12.  He was scarcely settled on the throne, when several of the northern barbarians began to devastate the frontier provinces of the empire.  These hardy nations, who now found the way to conquer by issuing from their forests, and then retiring on the approach of a superior force, began to be truly formidable to Rome. 13.  A’drian had thoughts of contracting the limits of the empire, by giving up some of the most remote and least defensible provinces; in this, however, he was overruled by friends, who wrongly imagined that an extensive frontier would intimidate an invading enemy. 14.  But though he complied with their remonstrances, he broke down the bridge over the Dan’ube, which his predecessor had built, sensible that the same passage which was open to him, was equally convenient to the incursions of his barbarous neighbours.

15.  Having staid a long time at Rome, to see that all things were regulated and established for the safety of the public, he prepared to make a progress through his whole empire. 16.  It was one of his maxims, that an emperor ought to imitate the sun, which diffuses warmth and vigour over all parts of the earth.  He, therefore, took with him a splendid court, and a considerable force, and entered the province of Gaul, where he caused the inhabitants to be numbered. 17.  From Gaul he went into Germany, thence to Holland, and afterwards passed over into Britain; where, reforming many abuses, and reconciling the natives to the Romans, he, for the better security of the southern parts of the kingdom, built a wall of wood and earth, extending from the river E’den, in Cumberland, to the Tyne, in Northumberland, to prevent the incursions of the Picts, and other barbarous nations of the north. 18.  From Britain, returning through Gaul, he directed his journey to Spain, his native country, where he was received with great joy. 19.  Returning to Rome, he continued there for some time, in order to prepare for his journey into the east, which was hastened by a new invasion of the Par’thians.  His approach compelling the enemy to peace, he pursued his travels without molestation.  He visited the famous city of Athens; there making a considerable stay, he was initiated into the Eleusin’ian mysteries, which were accounted the most sacred in the Pagan mythology, and took upon him the office of archon or chief magistrate. 20.  In this place, also, he remitted the severity of the Christian persecution.  He was even so far reconciled to their sect, as to think of introducing Christ among the number of the gods. 21.  From thence he crossed over into Africa, and spent much time in reforming abuses, regulating the government, deciding controversies, and erecting magnificent buildings.  Among the rest, he ordered Carthage[4] to be rebuilt, calling it after his own name, Adrian’ople.[5] 22.  Again he returned to Rome; travelled a second time into Greece; passed over into Asia Minor; from thence into Syr’ia; gave laws and instructions to all