c. AD 120

Suet. Cl. 30

The Life of Claudius Chapter 30

Author
Suetonius
Translator
J. C. Rolfe

The Life of Claudius

Chapter 30

Suetonius

translated by J. C. Rolfe

30He possessed majesty and dignity of appearance, but only when he was standing still or sitting, and especially when he was lying down; for he was tall but not slender, with an attractive face, becoming white hair, and a full neck. But when he walked, his weak knees gave way under him and he had many disagreeable traits both in his lighter moments and when he was engaged in business; his laughter was unseemly and his anger still more disgusting, for he would foam at the mouth and trickle at the nose; he stammered besides and his head was very shaky at all times, but especially when he made the least exertion.