第1章

IBEGINmyworkwiththetimewhenServiusGalbawasconsulforthesecondtimewithTitusViniusforhiscolleague。Oftheformerperiod，the820yearsdatingfromthefoundingofthecity，manyauthorshavetreated；andwhiletheyhadtorecordthetransactionsoftheRomanpeople，theywrotewithequaleloquenceandfreedom。AftertheconflictatActium，andwhenitbecameessentialtopeace，thatallpowershouldbecenteredinoneman，thesegreatintellectspassedaway。Thentoothetruthfulnessofhistorywasimpairedinmanyways；atfirst，throughmen\'signoranceofpublicaffairs，whichwerenowwhollystrangetothem，then，throughtheirpassionforflattery，or，ontheotherhand，theirhatredoftheirmasters。Andsobetweentheenmityoftheoneandtheservilityoftheother，neitherhadanyregardforposterity。Butwhileweinstinctivelyshrinkfromawriter\'sadulation，welendareadyeartodetractionandspite，becauseflatteryinvolvestheshamefulimputationofservility，whereasmalignitywearsthefalseappearanceofhonesty。

ImyselfknewnothingofGalba，ofOtho，orofVitellius，eitherfrombenefitsorfrominjuries。IwouldnotdenythatmyelevationwasbegunbyVespasian，augmentedbyTitus，andstillfurtheradvancedbyDomitian；butthosewhoprofessinviolabletruthfulnessmustspeakofallwithoutpartialityandwithouthatred。Ihavereservedasanemploymentformyoldage，shouldmylifebelongenough，asubjectatoncemorefruitfulandlessanxiousinthereignoftheDivineNervaandtheempireofTrajan，enjoyingtherarehappinessoftimes，whenwemaythinkwhatweplease，andexpresswhatwethink。

Iamenteringonthehistoryofaperiodrichindisasters，frightfulinitswars，tornbycivilstrife，andeveninpeacefullofhorrors。Fouremperorsperishedbythesword。Therewerethreecivilwars；thereweremorewithforeignenemies；therewereoftenwarsthathadbothcharactersatonce。TherewassuccessintheEast，anddisasterintheWest。ThereweredisturbancesinIllyricum；Gaulwaveredinitsallegiance；Britainwasthoroughlysubduedandimmediatelyabandoned；thetribesoftheSueviandtheSarmataeroseinconcertagainstus；theDacianshadthegloryofinflictingaswellassufferingdefeat；thearmiesofParthiawereallbutsetinmotionbythecheatofacounterfeitNero。NowtooItalywasprostratedbydisasterseitherentirelynovel，orthatrecurredonlyafteralongsuccessionofages；citiesinCampania\'srichestplainswereswallowedupandoverwhelmed；Romewaswastedbyconflagrations，itsoldesttemplesconsumed，andtheCapitolitselffiredbythehandsofcitizens。Sacredriteswereprofaned；therewasprofligacyinthehighestranks；theseawascrowdedwithexiles，anditsrockspollutedwithbloodydeeds。Inthecapitaltherewereyetworsehorrors。Nobility，wealth，therefusalortheacceptanceofoffice，weregroundsforaccusation，andvirtueensureddestruction。Therewardsoftheinformerswerenolessodiousthantheircrimes；forwhilesomeseizedonconsulshipsandpriestlyoffices，astheirshareofthespoil，othersonprocuratorships，andpostsofmoreconfidentialauthority，theyrobbedandruinedineverydirectionamiduniversalhatredandterror。Slaveswerebribedtoturnagainsttheirmasters，andfreedmentobetraytheirpatrons；andthosewhohadnotanenemyweredestroyedbyfriends。

Yettheagewasnotsobarreninnoblequalities，asnotalsotoexhibitexamplesofvirtue。Mothersaccompaniedtheflightoftheirsons；wivesfollowedtheirhusbandsintoexile；therewerebravekinsmenandfaithfulsonsinlaw；therewereslaveswhosefidelitydefiedeventorture；therewereillustriousmendriventothelastnecessity，andenduringitwithfortitude；therewereclosingscenesthatequalledthefamousdeathsofantiquity。Besidesthemanifoldvicissitudesofhumanaffairs，therewereprodigiesinheavenandearth，thewarningvoicesofthethunder，andotherintimationsofthefuture，auspiciousorgloomy，doubtfulornottobemistaken。NeversurelydidmoreterriblecalamitiesoftheRomanPeople，orevidencemoreconclusive，provethattheGodstakenothoughtforourhappiness，butonlyforourpunishment。

Ithinkitproper，however，beforeIcommencemypurposedwork，topassunderreviewtheconditionofthecapital，thetemperofthearmies，theattitudeoftheprovinces，andtheelementsofweaknessandstrengthwhichexistedthroughoutthewholeempire，thatsowemaybecomeacquainted，notonlywiththevicissitudesandtheissuesofevents，whichareoftenmattersofchance，butalsowiththeirrelationsandtheircauses。WelcomeasthedeathofNerohadbeeninthefirstburstofjoy，yetithadnotonlyrousedvariousemotionsinRome，amongtheSenators，thepeople，orthesoldieryofthecapital，ithadalsoexcitedallthelegionsandtheirgenerals；fornowhadbeendivulgedthatsecretoftheempire，thatemperorscouldbemadeelsewherethanatRome。TheSenatorsenjoyedthefirstexerciseoffreedomwiththelessrestraint，becausetheEmperorwasnewtopower，andabsentfromthecapital。TheleadingmenoftheEquestrianordersympathisedmostcloselywiththejoyoftheSenators。Therespectableportionofthepeople，whichwasconnectedwiththegreatfamilies，aswellasthedependantsandfreedmenofcondemnedandbanishedpersons，werehighinhope。Thedegradedpopulace，frequentersofthearenaandthetheatre，themostworthlessoftheslaves，andthosewhohavingwastedtheirpropertyweresupportedbytheinfamousexcessesofNero，caughteagerlyintheirdejectionateveryrumour。

Thesoldieryofthecapital，whowereimbuedwiththespiritofanoldallegiancetotheCaesars，andwhohadbeenledtodesertNerobyintriguesandinfluencesfromwithoutratherthanbytheirownfeelings，wereinclinedforchange，whentheyfoundthatthedonativepromisedinGalba\'snamewaswithheld，andreflectedthatforgreatservicesandgreatrewardstherewasnotthesameroominpeaceasinwar，andthatthefavourofanemperorcreatedbythelegionsmustbealreadypreoccupied。TheywerefurtherexcitedbythetreasonofNymphidiusSabinus，theirprefect，whohimselfaimedatthethrone。Nymphidiusindeedperishedintheattempt，but，thoughtheheadofthemutinywasthusremoved，thereyetremainedinmanyofthesoldierstheconsciousnessofguilt。TherewereevenmenwhotalkedinangrytermsofthefeeblenessandavariceofGalba。Thestrictnessoncesocommended，andcelebratedinthepraisesofthearmy，wasgallingtotroopswhorebelledagainsttheolddiscipline，andwhohadbeenaccustomedbyfourteenyears\'serviceunderNerotolovethevicesoftheiremperors，asmuchastheyhadoncerespectedtheirvirtues。ToallthiswasaddedGalba\'sownexpression，"Ichoosemysoldiers，Idonotbuythem，"noblewordsforthecommonwealth，butfraughtwithperilforhimself。Hisotheractswerenotafterthispattern。

TitusViniusandCorneliusLaco，onethemostworthless，theotherthemostspiritlessofmankind，wereruiningtheweakoldEmperor，whohadtobeartheodiumofsuchcrimesandthescornfeltforsuchcowardice。Galba\'sprogresshadbeenslowandblood-stained。CingoniusVarro，consulelect，andPetroniusTurpilianus，amanofconsularrank，wereputtodeath；theformerasanaccompliceofNymphidius，thelatterasoneofNero\'sgenerals。Bothhadperishedwithouthearingordefence，likeinnocentmen。Hisentryintothecapital，madeaftertheslaughterofthousandsofunarmedsoldiers，wasmostill-omened，andwasterribleeventotheexecutioners。AshebroughtintothecityhisSpanishlegion，whilethatwhichNerohadleviedfromthefleetstillremained，Romewasfullofstrangetroops。

TherewerealsomanydetachmentsfromGermany，Britain，andIllyria，selectedbyNero，andsentonbyhimtotheCaspianpasses，forserviceintheexpeditionwhichhewaspreparingagainsttheAlbani，butafterwardsrecalledtocrushtheinsurrectionofVindex。Heretherewerevastmaterialsforarevolution，withoutindeedadecidedbiastowardsanyoneman，butreadytoadaringhand。

InthisconjunctureithappenedthattidingsofthedeathsofFonteiusCapitoandClodiusMacerreachedthecapital。MacerwasexecutedinAfrica，wherehewasundoubtedlyfomentingsedition，byTreboniusGarutianustheprocurator，whoactedonGalba\'sauthority；

CapitofellinGermany，whilehewasmakingsimilarattempts，bythehandsofCorneliusAquinusandFabiusValens，legatesoflegions，whodidnotwaitforanorder。TherewerehoweversomewhobelievedthatCapito，thoughfoullystainedwithavariceandprofligacy，hadyetabstainedfromallthoughtofrevolution，thatthiswasatreacherousaccusationinventedbythecommandersthemselves，whohadurgedhimtotakeuparms，whentheyfoundthemselvesunabletoprevail，andthatGalbahadapprovedofthedeed，eitherfromweaknessofcharacter，ortoavoidinvestigationintothecircumstancesofactswhichcouldnotbealtered。Bothexecutions，however，wereunfavourablyregarded；indeed，whenaruleroncebecomesunpopular，allhisacts，betheygoodorbad，tellagainsthim。Thefreedmenintheirexcessivepowerwerenowputtingupeverythingforsale；theslavescaughtwithgreedyhandsatimmediategain，and，reflectingontheirmaster\'sage，hastenedtoberich。Thenewcourthadthesameabusesastheold，abusesasgrievousasever，butnotsoreadilyexcused。EventheageofGalbacausedridiculeanddisgustamongthosewhoseassociationswerewiththeyouthofNero，andwhowereaccustomed，asisthefashionofthevulgar，tovaluetheiremperorsbythebeautyandgraceoftheirpersons。

