Helvidius Priscus

But in these days I, who have to record the life of one who has passed away, must crave an indulgence which I should not have had to ask had I only to inveigh against an age so cruel, so hostile to all virtue.

We have only to read that the panegyrics pronounced by Arelianus Rusticus on Petas Thrasea and by Herennius Senecio on Priscus Helvidius were made capital crimes, that not only their persons but their very books were objects of rage, and that the triumvirs were commissioned to burn in the forum those works of splendid genius.

They fancied, forsooth, that in that fire the voice of the Roman people, the freedom of the Senate, and the conscience of the human race were perishing, while at the same time they banished the teachers of philosophy and exiled every noble pursuit, that nothing good might anywhere confront them.

Certainly we showed a magnificent example of patience.

And for this one, Epictetus used to tell the stories of two men he deeply admired.

The first was called Helvidius Priscus.

He was a senator in the time of the Emperor Vespasian, and he was known for always speaking his mind.

One day, the emperor sent word that he shouldn't attend the session of the Senate.

But in these days I, who have to record the life of one who has passed away, must crave an indulgence which I should not have had to ask had I only to inveigh against an age so cruel, so hostile to all virtue.

We have only to read that the panegyrics pronounced by Arelanus Rusticus on Petas Thracia and by Herennius Senecio on Priscus Helvidius were made capital crimes, that not only their persons but their very books were objects of rage, and that the triumvirs were commissioned to burn in the forum those works of splendid genius.

They fancied, forsooth, that in that fire the voice of the Roman people, the freedom of the Senate, and the conscience of the human race were perishing, while at the same time they banished the teachers of philosophy and exiled every noble pursuit, that nothing good might anywhere confront them.

Certainly we showed a magnificent example of patience.

We lately saw Aprius Marcellus arraign before the fathers.

In that moment, when the minds of the whole assembly were inflamed against him, what had he to oppose to the vehemence of his enemies, but that nervous eloquence which he possessed in so eminent a degree? Collected in himself, and looking terror to his enemies, he was more than a match for Helvidius Priscus, a man, no doubt, of consummate wisdom, but without that flow of eloquence which springs from practice, and that skill in argument which is necessary to manage a public debate.

Such is the advantage of oratory.

To enlarge upon it or superfluous, my friend Maternus will not dispute the point.