第2章

TheLingones，followinganoldcustom，hadsentpresentstothelegions，righthandsclaspedtogether，anemblemoffriendship。

Theirenvoys，whohadassumedastudiedappearanceofmiseryanddistress，passedthroughtheheadquartersandthemen\'stents，andcomplaining，nowoftheirownwrongs，nowoftherewardsbestowedontheneighbouringstates，and，whentheyfoundthesoldiers\'earsopentotheirwords，oftheperilsandinsultstowhichthearmyitselfwasexposed，inflamedthepassionsofthetroops。Thelegionswereonthevergeofmutiny，whenHordeoniusFlaccusorderedtheenvoystodepart，andtomaketheirdeparturemoresecret，directedthemtoleavethecampbynight。Hencearoseafrightfulrumour，manyassertingthattheenvoyshadbeenkilled，andthat，unlessthesoldiersprovidedtheirownsafety，thenextthingwouldbe，thatthemostenergeticoftheirnumber，andthosewhohadcomplainedoftheirpresentcondition，wouldbeslaughteredundercoverofnight，whentherestofthearmywouldknownothingoftheirfate。Thelegionsthenboundthemselvesbyasecretagreement。Intothistheauxiliarytroopswereadmitted。Atfirstobjectsofsuspicion，fromtheideathattheirinfantryandcavalrywerebeingconcentratedinpreparationforanattackonthelegions，thesetroopssoonbecameespeciallyzealousinthescheme。Thebadfinditeasiertoagreeforpurposesofwarthantoliveinharmonyduringpeace。

YetitwastoGalbathatthelegionsofLowerGermanytooktheoathoffidelityannuallyadministeredonthefirstofJanuary。Itwasdone，however，afterlongdelay，andthenonlybyafewvoicesfromtheforemostranks，whiletherestpreservedanabsolutesilence，everyonewaitingforsomebolddemonstrationfromhisneighbour，inobediencetothatinnatetendencyofmen，whichmakesthemquicktofollowwheretheyareslowtolead。Andeveninthevariouslegionstherewasadifferenceoffeeling。Thesoldiersofthe1standofthe5thweresomutinous，thatsomeofthemthrewstonesattheimagesofGalba。The15thand16thlegionsventuredonnothingbeyonduproarandthreateningexpressions。Theywereonthewatchforsomethingthatmightleadtoanoutbreak。IntheUpperarmy，however，the4thand13thlegions，whichwerestationedinthesamewinter-quarters，proceededonthissamefirstofJanuarytobreakinpiecestheimagesofGalba，the4thlegionbeingforemost，the18thshewingsomereluctance，butsoonjoiningwiththerest。NothowevertoseemtothrowoffalltheirreverencefortheEmpire，theysoughttodignifytheiroathwiththenowobsoletenamesoftheSenateandpeopleofRome。NotasinglelegateortribuneexertedhimselfforGalba；some，asisusualinatumult，wereevenconspicuouslyactiveinmutiny，thoughnoonedeliveredanythinglikeaformalharangueorspokefromatribunal。Indeedtherewasasyetnoonetobeobligedbysuchservices。

HordeoniusFlaccus，theconsularlegate，waspresentandwitnessedthisoutrage，buthedaredneithercheckthefuriousmutineers，norkeepthewaveringtotheirduty，norencouragethewellaffected。

Indolentandtimid，hewasreservedfromguiltonlybyhissloth。FourCenturionsofthe18thlegion，NoniusReceptus，DonatiusValens，RomiliusMarcellus，CalpurniusRepentinus，strivingtoprotecttheimagesofGalba，weresweptawaybyarushofthesoldiersandputinirons。Afterthisnooneretainedanysenseofduty，anyrecollectionofhislateallegiance，but，asusuallyhappensinmutinies，thesideofthemajoritybecamethesideofall。Inthecourseofthenightofthe1stofJanuary，thestandard-bearerofthe4thlegion，comingtotheColoniaAgrippinensis，announcedtoVitellius，whowasthenatdinner，thenewsthatthe4thand18thlegionshadthrowndowntheimagesofGalba，andhadswornallegiancetotheSenateandpeopleofRome。Suchaformofoathappearedmeaningless。Itwasdeterminedtoseizethedoubtfulfortuneofthehour，andtoofferanEmperortotheirchoice。

