A little later, Cocceius Nerva, the inseparable friend of the emperor, versed in all law divine or secular, his position intact, his health unimpaired, adopted the resolution of dying. Tiberius, on discovering the fact, sat down by his side, inquired his reasons, proceeded to entreaties, and in the last resort confessed that it would be a serious matter for his conscience and a serious matter for his reputation, if the nearest of his friends were to flee from life with no motive for dying. Declining all conversation, Nerva continued his abstention from food till the end. It was stated by those acquainted with his thoughts that, moved by his closer view of the calamities of his country, he had, in indignation and fear, whilst yet unscathed, yet unassailed, decided for an honourable end.

 

Keinen sozialen Anschluss zu haben, also kein Glied in dieser Kette von bindenden Wechselbeziehungen, Entschuldigungen und Kompromissen zu sein, das bedeutet ein ausserordentlich hohes und vielleicht das einzige menschliche Gut: die geistige Freiheit.

 

Wie oft auch habe ich meinen Ärger über irgendeinen Vorgang, den offen zu tadeln mir Anstand und Vernunft untersagte, mir hier von der Leber geschrieben, nicht ohne den Hintergedanken, wenigstens so die Öffentlichkeit wachzurütteln. 

La vie n'est tolérable qu'avec une marotte, un travail quelconque. Dès qu'on abandonne sa chimère, on meurt de tristesse.