Born about 4 B.C., died in 65 A.D.; Senator under Caligula; banished by Claudius, and then recalled to undertake the education of Nero at whose accession he virtually obtained direction of the government in cooperation with Burrus; charged with complicity in the conspiracy of Piso, he committed suicide in obedience to the order of Nero.
This is the fourteenth year, Cæsar, since I was summoned to train you for your high destiny; and the eighth since your advancement to the empire. During the intervening period, you have showered such honors and riches upon me, that nothing is wanting to complete my felicity but the capacity to use them with moderation. I shall quote great examples, such as are adapted, not to my station and fortune, but to yours. Augustus, from whom you are the fourth in descent, granted to Marcus Agrippa leave to retreat to Mitylene, and to Caius Mæcenas he allowed, even in Rome itself, a retirement as complete as in any foreign country—the former his companion in the wars, the other long harassed at Rome with manifold occupations and public cares; both received rewards ample indeed, but proportioned to their services.
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