Classics 219: The Roman Empire: Pliny, Letters

The Letters of Pliny the Consul. With Occasional Remarks., Vol.2, (Tenth Edition), William Melmoth, London (1805) [lightly emended]

• Letter 25 • Letter 50 • Letter 75 • Letter 100

Book 10

To the emperor Trajan

15. Having safely passed the promontory of Malea, I am arrived at Ephesus with all my train notwithstanding I was detained for some time by contrary winds: an information, Sir, in which, I trust, you will think yourself concerned. I design to pursue the remainder of my journey to the province, partly in light vessels, and partly in carriages: for, as the extreme heats will prevent my traveling altogether by land, so the Etesian winds, which are now set in, will not permit me to proceed entirely by sea.

Trajan to Pliny

16. Your information my dear Pliny, was very acceptable to me; as it is much my concern to know in what manner you arrive at your province. I well approve of your intention to travel either by sea or land, as you shall find most convenient.

To the emperor Trajan

17a. As I had a very favorable voyage to Ephesus, so, in traveling post from thence, I was extremely incommoded by the heats, which occasioned a fever, and detained me some time at Pergamum. From thence, Sir, I took ship again; but being delayed by contrary winds, I did not arrive at Bithynia so soon as I hoped. However, I have no reason to complain of this delay, since it did not prevent me from reaching the province in time to celebrate your birth-day: a circumstance which I consider as the most auspicious that could attend me. I am at present engaged in examining the finances of the people of Prusa, their disbursements and credits; and the farther I proceed in this affair, the more I am convinced of the necessity of my inquiry. Several considerable sums of money are owing to the city from private persons, which they neglect to pay upon various pretenses; as, on the other hand, I find the public funds are, in some instances, very unwarrantably applied. This, Sir, I write to you immediately on my arrival.

To the emperor Trajan

17b. I entered this province on the 17th of September, and found it in those sentiments of obedience and loyalty, which you justly merit from all mankind. You will consider, Sir, whether it would not be proper to send hither a surveyor; for I am inclined to think, much might be deducted from what is charged by those who have the conduct of the public works, if a faithful admeasurement were to be taken; at least I am of that opinion from what I have already seen of the accounts of this city, which I am now examining, with all possible care.

Trajan to Pliny

18. I should have rejoiced to have heard that you arrived at Bithynia without inconvenience to yourself or any of your train; and that your journey from Ephesus had been as easy, as your voyage to that place was favorable. For the rest, your letter informs me, my dear Pliny, what day you reached Bithynia. The people of that province will be convinced, I persuade myself, that I am attentive to their interest; as your conduct towards them will make it manifest, that I could have chosen no person more proper to supply my place. Your first inquiry ought no doubt, to turn upon the state of the public finances; for, it is but too evident they have been mismanaged. I have scarce surveyors sufficient to inspect those works which I am carrying on at Rome, and in the neighborhood; but persons of integrity and skill in this art may be found, most certainly, in every province; so that you cannot be at a loss in that article, if you will make due inquiry.

To the emperor Trajan

19. I request your determination, Sir, in a point wherein I am greatly doubtful: it is, whether I should place the public slaves as guards in the prisons of the several cities in this province (as has been hitherto the practice) or employ a party of soldiers for that purpose ? On the one hand, I am afraid the public slaves will not attend this duty with the fidelity they ought; and on the other, that it will engage too large a body of the soldiery: in the mean while, I have joined a few of the latter with the former. I am apprehensive, however, there may be some danger that this method will occasion a general neglect of duty, at it will afford them a mutual pretense of throwing the blame upon each other.

Trajan to Pliny

20. There is no occasion, my dear Pliny, to draw off any soldiers in order to guard the prisons. Let us rather persevere in the ancient custom observed in this province, of employing the public slaves for that purpose: the fidelity with which they shall execute their duty will depend much upon your care and strict discipline. It is greatly to be feared, as you observe, if the soldiers should be mixed with the public slaves, they will mutually trust to each other, and by that means grow so much the more negligent. But my principal objection is, that as few soldiers as possible should be withdrawn from their standard.

To the emperor Trajan

21. Gaius Bassus, who is prefect of the Pontic Shore, in a manner suitable to the respect and duty which he owes you, has been with me, Sir, for several days. As far as I could observe, he is a person of great merit, and worthy of your favor. I acquainted him with your order that he should be contented with ten picked soldiers, two cavalrymen, and one centurion, out of the troops which you were pleased to assign to my command. He assured me those would not be sufficient, and that he would write to you accordingly; for which reason I thought it proper not immediately to recall his supernumeraries.

Trajan to Pliny

22. I have received, from Gaius Bassus, the letter you mention, acquainting me that the number of soldiers I had ordered him was not sufficient: and for your information I have directed my answer to be hereunto annexed. It is very material to distinguish between what the exigency of affairs requires, and what an ambitious desire of power may think necessary. As for ourselves, the interest of the public must be our only guide: accordingly, it is incumbent upon us to take all possible care, that the soldiers shall not be absent from their standard.

To the emperor Trajan

23. The people of Prusa, Sir, having an ancient bath which lies in a ruinous state, strongly desire to repair it; I think, therefore, you may indulge them in this request, as there will be a sufficient fund for that purpose, partly from those debts which are due from private persons to the public, which I am now levying; and partly from the money they raise among themselves towards furnishing the bath with oil, which they are willing to apply to the carrying on of this building: a work which the dignity of the city, and the splendor of your times seem to render necessary.

Trajan to Pliny

24. If the erecting of a public bath will not be too great a charge upon the people of Prusa, we may comply with their request; provided, however, that no new tax be levied for this purpose, nor any of those taken off which are appropriated to necessary services.

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Pliny to the emperor Trajan

25. My legate Servilius Pudens, came to Nicomedia, Sir, on the 24th of November; and by his arrival freed me, at last, from the anxiety of a very tedious expectation.

To the emperor Trajan

26. Your generosity to me, Sir, was the occasion of my being connected with Rosianus Geminus, by the strongest ties; for he was my quaestor when I was consul. His behavior to me, during the continuance of our offices, was highly respectful; and he has treated me ever since with so peculiar a regard, that, besides the many obligations I owe him upon a public account, I am indebted to him for the strongest pledges of private friendship. I entreat you then to comply with my request for the advancement of a worthy man, whom (if my recommendation has any weight) you will even distinguish by your particular favor; and whatever trust you shall repose in him, he will endeavor to prove himself deserving of a still higher. But I forbear to enter into a more particular detail of his merit; being persuaded, that his integrity, his probity, and his vigilance are well known to you; not only from those high posts which he has exercised in Rome within your immediate inspection, but from his behavior when he served under you in the army. One thing, however, my affection for him inclines me to think I have not yet sufficiently performed; and, therefore, Sir, I repeat my entreaties that you will give me the pleasure, as early as possible, of rejoicing in the advancement of my quaestor; or, in other words, of receiving an addition to my own honors in the person of my friend.

To the emperor Trajan

27. I am assured, Sir, by your freedman and procurator Maximus, that it is necessary he should have an additional party of six soldiers assigned to him, besides the ten picked men, which by your orders I appointed to the very worthy Gemellinus. Those, therefore, which I found in his service I thought proper he should retain, especially as he was going into Paphlagonia, in order to procure grain. For his better protection, likewise, and because it was his request, I added two of the cavalry. But I beg you would inform me, in your next dispatches, what method you would have me observe for the future in points of this nature.

Trajan to Pliny

28. As my freedman Maximus was going upon a extraordinary commission to procure grain, I approve of your having supplied him with a file of soldiers. But when he shall return to the duties of his former post, I think two from you, and as many from his superior, my procurator Virdius Gemellinus, will be sufficient.

To the emperor Trajan

29. The very excellent young man Sempronius Caelianus having discovered two slaves among the recruits, has sent them to me. But I deferred passing sentence till I had consulted you, the restorer and supporter of military discipline, concerning the punishment proper to be inflicted upon them. My principal doubt is, that although they have taken the military oath, they are not yet entered into any particular legion. I request you, therefore, Sir, to inform me, what course I should pursue in this affair, especially as it concerns example.

