but under guard, if it be necessary?  If the enemy were anywhere near here or some alien force had dominion over this sea so that one of the prisoners might escape to them and do us some harm, or if, again, there were strong cities in Italy with fortifications and weapons, so that if a man seized them he might become a menace to us, that would be a different story.  But all towns in this neighborhood are unarmed and lacking any walls that would serve in war, and the enemy is removed from them by vast distances; a long stretch of sea, and a journey by land including mountains and rivers hard to cross lie between them and us.

Why, then, should one fear this man or that man, defenceless, private citizens, here in the middle of your empire and enclosed by your armed forces?  I can not see how any one could conceive such a notion or how the maddest madman could accomplish anything.

[-21-] “With these premises, therefore, let us give the idea a trial.  The discontented will soon themselves change their ways and bring about an improvement in others.  You notice that Cornelius is both of good birth and renowned.  This matter has to be reasoned out in a human fashion.  The sword can not effect everything for you; it would be a great blessing if it could bring some men to their senses and persuade them or even compel them to love any one with genuine affection:  but, instead, it will destroy the body of one man and alienate the minds of the rest.  People do not become more attached to any one because of the vengeance they see meted out to others, but they become more hostile through the influence of their own fears.  That is one side of the picture.  On the other hand, those who obtain pardon for any crime and repent are ashamed to wrong their benefactors again, but render them much service in return, hoping to receive much more again for it.  When a man is saved by some one who has been wronged, he thinks that his rescuer, if fairly treated, will go to any lengths to aid him.  Heed me, therefore, dearest, and make a change.  Then all your other acts that have caused displeasure will appear to have been due to necessity.  In conducting so great a city from democracy into monarchy it is impossible to make the transfer without bloodshed.  But if you follow your old policy, you will be thought to have done these unpleasant things intentionally.”

[-22-] Augustus heeded these suggestions of Livia and released all those against whom charges were pending, admonishing some of them orally; Cornelius he even appointed consul.  Later he so conciliated both him and the other men that no one else again really plotted against him or had the reputation of so doing.  Livia had had most to do with saving the life of Cornelius, yet she was destined to be held responsible for the death of Augustus.

[A.D. 5 (a. u. 758)]