Select Observations of Roman Emperors 2, Part 1 · Emperor 19 – Emperor 20
Choyce Observations OF PERTINAX.
WAS so called, either for his reluctance in accepting the Empire, or rather for his pertinacious resolution in his youth to be a Woodmonger, as his father was, when he would have made him a Scholar.
Yet at last he was perswaded by his father to apply himself to learning, in which he was such a proficient, that he succeeded his Master Sulpitius Apollinaris in the teaching of Grammer: But gaining little thereby, he served in the camp with such proof of his valour, that upon the death of Commodus he was chosen Emperour. For the murther being done in the night, Laetus went in all hast to Pertinax, and saluted him with the unexpected name of Emperour; but he thought Laetus was sent from Commodus to kill him,See Claudius in initio. till he was certified of Commodus his death, by one of his servants whom he sent to view his carkase.
So different was the opinion of all men concerning Pertinax and Commodus, that many hearing of Commodus his death, thought the report was raised by himself to try mens inclinations; wherefore many Governours of Provinces imprisoned those who related it, not because they would not have had the news to be true, but for that they thought it more dangerous to believe the death of Commodus, then not to come in to Pertinax, by whom every one was confident that they should be easily pardoned, whereas with Commodus innocence gave no security. Excerpta Petresci. p. 728.
Pertinax was forced to accept of the Empire by Laetus and Electus, when he was above 60. yeares old; yet admitted not any symbole of sovereignty, and declined so envious a Title, till compelled by the Senate. Recusabat imperare; quod erat bene imperaturi. Plinius de Trajano. panegyr. 5.
He chiefly re…used the Empire, because he was to succeed a Tyrant, who by his disorders had so impoverisht the State, and rendred the souldiers so loose, that he saw 'twas impossible to avoid a publik odium, by the use of a necessary remedy. Tristan.
He would not let his wife receive the title of Empresse, nor his son be called Caesar, as the Senate had decreed, lest he should be corrupted, but deferred it till he might deserve it; nor admitting him being a youth into the Court, but causing him to lead a private life.
He permitted not his Name to be stamped on the peculiar goods of the Emperours, saying, That the propriety thereof belonged to the State in generall. Herodian l. 2. c. 4. As Marcus Aurelius, whom he imitated, said to the Senate; Nos usque adeo nihil habemus proprium, ut etiam vestras aedes habitemus. Xiphilinus in Marco Aurelio.
He enacted that all the wast ground in Italy and other countries (though of the Princes demesne) should be improved, and freely given to them who would manure it: to which purpose, he granted to Husband-men 10. yeares immunity from all taxes, and security from all further trouble during his reigne. Herodian.
He banisht informers, preserved the commoners from the injury of souldiers, and released all Imposts exacted by Tyrants. Id.
He never could be induced to revenge an injury. S. A. Victoris Epitome.
He was too negligent of his wife Flavia Titiana's chastity, who openly loved a fidler; he in the mean time being as ardently and infamously enamoured on his Concubine Cornificia. Capitolinus c. 13.
He was called foreign, a giver of good words, because he was rather a Fawning than a kind Prince; promising well but performing ill.
Such was his niggardliness, that he would set before his guests a Sallad of Lettuce, &c. and part of a Tripe; but if he at any time exceeded, a leg or wing of a Hen. Capitolinus c. 12.
Tristan parallelleth him with Vespasian.
His strict discipline and short donatives displeased the souldiers, who conspired against him, and elected Falco Emperour, whom the Senate sentenced, but Pertinax cryed out, God forbid, that during my reigne any Senatour be put to death, though deservedly. Xiphiline.
Laetus pretending to punish this sedition, causeth the death of divers souldiers, that the rest might mutiny, which they did, 200. entring the palace with drawn swords, whom Pertinax was advised to flye from: but he indiscreetly rejecting that good counsell, met them, thinking with his Majesty to make them afraid and leave off their enterprise, which fell out accordingly, for immediately they all retreated, except one Tausius a Tungrian, who ran him into the breast, saying, Hunc tibi gladiū milites mittunt.
Dion censureth him thus, Non norat homo multarum rerum peritus, multa simul tutò corrigi non posse: sed si quid aliud in rebus humanis, tum imprimis reipublicae constitutionem & tempus & sapientiam requirere.
He having endured all manner of labours, & being bandied from one extreme condition to another, was called the Tennisball of Fortune.
He lived 67. years lacking 4. months and 3. dayes, and reigned 87. dayes, saith Dion.
Pertinacis Principatus solo tempore minor est optimi cujus que Principis regimine, saith Boeclerus.
Helvi, judicio & consulto lecte Senatus,
Princeps decretis prodite, non studiis.
Quod docuit malefida cohors, errore probato,
Curia quod castris cesserat Imperio.
Ausonius.
Choyce Observations OF JULIANUS.
SOuldiers proclaiming the sale of the Empire, Julians wife and his daughters with some Parasites, urged him to accept of the proffer, since he could exceed any in largesses. Herodian l. 2. c. 6.
Sulpitian Father-in-law to Pertinax offered each soulder 200. Crownes, but Julian outbidding him, and promising more then they demanded or expected, obtained the Empire of them, who feared lest Sulpitian might revenge Pertinax his death, as his Competitor suggested to them. Xiphiline.
He entered the City, all the Souldiers calling him Emperour, the Citizens neither daring to resist, nor yet approving the election by joyfull acclamations, as the custome was to other Emperours; but cursing him and throwing stones at him. Herodian ubi suprà.
He being hated, Syria elected Niger, Germany chose Severus Emperour, who took Albinus as partner.
The rise of these 3. Commanders, with the fall of Julian, See the Advertisement. pag 21.was prognosticated by the appearance of 3. Stars about the Sun (while Julian sacrificed) conspicuous to all but the flattering pur-blind Senators. Xiphiline.
A boy also divining by a looking-glasse, saw Severus his advance and Julians departure. Spartian c. 7.
Severus hasting to Rome was met by Embassadors from Julian with the offer of half the Empire; which he refused, and was by the Senate (who lately proclaimed him Traitor) declared Emperour.
The souldiers discontented because Julian kept not his Covenant, and hoping to purchase favour with Severus, slew their Chapman in his palace; he thus expostulating with them, Quid rei gravis admisi? quem interfeci?
Severus who had been acquitted by him from the imputation of Adultery, wherewith he was charged, slew him with the like ingratitude, as Julian did Laetus, who had saved his life. Tristan.
He lived 60. yeares,Orosius, ab initio Pertinacis ad finem Iuliani, …nnum unum absumptum fuisse dicit, senis mensibus utriusque Imperio imputatis. Quod falsum est; vix enim dimidium a…ni inter initium Pertinacis & Severi interjectum est. Scaliger in Eusebium. 4. moneths, and so many dayes; and reigned 66. dayes. Dion.
He being old, honourable and rich, by the purchase of the Empire lessened his estate, impaired his credit, and lost his life.
Dii bene, quod spoliis Didius non gaudet opimis;
Et citò perjuro praemia dempta seni.
Tu que Severe pater titulum ne horresce novantis;
Non rapit Imperium vis tua, sed recipit.
Ausonius.