" This grievance thus represented to the
Senate, was by them referred entire to the Emperor. Tiberius having long
weighed with himself whether such an abandoned propensity to prodigality
could be stemmed; whether the stemming it would not bring heavier evils
upon the public; how dishonourable it would be to attempt what could not
be effected, or at least effected by the disgrace of the nobility, and by
the subjecting illustrious men to infamous punishments; wrote at last to
the Senate in this manner:
"In other matters, Conscript Fathers, perhaps it might be more expedient
for you to consult me in the Senate; and for me to declare there, what I
judge for the public weal: but in the debate of this affair, it was best
that my eyes were withdrawn; lest, while you marked the countenances and
terror of particulars charged with scandalous luxury, I too should have
observed them, and, as it were, caught them in it. Had the vigilant
Aediles first asked counsel of me, I know not whether I should not have
advised them rather to have passed by potent and inveterate corruptions,
than only make it manifest, what enormities are an overmatch for us: but
they in truth have done their duty, as I would have all other magistrates
fulfil theirs.
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