Their infamous accusers assumed the language of independent patriots, who arraigned a dangerous citizen before the tribunal of his country; and the public service was rewarded by riches and honors.

[55] The servile judges professed to assert the majesty of the commonwealth, violated in the person of its first magistrate, [56] whose clemency they most applauded when they trembled the most at his inexorable and impending cruelty.

[57] The tyrant beheld their baseness with just contempt, and encountered their secret sentiments of detestation with sincere and avowed hatred for the whole body of the senate.
[Footnote 55: They alleged the example of Scipio and Cato, (Tacit.
Annal.iii.

66.) Marcellus Epirus and Crispus Vibius had acquired two millions and a half under Nero.

Their wealth, which aggravated their crimes, protected them under Vespasian.