4 Cnaeus Julius Agricola was
born at the ancient and famous colony of Forum Julii. Each of his grandfathers
was an Imperial procurator, that is, of the highest equestrian rank. His
father, Julius Graecinus, a member of the Senatorian order, and distinguished
for his pursuit of eloquence and philosophy, earned for himself by these very
merits the displeasure of Caius Caesar. He was ordered to impeach Marcus
Silanus, and because he refused was put to death. His mother was Julia
Procilla, a lady of singular virtue. Brought up by her side with fond
affection, he passed his boyhood and youth in the cultivation of every worthy
attainment. He was guarded from the enticements of the profligate not only by
his own good and straight-forward character, but also by having, when quite a
child, for the scene and guide of his studies, Massilia, a place where
refinement and provincial frugality were blended and happily combined. I
remember that he used to tell us how in his early youth he would have imbibed a
keener love of philosophy than became a Roman and a senator, had not his
mother’s good sense checked his excited and ardent spirit. It was the case of a
lofty and aspiring soul craving with more eagerness than caution the beauty and
splendour of great and glorious renown. But it was soon mellowed by reason and
experience, and he retained from his learning that most difficult of
lessons—moderation.
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