These, it is
true, are mighty and immortal names, whom I dare not emulate; but, as I am
their descendant, and inherit their blood, should the armies in Syria and
Spain reject my orders, and contemn my authority, I should think their
behaviour strange and base: are not the present legions under stronger
ties than those in Syria and Spain? You are the first and the twentieth
legions; the former enrolled by Tiberius himself; the other his constant
companions in so many battles, his partners in so many victories, and by
him enriched with so many bounties! Is this the worthy return you make
your Emperor, and late Commander, for the distinction he has shown you,
for the favour he has done you, and for his liberalities towards you? And
shall I be the author of such tidings to him; such heavy tidings in the
midst of congratulations and happy accounts from every province in the
Empire? Must it be my sad task to acquaint him that his own new levies, as
well as his own veterans who long fought under him; these not appeased by
their discharge, and neither of them satiated with the money given them,
are both still combined in a furious mutiny? must I tell him that here and
only here the Centurions are butchered, the Tribunes driven away, the
Ambassadors imprisoned; that with blood the camp is stained, and the
rivers flow with blood; and that for me his son, I hold a precarious life
at the mercy of men, who owe me duty, and practise enmity?
"Why did you the other day, oh unseasonable and too officious friends! why
did you leave me at their mercy by snatching from me my sword, when with
it I would have put myself out of their power? He who offered me his own
sword showed greater kindness, and was more my friend.
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