Such，asfarasonecanspeakofsovastamultitude，wasthestateoffeelingatRome。Amongtheprovinces，SpainwasunderthegovernmentofCluviusRufus，aneloquentman，whohadalltheaccomplishmentsofcivillife，butwhowaswithoutexperienceinwar。Gaul，besidesrememberingVindex，wasboundtoGalbabytherecentlyconcededprivilegesofcitizenship，andbythediminutionofitsfuturetribute。ThoseGallicstates，however，whichwerenearesttothearmiesofGermany，hadnotbeentreatedwiththesamerespect，andhadeveninsomecasesbeendeprivedoftheirterritory；andthesewerereckoningthegainsofothersandtheirownlosseswithequalindignation。ThearmiesofGermanywereatoncealarmedandangry，amostdangeroustemperwhenalliedwithsuchstrength；whileelatedbytheirrecentvictory，theyfearedbecausetheymightseemtohavesupportedanunsuccessfulparty。

TheyhadbeenslowtorevoltfromNero，andVerginiushadnotimmediatelydeclaredforGalba；itwasdoubtfulwhetherhehadhimselfwishedtobeemperor，butallagreedthattheempirehadbeenofferedtohimbythesoldiery。Again，theexecutionofCapitowasasubjectofindignation，evenwiththosewhocouldnotcomplainofitsinjustice。Theyhadnoleader，forVerginiushadbeenwithdrawnonthepretextofhisfriendshipwiththeEmperor。Thathewasnotsentback，andthathewasevenimpeached，theyregardedasanaccusationagainstthemselves。

ThearmyofUpperGermanydespisedtheirlegate，HordeoniusFlaccus，who，disabledbyageandlameness，hadnostrengthofcharacterandnoauthority；evenwhenthesoldierywerequiet，hecouldnotcontrolthem，muchmoreintheirfitsoffrenzyweretheyirritatedbytheveryfeeblenessofhisrestraint。ThelegionsofLowerGermanyhadlongbeenwithoutanygeneralofconsularrank，until，bytheappointmentofGalba，AulusVitelliustookthecommand。HewassonofthatVitelliuswhowascensorandthreetimesconsul；thiswasthoughtsufficientrecommendation。InthearmyofBritaintherewasnoangryfeeling；indeednotroopsbehavedmoreblamelesslythroughoutallthetroublesofthesecivilwars，eitherbecausetheywerefarawayandseparatedbytheoceanfromtherestoftheempire，orbecausecontinualwarfarehadtaughtthemtoconcentratetheirhatredontheenemy。Illyricumtoowasquiet，thoughthelegionsdrawnfromthatprovincebyNerohad，whilelingeringinItaly，sentdeputationstoVerginius。Butseparatedasthesearmieswerebylongdistances，athingofallothersthemostfavourableforkeepingtroopstotheirduty，theycouldneithercommunicatetheirvices，norcombinetheirstrength。

IntheEasttherewasasyetnomovement。SyriaanditsfourlegionswereunderthecommandofLiciniusMucianus，amanwhosegoodandbadfortunewereequallyfamous。Inhisyouthhehadcultivatedwithmanyintriguesthefriendshipofthegreat。Hisresourcessoonfailed，andhispositionbecameprecarious，andashealsosuspectedthatClaudiushadtakensomeoffence，hewithdrewintoaretiredpartofAsia，andwasaslikeanexile，ashewasafterwardslikeanemperor。Hewasacompoundofdissipationandenergy，ofarroganceandcourtesy，ofgoodandbadqualities。Hisself-indulgencewasexcessive，whenhehadleisure，yetwheneverhehadserved，hehadshowngreatqualities。Inhispubliccapacityhemightbepraised；hisprivatelifewasinbadrepute。Yetoversubjects，friends，andcolleagues，heexercisedtheinfluenceofmanyfascinations。Hewasamanwhowouldfinditeasiertotransfertheimperialpowertoanother，thantoholditforhimself。FlaviusVespasian，ageneralofNero\'sappointment，wascarryingonthewarinJudaeawiththreelegions，andhehadnowishorfeelingadversetoGalba。HehadinfactsenthissonTitustoacknowledgehisauthorityandbespeakhisfavour，asinitsproperplaceIshallrelate。Asforthehiddendecreesoffate，theomensandtheoraclesthatmarkedoutVespasianandhissonsforimperialpower，webelievedinthemonlyafterhissuccess。

EversincethetimeoftheDivineAugustusRomanKnightshaveruledEgyptaskings，andtheforcesbywhichithastobekeptinsubjection。Ithasbeenthoughtexpedientthustokeepunderhomecontrolaprovincesodifficultofaccess，soproductiveofcorn，everdistracted，excitable，andrestlessthroughthesuperstitionandlicentiousnessofitsinhabitants，knowingnothingoflaws，andunusedtocivilrule。ItsgovernorwasatthistimeTiberiusAlexander，anativeofthecountry。Africaanditslegions，nowthatClodiusMacerwasdead，weredisposedtobecontentwithanyemperor，afterhavingexperiencedtheruleofasmallertyrant。ThetwodivisionsofMauritania，Rhaetia，NoricumandThraceandtheotherprovincesgovernedbyprocurators，astheywerenearthisorthatarmy，weredrivenbythepresenceofsuchpowerfulneighboursintofriendshiporhostility。TheunarmedprovinceswithItalyattheirheadwereexposedtoanykindofslavery，andwerereadytobecometheprizeofvictory。SuchwasthestateoftheRomanworld，whenServiusGalba，consulforthesecondtime，withT。Viniusforhiscolleague，entereduponayear，whichwastobethelastoftheirlives，andwhichwellnighbroughtthecommonwealthtoanend。

Afewdaysafterthe1stofJanuary，therearrivedfromBelgicadespatchesofPompeiusPropinquus，theProcurator，tothiseffect；

thatthelegionsofUpperGermanyhadbrokenthroughtheobligationoftheirmilitaryoath，andweredemandinganotheremperor，butconcededthepowerofchoicetotheSenateandpeopleofRome，inthehopethatamorelenientviewmightbetakenoftheirrevolt。

ThesetidingshastenedtheplansofGalba，whohadbeenlongdebatingthesubjectofadoptionwithhimselfandwithhisintimatefriends。Therewasindeednomorefrequentsubjectofconversationduringthesemonths，atfirstbecausemenhadlibertyandinclinationtotalkofsuchmatters，afterwardsbecausethefeeblenessofGalbawasnotorious。Fewhadanydiscriminationorpatriotism，manyhadfoolishhopesforthemselves，andspreadinterestedreports，inwhichtheynamedthisorthatpersontowhomtheymightberelatedasfriendordependant。TheywerealsomovedbyhatredofT。Vinius，whogrewdailymorepowerful，andinthesameproportionmoreunpopular。TheveryeasinessofGalba\'stemperstimulatedthegreedycupiditywhichgreatadvancementhadexcitedinhisfriends，becausewithonesoweakandsocredulouswrongmightbedonewithlessriskandgreatergain。

TherealpoweroftheEmpirewasdividedbetweenT。Vinius，theconsul，andCorneliusLaco，prefectofthePraetorianGuard。Icelus，afreedmanofGalba，wasinequalfavour；hehadbeenpresentedwiththeringsofknighthood，andboretheEquestriannameofMartianus。

Thesemen，beingatvariance，andinsmallermatterspursuingtheirownaims，weredividedintheaffairofchoosingasuccessor，intotwoopposingfactions。T。ViniuswasforMarcusOtho，LacoandIcelusagreed，notindeedinsupportinganyparticularindividual，butinstrivingforsomeoneelse。GalbaindeedwasawareofthefriendshipbetweenViniusandOtho；thegossipofthosewhoallownothingtopassinsilencehadnamedthemasfather-in-lawandson-in-law，forViniushadawidoweddaughter，andOthowasunmarried。Ibelievethathehadalsoatheartsomecareforthecommonwealth，invain，hewouldthink，rescuedfromNero，ifitwastobeleftwithOtho。ForOtho\'shadbeenaneglectedboyhoodandariotousyouth，andhehadmadehimselfagreeabletoNerobyemulatinghisprofligacy。ForthisreasontheEmperorhadentrustedtohim，asbeingtheconfidantofhisamours，PoppaeaSabina，theimperialfavourite，untilhecouldridhimselfofhiswifeOctavia。SoonsuspectinghimwithregardtothissamePoppaea，hesenthimoutofthewaytotheprovinceofLusitania，ostensiblytobeitsgovernor。Othoruledtheprovincewithmildness，and，ashewasthefirsttojoinGalba\'sparty，wasnotwithoutenergy，and，whilethewarlasted，wasthemostconspicuousoftheEmperor\'sfollowers，hewasledtocherishmoreandmorepassionatelyeverydaythosehopesofadoptionwhichhehadentertainedfromthefirst。Manyofthesoldiersfavouredhim，andthecourtwasbiassedinhisfavour，becauseheresembledNero。

WhenGalbaheardofthemutinyinGermany，thoughnothingwasasyetknownaboutVitellius，hefeltanxiousastothedirectionwhichtheviolenceofthelegionsmighttake，whilehecouldnottrusteventhesoldieryofthecapital。Hethereforeresortedtowhathesupposedtobetheonlyremedy，andheldacouncilfortheelectionofanemperor。Tothishesummoned，besidesViniusandLaco，MariusCelsus，consulelect，andDucenniusGeminus，prefectofthecity。

