e e . e
intimations whic h cam to Socrat s now and again from hi e e ,

s
yout h up to d t r h im from doing wh at h s h ould not do

,
e e e ,
s m d to hi m at l ast to poss ss a uni ty an individuality

w
ee e ,
e ,
e , ,
a sort f p rsonal id ntity th at mark d th m as som th ing

o e e e e e
mor t h an t h whisp rin gs f consci nc H

e e awar f e o e e . e as e o
a prop h tic voic f a divin sign and d voutly b li v d

e e, o e ,
e e e e
t hat in t his mann r h was vouc hsa f d a r v lation f God s

e e e e e o
’
will T his mystical consci nc k w ri gh t and wrong not as

w
. e e ne ,
a matt r f human xp ri nc but of divin nli ght nm nt ;

e o e e e e, e e e e
it a spiritual int rm diary b tw n God and h im T h is

as e e e ee .
conc ption f a sup r human spiritual b in g or influ nc a

w
e o e e e e,
conc ption mor or l ss mb llis h d by Plato s f antastic

e e e e e e
’
ima ginings , r main d an acc pt d opinion among m

e h
e e e en o
car d about such t hin gs down to t h triump h f C h ristianity

e e o .
Plutarc h h r cord d it in various passag s Da mons

as e e e . e a re
h umanity s rvants or ambassadors from ,

e
in th ir c l stial purity e e e
and disdain imm diat contact with t h p rturb d and

e e e e e un
cl an liv s f m Th fu ctions f t h da mons

e e o en .cl ar e n o e e ar e e
e nou gh ; t h c hi f p rpl x ity li s in t h natur f th s

e e e e e e e o e e
int rm diat spirits or possibly m r ly in th ir ori gin and

e e e ,
e e e
t nd ncy A th y l m nts of t h human soul th at fly up

e e . re e e e e e
in s arc h f d ity or
e th y manations from t h spiritual
o e ,
ar e e e e
r gion th at d sc nd to h lp and com fort m ? I t is som

e e e e en e
tim s said t h at t h nobl r part of t h soul is a da mon

e e e e e ,
t h part w h i c h i t t m m ll d by t h body but in cl ar

“
’
e s no ra e e e e
254 MARCUS AURELIUS
I t hink clos r to t h id a t h at ducat d m
,
e of r ligious
e e e e en e
mind nt rtain d f t h da mon Apul ius says D m i

e e e o e e . e ,
“
ae on s
c lt
u i hi l li d q m phi l
us n
p hi a um t m tua; by os o a e s a cr a en u es
”
w hic h h m ans t h at t h v ry first duty f p hilosop hy lik

e e e e o ,
e
a soldi r s duty f all gianc is t h r v r nt att ndanc

e
’
o e e, e e e e e e
upon t his m ans of communion b tw n man and God Lik

e e ee . e
t h C h ristian doctrin of grac h ow v r t h conc ption of
w
e e e, e e ,
e e
t h word da mon vari s wit h t h

e ducation and int llig nc
e e e e e e e
of t h p rsons h h old it
e e o .
Marcus hims lf is not cl ar or at l ast not stabl in hi

e e ,
e e, s
opini on ; at tim h sp aks as if t h da mon w r t h

one e e e e e e e e
rulin g r ason its l f (M A I I I

e at anoth r as i f it w r
e . .
, e e e
m r ly hi consci nc (M A VI I I 4 5 ) or a gain som

e e s e e . .
, , ,
e
S piritual ss nc (M A I I I e A d in anoth r passag

e e . .
,
n e e,
h says T h r is t hat nth ron d within a man whic h k ps

“
e : e e e e ee
hi m unstain d by pl asur invuln rabl to pain u taint d

e e e, e e ,
n e
by insol nc ins nsibl to t h ills f li f a wr stl r in t h

e e, e e e o e, e e e
g r at st f all cont sts (t h at

e e o f wr stlin g wit h passion )
e ,
o e ,
wh ich mak s him w lcom with hi whol soul what e e e s e
v r lot is assi gn d to hi m and s ldom and th n only for

w
e e e ,
e ,
e
t h sak
e f t h common w l f ar
e o conc rn h ims l f with w h at
e e e, e e
oth r m e y or do or th ink ; but t h man

en s a h wo l d profit e o u
by t h guidanc f this myst rious pow r

e e o nth ron d must e e so e e
b w h olly f r
e f rom gui l and th n h may b call d a
ee e, e e e e
pri st and s rvant of t h gods (M A I I I T his is

w
”
e e e
W
.
.
,
sur ly som thi n g mor th an consci nc mor lik wh at in

w
e e e e e, e e
C hristian p h ras ology s hould call t h grac f God

e e e e o .
S n ca h is t h most C h ristian of t h Stoics says in

e e ,
o e e , ,
a l tt r to hi fri nd Luciliu l do not n d to li ft up

e e s e s:
‘
e ee
our h ands towards h av n or to b g t h k p r of a t mpl e e ,

e e ee e e e
to l t us approach hi idol s
e i f in t his way our pray rs
s
’
ea r, a s e
w r mor lik ly to b h ard God is n ar you h i with

w
e e e e e e . e ,
e s
you h is within you A h oly spirit indw lls within

w w
,
e . e u s,
on e h marks our good and bad d ds and is our guardian

o ee ,
.
A S tr at th is spirit
e e tr at d by it I f you
,
s o a re e e e .
w EP ILOGUE
a man h is t i fi d in t h midst f dang rs
255
w
s ee o u n er r e e o e ,
un
touch d by d sir s h appy in adv rsity p ac ful amid t h

e e e ,
e ,
e e e
storm h looks down upon m f rom a h i gh r plan and

, o en e e,
vi ws t h gods on a footing f quality will not a f lin g of

e e o e , ee
w
r v r nc f him st al ov r you Will you not y T his
e e e e or e e ? sa :
‘
quality is too gr at and too lo fty to b r gard d as r s m

e e e e e e
blin g this p tty body in which it dw lls ? A d i i p

e h e v ne o er as
d c d d p
es en th t m
e Wh n a soul ris s sup rior to
u on a an .
’
e e e
oth r souls wh n it is u d r control wh n it pass s th rou gh

e ,
e n e ,
e e
v ry xp ri nc as if th at w r f small account wh n it
e e e e e e e e o ,
e
smil s at our f ars and at our pray rs i t i ti d by

e e e , s s rr e a
fo rce f m h ro A thing lik this cannot stand upright

ea v en . e
unl ss it b propp d by t h divin

e e e e e .
”
And Marcus in wh at s ms to m hi most S ignificant

w
,
ee e s
r f r n c to t h subj ct says th at nothing is mor wr tch d

e e e e e e , e e e
th an t h man h go s round and round inv stigatin g t h

e o e e e
p hysi c al natur f thin gs and t h sp c ulations f m and

e o e e o en ,
do s not p rc iv th at it is nou gh to abid close to t h

e e e e
“
e e e
d m
ae within him and to s rv it truly (M A I I
on e e
”
. .
,
Such a passag is a li k th at indicat s a whol ch ain of

e n e e
w
r asonin g F rom it as w ll as f rom hi b li f in dr ams and
e .
, e s e e e
oracl s (M A IX 2 7 ) and f rom hi oth r r f r nc s to t h

e . .
, s e e e e e e
tak n in c onn ction with t h curr nt b li f s

w
g i
en u s i t h i n, e e e e e e
as to t h Socratic da mon and with t h popular doctrin f

e e ,
e e o
a guardian spirit that accompani s a man th rou gh li f e e, e
may not unr asonably draw t h in f r nc th at Marcus Aur

e e e e e e
lius th ou ght or at l ast h op d th at apart f rom t h knowl d g

,
e e , e e e
g t by inv stigatin g t h p h ysical univ rs

o e apart f rom th at e e e,
go t by a study f psyc h ical h nom na and toh sp culations p e e e e
of p hilosop h rs t h r is a dir ct m ans f attaining spiritual

e , e e e e o
truth th at th r is a spiritual int rm diary b tw n t h

,
e e e e e ee e
h uman r ason and t h divin

e th at th r is a bridg across e e, e e e
t h gul f t h at t h v ry wat r
e ,
f t h oc an floods and bbs
e e e o e e e
in t h furth st stuary and mor ov r th at this m ans of

e e e , ,
e e ,
e
communication th is sourc of r v lation th is coming of t h

, e e e , e
256 MARCUS AURELIUS
h av nly ambassador d p nds on t h purity of t h h uman
e
.
e
soul But n v rth l ss t h divin ith whi c h h hop s h

, e e
may t hus nt r into communion r mains imp rsonal

e e
e e
,
,
e e
,
e,
e
w e
e
e
e
.
e e
To som suc h proportions p tty ind d w h n compar d

w
e ,
e ee e e
with C hristian h op s was limit d I think Marcus s hop f e ,

e , ,
’
e o
w hat s hould c all communion with God A main di fficulty

e .
in hi way was t his Ev ry such ff ort on man s part impli s

s . e e
’
e
som c ntr in God s ss nc som cor f rom whic h hi

e e e
’
e e e, e e s
e fll manat s som h art within t h univ rsal body

u en c e e e , e e e e ,
som attribut f p rsonality ; but t h Stoics found t h

e e o e e e
divin r ason v ry w h r divin ly p rvading all t h at is

e e e e e e, e e ,
with no mor local or d finit h abitation in e plac th an e e on e e
anoth r and to cry out f a divin hand a word a touc h

e , or e , , ,
is f
so f orth a d nial
ar f t h is f undam ntal dogma I n e o e .
panth is m t h divin h no h art or h and or voic ; it is

e e e as e , ,
e
n v r f and it is n v r n ar To my thinking t h Em
e e ar, e e e .
,
e
p ero r smast ry f s l f n v r app ars mor calm mor

’
e o e e e e e ,
e
Roman mor nobly s r n t h an in h i allowin g to t his h op

, e e e e, s e
o f divin communion no mor t h an t h piti ful m asur

e f e e e e o
indulg nc w hich hi r ason sanction d H i r ason said

e e s e e . s e
th at t h univ rs is imp rsonal and h turn d f rom t h

e e e e ,
e e e
h uman d sir t h h uman cravin g for a Divin F ri nd wit h

e e, e , e e ,
a r nunciation as r ady as t h w lcom with wh ich oth r

e e e e e e
m en
g r t t h g r at h
eeop s f li f e e e o e .
Alt h ou gh Marcus Aur lius h in oth r r sp cts so muc h e as e e e
in common with C h ristians t h at Joh n Stuart Mill lik ns t h e e
M di t t i
e to t h t ach in gs f J sus y t h r h flatly
a on s e e o e ,
e e e e
parts company with th m ; and it is on t his not f sol mn e e o e
r si gnation f h roic ac c ptan c f t h t hin gs th at

e ,
o e f e e o e a r e, o
r fusal to paph hop at t h cost f r ason th at I tak

w
e c ase e e o e ,
e
l av f hi m H was t h nobl st f R m
e e o . d tak h im
e e e o o an s h an e
all in all t h r h not b n hi lik i llB t

w
,
e e th as ee s e s n ce e een e
Rom f hi day and our mod rn world th r rolls an oc an

e o s e e e e
o f t mp st toss d c nturi s ; and h and

e e -
f e a p art e e e e ar e ar .
I t is tru th at in many r sp cts our mod rn world is mor

e e e e e
A P P E N D I X A
L O G I C A ND P H Y S I C S
Cleanth es an d Ch rysi pp us an d th eir su cc essors

E NO ,
w er e alm ost all m en o f foreign b irth ho h ad b een d raw n
to A thens as t h e home o f ph ilosophy M any o f them were
,
, w ,
o f S emi ti c r ac e P ro b ably a ll w h ether by t em p eram en t early

.
.
,
h istory or by r a c ial tra d itio n w er e p rimari ly i n ter est ed i n mat

,
t ers o f ri gh t a n d w ro n g B ut w h at ever th eir ori gi n t h e l ead ers

,
o f t h e S ch oo l w er e c o ns tr a i n ed by t h e i n t ell ectua l app etit e o f t h e

.
A th enian s to t r eat ethi cs n ot as t he w h ole o f ph iloso phy as th eir

, ,
natural i n cli nation would have p rom pted but merely as a p art , ,
a n d t o c ompl et e t h e syst em b y s u pplyi n g oth er p arts T h is th ey
w
.
d i d w ith as goo d a gr ac e a s th ey c ould as sume ; th ey l ai d asi d e ,
as i t w ere t h e p rophet s raim ent o f camel s h air fo r t he f rayed

,
’ ’
,
cloak o f t he philoso ph er s u pplemented th eir ethi c al do gm as i th

theories up on p sychology and phys i cs and p res ented t he whole
,
t o their d is cipl es as a c om pl ete p h il o so p hy

,
S toi c p h i los o p hy i s sub t l e b ut not clos ely j oi n t ed ; th roughout

.
th ere are clums y hyp oth es es as well as gaps and in consistencies

T he wh ol e syst em ap art f rom eth i cs b ears mark s o f p er f unctory
.
, ,
l ab or as i f t h e S toi c t ea ch ers (alth ou gh r eady to acknowled ge

t h at i n or d er t o un d erstand a p art a man must comp reh end t h e
,
wh ole to wh i ch th at p art b elongs ) h ad b een r eluctant to turn f rom

,
c ondu ct and duty to a study o f t h e p ro c ess es o f t h e mind and

t h e natur e o f ma tter T h ank s i n t h e mai n to Ch rysipp us h ow ever , ,
t h e w ork w as d one Kno wled ge w as d ivi d ed i nto th r ee main h ea d s

.
logi c physi c s an d eth i c s O f th es e i n t h e or d er o f rationa l expo s i

.
, , ,
tion logic comes first A s E pi ctetus s ays” In measuring grain t he

.
“
,
fi rst thi ng i s to examin e t h e measure (D is cours es I

.
,
Th e
w
, ,
l o gi c o f t he S t oi cs ho w ever i s a li ttle vague i n i t s b ound aries ;

.
, ,
i t inclu d es a stu dy o f t h e natur e o f k n owl ed ge d ial ecti c s an d , ,
rhetoric A s I i sh to confin e m ys elf t o wh at may s erve for a

b etter und erstand ing o f t h e M edi t a ti ons I S h all s ay nothin g o f
.
di alecti cs or rh etori c f or M ar cus A urelius h ard ly mention s d i a

,
lect i cs excep t to r ecor d hi s i gnorance o f i t (M A VII and '
as to rhetoric hi s relation to th at subj ect s o f ashionable i n t he

. .
, ,
LOGIC AND P HYS I CS 259
W
Roman w or ld pp r d i anoth r ch ap t r Th S toi c s th ory
, a ea e n e e . e
’
e
f k o wl d g how v r i f imp rt nc i t i i tim t ly c on
w
o n e e, f e e , s o o a e, or s n a e
t d w ith th ir t h ory f th i c s E p i ct tus i d is cours
w
n ec e e e th o e . e , n a e on e
natur f philos phy says p r c iv th t m d isa gr
w
“
e o o , , e e e e a en ee, e
ask o r lv s hy d dis cov r that th is d i agr m t i d to

u se e , an e s ee en s ue
di ff r nt conc p tions f wh at
e e m ; th r f or
e p ro c d to o s ee s e e e, e ee an
i v sti g ti on f th t wh i ch
n e a m i or d r t
o d t rm i wh th r
a s ee s, n e o e e ne e e
or no i t ight ly m (D is cours s II
r Th main p ur p os
s ee s f ”
e , , e e o
w w w
.
this th ry f knowl dg th i to d t rm i n wh at ig ht ly m ;
eo o e e, en , s e e e r s ee s
th at i do s th t which m t b r v al th at wh i ch r ally i or
s, e a s ee s o e e e e s, ,
as h ould may tr t our s ns f t h S toic

]
e s y h f sa , o ar e us e es , or e s
en e t rt i d d oub t as to t h xist c f r al w rld and f

a ne no e e en e o a e o o
h um n ab ili ty to kno w i t Th p ro bl m i to
a t h w or ld it . e e s s ee e as
d not b mi s l d by f al s notions f r a lity Kno wl d g i
w
is, an e e e o e . e e s
c us d b y co tact f t h m ind with t h xt r al w orld and i d

a e n O e e e e n , s ue
to coop ratio b tw t h t B y this contact an im g i p ro

w
e n e een e o . a e s
d Cdu p o t h mi nd whi ch t h G r k s c ll ¢
e u n e l Cl anth s e ee a a vr a o a . e e
c omp r d this m ntal imag to

a e im pr ssion mad upone by e an e e ax
a s al P sychologic lly t h simi l i faulty f i t conv ys t h i d a

e . a , e e s , or e e e
th t t h mind i p siv but thi c lly it i j stifi d b c us i t

a e s as e; , e a , s u e , e a e
im pli s t h p rma nt ch aract r f such an imp r ssion and

w
e e e ne e o e ,
e mph siz s t h i m p ortanc f making sur th t t h imag b for

a e e e o e a e e, e e
i t sh all b fi rmly im p r ss d t lli s a cc urat ly

e i th r li ty S impl e e , a e e ea . e
i ma g s c t up on t h mi n d f a san an d h lthy p rso

e as lik ly
e o e ea e n a re e
to b c rr ct Vivi d sights sou ds and sm lls may b trust d ;

e o e .
, n , e e e
th ir vivid ss i th ir warrant B ut t h diffi culty li s h r ; imag

e ne s e . e e e e es
ar e r r ly simpl th y a lmost always compl x th y i volv

a e e; e a re e ; e n e
a p rop ositi ; th y p r dic t som thing or oth r conc rning t h

on
W
e e a e e e e e
obj ct For instanc I a d g but t h im g i not nak d f all

e . e: s ee o , e a e s e o
quali fic ations On t h contrary t h imag i t h n tur f p ro p o

. e , e e s e a e o a
si t iou This i my d g or Thi s i a strang d g or again

,
“
s o ,
” “
s e o ,
”
,
This i g nt l d g or This i f rocious d g

“ “ ”
s a e e h o , s a e o en an
im g p r s nts its lf th r i a p riod f h sitation h ow v r bri f

.
a e e e e , e e s e o e , e e e ,
d uring whi ch ma s d om ina t f aculty h i r ason must d t rmi n

n
’
n , s e , e e e,
as b st i t e wh th r or no t h ima g i tru or f ls f i f I
c an , e e e e s e a e; or
g up to a f r c ious d g and p t h im thi nk ing h i m a g nt l d g

o e o o a e e o ,
I may suff r f my incorr ct imp r ssion I f h ow v r t h r ason

w
e or e e e e , e e
a cts w arily s tis fi s it d ubts d r p orts th t t h imag i a

