Page:The Prince.djvu/228

Rh Severus, knówing the cowardice of the Emperor Julian, persuaded the army which he commanded in Illyria that it was necessary to march to Rome, in order to avenge the death of Pertinax, who had been massacred by the Prætorian guard. It was under this pretence, and without any idea being entertained that he aimed at empire, that this general arrived in Italy, before any one had intelligence of his departure from Illyria. He entered Rome, and the intimidated senate named him emperor, and put Julian to death. But he had still two obstacles to surmount before he became master of the whole empire. Pescennius Niger, and Albinus, one of whom commanded in Asia, and the other in the western part of the empire, were both his competitors. The first of these had even been proclaimed emperor by his own legions. Severus perceiving that he could not without danger attack both at the same time, determined to march against Niger, and to deceive Albinus by an offer to share with him the government: which Albinus without hesitation accepted. But he had no sooner vanquished and put Pescennius Niger to death, and pacified the eastern district, than on his return to Rome he complained bitterly of Albinus's ingratitude, whom he did not hesitate to accuse of having attempted his life; which obliged him, he said, to pass the Alps in order to punish him for so unworthy an