Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/143

 Rh ''is so very much belov'd by the Soldiers. I may add, that in Cases of High Treason the Prisoner is generally thought to he hardly used, when fairly convicted. I suppose you han't forgot what Adrian used to say upon this Occasion. That Princes were the most Unfortunate of all People, for no body will believe there's any Truth in a Conspiracy till they see it Executed. 'Tis true, this fine Sentence belongs to Domitian, but I rather chuse to cite Adrian ; because the Sententious Sayings of Tyrants have not the same Weight and Authority, as those which are deliver'd by a Good Prince. Let Cassius then take his Humour, for to give him his due, he is a great General, brave in his Person, and one that we can by no means spare as Affairs stand. As to what you insinuate, that his Death is the only Security for my Children; I say, if Cassius's Merits out-shine theirs, let them smart for't ; for if 'tis more the Interest of the Empire that Cassius should live, than the Issue of Antoninus, I shall never be concern'd about their Death.''

It appear'd by the Event, that Verus had made a right Judgment of the Case, and penetrated the Designs of Cassius better than his Brother Emperour: But 'tis common for Honesty and good Meaning, to make too favourable Constructons upon other Men.