I find it stated
by some writers and senators of the period that a letter from Adgandestrius,
chief of the Chatti, was read in the Senate, promising the death of
Arminius, if poison were sent for the perpetration of the murder, and that
the reply was that it was not by secret treachery but openly and by arms
that the people of
Rome avenged themselves on their
enemies. A noble answer, by which Tiberius sought to liken himself to those
generals of old who had forbidden and even denounced the poisoning of king
Pyrrhus.
DOMESTIC REGULATIONS; ARMINIUS' DEATH |
Arminius, meanwhile, when the Romans retired and Maroboduus
was expelled, found himself opposed in aiming at the throne by his
countrymen's independent spirit. He was assailed by armed force, and while
fighting with various success, fell by the treachery of his kinsmen.
Assuredly he was the deliverer of
Germany, one too
who had defied
Rome, not in her early rise, as other
kings and generals, but in the height of her empire's glory, had fought,
indeed, indecisive battles, yet in war remained unconquered. He completed
thirty-seven years of life, twelve years of power, and he is still a theme
of song among barbarous nations, though to Greek historians, who admire only
their own achievements, he is unknown, and to Romans not as famous as he
should be, while we extol the past and are indifferent to our own
times.
