XXIX.  At  the  return  of  day,  Drusus  called  an  assembly
of  the  soldiers.  Though  unused  to  public  speaking,  he
delivered  himself  with  the  eloquence  of  a  man  who  felt
his  own  importance,  and  the  dignity  of  his  rank.  He  con-
demned the  past,  and  applauded  the  present.  It  was  not,
he  said,  a  part  of  his  character  to  yield  to  menaces,  or  to
shrink  from  danger.  If  he  saw  them  penitent,  if  he  heard
the  language  of  remorse,   he  would  make  a  report   in   their


28  The  Works  of  Tacitus

favour,  and  dispose  his  father  to  listen  to  their  petition.
