Annals IV: practice question B

Ceterum Tiberius per omnes valetudinis eius dies, nullo metu an ut firmitudinem animi ostentaret, etiam defuncto necdum sepulto, curiam ingressus est; consulesque sede vulgari per speciem maestitiae sedentis honoris locique admonuit et effusum in lacrimas senatum victo gemitu, simul oratione continua erexit: non quidem sibi ignarum posse argui quod tam recenti dolore subierit oculos senatus; vix propinquorum adloquia tolerari, vix diem aspici a plerisque lugentium. neque illos imbecillitatis damnandos; se tamen fortiora solacia e complexu rei publicae petivisse. miseratusque Augustae extremam senectam, rudem adhuc nepotum et vergentem aetatem suam, ut Germanici liberi, unica praesentium malorum levamenta, inducerentur petivit. egressi consules firmatos adloquio adulescentulos deductosque ante Caesarem statuunt. quibus adprensis ‘patres conscripti, hos’ inquit ‘orbatos parente tradidi patruo ipsorum precatusque sum, quamquam esset illi propria suboles, ne secus quam suum sanguinem foveret, attolleret, sibique et posteris confirmaret. erepto Druso preces ad vos converto disque et patria coram obtestor: Augusti pronepotes, clarissimis maioribus genitos, suscipite, regite, vestram meamque vicem explete. hi vobis, Nero et Druse, parentum loco: ita nati estis ut bona malaque vestra ad rem publicam pertineant.

Magno ea fletu et mox precationibus faustis audita. ac si modum orationi posuisset, misericordia sui gloriaque animos audientium impleverat; ad vana et totiens inrisa revolutus, de reddenda re publica utque consules seu quis alius regimen susciperent, vero quoque et honesto fidem dempsit.
Tacitus, Annals IV 8-9


(b) What impression of Tiberius does Tacitus give in this passage?


Marks are awarded for the quality of written communication in your answer. [25]




<strong>Suggested mark scheme</strong>


nullo metu – shows that Tiberius is in denial about Drusus’ ill health, or that he is purposely rising above suspicion of murder.

firmitudinem animi ostentaret – he could well be making a show of fortitude in the face of adversity.

etiam defuncto necdum sepulto – but this is extreme behaviour (emphasised by etiam).

consules…admonuit – he refuses to accept insincere tokens of condolence.

victo gemitu – he shows great emotional self-restraint, in contrast to the senate (effusum in lacrimas).

senatum…erexit – he motivates the senate by his words (oratione continua) as well as his actions.

non quidem sibi ignarum – he shows an awareness of how he is perceived by others, and why his behaviour might be deemed peculiar (recenti…senatus).

neque illos imbecillitatis damnandos – he claims to empathise with the behaviour of others.

fortiora solacia e complexu rei publicae – he is dedicated to his role of princeps.

vergentem aetatem suam – he is entering his twilight years.

unica praesentium malorum levamenta – his affection for Germanicus’ children is moving, and he makes a warm gesture (quibus adprensis).

precatusque sum…foveret – he resettled them out of his concern for them, Drusus (sibique) and the state (posteris).

disque et patria coram obtestor – religious/patriotic.

clarissimis maioribus genitos – respects tradition/heritage.

suscipite, regite…explete – he can be firm and authoritative.

ad rem publicam pertineant – more concern for the state.

Magno…fletu…precationibus faustis – his speech rouses a powerful response from the senate.

si modum orationi posuisset – but he does not know when to stop.

ad vana et totiens inrisa revolutus – he ruins everything with habitual, tiresome utterances.

quoque et honesto fidem dempsit – he undoes the support he won with the first part of his speech, in effect undermining any positive impression which had been created.