[Marcus,] emperor of [the] Romans, the one known as "Pious."[1] This man, in addition to possessing all the other virtues, was the best ruler of all those who have held any position of power, with the exception that he was not able to show great fortitude of body. And even this he made very strong from its original weak state. He was especially active in philanthropy, so that he even set up a temple to [Philanthropy], calling her by a peculiar and unheard-of name.[2] He himself steered clear of all offenses and did not err willingly or unwillingly, while the sins of others, particularly those of his wife,[3] he tolerated and did not investigate or punish them. But if someone did anything good, he praised him and treated him as a friend on that account, but ignored everything else, remarking that it is impossible for anyone to make men as he would wish them to be, but one must deal with them as they are, insofar as a person is useful to the community. He lived 50 years[4] and 10 months and 20 days and reigned 19 years and 11 days, and he was the same throughout, and underwent no alteration. He was a good man and there was no affectation in him. He was aided a great deal by education, having been trained in the study of rhetoric and philosophy. Because of this many men were induced to practice philosophy, so that they might be rewarded by him. But he suffered a great deal from physical ailments. Dio has a great deal else to say in praise of him.[5]