Between Heathenism and Christianity - College of Stoic Philosophers
Between Heathenism and Christianity - College of Stoic Philosophers
Between Heathenism and Christianity - College of Stoic Philosophers
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When<br />
Seneca: His Character <strong>and</strong> Environment<br />
teacher with much deference, consulted him on all<br />
important matters, <strong>and</strong> seems to have been largely<br />
guided by his advice. He also testified his regard<br />
for him by raising him to the rank <strong>of</strong> consul. In<br />
course <strong>of</strong> time, however, the feelings <strong>and</strong> conduct <strong>of</strong><br />
the prince underwent a change. The possession <strong>of</strong><br />
unlimited power by<br />
a character that was both weak<br />
<strong>and</strong> vain; the adulation <strong>of</strong> the conscienceless favorites<br />
with whom he surrounded himself: the intrigues or<br />
cabals to whom the high morality <strong>of</strong> the philosopher<br />
was a st<strong>and</strong>ing rebuke; <strong>and</strong> the naturally vicious<br />
temper <strong>of</strong> Xero. all conspired to prepare the way for<br />
the downfall <strong>of</strong> Seneca the .<br />
conspiracy <strong>of</strong><br />
Calpurnius Piso against the monarch was discovered,<br />
the charge <strong>of</strong> participation, or at least <strong>of</strong> criminal<br />
knowledge, was brought against Seneca, <strong>and</strong> he was<br />
condemned to die. Allowed to choose the means <strong>of</strong><br />
ending his life, he caused a vein to be opened<br />
<strong>and</strong> thus slowly bled to death. It was his destiny<br />
to be compelled to take his departure from this<br />
world in the way<br />
he had so <strong>of</strong>ten commended to<br />
others; indeed it is probable that his reiterated<br />
encomiums upon suicide as an effectual remedy<br />
against the ills <strong>of</strong> this life, was not without its in<br />
fluence upon his executioners. They probably wanted<br />
to give him the opportunity to prove by his works<br />
the sincerity <strong>of</strong> his faith.<br />
During the closing scene he told his disconsolate<br />
friends that the only bequest he was permitted to<br />
leave to them was the example <strong>of</strong> an honorable life;<br />
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