.
,
, a e s o , an e a e e s
tru trans crip t f r lity th n t acts f t h mind f ollow (but

e o ea e o o e
clos ly up o t h oth r as virtually to b ) wh i ch t h

,
so e one n e e e on e e
G r k s c ll d
ee Y dO a and dAm/ that i ass nt and m
e
'
OU
’
KaT GO LS
’
xa r u s, s e co
p r h nsion Th s ac ts c nstitut t h
e e . cc p tanc
e e f t h m nta l o e e a e e o e e
260
i m p r sio es th ¢
MARCUS AURELIUS
l n, tru imag f outw r d obj ct
upo whi ch m y s f ly r ly Th i m t l im g i th
e w
w
a aa a , as a e e o an a e ,
w
one n e a a e e . s en a a e s en
a dd d to t h oth r m t ri ls w h i ch t h mi d p oss s
e e e d i cor
a e a e n es es , a n n
p t d i to t h f ab ri c w hi ch
o ra e n t t and d l w ith as knowl
e e rea ea
e d g I a dd iti to t h w arr nt f vivi dn ss t h r so i

e . n on bl de a o e , e ea n s en a e
to j ud g f this corr c t ss f t h im ag s th t p r s t th ms lv s
e o e ne o e e a e en e e e ,
by virtu f c rt i i nat id as f w hich I S h ll s p ak a gai

e o e a n n e e o a e n .
I f our m nt l i m a g s all c rr c t th k owl d g f t h
w
e a e a re o e , en ou r n e e o e
out r world will b corr ct our j ud gm t w ill b j ust d our

e e e , en s e , an
act io s p ru d nt ; b ut i f our m tal im ag s

n e f ls sh ll en e ar e a e, e a
mak ll sorts f m ist k s and blun d rs

e a o a e e .
T his xp osi t io sounds v ry im pl b t as I h v i tim t d ’
e n e s e, u , a e n a e ,
wh t h S toic p hilosoph rs talk f p sych o lo gy th y

en e thi k ing e o e ar e n
f th i c s d th is d o ctri f s c rutini zing and th acc pti g or

w
o e , an ne o , en e n
r j cting a m ntal im g i volv s th ir whol th ory f go d d

e e , e a e, n e e e e o o an
il I t i y t t ll i f a d g i o s or not or i f h b ’
ev . s eas o e o s ne o n , e e
g t l or f r c ious b t i t i o f t n v ry h ar d to p r c iv th at goo d
en e e o , u s e e e e e
i go d
s d vi l i
o vil b c us wh t mak s imm diat thi gs goo d
an e s e ; e a e a e e e n
and vi l eth i ultimat co qu nc s and t h ul tim t

are e r e ns e e e , e a e c o nse
q u en c es are i most c as s r mot and fr q ntly qui t or almost

n e e e, , e ue , e
out f S i ght wh il t h unpl asant ss th t ccom p ni g o d or

o , e e e ne a a a es o ,
t h pl a ur th at c om s h nd i
e e s h and w ith vi l i i contin t ly
e e a n e , s n en
ob vious It i again t t h s mi g harshn s f go d or t h s m

w
s s e ee n es o o , e ee
i g sw t s f vil th t t h r so must p rot ct Th b usi

.
n ee nes o e , a e ea n e us . e
n ss f t h mi d i to hold acc ptanc i sus p ns until can

e o e n s e e n e e e
b uty f goo d ss and t h foul ss f vi l E p i c t tus
w
s ee th e ea o ne e ne o e . e
b i d hi d is ci pl s y to th s ¢
s s l App ranc s w ait f
e sa e e a vr a o a t ,
“
ea e , or
m e a li ttl l t m h you e; and wh t y

e e ab outs ee o a r e, a ou ar e .
”
(D is cours s II T o k o w th in gs
e th y th at i t h p roof n as e are, s e
f w is d om G i
, ,
o pi/ t m i p t ut t d
sa i t /ant o n a rou su n n on u cu n u r , au
(Thomas a K mp is Lib II
.
, ,
a es ti m t hi an u r,
pi t c v er e sa ens es . e , .
,
Ch ap I
Th is j u c tur i t h p r c s th t p uts t h mi d i c ont ct w ith
.
,
n e, n e o es a e n n a
outwar d thi ngs ffor d to t h r aso it opportunity to control a s e e n s
k o wl d g and sh ap ch rac t r an d i t i i this p arti cu l r and

,
n e e e a e ; s n a ,
in th is p rticul ar only I th i k th t M ar cus Aur lius conc rns

a n , a e e
h ims l f with t h th ory f k o wl d g A to v ry imp r sio

,
“ n
e e e o n e e . s e e es
l t m k p m y f aculty f c om p r h n io sa f (M A IV
”
w
e e ee o e e s n e . .
,
It i a m s b usin s to s cruti i z pl usibl im pr ssi ns ( o :

w
“ ’
e o m an
s an e s n e a e
¢ a l ) ( M
aor au A VIII It
” i a lw ays i my p w r to t k ,
“
s n o e a e
t h gr at st p ins w ith t h m nta l im p r si t at p

. .
e e e a (d l ) h e e es on a a or a re
s nts its lf th at noth ing Shall S li p i wi th out t h pproval f

e e , so n e a o
w
an d th c titut i f r ti l c t
e o ns h ll c mon ni gh t hy
o a a o na rea u re s a o e
r li g
u n T hi
r eas o nj i d d l ib tio. d cu
s en o n s b th f l ue e era n , an se r es o e
lo hi p w ith m
s d b d i c to t h go d en
(M A I I I an o e en e e s
”
W
t h t h u gh t I h rb o such wi ll m y m i d b f t h
. .
,
“
S ch u a s a re e o s a r, n e, or e
s oul t k t h dy f i t th ught D y i t th w ith c t nt

a es e e o s o s . e en a ons a
co r u f th u gh t l ik th is w h r v r i t i p o ibl t li v
se o o s th r i t
e , e e e s ss e o e, e e
is p o ibl al t liv w ll (M A V
ss e so o i p a w y t hy e e
”
. .
,
“
e a
f t i
a n as es k p sayi g to thy l f No w i t i i m y ee n se ,
‘
s n
p o w that i thi soul f m i th r h all b no w i ck d s no

er n s o ne e e s e e nes ,
g o d i no tra c f c fusio I w i ll things as th y r lly

w
r ss es r e, e o on n . s ee e ea
a r e, an d d l w ith th m th y d s rv R m mb r that t h s l f
ea e as e e e e .
’
e e e e e
g ov r m t
e n i i a cc
enor d c w itsh Natur ( n d M ) ( ” M A an e e Ku r . a
VIII A ft r this f shion assumi g autocrati c p ow r ov r

. .
, e a , n an e e
a ll i m mi gra t i d s at t h p ort f n try t h S toics arriv at th ir

ea e o en , e e e
h au ghty an d triump h a t attit d to w ar d li f th t all t h ph n u e e, a e e
no m l w or ld whi ch h
en a moral signi fic a c i w ithi t h c tr l as n e s n e on o
o f r on d that man i i d d t h m st r f hi f t t h
eas , an s n ee
“
e a e o s a e, e
c ap t i f hi soul
a n o It i t t hi g th t troubl m
s .
” “
E p i ct tus s no n s a e en ,
”
e
s ys b ut th ir pi i ab out things For inst nc d th i not

a ,
“
e o n on . a e, ea s
t rribl or i t would h v app ar d t S ocrat s b ut t h opinion

e e a e e e so o e ; e
th t d ath i t rribl i wh at m k s i t t rribl (E ch iri dion

a e s e e s a e e e .
”
n e ,
V ) For what purp o h natur giv us r o ? For t h righ t

.
“
se as e en eas n e
u se o f app ranc s T h r f or i t i t h m in w ork f

ea e p h ilosoph r
. e e e s e a o a e
t o exa mi app aranc s and to disti guish b tw th m d to

ne e e , n e een e , an
admi t no without xamination (D is cours s I

.
”
ne e . e , ,
Th s imag s th accor ding to t h t ching f Stoi c phi

e e e , en , e ea o
loso phy onc admitt d and app rov d b c om p rc ptions d

, e e e , e e e e , an
constitut t h m t l c ou t r p art f t h w orld f xt r al r ali ty

e e en a n e o e o e e n e .
A d t h mi d h
n eoth r fur i tur as w ll Th r oning p ow rs
n as e n e e e eas e
w ork up o p r c p tio s alr ady r c iv d c om b in th m apply t h

.
n e e n e e e e e e e
p ro c ss s f i d ucti and d duction d cr at c rtai ki d s

, ,
e e o n on e , an e e e n n
f c onc p ts g r l i d as ab str ct id as d such A nd i addi
W
o e en e a e a e , an . n
tio to p rc ptions and co c pts th r h um mind

, ,
n e e i th n e , e e ar e n e an
som s rts f i at id as sp cially or sol ly p rhap s i mat

e o o nn e e , e e , e e , n
t rs f thi cs Th th
e o e th c rit ria by w hi ch to j ud g
es e, en , ar e e e e
oncomi g im ag s E p ict tus s ys c om into t h w or ld w ith

.
“
n e e a e e e
w
,
no natural notio f a right angl d triangl or f a half ton

.
n o -
e e o e
b ut to good and vil t h b autiful d t h ugly t h b com i ng

w w
as e e e an e , e e
d t h u b comi ng t h p rop r an d t h im p ro p r and wh t

,
an e n e e e e e , a e
ought to d d what ugh t not to do h h v r com i to

,
o an e o , o as e e e n
t h w or ld w ithout an innat i d a f th m ? (D is cours s I I

”
e e e o e e , ,
Th s i n t i d
e e n abl t h ruli g r on to d t rmin u d r
a e eas en e e n eas e e e n e
LOGI C AND P HYS I CS 263
wh at thi c al c at gory to cl ssi fy t h th ough ts imp r ssions f ci s
e e a e , e , an e ,
t h at c om th ronging t t h min d ;
e d as to matt rs w h r inn t o e an e e e a e
i d as p rovid
e c rit ri matt rs th t h av no r l ation t th i c
e no e a, e a e e o e s,
t h w arra t f
e b li vi g th t p r c p tions
n or c orr ct i m ag s f
e e n a e e ar e e e o
O bj cts outsi d t h mi d li s i th ir vivi d n ss th ir c ontinu n c

e e e n e n e e , e a e,
th ir co sist ncy with

e n anoth r Th Stoi cs also r ly up o
e o ne e . e e n
com mon s s and t h univ rsal a gr m t

en e f mank i d on e e ee en o n .
Th n x t subj c t i p hysi c
e e T his b r ch f kno wl d g a ccor d
e s s . an o e e,
i g to t h
n S toi c s i clu d d not m r ly a stu dy
e ,f t h m t ri l
n e e e o e a e a
w or ld b ut m tap hysic s th olo gy and p hysio lo gy as w ll and

, e , e , e ,
ind d ll knowl d g ap art from t h subj ct d lt with by logi c

ee a e e e e s ea
an d th i c s M ar cus s ld m r f rs to p hys i c s d ir ctly b ut h i M di

e . e o e e e , s e
t ti
a p r supp os a kno wl d g f t h S toi c th ori s an d as a
o ns e e e e o e e e ,
youth h must hav studi d t h subj ct H r f rs to hims lf as

e e e e e . e e e e
¢ x yn 6 a stu d t f t h p ro c ss s f atur
vc ¢o o 7 s, Th S t i c d o c
en o e e e o n e
. e o
trin f physics d riv d som f it th ori s from H racli tus and

e o e e e o s e e e , ,
by n gativ as w ll as by p ositiv r so ing so sh ap d its l f as t

e e e e ea n , e e o
e ff c t
e sh rp contrast with t h atomi c hypoth sis prop ou d d
a a e e , n e
by D m c ritus and a cc p t d b y E p i curus Accor d ing to t h E pi

e o e e . e
c u r ea n hyp oth sis f t h u iv rs th r xists a vast voi d d

e o e n e e, e e e , an
in it t rnal atoms ndow d w ith t h p rop rty f motio

are e e e e e e o n,
wh i ch by th ir c om b inations and i t ractio s cr at t h world d

e n e n e e e an
all things i it Th Stoi cs as w ll t h E picur ans

n . e mat , e as e e , are e
i li t
r a b ut f quit a di ff r nt sort th y p ostulat as a fun da
s s, o e e e ; e e
m tal dogma th t all things

en f sub stanc arth i
a ar e o one e, e a r,
w at r m b asts pl a ts t h go d s t h soul t h motions ll

,
e en, e , n , e e e e a
thi gs how v r unlik i form quali ty a ction and charact r and

, , , ,
n e e e n , , , e
th at this sub stanc i mat rial M att r may b com t uous to a

, ,
e s e . e e e en
fin n ss b yon d t h r ach f t h s ns s an d h ar dly to b d ivin d
w
e e e e e o e e e , e e
by t h imagination b ut still i t i matt r th ugh f a d i ff r t

e , s e , o o e en
c t gory f rom t h matt r th t co trast with m ind

a e e e a e n .
Th is univ rsal matt r i f f rom b ing i rt quit t h con

e e s ar e ne ; e e
trar y i t i instin c t w ith motion A mi gh ty p ro c ss a lm o t i fi

s e s n
nit ly s low i going on f cond nsation and rar faction f y
.
, ,
e , s , o e e o s s
tol and di tol Th univ rsal sub stanc which i i t p rimal st t

,
e as e e e e, n s a e
i an th r a l fi contra cts and xp nd s First contra ction tak s

.
s e e e r e, e a e
pl ac b ut i v rying stag s d d gr s som p arts th ick n i nto

.
e, n a e an e ee ; e e
i
a r, som co d ns int w t r and oth rs soli dify i to arth
e n e e o a e , e n e
A ft r t h m xi m um f so li dity h b attain d r v rs p roc ss

.
e e a o as een e , a e e e e
s ts i
e d c o tinu s unti l t h wh l p ss
n , an b a ck th rough stag s
n e e o e a es , e
o f r r f a c tion into fi ry th r an d all c r atio d isso l v s i p rimal

a e , e e e , e n e n
I t h w or d s f t h B ibl Th h av ns h all p ss a w y with

“
fi re . n e o e e, e e e s a a
a gr t noiea d th l m ts sh all m lt w ith f rv t h at
se, an e e e en e e en e ,
th e rth l
ea d t h w ork th t
a so anth r in sh ll b burn d e s a are e e a e e
up (II P t ii i
”
W ithi t h cycl s f th is gr t p ro ss
e er , n e e o ea ce ,
w ho r vo l tions shall c o ti u v rla tingly t h sam univ r l

se e u n n e e e s , e e e sa
rgy di pl ys its lf i oth r forms A t tim i t pp rs to

w
ene s a e n e . o ne e a ea
ac t li k a mi gh ty c urr t f w i d s w p i g to
e d f through
en o n , ee n an ro
sp c a e, d i anthis form i t i k own as s pirit or b r th fi

n s n , ea , e ua ,
or ag in i t acts as a sort f n rv s or to i c n rgy ; and und r
a , o e ou n e e , e
one or oth r f th s mani f t tions t hi shap ing p ow r giv s to

e o e e es a , s e e
ea ch s v ral th i g li ving or inanim t its p c li r form and

e e n , a e, e u a
quali ty .
Th l anguag u d b y S t i c p h i losop h rs c o c rning t h uni v r

e e se o e n e e e se
o ft pp ars to p r s t it und r a t wofold as p ct

en a e e enp ss iv e e , on e a e
and t h oth r activ and som tim go s f

e e to conv y t h
e, e es e so a r as e e
imp r ssio that out i d for c c t up o matt r ; but this com s

e n an s e e a s n e e
f ro m c ar l ssn ss f utt ranc

e e I f qu stion d th y w ou ld
e o h i e e . e e , e un es
t t i gly as rt th t t h p rimal sub stanc i instinct w ith n r gy

a n se a e e s e e ,
that motio i inh r t attrib ut f matt r and that ll i

n s an e en e o e , a s one .
T h i u i v rs l n r gy i not m ch ni c al m r ly i t i not o ly
w
s n e a e e s e a , e e ; s n
th at b ut i ddi tion it i t h p rincipl f lif and lik wis a

, n a s e e o e e e
s p iritual f orc It p r s nt its l f und r various asp cts I f fix

e . e e s e e e . e
our att tion en th or d rly cours f natur

on th est ady e e o e, on e e
w
s qu nc f ph om a and p ci lly up on t h in xorabl
w
e e e o en en , es e a e e e c on
strai t i t h li v s f m thi s c osmi c rgy assum s t h as p ct

n n e e o en , ene e e e
th t c all Fat i p é n B ut i f shi ft our att tion to t h

a e e, e p a u v e en e
w
.
r latio f c au
e n o d ff c t d p ond r up
s e an t h c aus f c aus
e e , an e on e e o es ,
t h p o w r b com s l l wh i ch corr s p ond s a ft r a f ash ion to t h

e e e e a r a, e e e
mod rn t rm Fi t C
e e O r a gain i f rslook at t h univ rs
au s e. , , e e e e
f rom a b i l gi c a l p oint f vi w
o o d c onc n our lv s m inly w ith o e an er se e a
w w
t h p ro c ss s f li f i
e e anim at cr ation th n u d r that s p ct
e o e n e e , e , n e a e ,
this p ow r fi ds a mor app ropriat n m as N t t h pri cipl

e n e e a e a u r e, e n e
f gro th d or g ni c ch ang s f whi ch t h G r k w r d i
w w
o an a e , or e ee o s
A nd fin lly i f r fl ct on t h m rv llous adaptati f

a e e e e a e on o
w
, ,
p rt to p art h
a all th i gs sub rv oth r int r ts h pl
, o d
n se e e e es , o an a n
p urp s s m to
o e eeth rough t h whol syst m mor sp ci lly i f
ru n e e e , e e e a
e f l gratit d
ee d bl to p ronounc t h univ rs g o d i
u e an ar e a e e e e e o , n
that cas t h pow r assum s sort f p rson li ty and b com s

e e e e a o e a e e
1r p6 P ro i d nc
v0 La, v e e .
S t h h yp th is f t h S toi c s mak i g gr at a ccount f m i d

o e o es o e , n e o n
i
n m f instinc t i
an , o b t f gro wt h i pl ants and f t hn eas s , o n , o e
ord r whi ch how v r confus d i t m y look to human y p

e e e e a e es , re
vails i v ry p art f t h univ rs (wh r i ll things work t

,
n e e o e e e, e e n a o
hi s xpl t io t
e d c ip t io
ana f t h p ro c ss
n o f ch a g
a A es r n o e e es o n e c
c d i g t t h S toi c t h m ultitu d i ou thi gs i t h u iv rs

.
or n o e s, e n s n n e n e e
w er e p o d c d by l f d ir cti g i m p ul s f t h u i v
r u e se l r a on -
e n se o e n er s a e s ,
an d r g d th m lvan i d gr s
e ach high r cl ss p o i g t h
e se es n e ee , e e a s s es s n e
p o p ti
r f t h l o w r as w ll as n bl r attri b ut
er es o e f i t o wn
e , e o e es o s
All thi gs p o s fo m a po w r f coh io i i d i i dual shap

