were
pronounced in every quarter. He was even fondly compared to Alexander the
Great. His character was embellished by the greatest master of pathos
among the Roman authors, and invested with a gleam of mournful splendor.
His remains were brought to Rome by his devoted wife, and the most
splendid funeral honors were accorded to him. Drusus, with the younger
brother and children of Germanicus, went forth to meet the remains, and
the consuls, the Senate, and a large concourse of people, swelled the
procession, as it neared the city. The precious ashes were deposited in
the Caesarian mausoleum, and the memory of the departed prince was
cherished in the hearts of the people. Whether he would have realized the
expectations formed of him, had he lived to succeed Tiberius, can not be
known. He, doubtless, had most amiable traits of character, while his
talents were undoubted. But he might have succumbed to the temptations
incident to the most august situation in the world, or have been borne
down by its pressing cares, or have shown less talent for administration
than men disgraced by private vices. Had Tiberius died before Augustus,
his character would have appeared in the most favorable light, for he was
a man of great abilities, and was devoted to the interests of the empire.
He became moody, suspicious, and cruel, and yielded to the pleasures so
lavishly given to the master of the world. When we remember the atmosphere
of lies in which he lived,--as is the case with all absolute monarchs,
especially in venal and corrupt times,--the unbounded temptations, the
servile and sycophantic attentions of his courtiers, the perpetual
vexations and cares incident to such overgrown and unlimited powers, and
the disgust, satiety, and contempt which his experiences engendered, we
can not wonder that his character should change for the worse. And when we
see a man rendered uninteresting and unamiable by cares, temptations, and
bursts of passion or folly, yet who still governs vigilantly and ably, our
indignation should be modified, when the lower propensities are indulged.
It is not pleasant to palliate injustices, tyrannies, and lusts. But human
nature, at the best, is weak. Of all men, absolute princes claim a
charitable judgment, and our eyes should be directed to their services,
rather than to their defects. These remarks not only pertain to Tiberius,
but to Augustus, and many other emperors who have been harshly estimated,
but whose g