" And thenceforward he persevered
in slighting upon all occasions, and even in private conversation, this
divine worship of himself. A conduct which was by some ascribed to
modesty; by many to a conscious diffidence; by others to degeneracy of
spirit. "Since the most sublime amongst men naturally covet the most
exalted honours: thus Hercules and Bacchus amongst the Greeks, and with us
Romulus, were added to the society of the Gods: Augustus too had chosen
the nobler part, and hoped for deification: all the other gratifications
of Princes were instantly procured: one only was to be pursued insatiably;
the praise and perpetuity of their name. For by contemning fame, the
virtues that procure it, are contemned."
Now Sejanus, intoxicated with excess of fortune, and moreover stimulated
by the importunity of Livia, who, with the restless passion of a woman,
craved the promised marriage, composed a memorial to the Emperor. For, it
was then the custom to apply to him in writing, though he were present.
This of Sejanus was thus conceived: "That such had been towards him the
benevolence of Augustus; such and so numerous, since, the instances of
affection from Tiberius, that he was thence accustomed, without applying
to the Gods, to carry his hopes and prayers directly to the Emperors: yet
of them he had never sought a blaze of honours: watching and toils like
those of common soldiers, for the safeguard of the Prince, had been his
choice and ambition.
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