endured the destruction of their cities and given themselves and their wives and children to the flames, without any other reward for such an end save the name of honourable men.  At this very moment Roman troops are enduring famine and siege at Vetera, and neither threats nor promises can move them, while we, besides arms and men and fine fortifications, have supplies enough to last through any length of war.  Money, too—­the other day there was enough even for a donative, and whether you choose to say that it was given you by Vespasian or by Vitellius, at any rate you got it from a Roman Emperor.  After all the engagements you have won, after routing the enemy at Gelduba, at Vetera, it would be shameful enough to shirk battle, but you have your trenches and your walls, and there are ways of gaining time until armies come flocking from the neighbouring provinces to your rescue.  Granted that you dislike me; well, there are others to lead you, whether legate, tribune, centurion, and even private soldier.  But do not let this portent be trumpeted over the whole world, that Civilis and Classicus are going to invade Italy with you in their train.  Suppose the Germans and Gauls lead the way to the walls of Rome, will you turn your arms upon your fatherland?  The mere thought of such a crime is horrible.  Will you stand sentry for the Treviran Tutor?  Shall a Batavian give you the signal for battle?  Will you swell the ranks of German hordes?  And what will be the issue of your crime, when the Roman legions take the field against you?  Desertion upon desertion, treachery upon treachery!  You will be drifting miserably between the old allegiance and the new, with the curse of Heaven on your heads.  Almighty Jupiter, whom we have worshipped at triumph after triumph for eight hundred and twenty years; and Quirinus, Father of our Rome, if it be not your pleasure that under my command this camp be kept clean from the stain of dishonour, grant at the least, I humbly beseech ye, that it never be defiled with the pollution of a Tutor or a Classicus; and to these soldiers of Rome give either innocence of heart or a speedy repentance before the harm is done.’

The speech was variously received, with feelings fluctuating 59 between hope, fear, and shame.  Vocula withdrew and began to prepare for his end, but his freedmen and slaves prevented him from forestalling by his own hand a dreadful death.  As it was, Classicus dispatched Aemilius Longinus, a deserter from the First legion, who quickly murdered him.  For Herennius and Numisius imprisonment was thought sufficient.  Classicus then assumed the uniform and insignia of a Roman general, and thus entered the camp.  Hardened though he was to every kind of crime, words failed him,[398] and he could only read out the oath.  Those who were present swore allegiance to the Empire of All Gaul.  He then gave high promotion to Vocula’s assassin, and rewarded the others each according to the villainy of his service.