27. Upon the death of Ta'citus, his half-brother took upon himself the title of emperor, in Cile'sia: but being twice defeated by Pro'bus, he killed himself in despair, when the whole army, as if by common consent, cried out that Pro'bus should be emperor. 28. He was then forty-four years old; was born of noble parentage, and bred a soldier. He began early to distinguish himself for his discipline and valour: being frequently the first man that scaled the walls, or that burst into the enemy's camp. He was equally remarkable for single combat, and for having saved the lives of many eminent citizens. Nor were his activity and courage when elected to the empire less apparent than in his private station. 29. Every year now produced new calamities to the state; and fresh irruptions on every side threatened universal desolation. Perhaps at this time no abilities, except those of Pro'bus, were capable of opposing such united invasions. 30. However, in the end, his own mutinous soldiers, taking their opportunity, as he was marching into Greece, seized and slew him, after he had reigned six years and four months with general approbation. He was succeeded by Ca'rus. _Questions for Examination_. 1. Did Philip succeed without opposition? 2. Was his reign of long duration? 3. What was the character of Decius? 4. Did he restore the empire to its former grandeur? 5. What was his end? 6. Who succeeded him? 7. What was his character? 8. What farther calamities distinguished this reign? 9. What effect had this news on Gallus? 10. Who succeeded Gallus? 11. What were his first acts and their effects? 12. What disaster befel him? 13. How was he treated in captivity? 14. Did he long survive this cruelty? 15. Who succeeded him? 16. Was Galienus the only pretender to the throne? 17. What measures did Galienus adopt on this? 18. Who succeeded Galienus? 19. What were his character and end? 20. Who succeeded Claudius? 21. Who was Aurelian? 22. Over whom did he triumph? 23. What occasioned his destruction? 24. Who succeeded Aurelian? 25. Did he govern well? 26. What distinguished his reign? 27. Who succeeded Tacitus? 28. What were the qualifications of Probus? 29. What was the state of the empire at this time? 30. What was the end of Probus? SECTION V. U.C. 1035.--A.D. 282. Forbid it, gods! when barbarous Scythians come From their cold north to prop declining Rome. That I should see her fall, and sit secure at home.--_Lucan_. 1. Ca'rus, who was praetorian prefect to the deceased emperor, was chosen by the army to succeed him; and he, to strengthen his authority, united his two sons, Cari'nus and Nume'rian, with him in command; the elder of whom was as much sullied by his vices, as the younger was remarkable for his virtues, his modesty, and courage.