The Emperor Marcus Antoninus: His Conversation with Himself/Book 1
The Emperour
Marcus Antoninus
HIS
CONVERSATION,
OR,
Discourses with Himself.
BOOK I.
I.THE Example of my Grandfather Verus gave me the Advantage of a Candid and dispassionate Temper.
II. By the Recollection of my Father's[1] Character, I learn'd to be both Modest and Manly.
III. As for my Mother[2], she taught me to have a Regard for Religion, to be generous and open-handed, and not only to forbear doing any Body an ill Turn, but not so much as to endure the thought on't. By Her likewise I was bred to a plain unexpensive way of Living, and very different from the common Luxury and Liberties, of young People of my Quality.
IV. I am to thank my Great Grandfather[3] for not running the Risque of a Publick Education, for providing me good Masters at home, and making me sensible, that I ought to return them a large and honourable Acknowledgment.
V. From my Governour I learn'd not to over-value the Diversions of the Race-Ground, and Amphitheater, nor to dote upon the Liveries and Distinctions of Jockeys and Gladiators. He taught me also to put my own Hand to Business upon occasion, to endure Hardship and Fatigues, and to throw the Necessities of Nature into a little Compass. That I ought not to meddle with other Peoples Matters, nor be easy in giving Credit to Informers.
VI. Diognetus gave me the Hint not to keep Quails for the Pit,[4] or bestow my Pains and Inclination upon Trifles : Not to be led away with the Impostures of Wizards and Figure-flingers, who pretend they can discharge Evil Spirits, and do strange Feats by the strength of a Charm. This Diognetus help'd me to the Faculty of bearing Freedom and Plain-dealing in others ; brought me to Relish Philosophy, and apply my self to't ; and procured me the Instruction of those celebrated Men, Bacchius, Tandacides, and Marcianus. He likewise put me upon improving my self by writing Dialogues when I was a Boy, prevail'd with me to prefer a Couch covered with Hides, to a Bed of State ; and reconcil'd me to other resembling Rigors of the Stoick Discipline.
VII. 'Twas Rusticus[5] that first set me upon correcting my Humour, and bringing it to a better State; who prevented me from running into the Vanity of the Sophists, either by writing pretendingly upon Learning and Life, Haranguing upon Moral Subjects, or making a fantastical Appearance of being mightily taken up with Exercises, Discipline, and Business. This Philosopher kept me from being smitten with the Charms of Rhetorick and Poetry, from affecting the Character of a man of pleasantry, or the Dress and Mien of a Beau ; or any thing of this kind which looks like Conceit and Affectation. He taught me to write Letters in a plain unornamented Stile, like that dated from Sinuessa to my Mother. By his Instructions I was perswaded to be easily reconcil'd to those who had misbehav'd themselves, and disoblig'd me. And of the same Matter I learn'd to Read an Author carefully. Not to take up with a superficial View, or resign to every Noisy impertinent ; but to look thro' the Argument, and go to the Bottom of the Matter. And to conclude with him, he procur'd me a Copy of Epictetus's Works.
VIII. Apollonius[6] taught me to give my Mind its due Freedom, and disengage it from dependance upon Chance : And furnish'd me with such Precepts for Steadiness and Ballast, as not to Flote in Uncertainties, or be at a Loss about Design or Event ; nor so much as to look towards any thing uncountenanc'd by Reason and Truth : To maintain an equality of Temper under trying Circumstances, such as tedious Sickness, acute Pains, and loss of Children. To give him his due, his practice was a handsome Instance, that a Man may be Master of his own Behaviour, that he may be earnest and easy, force and unbend his Humour as occasion requires. To go on with him: The Heaviness and Impertinence of his Scholars could seldom throw him off the Hooks. And as for his Learning, and the peculiar Happiness of his manner in Teaching, he was so far from being smitten with himself upon this Score, that one might easily perceive, he thought it one of the least things which belonged to him. This great Man let me into the true secret of managing an Obligation, without either lessening my self, or being ungrateful to my Friend.
