33.  Nothing could exceed the miserable state of things upon the return of Ve’rus.  In this horrid picture were represented an emperor, unawed by example or the calamities surrounding him, giving way to unheard-of crimes; a raging pestilence spreading terror and desolation through all parts of the western world; earthquakes, famines, inundations, almost unexampled in history; the products of the earth through all Italy devoured by locusts; the barbarous nations around the empire taking advantage of its various calamities, and making their irruptions even into Italy itself. 34.  The priests doing all they could to put a stop to the miseries of the state, by attempting to appease the gods, vowing and offering numberless sacrifices; celebrating all the sacred rites that had ever been known in Rome. 35.  To crown the whole, these enthusiasts, as if the impending calamities had not been sufficient, ascribed the distresses of the state to the impieties of the Christians.  A violent persecution ensued in all parts of the empire; and Justin Martyr, Polycarp’us, and a prodigious number of less note, suffered martyrdom.

Questions for Examination.

1.  Did Adrian enjoy repose from this time?

2.  Was this resolution agreeable to the people?

3.  How did he amuse himself?

4.  What new edicts did he issue?

5.  Did he not ameliorate the condition of slaves?

6.  Was he still equal to the fatigues of the empire?

7.  Were not his sufferings great?

8.  Were his wishes complied with?

9.  Were these arts successful?

10.  What was the consequence of this conduct?

11.  Who was his successor?

12.  Did he preserve his virtue on his exaltation?

13.  Was he a favourer of learning?

14.  What anecdote is related of one of these?

15.  What was the emperor’s reply?

16.  Did he experience a long and prosperous reign?

17.  Whom did he appoint as his successor?

18.  Was Marcus Aurelius sole emperor?

19.  Who were Aurelius and Lucius Verus?

20.  Were their characters similar?

21.  Was their reign peaceable?

22.  Was there not a more formidable invasion still?

23.  Did Verus show himself worthy of the trust?

24.  Were they successful?

25.  Did Verus appear to feel this misfortune?

26.  How was Aurelius employed in the mean time?

27.  Did he do this solely by his own authority?

28.  Was he hasty in his decisions?

29.  Was he acquainted with the follies of his colleague?

30.  How did he attempt his reformation?

31.  Was this effectual?

32.  What farther hopes did Aurelius entertain?

33.  What was the state of the empire at this period?

34.  What were the means made use of to avert these calamities?