cts; and when we
reached Agrippina we found matters quite out of the reach of our
attempts.

25. For a vast multitude of people, assembled from all quarters, were,
with a mixture of haste and alarm, strengthening the foundations of
Silvanus's enterprise, and a numerous military force was collected; so
that it seemed more advisable, on the existing emergency, for our
unfortunate general to await the intentions and pleasure of the new
emperor, who was assuring himself by ridiculous omens and signs that he
was gaining accessions of strength. By permitting his feelings of
security to increase, by different pretences of agreement and flattery,
Silvanus, it was thought, might be relieved from all fear of hostility,
and so be the more easily deceived.

26. But the accomplishment of such a design appeared difficult. For it
was necessary to use great care and watchfulness to make our desires
subordinate to our opportunities, and to prevent their either outrunning
them, or falling behind them; since if our wishes were allowed to become
known unseasonably, it was plain we should all be involved in one
sentence of death.

27. However our general was kindly received, and (the very business
itself forcing us to bend our necks), having been compelled to prostrate
himself with all solemnity before the newly robed prince, still aiming
at higher power, was treated as a highly favoured and eminent friend;
having freedom of access and the honour of a seat at the royal table
granted to him in preference to every one else, in order that he might
be consulted with the more secrecy about the principal affairs of state.

28. Silvanus expressed his indignation that, while unworthy persons had
been raised to the consulship and to other high dignities, he and
Ursicinus alone, after the frequent and great toils which they had
endured for the sake of the republic, had been so despised that he
himself had been accused of treason in consequence of the examination of
some slaves, and had been exposed to an ignoble trial; while Ursicinus
had been brought over from the East, and placed at the mercy of his
enemies; and these were the subjects of his incessant complaints both in
public and in private.

29. While, however, he was holding this kind of language, we were
alarmed at the murmurs of our soldiers who were now suffering from want,
which surrounded us on all sides; the troops showing every eagerness to
make a rapid march, through the defiles o