The Life of Domitian, 19

Suetonius  translated by J. C. Rolfe

« Suet. Dom. 18 | Suet. Dom. 19 | Suet. Dom. 20 | About This Work »

19He was incapable of exertion and seldom went about the city on foot, while on his campaigns and journeys he rarely rode on horseback, but was regularly carried in a litter. He took no interest in arms, but was particularly devoted to archery. There are many who have more than once seen him slay a hundred wild beasts of different kinds on his Alban estate, and purposely kill some of them with two successive shots in such a way that the arrows gave the effect of horns. Sometimes he would have a slave stand at a distance and hold out the palm of his right hand for a mark, with the fingers spread; then he directed his arrows with such accuracy that they passed harmlessly between the fingers.

« Suet. Dom. 18 | Suet. Dom. 19 | Suet. Dom. 20 | About This Work »