the question not to damage you but Modestus." Observe the man's
malignant nature who does not mind acknowledging that he wished to do an
injury to an exile. Then he went on to make this fine excuse; "He wrote
in a letter which was read aloud in Domitian's presence, 'Regulus is the
vilest creature that walks on two legs.'" Modestus never wrote a truer
word.

That practically closed the conversation. I did not wish it to go any
further, so that I might not commit myself until Mauricus arrived.
Moreover, I am quite aware that Regulus is a difficult bird to net. He
is rich, he is a shrewd intriguer, he has no inconsiderable body of
followers and a still larger circle of those who fear him, and fear is
often a more powerful factor than affection. But, after all, these are
bonds that may be shattered and weakened, for a bad man's influence is
as little to be relied upon as is the man himself. Moreover, let me
repeat that I am waiting for Mauricus. He is a man of sound judgment
and sagacity, which he has learned by experience, and he can gauge what
is likely to happen in the future from what has occurred in the past. I
shall be guided by him, and either strike a blow or put by my weapons
just as he thinks best. I have written you this letter because it is
only right, considering our regard for one another, that you should be
acquainted not only with what I have said and done, but also with my
plans for the future. Farewell.


1.VI.--TO CORNELIUS TACITUS.

You will laugh, and I give you leave to. You know what sort of
sportsman I am, but I, even I, have bagged three boars, each one of them
a perfect beauty. "What!" you will say, "YOU!" Yes, I, and that too