These forces were still increased by volunteers from the
neighbouring cities, where, though the public body did not hitherto avow
the revolt, yet the zeal of particulars was manifest: they had likewise
leisure to increase from the contention of the two Roman generals; a
contention for some time undecided, while each demanded the command in
that war. At length Varro, old and infirm, yielded to the superior vigour
of Silius.
Now at Rome, "not only the insurrection of Treves and of the Aeduans, but
likewise, that threescore and four cities of Gaul had revolted; that the
Germans had joined in the revolt, and that Spain fluctuated;" were reports
all believed with the usual aggravations of fame. The best men grieved in
sympathy for their country: many from hatred of the present government and
thirst of change, rejoiced in their own perils: they inveighed against
Tiberius, "that in such a mighty uproar of rebellion, he was only employed
in perusing the informations of the State accusers." They asked, "did he
mean to surrender Julius Sacrovir to the Senate, to try him for treason?"
They exulted, "that there were at last found men, who would with arms
restrain his bloody orders for private murders.
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