Havingfirstsaidafewwordsabouthisadvancedyears，heorderedPisoLicinianustobesummoned。Itisuncertainwhetherheactedonhisownfreechoice，or，asbelievedbysome，undertheinfluenceofLaco，whothroughRubelliusPlautushadcultivatedthefriendshipofPiso。But，cunninglyenough，itwasasastrangerthatLacosupportedhim，andthehighcharacterofPisogaveweighttohisadvice。Piso，whowasthesonofM。CrassusandScribonia，andthusofnobledescentonbothsides，wasinlookandmanneramanoftheoldtype。Rightlyjudged，heseemedasternman，morosetothosewhoestimatedhimlessfavourably。Thispointinhischaracterpleasedhisadoptedfatherinproportionasitraisedtheanxioussuspicionsofothers。

WearetoldthatGalba，takingholdofPiso\'shand，spoketothiseffect:"IfIwereaprivateman，andwerenowadoptingyoubytheActoftheCuriaebeforethePontiffs，asourcustomis，itwouldbeahighhonourtometointroduceintomyfamilyadescendantofCn。

PompeiusandM。Crassus；itwouldbeadistinctiontoyoutoaddtothenobilityofyourracethehonoursoftheSulpicianandLutatianhouses。Asitis，I，whohavebeencalledtothethronebytheunanimousconsentofgodsandmen，ammovedbyyoursplendidendowmentsandbymyownpatriotismtooffertoyou，amanofpeace，thatpower，forwhichourancestorsfought，andwhichImyselfobtainedbywar。IamfollowingtheprecedentoftheDivineAugustus，whoplacedonaneminencenexttohisown，firsthisnephewMarcellus，thenhisson-in-lawAgrippa，afterwardshisgrandsons，andfinallyTiberiusNero，hisstepson。ButAugustuslookedforasuccessorinhisownfamily，Ilookforoneinthestate，notbecauseIhavenorelativesorcompanionsofmycampaigns，butbecauseitwasnotbyanyprivatefavourthatImyselfreceivedtheimperialpower。LettheprincipleofmychoicebeshownnotonlybymyconnectionswhichIhavesetasideforyou，butbyyourown。Youhaveabrother，nobleasyourself，andolder，whowouldbewellworthyofthisdignity，wereyounotworthier。Yourageissuchastobenowfreefromthepassionsofyouth，andsuchyourlifethatinthepastyouhavenothingtoexcuse。Hitherto，youhaveonlyborneadversity；prosperitytriestheheartwithkeenertemptations；forhardshipsmaybeendured，whereaswearespoiledbysuccess。Youindeedwillclingwiththesameconstancytohonor，freedom，friendship，thebestpossessionsofthehumanspirit，butotherswillseektoweakenthemwiththeirservility。Youwillbefiercelyassailedbyadulation，byflattery，thatworstpoisonofthetrueheart，andbytheselfishinterestsofindividuals。YouandIspeaktogetherto-daywithperfectfrankness，butotherswillbemorereadytoaddressusasemperorsthanasmen。Fortourgehisdutyuponaprinceisindeedahardmatter；toflatterhim，whateverhischaracter，isamereroutinegonethroughwithoutanyheart。

"Couldthevastframeofthisempirehavestoodandpreserveditsbalancewithoutadirectingspirit，Iwasnotunworthyofinauguratingarepublic。Asitis，wehavebeenlongreducedtoaposition，inwhichmyageconfernogreaterboonontheRomanpeoplethanagoodsuccessor，youryouthnogreaterthanagoodemperor。UnderTuberous，Chairs，andClaudius，wewere，sotospeak，theinheritanceofasinglefamily。Thechoicewhichbeginswithuswillbeasubstituteforfreedom。NowthatthefamilyoftheJuliiandtheClaudiihascometoanend，adoptionwilldiscovertheworthiestsuccessor。Tobebegottenandbornofaprincelyraceisamereaccident，andisonlyvaluedassuch。Inadoptionthereisnothingthatneedbiasthejudgment，andifyouwishtomakeachoice，anunanimousopinionpointsouttheman。LetNerobeeverbeforeyoureyes，swollenwiththeprideofalonglineofCaesars；itwasnotVindexwithhisunarmedprovince，itwasnotmyselfwithmysinglelegion，thatshookhisyokefromournecks。Itwashisownprofligacy，hisownbrutality，andthat，thoughtherehadbeenbeforenoprecedentofanemperorcondemnedbyhisownpeople。We，whohavebeencalledtopowerbytheissuesofwar，andbythedeliberatejudgmentofothers，shallincurunpopularity，howeverillustriousourcharacter。

Donothoweverbealarmed，if，afteramovementwhichhasshakentheworld，twolegionsarenotyetquiet。Ididnotmyselfsucceedtoathronewithoutanxiety；andwhenmenshallhearofyouradoptionI

shallnolongerbethoughtold，andthisistheonlyobjectionwhichisnowmadeagainstme。Nerowillalwaysberegrettedbythethoroughlydepraved；itisforyouandmetotakecare，thathebenotregrettedalsobythegood。Toprolongsuchadvice，suitsnotthisoccasion，andallmypurposeisfulfilledifIhavemadeagoodchoiceinyou。Themostpracticalandtheshortestmethodofdistinguishingbetweengoodandbadmeasures，istothinkwhatyouyourselfwouldorwouldnotlikeunderanotheremperor。Itisnothere，asitisamongnationsdespoticallyruled，thatthereisadistinctgoverningfamily，whilealltherestareslaves。Youhavetoreignovermenwhocannotbeareitherabsoluteslaveryorabsolutefreedom。"This，withmoretothesameeffect，wassaidbyGalba；hespoketoPisoasifhewerecreatinganemperor；theothersaddressedhimasifhewereanemperoralready。

ItissaidofPisothathebetrayednodiscomposureorexcessivejoy，eithertothegazetowhichhewasimmediatelysubjected，orafterwardswhenalleyeswereturneduponhim。HislanguagetotheEmperor，hisfather，wasreverential；hislanguageabouthimselfwasmodest。Heshewednochangeinlookormanner；heseemedlikeonewhohadthepowerratherthanthewishtorule。ItwasnextdiscussedwhethertheadoptionshouldbepubliclypronouncedinfrontoftheRostra，intheSenate，orinthecamp。Itwasthoughtbesttogotothecamp。Thiswouldbeacomplimenttothesoldiery，andtheirfavour，baseasitwastopurchaseitbybriberyorintrigue，wasnottobedespisedifitcouldbeobtainedbyhonourablemeans。Meanwhiletheexpectantpeoplehadsurroundedthepalace，impatienttolearnthegreatsecret，andthosewhosoughttostifletheill-concealedrumourdidbutspreaditthemore。

The10thofJanuarywasagloomy，stormyday，unusuallydisturbedbythunder，lightning，andallbadomensfromheaven。Thoughthishadfromancienttimebeenmadeareasonfordissolvinganassembly，itdidnotdeterGalbafromproceedingtothecamp；eitherbecausehedespisedsuchthingsasbeingmeremattersofchance，orbecausethedecreesoffate，thoughtheybeforeshewn，arenotescaped。Addressingacrowdedassemblyofthesoldiersheannounced，withimperialbrevity，thatheadoptedPiso，followingtheprecedentoftheDivineAugustus，andthemilitarycustombywhichasoldierchooseshiscomrade。Fearingthattoconcealthemutinywouldbetomakethemthinkitgreaterthanitreallywas，hespontaneouslydeclaredthatthe4thand18thlegions，ledbyafewfactiouspersons，hadbeeninsubordinate，buthadnotgonebeyondcertainwordsandcries，andthattheywouldsoonreturntotheirduty。Tothisspeechheaddednowordofflattery，nohintofabribe。Yetthetribunes，thecenturions，andsuchofthesoldiersasstoodnear，madeanencouragingresponse。Agloomysilenceprevailedamongtherest，whoseemedtothinkthattheyhadlostbywarthatrighttoadonativewhichtheyhadmadegoodeveninpeace。Itiscertainthattheirfeelingsmighthavebeenconciliatedbytheverysmallestliberalityonthepartoftheparsimoniousoldman。Hewasruinedbyhisold-fashionedinflexibility，andbyanexcessivesternnesswhichwearenolongerabletoendure。

ThenfollowedGalba\'sspeechintheSenate，whichwasasplainandbriefashisspeechtothesoldiery。PisodeliveredagracefulorationandwassupportedbythefeelingoftheSenate。Manywhowishedhimwell，spokewithenthusiasm；thosewhohadopposedhim，inmoderateterms；themajoritymethimwithanofficioushomage，havingaimsoftheirownandnothoughtforthestate。Pisoneithersaidnordidanythingelseinpublicinthefollowingfourdayswhichintervenedbetweenhisadoptionandhisdeath。AstidingsofthemutinyinGermanywerearrivingwithdailyincreasingfrequency，whilethecountrywasreadytoreceiveandtocreditallintelligencethathadanunfavourablecharacter，theSenatecametoaresolutiontosenddeputiestotheGermanarmies。ItwasprivatelydiscussedwhetherPisoshouldgowiththemtogivethemamoreimposingappearance；they，itwassaid，wouldbringwiththemtheauthorityoftheSenate，hethemajestyoftheCaesar。ItwasthoughtexpedienttosendwiththemCorneliusLaco，prefectofthePraetorianGuard，buthethwartedthedesign。Innominating，excusing，andchangingthedeputies，theSenatehavingentrustedtheselectiontoGalba，theEmperorshewedadisgracefulwantoffirmness，yieldingtoindividuals，whomadeinteresttostayortogo，astheirfearsortheirhopesprompted。

