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132
THE DECLINE AND FALL
CHAP. V.
_____receiving this sudden tide of fortune; he flattered himself that his accession would be undisturbed by competition, and unstained by civil blood ; and whilst he enjoyed the vain pomp of triumph, he neglected to secure the means of victory. Instead of entering into an effectual negociation with the powerful armies of the west, whose resolution might decide, or at least must balance, the mighty contest; instead of advancing without delay towards Rome and Italy, where his presence was impatiently expected[1], Niger trifled away in the luxury of Antioch those irretrievable moments which were dihgently improved by the decisive activity of Severus[2].
- ↑ Dion, 1. Ixxiii. p. 1238 ; Herod. 1. ii. p. 67. A verse in every one's mouth at that time, seems to express the general opinion of the three rivals: Optimus est Niger, bonus Afer, pessimus Albus. Hist. August, p. 75.
- ↑ Herodian, 1. ii. p. 71.
- ↑ See an account of that memorable war in Velleius Paterculus, ii. 110, etc. who served in the army of Tiberius.
- ↑ Such is the reflection of Herodian, 1. ii. p. 74. Will the modern Austrians allow the influence ?