The emperor alone was the general of the republic, and his jurisdiction, civil as well as military, extended over all the conquests of Rome.

It was some satisfaction, however, to the senate, that he always delegated his power to the members of their body.

The imperial lieutenants were of consular or praetorian dignity; the legions were commanded by senators, and the praefecture of Egypt was the only important trust committed to a Roman knight.
[Footnote 10: Under the commonwealth, a triumph could only be claimed by the general, who was authorized to take the Auspices in the name of the people.

By an exact consequence, drawn from this principle of policy and religion, the triumph was reserved to the emperor; and his most successful lieutenants were satisfied with some marks of distinction, which, under the name of triumphal honors, were invented in their favor.] Within six days after Augustus had been compelled to accept so very liberal a grant, he resolved to gratify the pride of the senate by an easy sacrifice.

He represented to them, that they had enlarged his powers, even beyond that degree which might be required by the melancholy condition of the times.