Nextcamethequestionofmoney。Onageneralinquiryitseemedthefairestcoursetodemandrestitutionfromthosewhohadcausedthepublicpoverty。Nerohadsquanderedinpresentstwothousandtwohundredmillionsesterces。Itwasorderedthateachrecipientshouldbesued，butshouldbepermittedtoretainatenthpartofthebounty。

Theyhadhoweverbarelyatenthpartleft，havingwastedthepropertyofothersinthesameextravagancesinwhichtheyhadsquanderedtheirown，tillthemostrapaciousandprofligateamongthemhadneithercapitalnorlandremaining，nothinginfactbuttheappliancesoftheirvices。ThirtyRomanKnightswereappointedtoconducttheprocessofrecovery，anoveloffice，andmadeburdensomebythenumberandintriguingpracticesofthosewithwhomithadtodeal。Everywhereweresalesandbrokers，andRomewasinanuproarwithauctions。YetgreatwasthejoytothinkthatthemenwhomNerohadenrichedwouldbeaspoorasthosewhomhehadrobbed。AboutthistimewerecashieredtwotribunesofthePraetorianGuard，AntoniusTaurusandAntoniusNaso，anofficeroftheCitycohorts，AemiliusPacensis，andoneofthewatch，JuliusFronto。Thisledtonoamendmentwiththerest，butonlystartedtheapprehension，thatacraftyandtimidpolicywasgettingridofindividuals，whileallweresuspected。

Otho，meanwhile，whohadnothingtohopewhiletheStatewastranquil，andwhosewholeplansdependedonrevolution，wasbeingrousedtoactionbyacombinationofmanymotives，byaluxurythatwouldhaveembarrassedevenanemperor，byapovertythatasubjectcouldhardlyendure，byhisrageagainstGalba，byhisenvyofPiso。

Heevenpretendedtofeartomakehimselfkeenerindesire。"Iwas，saidhe，"tooformidabletoNero，andImustnotlookforanotherLusitania，anotherhonourableexile。Rulersalwayssuspectandhatethemanwhohasbeennamedforthesuccession。ThishasinjuredmewiththeagedEmperor，andwillinjuremeyetmorewithayoungmanwhosetemper，naturallysavage，hasbeenrenderedferociousbyprolongedexile。HoweasytoputOthotodeath！ImustthereforedoanddarenowwhileGalba\'sauthorityisstillunsettled，andbeforethatofPisoisconsolidated。Periodsoftransitionsuitgreatattempts，anddelayisuselesswhereinactionismorehurtfulthantemerity。Death，whichnatureordainsforallalike，yetadmitsofthedistinctionofbeingeitherforgotten，orrememberedwithhonourbyposterity；and，ifthesamelotawaitstheinnocentandtheguilty，themanofspiritwillatleastdeservehisfate。"

ThesoulofOthowasnoteffeminatelikehisperson。Hisconfidentialfreedmenandslaves，whoenjoyedalicenseunknowninprivatefamilies，broughtthedebaucheriesofNero\'scourt，itsintrigues，itseasymarriages，andtheotherindulgencesofdespoticpower，beforeamindpassionatelyfondofsuchthings，dweltuponthemashisifhedaredtoseizethem，andreproachedtheinactionthatwouldleavethemtoothers。Theastrologersalsourgedhimtoaction，predictingfromtheirobservationoftheheavensrevolutions，andayearofgloryforOtho。Thisisaclassofmen，whomthepowerfulcannottrust，andwhodeceivetheaspiring，aclasswhichwillalwaysbeproscribedinthiscountry，andyetalwaysretained。ManyofthesemenwereattachedtothesecretcouncilsofPoppaeaandwerethevilesttoolsintheemployoftheimperialhousehold。Oneofthem，Ptolemaeus，hadattendedOthoinSpain，andhadthereforetoldthathispatronwouldsurviveNero。

Gainingcreditbytheresult，andarguingfromhisownconjecturesandfromthecommontalkofthosewhocomparedGalba\'sagewithOtho\'syouth，hehadpersuadedthelatterthathewouldbecalledtothethrone。Othohoweverreceivedthepredictionasthewordsofwisdomandtheintimationofdestiny，withthatinclinationsonaturaltothehumanmindreadilytobelieveinthemysterious。

NordidPtolemaeusfailtoplayhispart；henowevenpromptedtocrime，towhichfromsuchwishesitiseasytopass。Whetherindeedthesethoughtsofcrimeweresuddenlyconceived，isdoubtful。Othohadlongbeencourtingtheaffectionsofthesoldiery，eitherinthehopeofsucceedingtothethrone，orinpreparationforsomedesperateact。Onthemarch，onparade，andintheirquarters，hewouldaddressalltheoldestsoldiersbyname，andinallusiontotheprogressesofNerowouldcallthemhismessmates。Somehewouldrecognise，hewouldinquireafterothers，andwouldhelpthemwithhismoneyandinterest。HewouldofteninterspersehisconversationwithcomplaintsandinsinuationsagainstGalbaandanythingelsethatmightexcitethevulgarmind。Laboriousmarches，ascantycommissariat，andtherigourofmilitarydiscipline，wereespeciallydistasteful，whenmen，accustomedtosailtothelakesofCampaniaandthecitiesofGreece，hadpainfullytostruggleundertheweightoftheirarmsoverthePyrenees，theAlps，andvastdistancesofroad。

Themindsofthesoldierywerealreadyonfire，whenMaeviusPudens，anearrelativeofTigellinus，added，sotospeak，fueltotheflames。

Inhisendeavourtowinoverallwhowereparticularlyweakincharacter，orwhowantedmoneyandwerereadytoplungeintorevolution，hegraduallywentsofarastodistribute，wheneverGalbadinedwithOtho，onehundredsestercestoeachsoldierofthecohortonduty，underpretextoftreatingthem。This，whichwemayalmostcallapublicbounty，Othofollowedupbypresentsmoreprivatelybestowedonindividuals；nayhebribedwithsuchspirit，that，findingtherewasadisputebetweenCocceiusProculus，asoldierofthebodyguard，andoneofhisneighbours，aboutsomepartoftheirboundaries，hepurchasedwithhisownmoneytheneighbour\'sentireestate，andmadeapresentofittothesoldier。HetookadvantageofthelazyindifferenceofthePrefect，whooverlookedalikenotoriousfactsandsecretpractices。

HethenentrustedtheconductofhismeditatedtreasontoOnomastus，oneofhisfreedmen，whobroughtovertohisviewsBarbiusProculus，officerofthewatchwordtothebodyguard，andVeturius，adeputycenturioninthesameforce。Havingassuredhimselfbyvariousconversationswiththesementhattheywerecunningandbold，heloadedthemwithpresentsandpromises，andfurnishedthemwithmoneywithwhichtotemptthecupidityofothers。ThustwosoldiersfromtheranksundertooktotransfertheEmpireofRome，andactuallytransferredit。Onlyafewwereadmittedtobeaccomplicesintheplot，buttheyworkedbyvariousdevicesonthewaveringmindsoftheremainder；onthemoredistinguishedsoldiers，byhintingthatthefavoursofNymphidiushadsubjectedthemtosuspicion；onthevulgarherd，bytheangeranddespairwithwhichtherepeatedpostponementofthedonativehadinspiredthem。SomewerefiredbytheirrecollectionsofNeroandtheirlongingregretsfortheiroldlicense。Allfeltacommonalarmattheideaofhavingtoserveelsewhere。

Thecontagionspreadtothelegionsandtheauxiliarytroops，alreadyexcitedbythenewsofthewaveringloyaltyofthearmyofGermany。Soripewerethedisaffectedformutinyandsoclosethesecrecypreservedbytheloyal，thattheywouldactuallyhaveseizedOthoonthe14thofJanuary，ashewasreturningfromdinner，hadtheynotbeendeterredbytherisksofdarkness，theinconvenientdispersionofthetroopsoverthewholecity，andthedifficultyofconcertedactionamongahalf-intoxicatedcrowd。Itwasnocareforthestate，whichtheydeliberatelymeditatedpollutingwiththebloodoftheirEmperor；itwasafearlestinthedarknessofnightanyonewhopresentedhimselftothesoldiersofthePannonianorGermanarmymightbefixedoninsteadofOtho，whomfewofthemknew。Manysymptomsoftheapproachingoutburstwererepressedbythosewhowereinthesecret。Somehints，whichhadreachedGalba\'sears，wereturnedintoridiculebyLacotheprefect，whoknewnothingofthetemperofthesoldiery，andwho，inimicaltoallmeasures，howeverexcellent，whichhedidnotoriginate，obstinatelythwartedmenwiserthanhimself。

Onthe15thofJanuary，asGalbawassacrificinginfrontofthetempleofApollo，theHaruspexUmbriciusannouncedtohimthattheentrailshadasinisteraspect，thattreacherythreatenedhim，thathehadanenemyathome。Othoheard，forhehadtakenhisplacecloseby，andinterpreteditbycontrariesinafavourablesense，aspromisingsuccesstohisdesigns。NotlongafterhisfreedmanOnomastusinformedhimthatthearchitectandthecontractorswerewaitingforhim。Ithadbeenarrangedthustoindicatethatthesoldierswereassembling，andthatthepreparationsoftheconspiracywerecomplete。

Tothosewhoinquiredthereasonofhisdeparture，Othopretendedthathewaspurchasingcertainfarm-buildings，whichfromtheiragehesuspectedtobeunsound，andwhichhadthereforetobefirstsurveyed。

