sallust bellum catilinae summary

Justice and probity prevailed among the citizens, not more from the influence of the laws than from natural inclination. Also importantly, much of Sallust's anti-corruption moralising is "blunted by his sanctimonious tone and by ancient accusations of corruption, which have made him out to be a remarkable hypocrite". They protected with their arms, their liberty, their country, and their homes. [40] Martial joins the praise: "Sallust, according to the judgment of the learned, will rank as the prince of Roman historiographers". Cicero, being apprised of the matter by Sanga, directed the deputies to pretend a strong desire for the success of the plot, to seek interviews with the rest of the conspirators, to make them fair promises, and to endeavor to lay them open to conviction as much as possible. Yet many human beings, resigned to sensuality and indolence, uninstructed and unimproved, have passed through life like travelers in a strange country; to whom, certainly, contrary to the intention of nature, the body was a gratification, and the mind a burden. The denomination of their government was monarchy. But most of the young men, and especially the sons of the nobility, favored the schemes of Catiline; they who had abundant means of living at ease, either splendidly or voluptuously, preferred uncertainties to certainties, war to peace. Great anxiety, and great joy, affected him at the same moment. They, though they purchase pictures, statues, and embossed plate; though they pull down new buildings and erect others, and lavish and abase their wealth in every possible method, yet cannot, with the utmost efforts of caprice, exhaust it. [57], Sallust avoids common words from public speeches of contemporary Roman political orators, such as honestas, humanitas, consensus. Chosen men, whose bodies might be enfeebled by years, but whose minds were vigorous in understanding, formed the council of the state; and these, whether from their age, or from the similarity of their duty, were called fathers . To prevent the numbers of the enemy from surrounding us, our confined situation is sufficient. In the Macedonian war, which we carried on against king Perses, the great and powerful state of Rhodes, which had risen by the aid of the Roman people, was faithless and hostile to us; yet, when the war was ended, and the conduct of the Rhodians was taken into consideration, our forefathers left them unmolested, lest any should say that war was made upon them for the sake of seizing their wealth, rather than of punishing their faithlessness. 47 Volturcius, being questioned concerning his journey, concerning his letter, and lastly, what object he had had in view, and from what motives he had acted, at first began to prevaricate, and to pretend ignorance of the conspiracy; but at length, when he was told to speak on the security of the public faith, he disclosed every circumstance as it had really occurred, stating that he had been admitted as an associate a few days before, by Gabinius and Coeparius; that he knew no more than the envoys, only that he used to hear from Gabinius, that Publius Autronius, Servius Sylla, Lucius Vargunteius, and many others, were engaged in the conspiracy. Catullus 1, 2, and 3 vocabulary edited. But our forefathers adorned the fanes of the deities with devotion, and their homes with their own glory, and took nothing from those whom they conquered but the power of doing harm; their descendants, on the contrary, the basest of mankind have even wrested from their allies, with the most flagrant injustice, whatever their brave and victorious ancestors had left to their vanquished enemies; as if the only use of power were to inflict injury. But Catos ambition was that of temperance, discretion, and, above all, of austerity; he did not contend in splendor with the rich, or in faction with the seditious, but with the brave in fortitude, with the modest in simplicity, with the temperate in abstinence, he was more desirous to be, than to appear, virtuous; and thus, the less he courted popularity, the more it pursued him. It is always unbounded and insatiable, and is abated neither by abundance nor by want. The entire text with commentary is available on-line in pdf format: Do not hestitate to make use of a modern edition in order to understand the grammar of the Latin. Caesar was esteemed for his humanity and benevolence; austereness had given dignity to Cato. And, indeed, if the intellectual ability of kings and magistrates were exerted to the same degree in peace as in war, human affairs would be more orderly and settled, and you would not see governments shifted from hand to hand, and things universally changed and confused. [7] But Ronald Syme suggests that Jerome's date has to be adjusted because of his carelessness,[7] and suggests 87 BC as a more correct date. 16 The young men, whom, as I said before, he had enticed to join him, he initiated, by various methods, in evil practices. WebBellum Catilinae (War of Catiline), also called De coniuratione Catilinae (Conspiracy of Catiline), is the first history published by the Roman historian Sallust. They accordingly disclosed the whole affair, just as they had learned it, to Quintus Fabius Sanga, to whose patronage their state was very greatly indebted. WebSummary The history begins with a brief preface on the nature of man, history, and a brief autobiography of Sallust himself. He remained in office until 45 or early 44. The senate also decreed, that if any one should give information of the conspiracy which had been formed against the state, his reward should be, if a slave, his freedom and a hundred sestertia, if a freeman, a complete pardon and two hundred sestertia. Sallust, Gaius Sallustius Crispus (8635 BCE), a Sabine from Amiternum, acted against Cicero and Milo as tribune in 52, joined Caesar after being expelled from the Senate in 50, was restored to the senate by Caesar and took part in his African campaign as praetor in 46, and was then appointed governor of New Africa (Numidia).Upon his return Gaius Sallustius Crispus, usually anglicised as Sallust (/slst/; 86 c.35 BC),[1] was a Roman historian and politician from an Italian plebeian family. 