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[226]
These were the discourses the soldiers had one with another by themselves,
and they communicated them to all such as came in to them. Now those that
inquired about this matter willingly embraced the invitation that was made
them to join with the rest; so they carried Claudius into the camp, crowding
about him as his guard, and encompassing him about, one chairman still
succeeding another, that their vehement endeavors might not be hindered.
But as to the populace and senators, they disagreed in their opinions.
The latter were very desirous to recover their former dignity, and were
zealous to get clear of the slavery that had been brought on them by the
injurious treatment of the tyrants, which the present opportunity afforded
them; but for the people, who were envious against them, and knew that
the emperors were capable of curbing their covetous temper, and were a
refuge from them, they were very glad that Claudius had been seized upon,
and brought to them, and thought that if Claudius were made emperor, he
would prevent a civil war, such as there was in the days of Pompey. But
when the senate knew that Claudius was brought into the camp by the soldiers,
they sent to him those of their body which had the best character for their
virtues, that they might inform him that he ought to do nothing by violence,
in order to gain the government; that he who was a single person, one either
already or hereafter to be a member of their body, ought to yield to the
senate, which consisted of so great a number; that he ought to let the
law take place in the disposal of all that related to the public order,
and to remember how greatly the former tyrants had afflicted their city,
and what dangers both he and they had escaped under Caius; and that he
ought not to hate the heavy burden of tyranny, when the injury is done
by others, while he did himself willfully treat his country after a mad
and insolent manner; that if he would comply with them, and demonstrate
that his firm resolution was to live quietly and virtuously, he would have
the greatest honors decreed to him that a free people could bestow; and
by subjecting himself to the law, would obtain this branch of commendation,
that he acted like a man of virtue, both as a ruler and a subject; but
that if he would act foolishly, and learn no wisdom by Caius's death, they
would not permit him to go on; that a great part of the army was got together
for them, with plenty of weapons, and a great number of slaves, which they
could make use of; that good hope was a great matter in such cases, as
was also good fortune; and that the gods would never assist any others
but those that undertook to act with virtue and goodness, who can be no
other than such as fight for the liberty of their country.
Flavius Josephus. The Works of Flavius Josephus. Translated by. William Whiston, A.M. Auburn and Buffalo. John E. Beardsley. 1895.
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- LSJ, ἐπιστόμ-ισμα
- LSJ, ἐπιχώρ-ησις
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