Page:Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (1827) Vol 1.djvu/148

124 The pretorian bands, whose Hcentious fury was the first symptom and cause of the decUne of the Roman empire, scarcely amounted to the last mentioned number. They derived their institution from Augustus. That crafty tyrant, sensible that laws might colour, but that arms alone could maintain, his usurped dominion, had gradually formed this powerful body of guards in constant readiness to protect his person, to awe the senate, and either to prevent or to crush the first motions of rebellion. He distinguished these favoured troops by a double pay, and superior privileges ; but, as their formidable aspect would at once have alarmed and irritated the Roman people, three cohorts only were stationed in the capital ; whilst the remainder was dispersed in the adjacent towns of Italy. But after fifty years of peace and servitude, Tiberius ventured on a decisive measure, which for ever rivetted the fetters of his country. Under the fair pretences of relieving Italy from the heavy burden of military quarters, and of introducing a stricter discipline among the guards, he assembled them at Rome, in a permanent camp, which was fortified with skilful care , and placed on a commanding situation.

Such formidable servants are always necessary, but often fatal, to the throne of despotism. By thus introducing the pretorian guards, as it were, into the palace and the senate, the emperors taught them to perceive their own strength, and the weakness of the civil government ; to view the vices of their masters with familiar contempt, and to lay aside that reverential awe, which distance only, and mystery, can preserve, towards