16.  The death of Lucan was not less remarkable.  After he had lost a great quantity of blood from the veins of his arms, perceiving his hands and legs already dead, while the vital parts still continued warm and vigorous, he called to mind the description of his own poem of the Pharsa’lia, of a person dying in similar circumstances, and expired while he was repeating the passage.

[Sidenote:  U.C. 817.  A.D. 66.]

17.  The death of C. Petro’nius, about this time, is too remarkable to be passed over in silence.  This person, whom some historians suppose to be the author of the piece entitled T. Petro’nii Arbi’tri Saty’ricon, was an Epicu’rean, both in principle and practice.  In a court like that of Nero, he was esteemed for his refinements in luxury, and became the emperor’s tutor in this exquisite art. 18.  Accused of being privy to Piso’s conspiracy, he was committed to prison.  Petro’nius, who could not endure the anxiety of suspense, resolved upon putting himself to death, by causing his veins to be opened. 19.  In the mean time, he conversed with his friends, not upon maxims of philosophy, or grave subjects, but upon such topics as had amused his gayest revels.  He listened while they recited the lightest poems; and by no action, no word, no circumstance, showed the perplexity of a dying person. 20.  Shortly after him, Numi’cius Thermus, Bare’a Sora’nus, and Pe’tus Thra’sea, were put to death.  The valiant Cor’bulo, who had gained Nero so many victories over the Parthians, followed next.  Nor did the empress Poppae’a herself escape. 21.  At length human nature grew weary of bearing her persecutor; and the whole world seemed to rouse, as if by common consent, to rid the earth of a monster.

Questions for Examination.

1.  What was Nero’s conduct at the commencement of his reign?

2.  Did this disposition continue?

3.  What was there peculiar in his disposition?

4.  Were these his greatest faults?

5.  Of what heinous crime is he accused?

6.  On whom was the odium of this barbarous action cast?

7.  What was the consequence to these unhappy men?

8.  What eminent persons suffered on this occasion?

9.  Did not these cruelties give birth to conspiracies?

10.  What persons of note suffered in consequence?

11.  Did this defence save his life?

12.  Were his exhortations effectual?

13.  Relate the circumstances of Seneca’s death?

14.  Were not other means resorted to?

15.  Did not Paulina survive him?

16.  Describe the death of Lucan.

17.  What other victim of Nero’s cruelty deserves mention?

18.  What brought him into danger?

19.  How did he meet death?

20.  Were not other illustrious persons sacrificed?

21.  Were these cruelties committed with impunity?