Sejanus having acquired some reputation in the profession of Armes , his father Strabo presenteth him to Tiberius , entreating hee would be pleased hee might accompany him in his charge of Coronell of the Pretorian Guards , from which time the Prince began to take delight in his vigilance and vivacitie , with confidence that this man would one day with his mannage , prove an instrument capable of any thing .

Hee followeth the Prince Drusus , whom the Emperour had constituted Generall of his Armie , to reduce under obedience , those who were revolted in Austria and Hungaria . Rector juveni , & caeteris periculorum praemiorumque ostentator . The first testimony of the affection of Tiberius , who made choyce of him to direct the youth of this Prince , and to give example of merit to others , to arrive at recompence , and of worth to attempt things perilous .

He found out the humour of Tiberius , and so absolutely conformed his owne thereunto , that it seemed both their hearts had one and the same motion . Tiberium obscurum adversum alios sibi uni incautum intectumque effecit . This conformitie entertaineth affection , and from affection so entire a confidence ariseth , that Tiberius trusting no man , doubted nothing in Sejanus , held nothing hidden , or concealed from him , yet never free from suspition of others . Favour attracteth all hearts , and all eyes wait on this new light . The Senate communicateth with him their most important affaires , and receive directions from his lips . In everie place troopes of visitants are seene , Turba salutatrix . who seeke to him , or attend to offer him service : Great ones account his commands , There were three admissions to court him in the morning . as honours ; if hee speake to them , hee obligeth them ; if hee cast an eye on them , they are pleased : Such an one expected all night to have the first admittance . They wait in the morning at his chamber doore , they are ready at his up-rising and downe-lying , others swallow up the affronts put upon them by the Porter , whom they bribe with gifts , that they may gaine the first opening or admission : Duras fores expers somni colit . Sen. And when they present themselues before this Idoll whom they adore , it is but the better to counterfeit words of admiration to applaud him , or slaverie to flatter him . Loquitur ad voluntatem , assentatur , assidet , adminatur . Cic. To speake acceptably to a great man , to consent to whatsoeuer hee saith , to admire all hee doth , to approve all hee desireth , are the principall peeces of Complacence , and ever admiration executeth much of the office of flatterie .

Hee was desirous his power being upon the first birth thereof to have men beleeve , Incipiente potentia , bonis consiliis innotescendum . Tac. it was supported with a firme resolution of the advancement of the Princes service , and the good of the State , and that nothing but justice should be seene in his actions , prudence in his counsels , and modestie in his fortune . He outwardly exercised moderation , Palam compositus pudor intus summa adipiscendilibide . Tac. inwardly ambition ; but it was discovered in his expences and profusions , in the magnificence of his houshold furnitures and pictures ; in the prodigalitie of his feasts , sumptuous as sacrifices ; in the beautie of his buildings , gilded like Temples . He seriously industrious , Industria ac vigilantia haud minus noxiae , quoties parando regno finguntur . Tac. and vigilant , had a spirit prompt to discover others , and to take all sorts of formes , accommodating himselfe ( according to occasion ) either to simplicitie , or pride .

Hee being sole Captaine of the Pretorian Guards , lodged them in a part of the Citie , where in time of occasion hee might have them ready for his dispose ; telling Tiberius , that Souldiers dispersed lived without discipline , Lascivit miles diductus . Tac. and that seeing themselves daily to bee assembled in one place together , number would beget confidence among them , Fiducia ipsis , in caeter●s metus . Tac. and terrour with others ; and , that distance from ryots of the Citie , would the better keepe them in obedience .

This agreed unto , and their lodgings appointed , Vallam statuatur procul urbis illecebris . he began by little and little to infuse love , and a good opinion of himselfe into their hearts , visiting the Souldiers in their Court of guards , calling them by their severall names , endearing the Captaines and Tribunes , entertaining the one with hopes , the other with gifts , and all of them with good words , which must never be wanting .

To fortifie his faction the more , he addressed his practices and intelligences , to make himselfe great in the Senate , procureth his friends might bee furnished with commissions , Neque ambitu Senatorio abstinebas clientes fuos honoribus aut prouinciis ornando . Tac. and honoured with charges and offices ; supposing it was not sufficient to have authoritie among Souldiers , if credit and respect failed him among Iudges and Orators , that had reputation with the people .