Trajan to Pliny

30. Sempronius Caelianus has acted agreeably to my orders, in sending such persons to be tried before you, as appear to deserve capital punishment. It is material, however, in the case in question, to inquire whether these slaves inlisted themselves voluntarily, or were chosen by the officers, or were presented as substitutes for others. If they were chosen, the officer is guilty; if they are proxies, the blame rests with those who deputed them; but if, conscious of the legal inabilities of their station, they presented themselves voluntarily, the punishment must fall upon their own heads. That they are not yet entered into any legion, makes no great difference in their case; for they ought to have given a true account of themselves immediately, upon their being approved as fit for the service.

Pliny to the emperor Trajan

31. As I have your permission, Sir, to address myself to you in all my doubts, you will not deem it below the dignity of your exalted station, to descend to those humbler affairs, which concern my administration of this province. I find there are, in several cities, particularly those of Nicomedia and Nicaea, certain persons who take upon themselves to act as public slaves, and receive an annual stipend accordingly, notwithstanding they have been condemned either to the mines, the public games, or other punishments of the like nature. Having received information of this abuse, I have been long debating with myself, how I should act. On the one hand, to send them back to their respective punishments, (many of them being now grown old, and behaving, as I am assured, with sobriety and modesty) would, I thought, be proceeding against them too severely; on the other, to retain convicted criminals in the public service, seemed not altogether decent. I considered, at the same time, to support these people in idleness, would be an useless expense to the public; and to leave them to starve, would be dangerous. I was obliged, therefore, to suspend the determination of this matter, till I could consult with you. You will be desirous, perhaps, to be informed, how it happened that these persons escaped the punishments to which they were condemned. This inquiry I have also made, but cannot return you any satisfactory answer. The decrees against them were indeed produced; but no record appears of their having ever been reversed. It was asserted, however, that these people were pardoned upon their petition to the proconsuls, or their legates; which seems likely to be the truth, as it is improbable that any person would have dared to set them at liberty without authority.

Trajan to Pliny

32. You will remember you were sent into Bithynia, for the particular purpose of correcting those many abuses which appeared necessary to be reformed. Now none stands more in need of reformation, than that criminals, who have been sentenced to punishment, should not only be set at liberty (as your letter informs me) without any apparent authority, but even appointed to employments, which ought alone to be exercised by persons whose characters are irreproachable. Those, therefore, among them, who have been convicted within these ten years, and whose sentence has not been reversed by proper authority, must be sent back to their respective punishments; but where more than ten years have elapsed since their conviction, and they are grown old and infirm, let them be disposed of in such employments, as are but few degrees removed from the punishments to which they were sentenced; that is, either to attend upon the public baths, cleanse the common sewers, or repair the streets and highways; those being the offices to which such persons are usually sentenced.

To the emperor Trajan

33. While I was making a progress in a different part of the province, a most destructive fire broke out at Nicomedia, which not only consumed several private houses, but also two public buildings; the town-house and the temple of Isis, though they stood on contrary sides of the street. The occasion of its spreading thus wide, was partly owing to the violence of the wind, and partly to the indolence of the people, who, it appears, stood fixed and idle spectators of this terrible calamity. The truth is, the city was not furnished with either engines, buckets, or any single instrument proper to extinguish fires: which I have now, however, given directions to be provided. You will consider, Sir, whether it may not be advisable to form a company of firemen, consisting only of one hundred and fifty members. I will take care none but firemen shall be admitted into it; and that the privileges granted them shall not be extended to any other purpose. As this corporate body will be restricted to so small a number of members, it will be easy to keep them under proper regulation.

Trajan to Pliny

34. You are of opinion it would be proper to establish a company of firemen in Nicomedia, agreeably to what has been practiced in several other cities. But it is to be remembered, that societies of this sort have greatly disturbed the peace of the province in general, and of those cities in particular. Whatever name we give them, and for whatever purpose they may be instituted, they will not fail to form themselves soon into political clubs. It will, therefore, be safer, to provide such equipment as is of service in extinguishing fires, enjoining the owners of houses to assist in preventing the mischief from spreading; and if it should be necessary, to call in the aid of the populace.

To the emperor Trajan

35. Agreeably to the general notice we previously gave for that purpose, we have offered, Sir, our annual vows a for your prosperity, in which that of the empire is essentially involved; imploring the Gods to grant that these yearly vows may never cease to be thus, by public authority announced and offered.

Trajan to Pliny

36. I received the satisfaction my dear Pliny, of being informed by your letter, that you, together with the people under your government, have both discharged and renewed your annual vow, to the immortal Gods, for my health and happiness.

To the emperor Trajan

37. The people of Nicomedia, Sir, have expended 3,318,000 sesterces, in building an aqueduct; which they abandoned unfinished and destroyed. They made a second attempt where they expended 200,000. But this, likewise, they abandoned; so that, after having been at an immense charge to no purpose, they must still be at a farther expense, in order to be accommodated with water. I have examined a fine spring, from whence the water may be conveyed over arches (as was attempted in their first design) in such a manner that the higher, as well as level and low parts of the city may be supplied. There are but very few of the old arches remaining; the square stones, however, employed in the former, may be used in turning the new arches. I am of opinion part should be raised with brick, as that will be the easier and cheaper material. But that this work may not meet with the same ill success as the former, it will be necessary to send hither an architect, or some person skilled in the construction of this kind of water works. And I will venture to say, from the beauty and usefulness of the design, it will be an erection well worthy the splendor of your times.

Trajan to Pliny

38. Care must be taken to supply the city of Nicomedia with water; and that business, I am well persuaded, you will perform with all the diligence you ought. But it is most certainly no less incumbent upon you to examine, by whose misconduct it has happened, that such large sums have been thrown away upon this attempt; lest they apply the money to private purposes, and the aqueduct in question, like the preceding, should be begun and afterwards left unfinished. You will let me know the result of your inquiry.

To the emperor Trajan

39. The citizens of Nicaea, Sir, are building a theatre on which, though it is not yet finished, they have already expended, as I am informed, (for I have not examined the account myself) above ten millions of sesterces; and, what is worse, I fear to no purpose. For, either from the foundation being laid in a marshy ground, or that the stones themselves were decayed, the walls are cracked from top to bottom. It deserves your consideration, therefore, whether it would be best to carry on this work, or entirely discontinue it; or rather, perhaps, whether it would not be most prudent absolutely to destroy it: for the foundations upon which this building is raised, appear to be more expensive than solid. Several private persons have promised to erect, at their own expense, some the portico, others the galleries above the auditorium: but this design cannot be executed, as the work has stopped on the main building. This city is also rebuilding upon a more enlarged plan the gymnasium, which was burnt down before my arrival in the province. They have already been at some (and, I doubt, a fruitless) expense. The structure is not only irregular and ill-disposed, but the present architect (who, it must be owned, is a rival to the person who was first employed) asserts, that the walls though they are twenty-two feet thick, are not strong enough to support the superstructure, as their their interstices are not cemented with mortar, nor are these walls strengthened with a brick covering. The inhabitants of Claudiopolis are sinking (I cannot call it erecting,) a large public bath, upon a low spot of ground which lies at the foot of a mountain. The fund appropriated for the carrying on of this work, arises from the money which those honorary members you were pleased to add to their town council, paid (or at least are ready to pay whenever I call upon them) for their admission. As I am afraid therefore the public money in the city of Nicaea, (and what is infinitely more valuable than any pecuniary consideration) your benefaction in that of Claudiopolis, should be ill applied; I must desire you to send hither an architect to inspect, not only the theatre, but the bath; in order to consider whether, after all the expense which has already been laid out, it will be better to finish them upon the present plan, or reform the one, and remove the other: for otherwise we may perhaps throw away our future cost, by endeavouring not to lose what we have already expended.

Trajan to Pliny

40. You, who are upon the spot, will best be able to consider and determine what is proper to be done concerning the theatre, which the inhabitants of Nicaea are building; as for myself, it will be sufficient if you let me know your determination. With respect to the particular parts of this theatre which are to be raised at a private charge, you will see those engagements fulfilled, when the body of the building to which they are to be annexed shall be finished. These paltry Greeks are, I know, immoderately fond of gymnastic diversions, and therefore, perhaps, the citizens of Nicaea have planned a more magnificent fabric for this purpose than is necessary: however, they must be contented with such as will be sufficient to answer the use for which it is intended. I entirely leave it to you to advise the Claudiopolitani as you shall think proper, with relation to their bath, which they have placed, it seems, in a very improper situation. As there is no province that is not furnished with men of skill and ingenuity, you cannot possibly want architects; unless you think it the shortest way to procure them from Rome, when it is generally from Greece that they come to us.

