Tiberius was aware of the
weight of the trial, and with what reproaches he was assaulted. Admitting
therefore a few confidants, he heard the charge of the accusers, as also
the apology of the accused; and left the cause entire to the Senate.
Drusus returned the while from Illyricum; and though the Senate had for
the reduction of Maroboduus, and other his exploits the summer before,
decreed him the triumph of ovation; he postponed the honour, and privately
entered the city. Piso, for his advocates, desired Titus Arruntius,
Fulcinius, Asinius Gallus, Eserninus Marcellus, and Sextus Pompeius: but
they all framed different excuses; and he had, in their room, Marcus
Lepidus, Lucius Piso and Liveneius Regulus. Now earnest were the
expectations of all men, "how great would prove the fidelity of the
friends of Germanicus; what the assurance of the criminal, what the
behaviour of Tiberius; whether he would sufficiently smother, or betray
his sentiments." He never had a more anxious part; neither did the people
ever indulge themselves in such secret murmurs against their Emperor, nor
harbour in silence severer suspicions.
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