Plutarch, Marius 2.1-3:
(1) As for the personal appearance of Marius, we have seen a marble statue of him at Ravenna in Gaul,
and it very well portrays the harshness and bitterness of character
which were ascribed to him. For since he was naturally virile and fond
of war, and since he received a training in military rather than in
civil life, his temper was fierce when he came to exercise authority.
(2) Moreover,
we are told that he never studied Greek literature, and never used the
Greek language for any matter of real importance, thinking it
ridiculous to study a literature the teachers of which were the subject
of another people; and when, after his second triumph and at the
consecration of some temple, he furnished the public with Greek
spectacles, though he came into the theatre, he merely sat down, and at
once went away.
(3) Accordingly, just as
Plato was wont to say often to Xenocrates the philosopher, who had the
reputation of being rather morose in his disposition, "My good
Xenocrates, sacrifice to the Graces," so if Marius could have been
persuaded to sacrifice to the Greek Muses and Graces, he would not have
put the ugliest possible crown upon a most illustrious career in field
and forum, nor have been driven by the blasts of passion, ill-timed
ambition, and insatiable greed upon the shore of a most cruel and
savage old age. However, his actual career shall at once bring this
into clear view.
Ouch!
Tuesday, 25 August 2015
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