Читать книгу Yale Classics (Vol. 2) - Луций Анней Сенека - Страница 465

Table of Contents

After the tribunitian authority was restored, under the consulship of Pompey and Crassus, certain young men, whose age and spirits were vigorous and buoyant, having acquired that high dignity, began, by inveighing against the senate, to inflame the populace; then by largesses, and great promises, to heighten their rage; and thus gained great credit and power to themselves.

The greatest part of the nobility exerted their utmost efforts in opposition to them; in appearance, to support the grandeur of the senate, but, in reality, their own: for, to declare the truth in few words, all who raised commotions in the state in those days made use of specious pretences; some, to assert the rights of the people; others, to advance the authority of the senate; all to promote the public good; while every one only endeavoured to gain power to himself. Their contests were carried on without any bounds or moderation; and whatever party prevailed, made a cruel use of the victory.