A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

a Roman knight connected by blood and marriage with persons of the highest rank, was born at Volaterrae in Etruria on the 4th of December, during the consulship of L. Vitellius and Fabius Persicus, A. D. 34 (comp. Hierot. Chron. Euscb. an. 2050). His father Flaccus died six years afterwards; his mother, Fulvia Sisennia married as her second husband a certain Fusius belonging to the equestrian order, and within a few years again became a widow. Young Persius received the first rudiments of education in his native town, remaining there until the age of twelve, and then removed to Rome, where he studied grammnar under the celebrated Remmius Palaemon, rhetoric under Verginius Flavius. When approaching the verge of manhood he became the pupil of Cornutus the Stoic, who opened tip to him the first principles of mental science, and speedily impressed upon his plastic mind a stamp which gave a character to his whole subsequent career. To this master, who proved in very truth the guide, philosopher, and friend of his future life, he attached himself so closely that he never quitted his side, and the warmest reciprocal attachment was clierished to the last by the instructor and his disciple. While yet a youth he was on familiar terms with Lutcan, with Caesius Bassus the lyric poet, and with several other persons of literary eminence; in process of time he became acquainted with Seneca also, lint never entertained a very warti admiration for his talents. By the highminded and virtuous Paetus Thrasea (Tac. Ann. 16.21, 34). the husbandtl of his kinswoman the younger Arria, Persitis was tenderly beloved, and seems to have been well worthy of such affection, for he is described as a youth of pleasing aspect, of most gentle inantners, of maiden modesty, pure land upright, exemplary in his conduct as a son, a brother, and a nephew. IIe died of a disease of the stomach, at an estate near the eighth milestone on the Appiml way, on the 24th of November in the consulship of P. Marius and L. Asinitus Galluis, A. D. before he had completed his twenty-eighth year.

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