Vitelliussentenvoystothelegionsandtheirlegates，whoweretosaythatthearmyofUpperGermanyhadrevoltedfromGalba，thatitwasconsequentlynecessaryforthem，eithertomakewarontherevolters，or，iftheypreferredpeaceandharmony，tocreateanEmperor，andwhoweretosuggest，thatitwouldbelessperiloustoacceptthantolookforachief。

Thenearestwinter-quarterswerethoseofthefirstlegion，andFabiusValenswasthemostenergeticofthelegates。ThisofficerinthecourseofthefollowingdayenteredtheColoniaAgrippinensiswiththecavalryofthelegionandoftheauxiliaries，andtogetherwiththemsalutedVitelliusasEmperor。Allthelegionsbelongingtothesameprovincefollowedhisexamplewithprodigiouszeal，andthearmyofUpperGermanyabandonedthespeciousnamestheSenateandpeopleofRome，andonthe3rdofJanuarydeclaredforVitellius。

OnecouldbesurethatduringthoseprevioustwodaysithadnotreallybeenthearmyoftheState。TheinhabitantsofColoniaAgrippinensis，theTreveri，andtheLingones，shewedasmuchzealasthearmy，makingoffersofpersonalservice，ofhorses，ofarmsandofmoney，accordingaseachfelthimselfabletoassistthecausebyhisownexertions，byhiswealth，orbyhistalents。Norwasthisdoneonlybytheleadingmeninthecoloniesorthecamps，whohadabundantmeansathand，andmightindulgegreatexpectationsintheeventofvictory，butwholecompaniesdowntotheveryranksofferedinsteadofmoneytheirrations，theirbelts，andthebosses，which，richlydecoratedwithsilver，adornedtheirarms；sostrongwerethepromptingsfromwithout，theirownenthusiasm，andeventhesuggestionsofavarice。

Vitellius，afterbestowinghighcommendationonthezealofthesoldiers，proceededtodistributeamongRomanKnightstheofficesoftheImperialcourtusuallyheldbyfreedmen。HepaidthefurloughfeestothecenturionsoutoftheImperialtreasury。Whileinmostinstancesheacquiescedinthefuryofthesoldiers，whoclamouredfornumerousexecutions，insomefewheeludeditunderthepretenceofimprisoningtheaccused。PompeiusPropinquus，procuratorofBelgica，wasimmediatelyputtodeath。JuliusBurdo，prefectoftheGermanfleet，hecontrivedtowithdrawfromthesceneofdanger。Theresentmentofthearmyhadbeeninflamedagainstthisofficerbythebelief，thatitwashewhohadinventedthechargesandplannedthetreacherywhichhaddestroyedCapito。ThememoryofCapitowasheldinhighfavour，andwiththatenragedsoldieryitwaspossibletoslaughterinopenday，buttopardononlybystealth。Hewaskeptinprison，andonlysetatlibertyafterthevictoryofVitellius，whentheresentmentofthesoldieryhadsubsided。Meanwhile，bywayofavictim，thecenturionCrispinuswasgivenuptothem；thismanhadactuallyimbuedhishandsinthebloodofCapito。Consequentlyhewastothosewhocriedforvengeanceamorenotoriouscriminal，andtohimwhopunishedacheapersacrifice。

JuliusCivilis，amanofcommandinginfluenceamongtheBatavi，wasnextrescuedfromlikecircumstancesofperil，lestthathigh-spiritednationshouldbealienatedbyhisexecution。TherewereindeedintheterritoryoftheLingoneseightBataviancohorts，whichformedtheauxiliaryforceofthe14thlegion，butwhichhad，amongthemanydissensionsofthetime，withdrawnfromit；abodyoftroopswhich，towhateversidetheymightincline，would，whetherasalliesorenemies，throwavastweightintothescale。VitelliusorderedthecenturionsNonnius，Donatius，Romilius，andCalpurnius，ofwhomIhavebeforespoken，tobeexecuted。Theyhadbeenconvictedofthecrimeoffidelity，amongrebelstheworstofcrimes。NewadherentssoondeclaredthemselvesinValeriusAsiaticus，legateoftheProvinceofBelgica，whomVitelliussoonaftermadehisson-in-law，andJuniusBlaesus，governorofGalliaLugdunensis，whobroughtwithhimtheItalianLegionandtheTaurineHorse，whichwasstationedatLugdunum。ThearmiesofRhaetiamadenodelayinatoncejoiningVitellius，andeveninBritaintherewasnohesitation。

