Germanicus returning from Egypt, learned that all his orders left with the
legions, and the eastern cities, were either entirely abolished, or
contrary regulations established: a ground this for his severe reproaches
and insults upon Piso. Nor less keen were the efforts and machinations of
Piso against Germanicus; yet Piso afterwards determined to leave Syria,
but was detained by the following illness of Germanicus: again when he
heard of his recovery, and perceived that vows were paid for his
restoration; the Lictors, by his command, broke the solemnity, drove away
the victims already at the altars; overturned the apparatus of the
sacrifice; and scattered the people of Antioch employed in celebrating the
festival. He then departed to Seleucia, waiting the event of the malady
which had again assaulted Germanicus. His own persuasion too, that poison
was given him by Piso, heightened the cruel vehemence of the disease:
indeed, upon the floors and walls were found fragments of human bodies,
the spoils of the grave; with charms and incantations; and the name of
Germanicus graved on sheets of lead; carcasses half burnt, besmeared with
gore; and other witchcrafts, by which souls are thought doomed to the
infernal gods: besides there were certain persons, charged as creatures of
Piso, purposely sent and employed to watch the progress and efforts of the
disease.
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