"
Nay, some there were who of him required the money bequeathed them by
Augustus; and towards Germanicus uttering zealous vows, with omens of
happy fortune, declared their cordial attachment to his cause if he would
himself assume the Empire. Here, as if already stained with their treason,
he leaped headlong from the Tribunal; but with swords drawn they opposed
his departure, and threatened his life, if he refused to return: yet, with
passionate protestations that "he would rather die than be a traitor," he
snatched his sword from his side, and aiming full at his breast, would
have buried it there, had not those who were next him seized his hand and
by force restrained him. A cluster of soldiers in the extremity of the
assembly exhorted him, nay, what is incredible to hear, some particulars
advancing nearer, exhorted him _to strike home_: in truth one Calusidius,
a common soldier, presented him his naked sword, and added, "it is sharper
than your own;" a behaviour which to the rest, outrageous as they were,
seemed savage, and of horrid example: hence the friends of Germanicus had
time to snatch him away to his tent.
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