How well did the artist to whom we are indebted for the celebrated
picture of the Death of Seneca, understand this deep feeling of
female affection! It may be said of Seneca, as he said of a friend,
“I have applied myself to liberal studies, though both the poverty
of my condition, and my own reason might rather have put me upon the
making of my fortune. I have given proof, that all minds are capable
of goodness; and I have illustrated the obscurity of my family by the
eminency of my virtue. I have preserved my faith in all extremities,
and I have ventured my life for it. I have never spoken one word
contrary to my conscience, and I have been more solicitous for my
friend, than for myself. I never made any base submissions to any man;
and I have never done any thing unworthy of a resolute, and of an
honest man. My mind is raised so much above all dangers, that I have
mastered all hazards; and I bless myself in the providence which gave
me that experiment of my virtue: for it was not fit, methought, that so
great a glory should come cheap. Nay, I did not so much as deliberate,
whether good faith should suffer for me, or I for it. I stood my
ground, without laying violent hands upon myself, to escape the rage of
the powerful; though under Caligula I saw cruelties, to such a degree,
that to be killed outright was accounted a mercy, and yet I persisted
in my honesty, to show, that I was ready to do more than die for it. My
mind was never corrupted with gifts; and when the humour of avarice
was at the height, I never laid my hand upon any unlawful gain. I
have been temperate in my diet; modest in my discourse; courteous and
affable to my inferiors; and have ever paid a respect and reverence to
my betters.”
Such was the man whom the tyrant murdered. He is represented by
the artist, bleeding to death, the punishment to which he was
condemned,--his wife stands by and supports him to his last moment;
such is the affection of a wife.