Public property was accompanied with domestic; but when the State rose to
such a height of magnificence, the magnificence of particulars rose too.
As to plate, and train, and expense, there was no standard of excess or
frugality, but from the fortunes of men. The law, indeed, had made a
distinction between the fortunes of senators and knights; not for any
natural difference between them, but that they who excelled in place,
rank, and civil pre-eminence, might excel too in other particulars, such
as conduced to the health of the body or to the peace and solacement of
the soul; unless it were expected, that the most illustrious citizens
should sustain the sharpest cares, and undergo the heaviest fatigues and
dangers, but continue destitute of every alleviation of fatigue and danger
and care." Gallus easily prevailed, whilst under worthy names he avowed
and supported popular vices in an assembly engaged in them. Tiberius too
had said, "That it was not a season for reformation; or, if there were any
corruption of manners, there would not be wanting one to correct them."
During these transactions, Lucius Piso, after he had declaimed bitterly in
the Senate against "the ambitious practices and intrigues of the Forum,
the corruption of the tribunals, and the inhumanity of the pleaders
breathing continual terror and impeachments," declared "he would entirely
relinquish Rome, and retire into a quiet corner of the country, far
distant and obscure.
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