else were by honest methods acceptable to the multitude. These insinuated
themselves everywhere, with those who kept watch, or were upon patrol, or
guarded the gates; soothing all with hopes, and by terrors rousing them.
"How long," said they, "shall we hold the son of our Emperor thus
besieged? Where will our broils and wild contentions end? Shall we swear
allegiance to Percennius and Vibulenus? Will Vibulenus and Percennius
support us with pay during our service, and reward us with lands when
dismissed? In short, shall two common men dispossess the Neros and the
Drusi, and to themselves assume the Empire of the Roman People? Let us be
wiser; and as we were the last to revolt, be the first to relent. Such
demands, as comprise terms for all, are ever slowly accorded; but
particulars may, when they please, merit instant favour, and instantly
receive it." These reasonings alarmed them, and filled them with mutual
jealousies. Presently the fresh soldiers forsook the veterans, and one
legion separated from another; then by degrees returned the love of duty
and obedience. They relinquished the guard of the gates: and the Eagles
and other ensigns, which in the beginning of the tumult they had thrown
together, were now restored each to its distinct station.

Drusus, as soon as it was day, summoned an assembly, and though unskilled
in speaking, yet with a haughtiness inherent in his blood, rebuked their
past and commended their present behaviour. "With threats and terrors," he
said, "it was impossible to subdue him; but if he saw them reclaimed to
submission, if from them he heard the language of supplicants, he would
send to his father to accept with a reconciled spirit the petitions of the
legions," Hence, at their entreaty, for their deputy to Tiberius the same
Blesus was again despatched, and with him Lucius Apronius, a Roman Knight
of the cohort of Drusus; and Justus Catonius, a Centurion of the first
order. There followed great debates in the council of Drusus, while some
advised "to suspend all proceeding till the return of the deputies, and by