Βεσπασιανός
Vespasianos, Vespasianus, Vespasian
Translated by Catharine Roth30 Dec 2003Vetting: high10 revisions
Translation
Emperor of the Romans. This man was so gentle and kindly that he did not punish offences even against himself and his imperial authority more severely than by exile. He quickly shook off hatreds and personality conflicts, and he bore lightly and calmly the jokes aimed at him by the orators, by whom he was rejected, and the common people. In social relationships he had the common touch and avoided the palace for the most part.1
This man was worthy to be compared with the best kings/emperors of any time. He also made his private life renowned with many great accomplishments. Serving under the emperor Claudius as general against the Germans and Britons2 he withstood the enemy in 30 great battles. When he attained the supreme power, he managed his rule with moderation and restraint, though seeming greedy for money, but not so much so as to deprive anyone of his property unjustly. And he used his wealth not for pleasure but for the public need. So one would not find another emperor who was either more liberal [in expenditure] or who examined in regard to both fairness and justice his liberality towards gift-giving.3
This man was worthy to be compared with the best kings/emperors of any time. He also made his private life renowned with many great accomplishments. Serving under the emperor Claudius as general against the Germans and Britons2 he withstood the enemy in 30 great battles. When he attained the supreme power, he managed his rule with moderation and restraint, though seeming greedy for money, but not so much so as to deprive anyone of his property unjustly. And he used his wealth not for pleasure but for the public need. So one would not find another emperor who was either more liberal [in expenditure] or who examined in regard to both fairness and justice his liberality towards gift-giving.3