Page:Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (1827) Vol 1.djvu/146

122  sovereign; till at length the despair of pardon reviving their fury, a barbarian of the country of Tongres levelled the first blow against Pertinax, who was instantly despatched with a multitude of wounds. His head, separated from his body, and placed on a lance, was carried in triumph to the pretorian camp, in the sight of a mournful and indignant people ; who lamented the unworthy fate of that excellent prince, and the transient blessings of a reign, the memory of which could serve only to aggravate their approaching misfortunes.