In all his Designes , hee found so much facilitie and affection in Tiberius , Favour changeth requests into thankes . that hee had little else to doe , but to aske , and give thanks : He denyed him nothing , oft times preventing his suits , and protesting hee deserved much more ; calling him , not onely in his Cabinet , but even in full Senate , Sejanus so●ius laborum Tiberii Tac. the Companion of his labours , and commanding his Statue should be raised in publique passages , Effig●es per theatra , fora , & inter principia legionum . Tac. reverenced in Theaters , and borne in the front of the Legions . It was to destroy his owne service , to court his servant : For it cannot doe well , when once the people shall perceive , that favour transferreth the soveraigne honours of the Superiour , to the Inferiour ; and that a Prince admitteth a Companion to assist him in Empire . Firmiùs Herculea coelum cervice pependit . Claud. Hercules was willing Atlas should aid h●m , but it must be acknowledged , Olympus standeth more firmely on his shoulders , than on any others . Non capit regnum duos . Sen. The sway of a Kingdome cannot in the same instant be divided betweene two .

Hee disposeth all the actions of Tiberius to rigour and severitie ; to the end hee might lose the love of the people , who will not wish well to him , who doth nothing but ill for them . Hee had not much difficultie to perswade him to crueltie : All his inclinations rended that way ; For in his first youth , Theodorus his Tutor in Rhetorique , called him , Durt mingled with bloud ; so that hee had nought else to doe , but to finde , and seeke out occasion to excite his anger , which never was appeased without a sacrifice .

That which a Prince doth for favour , ought to have merit , at least in apparance . All honours and dignities were conferred by the recommendation of Sejanus . It was sufficient proofe of merit , to alleage his alliance , and protest his favour , and yet was Tiberius willing it should be thought , he considered more the one than the other , to avoyd blame ; so taking from Vertue to give to Fortune : He had nominated two Proconsuls of Affrique , Lepidus and Blaesus , and that hee might free himselfe from the ill opinion of him who should be excluded , hee referred to the Senate the election of the most capable . The one was a man of singular worth , the other Vncle of Sejanus , and for this cause confident to carrie it . It is a great imprudence to argue upon a charge against them who are supported by powerfull favour . Lepidus loth to enter into competition with one much more favoured and powerfull , excused it upon his owne indisposition , the minoritie of his children , and that he had a daughter marriageable ; the Senate takes him at his word , following the blast of favour : Blaesus made semblance of refusall of this charge , and all the flatterers loudly cry out , none but himselfe deserved it . The same favour that had raised him , maintained him , and dignified his most inferiour services , with amplest recompences . After he had , not discomfited , but rather skirmished against the forces of Tacfarinas , Tiberius commandeth the Legions to salute him as Emperour , ordaineth triumphs for him , which onely appertained to an absolute victorie , Ad confulatum non nisi per Sejanum aditus , neque Sejani voluntas nisi scelere quaerebatur . Tac. and in all things declareth it was for the love of his nephew Sejanus . Whosoever had Sejanus for Protector , needed not to seek out honours ; He that found him an enemy , Vt quisque Sejano intimus , ita ad Caesaris amicitiam validus : contra quibus infensus esset , metu , & sordibus confli●tabantur . Tac. languished in neglect and miserie . No honour was had without his favour , nor could it with innocencie , and worth bee acquired . He made Iunius Otho to come into the Senate , who never professed ought , but to teach as a Schoole-Master . Hee used him as his instrument to ruine C. Silanus Proconsul of Asia , he accuseth him of extortion , and that in execution of his charge , hee was rather swayed by money than justice . This was somewhat , but other inquisitions were thereunto added , from which the most innocent hardly could dis-involve themselves . They opposed against him the most eminent Orators of Asia , Proprius metus exercitam quoque eloquentiam debilitat . Tac. whereas hee was not assisted by any , nor had beene accustomed to speake in publique ; and Feare , which troubleth the best Speakers , and most confident eloquence , put his discourse into disorder .

Tiberius pressed him so potently , both with voice and gesture , and by demands so strong and powerfull , Saepè etiam confitendum erat , ne frustra quae sivisset . Tac. that he was ( as it were ) amazed , not daring to reject , that he might not incense , and saw himselfe inforced to confesse , that the interrogation might not be rendred fruitlesse . What a miserie is this ? The awe of the Prince obligeth the accused to betray his owne innocencie .

