Abstract

The "Panegyricus" of Pliny to Trajan allows varied lines of readings. Beneath the ostentation of praise, in effect, one hortative key circumscribes the boundaries of the power of the princeps and resizes the contours of his figure; portrays it as model of "princeps" who would conciliate the "principatus" with the "libertas" in his republican meaning. But also the unexpected idea of "libertas" comes out: as "otium" in the treatise: opportunity, i. e., of devote himself to a private way of life, renouncing public appointments and "honores"; the "libertas" now allowed by a prince who is committed to provide for everyone and everythings. The play about the meanings of freedom, also today discussed, finds its field of traumatic (and rhetoric) achievement.