39. He mixed, however, some prudence with his courage, and
passed the greatest part of his time in a country
retirement; alleging his advanced age, and the weakness of
his eyes. "I never saw him in the senate," says Dion,
"except during he short reign of Pertinax." All his
infirmities had suddenly left him, and they returned as
suddenly upon the murder of that excellent prince. Dion, l.
lxxii. p. 1227.