To the emperor Trajan

41. When I reflect upon the splendor of your exalted station, and the magnanimity of your spirit, nothing, I am persuaded can be more suitable to both, than to point out to you such designs as are worthy of your glorious and immortal name, as being no less useful than magnificent. Bordering upon the territories of the city of Nicomedia is a most extensive lake; upon which the commodities of the country are easily and cheaply transported to the high road; but from thence are conveyed in carriages to the seaside, at great expense and labor. To remedy this inconvenience, will require many hands; but upon such an occasion, they cannot be wanting; for the country and particularly the city, is exceedingly populous: and one may assuredly hope, that every person will readily engage in a work which will be of universal benefit. It only remains then to send hither, if you shall think proper, a surveyor or an architect, in order to examine whether the lake lies above the level of the sea; the engineers of this province being of opinion that the former is higher by forty cubits. I find there is in the neighborhood of this place, a large canal, which was formerly cut by one of the kings of this country; but as it was left unfinished, it is uncertain whether the canal was for the purpose of draining the adjacent lands, or making a communication between the lake and the river. It is equally doubtful, whether the death of this king, or the despair of being able to accomplish the design, prevented its completion. If the latter, I am so much the more ambitious, for the honor of your illustrious character (and I hope you will pardon me the pride) that you may have the glory of executing, what kings could only attempt.

Trajan to Pliny

42. There is something in the scheme you propose of opening a communication between the lake and the sea, which may, perhaps, tempt me to consent. But you must first carefully examine the situation of this body of water, what quantity it contains and from whence it is supplied; lest, by giving it an opening into the sea, it should be totally drained. You may apply to Calpurnius Macer for an engineer; as I will also send you from hence some persons skilled in works of this nature.

To the emperor Trajan

43. Upon examining the public expenses of the city of Byzantium, (which I find are extremely great) I was informed, Sir, that the appointments of the ambassador, which they send yearly to you with their homage and the decree which passes in the senate upon that occasion, amount to twelve thousand sesterces. But knowing the generous maxims of your government, I thought proper to send the decree without the ambassador; that at the the same time they discharged their public duty to you, they might be eased in the manner of paying it. This city is likewise taxed with the sum of three thousand sesterces, towards defraying the expense of an envoy, who they annually send to compliment the governor of Moesia: this expense I have also directed to be spared. I beg, Sir, you would deign either to confirm my judgment, or correct my error in these points, by acquainting me with your sentiments.

Trajan to Pliny

44. I well approve, my dear Pliny, of your having excused the Byzantines the expense of sending an ambassador to me. I shall esteem their duty as sufficiently paid, though I only receive the act of their council through your hands. The governor of Moesia must likewise excuse them, if they compliment him at a less expense.

To the emperor Trajan

45. I beg, Sir, you would settle a doubt I have concerning, your permits to use the imperial post; whether you think proper that those permits, the dates whereof are expired, shall continue in force, and how long? For I am apprehensive I may, through ignorance, either confirm such of these instruments as are illegal, or prevent the effect of those which are necessary.

Trajan to Pliny

46. Those permits, the dates whereof are expired must by no means be made use of. For which reason it is an inviolable rule with me, to send new instruments of this kind into all the provinces before they are immediately wanted.

To the emperor Trajan

47. Upon intimating, Sir, my design to the city of Apamea of examining into the state of their public funds and revenues; they told me they were very willing I should inspect their accounts, but that no proconsul had ever yet perused them; as they had a privilege (and that of a very ancient date) of administering the affairs of their corporation in the manner they thought proper. I required them to draw up a memorial of what they then asserted, and I transmit it to you precisely as I received it; although I am sensible it contains several things foreign to the question. I beg you would honor me with your commands, how I am to act in this matter: for, I should be extremely sorry either to exceed, or to fall short of the powers of my commission.

Trajan to Pliny

48. The memorial of the Apameans, annexed to your letter, saved me the necessity of considering the reasons they suggest, why the former proconsuls forbore to inspect their accounts; since they are willing to submit them to your examination. Their compliance deserves to be encouraged; and they may be assured the inquiry you are to make in pursuance of my orders, shall be without prejudice to their privileges.

To the emperor Trajan

49. The Nicomedians, Sir, before my arrival in this province, had begun to build a new forum contiguous to their former, in a corner of which stands an ancient temple dedicated to the Great Mother. This edifice must either be repaired or removed; chiefly because it is a much lower building than that very lofty one which is now erecting. Upon inquiry whether any particular condition had been annexed to the dedication of this temple, I was informed that their ceremonies of dedication differ from ours. You will be pleased, therefore, Sir, to consider whether a temple, which has not been consecrated according to our rites, may be removed consistently with the reverence due to religion: for if there should be no objection from that quarter, the removal in every other respect would be extremely convenient.

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Trajan to Pliny

50. You may, without scruple, my dear Pliny, if the situation requires it, remove the temple of the Great Mother, from the place where it now stands, to any other more commodious. You need be under no difficulty concerning the act of dedication; for the ground of a foreign city is not capable of receiving that kind of consecration which is sanctified by our laws.

To the emperor Trajan

51. I know not, Sir, in what words sufficiently to express the joy I received, when I heard you had, in compliance with the request of my mother-in-law and myself, transferred her relative Celius Clemens to this province; as it is a proof that your beneficence towards me graciously extends itself through my whole family. As I dare not pretend to make an equal return to those obligations I so justly owe you, I can only have recourse to vows: and ardently implore the Gods that I may not be found unworthy of those favors, which you are repeatedly conferring upon me.

To the emperor Trajan

52. We have celebrated, Sir, (with those sentiments of gratulation which your virtues so justly merit) the day of your accession to the empire, which was also its preservation, imploring the Gods to preserve you in health and prosperity; for upon your welfare the security and repose of the world depends. I renewed at the same time the oath of allegiance at the head of the army, which repeated it after me in the usual form, the people of the province zealously concurring in the same oath.

Trajan to Pliny

53. Your letter, my dear Pliny, was extremely acceptable, as it informed me of the zeal and affection with which you, together with the army and the provincials, solemnized the day of my accession to the empire.

To the emperor Trajan

54. The debts which were owing to the public, are, by the prudence, Sir, of your councils, and the care of my administration, either actually paid, or are now recovering: but I am afraid the money must lie unemployed. For, as, on one side, there are few or no opportunities of purchasing land, so, on the other, one cannot meet with any person who is willing to borrow of the public (especially at the interest of 12 per cent.) when they can raise money upon the same terms from private hands. You will therefore consider, Sir, whether it may not be advisable, in order to invite responsible persons to take this money, to lower the interest; or if that scheme should not succeed, to place it in the hands of the decurions, upon their giving sufficient security to the public. And though they should not be willing to receive it, yet as the rate of interest will be abated, the hardship will be so much the less.

Trajan to Pliny

55. I agree with you, my dear Pliny, that there seems to be no other method of facilitating the placing out of the public money, than by lowering the interest; the rate of which you will determine according to the number of borrowers. But to compel persons to receive it, who are not so disposed, when possibly they themselves may have no opportunity of employing it, is, by no means, consistent with the justice of my government.

To the emperor Trajan

56. I return you my warmest acknowledgments, Sir, that, among the many important occupations in which you are engaged, you have condescended to be my guide in those points wherein I have consulted you: a favor which I must now again beseech you to grant me. A certain person presented himself to me with a complaint, that his adversaries, who had been banished for three years by the illustrious Servilius Calvus, still remained in the province: they, on the contrary, affirmed that Calvus had revoked their sentence, and produced his edict for that purpose: I thought it necessary, therefore, to refer the affair entirely to you. For, as I have your express orders not to restore any person who has been sentenced to banishment either by myself or others; so I have no directions with respect to those, who having been banished by some of my predecessors in this government, have by them also been restored. It is necessary for me, therefore, to beg you would inform me, Sir, how I am to act with regard to the above-mentioned persons, as also to others, who after having been condemned to perpetual banishment, have been found in the province without permission to return: for, cases of that nature have likewise fallen under my cognizance. A person was brought before me, who had been sentenced to perpetual exile by the proconsul Julius Bassus; but as I knew that the acts of Bassus, during his administration, had been rescinded, and that the senate had granted leave to all those who had fallen under his condemnation, of appealing from his decision at any time within the space of two years; I inquired of this man whether he had, accordingly, stated his case to the proconsul. He replied, he had not. I entreat you, therefore, to inform me whether you would have him sent back into exile; or whether you think some more severe and what kind of punishment should be inflicted upon him, and such others who may hereafter be found under the same circumstances. I have annexed to my letter the decree of Calvus, together with the edict by which the persons above mentioned were restored, as also the decree of Bassus.

