Sulpicius Asper, a
centurion, exhibited the next example of fortitude. To Nero's question why
he had conspired to murder him, he briefly replied that he could not have
rendered a better service to his infamous career. He then underwent the
prescribed penalty. Nor did the remaining centurions forget their courage in
suffering their punish-
OTHER CONSPIRATORS
EXECUTED |
ment. But Fænius Rufus had not equal spirit; he even
put his laments into his will.
Nero waited in the hope that Vestinus
also, the consul, whom he thought an impetuous and deeply disaffected man,
would be involved in the charge. None however of the conspirators had shared
their counsels with him, some from old feuds against him, most because they
considered him a reckless and dangerous associate. Nero's hatred of him had
had its origin in intimate companionship, Vestinus seeing through and
despising the emperor's cowardice, while Nero feared the high spirit of his
friend, who often bantered him with that rough humour which, when it draws
largely on facts, leaves a bitter memory behind it. There was too a recent
aggravation in the circumstance of Vestinus having married Statilia
Messalina, without being ignorant that the emperor was one of her
paramours.