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)

↪ you wandered here via “Paternus letters Pliny” — the connecting lines are tinted below

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]

← previous passage read in the full work → next passage →

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