A HISTORY OF THE ROMANS UNDER THE EMPERORS. BY DAWSON MASSY, M.A., Rector of Killeshin and Author of The Secret History of Romanism,' LONDON: HAMILTON, ADAMS & CO., 33, PATERNOSTER-ROW; DUBLIN; HERBERT, 117, GRAFTON-STREET. 1863. (The Author reserves the Right of Translation.) BONIFACE III., the First Pope-He As- sumes the Name of Blasphemy-Boni- face IV. follows out the Pagan Idea in Idolatry -The Arabian Avenger Ma- hommed-The Emperor Leo's Crusade against Images-Popes Gregory II. and III. rebel to save their Images-Charles Martel Invited to Rome-Pope Stephen forges a Letter from St. Peter-He ob- tains King Pepin's Aid and his Dona- tion of the Sovereignty of Rome -Char- lemagne confirms the Donation-His Fatal Policy-Archbishop Whately on CHAPTER I. 'Thou art in Rome! the city that so long Grew into everything.'-ROGERS. AUGUSTUS, THE FIRST EMPEROR. OUR SAVIOUR's advent dates from about the middle of the reign of Augustus; and fitly did the famous peace which then hushed the civil wars of the Roman world in a repose so calm, passive, and almost deathlike, precede the coming of the Prince of Peace, to make that peace spiritual, universal, and eternal. Founded by a small band of marauders, for security's sake, upon the wild and solitary Palatine Hill, Rome had now swelled from a 'den of the wolves of Italy' into a seven-hilled city, the emporium of the world, furnished with every luxury, and many of her chief necessities from foreign cities, which on every coast and in every clime vied with intense rivalry in ministering to her insatiable appetite. Every summer her glittering sea was alive with vessels; and as each successive fleet neared the harbour of Ostia or Puteoli, the well-known topsails were descried above the horizon by the watchmen of Rome, a deputation of senators went forth B |