Page:Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (1827) Vol 2.djvu/289

 OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE. 271 frontier. The former, elevated by the superiority of CHAP. • XVII their pay and privileires, were permitted, except in the L extraordinary emergencies of war, to occupy their tran- quil stations in the heart of the provinces. The most flourishing cities were oppressed by the intolerable weight of quarters. The soldiers insensibly forgot the virtues of their profession, and contracted only the vices of civil life. They were either degraded by the industry of mechanic trades, or enervated by the luxury of baths and theatres. They soon became careless of their martial exercises, curious in their diet and ap- parel; and while they inspired terror to the subjects of the empire, they trembled at the hostile approach of the barbarians'*. The chain of fortifications which Diocletian and his colleagues had extended along the banks of the great rivers, was no longer maintained with the same care, or defended with the same vicri- lance. The numbers which still remained under the name of the troops of the frontier, might be sufficient for the ordinary defence. But their spirit was degraded by the humiliating reflection, that they who were ex- posed to the hardships and dangers of a perpetual warfare, were rewarded only with about two-thirds of the pay and emoluments which were lavished on the troops of the court. Even the bands or legions that were raised the nearest to the level of those unworthy favourites, were in some measure disgraced by the title of honour which they were allowed to assume. It was in vain that Constantine repeated the most dreadful menaces of fire and sword against the borderers who should dare to desert their colours, to connive at the inroads of the barbarians, or to participate in the spoil p. The mischiefs which flow from injudicious counsels are seldom removed by the application of partial severities : Amaiian. 1. xxii. c. 4. He observes, that they loved downy beds and houses of marble ; and that their cups were heavier than their swords. P Cod. Theod. 1. vii. tit. i. leg. 1. tit. xii. leg. 1. See Howell's Hist, of the World, vol. ii. p. 19. That learned historian, who is not sufficiently known, labours to justify the character and policy of Constantine.
 * > Ferox erat in suos miles et rapax, ignavus vero in hostes et fractus.