Letters of Pliny

Pliny the Younger (Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus) · c. 97–c. 112 CE (letters collected/arranged for publication by Pliny) primary

passage 18 of 165 · (18/158)

in brief

Pliny jokes with Paternus and assesses slaves bought through his recommendation, caring primarily that they are honest rather than focusing on their appearance.

XV -- To PATERNUS

As I rely very much upon the soundness of your judgment, so I do upon the goodness of your eyes: not because I think your discernment very great (for I don't want to make you conceited), but because I think it as good as mine: which, it must be confessed, is saying a great deal. Joking apart, I like the look of the slaves which were purchased for me on your recommendation very well; all I further care about is, that they be honest: and for this I must depend upon their characters more than their countenances. Farewell.

XVI -- To CATILIUS SEVERUS [27]

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topics: custom and the manners of a people · matter, motion, and cause · slavery and bondage

Letters of Pliny · Pliny the Younger (Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus) · 97–112