As
Pætus's despatch contradicted this letter from Vologeses and implied
that matters were unchanged, the centurion who had arrived with the envoys
was questioned as to the state of
Armenia. He
replied that all the Romans had quitted it. Then was perceived the mockery
of the barbarians in petitioning for what they had wrested from us, and Nero
consulted with the chief men of the State whether they should accept a
dangerous war or a disgraceful peace. There was no hesitation about war.
Corbulo, who had known our soldiers and the enemy for so many years, was
appointed to conduct it, that there might be no more blunders through any
other officer's incapacity; for people were utterly disgusted with
Pætus.
So the envoys were sent back without an answer, but
with
NEW PARTHIAN WAR; CORBULO COMMANDS |
some
presents, in order to inspire a hope that Tiridates would not make the same
request in vain, if only he presented his petition in person. The
administration of
Syria was intrusted to Caius
Itius, and the military forces to Corbulo, to which was added the fifteenth
legion, under the leadership of Marius Celsus, from
Pannonia. Written orders were sent to the tetrarchs, the
tributaries, kings, prefects and procurators, and all the prætors who
governed the neighbouring provinces, to obey Corbulo's commands, as his
powers were enlarged on much the same scale as that which the Roman people
had granted to Cneius Pompeius on the eve of his war against the Pirates.
When Pætus returned and dreaded something worse, the emperor thought
it enough to reproach him with a jest, to the effect that he pardoned him at
once, lest one so ready to take fright might sink under prolonged
suspense.
