Year: 1866

I I VI.
and was considered liberal and humane No
ruler of Rome ever had brighter future
When required to sign death-warTant of a
prisoner he did it with the greatest reluc-
tance, and would often say


"Would to heaven that had never learned
to writel"


But as he increased in years he grew in
crime and debaudhery He first manifested
his native depravity and cruelty by the her
nous execution of hismother He attempted
her death at first by causing her to be plac-
ed in vessel so constructed by bolts that
by Withdrawing them it would separate IN
the open sea but in thi. he was foiled, she
being rescued by some fishermen for more
direful death Being enraced at this he
gave orders for her to be put to death In her
palace. After She was dead, as he was gaz
ing on her body, he exclaimed that he never
Oh brute that thou vert. no wonder that
the curse of Heaven was heaped upon thy
wicked head in af;er years


Next after the murder of his mother was
that of his tutor, then that of his wife, the
lovely Octavia, in order that he might marry
another


Thus the guard of virtue and honor was
overcome, and his inhuman appetites led
him to the commission of the highest and
most damnable crimes On record, which
would make


Midnight blush and hell ashamed"


Strange to say, in his earlier days he had
taste for music and poetry. During his
reign the city of Rome was set on fire-his-
tory says by his order While the flames
were rolling mountains high through that
vast city, laying waste palaces and temples,
and consuming thousands of human beings,
Nero stood on the top Of high tower, sing
ing to his harp the burning of Troy


Almost the entire city was laid in ashes.
None were allowed to check the flood of fire.
On, on, the blazing flames moved like the
mighty waves of the ocean.


He then attempted to place this detestable
crime upon the Christians, who were then
gaining ground in Rome, and who daily re-
buked al manner of sin. Nero felt the
power of the teachings of the Prince of
Peace; his disciples had to suffer for it.
Upon his accusation a horrible persecution
was raised against them 30 death was too
ignoble, no mode was too barbarous for them
to endure. Some were cast among wild
beasts others were clothed IN skins and de-
voured by hungry dogs; and again Others
were burnt to ashes.


1t was at that time that Paul was behead-
ed and Peter crucifed; net as his Master,
but with his head downward.


Tacitus, in speaking of this says


when the day was not sufficient for their
tortures, the flames in which they perished
seemed to illuminate the night


Nero enjoyed all this a. a happy repast.
He reveled in his gardens within the sound
of their dying groans.


Upon the ruins of the city he built great
palace, which he called his Golden House. .
This was a building of unbounded lnagni-
IL LII L.
the poet, both 10 their lives by the order of
this tyrant. Soon followed the death of
other noted men of Rome; nor did he snaIe
the life OF Poppaca the Empress for whom
he had Octavia beheaded


Ferbearanee ceased to be a virtue The
whole world became aroused against this
monster of crime and tyranny


At this time Servius Galba was Governor
OF SPAN. He was a man of great wisdom
and military skill. Being incensed at the
atrocities of Nero he resolved to march
towards Rome with his large army. Nero
on learning the determination of Galba felt
that he was undone He was seated at his
supper table, indulging his morbid appetite
on his blood-bought Injuries when he heard
of Galbb's coming The shock so terrified
him that he upturned the table with his foot.
and fell into a swoon.


w hCn uS IOCON6TcQ nc pOIe Ills ClOLDeS,
struck his head and cried out that he was
utterly llndene


He sought death by poison but was pre-
vented He then urged one of his gladiators
to Kill him, but he refused.


Alasl cried he, have neither friend
nor enemy?"


Then he resolved to drown himself in the
Iiber, but his courage falling him he deter
mined to leave Rome 4 man offered him
his house four miles from the city Thither
he fed on horseback Scarcely had he start
ed when the shock of an earthquake terrified
him almost to death. Then the lightning
from heaven flashed in his face mental and
physical confusion reigned on every side.


His horse taking fright at a dead body that
lay in the road, he dismounted and took to
the bushes, until he came to the home of his
friend.


In the meantime the Senate declared Galba
Emperor, and condemned Nero to die. He
was informed that he was to be stripped
naked, his head placed in pillory, and there
scourged to death. He grew frantic; he
wanted to kill himself, but had not the
courage to do so, and eRtreated that one of
his attendants should die to give him cour
age, Then hearing the tramp of horsemen
near by, he seized a dagger and placed it to
his threat giving himself mortal wound.


One of the centuriens coming up attempt
ed to staunch the flow of blood, but Nero,
sterniy looking him IN the face said =


1t is now too late; is this your fdelity2'


Then he died not asthe Christians whom
he caused to be put to death, but as demon.
at the age of thirty-two, after reign of
thirteen years.


Thus by his own hand was ended the life
of man who was but a short time before =
terror to mankind


Gen. Grant father is Post Master at Co