Amongst the numbers of those accusers , Iunius Otho a creature of Seianus was one of the most passionate : for at his first entrance into the ranke of Senators , Obfaura initia impudentibus ausis propolluebat . Tac. he sought out occasions to advance the obscuritie of his beginnings by the impudencie and shamelesse boldnesse of his counsels , using the most audacious wayes for the most wholesome .

Silanus had more minde to have recourse to Tiberius clemencie , Excusatius accipiuntur quae fiunt sub exemplum . Tac. than to confide in his owne defence , he therefore presented a petition to move him : But Tiberius desirous to destroy him , sheweth , that he in this accusation sought nothing but the intentions of lawes . And because , that , which is done by president carrieth excuse with it , he causeth a decree to be produced out of the registers , given under Augustus , against Volesus Messalla , who had also beene Proconsull of Asia : but if the qualities were alike , the lives and offices were wholly different : the one cruell , the other covetous ; for this man most inhumane , walking in the Market place , where he one day had caused three hundred heads to be strucken off , termed it a royall act , O rem regiam . Sen. and of much magnificence .

It then comming to voices for a definitive sentence , Lucius Piso hauing cast out some specious words in commendation of the Emperours clemency , was of opinion , * * To praise clemency , and conclude upon rigour . Silanus should be interdicted fire and water , and banished into the Iland of Gyara . This his Councell was approued by others , Lentulus addeth , Anteire caeteros parat , absurdum , in adulationem progressus . Tac. the goods of the mother should be left to the Sonne , and Tiberius approves it . But Cornelius Dolabella , extending his flattery much farther , and sharply reprehending the actions of Silanus , saith , that hereafter the government of Provinces should be given only to such as were free from reproach , and of sound reputation in the Emperours Iudgement : for although lawes were only ordained to punish crimes committed , Legibus delicta puni●ntur quanto melius provider ne peccaretur . Tac. yet it was vndoubted , if misgovernment in the Magistrate were prevented , great benefit would redound both to those who were honoured with such charges , and to such as should be subject to their commands : for the one might conserve their innocency , the other their peace . Tiberius hereupon framed a discourse worthy of the wisdome , and reputation he had among people , who are over-forward to applaud the actions of Magistrates , Loquax , et ingeniosa in contumeliam praefectorum : provincia in qua qui vitaverit culpam non effugit infamiam . Sen. Non ex rumore stituendum . Tac. as was then said of Aegypt , that it super-abounded in pratteling , and artificyes to calumniate Gouernors , and that many , so they might escape punishment , cared not to free themselves from infamy ; He spake therefore in this manner .

Affaires make men . I am not ignorant of what hath beene published against Silanus , but wee ought not to resolve on any thing upon common bruit . Quidam ad meliora excitantur magnitudine rerum , ●ebescunt a●ii . Tac. Many have borne themselves in their provinces , much otherwise than was either hoped , or feared : For the greatnesse , and difficulty of affaires presented , raiseth courage in some , duls and debaseth it in others . Then insomuch as the knowledge of the Prince , cannot extend it selfe to all , nor ought to be diverted by the ambition of any , Leges in facto constitutae , quia futura in incerto sunt . Tac. lawes are ordained for things acted , the future being most uncertaine . For which cause our predecessors have decreed , that the crime going before , the penalty should follow : you ought not to alter , that , which having beene once wisely established , hath ever beene approved . The provinces are surcharged with too many affaires ; They have sufficient authority , Right is lessened , when power is augmented , Sapienter reperta , & semper placita non vertenda . Tac. Non utendum imperio , ubi legibus agi potest . Tac and it is unfit to exercise command in matters , where lawes have provided .

This discourse was applauded , and the place of banishment changed to Cythara , Gyara being too rude and sauage . Tiberius shewed he was able to temper his spirit , Prudens moderandi animum , si propria ira non impellitur . Tac. when he was not moved with anger .

Sejanus alone disposed of the offices and Commissions . The people no more entermedled with the choice of Senators , nor any longer made sale of suffrages and voices , and for the right they held over the election of Magistrates , Senate , and Legions , they contented themselues with shewes , Insula Gyara immitis , & sine cultu hominum . Tac. sports of the Cirque , and liuery garments . There was not then a man alive , Qui dabat olim imperium , fasce● , legiones , &c. Tac. who had seene the Republique , the markes of ancient liberty being wholly defaced .