.
n s s es r , e o es n n n v e,
w hi ch t h G r k s c ll t f Th or g i c w orld b oth im l and

w
‘
e ee a rs . e an , an a
v g t bl h t h p ow rs f growth and r p r d ucti n d m

e e a e, as e e o e o o , a s, a
w rd o I h v s id th t tra sl t t I im l a gain
, as a e a , a e n a e na u re . n an a s, ,
is a h i gh r li f a p ychic l p art sort f s pirit or sh dowy so l

e e, s a , a o a u ,
¢ x § (p y ch ) w h i ch b y m a s f t h s s s
u 7 s e , d i sti cts loo k s
, e n o e en e an n n ,
aft r t h corp or al w l far f t h ani m l This p sychical l m nt

e e e e e o e a . e e e ,
is, lik all l e p art f t h u iv rsal ub stanc

e s e, a f p rim al th o e n e s e, o e e
w
,
r al fi but i t i di ti guish d by it high d gr f t nuo n ss

e r e, s s n e s e ee o e us e
and t sion and i d fault f any b tt r xplan tio f i t origi

en , , n e o e e e a n o s n,
as conj ctur d t b e xh al tio f rom t h bl oo d (M A V

e o e an e a n e . . .
,
3 3 VI ; M alo h t h attribut f mi d fi t h r ling

, an ne as e e o n , vo s, e u
r ason My fi b or i t i o ft c a ll d f short 6 fry
w
e , os yeuo m x s, , as s en e or , 1 e
po vuc é T h is l g
v. i t h ratio l lor d and mast r f m ; i t i f
o os s e na e o an s o
o ne natur ith t h d ivi r son A nd i lik mann r as t h

e e ne ea . n e e e
d i i r on gov rns t h univ rs

v ne eas should ma s r so gov r
e e e e, s o n
’
ea n e n
hi m Th S toi c s d i d not a cc p t P l ato s b li f i t h i m mort li ty

’
e e e e n e a
f t h soul F th m at l ast f E pict tus an d M ar cus Aur lius

.
o e or e , e or e e ,
d ath com s t h r so r so lv s into i t ori gi al l m nt

.
wh en e e , e ea n e e s n e e e ,
v n as t h b ody crum bl s into dust I h av b cr at d as a

e e e e .
“
e een e e
p rt [ f a wh o l ] I sh ll vanish aw ay into th t w hi ch gav m

a o e . a a e e
b irth or rath r th r sh all c om a ch ang and I sh all b t k n up

; e e e e e e a e
i to t h g rmi ativ r so (M A IV S om p h i loso ph rs

”
n e e n e ea n . . .
, e e
e nt rt i d t h hyp oth is th t t h souls f goo d m will survi v

e a ne e es a e o en e
b o dily d ath and c tinu i th ir ind ivi dual ity u til t h fin l

e , on e n e n e a
en d f th t o f t h v t cycl s f t r a l tim
a o ne o to which th y
e as e o e e n e e
h av b n all ott d by d sti y B ut i t h all c onsuming

e ee e fl g e n . n e -
c on a ra
t io v t h souls f t h right ous p ass aw ay
W
n e en e o e e .
Th us c r at d and nd o w d all th s s v ral th ings f w h atso
w
e e e e e e e e , o
v r kind th y w ork to g th r to c arry out t h d ivin p ur p os

,
e e e a r e, e e e e e,
or i f p r f r to r g r d i t t h p r d t rminat c ours f f at
e so e e e a , e e e e e e o e
M ar cus A ur lius w rit s i h i not b ook all w rk tog th r

.
,
“
e e n s e -
: e o e e
towar d fi al d som w ith kno wl d g th r o f and cons cious

one n en , e e e e e
i t llig c d som i ignoranc as H raclitus (I thi k i t i )

n e en e, a n e n e; e n s
says E v th y th at sl p‘
en w ork rs and co ll ab orators i ll
e ee ar e e
’
n a
that tak s plac i t h univ rs O c op rat s i this and

,
e e n e e e ne o e e n
an th r i th t ; and als i full m ur fl owing ov r b oth h

.
o e n a o, n eas e e , e
LOGIC AND P HYS I CS 2 67
th t grumbl s an d h th t tri s to r sist and u do wh at i don
a e e a e e n s e
For t h univ rs n d s also j ust such man (M A VI

.
”
e e e ee , , a . . .
,
A nd again h says All thi gs

, , i t rtwin d i
e anoth r
:
“
n ar e n e e n one e ,
by a s c r d t i h ar dly anyth ing i ali n to any oth r All h av

a e e; s e e . e
b een array d sid by si d d tog th r th y t e e niv rs i e, an e e e se one u e e n

or d r For th r i
e . u i v rs comp ound d f all things and
e e s on e n e e e o , o ne
G d th at p rm at s a ll t h i gs an d
o e sub stanc de e l aw n , one e an on e ,
and th r i r aso com m on to ll int ll ctu l c r atur s and

e e s one e n a e e a e e ,
th r i
e e truth ; and i t m y b th r i
s on e p r f ctio f all a e e e s one e e n or
livi g th i gs th at
n ak i d sh r i t h sam r aso (M A
n a re n an
‘
a e n e e e n
”
VII
. . .
A n d sinc all t h p arts f th is whol e coll ab or tors f a

e o e are a or
comm o d b ou d a ch t n en ach i mutu l d p d c i t f oll ows

, n e o e n a e en en e,
th t all a ff ct d by wh t v r b f lls ach wh th r f goo d or

a are e e a e e e a e , e e or
ill . All th t i i h armo y w ith th

“
a O U ni v rs i h armony f
s n n ee, e e, s or
m e Noth ing th at i i Thy d tim com s too arly or too l at

. s n ue e, e e e
f or m All th t Thy s asons b ring f orth 0 Natur i f ruit f

e . a e , e, s or
(M A IV An d a gai G iv a w lcom to all th at

” “
m e . . .
, n: e e e
h app s v n i f it s ms too h rsh b caus i t contrib ut s to t h

en , e e ee a , e e e e
h a lth f t h univ rs
e o d t t h w l f ar an d p ros p rity f Z us
e e e an o e e e e o e
h ims l f (M A V 8 Th is u i v rsa l i t r d p n d nc
”
e f th n e n e e e e e o e
c omp o nt p arts f t h univ r S toi c s c ll d

. . .
, ,
ne th oym p t hy e e se e a e s a
( evm d O ) as
r i f vasteca n rvous syst m r n d r d a c h
o ne p art e e e e e e s en
to wh t all t h oth rs f lt Such a cr d wh n illumi t d

,
s it i ve a e e e . ee , e na e
b y motio do s not f ll f b lo w t h Ch ristia b li f th at G o d

e n, e a ar e e n e e
i a ll i
s ll B y th is c r d v ry h um a li f
n a i s p it f our anim l ee e e n e, n e o a
W
n tur d our trivial i t r sts i gra c d with a s p ci s f divi
.
a e an n e e , s e e e o ne
d ig ity M ar cus A ur lius o ft n com b ck to th at thou ght Al

n . e e es a :
“
w ys r m mb r th at t h univ rs i
a e e living th ing f
e b e e e s one , o on e s u
stanc d soul (M A IV
e an on e h at v r b f all s .
”
a ch . .
,
“
e e e , e
indivi dual co tribut s t t h w l far t h p r f ction y by Z us

n e o e e e, e e e , es , e ,
e v to m aintai t h uni ty f th at which gov rns t h univ rs

en n e , o e e e e
”
V It t is o trin osmi s m at y univ rsal

.
( M A i h d c f c c y p h s f e o , o e
b roth rh o d th at r nd rs som k owl d g f t h uni v rs

. .
,
ww
e o e f it e e n e e o e e e, o s
n tur and workings n c ss ry to t h m th t d sir s to b

,
W
a e e e a e an a e e e
w
goo d h d o s not k no w w h t t h univ rs i d o s not kno w
,
“
H e o e a e e e s, e
w
wh r h i H h do s w t wh t d t h u iv rs i
.
e e e t ks e o e no no o a en e n e e s
dir ct d d o s not k o w h h i or w h t t h univ rs i

.
”
e e e n o e s, a e e e s .
(M A VIII h at i my b usin ss T o b go d A d h
,
“ ?
s e e o n o
th t b p rop rly accom pli sh d xc pt with k owl dg b oth

. .
,
c an a e e e e e a n e e
f t h n tur f t h u iv rs and constitutio f man ?

”
o e a f th e o e n e e o e n o
(M A x 1, . .
I t mi gh t s m th t th i c s i f th y d p n d up o th s p hy i c l
ee a e , e e e n e e s a
th ori
e i a v ry p r c rious c ond ition B ut i d d i t i not
es , a r e n e e a .
, n ee s
O t h c o trary all t h c hi ld ish i gnoranc d rror con c rn

,
so n e n , e e an e e
i g t h p hysi c l w or ld may b p ut asi d d th r w ill still b

.
n e a e e, a n e e e
l f t t h truth w hi ch f
e e th S toi c s c onstitut d t h matt r or f e e e e o
s nti l im p ortanc that li f i t h m f multitudi ous r l

,
es e a e, e s e su o n e a
tio s and th t t h p art i i b solut d p nd nc up o t h whol

n , a e s n a e e e e e n e e
thi truth r st t h thi cal dogmas f harmony b tw n t h

.
O n s e e e o e ee e
c r tur
ea d a ll c r tion
e an f s b mi ssion f t h h um ea w ill to t h o u o e an e
w
,
di vi w i ll Th p hysi c al c r d f univ rsal homo g n ity f b

ne e ee o e e e o su
t nc i in xtri cably b ound p w ith t h commu i on b tw n t h

.
s a e s e u e n e ee e
h uman soul and d ity f th r i sub stanc

e ,l and
or e e s on e e, o n e a ,
”
one G d o
T his I thi nk i nou gh f t h Stoics physi cs and m t physi cs

.
’
, s e o e e a
to abl t h r ad r to und rstand t h allusions to thos subj ct

,
en e e e e e e e e s
i n the M edi t a t i ons .

2 70
El
‘
h se
MARCUS AURELIUS
h ould t h
c o m m d t H i b i dd i g fl o w
an
t o
,
w
a
r g l rly as though by G o d s
s
at H i b iddi g s d forth hoots

s n
e rees
er
so
;
e u a
s
,
n en s
’
b r f r i t d r i p i t t H i b i dd i g l t i t f all d sh d th ir
ea u an en ; a s n e an e e
l v ea d f old d u p u p
es , a n th m lv s li i q i t ss d r st ?
e on e se e e n u e ne an e
H o w l as t h M e s e, w x d wa th S
e app roach s
o on a es an n es , a s e un e
an d r c d e e i t b th t u ch vi c i it d
es , c a n d a lt rnatio i s e a s ss u e an e n s een
i arthly t hi g ?
n e n s
ll t h i gs that gro w y our o wn b o d i s thus b ou d

‘
If t h en a n , na e a re n
u p with t h whol i not this still tru r f our soul ? A d i f our

e e, s e o s n
souls b ou d up i c o ta ct w ith G o d as b ing v ry p arts d

ar e n n n , e e an
f r gm
a ts pluck d f om H im l f sh all H not f l v ry mov
en e r se e ee e e e
m t f th irs as t h ugh it w r H i own d b longing to H i

,
en o e o e e s an e s
own natur ? (H C )
,
’
e
w w
. .
G d (Z us ) h th pl a c d by t h si d f a ch a ma s o w n G uar
’
o e a e e e o e n
d ia S p irit h i ch arg d to w at ch ov r h i m
n , o Guar d ia
s h e e —
a n o
s l p s not nor i d c iv d For to what b tt r or mor w at chful

ee s e e e e e e
G u rdi c ould H h av c ommitt d ach f us ? S wh you h av

.
a an e e e e o o en e
shut t h d rs and mad a d arkn s within r m mb r n v r to

e oo e es , e e e e e
sa y you alon f y a re not alon but G o d i withi and

e; or ou ar e e, s n,
your G uard i S p irit d what li ght do th y n d to b hold wh at

an an e ee e
d o T o th is Go d you al so sh ould h v s w orn a ll gianc v

,
ou ?
y a e e e, e en
as soldi rs unt Ca sar Th y wh n th ir s rvic i h ir d s w r

e o e . e e e e e s e , ea
to hold t h lif f Ca sar d ar r tha all ls and will you not

e e o e e e n e e:
s w ar your oath th at
e d m d w orthy f , many an d gr at a re ee e o so e
gi f ts ? A n d w ill you not k p your oath wh you h av s worn i t ? ee en e
A nd wh at oath w ill you s w ar ? N v r to d isob y n v r to arr ign e e e e , e e a
or murmur at augh t th at com s to you f rom H i h and n v r e s : e e
u willi ngly to d o or su ff r aught that n c ssity l ays u po us Is

n e e e n
‘
t h is oath lik th irs ? Th y s w ar to h o ld oth r d ar r th an

.
’
e e e e no e e e
Ca sar you to ho ld your tru s lv s d ar r th an all ls b si d s

e : , e e e e e e e e e .
(H .
Fri nd lay hold with a d sp rat gras p

e i t i too l at on e e e , er e s e,
Fr dom on Tranquilli ty G r atn ss f S oul ! Li ft up t hy h ad

,
ee , on e e o e ,
as s cap d f rom s lav ry ; d ar to look up to God an d y

,
o ne e e e e sa
D a l w ith m h nc f orth T h ou w i lt ! T h ou an d I
,
‘
e e e fe as ar e o o ne
mi d I am Thin I r fus nothing th at s m th go d to Th ;
W
n e e e ee e o ee
l a d on whith r T ho w ilt cloth m i wh at g r b Th ou pl as st

. .
e e u , e e n a e e :
w il t Thou h v m rul r or a sub j t t h om or i xi l p oor

a e e a e ec —
a e n e e—
or ri ch ? All th s thi gs will I j ustify unto m f Th e e n en or ee .
h w ould H r cul s h av b
o h d h l oit r d at h om ? no
e e e een a e e e e
H r c l s b ut E urysth us A nd i hi w and rings through t h

e u e ,
e . n s e e
w orld h
d
o wW
SAY I NGS O F E P ICTE T U S
many fri nd and comrad s d i d h fi d ? but noth i g
r r to God h r for h was b li v d to b Go d s (Z us )
ea e .
271
e e
s
e e
e
e e e
e n
e
’
e
n
s on , as ind d h was S t h n i ob di nc to H im h w nt b out

ee e . o e n e e e , e e a
d li v ring t h
e e arth f rom inj ustic and lawl s n ss
e e e e s e .
B ut thou art not H r cul s th ou say st d c anst not d l iv r e e , e , an e e
th rs from th ir iniquity not v n Th s us to d liv r t h soil f

w
—
o e e e e e e , e e e o
A tti c a f rom i t monst rs ? P urg aw ay thin o wn c ast f orth th c

s e e e , en e
— f rom th i mind not robb rs and monst rs but F ar
ne o n , e e , e ,
D sir E nvy M ali g ity A vari c y Int mp r nc And '
e e, Efl mi , n , e, e nac , e e a e .
th s e e may not b cast out xc pt by looking to G d alon by e , e e o e,
fi ing t hy fl t i
x H im o ly an d b y c ons c r ti g thys l f to
a
‘
ec ons o n n , e a n e
H i c omm and s If th ou ch oos st au gh t l s w ith si gh s an d groans

s . e e e,
thou wilt b for c d to follow a M ight gr at r tha thin own v r

e e e e n e , e e
s king T r nqui lli ty without and n v r abl to attai unto h

ee a , e e e n er
For thou s k st h r wh r h i not to b found an d wh r

.
ee e e e e e s e s e ; e e
s h ie th r thou s k t h not ! (H C )
s, e e ee es er . .
A s G d h ath or d ain d so d o ; ls th ou w ilt fl ch astis m nt

‘
o e e e su
’
er e e
d loss A sk st t h ou w h t loss ? No oth r th an this T o h av

,
’
an . e a ne e : e
l ft und o wh at t h ou should t h v d on t h av lost t h f aith

e ne s a e e: o e e
f ul ss t h r v r nc
ne , t h mo d sty th at i i
e th ! G r at r loss
e e e e, e e s n ee e e
than this s k not to fi d ! (H C ) ee n . .
I t h room f all oth r pl sur s p ut th i

n e t h pl asur wh i ch
o e ea e s— e e e
s p rings from co s c ious ob di c to Go d (H C ) n e en e . . .
It i t h criti c l mom nt that sh ows t h man S wh n t h crisis

W
s e a e e . o e e
i u p o you r m mb r th at G o d li k a train r f w r stl rs h

s n , e e e e e o e e as
match d you with a rough and st lwart antagonist To hat

, ,
‘
—
e a
d ? you k Th at you may p rov t h vi ctor at t h G r at G am s

.
’
en as e e e e e
Y t w ith out toi l and s w t th is m y not b ! (H C )

. .
e ea a e . .
B not anxious th at wh at h app ns sh all h pp n

e you wish b ut e a e as ,
w ish f th at to h app wh i ch do s h pp n Th n your li f w ill

or en e a e e e
fl o w on i tranquillity
.
n .
R m m b r th t you a c t a p art i su ch a pl y as t h m nag r

e e e a n a e a e
ch oos s H may assig a short p art or h may ssi gn a long p art

e e n , e a
If h w i h s you to pl ay t h p art f a p oor man pl y th at p art

. .
e s e e o , a
w ith goo d gra c too wh th r i t b th at f lam man a p rso

e, s o , , e e e o a e e n
authority or a p rivat p rson For i t i your b usin ss to play

,
i
n , e e . s e
w ll t h rol th at i giv you b ut to s l ct t h rol i Anoth r s

e e e s en , e e e e s e
’
b usi ss ne .
K p d th d xi l and all oth r thi gs th t s m to b
ee ea an e e, e n a ee e
t rribl b for your y s v ry d ay d most f ll d ath and

e e, e e e e e e , an o a e
you w ill n v r think a lo w thought nor will you cov t anything

,
e e , e .
E v ryth in g h
e t w o hafts to tak hold f t h oth r not to
as , o ne e o e e
t ak ho ld f If your b roth r sins d o not l y h old f h i
,
e o . i f e , a o s s n, or
th at i t h haft not to b tak hold f but rath r l y hold f this

s e e en o , e a o
h ft th at h i your b roth r b rou gh t u p to g t h r w ith you A n d
a , e s e , e e
you w ill hav hold f t h h ndl that i m nt to c rry it

.
e o e a e s ea a .
N v re e
y f nyth ing I h v l ost i t b ut
sa o y I h av gi v n i t
a a e , sa , e e
b a ck I your child d ad ? It h b
. s gi v b ack H your stat e as een en as e e
w r st d f ro m you ? This too h b tak b ck B ut h th t

.
been e e as een en a e a
robb d m i a wi ck d m ! Wh t i it to you by wh os hand H

.
e e s e an a s e e
that gav h tak aw ay ? S long as wh t H giv s sh all r main
W
e as en o a e e e
to you tak c ar f it as t h p rop rty f anoth r ; do as trav ll rs

