"
Drusus, who thought it behoved him to improve this disposition of theirs,
and to reap the fruits of wisdom from the operations of chance; ordered
certain persons to go round, and apply to them from tent to tent. For this
purpose, he called and employed the Centurion Julius Clemens, and whoever
else were by honest methods acceptable to the multitude. These insinuated
themselves everywhere, with those who kept watch, or were upon patrol, or
guarded the gates; soothing all with hopes, and by terrors rousing them.
"How long," said they, "shall we hold the son of our Emperor thus
besieged? Where will our broils and wild contentions end? Shall we swear
allegiance to Percennius and Vibulenus? Will Vibulenus and Percennius
support us with pay during our service, and reward us with lands when
dismissed? In short, shall two common men dispossess the Neros and the
Drusi, and to themselves assume the Empire of the Roman People? Let us be
wiser; and as we were the last to revolt, be the first to relent. Such
demands, as comprise terms for all, are ever slowly accorded; but
particulars may, when they please, merit instant favour, and instantly
receive it.
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