Though he encouraged the athletic exercises, he would not permit women to be present at them. 25.  In order to prevent bribery in suing for offices, he took considerable sums of money from the candidates by way of pledge; and if any indirect practices were proved against them, they were obliged to forfeit all. 26.  Slaves had been hitherto disallowed to confess anything against their own masters; but he abolished the practice, and first sold the slave to another, which altering the property, his examination became free. 27.  These and other laws, all tending to extirpate vice or deter from crimes, gave the manners of the people another complexion; and the rough character of the Roman soldier was now softened into that of the refined citizen.[1]

Questions for Examination.

1.  What was the consequence of the death of Antony?

2.  What was the character of the Roman people at this time?

3.  Did these convulsions weaken the empire?

4.  What was the first care of Augustus?

5.  In what way did he propose to govern?

6.  What were the consequences of this conduct?

7.  What advantages did the Romans fancy they enjoyed?

8.  Was this observation correct?

9.  What conflicting passions agitated the mind of Augustus?

10.  Whose advice did he adopt, and what was that advice?

11.  What artifice did he employ to confirm his power?

12.  How did he make his intentions known?

13.  What effect was produced by this proposal?

14.  What was their conduct on this occasion?

15.  What farther artifices did he employ?

16.  What were the consequences of this affected moderation?

17.  Was he imposed upon by these arts?

18.  What farther instances of abject servility did the senate display?

19.  What else was done to his honour?

20.  Did these honours render him remiss?

21.  What salutary law did he enact?

22.  What next?

23.  What regulations concerning marriage, and respect to senators, did he enforce?

24.  How did he improve the morals of the people?

25.  How did he prevent bribery?

26.  By what means did he promote justice?

27.  What was the consequence of these regulations?

SECTION II.

  The death of those distinguished by their station,
  But by their virtue more, awakes the mind
  To solemn dread, and strikes a saddening awe.—­Young.