, e e o e e o e e e
d at
o i an n .
h at w ould st thou b f oun d d oing w h n ov rtak by D th ? e e e en ea
If I migh t ch s I w ould b found doing som d d f tru

oo e, e e ee o e
humanity f w i d imp ort b

, o fi t an d no bl B ut i f I m y not
e , en e cen e a
b f oun d nga g d i au ght so lo fty l t m ho p at l ast f thi

.
e e e n e e e e or s
w
,
wh t non may hind r w h at i sur ly i my p o w r that I may

a e e , s e n e —
b f ou d rais in g u p i mys l f th at w h i ch h d f ll
e n ; l arning to n e a a en e
d al mor w is ly w ith t h thi gs f s

e e e w ork ing out my e n o ens e ; o n
t ranqui lli ty an d thus r d ring th at whi ch i i t d

, to v ry en e s s ue e e
r lation f li f (H C )
e o e . . .
S h ould th r t b som on to e e no sing t h hym n f G d e e e e o o
on b h al f f all m ? Wh t l
e o I th t m old and lam d o
en a e s e c an a a e
b ut sing to G o d ? W r I nightingal I should do aft r t h e e a e, e e
man r f a nighting l W r I a s w an I hould do a ft r t h

ne o a e e e , s e e
man r f a s wa B ut no w sinc I am a r ason bl b ing I must

.
ne o n , e e a e e ,
sing to Go d ; t h at i m y work I d o i t nor will I d rt this my

.
s : , es e
p ost as long as i t i gr nt d m to h old i t ; an d up o you too I s a e e .

n
c all to j oin i th i s l fsam hymn (H C )

,
n s e e . . .
G o g Lo g G H R nd all
e r J oh
e n e n
J ck o d th T h m o t s tis f c to y i th t i
. .
a s n an o er s e s a a r s a n
t h L h Cl si c l L ib r ry by C R H ai s It i xc ll t d
.
e oc as a a ne s e e en an
giv t h G r k t xt I app dix to hi b o k M r H i

. . .
es e ee e n an en s o a n es
i clud d M ar cu s sp ch s and ayings Th rly t l

. .
h ’
as n e s ee e s e ea ra n s a
tio by M ri c C saub o (1 634 ) h b r publi sh d i E y

.
n e a n as een e e n v er
m an
’
s Li br a r y .
M . CO RN E LII FRO NTO N IS ET M . A U RELI I I M P ERATO B IS E P I ST U LAE .
is b ook c o tains t h c orr s p o d c b tw C rn li us

Th n e e n en e e een o e
Fronto d M ar cu A r lius and oth r disti gui sh d p rso
an s u e e n e e ns
A s a tou ch sto f truth i t val i sim i l r to th t

.
ne o f th s ue s a a o e
ori gi al ditio (1 81 5 1 82 3 ) by C rdinal
,
M d i t ti
W
e Th a on s e n e n a
f no gr at va l S A Nab r s d itio (1 86 7 ) i v ry
.
,
M i i a s o e ue e
’
e n s e
much b tt r d i c th n t h t xt h b m uch imp rov d
. . .
e e ; an s n e e e e as een e
b y d is c ov ri s d c onj ctur e by v rious s ch ol ars R K luss

e an e es a
m d oth rs
, .
a nn , St d m d C B km u ed p ti un ra an , an e an ar cu
l ly b y E d m H ul r C R H ai s i p ubli hin g t h corr

.
, .
,
ar a e ne s s e e
w
L h Cl assi ca l L ib rary L ati an d E ngli s h
. . . .
p d
s on i th en ce n e oc n
Th fi t vo lum h alr ady app ar d
, .
e rs e as e e e .
C a sius
w
R O M A N H IS TO Y (T d l pl )
R Di o a r ) ar o a . o s .
Di C assius (as h i usually c all d ) w rot i G r k H

o e s e e n ee e
b or i B ithy i b ut w t t R om as a you g m and
.
as n n n a, en o e n an
li v d th re through t h r ig f Commodus (1 80
e e H e e n o e
w as a m mb r f t h S nat H i h istory b gi s w ith t h
e e o e e e. s e n e
w
f oun d atio f R om d go n o d o wn to hi o wn l i f tim U e an es s e e n
f ort n t ly som f t h b ook s th at d al w ith t h s c o d
.
u a e e o e e e e n c en
tury A D lost d h av only ar e p itom f th m an e e an e e o e
w
mad by mo k f C nstanti opl X i phili ( l v th
. .
, ,
e a n o o n e, nu s e e en c en
tury ) A nd f t h r ign f Antoninus P ius and t h b gi i g
or e e o e e nn n
f t h r ig f M r cus A ur liu h v not v that f
.
o e e n o a e s, e a e e en or
th s b ook s h d alr dy gon i X iphili tim and th is
,
’
e e a ea e n nu s s e,
g p i b ut m a g ly fill d b y ch an c
a s xc rp ts th at h av b n
e re e e e e e ee
p r s rv d by various w rit rs
e e e e .
H IS TORY . H er o di an u s .
H er o d i a n u s ls w e i n G eek H e w a o rot
b n p e h ap r as or r s
a out s m to v r ar Ita y as ou
.
b 1 65 A D H e ee s h a e eg d ed l his c n
w
an som iv osts un r ov r m nt
. .
t ry, d h e h eld e c il p d e t he g e n e H e,
a r nt y not m os istory ti a out
.
pp a e l , d id co p e hi s h ll b 240 A D
rst a t rs r r to at ar us
. .
Th e fi fe ch p e ef e t h e de h o f M c an d t h e
a ssio
cce n o f Co od mm us .
A N A B RIDG E ME N T O F R O MA N H IS TO RY . E u t r opi u s .
E u t r opi u s wr ot e in L atin H e s eems to h ave lived i n t he

tim ui n Ap ostate (36 1 Ch ap ters 9 t o 14 o f
.
e of J l a the
B I B LI OGRAP H Y 275
th e ighth b ook whi ch cov r l ss th n t wo ordinary p ag s

e e e a e ,
d al w ith M ar cus s r ign

,
’
e e .
T HE C AE S ARs E mp ror J u li n t h Ap ostat

. e a e e .
T h is i sort f s tiri c c om dy a sk it som what i t h

s a o a e e n e
mann r f Lu ci J uli an w ot i G r k
, ,
e o an . r e n ee .
D C
E AE SARIB U S S xtus A ur li us Vi ct or
. e e .
Vi ctor li v d a li ttl lat r p rh ap s th a E t pi H i

e e e e n u ro u s. s
ch ap t r (XVI ) on M ar cus cov rs a li tt l mor th an a p ag
, ,
e e e e e
T h is i i L ati
.
s n n .
E P I TO ME O F V DE C I C TO R sCh ap t r XVI (Latin )

’
AE S AB IB U S . e . .
T h is p itom ef t h p r c d ing b oo k a dd s b ut li ttl to wh at

e o e e e e
i sai d th r and i qu lly b ri f
W
s e e, s e a e .
H IS T Y
OR R ME (L atin ) A mm ianus M ar c lli nus
or O . . e .
T h is h i tory w as w ritt n i
s th l att r h alf f t h f ourth e n e e o e
c ntury
e h at r mains f i t b gins w ith t h y ar 3 5 3 A D
e o e e e
and m r ly allud s to t h r ign f M ar cus A ur li us
. . .
,
e e e e e o e .
H I S TO BI A E AD S U S P A GA NOS VE R (Lati n ) P aulus O rosius , ET C . . .
T h is i a h istory f R om w ritt
s ab out 4 1 5 A D th r o e en ; e e
i som s li gh t r f r nc to M r cus A ur lius

. .
s e e e e e a e .
(L tin )
ww
S CRI P TO RE S H A I STO RI AE U G US T A E . a .
T h is b o k i s ri s f b iographi s f t h E m p rors and

o s a e e o e o e e
o f a f oth rs h l i d cl im t t h imp ri l thron w ritt
e e o a a o e e a e, en
by various p r ons Th li v s f H a d ria e s d Lu c ius V rus e e o n an e
S i or as crib d t A li S p t i th os f Antoni us
.
,
en ar e e o e us ar an u s ; e o n
P ius M r cus A ur li us an d Lu cius V rus J u ior to J ul ius
,
a e e n
that f A id i C s ius to V l i G lli
, , , ,
C pi t li
a o nu s ; o v us a s u ca c u s a c a nu s ,
and th at f Commodus to A li L m p i d i Th s m
o
p e us a r us e e en , s u
p osin g th y r al s m to h v liv d i t h tim f D i l
.
e ar e e ee a e e n e e o oc e
tia and to h av com p il d th ir b i graph i s from various
,
n e e e o e
sourc s f v ry d i ff r nt valu B ut t h form i which t h
e o e e e e e n e
b i o grap h i s h v c m to us i p ro b ably d to a w rit r or
.
e a e o e s ue e
w rit rs i t h tim f Th o do ius Th qu stion f authorshi p
e n e e o e s e e o
studi d by Otto Th S ch lz D K i h d
.
h as b een e u as a s er au s er
w
and som
.
,
A t i
n on n e u n d d l t t H i t ik R m er e z e s or er o s e
wh t l ss th orough ly by Ch Lé i i E t d
a e l hi t i cr v a n , u es su r
’
s o re
My vi w i that t h gross stori s f m i
.
A g t
u us e o n e s e e o s
d oi gs by Fausti
n and Lu ciu V rus t h young r t n a, s e e e e c ar e
wh o lly f als though p rh p s b li v d to b tru by t h com

, .
,
e, e a e e e e e e
p i l rs C f D i S ip t
e Hi t i eA g t by H rman
cr or es s or a e u u s as, e n
P t r
. .
e e .
W O KS O F G A LE N (G r k )
R . ee .
T h v lum i e u w it i gs f this f am ous phy ici

o no s pub r n o s a n are
li h d i s M di
e m G
n m O p ra Vo l s I XX H liv d
e co r u raec o r u e -
e e
co d c tu y (1 3 1 d m k s som
, . .
i th
n e se n A D ) en r an a e e
r f c to M ar cu A ur lius and to co t m por ry v ts
. .
w
e eren es s e n e a e en .
N O CT ES A (L ti ) A ulus C lli s
T rI C AE . a n . e n .
A m i c ll u c ll c tio f a cd t s t G lli
s e a n eo s a o e n o ne o e e c e us as
g tl m f s ch o l r ly i t r st d a c ont m p rary
.
,
en e an , o a n e e s, an e o .
w
SATIR Es , L E TU S C (G r k ) Lu c ian
RE , ET C . ee . .
Thi b rillia t w rit r (12 5 2 00 A D or th r ab outs ) i

s n e -
e e n
am o g hi tir burl qu d no s s co tribut s f
. .
n s sa e, es e, an n en e, n e a e
f cts c o c r i g m tt rs f t h g
a n e n n ral history f t h tim a e o e en e o e e .
Sp EEC H Es , (G r k ) A li
ET C . A ristid s ee . e us e .
T his m i t sophi t w as a co t m p orary H i to b d i

e n en s n e e s e s
t i g i h d f om A ri ti d s f A th ns Ch ristia ap o lo gist
.
n u s e r s e o e , a n .
LI S
VE T H E S O P H IS TS E P IS TL E S
OP (G r k ) P hil t t , , ET C . ee . os ra u s .
T his w rit r i c a ll d P h i l t t e th A th ia t d i ti
s e os ra u s e en n o s n
g i h h i m f ro m oth r m mb rs f h i f mi ly H w rot i t h
u s e e e o s a e e n e
arly p art f t h thir d c tury O E m p ror i m tio d
w
.
e o e en ur e s en ne
s v ral tim i t h Li Th dition usu lly cit d i

.
e e es n e v es e e a e s
éb by Kar l Lu dw i g Kays r
.
pdr filmr ov ¢ ao r v
,
e .
M o d er n B oo ks on t he S u bjec t
LA J EU N ESS E D E M AR C A URELE -
G as to n B o i s s i er .
Vol 74
.
R evu e d es d eu ce M on d es , .
LA R EL IGION R O M A IN E D AU G U STE
’
A N TON INS G asto n B ois
W
AU X
W
.
S l el
'
F orot y B rock
.
S TUD IE S IN RO N TO A N D H I s A G E M D h . . .
T H E S TU DE N T S R O M A N E M P IRE
’
J B B ury . . . .
T H E A G E O F T H E A N TO NIN E S s
C ap e . . .
F O N TO N A rmand
.
LE T I B ES I N EDIT ES D E M ARC A URELE ET D E

' ‘ -
R .
C assa n
T h is i a trans l tio f t h c orr s p ond nc mad b for

.
s a n o e e e e, e e e
Nb a d ition ’
er s e d i not v ry a ccurat , an s e e.
L A N TO N INS Comt d Ch amp i g y

ES e e n .
G E U Tom V M uri c Crois t

.
H IS TOI DE LA L E
RE IT r RA T U RE R CQ E, e . a e e .
R O M A N S IETY F O M N E O
OC M A US A U EL I US S mu l D i ll
R R To RC R . a e .
T HE C O E S P ON DE N E
RR F ON TO A N D M A US A U ELI US Rob i son
C or R RC R . n
E ll i s A L c tur . e e
T H E E M P E RO R H A DRIA N . G regoro v i u s .
278 MARCUS AU RELIUS
U NE NO U
ELLE T H EORIE SU R LE M A RTYR E D E S C H RETI E NS D E LY ON
V
E N 1 77 A D P l A ll a d . . au r
Vo
.
R evu e d es Qu es t io ns H is t o r iqu es l 93 , .
L EG L IS E ET L ETA T 2 49 284 A D B Au b é
’ ’
,
-
. . . .
E TUD E S UE U N N
O UVE A U TE xTE D E S A C TE S D E S M ARTYRS S CI LLIT AI NS
i u s r
( n cl d e G eek ex ) 1 881 B Au bé t t . . .
D IE F
RA U I M ROM I S C H E N C H RIS TE NP RO CESS A g . F u ar .
N Folg XIII
.
Text s a nd U n t ers u chu n g en . eu e e .
LE D EL IT D U C H RIS TIA NIS ME AU x D E U x P RE M I E RS S IEC LE S C Calle

w eert
. .
w
Vo
.
R evu e des Qu es tio ns H is t or i qu es , l 74 .
LES PR E M IE RS C H RETI E NS ET L ACC U SATI O N D E LES E MAJESTE

’
-
. C .
w
C a lle aert .
R ev u e d es Qu es t i ons H is t or i qu es , l 76 Vo .
LES P E RS EC UTIO NS C ON TRE LE S C H RETI E NS , ET C C Calle aert . .
Vo
.
w
R evu e d es Qu es t i ons H is t ori qu es , l 82 .
T H E E ARLY P E RS E C UTIO NS OP T H E C H RIS T IA NS L H C an fi eld . . . .
A L I TE RARY H IS TO RY O F E ARL Y C H RIS TIA NI T Y C T C ru t t ell . . . .
T H E O RI E N T AL R EL IGIONS IN R O M A N P A G A N IS M n C . Fra z umont .
LA D A TE D U M ARTYRE DE S S A IN TS C ARP OS ET A L J d e G b e ui rt
Vo
. . .
R evu e d es Qu es t io n es H i s t or i qu es , l 83 .
C H RIS T IAN I TY A N D T H E R O M A N G o vERN M ENT E G H d ar y
W
. . . .
D IE A K TE N D E S K ARP U S E T A L A H ck arna
Vol III
. . .
Text e u nd U n t er s u c hu ng en , e c t .
,
. .
D ER VO R URF D E S A T H E IS MUS I N D E N DRE I E RS TE N JAH R H U NDER

TE N A H . ck . arna .
T H E AP OS TO L I C A TH E RS F
(P ART I ) J B L gh f . I i t oot . . . .
E IN E KA IS ERREDE (A R IS TI DE S R ) B e l XXXV . runo K i . .
C H RIS TIA NI TY I N T H E R O MA N E M P IRE Th e d M en o or omms . .
R OMIS C H ES S TRAF RE C H T The d M e . o or omms n .
T H E C H URC H IN T H E RO MA N E MP IR E W M R amsay . . . .
A CTA MARTYR U M S IN C E RA ET S E L E CTA (Sperat u s et al , p 1 2 9 ; St . . .
F
l citas et al p
ei Ru i n ar t
W
.
.
, .
L ORG A NISATI O N J U RI D I Q U E D E S P RE M IERE S CO M M U NAU TES C H RE

’
T IE N N E S R S al eilles M é l anges P F G ir ar d Tome 2

'
.
. . . . .
,
T H E A L LE G E D P E RS E C UT IO N O F T H E C H RIS TIA NS A T L Y ONS IN 1 77

A D J as Th omp son .
XVI
. . . .
A m er i can Jou r na l of Th eo logy,

Thi s w e c rit r ontrov rts
e t he truth f o t he martyr doms i n
Lyons .
I N D EX S C H O LARU M , ET C [ S CILLITAI N M ARTYRS ] (B onn Ap r 2 0 , .

