nst antagonists whose only weapons were tin and lead. He also laid
claim to divinity, and was addicted to debasing superstitions. He
destroyed the old ministers of his father, and decimated the Senate. All
who excited his jealousy, or his covetousness, were put out of the way. He
was poisoned by his favorite mistress, Marcia, and the Senate set the
brand of infamy on his name. Thus perished the last of the line of the
Antonines, even as the Julian line was ended by the assassination of Nero,
and the Flavian by that of Domitian, and the empire became once again the
prize of the soldier, A. D. 192.

CHAPTER XLV.

THE DECLINE OF THE EMPIRE.

(M1102) Able or virtuous princes had now ruled the Roman world, with a few
exceptions, from Julius Caesar to Commodus, a period of more than two
hundred years. Among these were some odious tyrants, or madmen, who were
removed by assassination. But some of these very tyrants governed with
ability, and such was the general prosperity, such the wonderful mechanism
of government for which the Romans had a genius, that the general
condition of the world was better than at any preceding period. All that
government could do to preserve and extend civilization was done, on the
whole. Despotism was not signally oppressive, and the _regime_ of
Augustus, of Vespasian, and Hadrian was generally maintained. The Roman
governors, appointed by the emperors, ruled more wisely and beneficently
than in the time of the republic. Peace, security, and law reigned, and,
in consequence, the population increased, civilization advanced, and
wealth was accumulated. The whole empire rejoiced in populous cities, in
works of art, in literary culture, and in genial manners. Society was
pagan, but attractive, and Rome herself was the resort of travelers, the
centre of fashion and glory, the joy and the pride of the whole earth.
There were no destructive wars, except on the frontiers; all classes were
secure, the face of nature was cultivated and beautiful, and poets sung
the praises of civilization such as never existed but in isolated cities
and countries.

(M1103) But now we observe the commencement of a great and melancholy
change. Prosperity had led to vice, false security, and pride. All classes
had become corrupt. Disproportionate fortunes, slavery, and luxury
undermined the moral health, and destroyed not only elevation of sentiment
but martial virtues. Literature de