anything did he eat his fill and] in order to avoid satisfying his hunger even with bread he sent to Rome for the loaves:  [this was not because he could not eat what was prepared in that region, but] it was done with the purpose that the age of the article might prevent him eating ever so little more than what was absolutely necessary. [His gums, which were sore, were easily made to bleed by the dryness of the bread.  And he made it his practice to affect sleeplessness even more than was the case, that he might have a reputation for being always awake.] This was the kind of man Marcellus was, who inflicted great damage upon the barbarians in Britain.  Later he narrowly escaped being destroyed by Commodus on account of his peculiar excellence, but was, nevertheless, released.

[Sidenote:  A.D. 185 (a.u. 938)] [Sidenote:—­9—­] Perennis, commander of the Pretorians after Paternus, met destruction on account of a rebellion of the soldiers.  For, since Commodus had devoted himself to chariot-racing and licentiousness and paid scarcely any attention to matters pertaining to the empire, Perennis was compelled to manage not only military affairs, but everything else, and to preside over the government.  The soldiers, accordingly, when anything did not go to suit them, laid the blame upon Perennis and cherished anger against him.

The soldiers in Britain chose Priscus, a lieutenant, emperor.  But he deprecated their action, saying “I am as little suited for emperor as you are for soldiers.”

The lieutenants in Britain had been rebuked for their turbulence (indeed, they had not become quiet until Pertinax put a stop to their discord), and now they chose of their number fifteen hundred javelin-slingers, whom they sent into Italy.  They had approached Rome without meeting any hindrance, when Commodus met them and enquired:  “Why is this, fellow-soldiers?  What does your presence signify?” Their answer was:  “We are here because Perennis is plotting against you, and intends to make his son emperor.”  Commodus believed them, especially since Cleander dwelt at length upon the point. (The latter was often prevented by Perennis from doing all that he desired, and consequently entertained a bitter hatred for him).  Therefore he delivered the prefect to the soldiers of whom he was commander, and did not venture to despise fifteen hundred men, though he had many times that number of Pretorians.  So Perennis was abused and struck down, and his wife and sister and two sons were also killed.

[Sidenote:—­10—­] Thus was he slain though he deserved a far different fate both on his own account and for the interest of the entire Roman domain.  Only, it may be remarked that his fondness for office had been the chief cause of the ruin of his colleague Paternus.  Privately he was never remotely concerned about either fame or wealth, but lived a most incorruptible and temperate life, and for Commodus he preserved his empire in entire safety. [For the emperor wholly followed his amusements and gave himself over to chariot-driving and cared not a whit for any political interests; nor, indeed, had he given his mind to the matter ever so zealously, could he have accomplished aught by reason of his luxurious living and inexperience.]