N. B. I have called this Emperor MARCUS AURELIUS, as he is better known by that name in modern times; though after his acceffion he is generally styled MARCUS ANTONINUS on his medals. ་ MEDITATIONS. BOOK I. §. 1. FROM the exs, I acquired a vir ROM the example of my grand tuous disposition of mind, and an habitual command over my temper. 2. From the character which I have heard and from what I myself remember of * The good Emperor begins, with great modesty and Simplicity, by gratefully recollecting thofe on whose model and instructions he had formed his moral character. As Kaλones is not found in any other author, it is difficult to ascertain the precise meaning here, and to reconcile it with nos in the 7th fection. This fense was suggested by two gentlemen well known in the literary world. my my own father,* I have learned to behave with modefty, yet with a manly firmness, on all occafions. 3. My mothert I have imitated in her piety and in her generous temper, and have been taught not only to abstain from doing any wicked action, but from indulging a thought of that kind. By her alfo I was habituated to a fimple and abstemious way of life; very far from the luxury of a fumptuous table. 4. To my great-grandfather I am obliged, both for permitting me to attend the publick recitals and declamations in the Rhetorick schools, and alfo for procuring me the best masters at home; and for * Annius Verus, to distinguish him from Antoninus Pius, who adopted him. He died when our author was very young. + Domitia Calvilla Lucilla. Those who talk of his "not running the risk of a publick school" contradict the truth of history. "Frequentavit et declamatorum fcholas publicas." CAPITOLIN. |