Duas tantummodo res anxius optat , pannum , & Circences luven . The greatest ornament of the City of Rome was Pompeys Theater , which was of such capacitie , that it was able to accommodate 40000. men with seats . Fire casually happening therein , Pompeys theater was dedicated to Venus , it was a Temple and a Bourdell . Sejanus quenched it , and hindered the mischiefe of this accident from proceeding any further . Tiberius purposing to re-edifie it againe , in full Senate commended the diligence and vigilance of Sejanus : the Senators to please him , decreed his Statue should be erected neere the Theater . Arx omnium turpitudinum . Tert.

Laboreet diligentia magna vis intra unum damnum sistitur . Tac. But as Princes doe nothing without some particular end , Tiberius in favouring Sejanus had one designe , and Sejanus in serving Tiberius proposed to himselfe another . No affection , nor fidelity commeth gratis . As the Prince loveth not , so he is not served but for ends . Tiberius was desirous the love he bare to Sejanus might oblige him to serve him without condition , to secure thereby his authority ; and Sejanus in serving the Emperour aspired to the Empire , yet willing to hide his owne ambition . It was not affection in Tiberius , but rather necessity : Non tam bexevolentia provexit , quam ut esset cujus ministerio ac fraudibus liberos Germanici circumveniret . Suet. for he was desirous to make use of the wiles , and policies of Sejanus , to ruine the house of Germanicus , and advance his owne , and Sejanus purposed to climbe to the Imperiall throne by the fall of both . His power was not so swift , as his will , which met with many maine obstacles : For the stocke of Caesars was yet whole and entire , the sonne young , the nephewes men growne : It was not in his power to ruine so many at once : Dolus intervalla scelerum poscebat . Tac. For mischiefe required there should be distance , betweene such terrible counterbuffes , and that he practise the death of Drusus the sonne of Tiberius , at the same time that Tiberius meant to murther Germanicus : For as the heart more apprehendeth perils farther off , than the present , Tiberius saw nothing which made him jealous , but the brother , nor any thing put feare vpon Sejanus ambition , but the sonne .

The worst counsell he gave him , It is ever perilous to change the ordinance of a predecessor . was to alter what Augustus had decreed , and hate what he loued : For the extreme malice he bare against the house of Germanicus , cooled the first affection he found ( when he came to the Empire ) in the hearts of the Citizens , hastening as fast as he could wish , R●mae ruunt in serv●●●um Consules , Patres , Equites . Tac. to the overthrow of their libertie , and tumbling it by maine force ( as a rocke ) into the gulfe of servitude , that it might neuer rise vp againe .

Germanicus was both favoured , and beloved of the people , because he was the sonne of Drusus , who formerly had vndertaken to reduce the ancient government of the Common-wealth , and had imparted the project to Tiberius his brother : but he betrayed him , and discovered it to Augustus . It was supposed the sonne would have pursued the fathers plot , Credebatur si rerum potitus soret , libertatem redditurus . Tac. to set liberty againe on foot , and that if he should attaine the soveraigne authority , he would not exercise rigour like Tiberius , but raigne sweetly as Augustus , Augustus civile rebatur misceri voluptatibus populi . Tac. who was Prince , and seemed Citizen , disdaining not to be present in their popular recreations . For which cause Germanicus swaied in hearts , and Tiberius only in provinces : and being advertised , he had pacified Germany , and that his wife Agrippina had there done all which might be expected from the Generall of an army , to shew her courage to the enemies , her bounty to the souldiers , her prudence in seditions , he became jealous : and jealousie degenerating into mortall hatred , made him say vnto her ; Nihil relictum Imperatoribus ubi foemina manipulos intervisat , signa adcat , largitionem tentet . What shall the Emperours haue hereafter to doe , since a woman vndertaketh to command over men , visit the Court of guards , oblige the souldiers with good words and large donatiues ?

Sejanus , who loued not Agrippina , and well knew the humour of Tiberius , which brooked not any should trench vpon his soueraigne Authority , ( a thing so delicate , that how tenderly soeuer it be touched , is alwayes wounded ) wanted not arguments and surmises to entertaine his jealousie , O dia in longum jaciens , quae reconderet , auctaque promeret . Suet. adding distrust to suspition , to suspition feare , and ( as it were ) a far off , preparing the hatred of this Prince to worke her ruine in the end .

Germanicus returneth from Germany ; The whole City rejoyceth . Tiberius commandeth , that only two companies of the pretorian bands should march before him : all the people ran thither , Populus omnis usque aol vicesimum lapidem se effudit . Sue● . the sooner to giue themselues the contentment of beholding him , whom they so long had desired and expected . Tiberius grew so discontented hereupon , that he resolved to cut off this brave Prince , who was but now entring into the foure and thirtieth yeare of his age , and had already gained as much reputation , as another perhaps could acquire in an age .

