The legions,
with their swords drawn, surrounded the tribunal; from thence the prisoner
was by a Tribune exposed to their view, and if they proclaimed him guilty,
cast headlong down, and executed even by his fellow-soldiers, who
rejoiced in the execution, because by it they thought their own guilt to
be expiated: nor did Germanicus restrain them, since on themselves
remained the cruelty and reproach of the slaughter committed without any
order of his. The veterans followed the same example of vengeance, and
were soon after ordered into Rhetia, in appearance to defend that province
against the invading Suevians; in reality, to remove them from a camp
still horrible to their sight, as well in the remedy and punishment, as
from the memory of their crime. Germanicus next passed a scrutiny upon the
conduct and characters of the Centurions: before him they were cited
singly; and each gave an account of his name, his company, country, the
length of his service, exploits in war, and military presents, if with any
he had been distinguished: if the Tribunes or his legion bore testimony of
his diligence and integrity, he kept his post; upon concurring complaint
of his avarice or cruelty, he was degraded.
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