Trajan to Pliny

57. I will let you know my determination concerning those exiles which were banished for three years by the proconsul P. Servilius Calvus, and soon afterwards restored to the province by his edict, when I shall have informed myself from him of the reasons of this proceeding. With respect to that person who was sentenced to perpetual banishment by Julius Bassus, yet continued to remain in the province, without making his appeal, if he thought himself aggrieved (though he had two years given him for that purpose) I would have him sent in chains to my praetorian prefects; for, only to remand him back to a punishment which he has contumaciously eluded, will, by no means, be a sufficient chastisement

To the emperor Trajan

58. When I summoned the jurors, Sir, to attend me at a sessions which I was going to hold; Flavius Archippus claimed the privilege of being excused, as exercising the profession of a philosopher. It was alleged by some, who were present, that he ought not only to be excused from that office, but even struck out of the roll of judges, and remanded back to the punishment from which he had escaped by breaking his chains. At the same time, a sentence of the proconsul Velius Paulus was read, by which it appeared that Archippus had been condemned to the mines for forgery. He had nothing to produce in proof of this sentence having ever been reversed. He alleged, nevertheless, in favor of his restitution, a petition which he presented to Domitian, together with a letter from that prince, and a decree of the people of Prusa in his honor. To these he annexed a letter which he had received from you; as also an edict, and a letter of your august father, confirming the grants which had been made to him by Domitian. For these reasons, notwithstanding crimes of so atrocious a nature were laid to his charge, I did not think proper to determine any thing concerning him, without first consulting you; as it is an affair, which seems to merit your particular decision. I have transmitted to you, with this letter, the several allegations on both sides.

(a) Domitians letter to Terentius Maximus

Flavius Archippus the philosopher has prevailed with me to give an order for 100,000 sesterces, to be laid out in the purchase of an estate for the support of him and his family, in the neighborhood of Prusa, his native country. Let this be done accordingly; and place that sum to the article of my benefactions.

(b) From the same to Lappius Maximus

I recommend, my dear Maximus, to your protection, that worthy philosopher Archippus, whose moral conduct is agreeable to the principles of the philosophy he professes: and I would have you pay great regard to whatever he shall reasonably request.

(c) The edict of the deified emperor Nerva

There are some points, citizens, concerning which the happy tenor of my government is, I am persuaded, a sufficient indication of my sentiments; and a good prince need not give express declarations in matters wherein his intentions cannot but be universally understood. Every citizen in the empire will bear me witness, that I gave up my private repose to the security of the public, and in order that I might have the pleasure of dispensing new bounties of my own, as also of confirming those which had been granted by my predecessors. But lest the memory of him who conferred these grants, or the diffidence of those who received them, should occasion any interruption to the public joy, I thought it no less necessary than it is agreeable to me to obviate these suspicions, by assuring the persons concerned of my indulgence. Let it not be thought that I shall rescind either the public or private acts of any former prince, in order to merit the credit of restoring them; nor need any who have received the gratifications of imperial favor, petition me to have them confirmed. Rather let them leave me at leisure for conferring new grants; under the assurance, that I am only to be solicited for those bounties which have not already been obtained, and which the happier fortune of the empire has put it in my power to bestow.

(d) From Nerva to Tullius Justus

Having publicly declared my resolution to confirm the edicts of my predecessors, and even those also which may have been prevented by their deaths from being carried into effect; the directions contained in Domitian's letters must be observed.

To the emperor Trajan

59. Flavius Archippus has conjured me, your prosperity and by your immortal glory, that I would transmit to you the memorial which he presented to me. I could not refuse a request pressed upon me in such terms; however, I acquainted the prosecutrix with this my intention, from whom I have also received a memorial on her part. I have annexed them both to this letter; that by hearing, as it were, each party, you may the better be enabled to decide.

Trajan to Pliny

60. It is possible that Domitian might be ignorant of the circumstances in which Archippus was, when he wrote the letter so much to that philosopher's credit. However, it is more agreeable to my disposition to suppose that prince designed he should be restored to his former situation; especially since he so often had the honor of a statue decreed to him by those, who could not be ignorant of the sentence pronounced against him by the proconsul Paulus. But I do not mean to intimate, my dear Pliny, that if any new charge should be brought, you should be the less disposed to hear his accusers. I have examined the memorial of his prosecutrix, Furia Prima, as also that of Archippus himself, which you sent with your letter.

To the emperor Trajan

61. The apprehensions you express, Sir, that the lake will be in danger of being entirely drained, if a communication should be opened between that and the sea, by means of the river, are agreeable to that sagacity you so eminently possess; but I think I have found a method to obviate that inconvenience. A channel may be cut from the lake to the river, and a narrow slip of land left between them. By these means the water in the lake will not only be preserved and kept distinct from the river, but the same purposes will be answered as if they were united; for, it will be very easy to convey over that little intervening ridge, whatever goods shall be brought down by the canal. This is a scheme which may be pursued, if it should be found necessary; but I hope there will be no occasion to have recourse to it. For, in the first place, the lake itself is considerably deep; and in the next, by damming up a river which runs from it on the opposite side, and turning its course as we shall find expedient, the same quantity of water may still be retained. Besides, there are several little brooks near the place where it is proposed the channel shall be cut, which, if skillfully collected, will supply the lake with water, in proportion to what it shall discharge. But if you should rather approve of the channels being extended farther, and cut narrower, and so conveyed directly into the sea, without running into the river; the reflux of the tide will return whatever it receives from the lake. After all, if the nature of the place should not admit of any of these schemes, the course of the water may be checked by sluices. These, however, and many other particulars, will be more skillfully examined into by the engineer, whom, agreeably to your promise, I hope you will send; for indeed, Sir, it is an enterprise well worthy of your attention and magnificence. In the mean while I have written to the illustrious Calpurnius Macer, in pursuance of your orders, to send me a skillful engineer proper for this occasion.

Trajan to Pliny

62. It is evident, my dear Pliny, that neither your prudence nor your care have been wanting in this affair of the lake; since, in order to render it of more general benefit, you have provided so many expedients against the hazard of its being drained. I leave it to your own choice to pursue whichever of the schemes shall be thought most proper. Calpurnius Macer will furnish you, no doubt, with an engineer, as artisans of that kind are not wanting in his province.

To the emperor Trajan

63. I received, Sir, a dispatch from your freedman Lycormas, desiring me, if any embassy from the Bosphorus, should come hither in the way to Rome, that I would detain it till his arrival. None has yet arrived; at least in the city where I now am. But a courier passing through this place from King Sauromates, I embrace the opportunity which accidentally offers itself of sending with him the messenger which Lycormas dispatched hither; that you might be informed at once, by his letter and the king's, of certain circumstances which it may be expedient, perhaps, that they should come to your knowledge at the same time.

To the emperor Trajan

64. I am informed, by a letter from King of Sauromates, that some affairs have happened, of which it is requisite you should be immediately acquainted. In order therefore to expedite the dispatches which his courier was charged with to you, I granted him a warrant to make use of the public post.

To the emperor Trajan

65. A very considerable question, Sir, in which this whole province is interested, has been lately started, concerning the state and maintenance of abandoned children. I have examined the constitutions of former emperors upon this head, but not finding anything in them relating either in general or particular to the Bithynians, I thought it necessary to apply to you for your directions: for, in a point which seems to require the special interposition of your authority, I could not content myself with following precedents. An edict of the divine Augustus (as pretended) was read to me concerning Andania; as also a letter from the divine Vespasian to the Lacedaemonians, and another from the divine Titus to the same, with one likewise from him to the Achaeans. At the same time some letters from Domitian were exhibited to me, directed to the proconsul Avidius Nigrinus, and Armenius Brocchus, together with one from that prince to the Lacedaemonians: but I have not transmitted them to you, as well because they were not correct (and some of them too of suspicious authority) as because I imagine the true copies are preserved in your archives.

