Page:Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (1827) Vol 1.djvu/318

Oct. 27. 294 THE DECLINE AND FALL CHAP, to replace that greatness op a permanent basis, with- ' out restoring public virtue, ancient principles and man- ners, and the oppressed majesty of the laws. To exe- cute this noble but arduous design, he first resolved to revive the obsolete office of censor ; an office which, as long as it had subsisted in its pristine integrity, had so much contributed to the perpetuity of the state °, till it was usurped and gradually neglected by the Caesars p. Conscious that the favour of the sovereign may confer power, but that the esteem of the people can alone bestow authority, he submitted the choice of the censor A.D^25i. to the unbiassed voice of the senate. By their unani- mous votes, or rather acclamations, Valerian, who was afterwards emperor, and who then served with dis- tinction in the army of Decius, was declared the most worthy of that exalted honour. As soon as the decree of the senate was transmitted to the emperor, he as- sembled a great council in his camp ; and, before the investiture of the censor elect, he apprised him of the difficulty and importance of his great office. " Happy Valerian," said the prince to his distinguished subject, " happy in the general approbation of the senate and of the Roman republic! Accept the censorship of mankind ; and judge of our manners. You will select those who deserve to continue members of the senate ; you will restore the equestrian order to its ancient splendour ; you will improve the revenue, yet moderate the public burdens. You will distinguish into regular classes the various and infinite multitude of citizens, and accurately review the military strength, the wealth, the virtue, and the resources of Rome. Your de- cisions shall obtain the force of laws. The army, the palace, the ministers of justice, and the great officers o Montesquieu, Grandeur et Decadence des Romains, c. viii. He illus- trates the nature and use of the censorship with his usual ingenuity, and with uncommon precision. P Vespasian and Titus were the last censors. Plin. Hist. Natur. vii. 49 ; Censorinus de Die Natali. The modesty of Trajan refused an honour which he deserved, and his example became a law to the Antonines. See Pliny's Panegyric, c. 45. and 60.