The Works of the Emperor Julian, Vol. 2Julian, Emperor of Rome
Philosophy
The Works of the Emperor Julian, Vol. 2
Julian, Emperor of Rome
Speeches, addresses, etc., Greek -- Translations into English
(When the banquet had been arranged for the Emperors also, Julius Caesar
entered first, and such was his passion for glory that he seemed ready to
contend with Zeus himself for dominion. Whereupon Silenus observing him
said, “Take care, Zeus, lest this man in his lust for power be minded to
rob you of your empire. He is, as you see, tall and handsome, and if he
resembles me in nothing else, round about his head he is very like
me.”(554) While Silenus, to whom the gods paid very little attention, was
jesting thus, Octavian entered, changing colour continually, like a
chameleon, turning now pale now red; one moment his expression was gloomy,
sombre, and overcast, the next he unbent and showed all the charms of
Aphrodite and the Graces. Moreover in the glances of his eyes he was fain
to resemble mighty Helios, for he preferred that none who approached
should be able to meet his gaze.(555) “Good Heavens!” exclaimed Silenus,
“what a changeable monster is this! What mischief will he do us?” “Cease
trifling,” said Apollo, “after I have handed him over to Zeno(556) here, I
shall transform him for you straightway to gold without alloy. Come,
Zeno,” he cried, “take charge of my nursling.” Zeno obeyed, and thereupon,
by reciting over Octavian a few of his doctrines,(557) in the fashion of
those who mutter the incantations of Zamolxis,(558) he made him wise and
temperate.)
Τρίτος ἐπεισέδραμεν αὐτοῖς Τιβέριος σεμνὸς τὰ πρόσωπα καὶ βλοσυρός, σῶφρόν
τε ἅμα καὶ πολεμικὸν βλέπων. ἐπιστραφέντος δὲ πρὸς τὴν καθέδραν ὤφθησαν
ὠτειλαὶ κατὰ τὸν νῶτον μυρίαι, καυτῆρές τινες [D] καὶ ξέσματα καὶ πληγαὶ
χαλεπαὶ καὶ μώλωπες ὑπό τε ἀκολασίας καὶ ὠμότητος ψῶραί τινες καὶ λειχῆνες
οἷον ἐγκεκαυμέναι. εἶθ᾽ ὁ Σειληνός
(The third to hasten in was Tiberius, with countenance solemn and grim,
and an expression at once sober and martial. But as he turned to sit down
his back was seen to be covered with countless scars, burns, and sores,
painful welts and bruises, while ulcers and abscesses were as though
branded thereon, the result of his self‐indulgent and cruel life.(559)
Whereupon Silenus cried out,)
Ἀλλοῖός μοι, ξεῖνε, φάνης νέον ἢ τὸ πάροιθεν
(“Far different, friend, thou appearest now than before,”(560))
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