The Works of Tacitus

tr. by Alfred John Church and William Jackson Brodribb

[1864-1877]

Tacitus: Annals Book 2 [40]

40. It was rumoured meanwhile throughout Italy, and was believed at Rome, that
Agrippa had been saved by the blessing of Heaven. Already at Ostia, where he
had arrived, he was the centre of interest to a vast concourse as well as to
secret gatherings in the capital, while Tiberius was distracted by the doubt
whether he should crush this slave of his by military force or allow time to
dissipate a silly credulity. Sometimes he thought that he must overlook nothing,
sometimes that he need not be afraid of everything, his mind fluctuating between
shame and terror. At last he entrusted the affair to Sallustius Crispus, who
chose two of his dependants (some say they were soldiers) and urged them to
go to him as pretended accomplices, offering money and promising faithful companionship
in danger. They did as they were bidden; then, waiting for an unguarded hour
of night, they took with them a sufficient force, and having bound and gagged
him, dragged him to the palace. When Tiberius asked him how he had become Agrippa,
he is said to have replied, “As you became Caesar.” He could not be forced to
divulge his accomplices. Tiberius did not venture on a public execution, but
ordered him to be slain in a private part of the palace and his body to be secretly
removed. And although many of the emperor’s household and knights and senators
were said to have supported him with their wealth and helped him with their
counsels, no inquiry was made.

Next: Book 2 [50]