But, doubtless, it happened to
Augustus as to other men; his spirits failed, and his powers of supporting
fatigue or bustle, as years stole upon him. Changes, coming by insensible
steps, and not willingly acknowledged, for some time escape notice; until
some sudden shock reminds a man forcibly to do that which he has long
meditated in an irresolute way. The marriage banquet may have been the
particular occasion from which Augustus stepped into the habits of old
age, but certainly not the cause of so entire a revolution in his mode of
living.
It might seem to throw some doubt, if not upon the fact, yet at least upon
the sincerity, of his _civism_, that undoubtedly Augustus cultivated
his kingly connections with considerable anxiety. It may have been upon
motives merely political that he kept at Rome the children of nearly all
the kings then known as allies or vassals of the Roman power: a curious
fact, and not generally known. In his own palace were reared a number of
youthful princes; and they were educated jointly with his own children. It
is also upon record, that in many instances the fathers of these princes
spontaneously repaired to Rome, and there assuming the Roman dress--as an
expression of reverence to the majesty of the omnipotent State--did
personal 'suit and service' (_more clientum_) to Augustus.
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