IX. The Philosopher Sextus recommended Good Humour to me, and to make Nature and Reason my Rule to Live by. He also gave me to understand, that good Usage and Authority were not inconsistent, but that a Family might be govern'd with the tenderness and concern of a Parent. By his Precedent I was instructed to appear with an unaffected Gravity, to study the Temper and Circumstances of my Friends in order to oblige them. To bear with the ignorant and unthinking; to be Complaisant and Obliging to all People, even up to the Smoothness of Flattery; and yet at the same time not to suffer in ones Quality, or grow a jot the Cheaper for't. Conversing with this Philosopher put me in a way how to draw up a true, intelligible, and methodical Scheme, for Life and Manners; and never so much as to shew the least sign of Anger, or any other disturbing Thought : But to be perfectly calm and indifferent, yet not in the latitude of letting my Fancy stand Neuter, and be unconcern'd for the Advantage of others : However, he let me see in himself, that a Man might show his Good-will significantly enough, without Noise and Transport, and likewise be very knowing, on this side Vanity and Ostentation.
X. Alexander the Grammarian taught me not to be ruggedly Critical about Words, nor fall foul upon People for improprieties of Phrase, or Pronunciation. But to set them right, by speaking the Thing properly my self, and that either by way of Answer, Assent, or Enquiry; or by some such other remote, and Gentlemanly Correction.
XI. Fronto my Rhetorick Master, obliged me with the knowledge of Men : For the purpose , that Envy , Tricking, and Dissimulation, are the Character and Consequences of Tyranny; And that those we call Top Quality, have commonly not much of Nature in them.
XII. Alexander the Platonist advised me, that without Necessity I should never pretend not to be at Leisure to assist a Friend. Nor make Business an Excuse to decline the Offices of Humanity.
XIII. I learn'd of Catullus[7] not to slight a Friend for making a Remonstrance, tho it should happen to be unreasonable, but rather to retrieve his Temper, and make him Easy. That like Domitius and Athenodotus, I should never be backward to give an Honourable Character of those who had the Care of my Education : And that I should always preserve an Hearty Affection for my Children, without any little Jealousies of being supplanted , or overtopp'd by them.
XIV. I am indebted to Severus for the due regard I have for my Family and Relations, and for keeping this Inclination from growing too strong for Justice and Truth. He likewise made me acquainted with the Character and Sentiments of those Celebrated Patriots and Philosophers, Cato, Brutus, Thraseas, Helvidius, and Dio; and gave me the Idea of a Commonwealth, in which the general Interest was consider'd without Preference, or Partiality in the Constitution; And also of a Monarchy, where the Liberty of the Subject was principally regarded. To mention some more of my Obligations to him : 'Twas of him I learn'd not to grow Wise by Starts, and broken Fancies, but to be a constant Admirer of Philosophy and Improvement : That a Man ought to be Generous and Obliging ; Hope the best of Matters, and never question the Affection of his Friends : To be free in shewing a reasonable dislike of another, and no less clear in his own Expectations and Desires; and not to put his Friends to the Trouble of Divining what he would be at.
XV. The Proficiency I made under Maximus[8] was to Command my self, and not to be overborn with any Impotency of Passion or Surprise. To be full of Spirits under Sickness and Misfortune. To appear with Modesty, Obligingness, and Dignity of Behaviour. To turn off Business smoothly as it rises, without Drudging and Complaint. By observing the practice of this Maximus I came to understand, a Man might manage himself so as to satisfie the World, that there was nothing but Truth, Sincerity, and Fair play, in his Words and Actions : Attain that Greatness of Mind, as not to Admire, or Start at any Thing. Neither to Hurry an Enterprise, nor Sleep over it. Never to be puzled, dispirited, or lye Grinning at a Disgust, or Disappointment. His way was to be neither Passionate, nor over-suspicious. Forward to do a good Turn, and to forgive an ill One. In short. He seem'd to be always in the possession of Virtue, and to have nothing which stood in need of Correction : And which is very remarkable. No Body ever fancied they were slighted by him; or had the Courage to think themselves his Betters; And to conclude with him, another part of his Philosophy was, not to be taken with Raillery and Jesting.
