14.
Lucius Piso, the Director of Public Safety at Rome, was drunk from the very time of his appointment.
He used to spend the greater part of the night at banquets, and would sleep until noon.
That was the way he spent his morning hours.
Nevertheless, he applied himself most diligently to his official duties, which included the guardianship of the city.
Even the sainted Augustus trusted him with secret orders when he placed him in command of Thrace.
Piso conquered that country.
Tiberius, too, trusted him when he took his holiday in Campania, leaving behind him in the city many a critical matter that aroused both suspicion and hatred.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On drunkenness
Location: Chapter 83, Section 14
Content:
14.
Lucius Piso, the Director of Public Safety at Rome, was drunk from the very time of his appointment.
He used to spend the greater part of the night at banquets, and would sleep until noon.
That was the way he spent his morning hours.
Nevertheless, he applied himself most diligently to his official duties, which included the guardianship of the city.
Even the sainted Augustus trusted him with secret orders when he placed him in command of Thrace.
Piso conquered that country.
Tiberius, too, trusted him when he took his holiday in Campania, leaving behind him in the city many a critical matter that aroused both suspicion and hatred.