"Born weaker than evil, he became, through natural simplicity and shyness, the slave of his courtiers, who little by little corrupted his spirit. His cruelty, which at first was the effect of the suggestions of others, degenerated into a habit and a page of history was stained with civil blood; but similar reasons do not justify the unprovoked cruelties of Commodus, who, enjoying everything, had nothing to desire. Mark's beloved son succeeded his father amidst the acclamations of the Senate and the armies. And when this fortunate young man ascended the throne, he found neither rivals to fight, nor enemies to punish. In that quiet and sublime fortune he naturally had to prefer the love of men to their detestation, and the sweet glories of his five predecessors to the ignominious fate of Nero and Domitian."
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Commodus
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