For Livia had carefully beset the palace, and all the avenues
to it, with detachments of the guards; and good news of his recovery were
from time to time given out. When she had taken all measures necessary in
so great a conjuncture, in one and the same moment was published the
departure of Augustus, and the accession of Tiberius.
The first feat of this new reign was the murder of young Agrippa: the
assassin, a bold and determined Centurion, found him destitute of arms,
and little apprehending such a destiny, yet was scarce able to despatch
him. Of this transaction Tiberius avoided any mention in the Senate: he
would have it pass for done by the commands of Augustus; as if he had
transmitted written orders to the Tribune, who guarded Agrippa, "to slay
him the instant he heard of his grandfather's decease." It is very true
that Augustus had made many and vehement complaints of the young man's
obstinate and unruly demeanour, and even solicited from the Senate a
decree to authorise his banishment: but he never hardened himself against
the sentiments of nature, nor in any instance dipped his hands in his own
blood; neither is it credible that he would barbarously sacrifice the life
of his grandson for the security and establishment of his step-son.
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