OfthatprovinceTrebelliusMaximuswasgovernor，amanwhosesordidavaricemadehimanobjectofcontemptandhatredtothearmy。HisunpopularitywasheightenedbytheeffortsofRosciusCaelius，thelegateofthe20thlegion，whohadlongbeenonbadtermswithhim，andwhonowseizedtheopportunityofacivilwartobreakoutintogreaterviolence。Trebelliuschargedhimwithmutinousdesigns，andwithdisturbingtheregularityofmilitarydiscipline；CaeliusretortedonTrebelliustheaccusationofhavingplunderedandimpoverishedthelegions。Meanwhileallobedienceinthearmywasdestroyedbythesedisgracefulquarrelsbetweenitscommanders，andthefeudrosetosuchaheightthatTrebelliuswasinsultedevenbytheauxiliaries，andfindinghimselfaltogetherisolated，astheinfantryandcavalrysidedwithCaelius，hefledforsafetytoVitellius。Yettheprovincestillenjoyedtranquility，thoughitsconsulargovernorhadbeendrivenfromit。Itwasnowruledbythelegatesofthelegions，whowereequalastolawfulauthority，thoughtheaudacityofCaeliusmadehimthemorepowerful。

AfterthearmyofBritainhadjoinedhim，Vitellius，whohadnowaprodigiousforceandvastresources，determinedthatthereshouldbetwogeneralsandtwolinesofmarchforthecontemplatedwar。FabiusValenswasorderedtowinover，ifpossible，or，iftheyrefusedhisovertures，toravagetheprovincesofGaulandtoinvadeItalybywayoftheCottianAlps；Caecinatotakethenearerroute，andtomarchdownfromthePeninerange。ToValenswereentrustedthepickedtroopsofthearmyofLowerGermanywiththeeagleofthe5thlegionandtheauxiliaryinfantryandcavalry，tothenumberof40，000

armedmen；Caecinacommanded30，000fromUpperGermany，thestrengthofhisforcebeingonelegion，the21st。BothhadalsosomeGermanauxiliaries，andfromthissourceVitellius，whowastofollowwithhiswholemilitarystrength，completedhisownforces。

WonderfulwasthecontrastbetweenthearmyandtheEmperor。Thearmywasalleagerness；theycriedoutwar，whileGaulyetwavered，andSpainhesitated。"Thewinter，"theysaid，"thedelaysofacowardlyinactionmustnotstopus。WemustinvadeItaly，wemustseizethecapital；incivilstrife，whereactionismoreneededthandeliberation，nothingissaferthanhaste。"Vitellius，onthecontrary，wassunkinsloth，andanticipatedtheenjoymentofsupremepowerinindolentluxuryandprodigalfestivities。Bymiddayhewashalf-intoxicated，andheavywithfood；yettheardourandvigourofthesoldiersthemselvesdischargedallthedutiesofageneralaswellasiftheEmperorhadbeenpresenttostimulatetheenergeticbyhopeandtheindolentbyfear。Readytomarchandeagerforaction，theyloudlydemandedthesignalforstarting；thetitleofGermanicuswasatoncebestowedonVitellius，thatofCaesarherefusedtoaccept，evenafterhisvictory。ItwasobservedasahappyomenforFabiusValensandtheforceswhichhewasconductingtothecampaign，thatontheverydayonwhichtheysetoutaneaglemovedwithagentleflightbeforethearmyasitadvanced，asiftoguideitonitsway。Andforalongdistancesoloudlydidthesoldiersshoutintheirjoy，socalmandunterrifiedwasthebird，thatitwastakenasnodoubtfulomenofgreatandsuccessfulachievements。

TheterritoryoftheTreveritheyenteredwithallthesecuritynaturallyfeltamongallies。ButatDivodurum，atownoftheMediomatrici，thoughtheyhadbeenreceivedwiththemostcourteoushospitality，asuddenpanicmasteredthem。Inamomenttheytookuparmstomassacreaninnocentpeople，notforthesakeofplunder，orfiredbythelustofspoil，butinawildfrenzyarisingfromcausessovaguethatitwasverydifficulttoapplyaremedy。Soothedatlengthbytheentreatiesoftheirgeneral，theyrefrainedfromutterlydestroyingthetown；yetasmanyasfourthousandhumanbeingswereslaughtered。SuchanalarmwasspreadthroughGaul，thatasthearmyadvanced，wholestates，headedbytheirmagistratesandwithprayersontheirlips，cameforthtomeetit，whilethewomenandchildrenlayprostratealongtheroads，andallelsethatmightappeaseanenemy\'sfurywasoffered，thoughwartherewasnone，tosecuretheboonofpeace。

