 me were
words without meaning, and finding my ready concurrence in his sentiments,
recommended me to Eutropius as very proper to execute some wicked purposes he
had contrived against my friend Timasius. The minister embraced this
recommendation, and I was accordingly acquainted by Lucilius (after some
previous accounts of the great esteem Eutropius entertained of me, from the
testimony he had borne of my parts) that he would introduce me to him; adding
that he was a great encourager of merit, and that I might depend upon his
favour.«
    »I was with little difficulty prevailed on to accept of this invitation. A
late hour therefore the next evening being appointed, I attended my friend
Lucilius to the minister's house. He received me with the utmost civility and
chearfulness, and affected so much regard to me, that I, who knew nothing of
these high scenes of life, concluded I had in him a most disinterested friend,
owing to the favourable report which Lucilius had made of me. I was however soon
cured of this opinion; for immediately after supper our discourse turned on the
injustice which the generality of the world were guilty of in their conduct to
great men, expecting that they should reward their private merit, without ever
endeavouring to apply it to their use. 'What avail,' said Eutropius, 'the
learning, wit, courage, or any virtue which a man may be possest of, to me,
unless I receive some benefit from them? Hath he not more merit to me who doth
my business and obeys my commands, without any of these qualities?' I gave such
entire satisfaction in my answers on this head, that both the minister and his
creature grew bolder, and after some preface began to accuse Timasius. At last,
finding I did not attempt to defend him, Lucilius swore a great oath that he was
not fit to live, and that he would destroy him. Eutropius answered that it would
be too dangerous a task: 'Indeed,' says he, 'his crimes are of so black a die,
and so well known to the emperor, that his death must be a very acceptable
service, and could not fail meeting a proper reward: but I question whether you
are capable of executing it.' 'If he is not,' cried I, 'I am; and surely no man
can have greater motives to destroy him than myself: for, besides his disloyalty
to my prince, for whom I have so perfect a duty, I have private disobligations
to him. I have had fellows put over my head, to the great scandal