,
H ermann sn
.
U e et .
A P P E N D I X D
A U T H O R I T I E S F O R S P E C I F I C S T A T E
M E N T S IN T H E T E XT ,
T R A N S LA
T I O N O F P A S S A G E S I N A F O R
E I G N LA N G U A G E , E T C .
D as S ch
thi ng
aud r
i n m an
e n,
.
et c :
”
.
F au s t ,
“
Th e
I n t r od/
u c t i on
s tim nt f
en
P art II Ac t I
e
,
o a wn
,
e
S ce
i s t he
e—
b est
Fi n
p AG E L IN E
s t er e G a leri e
Le Livre M ar c A urele et c M a rc A u r ele E
de -
, .
-
, .
R enan Ch ap XVI pp 2 62 2 72 : Th e b ook O f M ar

,
“
, ,
cus A ur eli us w ill k eep i t s f reshness f or ever since

. .
i t d o es not r est o n d o gma E veryb o dy f rom t h e

atheist or him that thi nk s h imsel f one to t h e man
.
, ,
most d eeply s et i n t he creed O f a p articular sect ,
c an ruits f d i fi t i It i t h most
fi nd i n i t f o e ca on s e
w
wh o lly human b ook th r i th is i ncomp ar bl
.
e e s a e
b ook th is ma ual f li f f r si g ation thi s g

, n o a e o e n , os
p l f th os
e h d o not b li v i t h sup rnatural
o e o e e e n e e
T h ough s c i nc s h ould d o w ay w i th G o d and

.
e e a
th soul t h b ook f M di t ti would r main

e e o e a o ns e
young i i t li f an d it truth M ar cus A ur lius s

,
’
n s e s e
r li gio i th at ab so lut r li gio th t c om s

.
e n s e e n a e
i nto b ing wh n e h i gh th i c a l c ons c i nc c onf ronts

e a e e e
t h univ rs
e It b longs n ith r toe e . rac nor e e e on e e o ne
country N O r volution no p ro gr ss no di s cov ry e , e e
wi ll h av p o w r to ch ang i t
.
,
”
e e e .
Fr d rick t h G r at s M ar c A urel p ut etr

e e e e t
’ “ -
e e — e, e c
O f a ll m
“
p rh ap s M ar cus A ur lius h carri d
en, e e as e
vi rtu to it high st point P li ti h C p d

e s e
”
o sc e o r r es on
Vol 3 7 A l E l t i D i i é d S
.
’
enz .
, ec r c e ou a r re e e e,
ar
S p t 4 1 775 S also H d Catt M E t ti

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e .
, . ee : . e , es n re en s
a v ec F r ed er i c le G ra n d , pp . 33 , 2 70, 3 3 8
PAGE L IN E
M o t s qui u J amais p hilosop h
n e e t ,
No phil
“
e,
”
e c : . oso
ph h v r m d m pp r ciat t h s w t s
er as e e a e en a e e e ee n es
f virtuo d t h d i g ity f huma l i f b tt r th a

e an e n o n e e e n
M ar cus A ur liu Th h rt i touch d t h soul e s e ea s e , e
nnobl d t h s p irit upli ft d Gi Tom 7 p

.
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e e e e . u vr es , e , .
also G d
,
1 60 ; s ee t De d d R m i : ra n eu r e ca en c e es o a ns ,
Chap XVI . 15 18
W
C ha pt er I
Socrat s b rought philosophy t Cic ro T D i p

e , e c : . e , u sc . s .
V 4 ,
.
Z o p i ck d u p X nop h on t B io g La r B ook VII

en e e , e c : . . e .
, ,
Z III en o , 17 15
S m i ti c typ
e t B io g L a r B ook VII Z
e, II
e c : . . e .
, , en o, ,
XVIII XXIII XII , ,
Cyni c s K m p li t i m
’
Z ll r III P art I p 2 77
os o o s us : e e , , .
Z o s t ach ings A rnim § 2 64

en
’
e .
,
66 (6
§ 2 66
§ 267
§ 2 63
§ 2 62
85
87
§ 1 53
§ 1 54
1
§ 57
§ 1 55
1
§ 58
§ 1 60
1
§ 1 6
§ 1 62
§ 1 63
§ 1 65
§ 1 67
1
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§ 2 03
1
§ 84
§ 1 79
§ 1 80
§ 1 82
§ 1 86
P AG E L IN E
M r c us A ur lius hi li k ss i m rbl
a e th r ,
“
s ene n a e
”
: e e are
v r l th t from whi ch t h f ro tispi c i tak
W
se e a ; a e n e e s en
sta ds i t h U fli i F lor c
n n e z , en e
M ar c s c ll d
u i im a m ost truth f ul S H A IV
e v er s s u s, . . . .
,
Ch a p I 1 0 ,
Th nam stu ck atson p 1 0 Not I ; Vi d A li/

.
’
e e : , .
, e e e us
A i t id r sp 63 e,
M ar cu mad a k i ght S H A I V Ch ap 4 1 2
. .
s e n .
, ,
-
Lucius V rus S nior S H A II Chap 2 1 II Ch ap

. . . .
e , e . . . .
, .
, ; , .
5 2 41
H a d rian s i d as on a su cc ssor D i Cass LXIX 2 0
,
’
e 42 e . o .
,
M ar cus b troth d S H A IV Ch ap 4 6
e 42
e . .
, .
,
Lu cius V rus S ni or d i s S H A 1 1 Ch ap 4 7
. .
e ,
42 e , e : . . .
, .
,
Adop tio f A ntoni us S H A I Ch ap 24 1

n o 42 n : . . .
, .
, .
H adria s ch oic f M ar cus D i C ss L XIX 2 0

n
’
43 e o : o a .
,
M ar cus l v s h i ld hom w ith r gr t S H A IV

, ea e s O e e e : . . .
,
Ch p 5 4 a ,
M ar cus liv d f a tim b si d t h Tib r D i Cass

.
e or e e e e e : o .
L XXII 3 5
A ntoni us at L i m Ln m S H A I II Chap
i ,
n or u , a uv u : . . .
, .
1 8
S H A I II Chap
,
A ntoninus f ond f fi sh ing t O , e c : . . . .

, .
44
La nu vi u m : cf Jou r na l of R om a n S t u di es , 1 913 , p 61 44
L ak e m l g d Fr z r Th G ld B gh Vol
. .
ofNe i , e en : a e , e o en ou .
I a
,
, Ch p 1
M r cus s lov f gam s S H A IV Chap 4 9
.
’
a e o e . .
, .
,
M ar cus lov f b o r h nting D i Cass L XXII 3 6

. . .
’
8 e O a -
u : o .
, ,
d f H in s (M A ) p 4 6 Not 1
an c a e , e
M ar cus s f ri nd shi p s S H A IV Ch p 3 8
. . . . .
’
e .
, a ,
M ar cus virtuous b ut not p riggish S H A IV Ch ap

. . . . .
: . . .
, .
M ar cus p nctual t D i Cass LX X I I 35

u , e c . o .
,
S xt us M A I 9
e : ,
J mus Rusticus M A
. . .
u :
Cl au dius M i m
. .
M A ax us z
T h r s ms to b no vi d nc th at h i t h Cl u
. .
e e ee e e e e e s e a
di M aximus b f or w hom Ap ul ius pl ad d h i

us e e e e e s
own caus S Apul ius A p l gy e ee e , o o
M ar cus qu stor t S H A IV Ch ap s 5 and 6

. .
ae e c : .
, .
M ar cus A ntoni nus P ius M A I 1 6 ; f M A VI

. . .
, ,
on : . .
, c . . .
,
30
AUTHORITIE S 2 83
C ha pt er I V
Fa v o r i n u s , w ell rea d et c : A G XIII , ,
o n s k ep ti c a l p h i losop hy A G XI 5 5
. . .
. .
, ,
p ara d ox et c : A G XVII 1 2 2
.
. .
, , ,
custom at h ouse et c : A G 1 1 1 1 9 1
. .
, . . .
, ,
topi c mi ght be S ocrates : A G II 1 3 .

, ,
top i c mi gh t be line o f Virgil et c : A G I

.
, . . .
,
XVII
p ros f rom Sallust
,
top ic might b li f e ne o e
A G 111 1 2 , ,
Ap o lli naris S lp i cius A G XIII 2 0 1

. .
u : , ,
S xtus C A G XX 1 1
. .
e ili
a ec us : , ,
M ting Traj an s f orum A G XIII 2 0 1

. .
’
ee in : . .
, ,
at h ath t A G 1 1 1 1 1 , e c : , ,
at p ublic li b rary A G XIII 20 1

. . .
: , ,
by i mp rial p ala c A G IV 1 1
. . .
e e: . .
, ,
sunny si d f wall A G III 1 1

.
on e o : ,
at O stia A G XVIII
. .
,
: ,
at A t i m A G XVII 1 0 l
. .
n u : .
, ,
A lus G lli a dm iration f F i A G XV I

.
’
u e us s or avo r nu s : . .
,
52
A n c dot f p rig A G I 1 0
e e o : . .
, 52
s v r luxury A G X V 8
.
F i
a v or nu s e e e on : . .
, 52
“
B r and f orb ar A G XVII 1 9 6
ea e
”
: , ,
52
Nic ti s f xpr ssion A G II 1 6 4
. .
e e O e e : 52
w
, ,
on P lato t A G II 5
. .
F i
avo r nu s , e c. : .
,
52
P l autus A G III 3 6
.
on : .
, , 52
on if ly A G V 1 1
.
e . .
, 53
P ronto s pl a c at t h b ar D i C ss L XI X 1 8
.
’
e e : o a ,
53
Fronto purity f hi languag A G XIX 8 1
.
, o s e , ,
53
L ati w or d s f d A G II 2 6
. . .
on n or r e : ,
53
p assag f rom Q d i g i A G XIII 2 9
. .
on e ua r ar u s : , 54
an cdot A G XIX 1 0
. .
e p t p pt
e on r a e er ro er : 55
w
,
an cd t A G XIX 8 2 0
. .
e o e o n a r en a : .
, , 55
an cdot i A G XIX 1 3
.
e e o n n an , 55
f unkno n auth orshi p V i g i l i
. . . .
P er vi gi li m V
u i en er s . o , n
h on orf V o enu s 56
S n c m ntion d N b r pp 1 56 7
e e a e e . a e , , 56
Lu c n nam d Nab r pp 1 5 7 8
.
a e : e , , 56
S c ip io p i t A G II 2 0 5 C a s r A G X IX 8 3
. .
a ur s : . .
, , ; e a , , ,
57
A dvo c t s us d ar ch i c w or d s A G XI 7
. . .
a e e a : 57
E ul o gi s up o Fronto Nab r pp xxx v xxxvi
. .
, .
e n : e , .
, 57
2 84 MARC US AURELI US
Import nc f or tory t f Fr to Nab p 1 24
a e o a , e c : . c . on , er , .
Im p i m t m t
er u au e e c
C ic ro D I I 5 Quin I t B Ok I I 1 5 20
.
,
e ti e n v en ons , , ; . ns . o ,
-
O t Qui B oo k XII 1
. .
r a or t i b es t I t
v r onu s , e c : . n . ns .
,
f Fro to to V rus Na b r p 1 2 1 Ap ul i s A p l
,
c n e e ; e u o
W
.
, , .
,
gy Ch p 94 1 7
o a
Fro to m t m i t orator t D i Cass LXIX 1 8

,
.
,
n os e n en e c : o ,
N b r p 1 7 H in s I p 1 62
. .
,
Di s er t i im t
ss e, e c : a e , .
; a e , , . .
h ll I you P h il Li
.
“
h en s a f S phi t
s ee .
, v es o o s s,
K y II 1 0 5 6
a s er, -
I ns c ri p tio
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, ,
t R gi ll nL I i pt i
o G q h e a: es ns c r on s r ec u es c i
M é d L us
(No
e Fro hn r
u o u vr e . e e
Ch a pt er V
Fro to on hi f ri nds Nab r A d Am i pp 1 73 4 5
n s e : e , c os , .
, , ,
M ar cus m d f li f ’
t h p a la c
8 S H A IV Cha p
o e O e in e e. . . .
6 3
A n cd ot ab out A ntoninus S H A III Chap
,
e e : . . .
, .
Fronto s comm ndation f a f ri nd Nab r A d A m i

’
e o e . e , c os ,
I 1 p 1 73
, ,
Chrono lo gy C nsul t H ain s XIX M omm n IV 4 69

.
: o e , , se , , ,
B km F
ra t i II 24 and Nab r XX
an , r o n o n an a , , e
Front to M arcus H ain s p 96 ; Nab r 1 5

, ,
o : e , e , ,
M r cus to Fronto H in s p 209 Nab r V 28

.
a : a e , .
; e , ,
Fr ch s nt nc s I ask you I b s ch you I implor

en e e e :
“
, e ee , e
you ; and S tirri g p riods to d m y s p ch

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,
“
n e en ee .
”
Fronto to M arcus H ain s p 2 1 1 Nab r V 22 : e , ; e , ,
Fr nch p hras First t f orth your subj ct aft r

.
“
e e: se e , e
w ar d s you must g into full d tai ls o e

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M ar cus to Fronto H ain s p 2 1 1 ; Nab r V 23 : e , e , ,
Fr ch ph r s A v ry imp rob abl subj ct

.
”
en a e: e e e
M r cus to Fronto H ain s p 2 1 3 ; Nab r V 2 6

.
a : e , e , ,
Fronto to M ar cus H ai s p 1 3 Nab r III 1 1

.
: ne , ; e ,
M ar cus to Fronto H ain s p 1 3 6 Nab r II 1 0

.
,
: e , .
; e , ,
Fr nch word s O obj ct o ly

e :
“
ne e n
”
Fronto to M ar cus H ain s p 1 04 Nab r III 1 6

.
: e , .
; e , ,
Fr ch phr en B ho p f ul h av go d c ourag trust

as e .
“
e e , e o e,
tim and p ractic e e

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M ar cus to Fronto H ain s p 1 4 N a b r II I 12

.
: e , ; e ,
Fr nch ph a T r t subj ct
.
, .
“
e se: ea a e .
Fronto to M r cus H ain s p 1 89 Nab r V 1 a : e , .

; e , ,
2 86 MAR C US AU R ELI US
P AG E L IN E
S t
a u rn a li at A th s A G XVIII 2
a en 91 : ,
I t y at R m b o d by gold n
. .
“
Eg o R m t
o ae, e c , s a o e, un e
f tt Nab r II 7 p 32
.
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e ers , e
H d t m p ram t Luc i n D m § 2 4 § 25 § 3 3
, , , . .
’
ero es e e en : a e o n a x,
M r cu to Fro to H i s p 5 9 ; Nab r III 2

, , ,
a s n : a ne , e , ,
Fro to to M ar cus H ai s p 63 Nab r III 3

.
n : ne , ; e , ,
M r cus to Fronto H ai s p 6 7 Nab r I II 5

.
a : ne , .
; e , ,
Fronto d H rod s f ri nd s N b r Ad V m II 9
W
an e e e : a e , er u , , ,
p 13 8
Fro to to M ar cus Hai s p 7 1 N b r I V 1
.
n ne a e
D at f marria g
.
, .
, , .
e o f V i e d A li A i ti d p 10e: c .
’
e u s r s e, .
M omms G m m lt k
en , IV 4 75 E ck l Vol
es a e e er e, , ; e
V I I p 1 4 A h i l Z i t 1 878 1 03
.
,
'
, ; rc cO e
Th irt n c h ild r A h a l Z i t 1 878 1 03 ; M o m ms n

. . .
,
'
ee en : rc o e , e ,
Vol IV 4 75 t
. .
.
, , e c
Fro to lost fi ch ildr n D N p t Am i Nab r 232

.
n ve e : e e o e s s o, e ,
G al R oman p hysi c ians G l
w
en o n th N t lF . a en o n e a u ra ac
lt i
u A J B ro ck p x vii
es , ,
th y h di d t P hil Li Kays r
. . .
”
Bl d
es s e are e o e , e c : , v es , e ,
II 69
.
Fro to to M ar cus H ai s p 1 45 Nab r II 8

,
n : ne ; e ,
Fronto to M arcus H in s p 25 1 ; Nab r V 52

.
, ,
: a e , e , ,
M ar c us to Fronto H ain s p 2 5 1 Nab r V 5 3

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: e , ; e , ,
M ar cus to Fro to H ain s p 2 03 ; Nab r IV 1 1

.
n : e , e , ,
Fronto to M r cus H ain s p 2 03 ; Nab r IV 1 2

.
a : e , e , ,
M ar cus to Fronto H ain s p 2 1 3 Nab r V 2 4

.
: e , .
; e , ,
Fronto to M ar cus H ain s p 1 93 ; Nab r V 6 : e , . e , ,
Fronto to M ar cus H ain s p 1 94 Nab r V 1 0 : e , ; e , ,
M ar c u to Front H ain s p 1 95 Nab r V 1 1

.
s o: e , ; e , ,
Fronto to M ar cus H in s p 2 1 3 Nab r V 25

.
: a e , ; e , ,
M ar cus to Fronto H ain s p 2 2 5 ; Nab r V 50

.
: e e , ,
Fronto to M ar cus H ain s p 22 9 Nab r V 3 0

.
,
: e , ; e , ,
M ar cus to Fro to H in s p 2 3 1 ; Nab r V 3 1

.
n : a e , . e , ,
Fro to to M ar cus H ain s p 233 ; Nab r V 33

n : e , e ,
M ar cus to Fronto H ain s p 23 1 Nab r V 3 2

.
,
: e , ; e , ,
Fronto to M ar cus H ai s p 2 45 Nab r V 42

.
: ne , .
; e , ,
C h ap t er VI II
M ar cus to Fronto : H aines p 2 1 6 ; Nab er IV , , 13
French phrase : I am angry as I can b e
.
A risto : D i o g L aer VII ; A rni m

.
2 3 , ,
A risto p r ecep ts are i dle : A rni m § 35 9

. .
, ,
AUTHORITIES 2 87
A risto m en b orn
virtu A rnim § 35 7 f or e: , a
thi ngs indi ff r nt A rnim § 3 66

,
on e e : ,
to a li f f d privations A rnim § 368

as e o e : ,
Ci c ro D Fi i b Ch ap IV 79
e , e n u s, .
, .
Fronto to M r cus H ain s p 1 97 Nab r V 9

a : e , ; e , ,
B a con quot d E ssays Of A t h i m

.
, e : , es e
Faust quot d P l g im H im/m t
W
, e : ro o e
Th inc omp r h nsibl mighty works e e e e,
A b autiful as on cr ation s d ay
re e e
’
.
or ds worth quot d O d t D t y , e : e o u
T ak [ t h B ibl ] d r ad S t A u gustin
“ ”
T ll l g
o e, e e: e e e an e , e
Cyb l an ori nt l godd ss f rom

.
M g
a na M t a er e e, e a e ,
P hrygi (A si Minor ) Ap ul ius G ld A

.
aS a ee, e , o en ss
VIII 24 2 8 ; f Lucian D S y i
.
,
-
c .
, ea r a
C hapt er I X
M o ck ers of p h emeral li f e o f m an : M A VI 47
t he e
”
. .
,
M eni ppu s : Syrian sati ri st th ir d c entury B C p ro b ably , , . .

