Page:Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (1827) Vol 1.djvu/362

 SSS THE DECLINE AND FALL CHAP. Illyrian frontier, with the command of all the troops in • Thrace, Maesia, Dacia, Pannonia, and Dalmatia, the appointments of the prefect of Egypt, the establish- ment of the proconsul of Africa, and the sure prospect of the consulship. By his victories over the Goths, he deserved from the senate the honour of a statue, and excited the jealous apprehensions of Gallienus. It was impossible that a soldier could esteem so dissolute a sovereign ; nor is it easy to conceal a just contempt. Some unguarded expressions which dropt from Clau- dius, were officiously transmitted to the royal ear. The emperor's answer to an officer of confidence, de- scribes in very lively colours his own character and that of the times. " There is not any thing capable of giving me more serious concern, than the intelligence contained in your last despatch*^; that some malicious suggestions have indisposed towards us the mind of our friend and parent Claudius. As you regard your allegiance, use every means to appease his resentment; but conduct your negociation with secrecy : let it not reach the knowledge of the Dacian troops ; they are already provoked, and it might inflame their fury. I myself have sent him some presents : be it your care that he accept them with pleasure. Above all, let him not suspect that I am made acquainted with his impru- dence. The fear of my anger might urge him to des- perate counsels^." The presents which accompanied this humble epistle, in which the 'monarch solicited a reconciliation with his discontented subject, consisted of a considerable sum of money, a splendid wardrobe, and a valuable service of silver and gold plate. By such arts Gallienus softened the indignation, and dis- pelled the fears, of his Illyrian general ; and, during the remainder of that reign, the formidable sword of Claudius was always drawn in the cause of a master d Nfltoria, a periodical and official despatch which the emperors received from the frumentarii or agents dispersed through the provinces. Of these we may speak hereafter. like a man who loved and understood those splendid trifles.
 * Hist. August, p. 208. Gallienus describes the plate, vestments, etc.