XVI. In my Father's[9] Conversation and Management I observ'd a smooth and inoffensive Temper; with great steadiness in keeping close to Measures judiciously taken: A Greatness proof against Vanity, and the Impressions of Pomp, and Power. From him a Prince might learn to love Business and Action, and be constantly at it. To be willing to Hear out any Proposal relating to Publick Advantage. To overlook no Bodies Merit, or Misbehaviour. To understand the Critical Seasons, and Circumstances for Rigour, or Remissness; when 'twas proper to take up, and when to slacken the Reins of Government. To have no He-Sweet-Hearts, and Boy-Favourites : Not to stand upon Points of State and Prerogative; but to leave his Nobility at perfect Liberty in their Visits, and Attendance : And when he was upon his Progress, no Man lost his Favour for not being at leisure to follow the Court. To debate matters nicely, and throughly at the Council-Board, and then to stand by what was Resolv'd on. To be constant to a Friend, without Tiring, or Fondness. To be always satisfied and chearful : To reach forward into the Future, and manage accordingly. Not to neglect the least Concerns, but all without Hurry, or being Embarrass'd . Farther, By observing his Methods and Administration, I had the opportunity of Learning, how much it was the part of a Prince to check the Excesses of Panegyrick, and Flattery. To have his Magazines and Exchequer well furnish'd. To be Frugal in his Favours and Expences, without minding being Lampoon'd for his pains. Not to Worship the Gods to Superstition, Not to Court the Populace, either by Prodigality, or Compliment; but rather to be Reserv'd, Vigilant, and welI-pois'd upon all Occasions, keeping things in a steady Decorum, without chopping and changing of Measures. To enjoy the Plenty and Magnificence of a Soveraign Fortune, without Pride or Epicurism; And yet if a Campaigne or Country happen to prove cross, not to be mortified at the loss of them : And to behave himself so, that no Man could charge him with Vanity, Flourish, and Pretendingness, with Buffooning, or being a Pedant; No, He was a Person Modest, Prudent, and well-weigh'd; scorn'd Flattery, and Fooling, and was throughly qualified both to govern himself, and others. In a word, he had nothing of the Sophist in him : And as for those that were Philosophers in earnest, he had a great Value for them, but without Reproaching those who were otherwife. To go on with him, He was Condescensive and Familiar in Conversation; and Pleasant too , but not to Tiresomeness and Excess. His Dress was neither Beauish, nor Negligent. As for his Health , he was not Anxious about it, like one fond of Living, and yet managed his Constitution with that Care as seldom to stand in need of the Assistances of Physick. Farther. He never envy'd and Brow-beat those that were Eminent in any Faculty, or Science ; either Orators, Historians, or Others[10], but on the contrary, encourag'd them in their their way; and promoted their Reputation. He observ'd Decency and Custom in all his Actions, and yet did not seem to mind them: He was not Fickle and Fluttering in his Humour, but constant both to Place and Undertaking. And I have seen him after violent Fits of the Head-ach, return fresh, and vigorous to Business. He kepf but few Things to himself, and those Were Secrets of Government. He was very moderate and frugal in Publick Shews, Triumphal Arches, Liberalities, and such like; being one that did not so much regard the Popularity as the Reason of an Action: 'Twas none of his custom to Bath at unusual Hours, or to be overrun with the Fancy of Building, to study Eating and Luxury; to value the Curiosity of his Cloaths, or the Shape, and Person of his Servants. Indeed his Dress at his Country Palaces was very Ordinary and Plain, where he would scarcely so much as put on a Cloak without making an excuse for't. To take him altogether, There Was nothing of Ruggedness, Immodesty, or Eagerness in his Temper. Neither did he ever seem to Drudg and Sweat at the Helm. Things wore dispatch'd at leisure, and without being felt, and yet the Administration was carried on with great Order, Force, and Uniformity. Upon the whole; part of Socrates's Character is applicable to him; For he was so much Master of himself that he could either Take or Leave those Conveniences of Life with respect to which, most People are either uneasie without them, or intemperate with them. Now to hold on with Fortitude in one Condition, and Sobriety in the other, is an argument of a great Soul, and an impregnable Virtue. And lastly, when his Friend Maximus was Sick, he gave me an instance how I ought to behave my self upon the like occasion.