Leaningonhisfreedman\'sarm，heproceededthroughthepalaceofTiberiustotheVelabrum，andthencetothegoldenmilestonenearthetempleofSaturn。Therethreeandtwentysoldiersofthebody-guardsalutedhimasEmperor，and，whilehetrembledattheirscantynumber，puthimhastilyintoachair，drewtheirswords，andhurriedhimonwards。Aboutasmanymoresoldiersjoinedthemontheirway，somebecausetheywereintheplot，manyfrommeresurprise；someshoutedandbrandishedtheirswords，othersproceededinsilence，intendingtolettheissuedeterminetheirsentiments。

JuliusMartialiswasthetribuneonguardinthecamp。Appalledbytheenormityandsuddennessofthecrime，orperhapsfearingthatthetroopswereveryextensivelycorruptedandthatitwouldbedestructiontoopposethem，hemademanysuspecthimofcomplicity。

Therestofthetribunesandcenturionspreferredimmediatesafetytodangerandduty。Suchwasthetemperofmen\'sminds，that，whiletherewerefewtoventureonsoatrociousatreason，manywisheditdone，andallwerereadytoacquiesce。

MeanwhiletheunconsciousGalba，busywithhissacrifice，wasimportuningthegodsofanempirethatwasnowanother\'s。Arumourreachedhim，thatsomesenatorunknownwasbeinghurriedintothecamp；beforelongitwasaffirmedthatthissenatorwasOtho。Atthesametimecamemessengersfromallpartsofthecity，wheretheyhadchancedtomeettheprocession，someexaggeratingthedanger，some，whocouldnoteventhenforgettoflatter，representingitaslessthanthereality。Ondeliberationitwasdeterminedtosoundthefeelingofthecohortonguardinthepalace，butnotthroughGalbainperson，whoseauthoritywastobekeptunimpairedtomeetgreateremergencies。Theywereaccordinglycollectedbeforethestepsofthepalace，andPisoaddressedthemasfollows:-"Comrades，thisisthesixthdaysinceIbecameaCaesarbyadoption，notknowingwhatwastohappen，whetherthistitlewastobedesired，ordreaded。Itrestswithyoutodeterminewhatwillbetheresulttomyfamilyandtothestate。ItisnotthatIdreadonmyownaccountthegloomierissue；forIhaveknownadversity，andIamlearningatthisverymomentthatprosperityisfullyasdangerous。Itisthelotofmyfather，oftheSenate，oftheEmpireitself，thatIdeplore，ifwehaveeithertofallthisday，ortodowhatisequallyabhorrenttothegood，toputotherstodeath。Inthelatetroubleswehadthisconsolation，acapitalunstainedbybloodshed，andpowertransferredwithoutstrife。Itwasthoughtthatbymyadoptionprovisionwasmadeagainstthepossibilityofwar，evenafterGalba\'sdeath。

"Iwilllaynoclaimtonobleness，ormoderation，forindeed，tocountupvirtuesincomparingoneselfwithOthoisneedless。Thevices，ofwhichaloneheboasts，overthrewtheEmpire，evenwhenhewasbuttheEmperor\'sfriend。ShallheearnthatEmpirenowbyhismannerandhisgait，orbythosewomanishadornments？Theyaredeceived，onwhomluxuryimposesbyitsfalseshowofliberality；hewillknowhowtosquander，hewillnotknowhowtogive。Alreadyheisthinkingofdebaucheries，ofrevels，oftribesofmistresses。Thesethingsheholdstobetheprizesofprincelypower，things，inwhichthewantonenjoymentwillbeforhimalone，theshameandthedisgraceforall。Neveryethasanyoneexercisedforgoodendsthepowerobtainedbycrime。TheunanimouswillofmankindgavetoGalbathetitleofCaesar，andyouconsentedwhenhegaveittome。WeretheSenate，theCountry，thePeople，butemptynames，yet，comrades，itisyourinterestthatthemostworthlessofmenshouldnotcreateanEmperor。Wehaveoccasionallyheardoflegionsmutinyingagainsttheirgenerals，butyourloyalty，yourcharacter，standunimpeacheduptothistime。EvenwithNero，itwashethatdesertedyou，notyouthatdesertedhim。Shalllessthanthirtyrunawaysanddeserterswhomnoonewouldallowtochooseatribuneorcenturionforthemselves，assigntheEmpireattheirpleasure？Doyoutoleratetheprecedent？Doyoubyyourinactionmakethecrimeyourown？Thislawlessspiritwillpassintotheprovinces，andthoughweshallsufferfromthistreason，youwillsufferfromthewarsthatwillfollow。Again，nomoreisofferedyouformurderingyourPrince，thanyouwillhaveifyoushunsuchguilt。Weshallgiveyouadonativeforyourloyalty，assurelyasotherscangiveitforyourtreason。"

Thesoldiersofthebody-guarddispersed，buttherestofthecohort，whoshewednodisrespecttothespeaker，displayedtheirstandards，acting，asoftenhappensinadisturbance，onmereimpulseandwithoutanysettledplan，ratherthan，aswasafterwardsbelieved，withtreacheryandanintentiontodeceive。CelsusMariuswassenttothepickedtroopsfromthearmyofIllyricum，thenencampedinthePorticoofVipsanius。InstructionswerealsogiventoAmuliusSerenusandQuintiusSabinus，centurionsofthefirstrank，tobringuptheGermansoldiersfromtheHallofLiberty。Noconfidencewasplacedinthelegionleviedfromthefleet，whichhadbeenenragedbythemassacreoftheircomrades，whomGalbahadslaughteredimmediatelyonhisentryintothecapital。MeanwhileCetriusSeverus，SubriusDexter，andPompeiusLonginus，allthreemilitarytribunes，proceededtothePraetoriancamp，inthehopethatasedition，whichwasbutjustcommencing，andnotyetfullymatured，mightbeswayedbybettercounsels。Twoofthesetribunes，SubriusandCetrius，thesoldiersassailedwithmenaces；Longinustheyseizedanddisarmed；itwasnothisrankasanofficer，buthisfriendshipwithGalba，thatboundhimtothatPrince，androusedastrongersuspicioninthemutineers。ThelegionleviedfromthefleetjoinedthePraetorianswithoutanyhesitation。TheIllyriandetachmentsdroveCelsusawaywithashowerofjavelins。TheGermanveteranswaveredlong。Theirframeswerestillenfeebledbysickness，andtheirmindswerefavourablydisposedtowardsGalba，who，findingthemexhaustedbytheirlongreturnvoyagefromAlexandria，whithertheyhadbeensentonbyNero，hadsuppliedtheirwantswithamostunsparingattention。

Thewholepopulaceandtheslaveswiththemwerenowcrowdingthepalace，clamouringwithdiscordantshoutsforthedeathofOthoandthedestructionoftheconspirators，justasiftheyweredemandingsomespectacleinthecircusoramphitheatre。Theyhadnotindeedanydiscriminationorsincerity，foronthatsamedaytheywouldraisewithequalzealawhollydifferentcry。Itwastheirtraditionalcustomtoflatteranyrulerwithrecklessapplauseandmeaninglesszeal。MeanwhiletwosuggestionswerekeepingGalbaindoubt。T。Viniusthoughtthatheshouldremainwithinthepalace，arraytheslavesagainstthefoe，securetheapproaches，andnotgoouttotheenragedsoldiers。"Youshould，"hesaid，"givethedisaffectedtimetorepent，theloyaltimetounite。Crimesgainbyhastyaction，bettercounselsbydelay。Atallevents，youwillstillhavethesamefacilitiesofgoingout，ifneedbe，whereas，yourretreat，shouldyourepentofhavinggone，willbeinthepowerofanother。"

Therestwereforspeedyaction，"before，"theysaid，"theyetfeebletreasonofthishandfulofmencangatherstrength。Othohimselfwillbealarmed，Otho，whostoleawaytobeintroducedtoafewstrangers，butwhonow，thankstothehesitationandinactioninwhichwewasteourtime，islearninghowtoplaythePrince。Wemustnotwaittill，havingarrangedmattersinthecamp，heburstsintotheForum，andunderGalba\'sveryeyesmakeshiswaytotheCapitol，whileournobleEmperorwithhisbravefriendsbarricadesthedoorsofhispalace。Wearetostandasiegeforsooth，andtrulyweshallhaveanadmirableresourceintheslaves，iftheunanimousfeelingofthisvastmultitude，andthatwhichcandosomuch，thefirstburstofindignation，besufferedtosubside。Moreoverthatcannotbesafewhichisnothonourable。Ifwemustfall，letusgotomeetthedanger。ThiswillbringmoreodiumuponOtho，andwillbemorebecomingtoourselves。"Viniusopposingthisadvice，Lacoassailedhimwiththreats，encouragedbyIcelus，whopersistedinhisprivateanimositiestothepublicruin。

WithoutfurtherdelayGalbasidedwiththesemoreplausibleadvisers。Pisowassentonintothecamp，asbeingayoungmanofnoblename，whosepopularitywasofrecentdate，andwhowasabitterenemytoT。Vinius，thatis，eitherhewassoinreality，ortheseangrypartisanswouldhaveitso，andbeliefinhatredisbuttooready。Pisohadhardlygoneforthwhentherecamearumour，atfirstvagueandwantingconfirmation，thatOthohadbeenslaininthecamp；soon，ashappenswiththesegreatfictions，menassertedthattheyhadbeenpresent，andhadseenthedeed；and，betweenthedelightofsomeandtheindifferenceofothers，thereportwaseasilybelieved。ManythoughttherumourhadbeeninventedandcirculatedbytheOthonianists，whowerenowminglingwiththecrowd，andwhodisseminatedthesefalsetidingsofsuccesstodrawGalbaoutofthepalace。

