A source-book of ancient history - The Search For Mecca

CHAPTER XLII
THE ABSOLUTE MONARCHY
But when the stench of
I. Valerius Diocletian
the body revealed the crime,
through the leaders and tribunes of the army Valerius
Diocletian, commander cf the bodyguard of the palace,
was chosen Emperor because of his wisdom ; he was a great
man, but nevertheless he had his faults; for example, he,
the chief of men, coveted the influence of gold-embroidered
garments, of shoes of purple and gems, and silks from the
a;nd to be worshiped and invoked as a deity.
Wherefore
as far as I can judge, I have come to the conclusion that
men of the humblest birth, especially when they have
reached the heights, are arrogant and very fond of display.
Such a man was Alarius of the time of our forefathers; he
was as eager for it as the starving are gluttonous when
suddenly revived by food. Hence it seems strange to me
that many assign haughtiness to the nobles who, mindful
of their patrician blood, have at least as compensation
for the trials by which they are agitated, something to
make them haughty. But these faults of Valerius have
been overshadowed by excellent traits; and though he
permitted himself to be called master, he acted as a parent;
527
Accession
and character.
Aurelius
Victor, Diocletian
(from
his Cmsars).
A ncient
World, 507 ff.
far East. And while such vanities were unworthy of a The opening
words refer
citizen and indicated a proud, vain spirit, they are notwithstanding
insignificant in comparison with what fol-
to the discover>'
of the
death of Numerianus,
his
lows: For he was the first Emperor since Caligula and
predecessor.
Domitian who allowed himself to be called lord openly,