ValensreceivedthetidingsofthemurderofGalbaandtheaccessionofOthowhilehewasinthecountryoftheLeuci。Thefeelingsofthesoldierswerenotseriouslyaffectedeitherwithjoyoralarm；

theywereintentonwar。Gaulhoweverceasedtohesitate:OthoandVitelliusithatedequally，Vitelliusitalsofeared。ThenextterritorywasthatoftheLingoneswhowereloyaltoVitellius。Thetroopswerekindlyreceived，andtheyviedwitheachotheringoodbehaviour。Thishappystateofthings，however，wasofshortdurationowingtotheviolenceoftheauxiliaryinfantry，whichhaddetacheditself，asbeforerelated，fromthe14thlegion，andhadbeenincorporatedbyValenswithhisarmy。Firstcameangrywords，thenabrawlbetweentheBataviandthelegionaries，whichasthepartialitiesofthesoldiersespousedoneoranotherofthepartieswasalmostkindledintoabattle，andwouldhavebeenso，hadnotValensbypunishingafew，remindedBatavioftheauthoritywhichtheyhadnowforgotten。AgainsttheAeduiapretextforwarwassoughtinvain。Thatpeople，whenorderedtofurnisharmsandmoney，voluntarilyaddedasupplyofprovisions。WhattheAeduididfromfear，thepeopleofLugdunumdidwithdelight。YettheItalianlegionandtheTaurineHorsewerewithdrawn。Itwasresolvedthatthe18thcohortshouldbeleftthere，asitwastheirusualwinterquarters。ManliusValens，legateoftheItalianlegion，thoughhehadservedthepartywell，washeldinnohonourbyVitellius。FabiusValenshaddefamedhimbysecretchargesofwhichheknewnothing，publiclypraisinghimallthewhile，thathemightthelesssuspectthetreachery。

TheoldfeudbetweenLugdunumandViennahadbeenkindledafreshbythelatewar。TheyhadinflictedmanylossesoneachothersocontinuouslyandsosavagelythattheycouldnothavebeenfightingonlyforNeroorGalba。GalbahadmadehisdispleasuretheoccasionfordivertingintotheImperialtreasurytherevenuesofLugdunum，whilehehadtreatedViennawithmarkedrespect。Thencecamerivalryanddislike，andthetwostates，separatedonlybyariver，werelinkedtogetherbyperpetualfeud。AccordinglythepeopleofLugdunumbegantoworkonthepassionsofindividualsoldiers，andtogoadthemintodestroyingVienna，byremindingthem，howthatpeoplehadbesiegedtheircolony，hadabettedtheattemptsofVindex，andhadrecentlyraisedlegionsforGalba。Afterparadingthesepretextsforquarrel，theypointedouthowvastwouldbetheplunder。Fromsecretencouragementtheypassedtoopenentreaty。"Go，"

theysaid，"toavengeusandutterlydestroythishomeofGallicrebellion。Thereallareforeignersandenemies；weareaRomancolony，apartoftheRomanarmy，sharersinyoursuccessesandreverses。Fortunemaydeclareagainstus。Donotabandonustoanangryfoe。"

