Page:Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire vol 3 (1897).djvu/188

 Theodoalna 168 THE DECLINE AND FALL pressed subjects of the West, who would have deemed themselves happy in the restoration of their lands, were astonished to receive a sum of money equivalent to their losses ; and the liberality of the conqueror supported the aged mother, and educated the orphan daughters, of Maximus.^^ A character thus accomplished might almost excuse the extravagant sup- position of the orator Pacatus, that, if the elder Brutus could be permitted to revisit the earth, the stem republican would abjure, at the feet of Theodosius, his hatred of kings ; and in- genuously confess that such a monarch was the most faithful guardian of the happiness and dignity of the Roman people. '^- Fauits of Yet the piercing eye of the founder of the republic must have 'Pfiai-kH/talna ^ 1 > P 11-1 "L discerned two essential imperfections, which might, perhaps, have abated his recent love of despotism. The virtuous mind of Theodosius was often relaxed by indolence,^^ and it was sometimes inflamed by passion. '^^ In the pursuit of an important object, his active courage was capable of the most vigorous exertions ; but, as soon as the design was accomplished or the danger was surmounted, the hero sunk into inglorious repose ; and, forgetful that the time of a prince is the property of his people, resigned himself to the enjoyment of the innocent, but trifling, pleasures of a luxurious court. The natural disposition of Theodosius was hasty and choleric ; and, in a station where none could resist and few would dissuade the fatal consequence of his resentment, the humane monarch was justly alarmed by the consciousness of his infirmity, and of his power. It was the constant study of his life to suppress or regulate the intemperate sallies of passion ; and the success of his efforts enhanced the merit of his clemency. But the painful virtue which claims the merit of victory is exposed to the danger of defeat ; and the reign of a wise and merciful prince was polluted by an act of cruelty which would stain the annals of Nero or Domitian. Within the space of three years, the inconsistent historian of Theodosius must relate the generous pardon of the citizens of 81 Ambros. torn. ii. epist. xL p. 955. [The interpretation of this passage is not certain. The daughters of an itiimicus and the mother of a hostis are mentioned. Are the hostis and inimicus the same, viz., Maximus ?] Pacatus, from the v;iiit of skill, or of courage, omits this glorious circumstance. 82 Pacat. in Panegyr. Vet. .ii. 20. 83Zosimus, 1. iv. p. 271, 272 [c. 50]. His partial evide,:ce is marked by an air of candour and truth. He observes these vicissitudes of sloth and activity, not as a vice, but as a singularity, in the character of Theodosius. 81 This choleric temper is acknowledged, and excused, by Victor [Epit. 48]. Sed habes (says Ambrose, in decent and manly language, to his sovereign) naturae impetum, quem si quis lenire velit, cito vertes ad misericordiam : si quis stimulet, in magis exsuscitas, ut eum revocare vix possis (torn. ii. epist. ii. p. 998). Thcod. (Claud, in iv. Cons. Hon. 266, &c.) exhorts his son to moderate his anger.