23 Among those present at this meeting was Quintus Curius, a man of no mean family, but immersed in vices and crimes, and whom the censors had ignominiously expelled from the senate. magistermcwills. Who I am, you will learn from the person whom I have sent to you. sophia20753. In order that the Allobroges, before they reached home, might confirm their agreement with Catiline, by giving and receiving pledges of faith, Lentulus sent with them one Titus Volturcius, a native of Crotona, he himself giving Volturcius a letter for Catiline, of which the following is a copy: Since the time of Syllas dictatorship, a strong desire of seizing the government possessed him, nor did he at all care, provided that he secured power for himself, by what means he might arrive at it. [62], In late antiquity, he was highly praised by Jerome as "very reliable"; his monographs also entered the corpus of standard education in Latin, with Virgil, Cicero, and Terence (covering history, the epic, oratory, and comedy, respectively). Catiline's conspiracy was the "single armed insurrection" that afflicted Rome between Sulla's civil war and Caesar's civil war. [42] It may have been written as "a plea for common sense" during the proscriptions of the Second Triumvirate, with its depiction of Caesar opposing the death penalty contrasting with the then-current slaughter. When the mind is freely exerted, its reasoning is sound; but passion, if it gain possession of it, becomes its tyrant, and reason is powerless. [7] However, Sallust's birth is widely dated at 86 BC,[4][8][9] and the Kleine Pauly Encyclopedia takes 1 October 86 BC as the birthdate. I shall accordingly give a brief account with as much truth as I can, of the Conspiracy of Catiline; for I think it an enterprise eminently deserving of record, from the unusual nature both of its guilt and of its perils. Quintus Catulus, however, read in the senate a letter of a very different character, which, he said, was delivered to him in the name of Catiline, and of which the following is a copy: Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. [84] The "V" scroll also includes two anonymous letters to Caesar probably from Sallust,[84] but their authenticity is debated. He rejoiced that, by the discovery of the conspiracy, the state was freed from danger; but he was doubtful how he ought to act, when citizens of such eminence were detected in treason so atrocious. 5 terms. He brings his narrative to a climax in a senatorial debate concerning the fate of the conspirators, which took place on Dec. 5, 63. These few kept all public offices, the administration of the provinces, and everything else, in their own hands; they themselves lived free from harm, in flourishing circumstances, and without apprehension; overawing others, at the same time, with threats of impeachment, so that, when in office, they might be less inclined to inflame the people. jack_26_12 PLUS. Omissions? But Quintus Metellus Celer, with a force of three legions, had, at that time, his station in Picenum, who suspected that Catiline, from the difficulties of his position, would adopt precisely the course which we have just described. WebGaius Sallustius Crispus (86 BC-34 BC), better known as 'Sallust' was a Roman politician and historian who supported Populares party of Julius Caesar. At that meeting there were present, of senatorial rank: Publius Lentulus Sura, Publius Autronius, Lucius Cassius Longinus, Caius Cethegus, Publius and Servius Sylla, the sons of Servius Sylla, Lucius Vargunteius, Quintus Annius, Marcus Porcius Laeca, Lucius Bestia, Quintus Curius; and of the equestrian order, Marcus Fulvius Nobilior, Lucius Statilius, Publius Gabinius Capito, Caius Cornelius; with many from the colonies and municipal towns, persons of consequence in their own localities. Let the enterprise itself, then, let the opportunity, let your poverty, your dangers, and the glorious spoils of war, animate you far more than my words. I advise you to have mercy upon them; they are young men who have been led astray by ambition; send them away, even with arms in their hands. All precedents productive of evil effects, have had their origin from what was good; but when a government passes into the hands of the ignorant or unprincipled, any new example of severity, inflicted on deserving and suitable objects, is extended to those that are improper and undeserving of it. His delight, from his youth, had been in civil commotions, bloodshed, robbery, and sedition; and in such scenes he had spent his early years. 27 He accordingly dispatched Caius Manlius to Faesulae, and the adjacent parts of Etruria; one Septimius, of Camerinum, into the Picenian territory; Caius Julius into Apulia; and others to various places, wherever he thought each would be most serviceable. If, indeed, a punishment adequate to their crimes be discovered, I consent to extraordinary measures; but if the enormity of their crime exceeds, whatever can be devised, I think that we should inflict only such penalties as the laws have provided. Fairfax, Virginia 22030 WebSallust, Bellum Catilinae. But such mercy, and such clemency, if they turn those arms against you, will end in misery to yourselves. Having, however, formed his resolutions he ordered Lentulus, Cethegus, Statilius, Gabinius, and one Quintus Coeparius of Terracina, who was preparing to go to Apulia to raise the slaves, to be summoned before him. Cicero, accordingly, taking their opinions, a full senate decreed, that the testimony of Tarquinius appeared false; that he himself should be kept in prison; and that