Sci'pio
14. P.
Cornelius Scipio Africanus, the elder son of the great Africanus [No. 12], was prevented by his weak health from taking any part in public affairs. Cicero praises his oratiunculae and his Greek history, and remarks that, with the greatness of his father's mind he possessed a larger amount of learning.
He had no son of his own, but adopted the son of L. Aemilius Paulus [see below, No. 21]. (Cic.
Brut. 19,
Cat. Maj. 11,
de Off. 1.33;
Vell. 1.10).
He was elected augur in B. C. 180 (
Liv. 40.42), and was also Flamen Dialis, as we see from the inscription on his tomb.
This inscription runs as follows : -- " Quei apicem, insigne Dialis flaminis, gessistei, mors perfecit tua, ut essent omnia brevia, honos fama virtusque, gloria atque ingenium. Quibus sei in longa licuisset tibe utier vita, facile superas(s)es gloriam majorem. Quare lubens te in gremiu(m), Scipio, recipit terra, Publi, prognatum Publio, Corneli." (Orelli,
Inscript. No. 558).
