Letter 10013: As I am convinced. Sir, that the best testimonial to and appreciation of my character is to receive marks of...

Pliny the YoungerTrajan|c. 112 AD|Pliny the Younger|Human translated
imperial politics

To Trajan.

As I am convinced. Sir, that the best testimonial to and appreciation of my character is to receive marks of distinction from so upright an emperor as yourself, I beg you to add to the dignity to which you have so kindly advanced me, by giving me the role either of augur or of septemvir, * now that they are vacant, so that by virtue of my priesthood I may publicly entreat the favour of the gods for you which now I implore in my private devotion.

[Note: See letter iv. 8.]

Human translationAttalus.org

Latin / Greek Original

C. PLINIUS TRAIANO IMPERATORI
Cum sciam, domine, ad testimonium laudemque morum meorum pertinere tam boni principis iudicio exornari, rogo dignitati, ad quam me provexit indulgentia tua, vel auguratum vel septemviratum, quia vacant adicere digneris, ut iure sacerdotii precari deos pro te publice possim, quos nunc precor pietate privata.

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