crossing the Weser. While making his way back to the
Rhine he fell into an ambuscade, but the carelessness of the enemy
enabled him to inflict a crushing defeat upon them. In view of future
operations, he built two castles, one at the junction of the Luppia and
Aliso (_Alme_), the other in the territory of the Chatti on the Taunus,
near Moguntiacum (_Mainz_).

The third campaign (10) was of little importance. The Chatti had joined
the Sugambri in revolt; and, after some insignificant successes, Drusus
returned with Augustus and Tiberius to Rome, and was elected consul for
the following year. In spite of unfavourable portents at Rome, he
determined to enter upon his fourth and last campaign (9) without delay.
He attacked and defeated the Chatti, Suebi, Marcomanni and Cherusci,
crossed the Weser and penetrated as far as the Albis (_Elbe_). Here
trophies were set up to mark the farthest point ever reached by a Roman
army. Various measures were taken to secure the possession of the
conquered territory: fortresses were erected along the Elbe, Weser and
Maas (_Meuse_, _Mosa_); a flotilla was placed upon the Rhine and a dam
built upon the right arm of its estuary to increase the flow of water
into the canal mentioned above. Drusus was said to have been deterred
from crossing the Elbe by the sudden appearance of a woman of
supernatural size, who predicted his approaching end. On his return,
probably between the Elbe and the Saale (_Sala_), his horse stumbled and
threw him. His leg was fractured and he died thirty days after the
accident, on the 14th of September. Suetonius mentions an absurd rumour
that he had been poisoned by order of Augustus, because he had refused
to obey the order for his recall. The body was carried to the winter
quarters of the army, whence it was escorted by Tiberius to Rome, the
procession being joined by Augustus at Ticinum (Pavia). Tiberius
delivered an oration over the remains in the Forum, whence they were
conveyed to the Campus Martius and cremated, and ashes being deposited
in the mausoleum of Augustus.

Drusus was one of the most distinguished men of his time. His agreeable
manners, handsome person and brilliant military talents gained him the
affection of the troops, while his sympathy with republican principles,
endeared him to the people. It is not too much to say that, had he and
his son lived long enough, they might have brought about the abolition
of the monarchy. Although the successes o