21.  The beginning of Domi’tian’s reign was universally acceptable to the people, as he appeared equally remarkable for his clemency, liberality and justice.[29] 22.  But he soon began to show the natural deformity of his mind.  Instead of cultivating literature, as his father and brother had done, he neglected all kinds of study, addicting himself wholly to meaner pursuits, particularly archery and gaming. 23.  He was so very expert an archer, that he would frequently cause one of his slaves to stand at a great distance, with his hand spread as a mark, and would shoot his arrows with such exactness, as to stick them all between his fingers. 24.  He instituted three sorts of contests to be observed every five years, in music, horsemanship and wrestling; but at the same time he banished all philosophers and mathematicians from Rome. 25.  No emperor before him entertained the people with such various and expensive shows.  During these diversions he distributed great rewards, sitting as president himself, adorned with a purple robe and crown, with the priests of Ju’piter, and the college of Fla’vian priests about him. 26.  The meanness of his occupations in solitude, was a just contrast to his exhibitions of public ostentation.  He usually spent his hours of retirement in catching flies, and sticking them through with a bodkin; so that one of his servants, being asked if the emperor were alone, answered, that he had not so much as a fly to bear him company. 27.  His vices seemed every day to increase, and his ungrateful treatment of Agrico’la afforded a convincing proof of his natural malevolence. 28.  Domi’tian was always particularly fond of obtaining a military reputation, and therefore felt jealous of it in others.  He had marched some time before into Gaul, upon a pretended expedition against the Catti, a people of Germany, and without even seeing the enemy, resolved to have the honour of a triumph upon his return to Rome.  For that purpose he purchased a number of slaves, whom he dressed in German habits, and at the head of this miserable procession he entered the city, amid the apparent acclamations and concealed contempt of all his subjects.

Questions for Examination.

1.  How did Titus conduct himself after this important conquest?

2.  How was he received at Rome?

3.  What were the most remarkable among the spoils?

4.  What peculiarity attended this triumph?

5.  What was the character of Vespasian?

6.  How many years did Vespasian reign?

7.  Did he not display great resolution at the hour of death?

8.  How did Titus commence his reign?

9.  By what means did he gain the love of his subjects?

10.  What sacrifices did he make for this purpose?

11.  Did he succeed in his views?

12.  What class of delinquents met his most decided disapprobation?

13.  What punishment was inflicted on them?