25.  He put an end to his trial, which had been drawn out to a great length, by committing suicide.[9] His wife Planci’na, who was universally believed to be most culpable, escaped punishment by the interest of Liv’ia.

26.  Tibe’rius, having now no object of jealousy to keep him in awe, began to pull off the mask, and appear more in his natural character than before. 27.  In the beginning of his cruelties, he took into his confidence Seja’nus, a Roman knight, who found out the method of gaining his affection by the most refined degree of dissimulation, and was an overmatch for his master in his own arts.[10] It is not well known whether he was the adviser of all the cruelties that ensued; but certain it is, that from the beginning of his ministry, Tibe’rius seemed to become more fatally suspicious.

Questions for Examination.

1.  What were the age and character of Tiberius on his accession?

2.  What first showed him in his true colours?

3.  What was the first news he heard?

4.  Was there not a more formidable revolt?

5.  Did Germanicus accept this dignity?

6.  Did Tiberius properly appreciate this conduct?

7.  Was he pleased with his success?

8.  How did this appear?

9.  What followed this execution?

10.  How was Germanicus received?

11.  How was he next employed?

12.  What restraints were imposed on him?

13.  What were Piso’s instructions, and how did he execute them?

14.  How did Germanicus act on the occasion?

15.  Did Piso persevere in his base attempts?

16.  Was Germanicus aware of their design?

17.  What happened on his return?

18.  Repeat his speech on his death-bed.

19.  What farther passed on this occasion?

20.  Was his untimely end lamented?

21.  Who incurred the popular hatred on this occasion?

22.  How was this increased?

23.  What honours were paid her?

24.  Was the tyrant’s vile agent rewarded for his services?

25.  What was the issue?

26.  How did Tiberius conduct himself after this?

27.  Who was his prime minister?

SECTION IV.

  Some ask for envied power; which public hate
  Pursues, and hurries headlong to their fate;
  Down go the titles; and the statue crowned,
  Is by base hands in the next river drowned.—­Juvenal.

1.  Seja’nus began his administration by using all his address to persuade Tiberius to retire to some agreeable retreat, remote from Rome; from this he expected many advantages, since there could be no access to the emperor but through him. 2.  The emperor, either prevailed upon by his persuasions, or pursuing the natural turn of his temper, left Rome and went into Campa’nia, under pretence of dedicating