Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/116

 lxiv follow the Precedent of Nerva and Trajan, and sell the Furniture of his Palaces. Now the Subject being not allow'd to have their Houses so richly Furnish'd, or be serv'd in Gold, or Silver Plate like the Emperour ; to promote the Sale therefore, Antoninus was forced to permit Persons of Quality to make their Figure and Equipage, as magnificent as they pleas'd. Upon this Liberty the Auction began; and all the best of the Crown Jewels, Paintings, Cristals, Plate and Hangings, together with the Empress's Wardrobe, were set to Sale, and so were a vast number of rich Pearls in Adrian's Cabinet. Now the Romans who were too poor to carry on the War, to secure their Country, and assist a brave Prince, found Mony enough to buy his Furniture: This Auction lasted two Months, and rais'd such a vast Sum, that the Emperour was plentifully supply'd for the Charge of the Campaign. At his coming home he publish'd a Proclamation to let them know, it would be kindly taken if they would return the things at the Price paid for them, but forc'd no body to part with them against their Will.

Before he took the Field he lost his youngest Son Verus Cæsar ; This Prince was but seven Years old, and died of an Impostumation in his Ear, the Physicians