176

THE DECLINE AND FALL

CHAP.

XIX

Domitian, the oriental prefect, and Montius,quiestor of the palace, were empowered by aspecial commission to visit and reform the stateof the East. They were instructed to behavetowards Gallus with moderation and respect,and, by the gentlest arts of persuasion, to en-gage him to comply with the invitation of hisbrother and colleague. The rashness of theprefect disappointed these prudent measures,and hastened his own ruin, as well as that ofhis enemy. On his arrival at Antioch, Domi-tian passed disdainfully before the gates of thepalace, and alleging a slight pretence of indis-position, continued several days in sullen retire-ment, to prepare an inflammatory memorial,which he transmitted to the imperial court.Yielding at length to the pressing solicitationsof Gallus, the prefect condescended to take hisseat in council; but his first step was to signifya concise and haughty mandate, importing thatthe Caesar should immediately repair to Italy ,and threatening that he himself would punishhis delay or hesitation, by suspending the usualallowance of his household. The nephew anddaughter of Constantine, who could ill brookthe insolence of a subject, expressed their re-sentment by instantly delivering Domitian tothe custody of a guard. The quarrel still ad-mitted of some terms of accommodation. Theywere rendered impracticable by the imprudentbehaviour of Montius, a statesman, whose artand experience were frequently betrayed by