Meditations

On this journey his wife, Faustina, died. At his return the emperor

celebrated a triumph (176). Immediately afterwards he repaired to

Germany, and took up once more the burden of war. His operations were

followed by complete success; but the troubles of late years had been

too much for his constitution, at no time robust, and on March 17, 180,

he died in Pannonia.

The good emperor was not spared domestic troubles. Faustina had borne

him several children, of whom he was passionately fond. Their innocent

faces may still be seen in many a sculpture gallery, recalling with odd

effect the dreamy countenance of their father. But they died one by

one, and when Marcus came to his own end only one of his sons still

lived--the weak and worthless Commodus. On his father's death Commodus,

who succeeded him, undid the work of many campaigns by a hasty and

unwise peace; and his reign of twelve years proved him to be a ferocious

and bloodthirsty tyrant. Scandal has made free with the name of Faustina

herself, who is accused not only of unfaithfulness, but of intriguing

Dettagli