Letters of Pliny the Younger | Page 8

scrupulous as not to admit even these
persons to be present when I delivered this speech, who were interested
in my benefaction, lest it, might be suspected I was actuated in this
affair by any ambitious views, should now seem to solicit admiration,
by forwardly displaying it to such as have no other concern in my
munificence than the benefit of example. These are the scruples which
have occasioned my delay in giving this piece to the public; but I
submit them entirely to your judgment, which I shall ever esteem as a
sufficient sanction of my conduct. Farewell.
VI
To ATRIUS CLEMENS
IF ever polite literature flourished at Rome, it certainly flourishes now;
and I could give you many eminent instances: I will content myself,
however, with naming only Euphrates10 the philosopher. I first became
acquainted with this excellent person in my youth, when I served in the
army in Syria. I had an opportunity of conversing with him familiarly,
and took some pains to gain his affection: though that, indeed, was not
very difficult, for he is easy of access, unreserved, and actuated by
those social principles he professes to teach. I should think myself

extremely happy if I had as fully answered the expectations he, at that
time, conceived of me, as he exceeds everything I had imagined of him.
But, perhaps, I admire his excellencies more now than I did then,
because I know better how to appreciate them; not that I sufficiently
appreciate them even now. For as none but those who are skilled in
painting, statuary, or the plastic art, can form a right judgment of any
performance in those respective modes of representation, so a man
must, himself, have made great advances in philosophy before he is
capable of forming a just opinion of a philosopher. However, as far as I
am qualified to determine, Euphrates is possessed of so many shining
talents that he cannot fail to attract and impress the most ordinarily
educated observer. He reasons with much force, acuteness, and
elegance; and frequently rises into all the sublime and luxuriant
eloquence of Plato. His style is varied and flowing, and at the same
time so wonderfully captivating that he forces the reluctant attention of
the most unwilling hearer. For the rest, a fine stature, a comely aspect,
long hair, and a large silver beard; circumstances which, though they
may probably be thought trifling and accidental, contribute, however,
to gain him much reverence. There is no affected negligence in his
dress and appearance; his countenance is grave but not austere; and his
approach commands respect without creating awe. Distinguished as he
is by the perfect blamelessness of his life, he is no less so by the
courtesy and engaging sweetness of his manner. He attacks vices, not
persons, and, without severity, reclaims the wanderer from the paths of
virtue. You follow his exhortations with rapt attention, hanging, as it
were, upon his lips; and even after the heart is convinced, the ear still
wishes to listen to the harmonious reasoner. His family consists of three
children (two of which are sons), whom he educates with the utmost
care. His father-in-law, Pompeius Julianus, as he greatly distinguished
himself in every other part of his life, so particularly in this, that though
he was himself of the highest rank in his province, yet, among many
considerable matches, he preferred Euphrates for his son-in-law, as first
in merit, though not in dignity. But why do I dwell any longer upon the
virtues of a man whose conversation I am so unfortunate as not to have
time sufficiently to enjoy? Is it to increase my regret and vexation that I
cannot enjoy it? My time is wholly taken up in the execution of a very
honourable, indeed, but equally troublesome, employment; in hearing

cases, signing petitions, making up accounts, and writing a vast amount
of the most illiterate literature. I sometimes complain to Euphrates (for
I have leisure at least to complain) of these unpleasing occupations. He
endeavours to console me, by affirming that, to be engaged in the
public service, to hear and determine cases, to explain the laws, and
administer justice, is a part, and the noblest part, too, of philosophy; as
it is reducing to practice what her professors teach in speculation. But
even his rhetoric will never be able to convince me that it is better to be
at this sort of work than to spend whole days in attending his lectures
and learning his precepts. I cannot therefore but strongly recommend it
to you, who have the time for it, when next you come to town (and you
will come, I daresay, so much the sooner for this), to take the benefit of
his elegant and refined instructions. For I do not