Trajan to Pliny

66. The question concerning such children who were exposed by their parents, and afterwards preserved by others, and educated in a state of servitude, though born free, has been frequently discussed; but I do not find in the constitutions of the emperors my predecessors, any general regulation upon this head, extending to all the provinces. There are, indeed, some rescripts of Domitian to Avidius Nigrinus and Armenius Brocchus, which ought to be observed; but Bithynia is not comprehended in the provinces therein mentioned. I am of opinion, therefore, that the claims of those who assert their right of freedom, upon this principle, should be allowed without compelling them to purchase their liberty by repaying the money advanced for their maintenance.

To the emperor Trajan

67. The ambassador from King of Sauromates having remained two days, by his own choice, at Nicaea, where he found me, I did not think it reasonable, Sir, to detain him any longer; not only because it was still uncertain when your freedman Lycormas would arrive, but as some indispensable affairs require my presence in a different part of the province. Of this circumstance I thought it necessary that you should be informed, because I lately acquainted you in a letter, that Lycormas had desired, if an embassy should come this way, from Bosphorus, that I would detain it till his arrival. But I did not see there was any pretense of retarding him any longer; especially as the dispatches from Lycormas, which (as I have already mentioned) I was not willing to detain, would probably reach you some days sooner than this ambassador.

To the emperor Trajan

68. Having been petitioned by certain persons to grant them the liberty (agreeably to the practice of former proconsuls) to remove the relics of their deceased relations, suggesting that either their monuments were decayed by age, or ruined by the inundations of the river, or for other reasons of the same kind, I thought it proper, Sir, knowing that, in cases of this nature, it is usual at Rome to apply to the college of priests, to consult you who are the sovereign of that sacred order, how you would have me act in this manner.

Trajan to Pliny

69. It will be a hardship upon the provincials to oblige them to address themselves to the college of priests, whenever they may have just reasons for removing the ashes of their ancestors. In this case, therefore, it will be better you should follow the example of the governors your predecessors, and grant or deny them this liberty as you shall see reasonable.

To the emperor Trajan

70. I have inquired, Sir, at Prusa, for a proper place on which to erect the bath you were pleased to permit that city to build; and I have found one to my satisfaction. It is upon the site where formerly, I am told, stood a very beautiful fabric, but which is now entirely fallen into ruins. By fixing upon that spot, we shall gain the advantage of ornamenting the city in a part which at present is exceedingly deformed, and enlarging it at the same time without removing any of the present edifices; only rebuilding one which is fallen to decay. There are some circumstances attending this last structure, of which it is proper I should inform you. Claudius Polyaenus bequeathed it to the emperor Claudius Caesar, with directions that a temple should be erected to that prince in the midst of a piazza; and that the remainder of the edifice should be let out in apartments. The city received the rents for a considerable time; but the piazza together with the whole house, partly by having been plundered, and partly by being neglected, is entirely gone to ruin, and there is now scarce anything remaining, but the ground upon which it stood. If you should think proper, Sir, either to give or sell this spot of ground to the city, as it lies so conveniently for their purpose, they will receive the favor as the highest mark of your indulgence. I intend, with your permission, to place the bath in the vacant area, and to extend a range of porticos with a hall, in that part where the former edifice stood. This new erection I design to dedicate to you, by whose bounty it will rise with all the elegance and magnificence worthy of your glorious name. I have sent you a copy of the will, by which, though it is incorrect, you will see, that Polyaenus left considerable furniture for the embellishment of this house; but these also are lost with all the rest: I will, however, make the strictest inquiry after them that I am able.

Trajan to Pliny

71. I have no objection to the people of Prusa making use of the area, together with the untenanted house, which you say is fallen into ruins, for the situation of their bath. But it is not sufficiently clear by your letter, whether the temple in the center of the piazza was actually dedicated to Claudius or not; for if it were, it is still consecrated ground.

To the emperor Trajan

72. I have been pressed by some persons to take upon myself the cognizance of causes relating to cases of acknowledging children and restoring freeborn rights, agreeably to a rescript of Domitian's to Minucius Rufus, and to the practice of former proconsuls. But upon casting my eye on the decree of the senate concerning cases of this nature, I find it only mentions the proconsular provinces. I have, therefore, Sir, deferred interfering in this affair, till I shall receive your commands how you would have me act.

Trajan to Pliny

73. If you will send me the decree of the senate, which occasioned your doubt, I shall be able to judge, whether it is proper you should take cognizance of causes relating to cases of acknowledging children and restoring freeborn rights.

To the emperor Trajan

74. I received a letter, Sir, from Apuleius, an officer in the troops stationed at Nicomedia, informing me that one Callidromus being arrested by Maximus and Dionysius, (two bakers, to whom he had hired himself) fled for refuge to your statue; that being brought before a magistrate, he declared he was formerly slave to Laberius Maximus; but being taken prisoner by Susagus in Moesia, he was sent as a present from Decebalus to Pacorus, king of Parthia, in whose service he continued several years, from whence he made his escape, and came to Nicomedia. When he was examined before me, he confirmed this account; for which reason I thought it necessary to send him to you. I should have sent him sooner, but I deferred his journey, in order to make an inquiry concerning a gem which he said was taken from him, upon which was engraved the figure of Pacorus in his royal habit: I was desirous (if it could have been found) of transmitting this curiosity to you, with a small ingot of Parthian gold, which he says he brought from thence out of the mines, I have fixed my seal to it, the impression of which is, a chariot drawn by four horses.

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To the emperor Trajan

75. Julius Largus, of the province of Pontus, (a person whom I never saw, nor indeed ever heard his name till lately) in confidence, Sir, of your distinguishing judgment in my favor, has entrusted me with the execution of the last instance of his loyalty towards you. He has left me, by his will, his estate upon trust, in the first place to receive out of it, 50,000 sesterces, for my own use, and to apply the remainder for the benefit of the cities of Heraclea and Tium, either by erecting some public edifice dedicated to your honor, or instituting athletic games, as I shall judge proper. These games are to be celebrated every five years, and to be called Trajan's games. My principal reason for acquainting you with this bequest is, that I may receive your directions which of the respective alternatives to choose.

Trajan to Pliny

76. By the prudent choice Julius Largus has made of a trustee, one would imagine he had known you perfectly well. You will consider then which of the alternatives will most tend to perpetuate the testators memory, under the circumstances of the respective cities; and make your option accordingly.

To the emperor Trajan

77. You acted agreeably, Sir, to your usual consummate prudence, when you ordered the illustrious Calpurnius Macer to send a legionary centurion to Byzantium: you will consider whether the city of Juliopolis does not also deserve the same attention; which, though it is extremely small, sustains very great burdens, and is so much the more exposed to oppressions, as it is less capable of resisting them. Whatever benefits you shall confer upon that city, will in effect be advantageous to the whole country; for, it is situated at the entrance of Bithynia, and is the town through which all who travel into this province generally pass.

Trajan to Pliny

78. The circumstances of the city of Byzantium are such, by the great confluence of strangers to it, that I thought it incumbent upon me to honor it with a legionary centurions guard, which was always granted to them in former reigns. But if we should distinguish the city of Juliopolis in the same manner, it will be introducing a precedent for many other towns, whose claim to that favor will rise in proportion to their want of strength. I have so much confidence, however, in your administration, as to believe you will omit no method of protecting them from injuries. If any person shall act contrary to the discipline I have enjoined, let them be instantly corrected; or if they happen to be soldiers, and their crimes should be too enormous for immediate chastisement, I would have them sent to their officers, with an account of the particular misdemeanor you shall find they have committed: but if the delinquents should be on their way to Rome, inform me by letter.

