Sejanus meanwhile, dazed by his extravagant
prosperity and urged on too by a woman's passion, Livia now insisting on his
promise of marriage, addressed a memorial to the emperor. For it was then
the custom to apply to him by writing, even though he was at
Rome. This petition was to the following
effect:—The kindness of Augustus, the father, and then the many
favourable testimonies of Tiberius, the son, had engendered the habit of
confiding his hopes and wishes to the ears of emperors as readily as to
those of
SEJANUS SEEKS MARRIAGE WITH LIVIA |
the gods.
The splendor of high distinctions he had never craved; he had rather chosen
watchings and hardships, like one of the common soldiers, for the emperor's
safety. But there was one most glorious honour he had won, the reputation of
being worthy of an alliance with a Cæsar. This was the first motive of
his ambition. As he had heard that Augustus, in marrying his daughter, had
even entertained some thoughts of Roman knights, so if a husband were sought
for Livia, he hoped Tiberius would bear in mind a friend who would find his
reward simply in the glory of the alliance. He did not wish to rid himself
of the duties imposed on him; he thought it enough for his family to be
secured against the unjust displeasure of Agrippina, and this for the sake
of his children. For, as for himself, enough and more than enough for him
would be a life completed while such a sovereign still reigned.