Bytheseandmanysimilarargumentstheysowroughtuponthetroops，thateventhelegatesandtheleadersofthepartydidnotthinkitpossibletochecktheirfury；butthepeopleofVienna，awareoftheirdanger，assumedtheveilsandchapletsofsuppliants，and，asthearmyapproached，claspedtheweapons，kneesandfeetofthesoldiers，andsoturnedthemfromtheirpurpose。Valensalsomadeeachsoldierapresentof300sesterces。Afterthattheantiquityandrankofthecolonyprevailed，andtheintercessionofValens，whochargedthemtorespectthelifeandwelfareoftheinhabitants，receivedafavourablehearing。Theywerehoweverpubliclymulctedoftheirarms，andfurnishedthesoldierswithallkindsofsuppliesfromtheirprivatemeans。Report，however，hasuniformlyasserted，thatValenshimselfwasboughtwithavastsum。Poorformanyyearsandsuddenlygrowingrich，hecouldbutillconcealthechangeinhisfortunes，indulgingwithoutmoderationtheappetiteswhichaprotractedpovertyhadinflamed，and，afterayouthofindigence，becomingprodigalinoldage。ThearmythenproceededbyslowmarchesthroughtheterritoryoftheAllobrogesandVocontii，theverylengthofeachday\'smarchandthechangesofencampmentbeingmadeamatteroftrafficbythegeneral，whoconcludeddisgracefulbargainstotheinjuryoftheholdersoflandandthemagistratesofthedifferentstates，andusedsuchmenaces，thatatLucus，amunicipaltownoftheVocontii，hewasonthepointofsettingfiretotheplace，whenapresentofmoneysoothedhisrage。Whenmoneywasnotforthcominghewasboughtoffbysacrificestohislust。ThushemadehiswaytotheAlps。

Caecinarevelledmorefreelyinplunderandbloodshed。HisrestlessspirithadbeenprovokedbytheHelvetii，aGallicracefamousonceforitswarlikepopulation，afterwardsfortheassociationsofitsname。OfthemurderofGalbatheyknewnothing，andtheyrejectedtheauthorityofVitellius。Thewaroriginatedintherapacityandimpatienceofthe21stlegion，whohadseizedsomemoneysenttopaythegarrisonofafortress，whichtheHelvetiihadlongheldwiththeirowntroopsandattheirownexpense。TheHelvetiiintheirindignationinterceptedsomeletterswritteninthenameofthearmyofGermany，whichwereontheirwaytothelegionsofPannonia，anddetainedthecenturionandsomeofhissoldiersincustody。Caecina，eagerforwar，hastenedtopunisheverydelinquency，asitoccurred，beforetheoffendercouldrepent。Suddenlymovinghiscampheravagedaplace，whichduringalongperiodofpeacehadgrownupintosomethinglikeatown，andwhichwasmuchresortedtoasanagreeablewateringplace。DespatchesweresenttotheRhaetianauxiliaries，instructingthemtoattacktheHelvetiiintherearwhilethelegionwasengagingtheminfront。

Boldbeforethedangercameandtimidinthemomentofperil，theHelvetii，thoughatthecommencementofthemovementtheyhadchosenClaudiusSeverusfortheirleader，knewnothowtousetheirarms，tokeeptheirranks，ortoactinconcert。Apitchedbattlewithveterantroopswouldbedestruction，asiegewouldbeperilouswithfortificationsoldandruinous。OntheonesidewasCaecinaattheheadofapowerfularmy，ontheotherweretheauxiliaryinfantryandcavalryofRhaetiaandtheyouthofthatprovince，inuredtoarmsandexercisedinhabitsofwarfare。Allaroundwereslaughteranddevastation。Wanderingtoandfrobetweenthetwoarmies，theHelvetiithrewasidetheirarms，andwithalargeproportionofwoundedandstragglersfledforrefugetoMountVocetius。TheywereimmediatelydislodgedbytheattackofsomeThracianinfantry。CloselypursuedbytheGermansandRhaetianstheywerecutdownintheirforestsandevenintheirhidingplaces。Thousandswereputtothesword，thousandsmoreweresoldintoslavery。Everyplacehavingbeencompletelydestroyed，thearmywasmarchinginregularorderonAventicum，thecapitaltown，whenadeputationwassenttosurrenderthecity。Thissurrenderwasaccepted。JuliusAlpinus，oneoftheprincipalmen，wasexecutedbyCaecina，ashavingbeenthepromoterofthewar。AlltheresthelefttothemercyorseverityofVitellius。

ItishardtosaywhethertheenvoysfromHelvetiafoundtheEmperororhisarmylessmerciful。"Exterminatetherace，"wasthecryofthesoldiersastheybrandishedtheirweapons，orshooktheirfistsinthefacesoftheenvoys。EvenVitelliushimselfdidnotrefrainfromthreateningwordsandgestures，tillatlengthClaudiusCossus，oneoftheHelvetianenvoys，amanofwell-knowneloquence，butwhothenconcealedtheartoftheoratorunderanassumptionofalarm，andwasthereforemoreeffective，soothedtherageofthesoldiers，who，likeallmultitudes，wereliabletosuddenimpulses，andwerenowasinclinedtopityastheyhadbeenextravagantinfury。Burstingintotearsandprayingwithincreasingearnestnessforamildersentence，theyprocuredpardonandprotectionforthestate。

