9 As he was returning from the
command of the legion, Vespasian admitted him into the patrician order, and
then gave him the province
of Aquitania, a
preeminently splendid appointment both from the importance of its duties and
the prospect of the consulate to which the Emperor destined him. Many think the
genius of the soldier wants subtlety, because military law, which is summary
and blunt, and apt to appeal to the sword, finds no exercise for the
refinements of the forum. Yet Agricola, from his natural good sense, though
called to act among civilians, did his work with ease and correctness. And,
besides, the times of business and relaxation were kept distinct. When his
public and judicial duties required it, he was dignified, thoughtful, austere, and
yet often merciful; when business was done with, he wore no longer the official
character. He was altogether without harshness, pride, or the greed of gain.
With a most rare felicity, his good nature did not weaken his authority, nor
his strictness the attachment of his friends. To speak of uprightness and
purity in such a man would be an insult to his virtues. Fame itself, of which
even good men are often weakly fond, he did not seek by an ostentation of
virtue or by artifice. He avoided rivalry with his colleagues, contention with
his procurator, thinking such victories no honour and defeat disgrace. For
somewhat less than three years he was kept in his governorship, and was then
recalled with an immediate prospect of the consulate. A general belief went
with him that the province
of Britain was to be his,
not because he had himself hinted it, but because he seemed worthy of it.
Public opinion is not always mistaken; sometimes even it chooses the right man.
He was consul, and I but a youth, when he betrothed to me his daughter, a
maiden even then of noble promise. After his consulate he gave her to me in
marriage, and was then at once appointed to the government of Britain, with
the addition of the sacred office of the pontificate.
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