Suddenly, however, arrived news, which fell upon him with the force of a
thunderbolt, that the revolt had extended to the Spanish provinces, and
was headed by Galba. He fainted upon hearing this; and falling to the
ground, lay for a long time lifeless, as it seemed, and speechless. Upon
coming to himself again, he tore his robe, struck his forehead, and
exclaimed aloud--that for him all was over. In this agony of mind, it
strikes across the utter darkness of the scene with the sense of a sudden
and cheering flash, recalling to us the possible goodness and fidelity of
human nature--when we read that one humble creature adhered to him, and,
according to her slender means, gave him consolation during these trying
moments; this was the woman who had tended his infant years; and she now
recalled to his remembrance such instances of former princes in adversity,
as appeared fitted to sustain his drooping spirits. It seems, however,
that, according to the general course of violent emotions, the rebound of
high spirits was in proportion to his first despondency. He omitted
nothing of his usual luxury or self-indulgence, and he even found spirits
for going _incognito_ to the theatre, where he took sufficient interest in
the public performances, to send a message to a favorite actor.
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