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THE DECLINE AND FALL

' V

CHAP VII.

The elevation and tyranny of Maximin. — Rebel-lion in Africa and Italy , under the authority ofthe senate.—Civil wars and seditions .—Violentdeaths of Maximin and his son, of Maximusand Iialbiuus, and of the three Gordians .—Usurpation and secular games of Philip.

CHAP. Of the various forms of government, which

_have prevailed in the world, an hereditary rno-

Theappa- narcliy seems to present the fairest scope for ri-cuie. ndl dicule. Is it possible to relate, without an in-dignant smile, that on the father’s decease, theproperty of a nation, like that of a drove of oxen,descends to his infant son, as yet unknown tomankind and to himself; and that the bravestwarriors and the wisest statesmen, relinquishingtheir natural right to empire, approach the royalcradle with bended knees and protestations ofinviolable fidelity? Satire and declamation maypaint these obvious topics in the most dazzlingcolours, but our more serious thoughts will re-spect a useful prej udice, that establishes a rule ofsuccession, independent of the passions of man-kind ; and we shall cheerfully acquiesce in anyexpedient which deprives the multitude of thedangerous, and indeed the ideal, power of giv-ing themselves a master.

*nd solid | n the coo l shade of retirement, we may easi-

advantages ... ^

ofheredi- ly devise imaginary forms of government, insession 0 " which the sceptre shall be constantly bestowed