10.  He usually called philosophy his mother, in opposition to the court, which he considered as his step-mother.  He also frequently said, “the people are happy whose kings are philosophers.”  He was, independent of his dignity, one of the most considerable men then existing; and, though he had been born in the meanest station, his merits as a writer (for his works remain to this day) would have insured him immortality.

11.  Having thus restored prosperity to his subjects, and peace to mankind, news was brought him that the Scyth’ians, and other barbarous nations of the north, were up in arms, and invading the empire. 12.  He once more, therefore, resolved to expose his aged person in the defence of his country, and made speedy preparations to oppose them.—­He went to the senate, and desired to have money out of the public treasury.  He then spent three days in giving the people lectures on the regulation of their lives; and, having finished, departed upon his expedition, amidst the prayers and lamentations of his subjects.  Upon going to open his third campaign, he was seized at Vienna with the plague, which stopped his farther progress.  Nothing, however, could abate his desire of being beneficial to mankind. 14.  His fears for the youth and unpromising disposition of Com’modus, his son and successor, seemed to give him great uneasiness.  He therefore addressed his friends and the principal officers that were gathered round his bed, expressing his hope, that as his son was now losing his father, he would find many in them. 15.  While thus speaking, he was seized with a weakness which stopped his utterance, and brought on death.  He died in the fifty-ninth year of his age, having reigned nineteen years.  It seemed as if the glory and prosperity of the empire died with this greatest of the Roman emperors.

Questions for Examination.

1.  To whom did the Romans look for a restoration of the tranquillity of the empire?

2.  Against whom did Aurelius march, and who accompanied him?

3.  Where did they come up with the Marcomanni, and what was the result of the engagement?

4.  What was the fate of Verus?

5.  How did Aurelius act on his return to Rome?

6.  What miraculous event was ascribed to the prayers of a Christian legion?

7.  How did it operate on the enemy?

8.  Did not Aurelius, in consequence, interest himself in favour of the Christians?

9.  What reply did Aurelius make to these who blamed him for his lenity to the friends of Cassius?

10.  What sayings are recorded of him, and what was his character?

11.  What news was brought to Aurelius soon after peace had been restored?

12.  In what way did he occupy himself previous to his departure to oppose the enemy?

13.  At what place was he seized with the plague?

14.  What seemed to give him great uneasiness?