![]() ![]() Hadrian’s entire life is marked by seemingly contradictory episodes. The Historia Augusta celebrates Hadrian’s extraordinary intellectual abilities, his passion for art and literature, but it also points outs his inconstant character, always in all things changeable. Historia Augusta, The Life of Hadrian, 14, 11 He was, in the same person, austere and genial, dignified and playful, dilatory and quick to act, niggardly and generous, deceitful and straightforward, cruel and merciful, and always in all things changeable. Hadrian was not really understood by his contemporaries and his personality is difficult to read. Historiographical sources often describe only the traits of a narcissist. ![]() Bust of Hadrian at the Capitoline Museums, Rome Hadrian’s personality Hadrian’s words are spontaneous and quietly subject to an ineluctable destiny, they remind us that he was foremost a man. There is no harshness of law here, the brilliance of a military eulogy or the memory of great exploits. But what about Hadrian and this short epigram? His graceful words surprise us, caressing the fragility of the human being. ![]() When we talk about the Roman emperors the first things that come to our mind are harsh men, interested in politics and military conquest. There you will abandon your play of yore.” Translation by Marguerite Yourcenar in collaboration with Grace Frick ![]() Now you will dwell below in pallid places ![]()
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