Sceleratis ingeniis , & plusquam civilia cupientibus non dominari instar servitutis est . Calp. This hindered Sejanus , who transported with the desire of rule , supposed this mighty power he possessed in the affaires of state , was nought else but seruitude , whilst he acknowledged a superior . Tiberius by his advice sendeth Germanicus into Sclavonia , under colour of honouring him with principall charges of the Empire : giveth him for lieutenant Gneius Piso , an euill man , proud , and violent ; with commission to observe his actions , and discover all his designes . It is said Sejanus gave him direction by writing , to make away this poore Prince .

He puts this in execution , Germanicus passeth into Aegypt , and being there , was desirous to see the Idoll Apis , Apis manum Germanici Caesaris aversatus est haud multo post extincti . Plin. to know what his fortune should be . He presented it with meat to eat . Apis would take nothing from his hand , which was interpreted for a certaine signe of his death . He was surprized with a long , lingring , and painfull sicknesse , and his opinion of being poisoned , augmented the violence thereof , Fama ex long inquo aucta . Tac. so that he held it incurable . The rumour came to Rome , much greater than the maladie ; for distance redoubled it . The people ascribe to events all actions which went before . Nothing was then heard , but teares and lamentations . And wherefore was it ( saith one ) that he was sent to the utmost limits of the world , that Piso was made his Lieutenant : These are the practices of the Emperesse with Plancina , the wife of Piso . ( Poore Rome , ) we cannot affect those which love thee , nor dare wee murmur against such as ruine thee : adding thereunto vehement and mortall imprecations against Seianus .

It was reported by Merchants of Egypt , Latiora statim credita , statim vulgata . Tac. that he began to recover . This newes was as soone beleeved as published . The streets were thronged with the presse of people that ran to the Temples to render thanks to the Gods . Night favoured this rumour ; Pronior in tenebris affirmatio . Tac. Beleefe seemes much more easie , and is most confident in the darke . Tiberius himselfe is wakened in the night with the acclamations of joy : Nothing was every where heard , but these words , Salua Roma , salua patria , salvus est Germanicus . Suet. Rome is delivered , our Countrey is freed , Germanicus is safe .

After this poison slowly-violent , had wasted all the heat and moisture of this poore afflicted body , Germanicus could not endure the crowing or sight of a cocke . Plut. his Allies and friends wished it might not be irksome to him to have or see a cocke , to sacrifice it to Esculapius , and that the Gods would restore him life , thereby to give libertie to the Roman Empire . In this his extreme weaknesse he breathed forth these last words , to impresse them in the hearts of his wife , and friends , whom sorrow dissolved into teares , Qui praema●uro exitu rapitur illi etiam adversas deos justus dolor . Tac. and much discomforted .

If I should die by the course of Nature , I happily might with iustice complaine of the Gods , that they untimely had snatched mee away from my kindred , children , and countrey , even in the flower of my youth . But since my careere is stopped by the malignitie of Piso , Vltimas preces pectoribus vestris relinquo . Tac. and Plancina , I will powre into your hearts these my last petitions .

Miserrima vita pessima morte finitur . Tac. I coniure you to present to the Emperour my father , and my uncle , how that after I had beene surcharged with cruell iniuries , and afflicted with unsufferable disloyalties , I ended my deplorable life , by a death much more miserable . Those , who have followed my fortunes , and are of the same bloud with my selfe , yea those who have maligned mee when I was alive , shall sorrow to see mee ruined by the treason of a woman , at the time when I most flourished , and had escaped death in so many battels : Erit vobis locus que rendi , apud Senatum invocandi leges . Tac. and your selves also shall have cause to complaine to the Senate , and implore the assistance of Lawes .

The best office of friends , is , Non decet defunctum ignavo questu persequi . Tac. not to follow the deceased with outcries and lamentations , which are of no effect ; but to remember what he desired , and execute what he ordained . Germanicus cannot want teares ; Those who are nothing to him , nor ever knew him , shall bemoane him ; Vindicabilis vos , se me potius , quam fortunam meam fovebatis . Tac. but you ought to revenge him , if you more affected his person , than fortune .

