16.  The death of the emperor caused inexpressible grief throughout the whole empire.  It was, by some, supposed that his wife Liv’ia had some hand in hastening it, with a view to procure the succession more speedily for her son.  However this was, she took care, for a time, to keep the important event concealed, by guarding all the passages to the palace; sometimes giving out that he was recovered, and then pretending a relapse.  At length, having settled the succession to her mind, she published the emperor’s death; and at the same time, the adoption of Tibe’rius to the empire. 17.  The emperor’s funeral was performed with great magnificence.  The senators being in their places, Tibe’rius, on whom that care devolved, pronounced a consolatory oration.  After this his will was read, wherein he made Tibe’rius and Liv’ia his heirs. 18.  He was studious of serving his country to the very last, and the sorrow of the people seemed equal to his assiduity.  It was decreed, that all the women should mourn for him a whole year.  Temples were erected to him, divine honours were allowed him, and one Nume’rius At’ticus, a senator, willing to convert the adulation of the times to his own benefit, received a large sum of money for swearing that he saw him ascending into heaven; so that no doubt remained among the people concerning his divinity.

19.  Such were the honours paid to Augustus, whose power began in the slaughter, and terminated in the happiness of his subjects; so that it was said of him, “that it had been good for mankind if he had never been born, or if he had never died.” 20.  It is possible that the cruelties exercised in his triumvirate were suggested by his colleagues.  In the case of Caesar’s death, he might think that revenge was virtue.  Certain it is, that severities were necessary to restore public tranquillity; for, until the Roman spirit should be eradicated, no monarchy could be secure. 21.  He indulged his subjects in the appearance of a republic, while he made them really happy in the effects of a most absolute monarchy, administered with the most consummate prudence.  In this last quality he seems to have excelled most monarchs; and indeed, could we separate Octavius from Augustus, he was one of the most faultless princes in history. 22.  About this time our Saviour was born in Jude’a.[5]

Questions for Examination.

1.  What was the general conduct of Augustus?

2.  Mention some instances of his moderation?

3.  What farther instance of his moderation is on record?

4.  How did he most decidedly show the alteration in his disposition?

5.  In what was he particularly remarkable?

6.  Was he happy in domestic life?

7.  What family had she, and what was the character of her son?

8.  Had he no other domestic trials?

9.  In what way was she punished?

10.  Was the reign of Augustus of considerable length?