A source-book of ancient history - The Search For Mecca

572 Roman Life Under the Late Empire
had avoided as a student, and therefore it was that I
wished to go where those who knew told me that such
Those of
Rome are
dishonest
rogues.
lb. V. 12, 22.
things w^ere not done. , . .
I had however eagerly begun to do that for which I
had come hither,
namely to teach in Rome the rhetorical
art, and as a beginning I gathered in my own house a few
pupils to whom and through whom I was beginning to
get known. When lo, I found that things were done in
Rome which I had not suffered in Africa! It is true, the
violent disturbances there caused by the wild set were
not here customary; but "all at once," I was told, "in
order to avoid paying their fees, a number of youths agree
to transfer themselves to another teacher, traitors to their
pledge, holding money dear and justice cheap." These
I hated in truth from my heart, but not with a "perfect
hatred" for I hated more the loss I was to suffer from
them than the fact of their doing these iniquities to any
one at all. . . .
STUDIES
1. What was the condition of Rome described in this selection?
Tell the story of Principia and Marcella.
2. How did the invading barbarians treat the country and the
people? What parts of the empire suffered most?
3. How did this young monk get his education? What course of
life does St. Jerome recommend to him?
What should be his studies?
In what manual labor should he engage?
4. What labors does the rule of St. Benedict prescribe? What
attention should be given to study?
5. What training should a girl receive who was to enter a convent?
What should she study?
6. What was St. Jerome's opinion of second marriages? What
strange case does he comment on?
7. In St. Augustine's opinion did the gods of Rome help or hinder
morality?
8. What part did he think the angels take in human affairs?