the city, which--first introduced by Asinius Pollio in the time of
Augustus--were then the fashion,--of all these Pliny gives us a clear
presentment. His charity is hardly ever at fault. Only when he writes
of Regulus and Pallas does he dip his pen in gall. But Regulus had been
his bitter enemy and an informer, and the memory of Pallas was justly
execrated.

A few words may be added respecting the letters which form the Tenth
Book of his correspondence, and which show us Pliny acting as Governor
of the province of Pontus and Bithynia. He had been sent there because
the finances of many of the cities had been allowed to fall into a
shocking state, and because the Emperor wanted a man whom he could
thoroughly trust to put them straight. No doubt Pliny, while flattered
at this proof of Trajan's regard, felt the severance from his friends
and ordinary pursuits which this term of absence necessitated. But
compare his attitude with that of Cicero as Governor of Cilicia! Cicero
crawled on the outward journey, and when he reached his destination he
counted the days to his return like a bullied school-boy counts the days
to the end of the term. He writes to his friends in the capital,
begging and praying of them that they will prevent his being obliged to
stay for a second year. All his thoughts are of Rome and how to return
there. The wretched provincials bore him to distraction; he yearns for
the wider arena of the capital in which to play the swelling part to
which he aspires. There is, in short, not a trace in Cicero's letters
from his province to show that he took the slightest interest in his new
surroundings. Pliny displays a far different spirit. He reminds us
more of the Colonial Governor of our own day. He is interested in the
past history and traditions of the country, he is anxious that the
cities shall have good water supplies, good baths, good theatres, good
gymnasia. He is for ever suggesting to the Emperor that he should send