To the emperor Trajan

79. By Pompey's law for the Bithynians, it is enacted, Sir, that no person shall be a magistrate, or be chosen into the local senate under the age of thirty. By the same law it is declared, that those who have exercised the office of magistrate, are qualified to be members of the senate. Subsequent to this law, the deified Augustus published an edict, by which it was ordained, that persons of the age of twenty-two should be capable of being minor magistrates. The question, therefore, is, whether those who have exercised the functions of a magistrate before the age of thirty, may be legally chosen into the local senate by the censors ? And if so, whether, by the same kind of construction, they may be elected senators, at the age which entitles them to be magistrates, though they should not actually have borne any office? For this custom, it seems, has hitherto been observed, and is said to be expedient; as it is rather more advantageous that persons of noble birth should be admitted into the senate, than those of plebeian rank. The censors elect having desired my sentiments upon this point, I was of opinion, that both by the law of Pompey, and the edict of Augustus, they who had exercised the magistracy before the age of thirty, might be chosen into the senate; and for this reason, because the edict allows the office of magistrate to be undertaken before thirty, and the law declares, that whoever has been a magistrate, should be eligible into the senate. But with respect to those who never discharged any office in the state, though they were of the age required for that purpose, I had some doubt; and therefore, Sir, I apply to you for your directions. I have subjoined to this letter the heads of the law, together with the edict of Augustus.

Trajan to Pliny

80. I agree with you, my dear Pliny, in your construction; and am of opinion that the law of Pompey is so far repealed by the edict of the deified Augustus, that those persons who are not under twenty-two years of age may execute the office of magistrates, and be received into the senate of their respective cities. But I think that they who are under thirty years of age, and have not discharged the function of a magistrate, cannot, upon pretense that in point of years they were competent to the office, legally be elected into the senate of their several communities.

To the emperor Trajan

81. Whilst I was dispatching at my apartments in Prusa, some affairs, Sir, relating, to the public, with an intention of leaving that city the same day, Asclepiades, a magistrate, informed me, that Eumolpus had appealed to me from a motion which Cocceianus Dio made in their senate. Dio, it seems, having been appointed supervisor of a public edifice, desired that it might be assigned to the city in form. Eumolpus, who attended as counsel for Flavius Archippus, insisted that Dio should first be required to deliver in his accounts relating to this work, before it should be assigned to the corporation; suggesting that he had not performed his office in a requisite manner. He added, at the same time, that in this building, in which your statue is erected, the bodies of Dios wife and son are entombed: and urged me to hear this cause in the public court of judicature. Upon my assenting to this request, and deferring my journey for that purpose, he desired a longer day in order to prepare matters for the hearing, and that I would try this cause in some other city. I appointed the city of Nicaea; and accordingly having taken my seat on the tribunal, Eumolpus, pretending not to be yet sufficiently prepared, moved that the trial might be again put off: Dio, on the contrary, insisted it should be now heard. They debated this point very fully on both sides, and entered a little into the merits of the cause; when being of opinion, that it was reasonable it should be adjourned, and thinking it proper to advise with you in an affair which was of consequence in point of example, I directed them to exhibit the articles of their respective allegations, in writing: for, I was desirous you should judge from their own express representations, of the state of the question between them. Dio promised to comply with this direction; as Eumolpus also assured me he would draw up a memorial of what he had to allege on the part of the community. But he added, that being only concerned as advocate on behalf of Archippus, whose instructions he had already laid before me, he had nothing to charge with respect to the sepulchres. Archippus, however, for whom Eumolpus was counsel here, as at Prusa, assured me he would himself present a charge in form with respect to this last article. But neither Eumolpus nor Archippus (though I have waited several days for that purpose) have yet performed their engagement: Dio indeed has; and I have annexed his memorial to this letter. I have inspected the buildings in question, where I find your statue is placed in a library; and as to the edifice in which the bodies of Dio's wife and son are said to be deposited, it stands in the middle of an area surrounded with a colonnade. Deign, therefore, I entreat you, Sir, to direct my judgment in the determination of this cause above all others, as it is a point to which the public is greatly attentive. And, indeed, it highly deserves a very mature deliberation, since the fact is not only acknowledged, but countenanced by many precedents.

Trajan to Pliny

82. You well know, my dear Pliny, that it is my fixed maxim not to render myself an object of terror, either by severe and rigorous measures of government, or by encouraging accusations of treason against the respect due to my person: you had no reason, therefore, to hesitate a moment upon the point, concerning which you thought proper to consult me. Without entering into the merits of the question, (to which I would by no means give any attention, though there were ever so many instances of the same kind) I recommend to your care the examining of Dio's accounts relating to the public works which he has finished; as it is a case in which the interest of the city is concerned, and as Dio neither ought, nor, it seems, does refuse, to submit to the examination.

To the emperor Trajan

83. The Nicaeans having, in the name of their community, conjured me, Sir, by all my hopes and wishes for your prosperity and immortal glory (an adjuration which is and ought to be most sacred to me) to present to you their petition: I did not think myself at liberty to refuse them: I have therefore annexed it to this letter.

Trajan to Pliny

84. The Nicaeans, I find, claim a right, by an edict of Augustus, to the estate of every citizen who dies intestate. You will therefore summon the several parties interested in this question, and with the assistance of Epimachus and Virdius Gemellinus, my procurators (having duly weighed every argument that shall be alleged against the claim) determine as shall appear most equitable.

To the emperor Trajan

85. Your freedman and procurator, Maximus, behaved, Sir, during all the time we were together, with great probity, attention, and diligence; as one strongly attached to your interest, and strictly observant of discipline. This testimony I very willingly give him: and I give it with all the fidelity I owe to you.

To the emperor Trajan

86a. After having experienced, Sir, in Gaius Bassus, the prefect of the Pontic Shores, the greatest integrity, honor, and diligence, as well as the most particular respect to myself, I cannot refuse him my best wishes and suffrage; and I give them to him with all the fidelity which is due to you.

To the emperor Trajan

86b. [beginning lost] I have found him abundantly qualified by having served in the army under you; and it is owing to the advantages if your discipline, that he has learned to merit the honor of your approbation. The military and the people here, who have had abundant experience of his justice and humanity, rival each other in that glorious testimony they gave of his conduct both public and private: and I certify this with all the sincerity which you have a right to expect from me.

To the emperor Trajan

87. Nymphidius Lupus, Sir, the former chief centurion, served with me in the army. He commanded a body of the auxiliary forces at the same time that I was military tribune; and it was from that connection my affection for him began. A long acquaintance hath since mutually endeared and strengthened our friendship. For this reason I did violence to his repose, and insisted upon his attending me into Bithynia, as my assessor in council. He most readily granted me this proof of his amity; and without any regard to the plea of age, or of retirement, he shared, and continues to share, with me, the fatigue of public business. I consider his relations therefore as my own; in which number Nymphidius Lupus, his son, claims my particular notice. He is a youth of great merit and indefatigable application: and, in every view of his character, well worthy of so excellent a father. The early proof he gave of his merit, when he commanded a regiment of foot, is a proof that he is equal to any honor you shall think proper to confer upon him; and it gained him the strongest testimony of approbation from those most illustrious personages Julius Ferox, and Fuscus Salinator. I will add, Sir, that I shall rejoice in any increase of dignity which he shall receive, as an occasion of particular satisfaction to myself.

To the emperor Trajan

88. May this and many succeeding birthdays be attended, Sir, with the highest felicity to you, and may you, in the midst of an uninterrupted course of health and prosperity, be still adding to the increase of that immortal glory, which your virtues justly merit!

Trajan to Pliny

89. Your wishes, my dear Pliny, for my enjoyment of many happy birthdays amidst the glory and prosperity of the republic, were extremely agreeable to me.

To the emperor Trajan

90. The city of Sinope is ill supplied, Sir, with water, which, however, may be brought thither from about sixteen miles distance, in great plenty and perfection. The ground, indeed, near the source of the spring, is, for somewhat more than a mile, of a very suspicious and loose nature; but I have directed an examination to be made (which will be effected at a small expense) whether it is sufficiently firm to support any superstructure. I have taken care to provide a suitable fund for this purpose, if you should approve, Sir, of a work so conducive to the health and pleasure of this colony, greatly distressed by scarcity of water.

Trajan to Pliny

91. I would have you proceed, my dear Pliny, in carefully examining, whether the ground you suspect, is firm enough to support an aqueduct. For, I have no manner of doubt that it is proper the city of Sinope should be supplied with water; provided their finances will bear the expense of a work so conducive to their health and pleasure.

To the emperor Trajan

92. The free and confederate city of Amisus enjoys, by your indulgence, the privilege of being governed by its own laws. A memorial having been there presented to me concerning a charitable society, I have subjoined it to this letter, that you may consider, Sir, whether, and how far this society ought to be licensed or prohibited.

