the principate can be treated like the consulate: one senior and one junior. One would think Tiberius,
of all men, would have learned at Augustus' knee the lessons of the Triumvirates. I think on some level,
he knew what I would do, but he was fond of Gemellus, the only son of his only son. I understand this. I
too am a father.
Nevertheless, Gemellus had to die. Macro had to die. Silanus had to die. Not merely for their
actions, their base betrayal of me, to whom they owed loyalty, but for what they were: falsehoods.
Gemellus was a false emperor, Macro a false captain, Silanus a false senator. They were the reeking
flowers of a political soil poisoned by the lie that, while it gave order and restraint in Augustus' time,
has outlived its usefulness. So of course I had them tortured and killed (no, not Gemellus. He was kin to
me, and a mere pawn. I had it done quickly), before my couch while I dined with others, critiquing the
tribunes performance in a calm voice while I dispensed with the business of the state. I made them
whom I spared, such as Agrippinilla, watch, and offered them wine. I wanted them to see and
acknowledge the reality that they live under, that they may join me in Agamemnon's wish "One
sovereign Lord, One King may there be."
Until then, they shall marvel, and I shall laugh. UJ