University of Virginia Library

GARDENS OF SALLUST.

I entered, on a fine clear day, the large enclosed
tract called the Gardens of Sallust, being the site of
that beautiful historian's villa and grounds. There
are a few ill-defined ruins here situated, supposed to
be those of a temple dedicated to Venus Erycina,
and of the mansion, or its adjuncts. The general
aspect presented during my wanderings through
this extensive enclosure, was more in accordance
with the idea previously formed of the country than
any before obtained. The fertility of the grounds,
green with varied shrubbery and occasionally beautified
with field-flowers, and thickly planted with
vegetables, among which groups of labourers were
actively engaged, afforded remarkable evidence of
the actual mildness of the climate; while occasional
glimpses of an old aqueduct, or wall, gave to the
scene the surpassing charm of antiquity. Constant
blasts of cold wind, in which the dry reeds rattled
sullenly, and the snow-capt Apennines in the distance
were, however, sufficiently indicative of the
season. The free air and commanding situation of
this domain are well adapted to foster that concise

and clear energy, which so highly distinguishes
Sallust. If this was the favourite retreat to which
he retired to compose his history, it is not surprising
that he found in the situation and his employment
greater satisfaction than could be gleaned from
the enslaving luxury of the city, which lies so
attractively at the foot of his paternal mount. It
was a pleasant thought, that this very spot is that
which beguiled his early ambition from the hazardous
efforts of a political arena, to the quiet and dignified
employment of an elegant historian. And in
contemplating the result of this author's wise choice,
and comparing his with the lives of many of his
equally gifted countrymen, a new proof is afforded
of the surpassing excellence of well-directed literary
labour. More peaceful and elevated passes the
existence, and more certain and purely succeeds the
renown of the useful and excellent writer, than that
of the most successful aspirant for immediate popularity.
There is, too, a beautiful completeness in
the works and fame of Sallust, such as seldom
marks the memory or the labours of modern writers.
Confining himself to one sphere, and intent upon
comparatively few subjects, he shone pre-eminently
in the one, and threw over the other a light and
vigour of delineation, which render his works not
only universally interesting, as just and vivid chronicles,
but as most attractive illustrations of the
capacities of his native language.