XVII. I am to thank the Gods that my Grandfathers, Parents, Sister, Preceptors, Relations, Friends, and Domesticks, were almost all of them Persons of Probity. And that I never happened to disoblige, or misbehave my self towards any of them; notwithstanding if my Humour had been awaken'd, and push'd forward, I had been likely enough to have miscarried this way: But by the goodness of the Gods, I met with no Provocations to discover my Infirmities. 'Tis likewise their Providence, that my Childhood was no longer manag'd by my Grandfather's[11] Mistress; that my Youth was undedauch'd, and that I barr'd my Liberty for some time in standing clear from Engagements with Women: That I was observant of the Emperour my Father, and bred under him : who was the most proper Person living to put me out of conceit with Pride, and to convince me, that Authority may be supported without the Ceremony of Guards, without Richness, and Distinction of Habit, without Torches[12], Statues, or such other Marks Royalty and State; and that a Prince may shrink himself almost into the Figure of a private Gentleman; and yet act nevertheless, with all the Force and Majesty of his Character when the Government requires it. 'Tis the favour of the Gods that I happen'd to meet with a [13] Brother, whose Behaviour and Affection is such, as to contribute both to my Pleasure and Improvement: 'Tis also their Blessing that my Children were neither Heavy in their Heads, nor Mishapen in their Limbs: That I made no farther Advances in Rhetorick, Poetry, and such other Amusements, which possibly might have engaged my Fancy too far, had I found my self a considerable Proficient: That without asking, I gave my Governours that share of Honour, and that sort of Business, which they seem'd to desire; and did not put them off from time to time with Promises and Excuse. That I had the Happiness of being acquainted with those celebrated Philosophers, Apollonius, Rusticus, and Maximus: For having a clear Idea of the Rules of Practice, and the true way of Living; and the Impression frequently refresh'd; so that considering the extraordinary Assistances and Directions of the Gods, 'tis impossible for me to miss the Road of Nature and right Reason, unless by refusing to be guided by the Dictates, and almost sensible Inspirations of Heaven. 'Tis the Favour of these superior Beings, that my Constitution has held out so well, under a Life of Fatigue and Business: That I never had any infamous Correspondence with Benedicta or Theodotus[14]; And that after some Amours, and intemperate Sallies, I took up, and recover'd: That when I fell out with Rusticus, as it frequently happen'd, I was not transported into any Act of Violence: That I had the satisfaction of my Mother's Life and Company a considerable while, tho she was very near dying when she was Young. To give more Instances of their Bounty; 'Tis they that kept me from standing in need of any Man's Fortune: And that when I was willing to Relieve the Necessities of Others, I was never told that the Exchequer or Privy Purse, were out of Cash. And farther, 'tis from them that my Wife is so very obsequious, and affectionate, and so remote from the Fancy of Figure and Expence: That I had choice of good Governours for my Children: That Remedies were prescrib'd me in a Dream, against Giddiness, and Spitting of Blood; As I remember, it happen'd both at Cajeta, and [15]Chrysa: That when I had a mind to look into Philosophy, I met neither with a Pedant, nor a Knave to instruct me: That I did not spend too much time in Voluminous Reading, Chopping Logick, or Natural Philosophy: Now all these Points could never have been Compass'd, and Guarded, without a Protection from above, and the Gods presiding over Fate and Fortune.
This was written in the Country of the [16] Quadi, in my Expedition against them.
- ↑ Annius Verus.
- ↑ Domitia Calvilla.
- ↑ Catilius Severus.
- ↑ Quail-fighting amongst the Antients, like Cock-fighting with us.
- ↑ A Stoick Philosopher
- ↑ Most probably a Stoick Philosopher
- ↑ A Stoick Philosopher.
- ↑ Another Stoick Philosopher.
- ↑ The Emperor Antoninus Pius, who adopted our Author.
- ↑ This was then a considerable Commendation, for in the Reign of Adrian an excellency of almost any kind, was sometimes Capital to the Owner. Cassius Capitolinus.
- ↑ Concubine.
- ↑ To have Torches, or Fire, always carried before them was an Honour peculiar to the Roman Emperors and Empresses.
- ↑ Lucius Verus who was adopted by the Emperor Antoninus Pius.
- ↑ The one most probably a famous Wench, and the other a Course Catamite.
- ↑ A Town in Troas. D'Acier.
- ↑ In High Germany.