circumstances which, though they may probably be thought trifling
and accidental, contribute, however, to gain him much reverence.
There is no affected negligence in his dress and appearance; his
countenance is grave but not austere; and his approach commands
respect without creating awe. Distinguished as he is by the perfect
blamelessness of his life, he is no less so by the courtesy and
engaging sweetness of his manner. He attacks vices, not persons,
and, without severity, reclaims the wanderer from the paths of
virtue. You follow his exhortations with rapt attention, hanging,
as it were, upon his lips; and even after the heart is convinced, the
ear still wishes to listen to the harmonious reasoner. His family
consists of three children (two of which are sons), whom he
educates with the utmost care. His father-in-law, Pompeius
Julianus, as he greatly distinguished himself in every other part of
his life, so particularly in this, that though he was himself of the
highest rank in his province, yet, among many considerable
matches, he preferred Euphrates for his son-in-law, as first in
merit, though not in dignity. But why do I dwell any longer upon
the virtues of a man whose conversation I am so unfortunate as not
to have time sufficiently to enjoy? Is it to increase my regret and
vexation that I cannot enjoy it? My time is wholly taken up in the
execution of a very honourable, indeed, but equally troublesome,
employment; in hearing cases, signing petitions, making up
accounts, and writing a vast amount of the most illiterate
literature. I sometimes complain to Euphrates (for I have leisure at
least to complain) of these unpleasing occupations. He endeavours
to console me, by affirming that, to be engaged in the public
service, to hear and determine cases, to explain the laws, and
administer justice, is a part, and the noblest part, too, of
philosophy; as it is reducing to practice what her professors teach