"
Gaul always had its petty kingdoms and intestine
CERIALIS' SPEECH AT TRIER |
wars, till you submitted to our authority.
We, though so often provoked, have used the right of conquest to burden you
only with the cost of maintaining peace. For the tranquillity of nations
cannot be preserved without armies; armies cannot exist without pay; pay
cannot be furnished without tribute; all else is common between us. You
often command our legions. You rule these and other provinces. There is no
privilege, no exclusion. From worthy Emperors you derive equal advantage,
though you dwell so far away, while cruel rulers are most formidable to
their neighbours. Endure the passions and rapacity of your masters, just as
you bear barren seasons and excessive rains and other natural evils. There
will be vices as long as there are men. But they are not perpetual, and they
are compensated by the occurrence of better things. Perhaps, however, you
expect a milder rule under Tutor and Classicus, and fancy that armies to
repel the Germans and the Britons will be furnished by less tribute than you
now pay. Should the Romans be driven out (which God forbid) what can result
but wars between all these nations? By the prosperity and order of eight
hundred years has this fabric of empire been consolidated, nor can it be
overthrown without destroying those who overthrow it. Yours will be the
worst peril, for you have gold and wealth, and these are the chief
incentives to war. Give therefore your love and respect to the cause of
peace, and to that capital in which we, conquerors and conquered, claim an
equal right. Let the lessons of fortune in both its forms teach you not to
prefer rebellion and ruin to submission and safety." With words to this
effect he quieted and encouraged his audience, who feared harsher
treatment.