Let the people of Rome behold the neece of Augustus , the wife of Germanicus , and the six children hee hath left behinde him . Compassion will bee extended towards them , when they shall accuse the authors of my death , Fingentibus scelesta mandata , aut non credent homines , aut non ignoscent . Tac. and should the accused faine , or finde out execrable commandments for their purposes ( this touched Sejanus , who herein had directed Piso ) honest men will not beleeve it , nor suffer it to passe unpunished .

All those who were present sware instantly before Germanicus , to dye , Magnitudinem , & gravitatem summae fortunae retinens invidiam , & a●rogantiam eff●git . Tac. or revenge his death , everie one bewailing the losse of so brave a Prince , who in his deportments shewed the greatnesse and worth of his fortune , and in words so much sweetnesse and affabilitie . Hee turneth himselfe towards his wife , conjureth her by the love he had borne her , by the memorie shee was willing to retaine of him , Fortunae savienti submittendus animus . Tac. and by their mutuall children , a little to humble her spirit , to accommodate it to the times , and bend it to the rigour of her fortune , in expectation of amendment . Take heed ( my Dearest ) above all when you shall be at Rome , Aemulatione potentiae validiores haud irritandi . Tac. not to give occasion of suspition to those who are more powerfull than your selfe , and employ not the affection you shall finde in the hearts of the Senate and people , to stand out in competition with their favour or ambition .

This was the most wholsome counsell hee could give her , but shee held her selfe unworthy to bee accounted the neece of Augustus , wife of Germanicus , and mother of his children , if she had set an higher price on fortune , than vertue , or sought to enter into the favour of the Emperour by the help of Sejanus .

Quasirursum ereptum acrius doluit . Tac. When the people of Rome understood that Germanicus was dead , their sorrow was so much the greater , as they beleeved hee once before had beene snatched from them , and nothing was now everie where to bee seene , but griefe and affliction . It was doubted whether hee were made away by poyson , or witchcraft . The one was imagined , Crematicor inter ossa in orruptum repertum est , cujus ea natura ut tactum veneno igne confici nequ●at . Suet. because his heart would not burne ; and the other published , for that there were found about him , and in his bed , bones of the dead , characters , and charmes .

The friends of Germanicus divulged everie where , that Piso had murthered him , that Agrippina would be revenged ; but he hearing the newes of his death in the I le of Coos , Piso intemperanter accepit Germanicum excecisse , ●aedit victimas , adit templa , magis insolescente Plancina . Tac. made many sacrifices , Plancina his wife visiteth the Temples , hee neglecteth the menaces of Agrippina , and thinkes on nothing but his owne establishment in the government of Syria , supposing the service hee had done for Tiberius would be sufficient to secure him , from the feare of this revenge , and confirme the recompence of his merit .

Vpon his determination to goe into Syria , his sonne adviseth him to repaire to Rome , without taking notice of vaine rumours , Suspitiones imbecillae , aut inania famae non pertimi scenda . Tac. and weake suspitions , thereby to dissolve , or prevent the designes of his enemies , and gaine advantage of the first impressions : That it was not fit hee so soone should thinke to re-establish himselfe in the government of Syria , since Sentius was thereunto deputed : That hee could not hope great obedience from an Army , Apud milites recens imperatoris memoria praevalet . Tac. which yet deplored the death of Germanicus , and resented his memorie : That he would repent it , drawing upon himselfe the imputation of a civill warre .

Vtendum eventis . Dom. Cel. Domitius Celer on the contrarie urgeth : That hee should re-assume the charge had beene taken from him , and replenish the place which was become voyd : That it would prove a point of imprudence , and perill , to arrive at Rome at the same time when Agrippina was to come thither , and that the people would be much moved with her cries and lamentations : Relinquendum rumoribus tempus quo senescant plaerumque innocentes recenti invidiae impares . Tac. That it was necessarie to give time to these first bruits , whereby they might wax old , and that innocencie hath much ado to resist the impetuous violence of envie , when it is first enkindled : That it was convenient hee should goe into Syria , Multa quae provideri non possunt fortuitò in melius recidunt . Tac. to undertake command in the Armie , and authoritie in government , and that nothing was to bee done , but to take armes in hand , and manifest himselfe in the field ; and that things apprehended as perilous , oft times succeed more securely , than could be foreseene , or expected : That he need not feare any thing , since the Empresse was interessed in his cause , Est tibi , Auguste , conscientia , est Caesaris favor , sed in occulio . Tac. and Tiberius obliged to dis-ingage him : but rather that he favouring him in secret , would take it ill , this affaire should bee so precipitated , as to enforce him to maintaine it in publique : That it was undoubted , Periisse Germanicum nulli iactantiùs m●●rent , quàm qui maximà laetantur . Tac. the most satisfied with his death would make the most shew of griefe .