Uponthisnotonlydidthepeopleandtheignorantrabblebreakoutintoapplauseandvehementexpressionsofzeal，butmanyoftheKnightsandSenators，losingtheircautionastheylaidasidetheirfear，burstopenthedoorsofthepalace，rushedin，anddisplayedthemselvestoGalba，complainingthattheirrevengehadbeensnatchedfromthem。Themostarrantcoward，theman，who，astheeventproved，woulddarenothinginthemomentofdanger，wasthemostvolubleandfierceofspeech。Nooneknewanything，yetallwereconfidentinassertion，tillatlengthGalbainthedearthofalltrueintelligence，andoverbornebytheuniversaldelusion，assumedhiscuirass，andas，fromageandbodilyweakness，hecouldnotstandupagainstthecrowdthatwasstillrushingin，hewaselevatedonachair。HewasmetinthepalacebyJuliusAtticus，asoldierofthebody-guard，who，displayingabloodysword，cried"IhaveslainOtho。"

"Comrade，"repliedGalba，"whogavetheorder？"Sosingularlyresolutewashisspiritincurbingthelicenseofthesoldiery；threatsdidnotdismayhim，norflatteriesseduce。

Therewasnownodoubtaboutthefeelingofallthetroopsinthecamp。Sogreatwastheirzeal，that，notcontentwithsurroundingOthowiththeirpersonsinclosearray，theyelevatedhimtothepedestal，onwhichashorttimebeforehadstoodthegiltstatueofGalba，andthere，amidthestandards，encircledhimwiththeircolours。Neithertribunesnorcenturionscouldapproach。Thecommonsoldierseveninsistedthatalltheofficersshouldbewatched。

Everythingwasinanuproarwiththeirtumultuouscriesandtheirappealstoeachother，whichwerenot，likethoseofapopularassemblyoramob，thediscordantexpressionsofanidleflattery；

onthecontrary，assoonastheycaughtsightofanyofthesoldierswhowereflockingin，theyseizedhim，gavehimthemilitaryembrace，placedhimclosetoOtho，dictatedtohimtheoathofallegiance，commendingsometimestheEmperortohissoldiers，sometimesthesoldierstotheirEmperor。Othodidnotfailtoplayhispart；hestretchedouthisarms，andbowedtothecrowd，andkissedhishands，andaltogetheractedtheslave，tomakehimselfthemaster。

Itwaswhenthewholelegionfromthefleethadtakentheoathtohim，thatfeelingconfidenceinhisstrength，andthinkingthatthemen，onwhoseindividualfeelinghehadbeenworking，shouldberousedbyageneralappeal，hestoodbeforetherampartofthecamp，andspokeasfollows:

"Comrades，IcannotsayinwhatcharacterIhavepresentedmyselftoyou；Irefusetocallmyselfasubject，nowthatyouhavenamedmePrince，orPrince，whileanotherreigns。Yourtitlealsowillbeequallyuncertain，solongasitshallbeaquestion，whetheritistheEmperoroftheRomanpeople，orapublicenemy，whomyouhaveinyourcamp。Markyou，howinonebreaththeycryformypunishmentandforyourexecution。Soevidentitis，thatwecanneitherperish，norbesaved，excepttogether。Perhaps，withhisusualclemency，Galbahasalreadypromisedthatweshoulddie，liketheman，who，thoughnoonedemandedit，massacredsomanythousandsofperfectlyguiltlesssoldiers。Ashuddercomesovermysoul，wheneverI

calltomindthatghastlyentry，Galba\'ssolitaryvictory，when，beforetheeyesofthecapitalhegaveorderstodecimatetheprisoners，thesuppliants，whomhehadadmittedtosurrender。Theseweretheauspiceswithwhichheenteredthecity。Whatistheglorythathehasbroughttothethrone？NonebutthathehasmurderedObultroniusSabinusandCorneliusMarcellusinSpain，BetuusChiloinGaul，FonteiusCapitoinGermany，ClodiusMacerinAfrica，Cingoniusonthehighroad，Turpilianusinthecity，Nymphidiusinthecamp。Whatprovince，whatcampintheworld，butisstainedwithbloodandfoulwithcrime，or，asheexpressesithimself，purifiedandchastened？Forwhatotherscallcrimeshecallsreforms，and，bysimilarmisnomers，hespeaksofstrictnessinsteadofbarbarity，ofeconomyinsteadofavarice，whilethecrueltiesandaffrontsinflicteduponyouhecallsdiscipline。SevenmonthsonlyhavepassedsinceNerofell，andalreadyIcelushasseizedmorethanthePolycleti，theVatinii，andtheEliiamassed。ViniuswouldnothavegonesofarwithhisrapacityandlawlessnesshadhebeenEmperorhimself；asitis，hehaslordeditoverusasifwehadbeenhisownsubjects，hasheldusascheapasifwehadbeenanother\'s。Thatonehousewouldfurnishthedonative，whichisnevergivenyou，butwithwhichyouaredailyupbraided。

"Again，thatwemighthavenothingtohopeevenfromhissuccessor，Galbafetchesoutofexilethemaninwhoseill-humourandavariceheconsidersthathehasfoundthebestresemblancetohimself。Youwitnessed，comrades，howbyaremarkablestormeventheGodsdiscountenancedthatill-starredadoption；andthefeelingoftheSenate，ofthepeopleofRome，isthesame。Itistoyourvalourthattheylook，inyouthesebettercounselsfindalltheirsupport，withoutyou，nobleastheymaybe，theyarepowerless。ItisnottowarortodangerthatIinviteyou；theswordsofallRomansoldiersarewithus。AtthismomentGalbahasbutonehalf-armedcohort，whichisdetaining，notdefendinghim。Letitoncebeholdyou，letitreceivemysignal，andtheonlystrifewillbe，whoshallobligememost。Thereisnoroomfordelayinabusinesswhichcanonlybeapprovedwhenitisdone。"Hethenorderedthearmourytobeopened。

Thesoldiersimmediatelyseizedthearmswithoutregardtoruleormilitaryorder，nodistinctionbeingobservedbetweenPraetoriansandlegionaries，bothofwhomagainindiscriminatelyassumedtheshieldsandhelmetsoftheauxiliarytroops。Notribuneorcenturionencouragedthem，everymanactedonhisownimpulseandguidance，andthevilestfoundtheirchiefincitementinthedejectionofthegood。

Meanwhile，appalledbytheroaroftheincreasingseditionandbytheshoutswhichreachedthecity，PisohadovertakenGalba，whointheintervalhadquittedthepalace，andwasapproachingtheForum。

AlreadyMariusCelsushadbroughtbackdiscouragingtidings。AndnowsomeadvisedthattheEmperorshouldreturntothepalace，othersthatheshouldmakefortheCapitol，manyagainthatheshouldoccupytheRostra，thoughmostdidbutopposetheopinionsofothers，while，aseverhappensintheseill-starredcounsels，plansforwhichtheopportunityhadslippedawayseemedthebest。ItissaidthatLaco，withoutGalba\'sknowledge，meditatedthedeathofVinius，eitherhopingbythisexecutiontoappeasethefuryofthesoldiers，orbelievinghimtobeanaccompliceofOtho，or，itmaybe，outofmerehatred。Thetimeandtheplacehowevermadehimhesitate；heknewthatamassacreoncebegunisnoteasilychecked。Hisplantoowasdisconcertedbyasuccessionofalarmingtidings，andthedesertionofimmediateadherents。Solanguidwasnowthezealofthosewhohadatfirstbeeneagertodisplaytheirfidelityandcourage。

Galbawashurriedtoandfrowitheverymovementofthesurgingcrowd；thehallsandtemplesallaroundwerethrongedwithspectatorsofthismournfulsight。Notavoicewasheardfromthepeopleorevenfromtherabble。Everywherewereterror-strickencountenances，andearsturnedtocatcheverysound。Itwasasceneneitherofagitationnorofrepose，buttherereignedthesilenceofprofoundalarmandprofoundindignation。Othohoweverwastoldthattheywerearmingthemob。Heorderedhismentohurryonatfullspeed，andtoanticipatethedanger。ThendidRomansoldiersrushforwardlikemenwhohadtodriveaVologesesorPacorusfromtheancestralthroneoftheArsacidae，notasthoughtheywerehasteningtomurdertheiragedanddefencelessEmperor。Inalltheterroroftheirarms，andatthefullspeedoftheirhorses，theyburstintotheForum，thrustingasidethecrowdandtramplingontheSenate。

NeitherthesightoftheCapitol，northesanctityoftheoverhangingtemples，northethoughtofrulerspastorfuture，coulddeterthemfromcommittingacrime，whichanyonesucceedingtopowermustavenge。

Whenthisarmedarraywasseentoapproach，thestandard-bearerofthecohortthatescortedGalba(heissaidtohavebeenoneAtiliusVergilio)toreoffanddasheduponthegroundGalba\'seffigy。AtthissignalthefeelingofallthetroopsdeclareditselfplainlyforOtho。TheForumwasdesertedbytheflyingpopulace。Weaponswerepointedagainstallwhohesitated。NearthelakeofCurtius，Galbawasthrownoutofhislitterandfelltotheground，throughthealarmofhisbearers。Hislastwordshavebeenvariouslyreportedaccordingasmenhatedoradmiredhim。Somehavesaidthatheaskedinatoneofentreatywhatwronghehaddone，andbeggedafewdaysforthepaymentofthedonative。Themoregeneralaccountis，thathevoluntarilyofferedhisnecktothemurderers，andbadethemhasteandstrike，ifitseemedtobeforthegoodoftheCommonwealth。Tothosewhoslewhimmatterednotwhathesaid。Abouttheactualmurderernothingisclearlyknown。SomehaverecordedthenameofTerentius，anenrolledpensioner，othersthatofLecanius；butitisthecurrentreportthatoneCamurius，asoldierofthe15thlegion，completelyseveredhisthroatbytreadinghissworddownuponit。

