Cnæus Julius
Agricola was born at the ancient and famous colony of
Forum Julii. Each of his grandfathers was an Imperial
procurator, that is, of the highest equestrian rank. His father, Julius
Græcinus, a member of the Senatorian order, and distinguished for his
pursuit of eloquence and philosophy, earned for himself by these very merits
the displeasure of Caius Cæsar. He was ordered to impeach Marcus
Silanus, and because he refused was put to death. His mother was Julia
Procilla, a lady of singular virtue.
BIRTH,
EDUCATION, APPRENTICESHIP |
Brought up by her side with fond affection,
he passed his boyhood and youth in the cultivation of every worthy
attainment. He was guarded from the enticements of the profligate not only
by his own good and straightforward character, but also by having, when
quite a child, for the scene and guide of his studies,
Massilia, a place where refinement and provincial
frugality were blended and happily combined. I remember that he used to tell
us how in his early youth he would have imbibed a keener love of philosophy
than became a Roman and a senator, had not his mother's good sense checked
his excited and ardent spirit. It was the case of a lofty and aspiring soul
craving with more eagerness than caution the beauty and splendour of great
and glorious renown. But it was soon mellowed by reason and experience, and
he retained from his learning that most difficult of
lessons—moderation.