Piso , Haud magna mole Piso promptus screcibus . Tac. whose spirit ran more willingly into dangerous resolutions with courage , than into easie with prudence , followeth this counsell , and went into Syria , but findeth Gneius Sentius there , who not enduring to have , The Tribunes and Captaines deploring , bare on their shoulders the vessels which held the ashes of Germanicus . or suffer a Companion in his charge , drave him out of the Province , besiegeth him in a Fortresse of Cilicia , and constraineth him to yeeld , and returne to Rome .

In the meane time Agrippina embarqueth on the Sea , with the ashes of her husband Germanicus ; and arriving at Rome is received with many testimonies of honour , by all the Romane people , who witnessed an excessive sorrow for the death of an husband , Agrippinam appellant Decus patria , solum Augusti sanguinem , unicum antiquitatis specimen . Tac. and an unspeakable joy for the returne of the wife and children . The people call Agrippina the honour of the Countrey , the onely and true bloud of Augustus , Tiberius atque Augusta publico abstinuere , na omnium oculis vultum eorumscrutantibus falsi intelligerentur . Tac. the patterne of ancient glorie , and adde to their acclamations , vowes and prayers for the safetie of the widdow , the infants , and ruine of their enemies .

Tiberius was much offended with these applauses , and would not be present at this reception , fearing lest his brow should discover the joy of his heart for the death of Germanicus : Populus Romanus cladem exercituum , interitum ducum , funditus amissas nobiles familias constanter tulit . Tac. he therefore commandeth the people to moderate their sorrow , and beare , as himselfe had done the discomfiture of his Armies , the losse of his Captaines , and ruine of the noblest families .

Presently after Piso arriveth , so much neglecting the threats of Agrippina , that Marcus Vibius a friend to Germanicus , saying to him , it was fit hee went to Rome , to purge himselfe , Euidens respondet , adfaturum ubi Praetor qui de veneficus quaereret , reo atque accusateribus diem praedixisset . Tac. he angerly answereth , as it were scoffing ; You shall see mee there , when the Pretor who informeth against sorceries shall have set a peremptorie day to the accuser and accused .

He entreth Rome proud and magnificent , in a glorious equipage , Fuit inter irritamenta invidia domus foro imminens festo ornatu . Tac. his wife brave and cheerefull , the doores of his lodgings adorned with Laurels , which much the more initated the people . The next day he is accused of the death of Gemanicus , and Tiberius demandeth triall . Piso desireth it , Vera , aut in deterius credita judice ab uno facilius discernuntur , odium , & invidia apud multos valent . Tac. yet fearing the affection of the Senate , to the memorie of Germanicus , and confiding the Iudge would be his Protector , hee thought better to have recourse to the authoritie of one , than the passion of many .

Tiberius seeth it was an hard taske for himselfe to condemne the culpable , and discharge his owne conscience : Haud fallebat Tiberium moles cognitionis quaeque ipse fama distraberetur . Tac. for well hee knew the reports , which truth had made currant everie where against himselfe and his Mother , and that Piso had beene but the instrument of his Parricide . Hee was willing to handle this affaire with little noyse , and therefore heareth the accusers in the presence of Sejanus , and some of his most confident and familiar friends ; They require justice , Paucis familiarium adhibitis , minas accusantium , & preces audit . Tac. and adde menaces to their prayers . It is not to bee doubted , but he was counselled to suffer Piso to perish , rather than suffer his owne reputation to be wounded , and Princes use men no longer , than they are necessarie .

But because the Historie nominateth Sejanus the Inventor of all these mischiefes , Facinorum omnium repertor . Tac. it passeth further , and saith the Emperour ought not to entermeddle with these affaires ; for in condemning Piso , hee too much should raise the pride of Agrippina , and by declaring him innocent , it would bee said , Favour had so much oppressed justice , it durst not affirme the confederate should free the criminall : That it was necessarie to refer it to the Senate , It is fit to proceed wisely , and maturely in doubtfull cases , where the Princes reputation is in hazard . and that if there hee were condemned , the judgement would be ascribed to the passion of Germanicus his Family ; if absolved , the blame would be laid on the Senators .