ntive to courtesy, claiming just
so much respect as he considered sufficient to mark the difference
between contempt and insolence. He was older in virtue than in years,
being eager to acquire all kinds of knowledge. He was a most
incorruptible judge, a rigid censor of morals and manners, mild, a
despiser of riches, and indeed of all mortal things. Lastly, it was a
common saying of his, "That it was beneath a wise man, since he had a
soul, to aim at acquiring praise by his body."

8. Of his justice there are many conspicuous proofs: first, because,
with all proper regard to circumstances and persons, he inspired awe
without being cruel; secondly, because he repressed vice by making
examples of a few, and also because he threatened severe punishment more
frequently than he employed it.

9. Lastly, to pass over many circumstances, it is certain that he
treated with extreme moderation some who were openly convicted of
plotting against him, and mitigated the rigour of the punishment to
which they were sentenced with genuine humanity.

10. His many battles and constant wars displayed his fortitude, as did
his endurance of extreme cold and heat. From a common soldier we
require the services of the body, from an emperor those of the mind. But
having boldly thrown himself into battle, he would slay a ferocious foe
at a single blow; and more than once he by himself checked the retreat
of our men at his own personal risk. And when he was putting down the
rule of the furious Germans, and also in the scorching sands of Persia,
he encouraged his men by fighting in the front ranks of his army.

11. Many well-known facts attest his skill in all that concerns a camp;
his storming of cities and castles amid the most formidable dangers; the
variety of his tactics for battles, the skill he showed in choosing
healthy spots for his camps, the safe principles on which his lines of
defence and outposts were managed.

12. So great was his authority, that while he was feared he was also
greatly loved as his men's comrade in their perils and dangers. And in
the hottest struggles he took notice of cowards for punishment. And
while he was yet only Caesar, he kept his soldiers in order while
confronting the barbarians, and destitute of pay as I have mentioned
before. And haranguing his discontented troops, the threat which he used
was that he would retire into private life if they continued mutinous.

13. Lastly, this single instance will do