Trajan to Pliny

93. If the prayer of the petition of the Amiseni which you have transmitted to me, concerning the establishment of a charitable society, be agreeable to their own laws, which by the articles of alliance it is stipulated they shall enjoy, I shall not oppose it; especially if these contributions are employed, not for the purposes of riot and faction, but for the support of the indigent. In other cities, however, which are subject to our laws, I would have all assemblies of this nature prohibited.

To the emperor Trajan

94. Suetonius Tranquillus, Sir, is a person of great probity and learning, as well as of good birth. I was so much pleased with his disposition and manners, that I have long since invited him into my family, as my constant guest and domestic friend; and my affection for him increased the more I discovered of his character. Two reasons concur to render the privilege which the law grants to those who have three children, particularly necessary to him; I mean the bounty of his friends, and the ill success of his marriage. Those advantages therefore, which nature has denied to him, he hopes to obtain from your goodness, by my intercession. I am thoroughly sensible, Sir, of the value of the privilege I am asking; but I know too I am asking it from one, whose gracious compliance with all my desires, I have amply experienced. How passionately I wish to do so in the present instance, you will judge by my thus requesting it in my absence: which I would not, had it not been a favor which I am more than commonly anxious to obtain.

Trajan to Pliny

95. You cannot but be perfectly sensible, my dear Pliny, how reserved I am in granting favors of the kind you desire, having frequently declared in the senate, that I had not exceeded the number which I assured that illustrious order I would be contented with. I have yielded, however, to your request; and have directed it to be inserted in my register, that I have conferred upon Suetonius Tranquillus, on my usual conditions, the privilege which the law grants to those who have three children.

To the emperor Trajan

96. It is a rule, Sir, which I inviolably observe, to refer myself to you in all my doubts; for, who is more capable of removing my scruples, or informing my ignorance ? Having never been present at any trials concerning those persons who are Christians, I am unacquainted not only with the nature of their crimes, or the measure of their punishment, but how far it is proper to enter into an examination concerning them. Whether therefore any difference is usually made with respect to the ages of the guilty, or no distinction is to be observed between the young and the adult: whether repentance entitles them to a pardon; or if a man has been once a Christian, it avails nothing to desist from his error; whether the very profession of Christianity, unattended with any criminal act, or only the crimes themselves inherent in the profession are punishable; in all these points I am greatly doubtful. In the meanwhile the method I have observed towards those who have been brought before me as Christians, is this: I interrogated them whether they were Christians: if they confessed, I repeated the question twice, adding threats at the same time; and if they still persevered, I ordered them to be immediately punished. For, I was persuaded, whatever the nature of their opinions might be, a contumacious and inflexible obstinacy certainly deserved correction. There were others also brought before me possessed with the same infatuation, but being citizens of Rome, I directed that they should be conveyed thither. But this crime spreading (as is usually the case) while it was actually under prosecution, several instances of the same nature occurred. An information was presented to me without any name subscribed, containing a charge against several persons: these, upon examination, denied they were, or ever had been, Christians. They repeated after me an invocation to the gods, and offered religious rites with wine and frankincense before your statue; (which for that purpose I had ordered to be brought together with those of the Gods) and even reviled the name of Christ; whereas there is no forcing, it is said, those who are really Christians, into any of these compliances. I thought it proper, therefore, to discharge them. Some among those who were accused by a witness in person, at first confessed themselves Christians, but immediately after denied it, the rest owned indeed they had been of that number formerly but had now (some above three, others more, and a few above twenty years ago) renounced that error. They all worshipped your statue and the images of the Gods, uttering imprecations at the same time against the name of Christ. They affirmed the whole of their guilt, or their error, was, that they met on a certain stated day before it was light, and addressed themselves in a form of prayer to Christ, as to some god, binding themselves by a solemn oath, not for the purposes of any wicked design, but never to commit any fraud, theft, or adultery; never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called upon to deliver it up: after which, it was their custom to separate, and then re-assemble, to eat in common a harmless meal. From this custom, however, they desisted after the publication of my edict, by which, according to your commands, I forbade the meeting of any societies. In consequence of this their declaration, I judged it the more necessary to endeavor to extort the real truth, by putting two female slaves to the torture, who were said to officiate in their religious functions; but all I could discover was, that these people were actuated by an absurd and excessive superstition, I deemed it expedient, therefore to adjourn all farther proceedings, in order to consult you. For, it appears to be a matter highly deserving your consideration; more especially as great numbers must be involved in the danger of these prosecutions, which have already extended and are still likely to extend, to persons of all ranks and ages, and even of both sexes. In fact, this contagious superstition is not confined to the cities only, but has spread its infection among the neighboring villages and country. Nevertheless, it still seems possible to restrain its progress. The temples, at least, which were once almost deserted, begin now to be frequented; and the sacred solemnities, after a long intermission, are revived; to which I must add, there is again also a general demand for the victims, which for some time past had met with but few purchasers. From the circumstances I have mentioned, it is easy to conjecture what numbers might be reclaimed, if a general pardon were granted to those who shall repent of their error.

Trajan to Pliny

97. The method you have pursued, my dear Pliny, in the proceedings against those Christians which were brought before you, is extremely proper; as it is not possible to lay down any fixed rule by which to act in all cases of this nature. But I would not have you officiously enter into any inquiries concerning them. If indeed, they should be brought before you, and the crime should be proved, they must be punished; with this restriction, however, that where the party denies he is a Christian, and shall make it evident that he is not by invoking our gods; let him (notwithstanding any former suspicion) be pardoned upon his repentance. Informations without the accusers name subscribed, ought not to be received in prosecutions of any sort; as it is introducing a very dangerous precedent, and by no means agreeable to the equity of my government.

To the emperor Trajan

98. The elegant and beautiful city of Amastris, Sir, has, among other outstanding buildings, a most noble and extensive piazza. On one entire side of this structure runs, what is called, indeed, a river, but, in effect, is no other than a vile common sewer, extremely offensive to the eye, and, at the same time, very unwholesome by its noxious vapors. It will be advantageous, therefore, in point of health, as well as ornament, to have it covered; which shall be done, with your permission: as I will take care, on my part, that money be not wanting for executing so noble and necessary a work.

Trajan to Pliny

99. It is highly reasonable, my dear Pliny, if the water which runs through the city of Amastris is prejudicial to the health of the inhabitants, that it should be covered. I am well assured you will, with your usual attention, take care that the money, necessary for this work, shall not be wanting.

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To the emperor Trajan

100. We have celebrated, Sir, with great joy and festivity, those votive solemnities which were publicly proclaimed as formerly, and renewed them the present year, accompanied by the soldiers and provincials; who zealously joined with us imploring the Gods, that they would be graciously pleased to preserve you and the republic in that state of prosperity, which your many and great virtues, particularly your piety towards them, so justly merit.

Trajan to Pliny

101. It was very agreeable to me to learn, by your letter, that the army and the provincials joyfully seconded you with great unanimity, in those vows which you paid and renewed to the immortal Gods, for my preservation and prosperity.

To the emperor Trajan

102. We have celebrated, with all the zeal we ought, the day in which, the protection of mankind was transferred to you; recommending to the gods, from whom you received the empire, the object of our public vows and congratulations.

Trajan to Pliny

103. I was extremely well pleased to be informed by your letter, that you had, at the head of the soldiers and the provincials, solemnized my accession to the empire, with all due joy and zeal.

To the emperor Trajan

104. Valerius Paulinus, Sir, having left me his right of patronage over all his freedmen, except one, I entreat you to grant full citizenship to three of them. To desire you to extend this favor to more, would, I fear, be too unreasonable a trespass upon your indulgence; which, as I have amply experienced, I ought to be so much more cautious in troubling. The persons for whom I make this request are C. Valerius Astraeus, C. Valerius Dionysius, and C. Valerius Aper.

Trajan to Pliny

105. As it is very generous of you to consult the interest of those whom Valerius Paulinus confided to your trust, I cannot but encourage your good intentions. I have therefore given full citizenship to those persons for whom you requested it, and have directed the grant to registered: I am ready to do the same for the rest, whenever you shall desire me.

