Page:Tacitus Histories Fyfe (1912) Vol1.djvu/35

plans, he was fearful to what lengths the outbreak of the troops might go; so, being unable to trust the troops in the city,^[1] he had recourse to what seemed his sole remedy and held an Imperial Election. Besides Vinius and Laco he summoned Marius Celsus, consul-elect, and the City-Prefect Ducenius Geminus.^[2] After prefacing a few words about his own advanced age he ordered Piso Licinianus^[3] to be sent for, either on his own initiative, or, as some believed, at the instance of Laco. Laco had met Piso at Rubellius Plautus' house and they had formed a friendship, but he cunningly pretended that he was supporting a stranger, and Piso's good repute gave colour to this policy. Piso was a noble on both sides, being the son of Marcus Crassus and Scribonia. There was an old-world austerity in his face and bearing, and just critics spoke of his strict morality: people who took a less favourable view thought him soured. But while those who disliked this side of his character carped at it, it was a recommendation in the eyes of the emperor who intended to adopt him.

15Galba is said to have taken Piso's hand and addressed him as follows: 'Were I a private citizen, and were I to adopt you in the presence of the Priests

1. See chap. 5, note 1.
2. One of the three Commissioners of Public Revenue appointed by Nero in a.d. 62 {Ann., xv. 18).
3. Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi Licinianus was the son of M. Licinius Crassus Frugi, and adopted son of L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi. His mother, Scribonia, was a descendant of Pompey.