He was himself an artist; and he loved the arts, as they conduced to the glory of the monarch.

They were encouraged by the Antonines, as they contributed to the happiness of the people.

But if the emperors were the first, they were not the only architects of their dominions.

Their example was universally imitated by their principal subjects, who were not afraid of declaring to the world that they had spirit to conceive, and wealth to accomplish, the noblest undertakings.

Scarcely had the proud structure of the Coliseum been dedicated at Rome, before the edifices, of a smaller scale indeed, but of the same design and materials, were erected for the use, and at the expense, of the cities of Capua and Verona.