no further liberty of speaking should be granted him, unless he should name the person at whose instigation he had fabricated so shameful a calumny. Basic Rhetorical Terms (pdf) In Sallusts view, Catilines crime and the danger he presented were unprecedented. On Cethegus, Statilius, Gabinius, and Coeparius, punishment was inflicted in a similar manner. In the mean time, Manlius was in Etruria, stirring up the populace, who, both from poverty, and from resentment for their injuries (for, under the tyranny of Sylla, they had lost their lands and other property), were eager for a revolution. It was written c.4140 BC and again emphasised moral decline. Catiline then promised them the abolition of their debts; a proscription of the wealthy citizens; offices, sacerdotal duties, plunder, and all other gratifications which war, and the license of conquerors, can afford. [86] The probability that all these scrolls came from one or more ancient manuscripts is debated.[87]. For as the passions of each, according to his years, appeared excited, he furnished mistresses to some, bought horses and dogs for others, and spared, in a word, neither his purse nor his character, if he could but make them his devoted and trustworthy supporters. If those who pass a life sunk in obscurity, commit any error, through excessive anger, few become aware of it, for their fame is as limited as their fortune; but of those who live invested with extensive power, and in an exalted station, the whole world knows the proceedings. The evidence draws moralizing contrasts between Sallusts behaviour and his censorious writings and suggests a source for the ill-gotten wealth that created the splendid Sallustian Gardens (Horti Sallustiani). All exclaimed that wicked and factious men, who had troubled the state with their seditious practices, had justly forfeited their lives. Sallusts moralizing and brilliant style made him popular in the Middle Ages, and he was an important influence on the English Classical republicans of the 17th century (who, during a period of revolution and turmoil, advocated for a government modeled on the Roman Republic) and the U.S. 19 Some time afterwards, Piso was sent as quaestor, with Praetorian authority, into Hither Spain; Crassus promoting the appointment, because he knew him to be a bitter enemy to Cneius Pompey. XIX.Speech to the conspirators, XX.His promises to them, XXI.His supposed ceremony to unite them, XXII.His designs discovered by Fulvia, XXIII.His alarm on the election of Cicero to the consulship, and his design in engaging women in his cause, XXIV.His accomplice, Sempronia, characterized, XXV.His ambition of the consulship, his plot to assassinate Cicero, and his disappointment in both, XXVI.His mission of Manlius into Etruria, and his second convention of the conspirators, XXVII.His second attempt to kill Cicero; his directions to Manlius well observed, XXVIII.His machinations induce the Senate to confer extraordinary power on the consuls, XXIX.His proceedings are opposed by various precautions, XXX.His effrontery in the Senate, XXXI.He sets out for Etruria, XXXII.His accomplice, Manlius, sends a deputation to Marcius, XXXIII.His representations to various respectable characters, XXXIV.His letter to Catulus, XXXV.His arrival at Manliuss camp; he is declared an enemy by the Senate; his adherents continue faithful and resolute, XXXVI.The discontent and disaffection of the populace in Rome, XXXVII.The old contentions between the patricians and plebeians, XXXVIII.The effect which a victory of Catiline would have produced, XXXIX.The Allobroges are solicited to engage in the conspiracy, XL.They discover it to Cicero, XLI.The incaution of Catilines accomplices in Gaul and Italy, XLII.The plans of his adherents at Rome, XLIII.The Allobroges succeed in obtaining proofs of the conspirators guilt, XLIV.The Allobroges and Volturcius are arrested by the contrivance of Cicero, XLV.The principal conspirators at Rome are brought before the Senate, XLVI.The evidence against them, and their consignment to custody, XLVII.The alteration in the minds of the populace, and the suspicions entertained against Crassus, XLVIII.The attempts of Catulus and Piso to criminate Caesar, XLIX.The plans of Lentulus and Cethegus for their rescue, and the deliberations of the Senate, L.The speech of Caesar on the mode of punishing the conspirators, LI.The speech of Cato on the same subject, LII.The condemnation of the prisoners; the causes of Roman greatness, LIII.Parallel between Caesar and Cato, LIV.The execution of the criminals, LV.Catilines warlike preparations in Etruria, LVI.He is compelled by Metellus and Antonius to hazard an action, LVII.His exhortation to his men, LVIII.His arrangements, and those of his opponents, for the battle, LIX.His bravery, defeat, and death, LX., LXI. 41 Yet the Allobroges were long in suspense what course they should adopt. At length, when they had promised their assistance, he let them depart. Pardon the youth of Cethegus, unless this be the second time that he has made war upon his country. Hence, all influence, power, honor, and wealth, are in their hands, or where they dispose of them; to us they have left only insults, dangers, prosecutions, and poverty. It is a vice which, as if imbued with deadly poison, enervates whatever is manly in body or mind. Free postage. Sallust presents Catiline as a deliberate foe Whatever shall fall on the traitors, will fall on them justly; but it is for you, Conscript Fathers, to consider well what you resolve to inflict on others. John C. Rolfe (1921) (transcription project) This work was published before January 1, 1928, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago. , affected him at the same moment that he has made war his... Arms, their liberty, their liberty, their liberty, their country, and their homes such as,. 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