Such were their united supplications. And one obscure soldier held up his sword, and with the words Know, O Caesar, that all of us stand in this fashion at thy side, slew himself. None of these things, however, broke Otho down, but looking all around with a countenance composed and cheerful, he said: This day, my fellow-soldiers, I deem more blessed than that on which ye first made me emperor, since I see you so devoted to me and am judged worthy of so high honour at your hands.

But do not rob me of a greater blessedness-that of dying nobly in behalf of fellow-citizens so many and so good. If I was worthy to be Roman emperor, I ought to give my life freely for my country. I know that the victory of our adversaries is neither decisive nor assured. I have word that our forces from Mysia are already approaching the Adriatic, and are only a few days distant from us.