Ammianus Marcellinus, Res Gestae, John C. Rolfe (Translator), 21.16.1

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[1] Observing, therefore, a true distinction between his good qualities and his defects, it will be fitting to set forth his good points first.¹ He always maintained the dignity of imperial majesty, and his great and lofty spirit disdained the favour of the populace. He was exceedingly sparing in conferring the higher dignities, with few exceptions allowing no innovations in the way of additions to the administrative offices; and he never let the military lift their heads too high.²

Res Gestae. Ammianus Marcellinus. John C. Rolfe (Translator). Cambridge, MA. 1935-1940.

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Current edition Perseus

History (English) (Ammianus Marcellinus. Ammianus Marcellinus, with an English translation, Vols. I-III. Rolfe, John C., translator. Cambridge, MA; London: Harvard University Press; W. Heinemann, 1935-1940 (printing).)

Editions (1)

Res Gestae Perseus (Ammianus Marcellinus. Ammianus Marcellinus, with an English translation, Vols. I-III. Rolfe, John C., editor. Cambridge, MA; London: Harvard University Press; W. Heinemann, 1935-1940 (printing).) — 21.16.1 focus

[1] Bonorum igitur vitiorumque eius differentia vere servata, praecipua prima conveniet expediri. Imperatoriae auctoritatis cothurnum ubique custodiens, popularitatem elato animo contemnebat et magno, erga tribuendas celsiores dignitates impendio parcus, nihil circa administrationum augmenta praeter pauca novari perpessus, numquam erigens cornua militarium.

Notes on the current edition

History

1. With this chapter, cf. xiv. 5, 1-4.

2. With erigens cornua, cf. supercilia . . cornua, xx. 1, 2. The horn is a symbol of courage and confidence both in Latin and in Hebrew literature, e.g. Horace, Odes, iii. 21, 18,

addis cornua pauperi

; Ovid, Ars Amat. i. 239,

pauper sumit cornua

; Psalms, cxlviii. 14, He exalteth the horn of his people.

Ammianus Marcellinus Res Gestae 21.16.1

John C. Rolfe (Translator)

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