who produced immense sums of ready money, prevailed.  He was received into the camp, and the soldiers instantly swore to obey him as emperor. 21.  Upon being conducted to the senate-house, he addressed the few that were present in a laconic speech, “Fathers, you want an emperor, and I am the fittest person you can choose.”  The choice of the soldiers was confirmed by the senate, and Did’ius was acknowledged emperor, in the fifty-seventh year of his age. 22.  It should seem, by this weak monarch’s conduct when seated on the throne, that he thought the government of an empire rather a pleasure than a toil.  Instead of attempting to gain the hearts of his subjects, he gave himself up to ease and inactivity, utterly regardless of the duties of his station.  He was mild and gentle indeed, neither injuring any, nor expecting to be injured. 23.  But that avarice by which he became opulent, still followed him in his exaltation; so that the very soldiers who elected him soon began to detest him, for qualities so opposite to a military character. 24.  The people also, against whose consent he was chosen, were not less his enemies.  Whenever he issued from his palace, they openly poured forth their imprecations against him, crying out, that he was a thief, and had stolen the empire. 25.  Did’ius, however, patiently bore all their reproach, and testified his regard by every kind of submission. 26.  Soon after Seve’rus, an African by birth, being proclaimed by his army, began his reign by promising to revenge the death of Per’tinax.

27.  Did’ius upon being informed of his approach towards Rome, obtained the consent of the senate to send him ambassadors, offering to make him a partner in the empire. 28.  But Seve’rus rejected this offer, conscious of his own strength, and of the weakness of the proposer.  The senate appeared to be of the same sentiment; and perceiving the timidity and weakness of their present master, abandoned him. 29.  Being called together, as was formerly practised in the times of the commonwealth, by the consuls, they unanimously decreed, that Did’ius should be deprived of the empire, and that Severus should be proclaimed in his stead.  They then commanded Did’ius to be slain, and sent messengers for this purpose to the palace, who, having found him, with a few friends that still adhered to his interest, they struck off his head.

Questions for Examination.

1.  Did Commodus succeed peaceably?

2.  Did he imitate his father’s virtues?

3.  Mention some of his follies?

4.  Mention some of his wanton cruelties?

5.  Who remonstrated with him on this conduct?

6.  What effect did this remonstrance produce?

7.  How was this discovered?

8.  What was the consequence?

9.  How was it affected?

10.  Were the circumstances of his death generally known?

11.  Who succeeded him?

12.  Did Pertinax discover any signs of fear?