172
THE DECLINE AND FALL
It is pur-chased byJulian.
A. D. 193
chap. recent blood of so near a relation, and so excel-
__lent a prince. He had already begun to use the
only effectual argument, and to treat for theimperial dignity; but the more prudent of thepraetorians, apprehensive that, in this privatecontract, they should not obtain a just price forso valuable a commodity, ran out upon the rain-parts, and, with a loud voice, proclaimed thatthe Roman world was to be disposed of to thebest bidder by public auction . k
This infamous offer, the most insolent excessof military licence, diffused an universal grief,Marches! shame, and indignation throughout the city. Itreached at length the ears of Didius Julian us, awealthy senator, who, regardless of the publiccalamities, was indulging himself in the luxuryof the table . 1 His wife and his daughter, hisfreedmen and his parasites, easily convinced himthat he deserved the throne, and earnestly con-jured him to embrace so fortunate an opportu-nity. The vain old man hastened to the prmto-rian camp, where Sulpicianus was still in treatywith the guards ; and began to bid against himfrom the foot of the rampart. The unworthynegociation was transacted by faithful emissa-ries, who passed alternately from one candi-date to the other, and acquainted each of them