SHORT MEMOIR OF PLINY THE YOUNGER. 6 CAIUS PLINIUS CECILIUS SECUNDUS was born at Comum (now Como'), on the southern banks of the Larius Lacus (now Lago di Como'), A. D. 62, in the 6th year of the reign of Nero. His father's name was Cæcilius: his mother's, Plinia. She was the sister of the celebrated Naturalist, Pliny the Elder, with whom, after the death of her husband Cæcilius, she took up her residence. Educated under the eye of his uncle, by whom he was now adopted, the young Cæcilius gave early indications of great natural talent, which he cultivated by the most assiduous application to severe study. The best masters were appointed to superintend his education among them, the celebrated Quinctilian; a great master of a no less illustrious pupil. After serving as a tribune in Syria, at the age of 19 he began his career, as a public pleader; in which capacity, his reputation for eloquence was so great, that he was considered (in conjunction at least with Tacitus the Historian) the most powerful orator of the age. After passing through several high offices of state, he was created Consul by Trajan, on his accession to the purple; on which occasion he pronounced the celebrated and still extant Panegyric upon the character of Trajan. Succeeding afterwards to the proconsular governinent of Bithynia and Pontus, he discharged the duties of his office with such integrity and humanity, as to gain the respect and applause of his countrymen, and of those whose interests he had been appointed to protect. It was during this proconsulate, that he wrote to Trajan that celebrated and most valuable letter, in which he makes known to the Emperor the true character of the Christians. The result of this fair and humane conduct was the exemption of the followers of Christ from the heavy burdens and the fearful persecutions to which an avowal of their faith exposed them. Succeeding to his uncle's estates as well as to his name, he was enabled to exercise the benevolence and generosity which were distinguishing qualities in his character. The poor ever found in him a ready friend; the distressed and unprotected, a warm advocate. He was a great patron of genius and learning; and, prompted by this disposition, he founded a most valuable library at his native Comum. The most eminent men of the age were proud in the friendship of him, who was at once so virtuous, learned, generous, and humane: and it adds not a little lustre to the character of both, that the closest and most virtuous intimacy subsisted between Tribunus militum; Trib. plebis; Prætor; Præfectus Erarii; afterwards, Augur; Pro-prætor provincia Pontica; &c. |