Ammianus Marcellinus Res Gestae 28.1.24

[24] On account of this occurrence and many others of the same kind, the fate which was seen to overtake a few persons began to be feared by all. And lest, by so many evils that were ignored, and gradually creeping on, the mass of troubles should be increased, by resolution of the nobles envoys were sent to the emperor. These were Praetextatus, ¹ former prefect of the city, Venustus, a one-time deputy-prefect, ² and Minervius, who had been a consular governor. They were to ask that punishments should be inflicted that were not too severe for the offences, ³ and that no senator should, in a fashion neither practised nor permitted, be subjected to torture.