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Caesar (Caligula) put to death, for no other reason than because He 

 had more virtue than a tyrant could endure." He wrote treatises 

 on husbandry, and his delight in agriculture is supposed to have 

 led him to give the name of Agricola to his son. His mother 

 was Julia Procilla. Under her tender and loving care he passed 

 his childhood and youth in the acquirement of every liberal 

 accomplishment. His mind was almost entirely moulded by her. 

 But for his mother's judgment, Agricola is reported to have said 

 that he would have pursued the study of philosophy more ardently 

 than suited a Roman and a senator. Thus, what England owes to 

 Agricola, that it owes to his mother in the beginning. 



He began his military career in Britain, being appointed on the 

 staff of Suetonius Paulinus, the governor from A.D. 59—62. To the 

 majority of young men, such an appointment was looked upon 

 merely in the light of a time for dissipation, professional ignorance, 

 and sensuality. Not so to .Agricola. He came for a set purpose, 

 and the distracted state of Britain at that time afforded splendid 

 opportunities for the development of his character. He at once 

 set himself the task of thoroughly knowing and being known by 

 the army — a no^easy task when so much jealousy reigned in high 

 quarters. '£ No service was solicited by him through mere osten- 

 tation ; he shrank from no duty through timidity ; and he acted 

 always with zeal and diligence, endeavouring to emulate the most 

 distinguished, and to derive instruction from the experienced. One 

 great aim of his life was to become thoroughly acquainted with the 

 country, hence aj troublesome campaign imparted skill and en- 

 couragement to Agricola, and a passion for military distinction 

 took possession of his mind. 



The important events commencing with the attack on the Isle 

 of Mona (now Anglesea), and culminating with the defeat of 

 Boadicea, could not fail to prepare him for his future glorious 

 career. On the conclusion of the campaign he returned to Rome, 

 and shortly afterwards married Domitia Decidiana — a lady of high 

 rank. Tacitus the historian, who married their daughter, tells us 

 that their married life was one of perfect harmony, and of mutual 

 preference for each other ; and this, for the times, was saying a great 



