the misconduct of their respective scholars.  But you have it in your power to make me the most honoured of men, by continuing what you are.  Retain the command of your passions; and make virtue the rule of all your actions.  If you follow these instructions, then will I glory in having presumed to give them:  if you neglect what I advise, then will this letter be my testimony that you have not erred through the counsel and authority of Plu’tarch.”  I insert this letter, because it is a striking picture of this great philosopher’s manner of addressing the best of princes.

17.  This good monarch’s application to business, his moderation towards his enemies, his modesty in exaltation, his liberality to the deserving, and his frugal management of the resources of the state, were the subjects of panegyric among his contemporaries, and continue to be the admiration of posterity.

18.  The first war he was engaged in after his coming to the throne was with the Da’cians, who, during the reign of Domi’tian, had committed numberless ravages upon the provinces of the empire.  To revenge these, he raised a powerful army, and with great expedition marched into those barbarous countries, where he was vigorously opposed by Deceb’alus, the Da’cian king, who for some time withstood his boldest efforts. 19.  At length, however, this monarch being constrained to come to a general battle, and no longer able to protract the war, was routed with great slaughter.  The Roman soldiers upon this occasion wanting linen to bind up their wounds, the emperor tore his own robes to supply them. 20.  This victory compelled the enemy to sue for peace, which they obtained upon very disadvantageous terms; their king coming into the Roman camp, and acknowledging himself a vassal of the Roman empire.

21.  Upon Trajan’s return, after the usual triumphs and rejoicings, he was surprised with an account that the Da’cians had renewed hostilities.  Deceb’alus, their king, was a second time adjudged an enemy to the Roman state, and Tra’jan again entered his dominions. 22.  In order to be enabled to invade the enemy’s territories at pleasure, he undertook a most stupendous work, which was no less than building a bridge across the Dan’ube. 23.  This amazing structure, which was built over a deep, broad, and rapid river, consisted of more than twenty-two arches; the ruins, which remain to this day, show modern architects how far they were surpassed by the ancients, both in the greatness and boldness of their designs. 24.  Upon finishing this work, Tra’jan continued the war with great vigour, sharing with the meanest of his soldiers the fatigues of the campaign, and continually encouraging them to their duty by his own example. 25.  By these means, notwithstanding the country was spacious and uncultivated, and the inhabitants brave and hardy, he subdued the whole, and added the kingdom of Da’cia as a province to the Roman empire.  Deceb’alus made some attempts to escape; but being surrounded, he slew himself. 26.  These successes seemed to advance the empire to a greater degree of splendor than it had hitherto acquired.  Ambassadors came from the interior parts of India, to congratulate Trajan on his successes, and solicit his friendship.  On his return, he entered Rome in triumph, and the rejoicings for his victories lasted a hundred and twenty days.