Tacitus: The Histories, Volumes I and II by Caius Cornelius Tacitus
page 36 of 479 (07%)
page 36 of 479 (07%)
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timidity had sacrificed a few, while his suspicions rested on them
all. FOOTNOTES: [45] About twenty-three million sterling of our money. [46] i.e. of the cohorts which formed the police and fire-brigade of the city. See chap. 5, note 10. THE RISE OF OTHO Meanwhile Otho had nothing to hope from a peaceful settlement: all 21 his plans demanded a disturbance. Many motives spurred him on: his extravagance would have ruined a prince, and his poverty have perplexed a private person: he was angry with Galba and jealous of Piso. He also alleged fears for his safety, by way of whetting his ambition. 'I proved a nuisance to Nero,' he would say, 'and can scarcely expect the compliment of a second exile to Lusitania.[47] Besides, monarchs always hate and suspect the man who is mentioned as "next to the throne". This was what did me harm with the old emperor, and it will weigh still more with the youthful Piso, who is naturally savage and has been exasperated by a long period of exile. It would be easy to kill me. I must do and dare while Galba's authority is on the wane and Piso's not yet established. These times of change suit big enterprises; inaction is more deadly than daring; there is no call for delay. Death is the natural end for all alike, and the only difference is between fame and oblivion afterwards. Seeing that the same end awaits the innocent and the guilty, a man of spirit should at least |
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