His noble birth and lineage entitled him to their respect. He
was of a rare type of manly beauty--was wealthy, and used his gold with
liberality--gave abundant largesses to the poorer classes--was lavish in
his expenditure upon the arts--did not disdain, at times, to descend
from his natural station and associate with his inferiors, thereby
pleasing the fancy of the masses for social equality--patronized poets
and actors, who, in return, sang or spouted his praise, and thus still
further added to his fame--and was noted for a bold, frank, out-spoken
demeanor, which tended to conciliate all classes with him. These were
virtues not always to be found combined in one person. Moreover, he was
impulsively brave; and, though still young, was gifted with more than
ordinary military genius, and had carried on his campaign with that
rashly daring energy which, when rewarded with success, never fails to
commend its possessor to popular adulation. In addition to all this,
other considerations of a less personal character exerted their
influence. Many months had elapsed since Rome had enjoyed any great
civic festivity, and the people had begun to long for a new stimulant.
The completion of the colossal Flavian amphitheatre had been delayed
beyond public expectation; and though its speedy inauguration had been
announced, there was serious doubt whether the lower and more turbulent
orders of the populace, so long restrained, would possess themselves
with sufficient patience to await the occasion with proper calmness.
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