f his depredations, were at length roused
from their supine indolence by the threatening commands of the Emperor.
Maternus found that he was encompassed, and foresaw that he must be
overpowered. A great effort of despair was his last resource. He ordered
his followers to disperse, to pass the Alps in small parties and various
disguises, and to assemble at Rome, during the licentious tumult of the
festival of Cybele. To murder Commodus, and to ascend the vacant throne,
were the ambition of no vulgar robber. His measures were so ably
concerted that his concealed troops already filled the streets of Rome.
The envy of an accomplice discovered and ruined this singular enterprise
in the moment when it was ripe for execution.

Suspicious princes often promote the last of mankind from a vain
persuasion that those who have no dependence, except on their favor,
will have no attachment, except to the person of their benefactor.
Cleander, the successor of Perennis, was a Phrygian by birth; of a
nation over whose stubborn but servile temper blows only could prevail.
He had been sent from his native country to Rome, in the capacity of a
slave. As a slave he entered the imperial palace, rendered himself
useful to his master's passions, and rapidly ascended to the most
exalted station which a subject could enjoy. His influence over the
mind of Commodus was much greater than that of his predecessor; for
Cleander was devoid of any ability or virtue which could inspire the
Emperor with envy or distrust.

Avarice was the reigning passion of his soul and the great principle of
his administration. The rank of consul, of patrician, of senator, was
exposed to public sale; and it would have been considered as
disaffection if anyone had refused to purchase these empty and
disgraceful honors, with the greatest part of his fortune. In the
lucrative provincial employments the minister shared with the governor
the spoils of the people. The execution of the laws was venal and
arbitrary. A wealthy criminal might obtain not only the reversal of the
sentence by which he was justly condemned, but might likewise inflict
whatever punishment he pleased on the accuser, the witnesses, and the
judge.

By these means Cleander, in the space of three years, had accumulated
more wealth than had ever yet been possessed by any freedman. Commodus
was perfectly satisfied with the magnificent presents which the artful
courtier laid at his feet in the most seasonable