,
Le d on d e rn st R nan Th
s ou r i r e de s on oeu v r e : E e e ,
“
e
gi f t f s m iling at (b ing su p rior to ) on s w ork

’ ”
o e e e
Cf L ao T Th saints b usy b ut th y d o not

.
“
. s e, e a re , e
b li v i any m rit i wh t th y d o Al so E
e e e n e n a e
”
,
“
r
und g ht i und d f sol

.
sol ll k m m
vo e u en er e s n, o ii r er
sich ut halt n H must b p r f ct i right ous

n e , e e e e n e
n ss but h must not st m hi ms lf th t

e , e e ee e on a ac
c o t Ni l B
”
l p 6 C S chmi d t
W
un , c o au s v on as e ,
Th r i mor o b sti na cy
. .
,
“
I l y pl
a d pi i t t é
us t
’
o n as re e c : e e s e
and irrit b ility th an i approp riat to nobl

.
,
a s e so e a
cr d ee .
”
Ri d ens h m r es ith a smil f human a ff airs

u a n as :
“
e or .
W
C h a pt er X
Aeli u s A risti d es : T /
1 17; éyxcb/u o O
G
. v 1 30 33
P olem on c all ed R ome t h e ep itome o f t h e w or ld
“
G al en s orks XVIII A 3 47
,
’
, ,
P hysi c al as p ect o f R ome : Kiep ert et H u els en F or m a e

.
,
W
,
U r bi s R om a e A n t i qu a e : S B P l atn er An ci en t . .
,
R om e; et c 131 17
Aquedu cts : G alen s p eak s admi rabl fount ins
.
of the e a in
R om e, o r ks , XVII , B , 159 131 27
P AG E L IN E
E m p ror Co tantius (A D ”
Ch c t b an e o e an e , ns . .
Am m M c ll X V I 1 0 . ar e ,
O d i c g i t d rivi g S H A IV Ch p 23 1 8 I
. .
r na n e a a ns n . . . . a .
,
°
,
22 6 ,
Fo um R m um f A a ci t Rom a City i
r o an : c n n en n n
i l S bj t ; Fri dl a d
.
,
H d E a rv a r
y Cl s sa s on a s s ca u ec s e n er ,
R m Lif o d M an e an a n n er s
S um m it f h um gl o y f Am m M ar c ll
o p an r : c e su ra
w
,
D gr d t i f Ro m f Fro to P i i pi
. .
e a a p p l con o an o u a e: c n r nc a
Nab r p 2 1 0
.
,
Hi t i s o r a e, 1 35 e ,
P r u d Ro m a t h t h M A l l 5 ; III 5
.
”
o n 1 36 a e as : , ,
D i turb a c i B itai S H A III C h p 5 4 5

. .
s t n es n 1 37 r n, e c : , a —
Vi it to E gypt t Vi d A li A i t i d pp 5 9 6 1 1 37
. . . . .
,
s e c : e
’
e us r s e, —
, .
l t ill s S H A III Ch ap 1 2 5
.
A t i
n o n nu s s
’
as 1 38 n es : ,
d th D i C ass L XX 3
. . . .
,
A t i
n o n nu s s
’
ea 1 38 : o ,
H i nobl mild D i C ss L XIX 2 0

.
“ ”
e s t e, 1 38 , e c : o a ,
H i tori f t h f ourth c tury E t pi VIII

. .
s an o 1 38e en : u ro u s,
K hba l dy db D i C ass L XX 3
s Ka a s: 1 38 o .
,
C hapt er X I
Lu cius mad e co nsu l : S H A III Ch ap 1 0 4 ; V 3 3 1 40 , , , ,
Lu c ius b etter qu ali fied f or w ar : D i o C ass L XXI 1

. . . .
141 .
,
M es op otam ia i n Ro m a n s p h er e o f infl uenc e : J ones The
ww
,
R om a n E m pi r e p 2 03
R o m a n d ef eat No el d es V er gers M ar c A
.
,
u rele p 32 ,
-
Lu ci an H o t o ri t e his t or y § 2 1 § 25 ; W atson
. .
,
p 1 3 9 ; B ury p 5 4 0
, , , ,
M ar cus 3 p r a cti c e t o co n sult et c : S H A I V Ch ap

. .
w
’
, . . . .
,
2 0 2 ; Ch a p 2 2 3 4
, ,
-
T ib er o v er fl o ed : S H A IV Chap 8 4
.
, ,
S i ck n es s O f Lu ci us S H A V Ch ap 6 7
. . . .
.
, .
,
Lu cius go es by w ay o f A th ens : P hil Li v es of S ophis t s

. . .
Kays er Vol II p 68 22
.
, , ,
Lu cius s b oyhoo d : S H A V Ch ap 2 9
. .
’
.
, .
, .
Lu cius f o n d o f hunting : S H A V Ch ap 2 1 0
. .
, ,
Luc ius fo n d o f h is tutor : S H A V Ch ap 2 6

. . . . .
.
, .
,
A ff ectio n ate b earing to w ar d Fronto : Nab er A d V ern/m

. . .
I m p II 8 p 1 3 6 1 42
Lu cius s s im pli c ity : S H A V Cha p 3 7
.
, , .
’
1 42 .
, ,
Com p ar ed to N er o et c : S H A V Ch a p 1 0 8 ; 1 0 1 1 42
. . .
, , ,
G i bb o n o n D a p h n e : D ec li n e a nd F a ll Ch ap XXIII
. . . . .
,
1 43
D es c ri p tion o f P anth ea : Lu cian P or t r a i t s
.
,
1 44 ,
2 90 MARC US AURELIUS
P AG E L IN E
Fro to to M cu H i
n p 3 03 Nab r A d A t
ar s: a n es , .
; e , n
I m p I I 2 p 1 05 , , .
M r c to Fr t N b r A d A t I m p II 4 p 1 06
.
a us on o : a e , n , ,
F t t M cu Nab A d A t I m p II 5 p 1 07
. . .
ro n o o ar s: er , n , ,
Li f at A lsium D F ii A l i ib Nab r p 224

. . .
e : e er s s ens u s, e ,
P li y s L t t VI 3 1
.
C ll
’
t m
en u ce ae : n e er s , ,
M ar cus to Fronto Nab r I p 223 : e , ,
Fro to to M r cus ab out Alsium Nab r p 225

.
n a : e
w
.
, ,
M r cus to Front Nab r A d A t I m p I 1 p 94

a o: e , n , , .
F nch phras For h i f ll f symp athy f thos

. .
“
re e . e s u o or e
h l ov you
Nab r A d A t I m
o e
p I 5 p 10
.
See e , 3 n , , .
Fronto to M ar cus Nab r A d A t I m p

. . .
p 94 e , n . .
Fr nch ph ras Th moth r s h art tr mbl d f

. . .
“ ’
e e: e e e e e or
j y o
Fronto to M r cus Nab r A d A t I m p I 3 p 1 01

.
a : e , n , ,
M ar cu t F onto Nab r A d A t I m p I 4 p 1 01
. . .
s o r : e , n , , .
M r cus m r ci f l D i Cass LXXII 1 4

. .
a e u . o ,
Cul t ivat d t f r qu nt r f r n c to P l to s
.
’
e f hi , e c : c s e e e e e e a
saying If philosoph rs w r k ings t S H A

. .
“ ”
, e e e , e c . . .
I V Chap 2 7 7
, ,
i fi i l rit s S H A IV Ch ap 1 3 l
.
Sac r c a e , ,
S p r f rom t mpl f B ll ona D i C ass L XXII 3

. . . . . .
ea e 3 e o e : o ,
Luc ia A l P ph t Ch ap 4 8
.
n: d th F l exa n er , o r e a se ro e .
L ad i s f t h im p rial p ala c an d r li gious rit s f

,
e o e e e e e : c
C oh n and F
.
e d t D ipt i hi t i q d eu er en , es cr on s or ue es
M i f ppé
on n a es l E m pi R m i Vol II
ra es s ou s
’
re o a n, ,
(Faustina t h ld r ) Nos Vol III

.
e e e , . .
(Faustin t h young r ) N 1 68 1 72 t e c
W
a e e , os .
-
, .
H i r li gious tol ranc

s e f hi a cc p tanc f G al n s e e: c s e e O e
’
trump d p xcus f not a c omp anying M ar cus

.
e -
u e e or c
on a c amp aign that t h f m i ly gods forb ad e a e,
G al n s XIX Ch ap 2 Also f G ibbon

,
’
ek or s, , , c .
,
Vo l I p 76 Not ; S H A I Ch ap 22 1 0 (H
. .
.
, , e .
, , a
p r c d nt )
. . . .
d i ’
r an s e e e
w
M ar cus an d sup rstition It i som tim s sai d th at b e : s e e , e
c us h b li v d i d r ams (M A I 1 7 § 8 IX
a e e e e e n e , , ; ,
sup rstitious A t that tim v rybody

. .
27) h e as e e e e
b li v d i t h sig i fica c f d r ams P usanias X

.
e e e n e n n e o e : a , ,
3 2 9 H ro d i n B ; k II Chap 9 5 8 D i Cass
e a oo , ,
-
; o
L XXIII 2 3 ; G al III
. .
, ,
O th N t lF lti en , n e a u ra a cu es , ,
1 0 (A J B ro ck ) ; S i pt A ugust
,
. Hi t i. cr o r es s or a e ee,
AUTHORITIES 291
PAG E L IN E
p i m
as s A risti d s t h S o p h ist P l utar c h P li ny e e , , ,
Lu cian ; f H ai s M p 2 4 Not 1
,
A li c ne a r cu s u re u s, .
, e ;
and t h Christians C f Th N m T t m t Nowa
.
,
e e e es a en .
d ays sinc Fr u d h p ublish d hi th ori s d r ams

. .
e e as e s e e , e
h av gain a qui r d imp ort nc almost qu l to

,
e a c e an a e e a
wh at th y h ld i t h s cond c nturye e n e e e .
Cha pt er X III
P l ag u e: S H A V Ch a p 8; A mm M ar c ell B ook , 23 ,
Ch a p Li b VIII Ch a p 1 2
.
. . .
, . .
E u t r opi u s , cf
. 6, § 24 ; .
, .
,
V i e d A eli u s Ari s t id e, p 4 7
’
.
C aus om n
e of R a n decli e Ni eb uh r, Lec tu r es on H is t or y .
Vo III
of R om e, l , p 25 1 . .
B ar arian invasions
b : S IV a
H A , Ch p ha C p .
u ian a
. . . .
14 ; L c , A lexa n d er o r t he F a ls e P r ophet , Ch p
mm r
48 ; A oo XXIX a
M a c ell , B k , Ch. p 6, 1 . .
M ar cus s ts x ampl f th rift S H A IV Chap 1 7

e e e o : . . .
, .
4 Ch ap 2 1 9
; .
,
G l a d iators imp r ss d S H A IV Ch ap 7 e e : . . .
, .
R m k f t h w its S H A IV Ch a p 2 3 5 6
se ar O e : . . .
, .
, .
North r b or d r b li v d s cur S H A IV Chap

e n e e e e e e: . . .
,
14 6 ,
Luci us d ath S H A IV Ch ap
’
8 e E t pi : . .
, u ro u s,
Lib VIII Ch ap 1 0
. .
.
, .
R oa d t Car untum I t o m A t i i A g ti ( f
n : i n er a r i u n on n u us o
unc rtai dat b ut thi s roa d i corr ct )

e n e, s e .
Gu ri ll a fightin g f p i ctur s on M ar cus s and T r j a

e : c e
’
a
’
n s
co lumns
.
B attl on t h i
e D i C ass L XXII 7 e ce : o .
,
Ad va c f t h Romans f B ury pp 5 45 6
n e o e : c .
, .
-
Tu t : R oman r m mb r it i t h y task to ru l ov r
“ ” “
, e c .
, e e e s e e
subj ct p opl s A i d VI 85 1
e e e .
”
en e ,
M ar cus s p urp os f c onqu st D i C ass L XXII 3 3

’
e o e : o
S H A IV Ch a p 2 7 1 0 f M omms n Th P
.
,
. . .
, , , c e e r ov
Vol I p 23 5 (E g tran lation ) S als

. .
,
i n c es , , n s ee o
H ro dian B ook I Ch p 1 1
. . . .
W
, , a .
D ru gs f G l n s p r s c ri p tio f th riac 1 p art s d ’

: c . a e e n or e : ee
clov r 1 p art b irth w ort 1 p art w ild

e , 1 p art , r u e,
p ound d p uls to b t k n i p i ll s w ith w in

e e; e a e n e
G al n s k XIV Ch ap XVII p 2 01 an d
.
’
e or s, , , ; s ee,
p 2 74 M auri c Alb rt
. .
L M édi i es G t R m c ns r ec s a o e, .
, e e 1 72
W
P AG E L IN E
Th E m p or s r b uk D i g t IV 2 1 3 f D i C ss
’
e er e e: es , ; c o a
L XXII 3 W h soldi r d m d d high r

.
, .
th , en e e s e an e e
p y a ft r vi cto y h r fus d s yi g h t v r
.
“
a e a r , e e e , a n , a e e
xc ss you o bt i b yon d t h r gul ar tip d w ill

e e a n e e e s en
b w rung f ro m t h bloo d f your p ar ts and k i s

e e o en n
f o lk .
”
h i l f H ro d s
a o t Ph i l Li f S phi t Kays r
e e , e c : , v es o o s s, e ,
Vol II p 68 It was i t h cours f this trial th at

. .
, n e e o
M r cus s littl girl a g d thr cl as p d h i kn s

. . .
’
a e , e ee, e s ee
and b gg d h i m to s v t h A th i
e s f h sak
e a e e en a n or er e
O ff r f r w r d t D i C ss L XXII 1 4
w
e o e a , e c : o a ,
M iraculous r i f M omms IV p 4 98
. .
a n: c . en, , .
“
It i sai d t Trans lation f J H N man Th
s ,
”
e c. : O e ,
“
e
T hund ri g L gio
. .
”
i hi E ey t h Mi
n l e n, n s ss a on e r a c es
M ira cl attribut d t M ar cus s p ray rs S H A IV

e e o
’
e : .
,
Ch p 2 4 4 C f Clau d ian D V I C
. .
a .
, H ii . .
, e o ns . onor ,
11 . 340 3 5 0 -
Cha pt er X I V
B ury : S t u d en t s R om a n E m pi r e p 545 ’
.
C assius s p ro cl amatio n : S H A VI Chap 1 4 7

,
’
. . .
, .
,
Luc ius to M ar cus : S H A VI Ch ap 1 6 . . .

, .
,
Th is and t h e f o ll o w ing l ett er a r e look ed u p o n w ith

much distrust but i t s eems to m e li kely that they ,
a r e tru e i n sub st an c e i f not i n w or d .
M ar cus to Lu ciu s S H A VI Ch ap 2 1 . . . .
, .
,
Faustin a s alleged complicity S H A VI Chap 7 1

’
. . . .
, .
,
B orn in Cyrrh u s : D i o Cass L XXII 22 .

,
M ar cus s s p eech D i o Cass LXXII 2 4

’
. .
,
Th es e s p eech es f o llo w t h e p r ec ed en ts i n T hu cy d i d es
Th e tou ch i n th em o f b a ro que s en timent must b e
lai d to t h e tas t e o f t h e h istorian and not to M ar cus
Al arm i n Rome : S H A VI Ch ap 7 7 . . .
, .
,
M ar cus to Faustina : S H A VI Ch ap 9 6 . . .
, .
,
A s to this cor res p on d en ce s ee comment on letter p , , .
1 79
Fausti na t M r cus S H A VI Ch ap 9 1 1
.
o a : , ,
Fausti a to M ar cus S H A VI Ch ap 1 0
. . . .
n : , , 1
M r cus to Fausti a S H A VI Chap 1 1
. . . .
a n : . .
, .
, 3
M ar cus t S nat S H A VI Ch ap 1 2 2
.
o e e: . .
, .
,
C onfis c atio S H A V I Chap 7 6

.
n: . . .
, .
,
P AG E L IN E
Vi dob o a S S A ur lius Victor ; T rtullian says at
n n : o, e e
S irmium
.
,
D yi g s p ch H ro dian B kI Chap 4 Th s p ch s
n ee : e oo , e ee e
i th s a c i t h istoria s th ough no d oub t f ou d d

, . .
n e e n en n n e
som vid c giv t h writ r s notio s f wh at

,
’
on e e en e, e e e n o
such s p ch s should b S comm nt p 1 81 l 26 1 94

ee e e ee e ,
B c om f ort d th ou art
. . .
, .
“
B k g t
oo t l d bi t H
e r os a s z u au s : e e ,
at hom e.
R id h m
en s r es t S H A IV Ch a p 2 8 4 ; D i
u a nas , e c . : . .
, , o
Cass L XXI I 3 4 ; S H A I V Ch ap 2 8 8
. .
.
, . . .
, .
,
Cha p t er X VI
E u t ropi u s : Li b Chap 9 1 1 and 1 4 VIII ,
Vi ctor s E pi t om e : Ch ap XVI
. .
,
’
J uli us C api t o li nu s : S H A IV Ch ap 1 9 1 0
.
. .
, ,
J ulius C api t o li nu s : S H A IV Ch ap 1 8 2 H e s u r
. .
“
. . .
, ,
p ass ed all p ri n c es s a n c ti t a t e vi ta e i n p urity o f

. .
li fe Also Ch ap 1 8 1 2 3 5 6 7
,
” - - -
.
, .
, , ,
Fronto quoted : H aines p 46

, ,
IX 3 4 1 2
.
I lia d ,
-
My f llo w sold i r H ro d i n B oo k I Ch p 5 3
e e e a , , a ,
d uc ation H ro d ian B o k I Ch ap 2
.
C mm d
’
o o us s e : e , o ,
C mmo dus naturally goo d D i Cass L XXI I I 1

.
o : o ,
T rib u i c ian p o w r S H A IV Ch ap 2 7 5
.
n e : ,
Commo d o imp rium t S H A VI Ch ap 1 3 3 4 ;

. . .
, . .
“
e , e c : . .
, ,
f Lu c ius V rus h d as k d th at h b ma d C a sar

. . .
c e a e e e e e ,
long b f or S H A IV Ch ap 1 2 8
.
e e, . . .
, .
,
Follow d f ath r s plans H ro di an B ook I Chap 6 § 1

e e
’
: e , , ,
Faw i ng P rasit s t H ro dian B ook I Ch p 6

.
“ ”
n a e , e c : e , , a .
51 M axw ll s tra s l ation 1 62 9

.
’
, e n ,
C mmo dus w lcom d t

o H ro dian B ook I Ch ap 7
e e , e c : . e , , .
53
wa o to ta ours i st X VIII
C ha pt er X V I I
rimi a t ntion t os w
La ll w ed ke i t s c e : c f D ge L t it .
, .
a au us V ar us s t
w
“
1 9 Ch p 3 0 ; P l S en t 21 2 M c en , .
, , .
to is an un r
.
, ,
t he l d of c n l de e h e ho de ,
rt t
p e ex o f a ne r i o or
el gi nro i s itof p ph ec e exc ed , ,
t he mu titu
l orru t mor s
d e a nd c p ed is o s not
al
”
Th d e
appear to h ave any sp ecial appli c ation to Christi ans
.
. 209
Th e martyr S an ctus : E us eb ius E c c H i s t B ook V , . .
Ch ap 1
,
.
AUTHORITIES
w
2 95
P AG E L IN E
D at f O ctavius f Cl R i 1 91 4 p 64 P fl i
e o : c as s ev e , .
; e
d r r IV Ch ap 2 8
.
e e , ,
A th agoras A p l gy III
.
en : o o
E p istl f r m chur ch at Lyons E us b ius

,
e o p : e , su ra
T rtull ian t
e f A d N ti I Ch ap XV XVI
e c : c a on es , ,
U ni v rs l b li f Lu cia
.
, . .
,
e af Al e d th
e : F l c . n, exa n er e a se
P ph t Ch ap 2 5 38
ro e ,
P ro c onsu ls R m say 1 75
.
,
: a ,
T a c itus A l : XV 44 nna s , ,
S u tonius N
e XVI : er o ,
P li y L t t
n : Vol X 96e er s ,
F lix S p
.
,
Mi i
nu c u s e u ra
S tat A bé
.
Sp
e vs t Et d er a u s :t t u e s u r u n n ou v ea u ex e, u
S tat Carp os L Eg li dix A ub e

.
t l E t t App ’ ’
e vs : se e a en ,
D is l ik f J ws V 1 79 1 84 J
. .
,
e o f P e :l c er s a eu s , ,
-
; u v en a s ee
any i d x to t h S tir s ; S l ti im g
.
,
“ ”
n e e a e c e er a ss a ens ,
S c a F gm t 42 H aas D i C ass LXXVIII

en e ra en a , e; o
w
,
3 2 t ll f t h f ri gh t f l c ru lty f t h J w s d uring
.
,
, e s o e u e o e e
a r volt e
S p r a d ing vi l r p orts J ustin D 17

.
e e i l i th T y ph e .
, a . r o, .
C ha pt er X V I I I
H uman sacri fices : c f C an fi eld p 2 1 Note 1 .

