deserted him. All this neglect and
contempt were the effects of a weak constitution, a paralytic gait, and an
imperfect utterance.

(M1070) Claudius took Augustus as his model, and at once a great change in
the administration was observable. There was a renewed activity of the
armies on the frontiers, and great generals arose who were destined to be
future emperors. The colonies were strengthened and protected, and foreign
affairs were conducted with ability. Herod Agrippa, the favorite of Caius,
was confirmed in his government of Galilee, and received in addition the
dominions of Samaria and Judaea. Antiochus was restored to the throne of
Commagene, and Mithridates received a district of Cilicia. The members of
the Senate were made responsible for the discharge of their magistracies,
and vacancies to this still august body were filled up from the wealthy
and powerful families. He opened an honorable career to the Gauls, revised
the lists of the knights, and took an accurate census of Roman citizens.
He conserved the national religion, and regulated holidays and festivals.
His industry and patience were unwearied, and the administration of
justice extorted universal admiration. His person was accessible to all
petitioners, and he relieved distress wherever he found it. He
relinquished the most grievous exactions of his predecessors, and tenderly
guarded neglected slaves. He also constructed great architectural works,
especially those of utility, completed the vast aqueduct which Caius
commenced, and provided the city with provisions. He built the port of
Ostia, to facilitate commerce, and drained marshes and lakes. The draining
of the Lake Fucinus occupied thirty thousand men for eleven years. While
he executed vast engineering works to supply the city with water, he also
amused the people with gladiatorial shows. In all things he showed the
force of the old Roman character, in spite of bodily feebleness.

(M1071) The most memorable act of his administration was the conquest of
South Britain. By birth a Gaul, being born at Lugdunum, he cast his eyes
across the British channel and resolved to secure the island beyond as the
extreme frontier of his dominions, then under the dominion of the Druids--a
body of Celtic priests whom the Romans ever detested, and whose rites all
preceding emperors had proscribed. Julius Caesar had pretended to impose a
tribute on the chiefs of Southern Britain, but it was never exacted. Both
Aug