Did Augustus, even under the pressure of old age and
infirmities, take so many journeys into Germany? and should Tiberius, in
the vigour of his life, when the same or greater occasions called him
thither, sit lazily in the Senate to watch senators and cavil at words? He
had fully provided for the domestic servitude of Rome; he ought next to
cure the licentiousness of the soldiers, to restrain their turbulent
spirits, and reconcile them to a life of peace."
But all these reasonings and reproaches moved not Tiberius: he was
determined not to depart from the capital, the centre of power and
affairs; nor to chance or peril expose his person and empire. In truth,
many and contrary difficulties pressed and perplexed him: "the German army
was the stronger; that of Pannonia nearer; the power of both the Gauls
supported the former; the latter was at the gates of Italy. Now to which
should he repair first? and would not the last visited be inflamed by
being postponed? But by sending one of his sons to each, the equal
treatment of both was maintained; as also the majesty of the supreme
power, which from distance ever derived most reverence.
Pages:
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122