Segestes too was
there in person, a stately figure, fearless in the remembrance of having
been a faithful ally. His speech was to this effect. "This is not my first
day of steadfast loyalty towards the Roman people. From the time that the
Divine Augustus gave me the citizenship, I have chosen my friends and foes
with an eye to your advantage, not from hatred of my fatherland (for
traitors are detested even by those whom they prefer) but because I held
that Romans and
Germans have the same interests, and that peace is better
than war. And therefore I denounced to Varus, who then commanded your army,
Arminius, the
LOYALTY OF SEGESTES PARTY |
ravisher of
my daughter, the violater of your treaty. I was put off by that dilatory
general, and, as I found but little protection in the laws, I urged him to
arrest myself, Arminius, and his accomplices. That night is my witness;
would that it had been my last. What followed may be deplored rather than
defended. However, I threw Arminius into chains and I endured to have them
put on myself by his partisans. And as soon as you give me opportunity, I
show my preference for the old over the new, for peace over commotion, not
to get a reward, but that I may clear myself from treachery and be at the
same time a fit mediator for a German people, should they choose repentance
rather than ruin. For the youth and error of my son I entreat forgiveness.
As for my daughter, I admit that it is by compulsion she has been brought
here. It will be for you to consider which fact weighs most with you, that
she is with child by Arminius or that she owes her being to
me."
Cæsar in a gracious reply promised safety to his children and
kinsfolk and a home for himself in the old province. He then led back the
army and received on the proposal of Tiberius the title of Imperator. The
wife of Arminius gave birth to a male child; the boy, who was brought up at
Ravenna, soon afterwards suffered an insult, which
at the proper time I shall relate.
