History of Twelve Caesars Volume 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1899 Excerpt: ...him, It was repugnant to one who another day was to bee a Soveraigne: and from the knowledge of auncient Oratours, his Maister Seneca withdrew him, because hee would hold him the longer in admiration of himselfe. And therefore, being of his owne accord readily enclined to Poetry, he made verses voluntarily and without paine. Neither did he (as some think) set forth other mens Poems as his owne. There have come into mine hands writing tables and bookes containing verses very famous and well knowne abroade, written with his owne hand: so as a man may easily see they were not copied out of other bookes, nor yet taken from the mouth of any other that indited them, but plainely penned, as a man would say, by one that studied for them, and as they came in his head, so put them downe: so many blots and skrapings out, so many dashes and interlinings were in them. 1 As you may see in the coines and pictures of Otho the Emperour; Statius calleth this suggestiim coma, lib. 3, Sylv. 2 Haply in imitation of Apollo (who was Intonsus, and is called by Homer therefore d-preic6/xijt) because there especially he professed Musick, whereof Apollo is the Patrone. No small delight he had beside in painting; and most of all in forging and moolding counterfaites. But above all, he was ravished and lifted up with popularity and praise of men: desirous therfore to imitate and equal them, who by any meanes pleased the humours and contented the minds of the common people. There went an opinion and speech of him, that after he had gained the Coronets for his musicall feats performed upon the stage, hee would at the next five yeares revolution, go unto the Olympicke games, and contend for the prise among the Champions there. For, he practised wrestling continually. Neither beheld h...