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As it might probably be inferred from the instance of Spurinna, that, in Pliny's estimation, opulence was a necessary adjunct for the enjoyment of a literary life, I am anxious to set aside such a supposition, by bringing forward, in the person of his beloved friend Suetonius, a very decided proof that he considered a taste for literature as the best preparative for content, and the surest mode of reconciling a man to a parsimonious distribution of the favours of fortune. In a letter to the emperor Trajan*, whilst soliciting a privilege in behalf of Suetonius, he declares that he entertained so high an idea of the probity, learning, and amiable disposition of this ingenious historian, as to have long since invited him into his family as his domestic friend and constant companion; and that his affection for him had increased in proportion as he had become acquainted with his character. For such a man, and in circumstances too which, as we learn from the epistle I am about to quote, required a strict attention to economy, it was in perfect consonance with what we know of Pliny, that he should exert himself with the most delighted industry; and

* Lib. x. Epist. 95.

it fortunately happens, that in one of his private applications for this purpose, which time has spared us, he has incidentally described, not only the moderate wishes of his learned guest, but his own persuasion that he who is rich in intellectual wealth, who can blend

Repose with dignity, with quiet fame,

has little else to sigh for, and that

Small change of scene, small space his home requires,
Who leads a life of satisfied desires*.

66

C. PLINIUS BERIO HISPANO SUO S.

66 Tranquillus, contubernalis meus, vult emere agellum quem venditare amicus tuus dicitur. Rogo cures quanti æquum est emat, ita enim delectabit emisse. Nam mala emptio semper ingrata, eo maxime, quod ex probare stultitiam domino videtur. In hoc autem agello (si modo arriserit precium) Tranquilli mei stomachum multa sollicitant, vicinitas urbis, opportunitas viæ, mediocritas villæ, modus ruris, qui avocet magis, quam distringat. Scholasticis porro dominis, ut hic est, sufficit abunde

VOL. I.

* Rogers' Epistle to a Friend.

E

tantum soli, ut relevare caput, reficere oculos, reptare per limitem, unamque semitam terere, omnesque viticulas suas nosse et numerare arbusculas. Hæc tibi exposui, quo magis scires, quantum ille esset mihi, quantum ego tibi debiturus, si prædiolum istud, quod commendatur his dotibus, tam salubriter emerit, ut pœnitentiæ locum non relinquat. Vale*."

66

66 TO BEBIUS.

My friend and guest, Tranquillus, has an inclination to purchase a small farm, of which, as I am informed, an acquaintance of yours intends to dispose. I beg you would endeavour he may obtain it upon reasonable terms; which will add to his satisfaction in the purchase. A dear bargain is always disagreeable, particularly as it is a reflection upon the buyer's judgment. There are several circumstances attending this little villa, which (supposing my friend has no objection to the price) are extremely suitable to his state and desires: the convenient distance from Rome, the goodness of the roahs, tde smallness of the building, and the very few acres of land around it, which are just enough

* Lib. 1. Epist. 24.

to amuse, but not to employ him. To a man of the literary turn that Tranquillus is, it is sufficient if he have but a small spot to relieve the mind and divert the eye, where he may saunter round his grounds, traverse his single walk, grow familiar with his two or three vines, and count his little plantations. I mention these particulars to let you see how much he will be obliged to me, as I shall be to you, if you can help him to this convenient little box, at a price which he shall have no occasion to repent. Farewell."

To the passages which I have now selected from the epistles of Pliny, many more of a similar tendency might be added; for there are but few letters in the collection which do not, either in a moral or literary point of view, deserve to be treasured up in the memory. As pictures, indeed, of the happiness to be derived from an ardent attachment to literature, whether such shall have been conceived in youth or old age, under the influence of wealth, or the restriction of narrow circumstances, they are perhaps without a parallel. To the epistles of Cicero on topics of public debate and political importance, they may be allowed, both in matter and manner,

to yield the palm; but in all that concerns the heart and affections, in all that relates to domestic life and literary enjoyment, in urbanity of style and philantrophy of feeling, they are not surpassed, and, indeed, not equalled, by the letters of this celebrated orator; and have, certainly, in these respects, ro rivals among the productions of modern times.

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