The men whom I have named now consulted how these
conversations might fall within the hearing of more persons. It was
necessary that the place of meeting should preserve the appearance of
secrecy, and, if witnesses were to stand behind the doors, there was a fear
of their being seen or heard, or of suspicion casually arising. Three
senators thrust themselves into the space between the roof and
SABINUS, GERMANICUS' FRIEND, RUINED |
ceiling, a
hiding-place as shameful as the treachery was execrable. They applied their
ears to apertures and crevices. Latiaris meanwhile having met Sabinus in the
streets, drew him to his house and to the room, as if he was going to
communicate some fresh discoveries. There he talked much about past and
impending troubles, a copious topic indeed, and about fresh horrors. Sabinus
spoke as before and at greater length, as sorrow, when once it has broken
into utterance, is the harder to restrain. Instantly they hastened to accuse
him, and having despatched a letter to the emperor, they informed him of the
order of the plot and of their own infamy. Never was
Rome more distracted and terror-stricken. Meetings,
conversations, the ear of friend and stranger were alike shunned; even
things mute and lifeless, the very roofs and walls, were eyed with
suspicion.
