After receiving the news of the German revolt, although Galba knew 14 nothing for certain of Vitellius’ plans, he was fearful to what lengths the outbreak of the troops might go; so, being unable to trust the troops in the city,[36] he had recourse to what seemed his sole remedy and held an Imperial Election.  Besides Vinius and Laco he summoned Marius Celsus, consul-elect and the City-Prefect Ducenius Geminus.[37] After prefacing a few words about his own advanced age he ordered Piso Licinianus[38] to be sent for, either on his own initiative, or, as some believed, at the instance of Laco.  Laco had met Piso at Rubellius Plautus’ house and they had formed a friendship, but he cunningly pretended that he was supporting a stranger, and Piso’s good repute gave colour to this policy.  Piso was a noble on both sides, being the son of Marcus Crassus and Scribonia.  There was an old-world austerity in his face and bearing, and just critics spoke of his strict morality:  people who took a less favourable view thought him soured.  But while those who disliked this side of his character carped at it, it was a recommendation in the eyes of the emperor who intended to adopt him.

Galba is said to have taken Piso’s hand and addressed him as 15 follows:  ’Were I a private citizen, and were I to adopt you in the presence of the Priests by the usual formality of a curial statute,[39] it would be an honour for me to introduce into my family a descendant of Cnaeus Pompeius and of Marcus Crassus, and for you it would be a distinction to add to your noble ancestry the glories of the Sulpician and Lutatian houses.[40] As it is, I have been called by the consent of gods and men to be an emperor.  Your distinguished qualities and your patriotism have persuaded me to offer to you peacefully and quietly the throne for which our ancestors fought on the field of battle,[41] and which I too won by war.  In so doing I am following the precedent set by the sainted Augustus, who raised to the rank next himself first his nephew Marcellus, then his son-in-law Agrippa, then his daughter’s sons,[42] and finally his stepson Tiberius Nero.  However, while Augustus looked for a successor in his own family, I have searched throughout the country.  Not that I lack either kinsmen or supporters, but it was by no favour of birth that I myself came to the throne, and, to prove my policy in this matter, consider how I have passed over not only my own relatives but yours.  You have an elder brother,[43] as noble as yourself.  He would have been worthy of this position, but you are worthier.  You are old enough to have outlived youthful passions.  Your life has been such that you have nothing in your past to excuse.  So far you have only experienced misfortune.  Prosperity probes the heart with a keener touch; misery only calls for patience, but there is corruption in success.  Honesty, candour, and affection are the best of human qualities, and doubtless you yourself have enough