Therestofthesoldiersfoullymutilatedhisarmsandlegs，forhisbreastwasprotected，andintheirsavageferocityinflictedmanywoundsevenontheheadlesstrunk。

TheynextfellonT。Vinius；andinhiscasealsoitisnotknownwhetherthefearofinstantdeathchokedhisutterance，orwhetherhecriedoutthatOthohadnotgivenorderstoslayhim。Eitherheinventedthisinhisterror，orhethusconfessedhisshareintheconspiracy。Hislifeandcharacterinclineusrathertobelievethathewasanaccompliceinthecrimewhichhecertainlycaused。HefellinfrontofthetempleoftheDivineJulius，andatthefirstblow，whichstruckhimonthebackoftheknee；immediatelyafterwardsJuliusCarus，alegionary，ranhimthroughthebody。

AnobleexampleofmanhoodwasonthatdaywitnessedbyourageinSemproniusDensus。HewasacenturioninacohortofthePraetorianGuard，andhadbeenappointedbyGalbatoescortPiso。Rushing，daggerinhand，tomeetthearmedmen，andupbraidingthemwiththeircrime，hedrewtheattentionofthemurderersonhimselfbyhisexclamationsandgestures，andthusgavePiso，woundedashewas，anopportunityofescape。PisomadehiswaytothetempleofVesta，wherehewasadmittedbythecompassionofoneofthepublicslaves，whoconcealedhiminhischamber。There，notindeedthroughthesanctityoftheplaceoritsworship，butthroughtheobscurityofhishiding-place，heobtainedarespitefrominstantdestruction，tilltherecame，byOtho\'sdirectionandspeciallyeagertoslayhim，SulpiciusFlorus，oftheBritishauxiliaryinfantry，towhomGalbahadlatelygiventhecitizenship，andStatiusMurcus，oneofthebody-guard。Pisowasdraggedoutbythesemenandslaughteredintheentranceofthetemple。

Therewas，wearetold，nodeathofwhichOthoheardwithgreaterjoy，noheadwhichhesurveyedwithsoinsatiableagaze。Perhapsitwas，thathismindwasthenforthefirsttimerelievedfromallanxiety，andsohadleisuretorejoice；perhapstherewaswithGalbasomethingtorecalldepartedmajesty，withViniussomethoughtofoldfriendship，whichtroubledwithmournfulimageseventhatruthlessheart；Piso\'sdeath，asthatofanenemyandarival，hefelttobearightandlawfulsubjectofrejoicing。Theheadswerefixeduponpolesandcarriedaboutamongthestandardsofthecohorts，closetotheeagleofthelegion，whilethosewhohadstrucktheblow，thosewhohadbeenpresent，thosewhowhethertrulyorfalselyboastedoftheact，asofsomegreatandmemorableachievement，viedindisplayingtheirbloodstainedhands。Vitelliusafterwardsfoundmorethan120memorialsfrompersonswhoclaimedarewardforsomenotableserviceonthatday。Allthesepersonsheorderedtobesoughtoutandslain，nottohonourGalba，buttocomplywiththetraditionalpolicyofrulers，whothusprovideprotectionforthepresentandvengeanceforthefuture。

OnewouldhavethoughtitadifferentSenate，adifferentpeople。

Allrushedtothecamp，outranthosewhowereclosetothem，andstruggledwiththosewhowerebefore，inveighedagainstGalba，praisedthewisdomofthesoldiers，coveredthehandofOthowithkisses；

themoreinsinceretheirdemonstrations，themoretheymultipliedthem。NordidOthorepulsetheadvancesofindividuals，whilehecheckedthegreedandferocityofthesoldiersbywordandlook。

TheydemandedthatMariusCelsus，consulelect，Galba\'sfaithfulfriendtotheverylastmoment，shouldbeledtoexecution，loathinghisenergyandintegrityasiftheywerevices。Itwasevidentthattheywereseekingtobeginmassacreandplunder，andtheproscriptionofallthemostvirtuouscitizens，andOthohadnotyetsufficientauthoritytopreventcrime，thoughhecouldcommandit。

Hefeignedanger，andorderedhimtobeloadedwithchains，declaringthathewastosuffermoresignalpunishment，andthusherescuedhimfromimmediatedestruction。

Everythingwasthenorderedaccordingtothewillofthesoldiery。ThePraetorianschosetheirownprefects。OnewasPlotiusFirmus，whohadoncebeenintheranks，hadafterwardscommandedthewatch，andwho，whileGalbawasyetalive，hadembracedthecauseofOtho。WithhimwasassociatedLiciniusProculus，Otho\'sintimatefriend，andconsequentlysuspectedofhavingencouragedhisschemes。

FlaviusSabinustheyappointedprefectofthecity，thusadoptingNero\'schoice，inwhosereignhehadheldthesameoffice，thoughmanyinchoosinghimhadaneyetohisbrotherVespasian。Ademandwasthenmade，thatthefeesforfurloughsusuallypaidtothecenturionsshouldbeabolished。Thesethecommonsoldierspaidasakindofannualtribute。Afourthpartofeverycompanymightbescatteredonfurlough，orevenloiteraboutthecamp，providedthattheypaidthefeestothecenturions。Noonecaredabouttheamountofthetax，orthewayinwhichitwasraised。Itwasbyrobbery，plunder，orthemostservileoccupationsthatthesoldiers\'holidaywaspurchased。Themanwiththefullestpursewaswornoutwithtoilandcruelusagetillheboughthisfurlough。Hismeansexhaustedbythisoutlay，andhisenergiesutterlyrelaxedbyidleness，theoncerichandvigoroussoldierreturnedtohiscompanyapoorandspiritlessman。Oneafteranotherwasruinedbythesamepovertyandlicense，andrushedintomutinyanddissension，andfinallyintocivilwar。Otho，however，nottoalienatetheaffectionsofthecenturionsbyanactofbountytotheranks，promisedthathisownpurseshouldpaytheseannualsums。Itwasundoubtedlyasalutaryreform，andwasafterwardsundergoodemperorsestablishedasapermanentruleoftheservice。Laco，prefectofthecity，whohadbeenostensiblybanishedtoanisland，wasassassinatedbyanenrolledpensioner，sentonbyOthotodothedeed。MartianusIcelus，beingbutafreedman，waspubliclyexecuted。

Adayspentincrimefounditslasthorrorintherejoicingsthatconcludedit。ThePraetorofthecitysummonedtheSenate；therestoftheMagistratesviedwitheachotherintheirflatteries。TheSenatorshastilyassembledandconferredbydecreeuponOthothetribunitialoffice，thenameofAugustus，andeveryimperialhonour。Allstrovetoextinguishtheremembranceofthosetauntsandinvectives，whichhadbeenthrownoutatrandom，andwhichnoonesupposedwereranklinginhisheart。Whetherhehadforgotten，oronlypostponedhisresentment，theshortnessofhisreignleftundecided。TheForumyetstreamedwithblood，whenhewasborneinalitteroverheapsofdeadtotheCapitol，andthencetothepalace。Hesufferedthebodiestobegivenupforburial，andtobeburnt。ForPiso，thelastriteswereperformedbyhiswifeVeraniaandhisbrotherScribonianus；forVinius，byhisdaughterCrispina，theirheadshavingbeendiscoveredandpurchasedfromthemurderers，whohadreservedthemforsale。

Piso，whowasthencompletinghisthirty-firstyear，hadenjoyedmorefamethangoodfortune。Hisbrothers，MagnusandCrassus，hadbeenputtodeathbyClaudiusandNerorespectively。Hewashimselfformanyyearsanexile，forfourdaysaCaesar，andGalba\'shurriedadoptionofhimonlygavehimthisprivilegeoverhiselderbrother，thatheperishedfirst。Viniushadlivedtotheageoffifty-seven，withmanychangesofcharacter。Hisfatherwasofapraetorianfamily，hismaternalgrandfatherwasoneoftheproscribed。HehaddisgracedhimselfinhisfirstcampaignwhenheservedunderthelegateCalvisiusSabinus。Thatofficer\'swife，urgedbyaperversecuriositytoviewthecamp，entereditbynightinthedisguiseofasoldier，andafterextendingtheinsultingfrolictothewatchesandthegeneralarrangementsofthearmy，actuallydaredtocommittheactofadulteryinthehead-quarters。Viniuswaschargedwithhavingparticipatedinherguilt，andbyorderofCaiuswasloadedwithirons。Thealteredtimessoonrestoredhimtoliberty。Hethenenjoyedanuninterruptedsuccessionofhonours，firstfillingthepraetorship，andthencommandingalegionwithgeneralsatisfaction，buthesubsequentlyincurredthedegradingimputationofhavingpilferedagoldcupatthetableofClaudius，whothenextdaydirectedthathealoneshouldbeservedonearthenware。YetasproconsulofGalliaNarbonensisheadministeredthegovernmentwithstrictintegrity。WhenforcedbyhisfriendshipwithGalbatoadangerouselevation，heshewedhimselfbold，crafty，andenterprising；andwhetherheappliedhispowerstoviceorvirtue，wasalwaysequallyenergetic。