, .
, 220 22
Ap otheosis : S ee M rs S A S trong Apo t h eosi s ; c f ,
Ci cero s R epu b li c Li b VI Ch ap 8 where i n S ci p io s

. . . .
’ ’
.
, .
, ,
d r eam i t i s sai d h arum [ c i vi t a t u m ] r ectores et

,
“
, ,
” “
con s er v at o r es h i n c pr o f ect i h u c r ev ert u n t u r, The
rul rs d p r s rv rs stat s com down f rom
e an e e e of e e
[ h av n ] and r tur thith r

”
e e e n e
Cult f Rom d A u gustus f H ar dy pp 93 t

.
o e an : c e c
M omm s VI p 54 1
.
, .
, .
G mm lt S h if t
en : es a e e c r en ,
O M ar coma ni A m m M rc l] XXII 5 § 5
, .
“ ”
t n , e c : a e
Traj a to P li y P l i y s L t t X 34 f H r dy p
. . .
, ,
’
n n : n e er s , ; c . a ,
1 68 t e c.
N m f Chri tia S H ar dy C h i ti i t y d t h
,
a e o s n ee r s an an e
t S c tio VII p 1 25 Rams y

.
,
w
R m G o m an ov er n en e n ; a
pp 245 25 9 2 81 33 3 B ut f S al ill s M é l g
, , .
,
, , , c e e an es
h s ms to d is t ; also f
. . .
,
P F Gi d p 5 02 r au .
, o ee s en c
A u gar D i F
. .
.
,
t p 66 , e r au e c .
, . 23 0 11
H ad rian s r s cri p t E us b ius B ok IV Chap 9 Light
,
’
e : e , o , ;
f oot P art II Vo l I p 4 64
.
, , .
, .
2 96 MAR C US AU R ELI US
P AG E L IN E
A t i i stru c ti ons E us b ius B ook IV Chap
’
n on n u s s n : e , ,
2 6 ; f d o IV 1 3 and H ain s M A 386 9 Th is

.
c . .
, , e , . .
-
.
r s crip t i v ry doubt ful

e s e
p c as E us b ius B oo k IV Ch ap 1 5 S also
.
’
P ly
o ca r s e: e , , . . ee ,
Li ght foot P art 1 1 Vol I p 4 65 ; R ams y p 33 1 , , . a , .
P ubli us t h m rtyr E us b ius B o k IV Chap 23

.
,
e a : e , o , .
L ight foot P art 1 1 Vo l I pp 4 92 52 4

M artyrs i Rom J usti s Ap l I I 2 ; Li ght f t Part
, , .
, .
, .
’
n e: n o .
, oo , .
I I Vo l I p 4 92
, .
, .
Cl au d ius Ap o lli naris : us b ius IV 27 C t t ll II

C hap t er X I X
w
w
E e , , ru e ,
3 67
M li to t
e , E us b ius IV 2 6 C t t
e c : ll II 363 e , ,
ru e , ,
A el p 307 Not
.
V tti
e us Ep g t h M a a us : arc -
ur e, , e
P unishm nt not alw ays n f or c d f Lu c ian P

.
e g i e e : c , er e r n u s
wh r t h gov rnor f S yri l ts P r grin

.
P t
r o eu s e e e e o a e e e e,
at that tim a Christian and chi f f t h s ct g e ,

“
e o e e ,
”
o
fr ee
Blando collo quio S t t F li i t i f

”
: a e vs e c as , n ra
S tat J usti O tto J ustin

.
e vs t l A t J ti / i n e a : c a us n , ,
M artyr ; Li gh tfoot P art I I V l I 4 93 4

.
s ee , , o .
,
Rusti c us c omp ll d to l av b ook s Th m i t i e XXXIV e e e : e s u s,
Ch ara ct r f Rusti cus M A I 7

e o : .
, .
P ronto s r mark Nab r A d A t I m p I 2

’
e p . e , n . .
, , su ra
H i i fl u nc
s n S H A IV 3 3
e e.
A n up ri gh t j u d g A s to t h c ons ci ti ousn ss f R
. . .
, , .
e. e en e o o
man j ud g s comp ar t h s crupl s f A ul us G l e e e e o e
lius A G XIV 2 ,
S tat J ustin t l J ti M ty App nd ix p 2 66

, . .
e vs e a : us n ar r, e , .
;
O tt (C p A p l g t m C h i ti
.
,
o or m S
us li o o e a ru r s a n oru a c cu
S di )
aou n
S tat C ar p os A ub e L Eg li t l é t t App nd ix I ’ ’
e vs : , se e a e .
A b é th i k s th is trial w as ab out 2 5 0 A D i t h
.
,
u n . . n e
r ign f D cius
e o e 240
N m ph m Li ghtf O t P
.
St t art I I V l I p 506 240

.
a e vs a a o: o , , o , . .
S tat
. .
e vs Sp t A bé 5 ~t d era u s : t t u , 1 u e su r nu n ou v eau ex e
M t y S i lli t i ; f Li gh t f oot
.
d A t
es d c es es ar rs c a ns c .
,
P art II Vo l I p 508 240 , .
M artyr dom f Th E us b ius B oo k V Ch p 2 4

.
,
o 240r as eas : e , , a .
M rtyr dom f S g i E us b ius B ook V Ch ap 2 4 240

a o a ar s : e , , .
P AG E L IN E
I I 1 63 (E d M i k
, B tl y says th t t h . e ne e, en e a e
attribution to Z l i in corr t (b ut t h uthor s a eu c u s s ec e a

’
id tity i i r l va t ) P h l i p 284
en s r e e 2 52 n , a ar s ,
D a m o s D i g L r V II Z
.
e n : 79 o 252 ae , en o ,
P luta ch O
. .
r th d m : f S t ; O
n F t t e 25 2 ae on o oc r a es n a e, e c
M axim us f Tyr O t h d m (Fr nch

.
o f S t e: n e ae on o o c ra es e
tra s l tio ) II XVII

n a n ,
Ap ul ius A d i
,
e : i g S t d m s c ou r s e c o n c er n n o cr a es s
’
ae on
C f M y rs H m 81 4 ; al so
.
P li t y 1 1
e , u an ers ona ,
-
XXXVII p 3 0
.
,
G ld S yi g
o f E pi t t
en a n s o c e us , , .
A ppend ix A
S toi c ph il osoph ers ch iefly f oreigners : Cleanthes o f

A ssos Ch rysippus o f S oli P er s aeu s o f Citium
, , ,
A riston o f Chios H erillu s o f Carth age S ph aeru s o f , ,
B os p horus D ionysius o f H eraclea i n P ontus D i

, ,
S el eu c ia P osi d oni us o f Al ex and ri a
w
o gen es of , ,
At h en ago r u s o f S ol i Z en o o f S i d on , .
Q a a a l : S ee D i o
a L aer VII Z en o 3 6 3 7 et c Z eno , , , .
,
Cl ean th es an d Chrysipp us i n H v o n A r nim ; A rnold

. .
,
on Roman S toicism ; Z eller“o n Stoics ; c f Christian

w
.
w
.
acceptance o f t he theory E r s ol d ie o rh eit blos ,
b ek ennen und sch o en als e $ 11 an i r s elb er i s H e ,
must ”recogni ze and look on t h e truth as it i s i n

its el f Ni co lau s v on B a“s el p 6 C S chmidt
. .
, .
S toi c s h au gh ty : c f P as c al Ces p rinc i p es d une sup erb e

,
’
d iab olique Thes e p rinc iples o f a d iab o li c al p ri d e

.
,
”
P hysi c s : S ee D i o L aer VII Z en o 6 7 68 70 72 74

.
,
, , , , ,
76 et c ; A r n im A rno ld and Z eller s u pr a

.
, .
,
, .
, ,
A ppen d ix B
If a man t G ld S yi g f E pi t t I X p 7
, e c : o en a n s o c e u s, , .
H astings C oss l y
.
w
r e
H th at h th gras p d t D OX VI p 1 2
.
e a e , e c : .
, .
A sk d h e m t oD XXXIV p 27
a an , e c : o .
, .
G d h th pla c d b y t h si d X XXVII p 30
.
o a t D e e e, e c : O ,
Fri nd lay hold with t D L XXI p 6 1

. . .
e , e c : O .
,
A s G d h th or d i d t D X C I p 80
. .
,
‘ ’
o a a ne , e c : . o .
, .
I t h ro m f ll oth r pl asur s C XX X III

.
n e o t D O a e e e , e c : . o .
p 1 14
It i t h critic al mom t t D CLVII p 1 34
.
s e en , e c : . o .
, .
3 02 INDEX
c riminal O ffenc e 230 ; t he mere name suffi c ient evi d ence 23 0 ,
apologi sts 235 ; punishmen ts 232 2 40 ; sund ry crim inal t ri als

,
, , , ,
2 3 7 240 ; oth er martyr d oms r ep orted 2 4 0 2 4 1 ; martyr d oms at

- -
Lyons 2 4 1 242 ; comp ar ed w ith S toi c s 2 43 245

,
— -
, ,
Chrys i pp us S toi c p h iloso p h er 2 6

.
, ,
Ci c ero D e Ofli ciis 30

.
.
,
Cl au d ius M a ximus 46
,
Cleanthes S toi c p hilosop h er 2 4 ; hymn to Z eus 24 2 5 ; stanz a to

.
, , ,
Desti y 2 6 n , .
C ommo dus j oin M A r b llion f Cassius 1 83 ; go s ast

, s . . on e e o , e e
w ith M A 1 88 r turns to Rom 1 93 ; c r at d A g t , ; e e, e e u u s u s,
1 94 ; c riti c i d i 2 03 ; natura lly goo d 2 04 ;

. .
Th C z e n e a es ar s , ,
S nat d m nd s h i su cc ssion 2 04 ; c ond u c t f ath r s d ath

’
e e e a s e , on e e ,
2 05 r turns to Rom 205 ; hi b auty 205 ; w arm w lcom

; e e, s e , e e
f rom R omans 205 ,
C ross l y H asti ngs trans lations f E p i ct tus App n d ix B

.
e , , o e , e .
Cyni cs d p i ct d by E p i ct tus 1 8
, e e e , .
D a mons 2 5 1 ; S o c rati c d a mon 2 5 2 P lutar ch

e , 25 2 ; Ap ul ius e , ; o n, e
on 253 , .
D aph n suburb f A ntio ch 1 43

e, o , .
D m i ti
o Lu ci ll moth r f M ar cus 40 ; go s to imp rial p alac
a a, e o , e e e,
43 ; l tt r f rom Fronto 78 79
e e ,
— .
E p i ct tus
e Cyni cs 1 8 ; d is cours s f giv n to M A 32 i d as
, on , e o , e .
, ; e
r nunciation 3 3 ; quot d 1 1 7 quot d to logic 25 8 25 9

.
on e , e , ; e as , , ,
2 60 2 6 1 2 62 bi ; sayings f App nd ix B
, , , s o , e .
Faustina t h ld r wi f f Antoninus P ius 40 ; li t rary tast 60

, e e e , e o , e e,
l v d by h husb and 77
o e er , .
Faustin t h young r b troth d to Lucius V rus 43 ; marri d t

a, e e , e e e , e o
M A 96 ; s l and rs u p on wh olly fals 96 ; go s to E p h sus

, e , e, e e ,
1 45 ; w rit s M A i r gar d to C ssius s r b lli on 1 84

. .
’
e n e a e e ,
ac omp ani s M A to t h E ast 1 88 ; di 1 88 vid nc f

. .
c e e , es , ; e e e o
c ompl t inno c nc 1 88 1 89 ; h onors d cr d to h

. .
h er e e 1 89 ; e e, — e ee er,
h er r putatio cl ar i opini o f lat st s cholars 2 04

e n e n n o e , .
F i
av o r nu s , man f l tt rs an cdot s f 5 1 5 3 l tt r to H r d s o e e , e e o ,
-
; e e e o e ,
quot d 60 e , .
F t it d
or u d ap l 29
o, v e a ,
Fr d ri ck t h G r at quot d 1 5
.
e e e e , e , .
Fronto tutor to M A 46 ; hi car r 53 ; hi conv rsation 53 ; , s ee , s e ,
an cd ot s f 53 5 5 h i fam 5 7 5 8 ; rh tori cal instru cti n to

. .
,
e e o -
; s e, -
e o
M A 5 8 60 ; a ff ction f h i f ri nd s 6 1 ; z a l f L atin
,
. .
,
-
e or s e , e or
INDEX
w
3 03
literature 63 ; l ove o f M A 64 ; w i f e an d d au gh t er 6 4 ; l etters ,
o n r h etori c 65 76 ; c o ns u l 7 1 ; a e o f H a d ri an 7 1 72 ; l ove
, . .
,
- -
, , ,
o f A nto ninus 72 ; l ett er t o D om i t i a Lu c illa 78 ; retained i n

, ,
p ros ecution o f H erod es 92 ; M ar cus i nt er fer es 92 ; lost fi ve ,
ch ild ren 96 ; letters t o Luc ius V erus 1 4 6 ; eulo gy up on Lucius

,
, ,
Verus 1 48 ; renewed correspondence with M arcus Imp erator

, , ,
1 5 2 1 62 -
ro to s L tt rs to M A on sl p 65 do prop o s subj ct f
.
’
P n e e , ee , ; , se e or
rh torical comp osition 66 d o ad vic as to apoth gm s 67

. . .
,
e , ; .
, e e ,
do fl t t M r cus s p ro gr ss 6 9 d o hygi ni c a dvi c 70

a er s a
’
e ; , e e,
d o a s gg st d corr ction 70 ; d o h i r asons f d laying

.
.
, ,
, u e e e , .
, s e or e
hi f orma l u l o gy f A ntoninus P ius 7 1 d o p r is f M ar

.
s e o , ; , a e O
cus s p ro fic i ncy allusion to h i v rs s t 74 t D m i t i

.
’
e , s e e , e c , ; o o a
Lu cill a i G r k on h b irth day 78 ; to M A th nk s f

.
n ee er , , a or
b irth d y w i h s 87 d o d ng r f j al u y among
. .
, ,
a th s e , ; , on e a e O e o s
courti rs 95 do visit f hi wif to M ar cus s moth r 97

.
’
e , ; , on o s e e , ;
d o on s ing M r cus s b by 98 ; do i ans w r to M r cus s
.
’ ’
, ee a a , .
, n e a
l tt r on hi b aby s illn ss wi t h an cdot s f

.
’
e e s e e e o
hi l ov f M ar cus 99 d o hi o wn l am n ss sym p athy f

,
s e or , ; , s e e , or
Faustin s (w if s ) not b ing w ll 1 01 d o s m subj ct 1 02

.
’ ’
a e e e , ; , a e e ;
d o s m subj ct 1 02 do a not f goo d w ish s on b irth d ay
.
,
, a e e , ; , e o e ,
1 03 d o not f fl t i r f r nc s to hi own p oor h alth

. .
’
; , a e o a ec on , e e e e s e
and ind iff r nc to lif w r it not f M r cus 1 04 do

.
e e e e, e e or a , ; on
M ar cus s child s b irth d ay 1 05 d o gratitu d f M ar cus s

.
,
’ ’ ’
, ; , e or
s c p j sting allusi on to Stoicism 1 1 0 ; do on M ar cus s d

.
’
e a e, e , , a
P ronto s ulogy A ntoninus P ius 1 53 d o

.
m i ti
’
f
ra on or e on ; ,
s nds xtr cts f rom Cic ro s l tt rs 1 5 4 ; do i ans w r to

, .
’
e e a e e e , , n e
M ar cus s l tt r ab out holi d ys at Alsium 1 5 6 d o p rais s f

.
’
e e a ; e o
M ar cus and Lu ciu d gr at a dmirati on f M ar cus s ora

, .
,
’
s an e or
tory a long ff ction t l tt r 1 58 1 6 1 do t lls f hi visi t

, , a e a e e e ,
-
; e o s
to M ar cus s twin b oys at L i m 1 61
.
,
’
or u , .
G lli
e A ulus quot d as to F
u s, i 5 1 5 3 ; as to Fronto 5 3 5 5
, e av o r nu s , - —
;
to stud nt li f i A th s 91
,
as e e n en , .
G ibb on quot d , goo d E mp rors 3 7 e D phn , 1 43 on t h

on e ; on a e, ; e
J ws 2 1 6
,
e ,
th quot d 1 1 1 1 2
.
G oe e, e , , .
H a d rian sk t ch f 3 7 3 9 a dop ts V rus S ior 4 1 a do p ts A

, e o ,
-
; e en ; n
d i s 43 t t i li t ratur 57 r s crip t ab out
, ,
t i 42
on nu s , ; e , ; as e n e e, ; e
Christi ns 233 a ,
H rmo g n s a rh t ri cian 1 90
.
e e e , e o ,
H ro d s A tti cus g t f M ar cus s gran d f th r 40 tutor to

.
’
e e , u es o a e , ;
IND EX
w
3 04
M a rcus , 46 ; vr
onor f hi wi f 60 ; vill n r Ath ns e s es in h o s e, a ea e
91 t m p r m t involv d i l suits 92 mak s fri d s

,
; e e a en , 92 ; e n a , ; e en
w ith Fro to 94 su d by citiz n f A th s 1 73 ; unp unish d ; e ens O en e
by M r cus 1 73
, ,
a , .
J yg
az b arb aria trib o c upying land b tw
es , a P annoni an d n e c e een a
D c ia 1 6 7 1 7 1
a , , .
J w s d is li k d 2 1 6 p rs cut Ch ristians 2 1 6 2 1 7 s p cial p robl m

e e ; e e e -
e e
R omans 2 2 6 22 7 ill su cc ss f R ma p o l i cy 22 7
, ,
f or ,
-
e o o n
J uli an E mp ror Th C
, .
, 2 00 2 03
e , e a es a r s , -
J usti M artyr quot d virtu f t h Ch ristians 207 ; on ac cusa

.
n , e on es o e
tions agai t t h Christi ns 2 1 3 2 1 4 ;

,
ns tr atm nt f t h e a ,
— on e e o e
Chri tians by t h J w s 2 1 7 hi trial 23 7 240

s e e , s ,
-
.
J u st i t i a , Ot xa i oa ilvn, 2 9 ’
.
La nu v i u m , legen ds connected w ith 4 4 4 5

44 ; ,
-
Literary S o ciety i n Rome Ch ap ter IV 5 0

.
, ,
Lo gi c o f S toi c s App end i x A pp 2 5 8 2 63

.
-
, , ,
ro to s visit th r 1 6 1
. .
Lori u m , 44 ; P n
’
e e, .
Lu cian c onfé r c i r 5 0 s p irit f mo ck ry 1 1 9 Z

