Works of Cornelius Tacitus Volume 2

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1805 edition. Excerpt: ...He renewed his complaints against Agrippina and her son, and, in a proclamation, reprimanded the licentious spirit of the populace. He complained.to the fathers in terms of keen reproach, that the authority of the prince was eluded, and, by the artifice of a single senator, ' despised and set at nought. He desired that 3 0 01; the whole business, unprejudieed by their prorjgkg ceedings, should be reserved for his own de Zsiz)-' cision. The fathers, without further debate, as. sent dispatches to the emperor, assuring him, that, though they had not pronounced final judgment, having no commission for that purpose, they were, notwithstanding, ready to prove their zeal, and would have inflicted ay capital punishment, if the prince himself had not abridged their authority. surrmmnur (.1). 1. THE fathers, at all times pliant and 808$ obsequious, were, in this juncture, more wil1-t/vk ing than ever to debase themselves by every A-135.0' act of mean servility. Sejanus knew the in-A'-5;). most secrets of the prince, and the deep resentments that lay concealed, and nourished venom in his heart. Sure of a complying senate, he grew more aspiring, yet not bold enough to strike the decisive blow. 'His strength had hitherto lain in fraud and covered stratagem, and, having made an 'experiment of his talents, he resolved to proceed by the same insidious arts. Agrippina continued, with unabating spirit, to counteract his deé signs; and her two sons, Nero and Drusus, stood fair in the line of succession to the im-perial dignity. The ambition of the minister required that all three should be removed. He began With Nero and Agrippina, Well assured, that, after their destruction, the impetuous temper of Drusus would lay him...