Roman History Roman History - Book XIX. X. The people of Rome, fearing a scarcity, become seditious.
by Ammianus Marcellinus
While these events and troubles were proceeding rapidly in the remote districts of the East, the Eternal City was fearing
distress from an impending scarcity of corn; and the violence of the
common people, infuriated by the expectation of that worst of all
evils, was vented upon Tertullus, who at that time was prefect of the
city. This was unreasonable, since it did not depend upon him that the
provisions were embarked in a stormy season in ships which, through the
unusually tempestuous state of the sea, and the violence of contrary
winds, were driven into any ports they could make, and were unable to
reach the port of Augustus, from the greatness of the dangers which
threatened them.
Nevertheless, Tertullus was continually troubled by the
seditious movements of the people, who worked themselves up to great
rage, being excited by the imminent danger of a famine; till, having no
hope of preserving his own safety, he wisely brought his little boys
out to the people, who, though in a state of tumultuous disorder, were
often influenced by sudden accidents, and with tears addressed them
thus:—
"Behold your fellow-citizens, who (may the gods avert the
omen), unless fortune should take a more favourable turn, will be
exposed to the same sufferings as yourselves. If then you think that by
destroying them you will be saved from all suffering, they are in your
power." The people, of their own nature inclined to mercy, were
propitiated by this sad address, and made no answer, but awaited their
impending fate with resignation.
And soon, by the favour of the deity who has watched
over the growth of Rome from its first origin, and who promised that it
should last for ever, while Tertullus was at Ostia, sacrificing in the
temple of Castor and Pollux, the sea became calm, the wind changed to a
gentle south-east breeze, and the ships in full sail entered the port,
laden with corn to fill the granaries.