Letters of Pliny the Younger | Page 7

difficult is it to reconcile them to it when it is a tribute which we pay to
ourselves or to our ancestors? Virtue, by herself, is generally the object
of envy, but particularly so when glory and distinction attend her; and
the world is never so little disposed to detract from the rectitude of your
conduct as when it passes unobserved and unapplauded. For these
reasons, I frequently ask myself whether I composed this harangue,
such as it is, merely from a personal consideration, or with a view to
the public as well; and I am sensible that what may be exceedingly
useful and proper in the prosecution of any affair may lose all its grace
and fitness the moment the business is completed: for instance, in the

case before us, what could be more to my purpose than to explain at
large the motives of my intended bounty? For, first, it engaged my
mind in good and ennobling thoughts; next, it enabled me, by frequent
dwelling upon them, to receive a perfect impression of their loveliness,
while it guarded at the same time against that repentance which is sure
to follow on an impulsive act of generosity. There arose also a further
advantage from this method, as it fixed in me a certain habitual
contempt of money. For, while mankind seem to be universally
governed by an innate passion to accumulate wealth, the cultivation of
a more generous affection in my own breast taught me to emancipate
myself from the slavery of so predominant a principle: and I thought
that my honest intentions would be the more meritorious as they should
appear to proceed, not from sudden impulse, bttt from the dictates of
cool and deliberate reflection. I considered, besides, that I was not
engaging myself to exhibit public games or gladiatorial combats, but to
establish an annual fund for the support and education of young men of
good families but scanty means. The pleasures of the senses are so far
from wanting the oratorical arts to recommend them that we stand in
need of all the powers of eloquence to moderate and restrain rather than
stir up their influence. But the work of getting anybody to cheerfully
undertake the monotony and drudgery of education must be effected
not by pay merely, but by a skilfully worked-up appeal to the emotions
as well. If physicians find it expedient to use the most insinuating
address in recommending to their patients a wholesome though,
perhaps, unpleasant regimen, how much more occasion had he to exert
all the powers of persuasion who, out of regard to the public welfare,
was endeavouring to reconcile it to a most useful though not equally
popular benefaction? Particularly, as my aim was to recommend an
institution, calculated solely for the benefit of those who were parents
to men who, at present, had no children; and to persuade the greater
number to wait patiently until they should be entitled to an honour of
which a few only could immediately partake. But as at that fime, when
I attempted to explain and enforce the general design and benefit of my
institution, I considered more the general good of my countrymen, than
any reputation which might result to myself; so I am apprehensive lest,
if I publish that pIece, it may perhaps look as if I had a view rather to
my own personal credit than the benefit of others, Besides, I am very

sensible how much nobler it is to place the reward of virtue in the silent
approbation of one's own breast than in the applause of the world.
Glory ought to be the consequence, not the motive, of our actions; and
although it happen not to attend the worthy deed, yet it is by no means
the less fair for having missed the applause it deserved. But the world is
apt to suspect that those who celebrate their own beneficent acts
performed them for no other motive than to have the pleasure of
extolling them. Thus, the splendour of an action which would have
been deemed illustrious if related by another is totally extinguished
when it becomes the subject of one's own applause. Such is the
disposition of mankind, if they cannot blast the action, they will
censure its display; and whether you do what does not deserve
particular notice, or set forth yourself what does, either way you incur
reproach. In my own case there is a peculiar circumstance that weighs
much with me: this speech was delivered not before the people, but the
Decurii;9 not in the forum, but the senate; I am afraid therefore it will
look inconsistent that I, who, when I delivered it, seemed to avoid
popular applause, should now, by publishing this performance, appear
to court it: that I, who was so