Читать книгу The Greatest Works of Roman Classical Literature - Луций Анней Сенека - Страница 433

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This change in the form of their government produced a great alteration in their manners; every one now exerted the utmost of his capacity in the service of his country, and was ready to display his talents on all occasions: for under tyrants the worthy are more exposed to jealousy than the worthless, and great abilities are always dreaded by them. It is incredible to relate how much the city increased in a short time after the recovery of its liberty; so great was the ardour of its citizens for glory. The youth, as soon as they were able to bear arms,8 betook themselves to the camp, where they were trained up to war by labour and practice; and they took greater pleasure in fine armour and war-horses than in licentiousness and banqueting. To such men no toils were unusual, no situation grievous, no enemies formidable; their resolution surmounted all difficulties. But their chief contest for glory was with one another; every one laboured to signalize himself in the view of his fellow-soldiers, by striving to be the first in wounding the enemy and scaling the walls. This they reckoned riches, this glory and high rank.9 They were fond of applause, but liberal of money; they desired only a competent share of riches, but boundless glory. I could relate on what occasions a handful of Romans has defeated mighty armies; and what cities, strongly fortified by nature, they have taken by assault; but this would carry me too far from my undertaking.