Strona 36 z 62

Few of the men could vault on horseback, the rest clambered up

with difficulty by aid of heel and knee and leg not many could

throw a lance hurtling, most did it without force or power, as

though they were things of wool-dicing was common in the camp,

sleep lasted all night, or if they kept watch it was over the

winecup. By what regulations to restrain such soldiers as these,

and to turn them to honesty and industry, did you not learn from

Hannibal's sternness, the discipline of Africanus, the acts of

Metellus recorded in history.

[38] Ad Verum. imp., ii. I, s.fin.

[39] A common mark of the effeminate at Rome.

After the preceptorial letters cease the others are concerned

with domestic events, health and sickness, visits or

introductions, birth or death. Thus the empperor writes to his

old friend, who had shown some diffidence in seeking an

interview:[40]

[40] Ad Verum. Imp. Aur. Caes., i. 3.

'To MY MASTER.