d for the acquisition of the
most valuable provinces should be granted for the annexation of a mere
strip of worthless territory upon the extreme borders of the
empire--wild, rugged, and inhospitable, and inhabited by nomadic tribes,
who could only be brought under a nominal authority, and who would never
prove otherwise than turbulent and unprofitable subjects. Nor was it a
matter to be mentioned with especial laudation that Sergius Vanno had
succeeded in repressing, with overwhelming force, a revolt in a few of
the AEgean islands. If exploits such as these were to be so liberally
recompensed, what honors could there be left to bestow upon deeds of
acknowledged brilliancy and importance?

So, with cautious discrimination, spoke some of the senators; and so, in
the secrecy of their hearts, most of them thought. But against all this
were brought to bear, not only the influence which Sergius naturally
commanded as a patrician of the highest rank, but also the far more
powerful pressure of popular clamor. Sergius was a favorite with the
people. His noble birth and lineage entitled him to their respect. He
was of a rare type of manly beauty--was wealthy, and used his gold with
liberality--gave abundant largesses to the poorer classes--was lavish in
his expenditure upon the arts--did not disdain, at times, to descend
from his natural station and associate with his inferiors, thereby
pleasing the fancy of the masses for social equality--patronized poets
and actors, who, in return, sang or spouted his praise, and thus still
further added to his fame--and was noted for a bold, frank, out-spoken
demeanor, which tended to conciliate all classes with him. These were
virtues not always to be found combined in one person. Moreover, he was
impulsively brave; and, though still young, was gifted with more than
ordinary military genius, and had carried on his campaign with that
rashly daring energy which, when rewarded with success, never fails to
commend its possessor to popular adulation. In addition to all this,
other considerations of a less personal character exerted their
influence. Many months had elapsed since Rome had enjoyed any great
civic festivity, and the people had begun to long for a new stimulant.
The completion of the colossal Flavian amphitheatre had been delayed
beyond public expectation; and though its speedy inauguration had been
announced, there was serious doubt whether the lower and more turbulent
orders of the