The present volume has been prepared in the belief not only that Seneca merits more attention than has usually been paid to him by American students, but also that his life and character are no less interesting than his works. This is the explanation, if any is due, for an edition of a group of his writings chosen with a view not primarily to the exemplary display of his philosophy or of his literary style, but rather to his personal connection with the history of his time. The longer essays here presented are those which have relation to the two emperors, Claudius and Nero, under whom Seneca made most of his external career.