To the emperor Trajan

106. Paccius Aquila, centurion in the sixth equestrian cohort, requested me, Sir, to transmit his petition to you, in favor of his daughter. I thought it would be unkind to refuse him this good office, knowing, as I do, with what patience and humanity you receive the petitions of the soldiers.

Trajan to Pliny

107. I have read the petition of P. Accius Aquila, centurion in the sixth equestrian cohort, which you sent me; and in compliance with his request, I have given his daughter Roman citizenship. I send you at the same time the patent, which you will deliver to him.

To the emperor Trajan

108. I beg, Sir, your directions with respect to the recovering those debts which are due to the cities of Bithynia and Pontus, either for rent, or goods sold, or upon any other consideration. I find they have a privilege granted them by several proconsuls, of being preferred to other creditors; and this custom has prevailed, as if it had been established by law. Your prudence, I imagine, will think it necessary to enact some settled rule, by which their rights may always be secured. For the ordinances of others, however wisely founded, are but feeble and temporary expedients, unless confirmed by your authority.

Trajan to Pliny

109. The rule by which the cities either of Pontus or Bithynia are to be governed, in the recovery of debts of whatever kind, due to their several communities, must be determined agreeably to their respective laws. Where any of them enjoy the privilege of being preferred to other creditors, it must be observed; but, where no such privilege prevails, it is not just I should establish one, in prejudice of private property.

To the emperor Trajan

110. The solicitor to the treasury of the city of Amisus laid a claim, Sir, before me against Julius Piso of about 40,000 denarii, which were given him by the public above twenty years ago, with the consent of the general council and assembly of the city: and he founded his demand upon certain of your edicts, by which donations of this kind are prohibited. Piso, on the other hand, asserted that he had conferred large sums of money upon the community, and, indeed, had expended that way almost his whole estate. He insisted upon the length of time which had intervened since this donation, and hoped that he should not be compelled, to the ruin of the remainder of his fortunes, to refund a sum, which had been granted him long since, in return for many good offices he had done to the city. For this reason, Sir, I thought it necessary to suspend giving any judgment in this case, till I shall receive your directions.

Trajan to Pliny

111. Though by my edicts I have ordained, that no largesses shall be given out of the public money; yet, that numberless private persons may not be disturbed in the secure possession of their fortunes, those donations which have been made long since ought not to be called into question or revoked. We will not therefore inquire into any thing that has been transacted in this affair so long ago as twenty years; for I would be no less attentive to secure the repose to every private man, than the treasure of every public community.

To the emperor Trajan

112. The Pompeian law, Sir, which is observed in Pontus and Bithynia, does not direct that any money should be given by those who are elected into the town council by the censors. It has however been usual for such members as have been admitted into those assemblies, in pursuance of the privilege which you were pleased to grant to some particular cities, of receiving above their legal number, to pay one or two thousand denarii. Subsequent to this, the proconsul Anicius Maximus ordained (though indeed his edict extended to some few cities only) that those who where elected by the censors should also pay into the treasury a certain sum, which varied in different places. It remains therefore for your consideration, whether it would not be proper to settle a certain fixed sum for each member, who is elected into the council, to pay upon his entrance; for it well becomes you, whose every word and action deserves immortality, to give laws that shall for ever be permanent.

Trajan to Pliny

113. I can give no general directions applicable to all the cities of Bithynia, whether those who are made members of their respective councils shall pay an honorary fee upon their admittance, or not. It seems best therefore, to this case, (what indeed upon all occasions is the safest way) to leave each city to its respective laws. But I think, however, that the censors ought to set the sum lower to those who are chosen into the senate contrary to their inclinations, than to the rest.

To the emperor Trajan

114. The Pompeian law, Sir, allows the Bithynians to give the citizenship of their respective cities to whatever persons they think proper, provided they are not foreigners, but belong to some of the cities of this province. The same law specifies the particular causes for which the censors may expel any member of the senate; amongst which number, that of being a foreigner is not mentioned. Certain of the censors therefore have desired my sentiments, whether they ought to expel a member if he should happen to be a foreigner. But I thought it necessary to receive your instructions in this case; not only because the law, though it forbids foreigners to be admitted citizens, does not direct a senator to be expelled for the same reason, but because I am informed, that there are in every city several members of their council, who are in these circumstances. If therefore this clause of the law, which seems to be antiquated by a long custom to the contrary, should be enforced, many cities, as well as private persons, will be thrown into great confusion. I have subjoined the heads of this law to my letter.

Trajan to Pliny

115. You might very reasonably, my dear Pliny, be doubtful what decision to give to the inquiry of the censors; whether they might elect into the senate foreign citizens, though of the same province? The authority of law on one side, and long custom prevailing against it on the other, might well throw you into a state of suspense. The proper mean to observe in this case, will be, to make no change in what is past, but to suffer those senators who are already elected, though contrary to the law, to keep their seats, to whatever city they may belong; in all future elections, however, to pursue the directions of the Pompeian law: for to extend its influence backwards, must necessarily introduce great confusion.

To the emperor Trajan

116. It is customary here upon any persons taking the manly robe, solemnizing his marriage, entering upon the office of a magistrate, or dedicating any public work, to invite the whole town council, together with a considerable part of the commonality, and distribute to each of the company one or two denarii. I beg you would inform me, whether you think proper this ceremony should be observed, or how far you approve of it. For myself, though I am of the opinion that upon some occasions, especially those of public festivals, this kind of invitations may be permitted; yet when they are carried so far as to draw together a thousand persons, and sometimes more, it is going, I fear, beyond a reasonable number, and has something the appearance of ambitious largesses.

Trajan to Pliny

117. It is with justice you apprehend, that these public invitations, which extend to an unreasonable number of people, and where the dole is distributed, not singly to a few acquaintance, but as it were to whole collective bodies, may be turned to turbulent purposes of ambition. But I have made choice of your prudence, in the persuasion that you would take proper measures for regulating the manners and settling the peace of this province.

To the emperor Trajan

118. The athletic victors, Sir, in the Triumphal Games, think they ought to receive the prize you have established for the conquerors at those combats on the day they are crowned: for it is not at all material, they say, what time they were triumphantly conducted into their country, but when they merited that honor by their conquest. On the contrary, when I consider the meaning of the term Triumphal, I am strongly inclined to believe, that the time of their public entry is to be alone considered. They likewise petition to be allowed the prize you give at those combats which you have made triumphal, though they were conquerors before that establishment took place: for it is but reasonable, they assert, that they should receive their rewards in this case, as they are deprived of them at those games which have been divested of the honor of being triumphal, since their victories. But I am extremely doubtful, whether a retrospect should be admitted in this case, and a reward given to which they had no right at the time they gained the victory. I beg therefore you would be pleased to direct my judgment in these points, by explaining the intention of your own benefactions.

Trajan to Pliny

119. The reward proposed to the conqueror in the Triumphal Games, is not, I think, due till he makes his public entry into his city. Nor at those combats which I have thought proper to make triumphal, ought the prizes to be extended backwards to those who conquered there before that alteration took place. As to the plea which these athletic combatants urge, that they ought to receive the triumphal prize at those combats which have been made triumphal after their conquests, as they are denied it in the same case where the games have ceased to be so; it proves nothing in their favor: since, notwithstanding any change which has been made relating to these games, they are not called upon to return the recompense which they received prior to such alteration.

To the emperor Trajan

120. I have never, Sir, accommodated any person with an order for the Imperial Post, or made use of them upon any occasion but in your affairs. I find myself however at present under a sort of necessity of breaking through this fixed rule. My wife having received an account of her grandfathers death, and being desirous to wait upon her aunt with all possible expedition, I thought it would be unkind to deny her the use of this privilege; as the grace of so tender an office consists in the early discharge of it, and as I well know a journey which was founded in filial piety could not fail of your approbation. I should think myself highly ungrateful therefore, were I to dissemble, that among other great obligations which I owe to your indulgence, I have this in particular, that in confidence of your favor I have ventured to do without consulting you, what would have been too late had I waited for your consent.

Trajan to Pliny

121. You did me justice, my dear Pliny, by confiding in my affection towards you. Without doubt, if you had waited for my consent to forward your wife in her journey by means of those warrants which I have entrusted to your care, the use of them would not have answered your purpose; since it was proper this visit to her aunt should have the additional recommendation, of being paid with all possible expedition.

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Last Updated: 2004-04-23

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