e affairs of state. His greatness consisted rather in
the ability to abstain from abusing the advantages presented by fortune,
than in the genius which moulds the current of affairs to the will.
His success depended on the temper of the people and the peculiar
circumstances of the time. His clearest title to greatness is found in
the fact that he compelled eighty millions of people to live in peace
for more than forty years, He made the world to centre on one will, and
the horrors which mark the reigns of his successors were the legitimate
result of the irresponsible sovereignty he established. He formed his
empire for the present, to the utter ignoring of the future. Thus it
would seem that the part he played was that of a shrewd politician,
rather than that of a wise statesman.

CHAPTER XXXVII. THE AUGUSTAN AGE.

In speaking of Augustus, we must take into account the writers whose
names have given to his its brightest lustre, and have made the AUGUSTAN
AGE a synonym for excellence in culture, art, and government. Virgil,
Ovid, Horace, Livy, and a host of others, have given his reign a
brilliancy unmatched in time, which is rather enhanced than diminished
by the fame of Cicero, Caesar, and Sallust, who preceded, and that of
Tacitus, Seneca, and others, who followed; for they belong to an epoch
in which Augustus stands the central figure in all which pertains to the
arts of peace.

In literature the name of VIRGIL stands first in the Augustan age. Born
at Andes, near Mantua, 15 October, 70, he was educated at Cremona and
Mediolanum. After completing his education he retired to his paternal
estate. In the division of land among the soldiers after the battle of
Philippi (42), he was deprived of his property, which was subsequently
restored to him by Augustus. He lived partly at Rome, partly in
Campania. His health was never good, and he died in his fifty-second
year (22 September, 19 B. C.).

Virgil had neither original nor creative genius. Though he mainly
imitated Greek poetry, his style is graceful and eloquent, his tone
inspiring and elevating.

In disposition he was childlike, innocent, and amiable,--a good son,
a faithful friend, honest, and full of devotion to persons and ideal
interests. He was not, however, fitted to grapple with the tasks and
difficulties of practical life.

In his fortunes and friends he was a happy man. Munificent patronage
gave him ample means of enjoyment and leisure; and he h