罗马帝国消亡史经典英文版 (13).docxVIP

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经典英文巨著、宝贵学习参考资料

经典英文巨著、宝贵学习参考资料

Part2.

ThevirtuesandthereputationofthenewemperorsjustifiedthemostsanguinehopesoftheRomans.Thevariousnatureoftheirtalentsseemedtoappropriatetoeachhispeculiardepartmentofpeaceandwar,withoutleavingroomforjealousemulation.Balbinuswasanadmiredorator,apoetofdistinguishedfame,andawisemagistrate,whohadexercisedwithinnocenceandapplausetheciviljurisdictioninalmostalltheinteriorprovincesoftheempire.Hisbirthwasnoble,^28hisfortuneaffluent,hismannersliberalandaffable.Inhimtheloveofpleasurewascorrectedbyasenseofdignity,norhadthehabitsofeasedeprivedhimofacapacityforbusiness.ThemindofMaximuswasformedinaroughermould.Byhisvalorandabilitieshehadraisedhimselffromthemeanestorigintothefirstemploymentsofthestateandarmy.HisvictoriesovertheSarmatiansandtheGermans,theausterityofhislife,andtherigidimpartialityofhisjustice,whilehewasaPraefectofthecity,commandedtheesteemofapeoplewhoseaffectionswereengagedinfavorofthemoreamiableBalbinus.Thetwocolleagueshadbothbeenconsuls,(Balbinushadtwiceenjoyedthathonorableoffice,)bothhadbeennamedamongthetwentylieutenantsofthesenate;andsincetheonewassixtyandtheotherseventy-fouryearsold,^29theyhadbothattainedthefullmaturityofageandexperience.

[Footnote28:HewasdescendedfromCorneliusBalbus,anobleSpaniard,andtheadoptedsonofTheophanes,theGreekhistorian.BalbusobtainedthefreedomofRomebythefavorofPompey,andpreserveditbytheeloquenceofCicero.(SeeOrat.proCornel.Balbo.)ThefriendshipofCaesar,(towhomherenderedthemostimportantsecretservicesinthecivilwar)raisedhimtotheconsulshipandthepontificate,honorsneveryetpossessedbyastranger.ThenephewofthisBalbustriumphedovertheGaramantes.SeeDictionnairedeBayle,aumotBalbus,whe