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Moral Letters Vol III

Seneca

§ Section 15

On darkness as a veil for wickedness

122:15

Book Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.

Book Description: The final volume of Seneca's moral letters. Common Stoic themes emerge again and again: the unreliability of fortune, the ability to form Stoic resolve, and the importance of virtue.

15.

I heard Pedo Albinovanus, that most attractive story-teller, speaking of his residence above the town-house of Sextus Papinius.

Papinius belonged to the tribe of those who shun the light. “About nine o’clock at night I hear the sound of whips.

I ask what is going on, and they tell me that Papinius is going over his accounts.

About twelve there is a strenuous shouting; I ask what the matter is, and they say he is exercising his voice.

About two a.m.

I ask the significance of the sound of wheels; they tell me that he is off for a drive.