CaecinawhilehaltingforafewdaysintheHelvetianterritory，tillhecouldlearnthedecisionofVitellius，andatthesametimemakingpreparationsforthepassageoftheAlps，receivedfromItalythegoodnews，thatSilius\'Horse，whichwasquarteredintheneighbourhoodofPadus，hadswornallegiancetoVitellius。TheyhadservedunderhimwhenhewasProconsulinAfrica，fromwhichplaceNerohadsoonafterwardsbroughtthem，intendingtosendthemonbeforehimselfintoEgypt，buthadrecalledtheminconsequenceoftherebellionofVindex。TheywerestillinItaly，andnow，attheinstigationoftheirdecurions，whoknewnothingofOtho，butwereboundtoVitellius，andwhomagnifiedthestrengthoftheadvancinglegionsandthefameoftheGermanarmy，theyjoinedtheVitellianists，andbywayofapresenttotheirnewPrincetheysecuredforhimthestrongesttownsofthecountrynorthofthePadus，Mediolanum，Novaria，Eporedia，andVercellae。ThisCaecinahadlearntfromthemselves。AwarethatthewidestpartofItalycouldnotbeheldbysuchaforceasasinglesquadronofcavalry，hesentoninadvancetheauxiliaryinfantryfromGaul，Lusitania，andRhaetia，withtheveterantroopsfromGermany，andPetra\'sHorse，whilehemadeabriefhalttoconsiderwhetherheshouldpassovertheRhaetianrangeintoNoricum，toattackPetronius，theprocurator，whohadcollectedsomeauxiliaries，andbrokendownthebridgesovertherivers，andwasthoughttobefaithfultoOtho。Fearinghoweverthathemightlosetheinfantryandcavalrywhichhehadsentoninadvance，andatthesametimereflectingthatmorehonourwastobegainedbyholdingpossessionofItaly，andthat，whereverthedecisiveconflictmighttakeplace，Noricumwouldbeincludedamongtheotherprizesofvictory，hemarchedthereservesandtheheavyinfantrythroughthePeninepasseswhiletheAlpswerestillcoveredwiththesnowsofwinter。

MeanwhileOtho，tothesurpriseofall，wasnotsinkingdownintoluxuryandsloth。Hedeferredhispleasures，concealedhisprofligacy，andmouldedhiswholelifetosuitthedignityofempire。Mendreadedallthemorevirtuessofalse，andvicessocertaintoreturn。

MariusCelsus，consulelect，whomhehadrescuedfromthefuryofthesoldiersbypretendingtoimprisonhim，henoworderedtobesummonedtotheCapitol。Hesoughttoacquireareputationforclemencybysparingadistinguishedmanopposedtohisownparty。

CelsuspleadedguiltytothechargeoffaithfuladherencetoGalba，andevenmadeameritofsuchanexampleoffidelity。Othodidnottreathimasamantobepardoned，and，unwillingtoblendwiththegraceofreconciliationthememoryofpasthostility，atonceadmittedhimtohisintimatefriendship，andsoonafterwardsappointedhimtobeoneofhisgenerals。Bysomefatality，asitseemed，CelsusmaintainedalsotoOthoafidelityasirreproachableasitwasunfortunate。TheescapeofCelsusgratifiedtheleadingmenintheState，wasgenerallypraisedbythepeople，anddidnotdispleaseeventhesoldiers，whocouldnotbutadmirethevirtuewhichprovokedtheiranger。

Thenfollowedasgreataburstofjoy，thoughfromalessworthycause，whenthedestructionofTigellinuswasachieved。SophoniusTigellinus，amanofobscurebirth，steepedininfamyfromhisboyhood，andshamelesslyprofligateinhisoldage，findingvicetobehisquickestroadtosuchofficesasthecommandofthewatchandofthePraetorianGuard，andtootherdistinctionsduetomerit，wentontopractisecruelty，rapacity，andallthecrimesofmatureryears。

