THE DECLINE AND FALL
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CHAP.
IX.
worthy of the humanity than of the patriotismof Tacitus , express the invariable maxims ofthe policy of his countrymen. They deemed ita much safer expedient to divide than to combatthe barbarians, from whose defeat they couldderive neither honour nor advantage. Themoney and negociations of Rome insinuatedthemselves into the heart of Germany ; and everyart of seduction was used with dignity, to con-ciliate those nations whom their proximity tothe Rhine or Danube might render the mostuseful friends, as well as the most troublesomeenemies. Chiefs of renown and power wereflattered by the most trifling presents, which theyreceived either as marks of distinction, or as theinstruments of luxury. In civil dissentions, theweaker faction endeavoured to strengthen itsinterest by entering into secret connexions withthe governors of the frontier provinces. Everyquarrel among the Germans was fomented bythe intrigues of Rome ; and every plan of unionand public good was defeated by the strongerbias of private jealousy and interest.™
The general conspiracy which terrified the Ro-mans under the reign of Marcus Antoninus com-prehended almost all the nations of Germany ,and even Sarmatia, from the mouth of the Rhine to that of the Danube ." It is impossible for
m Many traces of this policy may be discovered in Tacitus andDion; and many more may be inferred from the principles of humannature.
” Hist. August, p. 31. Ammian . Marcellin, I. xxxi, c. 5. AureJ.Victor. The emperor Marcus was reduced to sell the rich furniture ofthe palace, and to enlist slaves and robbers.