(no subject)
"Claudius Pompeianus, the virtuous husband of Lucilla, was the only senator who asserted the honor his rank. As a father, her permitted his sons to consult their safety by attending the amphitheatre [to watch Commodus]. As a Roman he declared that his own life was in the emperor's hands, but that he would never behold the son of Marcus [Aurelius] prostituting his person and dignity. Notwithstanding his manly resolution, Pompeianus escaped the resentment of the tyrant, and, with his honour, had the good fortune to preserve his life.24
"24 He mixed however some prudence with his courage, and passed the greatest part of his time in a country retirement; alleging his advanced age, and the weakness of his eyes. 'I never saw him in the senate,' says Dion, 'except during the short reign of [Commodus' successor] Pertinax.' All his infirmities had suddenly left him, and they returned as suddenly upon the murder of that excellent prince."
--Edward Gibbon, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, J.B. Bury version, Volume I, Chapter IV, subheading, "HE IS POISONED AND STRANGLED."
Gibbon is about the most cynically sarcastic author I've ever seen.
"24 He mixed however some prudence with his courage, and passed the greatest part of his time in a country retirement; alleging his advanced age, and the weakness of his eyes. 'I never saw him in the senate,' says Dion, 'except during the short reign of [Commodus' successor] Pertinax.' All his infirmities had suddenly left him, and they returned as suddenly upon the murder of that excellent prince."
--Edward Gibbon, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, J.B. Bury version, Volume I, Chapter IV, subheading, "HE IS POISONED AND STRANGLED."
Gibbon is about the most cynically sarcastic author I've ever seen.