Graham, Alexander: Roman Africa: an outline of the history of the Roman occupation of North Africa ; based chiefly upon inscriptions and monumental remains in that country (London [u.a.], 1902)

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Roman Africa

should be held in perpetual remembrance. He says: ' I was
the son of a poor man who left me neither house nor money.
But I was active and had plenty of pluck, which makes up for
everything. I began life as a labourer in the fields. I worked
early and late. When harvest commenced I was the first in
the fields. Then I became the chief of the gang with whom I
worked. I saved money and became owner of a house and
farm that were wanting in nothing. I then became a town-
councillor, and finally I, having begun life as a working man,
ended by taking my seat in the very middle of the assembly
over which I presided as chief magistrate. Follow my example
by living a blameless life, and meriting by virtuous conduct a
peaceful death.' Self-laudatory inscriptions were not uncommon
in the days of the Empire. They may be regarded in the light
of short memoirs or biographical notices of loyal citizens, who
had played their part in the drama of life with benefit to others
and much satisfaction to themselves. No other means of
recording their labours was open to them. Journalism had not
been created, and printer's ink had not been invented, but the
mason and his chisel were ready to hand. It is a question
whether human ingenuity will ever succeed in devising so
enduring a method of perpetuating the actions of mankind as
that of incised letters on imperishable stone. Another well-
known inscription of a similar kind, from a tomb in the outskirts
of Cirta(Constantine), was deciphered many years ago byM. Leon
Renier. This monument, discovered in 1855 on the slopes of the
cliff leading up to the city, was about 19 feet long and 10 feet
wide, and had two stories, both paved with mosaic. Outside
the tomb, extending along the facade, was also a pavement of
mosaic. In the interior are niches in the walls for receiving the
sarcophagi, one of which, when opened, contained a perfect
skeleton. On one of the stone sides was a long inscription
written in inelegant Latin, and somewhat difficult to decipher.
It may be read as follows :

Hie ego qui taceo versions meaini) vitaim) demonsiro
Lucem clara(m) fruitus et tempora summa,
Prcecilius, Cirtensi /are, argentariam cxibni artem.
Fydes in me mirafuit semper et Veritas omnis.
Omnisbns (sic) communis ego ; cui non misertus ubiquc ?
Risks, luxuriaim) semperfj'tutus cum caris amicis,