, en p yp eée 1 19 , ; O e , ;
‘
e1z s r a c s ,
1 2 7 ; d s c ri p tion f P a th a 1 44 ; Al x and r or t h
e Fals o n e e e e e
P ro p h t 1 64
, ,
e , .
Lu c ill d au gh t r f M A marri s Lu cius V rus 1 45 ; marri d

a, e o .
, e e , e
to P m p i
.
o 1 84 e anu s , .
Luc ius ( V rus ) s ee e .
Lyons Chur ch f p rs cution 1 77 A D 2 4 1 243

, o , e e , . .
,
-
.
M agn a Ma t er 117 .
M ar comann i a B arb arian p eo ple 1 6 7

,
, ,
M ar cus a grac ious fi gure 1 3 ; a p ro d uct o f S toi c thou ght 3 1

.
, ,
not drawn to S eneca 3 1 ; p ossible S p iritual loneli nes s 3 5

,
, ,
b irth 3 9 ; f amily 40 ; moth er 40 ; b oyho od 4 0 ; V eris s i m/u s , , ,
4 1 ; ear ly h onors 4 1 ; b etroth ed to sist er o f young V erus 42 ;

, ,
ad opted by A ntoninus 42 moves to imp erial p alace 43 ;

,
, ,
youthful s ports 45 ; friends 45 ; ch aracter 45 ; tutors 46 ; , , ,
Caesar 46 ; eulo gy on A ntoninus 4 7 4 9 ; r easons o f hi s f ond

,
-
, ,
ness f or Fronto 6 1 64 ; letters on rh etoric 65 76 ; thank s -

,
Fronto fo r teaching him to s p eak t he truth 69 ; h i s merit as a

,
lett er w riter p r ais ed by P hilo s t rat u s 89 ; k no wled ge o f G reek

-
,
lit eratur e 90 ; med iates b etw een Fro nto an d H ero d es 92

,
marries Fausti na 96 ; lost eigh t children 96 ; his grief 96 97 ;

,
lett ers th at c oncern hi s married li f e 97 1 05 ; r enounces rhet

, ,
-
,
orie for phi l osophy 1 08 ; turns to reli gi on 1 1 1 ; though ts on , ,

3 06 EX IND
fl o ck f sh p 80 ; d o visit to A nagni 80 ; d o li f i t h
o ee , .
, , , e n e
country huntin g r ad ing c om p ositions co ld t 81 ; d o

.
, , e , , e c on
a G r k l ctur r 82 ; d o throat vintag ch t

, .
, .
,
P l m o e on , ee e e , .
, s ore , e, a
w ith hi moth r ab out Fronto 83 ; d li f at Napl s cli mat

s e , o .
, e e , e,
te c 84 ; d
.
, b usy b gs to b r min d d f som thing t 86 ;
o .
, , e e e e o e , e c ,
do b irth day 86 ; do ask s Fronto to b r str i d

.
w
’
.
,F t
on ro n o s , .
, e e a ne
i n hi p ros cutio s f H ro d s 92 ; d o th ank s f

e F t n o e e , .
, or ro n o s
’
a cqui s c nc 94 ; do i ans r to F t l tt r s ing

e e e, .
, n e ro n o s
’
e e on ee
M arcus s b aby 98 d o ’
t h b ab y s (Fausti n s ) illn ss 98
, ; .
, on e
’
a
’
e , ;
d o not to y b ab y i b tt r 1 01 ; d o
.
, e hi w i f s si ckn ss
sa s e e , .
, on s e
’
e ,
h er d o ci lity 1 02 ; d o on F t i ll h l th 1 03 d o ans w r
, .
, r on o s
’
ea , ; , e
to F t not f b irth d ay wish s 1 03 ; d o anoth r b irth d y

.
’
ro n o s e o e , .
, e a
not 1 04 ; d on n gl ct f rh tori c and admiratio f

e, o .
, e e o e n or
A risto t h Stoi c 1 08 ; to t h P r f c t f t h Commi ss ri t

, e , e e e o e a a , on
t h app ointm nt f A vi d i s Cassius 1 4 9 ; t

e eFronto b ook s o n , o , on ,
1 52 ; d o ask f Ci c ro s l tt rs 1 53 ; do b ri f not ’
te c .
, .
, s or e e e , .
, e e
r f rring to hi holi days at Al ium 1 5 6 do a b irth d y l tt r

e e s s , .
, a e e ,
with r f r nc s to Lucius Faustin and hi d aught rs 1 5 7 ;

e e e e , a, s e ,
d o ans w r to P ronto s l tt r d s crib ing h i visit to L i m

.
, e
’
e e e s or u ,
1 62 ; to L u c ius V rus i ans w r to w arni g to Cassius e , n e n as ,
1 80 ; t Faustina hi wi f t lli g f Cassius s r b lli on 1 84 ;

o , s e, e n o
'
’
e e ,
d o r fus s to p unish r b l s 1 85 ; t t h S nat r qu sting

.
, e e e e , o e e e, e e
th m to p ar don ll r b ls 1 85
e a e e , .
Me di t t i a cit d I 2 4 0 ; I 3 40 ; I
ons 45 2 1 0 ; I 7 3 2 1 08 ; I 7
e , , , , , , ,
9 1 1 1 5 46 I 8 96 ; I 9 1 1 2 ; I 1 3 97 ; I 1 6 4 9 I 1 7 § 5 1 1 2 ;
, , , ; , , , , ; , ,
I I 2 1 96 ; I I 3 1 1 2 1 1 3 ; I I 1 1 1 1 4 II 1 2 1 96 II 1 3 1 2 9 2 5 5 ;
, , , , ; , ; , ,
II 1 7 1 1 4 1 95 ; III 2 1 1 3 ; I II 3 1 96 1 97 ; I II 4 254 ; III 4

, , , , , , ,
§ 2 1 2 9 ; I II 6 2 9 25 4 ; III
, § 2 1 1 6 ; I I I 9 1 1 6 2 62 ; III 1 2
, , , , , ,
2 5 4 ; III 1 6 2 1 0 IV 5 1 95 1 97 I V 1 4 21 2 65 2 66 ; IV 2 2
, ; , , ; , , , ,
2 60 ; IV 2 3 2 6 7 IV 33 3 8 ; IV 1 3 6 IV 40 2 67 I V 48 1 96
, , ; , , ,
bi ; IV 5 1 1 1 3 ; V 3 1 1 4 V 8 2 67 V 8 § 2 1 1 3 2 6 7 ; V 9
s , ; ; , ,
1 1 4 ; V 1 2 2 9 2 61 ; V 1 6 4 2 2 62 V 1 8 1 1 4 V 2 7 1 1 6 ; V 2 8
, , , ,
, , , , ; , ; , ,
1 2 9 ; V 3 3 1 1 6 2 66 ; VI 1 0 1 4 ; VI 1 5 2 6 6 ; VI 2 4 2 65 ; VI 3 0
, , ,
1 2 9 1 3 0 ; V I 3 0 § 1 1 1 6 ; VI 3 4 1 30 V I 3 6 1 13 ; VI 42 2 67 ;
, , ,
, , , , ; , ,
VI 1 96 ; VI 5 8 1 1 4 ; V I I 9 2 67 ; V I I 1 8 1 36 V I I 23 1 36 ; , , , ; ,
VII 25 1 1 2 1 36 ; VII 32 1 96 ; VII 41 97 VII 54 2 61 ; VII

, , , ; ,
6 7 2 5 8 ; VIII 1 1 2 VIII 2 5 1 96 VIII 2 60 VIII 29

,
, ; , ; ; ,
2 62 ; VI I I 31 1 96 ; VIII 45 2 5 4 VIII 46 1 1 4 VII I 48 2 1 0

, , ; , ; , ;
VIII 5 0 1 1 3 ; VIII 51 209 ; VIII 52 2 67 ; VIII 58 1 96 ; IX 1
, , , , ,
1 1 4 2 65 ; IX 3 1 96 ; I X 1 9 1 3 6 IX 21 4 0 ; IX 2 7 2 5 5 ; IX 40
, , ; , , ,
96 ; IX 42 § 5 3 0 ; X 3 1 1 5 ; X 8 1 1 7 ; X 8 § 2 1 1 6 ; X 1 1 1 1 6 ;
,
, , , , , , ,
X 20 1 1 2 ; X 3 5 97 ; X 36 1 96 bi ; X I 1 30 ; XI 3 2 1 0 ; X I 4
, , , , s , , ,
IND EX 3 07
XI 5 2 67 XI 1 0 1 1 4 ;
1 74 ; 1 73 ; XI I 2 3
, ; , XI 1 0 , ,
1 73 ; XII 3 1 1 96 , .
M il ton quot d A th ns 91 e on e , .
F lix hi O t i quot d 2 1 1 2 1 3
,
Mi i
nu c u s e , s c av u s e ,
-
.
M iracul us rain 1 74 1 77
o ,
- .
M ont s qui u quot d 1 5

e e , e , .
My rs F W H H m P li t y quot d 250
w
e , . . .
, u an er s ona ,
e , .
Nat r u aM
e, Kar 23 1 1 2 1 1 5 . ( a , ,
-
.
N ro accus s Christians t 2 1 7
e , e , e c .
, .
N rva 37
e , .
O t i
c av u s , ap ology f Ch ristians by Mi i F lix 2 1 1 2 13
an or , nu c u s e ,
-
.
O r tory 5 8
a , .
P ti
a n ae S toi c p h ilosop h r 2 7 2 8
u s, e , , .
P an onia R oma
n p rovinc 1 69 1 71 n e, -
.
P anth a mistr ss f Lu c ius V rus 1 44

,
e e o e ,
P arth ians th i r invasio 1 4 1 ; th ir d f at 1 5 1

.
,
e n, e e e , .
t h A th i n on M A a l tt r writ r 88 89
,
P h il t t
I
os r a u s e en a , . . as e e -
e ,
-
.
P hysi c s f S toi cs App nd i x A 2 63 2 68

, o , e ,
-
P l agu
.
1 66 e, .
P l autus quot d 5 2 1 5 5
, e , , .
P li y t h young r con f ront d b y Christians 23 1 ; l tt r to T raj an

n e e e e e
a k i g a dvi c 23 1 T r j an s ans w r 232

, , ,
’
s n e, ; a e ,
P lutar ch d a mons 2 52
.
, on e ,
a sophist 5 1 criticis d by M A 82
.
P l m
o e on , ; e
P o ly c r p Ch ristian m rtyr 23 3
, . .
, .
a , a ,
P osi d o i us S toi c p h i losop h r 2 7 2 8

.
n , e , ,
P ru d ntia ¢p6 n
.
e 28 2 9 , v a: s, , .
Quadi a B arb arian trib invad Emp ir 1 67 ; b g f p ac 1 68

,
e, e e, e or e e, .
R nan E rn st on t h M di t t i
e , 14
e , e e a on s ,
R h tori c S tu dy f Ch ap V 6 1
.
e , O , .
,
R om c ity f d s crib d 1 3 0 1 34
.
e e —
e, o , ,
R om d A u gustus cult f 22 6
.
e an , o ,
R oman E mp ir d c d nt 1 35
.
e, e a e ,
R oman gov rnm nt p o li cy f i r li gious matt rs 2 20 ; to l rant

.
e e , o n e e e
xc p t f human sacrific s 22 0 d immor l t nd nci s 2 20

,
e e or e , ; an a e e e ,
x cts outw r d w orship f Roma go d s as mark f p oliti c l

e a a o n o a
loy lty 22 4 2 2 6 attitu d tow r d Christi ns a ft r T raj an s

a -
; e a a e
’
p ronounc m nt 23 2
,
e e , .
3 08 I NDEX
o a r ligion 2 1 9 22 0
R m n e ,
-
.
u ticus J u ius 4 6 236 ; p r sid s at tri

R s , n , , e e a l of J usti n M artyr , 23 7
2 40 .
St . aul quot d 23
P , e ,
S n c a 2 6 3 1 ; c riti c is d by li t rary m 5 6 ; on t h soul quot d

.
e e , , e e en, e , e ,
2 54 2 55 -
.
S xtus 46 1 12
e , , .
S tat e vsCar p os t l c it d 2 40 e a , e ,
S tat J usti t l r p ort f trial 23 6 2 40

. .
e vs n e a , e o -
S tat N m ph m cit d 2 40
. .
e vs . a a o, e ,
S tat l c it d 2 40
.
e vsSp t t er a u s e a , e ,
S t tius P i a R oma g ral 1 4 1 victorious c amp aign

. .
a r s cu s , n ene , ;
agai st t h P arthians 1 50
n e ,
S toi c ism found rs f Ch ap I 1 7 thi cs Ch ap I I 27 ; logi c and

.
, e o , , , e , ,
p hysi cs App nd ix B 2 5 8
. .
, e , .
S toi c s and Ch ristians simi l ariti s b t w n 2 43 245
w
, e e ee ,
-
.
T em per a n t i a, a qbpoa uvn, 29 30 -
rtullia on a usations a ainst

Christians 2 08 2 1 4 2 34
.
Te cc n, g , , ,
omas a K mp is quot d 260

.
Th e , e ,
i r ov r fl ows 1 41 234
.
T be e , ,
T r j n 3 7 l tt r c on c r ing gui ld s 2 2 9 ; l tt r to P liny l ayi g

.
a a , e e e n , e e n
do wn p oli cy tow ar d Christians 232 p unishm nt f Christi ns , ; e O a
i h i r i gn 2 32
n s e , .
V rus Lucius t h ld r app oi t d by H a d ria as succ ssor 4 1

e , , e e e n e n e ,
d i s 42
,
e , .
V ru Lu cius t h young dop t d by A toni nu 42 ; b troth d

e s, e er , a e n s, e e
to Faustin 4 3 fond f Fronto 6 1 m ad mp ror 1 3 9

,
a, ; o , ; e co e -
e , ;
c omm and r i ch i f i E t 1 4 1 starts f e -
A ntio ch 1 4 1 ;
n -
e n as , ; or ,
visits H rod s A tti cus 1 4 1 sla d rous a ccusations ag inst

e e , ; n e a
h i m 1 4 1 1 42 hi b oyh o d 1 42 a ff cti
-
f Fronto 1 42
; s o , ; e on or
all g d p fl i g y 1 42 b troth d to Lucill 1 44 a ff ir wi th

, ,
e e ro ac ; e e a, ; a
P anth 1 44 ; m rri s Lu c i ll a 1 45 vid nc s th at t h charg s

,
ea, a e , ; e e e e e
f p fl ig y t
o ro f al s M ar cus 1 45 ; Lu cian 1 45 A li
ac , e c , are e, , , ; e us
A risti d s 1 45 ; Fronto 1 46 h i o wn l tt rs 1 4 6 l at r h i
.
e , , ; s e e , ; e s
i l r f r c s 1 47 F t ch p t r Lu c ius s mili tary ’ ’

t or c a e e en e , r on o s a e on
achi v m ts 1 48 p r uad s M arcus to sh ar i hi triumph

e e en ; e s e e n s ,
1 5 1 h i d th 1 68 h i w arning to M ar c us f C assius s amb i

,
’
; s ea , ; s o
tion 1 79
V rus M artius a Roman g n ral 1 4 1 ; 1 84
, .
e , e e ,
Victori us A fi d i 45 74
.
,
n u u s, ,
Vindob (Vi nn ) Roman camp 1 69

.
,
on a e a , a , .
PR I N TE D IN T H E U N I TE D S T A TE S OF A M ER I C A

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H E NRY D W W

A TT EMPT To SUPPRE S S . CH RI STI A N

T o lay th ir j ust h and s on th at G o ld n K

this littl book my purpos i t provid thos p opl

f whom t h M di t ti of Marcus Aur lius contain

a d p r ligious m aning with such introductory i f

mation about him h i ch aract r hi r ligion and hi li f

as I think j ud ging f rom my own xp ri nc th y m y d

sir S I b gin with an xposition f Stoic p h ilosop hy

and as I b li v th at p h ilosop hy to h av b n primarily a

r li gion I pr s nt it as such And in my d f nc to

dry criticisms mad upon Marcus by anci nt and mod rn e e e

writ rs I giv by far t h most spac to t h grav st th at

would h av surpris d him mor or h av s m d to him

mor unr asonabl

I h av not wis h d to ncumb r t h pag s wit h not s and

th r for I h av r l gat d to t h app ndix most r f r nc s

to my authority for stat m nts in t h t xt Such quotations e e e e .

in a for ign langua g as h av not b n translat d in t h

t xt will b found translat d in t h app ndix Gr k p h ras s

Cambridg Massachus tts e, H D S e ,

VIII . FR O M R H ETO RI C To P H IL OSO P HY

sayin g Das Sch aud rn ist d M nsch

tion f hi nam ; it carri s i t own authority

Am on g t h qualiti s th at g to mak up charact r a s nsi

hi gh r li f I t li s d p r th an oth r susc ptibiliti s

suons or spiritual Lov f am or truth h av gr at r pow r . e, e, ,

to dazzl and ov rcom bute b stows t h mor abiding

satisfaction ; it s ts a man apart f rom t h many it li fts hi m

into communion wi th wh at f hi m is t h high st and or e e ,

e nnobl s hi condi tion T his s ns f

of t h monast ry library or wood in t h company f p opl

cons crat d to an id al or in t h burly burly of t h world

But t h l av n of r li gion is not always at work v n in

list th Som tim s t h caus s th at l ad m to r li gion

clos at h and b r av m nt disappointm nt i ; som tim s

public calami ti s turn whol communiti s to t h gr at funda

m ntal qu stion of li f I s th r a God and som tim s a

r ligious g nius com s with h alin g on hi lips and rous s

m both sin gly and in m ltitud s to p rc iv t h b auty

of a univ rs in wh ich th r is a God and t h d solation f

a univ rs in whi ch th r is non But r li gion do s not li

Th ﬁ whi ch i t h h art r sid s

Th r tim s wh n t h t mpl of t h soul is mpty

may acknowl d g with our int llig nc t h supr m nobl

a man in upon hi h art and ﬁlls him with a consciousn ss

o f a pr s nc int rpr t th at consciousn ss or t hat pr s nc

b yond t h r ach of t h human will I t is in t h s mpty

trin som rul of action th at s h all s rv as mak s hi ft t o

occupy t h mpty plac w h ich t h s ns of

occupy Suc h a mak s hift is t h Stoic p hilosop hy

Und r t h long dominion of C hristian dogma chos n

souls h av xp ri nc d in a s h arp r or dull r d gr d

what th y b li v d to b a manif station of t h divin pr s

nc But t h C h ristian f aith h lost its anci nt authority

and though t h r many cri s L h r ! L t h r ! as y t

no r ligion h com to pr ach t h gosp l of wh at is

to b And it is not impossibl nor y t unlik ly th at t h

principl s und rn ath Stoic p h ilosop hy may still b of

vic today to t ach t h pil grim soul to ﬁnd t h at support

within hims lf whic h h do s not ﬁnd with out

Th anci nt Stoics w r in t h sam ignoranc as s k r s

today h no long r C h ristians T h y h d no t h i t