" But Scipio kept the people in good
humour by constantly augmenting their privileges, whereas Aemilius,
though of the aristocratic party, was no less loved by the people than
those who courted their favour and caressed them. They showed this by
electing him, amongst other dignities, to the Censorship; which office
is most sacred, and confers great power, especially in examining men's
lives; for the Censor can expel a senator of evil life from his place,
and elect the President of the Senate, and punish licentious young men
by taking away their horses. They also register the value of property,
and the census of the people. In his time they amounted to three hundred
and thirty-seven thousand four hundred and fifty-two. He appointed
Marcus Aemilius Lepidus President of the Senate, who four times already
had enjoyed that dignity, and he expelled three senators, not men of
mark. With regard to the Equites, he and his colleague Marcius Philippus
showed equal moderation.
XXXIX. After most of the labours of his life were accomplished, he fell
sick of a disorder which at first seemed dangerous, but as time went on
appeared not to be mortal, but wearisome and hard to cure.
At length he followed the advice of his physicians, and sailed to
Paestum, in Italy. There he passed his time chiefly in the peaceful
meadows near the sea-shore; but the people of Rome regretted his
absence, and in the public theatre often would pray for his return, and
speak of their longing to see him.
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