Information was laid that some persons were plotting against Claudius, but in the majority of instances he paid no attention, saying:  “It doesn’t do to adopt the same defensive tactics against a flea as against a beast of prey.”  Asiaticus, however, was tried before him and came very near being acquitted.  He entered a general denial, declaring:  “I have no knowledge of nor acquaintance with any of these persons who are testifying against me.”  Then the soldier who stated he had been an associate of his, being asked which one Asiaticus was, pointed out a baldheaded man that happened to be standing near him.  Baldness was the only thing of which he was sure about Asiaticus.  This event occasioned much laughter and Claudius was on the point of freeing him, when Vitellius to please Messalina made the statement that he had been sent for by the prisoner, who requested the privilege of deciding the manner of death to be visited upon him.  Hearing this, Claudius believed that on account of a guilty conscience Asiaticus had really condemned himself and accordingly had him executed.

Among many others who were calumniated by Messalina he put to death Asiaticus and likewise Magnus, his son-in-law.  Asiaticus had property, and the family of Magnus as well as his close relationship were irksome.  Of course, they were nominally convicted on different charges from these.

This year a new island, not large, made its appearance by the side of the island Thera.

Claudius, monarch of the Romans, published a law to the effect that no senator might journey above seven mile-posts from the City without the monarch’s express orders.[10]

Moreover, since many persons would afford their sick slaves no care, but drove them out of their houses, a law was passed that all slaves surviving such an experience should be free.

He also prohibited anybody’s driving through the City [sic] seated in a vehicle.[11]

[-30-]Vespasian in Britain had been hemmed in by the barbarians and was in danger of annihilation, but his son Titus becoming alarmed about his father managed by unusual daring to break through the enclosing line; he then pursued and destroyed the fleeing enemy.  Plautius for his skillful handling of the war with Britain and his successes in it both received praise from Claudius and obtained an ovation. [In the course of the armed combat of gladiators many foreign freedmen and British captives fought.  The number of men receiving their finishing blow in this part of the spectacle was large, and he took pride in the fact.]

Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo as praetor in Celtica organized the forces and damaged among other barbarians the Cauchi, as they are commonly called.  While in the midst of the enemy’s country he was recalled by Claudius, who on ascertaining his valor and his discipline would not allow him to climb to any greater heights.  Corbulo learning this turned back, giving vent only to the following exclamation:—­“How