On the 14th of March, after commending the State to the care of
the Senate, he presented to those who had
DISTRESS IN ROME; OTHO DEPARTS |
been
recalled from exile what was left of the Neronian confiscations, or had not
yet been paid into the Imperial treasury, a most equitable and apparently
most splendid piece of liberality, but practically worthless, as the
property had been hastily realized long before. Soon afterwards he summoned
an assembly, and enlarged on the dignity of the capital and the unanimity of
the Senate and people in his favour. Of the party of Vitellius he spoke with
moderation, charging the legions with ignorance rather than with crime, and
making no mention of Vitellius himself. This moderation was either his own,
or was due to the writer of the speech, who, fearing for himself, abstained
from invectives against Vitellius. For Otho was believed to avail himself of
the abilities of Galerius Trachalus in civil matters, just as he employed
those of Celsus and Paullinus in war. There were some who recognized the
very style of speaking, which was well known from his constant pleading at
the bar, and which sought to fill the popular ear with a copious and
sonorous diction. The acclamations and cries which habitual flattery
prompted in the people were at once extravagant and false. As if they were
applauding a Dictator like Cæsar, or an Emperor like Augustus, they
vied with each other in their zeal and good wishes. They acted not from fear
or affection, but from the mere love of servitude; as it might be in some
private household, each had his own motives, and the public honour now went
for nothing. Otho set out, leaving the peace of the city and the cares of
empire in the charge of his brother Salvius Titianus.