Hiswillwasmadevoidbyhisvastwealth；thatofPisooweditsvaliditytohispoverty。

ThebodyofGalbalayforalongtimeneglected，andsubjected，throughthelicensewhichthedarknesspermitted，toathousandindignities，tillArgiushissteward，whohadbeenoneofhisslaves，gaveitahumbleburialinhismaster\'sprivategardens。Hishead，whichthesutlersandcamp-followershadfixedonapoleandmangled，wasfoundonlythenextdayinfrontofthetombofPatrobius，afreedmanofNero\'s，whomGalbahadexecuted。Itwasputwiththebody，whichhadbythattimebeenreducedtoashes。SuchwastheendofServiusGalba，whoinhisseventy-threeyearshadlivedprosperouslythroughthereignsoffiveEmperors，andhadbeenmorefortunateundertheruleofothersthanhewasinhisown。Hisfamilycouldboastanancientnobility，hiswealthwasgreat。Hischaracterwasofanaveragekind，ratherfreefromvices，thandistinguishedbyvirtues。Hewasnotregardlessoffame，noryetvainlyfondofit。Othermen\'smoneyhedidnotcovet，withhisownhewasparsimonious，withthatoftheStateavaricious。Tohisfreedmenandfriendsheshewedaforbearance，which，whenhehadfallenintoworthyhands，couldnotbeblamed；when，however，thesepersonswereworthless，hewasevenculpablyblind。Thenobilityofhisbirthandtheperilsofthetimesmadewhatwasreallyindolencepassforwisdom。Whileinthevigouroflife，heenjoyedahighmilitaryreputationinGermany；asproconsulheruledAfricawithmoderation，andwhenadvancedinyearsshewedthesameintegrityinEasternSpain。

Heseemedgreaterthanasubjectwhilehewasyetinasubject\'srank，andbycommonconsentwouldhavebeenpronouncedequaltoempire，hadheneverbeenemperor。

Thealarmofthecapital，whichtrembledtoseetheatrocityoftheserecentcrimes，andtothinkoftheoldcharacterofOtho，washeightenedintoterrorbythefreshnewsaboutVitellius，newswhichhadbeensuppressedbeforethemurderofGalba，inordertomakeitappearthatonlythearmyofUpperGermanyhadrevolted。Thattwomen，whoforshamelessness，indolence，andprofligacy，werethemostworthlessofmortals，hadbeenselected，itwouldseem，bysomefatalitytoruintheEmpire，becametheopencomplaint，notonlyoftheSenateandtheKnights，whohadsomestakeandinterestinthecountry，butevenofthecommonpeople。Itwasnolongertothelatehorrorsofadreadfulpeace，buttotherecollectionsofthecivilwars，thatmenrecurred，speakingofhowthecapitalhadbeentakenbyRomanarmies，howItalyhadbeenwastedandtheprovincesspoiled，ofPharsalia，Philippi，Perusia，andMutina，andallthefamiliarnamesofgreatpublicdisasters。"Theworld，"theysaid，"waswell-nighturnedupsidedownwhenthestruggleforempirewasbetweenworthycompetitors，yettheEmpirecontinuedtoexistafterthevictoriesofCaiusJuliusandCaesarAugustus；theRepublicwouldhavecontinuedtoexistunderPompeyandBrutus。AndisitforOthoorforVitelliusthatwearenowtorepairtothetemples？

Prayersforeitherwouldbeimpious，vowsforeitherablasphemy，whenfromtheirconflictyoucanonlylearnthattheconquerormustbetheworseofthetwo。"SomewerespeculatingonVespasianandthearmiesoftheEast。Vespasianwasindeedpreferabletoeither，yettheyshudderedattheideaofanotherwar，ofothermassacres。EvenaboutVespasianthereweredoubtfulrumours，andhe，unlikeanyofhispredecessors，waschangedforthebetterbypower。

IwillnowdescribetheoriginandoccasionoftherevoltofVitellius。AfterthedestructionofJuliusVindexandhiswholeforce，thearmy，flushedwiththedelightsofplunderandglory，asmenmightwellbewhohadbeenfortunateenoughtotriumphwithouttoilordangerinamostlucrativewar，begantohankeraftercompaignsandbattles，andtopreferprizemoneytopay。Theyhadlongenduredaservicewhichthecharacterofthecountryandoftheclimateandtherigoursofmilitarydisciplinerenderedatonceunprofitableandsevere。Butthatdiscipline，inexorableasitisintimesofpeace，isrelaxedbycivilstrife，whenonbothsidesarefoundtheagentsofcorruption，andtreacherygoesunpunished。Theyhadmen，armsandhorses，morethanenoughforallpurposesofutilityandshow，butbeforethewartheyhadbeenacquaintedonlywiththecompaniesandsquadronsoftheirownforce，asthevariousarmieswereseparatedfromeachotherbythelimitsoftheirrespectiveprovinces。Butthelegions，havingbeenconcentratedtoactagainstVindex，andhavingthuslearnttomeasuretheirownstrengthagainstthestrengthofGaul，werenowonthelookoutforanotherwarandfornewconflicts。

Theycalledtheirneighbours，not"allies"asofold，but"theenemy"and"thevanquished。"NordidthatpartofGaulwhichbordersontheRhinefailtoespousethesamecause，andtothebitteresthostilityininflamingthearmyagainsttheGalbianists，thatbeingthename，whichintheircontemptforVindextheyhadgiventotheparty。TheragefirstexcitedagainsttheSequaniandAeduiextendedtootherstatesinproportiontotheirwealth，andtheyrevelledinimaginationonthestormofcities，theplunderofestates，thesackofdwelling-houses。But，besidestherapacityandarrogancewhicharethespecialfaultsofsuperiorstrength，theywereexasperatedbythebravadoesoftheGallicpeople，whoinaspiritofinsulttothearmyboastedofhowtheyhadbeenrelievedbyGalbafromafourthpartoftheirtribute，andhadreceivedgrantsfromtheState。Therewasalsoareport，ingeniouslyspreadandrecklesslybelieved，totheeffectthatthelegionswerebeingdecimated，andallthemostenergeticcenturionsdismissed。Fromallquartersarrivedthemostalarmingtidings。Thereportsfromthecapitalwereunfavourable，whilethedisaffectionofthecolonyofLugdunum，whichobstinatelyadheredtoNero，gaverisetoamultitudeofrumours。Butitwasinthearmyitself，initshatreds，itsfears，andeveninthesecuritywithwhichareviewofitsownstrengthinspiredit，thattherewasthemostabundantmaterialfortheexerciseofimaginationandcredulity。

JustbeforeDecember1intheprecedingyear，AulusVitelliushadvisitedLowerGermany，andhadcarefullyinspectedthewinterquartersofthelegions。Manyhadtheirrankrestoredtothem，sentencesofdegradationwerecancelled，andmarksofdisgracepartiallyremoved。

Inmostcaseshedidbutcourtpopularity，insomeheexercisedasounddiscretion，makingasalutarychangefromthemeannessandrapacitywhichFonteiusCapitohadshowninbestowingandwithdrawingpromotion。Butheseemedagreaterpersonagethanasimpleconsularlegate，andallhisactswereinvestedwithanunusualimportance。ThoughsternerjudgespronouncedVitelliustobeamanoflowtastes，thosewhowerepartialtohimattributedtogenialityandgoodnaturetheimmoderateandindiscriminateprodigality，withwhichhegaveawaywhatwashisown，andsquanderedwhatdidnotbelongtohim。Besidesthis，menthemselveseagerforpowerwerereadytorepresenthisveryvicesasvirtues。Astherewereinbotharmiesmanyofobedientandquiethabits，sothereweremanywhowereasunprincipledastheywereenergetic；butdistinguishedaboveallforboundlessambitionandsingulardaringwerethelegatesofthelegions，FabiusValensandAlienusCaecina。Oneofthesemen，Valens，hadtakenoffenceagainstGalba，underthenotionthathehadnotshewnpropergratitudeforhisservicesindiscoveringtohimthehesitationofVerginiusandcrushingtheplansofCapito。HenowbegantourgeVitelliustoaction。Heenlargedonthezealofthesoldiery。"Youhave，"hesaid，"everywhereagreatreputation；youwillfindnothingtostopyouinHordeoniusFlaccus；Britainwillbewithyou；theGermanauxiliarieswillfollowyourstandard。Alltheprovinceswaverintheirallegiance。TheEmpireisheldontheprecarioustenureofanagedlife，andmustshortlypassintootherhands。Youhaveonlytoopenyourarms，andtomeettheadvancesoffortune。ItwaswellforVerginiustohesitate，thescionofamereEquestrianfamily，andsonofafatherunknowntofame:hewouldhavebeenunequaltoempire，hadheacceptedit，andyetbeensafethoughherefusedit。Butfromthehonoursofafatherwhowasthriceconsul，wascensorandcolleagueofCaesar，Vitelliushaslongsincederivedanimperialrank，whilehehaslostthesecuritythatbelongstoasubject。"

Theseargumentsrousedtheindolenttemperoftheman，yetrousedhimrathertowishthantohopeforthethrone。MeanwhilehoweverinUpperGermanyCaecina，youngandhandsome，ofcommandingstature，andofboundlessambition，hadattractedthefavourofthesoldierybyhisskilfuloratoryandhisdignifiedmien。Thismanhad，whenquaestorinBaetica，attachedhimselfwithzealtothepartyofGalba，whohadappointedhim，youngashewas，tothecommandofalegion，but，itbeingafterwardsdiscoveredthathehadembezzledthepublicmoney，Galbadirectedthatheshouldbeprosecutedforpeculation。

Caecina，grievouslyoffended，determinedtothroweverythingintoconfusion，andunderthedisastersofhiscountrytoconcealhisprivatedishonour。Therewerenotwantinginthearmyitselftheelementsofcivilstrife。ThewholeofithadtakenpartinthewaragainstVindex；ithadnotpassedovertoGalbatillNerofell；eventheninthistransferenceofitsallegianceithadbeenanticipatedbythearmiesofLowerGermany。Besidesthis，theTreveri，theLingones，andtheotherstateswhichGalbahadmostseriouslyinjuredbyhissevereedictsandbytheconfiscationoftheirterritory，wereparticularlyclosetothewinter-quartersofthelegions。Thencearoseseditiousconferences，asoldierydemoralizedbyintercoursewiththeinhabitantsofthecountry，andtendenciesinfavourofVerginius，whichcouldeasilybetotheprofitofanyotherperson。