ary; the calculation being the
more easily made because the corpses of our men very soon shrink and
lose their colour, so that their faces can never be recognized after
four days; but the bodies of the Persians dry up like the trunks of
trees, so that nothing exudes from them, nor do they suffer from any
suffusion of blood, which is caused by their more sparing diet, and by
the dryness and heat of their native land.

X.

Sec. 1. While these events and troubles were proceeding rapidly in the
remote districts of the East, the Eternal City was fearing distress
from an impending scarcity of corn; and the violence of the common
people, infuriated by the expectation of that worst of all evils, was
vented upon Tertullus, who at that time was prefect of the city. This
was unreasonable, since it did not depend upon him that the provisions
were embarked in a stormy season in ships which, through the unusually
tempestuous state of the sea, and the violence of contrary winds, were
driven into any ports they could make, and were unable to reach the port
of Augustus, from the greatness of the dangers which threatened them.

2. Nevertheless, Tertullus was continually troubled by the seditious
movements of the people, who worked themselves up to great rage, being
excited by the imminent danger of a famine; till, having no hope of
preserving his own safety, he wisely brought his little boys out to the
people, who, though in a state of tumultuous disorder, were often
influenced by sudden accidents, and with tears addressed them thus:--

3. "Behold your fellow-citizens, who (may the gods avert the omen),
unless fortune should take a more favourable turn, will be exposed to
the same sufferings as yourselves. If then you think that by destroying
them you will be saved from all suffering, they are in your power." The
people, of their own nature inclined to mercy, were propitiated by this
sad address, and made no answer, but awaited their impending fate with
resignation.

4. And soon, by the favour of the deity who has watched over the growth
of Rome from its first origin, and who promised that it should last for
ever, while Tertullus was at Ostia, sacrificing in the temple of Castor
and Pollux, the sea became calm, the wind changed to a gentle south-east
breeze, and the ships in full sail entered the port, laden with corn to
fill the granaries.

XI.

Sec. 1. While these perplexing transactions were taking place, intelligence
ful