The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · ¶12
The martial and ambitious spirit of Trajan formed a very singular contrast with the moderation of his successor. The restless activity of Hadrian was not less remarkable when compared with the gentle repose of Antoninus Pius. The life of the former was almost a perpetual journey; and as he possessed the various talents of the soldier, the statesman, and the scholar, he gratified his curiosity in the discharge of his duty.Read in context ›
Edward Gibbon · Project Gutenberg #731 (Milman edition) — public domain
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