Aelius Sejanus, lately joined with his father Strabo
in the command of the Praetorian bands, was also sent, not only as
Governor to the young Prince, but as his credit with the Emperor was known
to be mighty, to deal with the revolters by promises and terrors. When
Drusus approached, the legions, for show of respect, marched out to meet
him; not with the usual symptoms and shouts of joy, nor with gay ensigns
and arms glittering, but in a dress and accoutrements hideous and squalid:
in their countenances too, though composed to sadness, were seen greater
marks of sullenness and contumacy.
As soon as he was within the camp, they secured the entrances with guards,
and in several quarters of it placed parties upon duty: the rest crowded
about the tribunal of Drusus, who stood beckoning with his hand for
silence. Here as often as they surveyed their own numbers and met one
another's resentful looks, they uttered their rage in horrible cries:
again, when upon the tribunal they beheld Caesar, awe and trembling seized
them: now, there prevailed an hollow and inarticulate murmur; next, a
furious clamour; then suddenly a dead silence: so that, by a hasty
succession of opposite passions, they were at once dismayed and dreadful.
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