His opening speeches, written with all the beauty of thought and language which betrayed the _style_ of Seneca no less than his habitual sentiments, were full of glowing promises.

All those things which had been felt to be injurious or oppressive he promised to eschew.

He would not, he said, reserve to himself, as Claudius had done, the irresponsible decision in all matters of business; no office or dignity should be won from him by flattery or purchased by bribes; he would not confuse his own personal interests with those of the commonwealth; he would respect the ancient prerogatives of the Senate; he would confine his own immediate attention to the provinces and the army.
Nor were such promises falsified by his immediate conduct.

The odious informers who had flourished in previous reigns were frowned upon and punished.

Offices of public dignity were relieved from unjust and oppressive burdens.