HepervertedNerotoeverykindofatrocity；heevenventuredonsomeactswithouttheEmperor\'sknowledge，andendedbydesertingandbetrayinghim。Hencetherewasnocriminal，whosedoomwasfromoppositemotivesmoreimportunatelydemanded，aswellbythosewhohatedNero，asbythosewhoregrettedhim。DuringthereignofGalbaTigellinushadbeenscreenedbytheinfluenceofVinius，whoallegedthathehadsavedhisdaughter。Anddoubtlesshehadpreservedherlife，notindeedoutofmercy，whenhehadmurderedsomany，buttosecureforhimselfarefugeforthefuture。Forallthegreatestvillains，distrustingthepresent，anddreadingchange，lookforprivatefriendshiptoshelterthemfrompublicdetestation，caringnottobefreefromguilt，butonlytoensuretheirturninimpunity。Thisenragedthepeoplemorethanever，therecentunpopularityofViniusbeingsuperaddedtotheiroldhatredagainstTigellinus。Theyrushedfromeverypartofthecityintothepalaceandforum，andburstingintothecircusandtheatre，wherethemobenjoyaspeciallicense，brokeoutintoseditiousclamours。AtlengthTigellinus，havingreceivedatthespringsofSinuessaamessagethathislasthourwascome，amidtheembracesandcaressesofhismistressesandotherunseemlydelays，cuthisthroatwitharazor，andaggravatedthedisgraceofaninfamouslifebyatardyandignominiousdeath。

AboutthesametimeademandwasmadefortheexecutionofGalviaCrispinilla。VariousartificesonthepartoftheEmperor，whoincurredmuchobloquybyhisduplicity，rescuedherfromthedanger。

ShehadinstructedNeroinprofligacy，hadpassedoverintoAfrica，thatshemighturgeMacerintorebellion，andhadopenlyattemptedtobringafamineuponRome。Yetsheafterwardsgaineduniversalpopularityonthestrengthofheralliancewithamanofconsularrank，andlivedunharmedthroughthereignsofGalba，Otho，andVitellius。Soonshebecamepowerfulasarichandchildlesswoman，circumstanceswhichhaveasgreatweightingoodasineviltimes。

Meanwhilefrequentletters，disfiguredbyunmanlyflatteries，wereaddressedbyOthotoVitellius，withoffersofwealthandfavourandanyretreathemightselectforalifeofprodigalindulgence。

Vitelliusmadesimilarovertures。Theirtonewasatfirstpacific；andbothexhibitedafoolishandundignifiedhypocrisy。Thentheyseemedtoquarrel，chargingeachotherwithdebaucheriesandthegrossestcrimes，andbothspoketruth。Otho，havingrecalledtheenvoyswhomGalbahadsent，dispatchedothers，nominallyfromtheSenate，toboththearmiesofGermany，totheItalianlegion，andtothetroopsquarteredatLugdunum。TheenvoysremainedwithVitelliustooreadilytoletitbesupposedthattheyweredetained。SomePraetorians，whomOthohadattachedtotheembassy，ostensiblyasamarkofdistinction，weresentbackbeforetheycouldmixwiththelegions。LetterswerealsoaddressedbyFabiusValensinthenameoftheGermanarmytothePraetorianandcitycohorts，extollingthestrengthofhisparty，andofferingtermsofpeace。ValensevenreproachedthemwithhavingtransferredtheImperialpowertoOtho，thoughithadsolongbeforebeenentrustedtoVitellius。

Thustheywereassailedbypromisesaswellasbythreats，weretoldthattheywerenotstrongenoughforwar，butwouldlosenothingbypeace。YetallthisdidnotshaketheloyaltyofthePraetorians。

NeverthelesssecretemissariesweredispatchedbyOthotoGermany，andbyVitelliustoRome。Bothfailedintheirobject。ThoseofVitelliusescapedwithoutinjury，unnoticedinthevastmultitude，knowingnone，andthemselvesunknown。ThoseofOthowerebetrayedbytheirstrangefacesinaplacewhereallkneweachother。VitelliuswrotetoTitianus，Otho\'sbrother，threateninghimandhissonwithdeath，unlessthelivesofhismotherandhischildrenwerespared。

Bothfamiliesremaineduninjured。ThisinOtho\'sreignwasperhapsduetofear；Vitelliuswasvictorious，andgainedallthecreditofmercy。

ThefirstencouragingtidingscametoOthofromIllyricum。HeheardthatthelegionsofDalmatia，Pannonia，andMoesiahadswornallegiancetohim。SimilarintelligencewasreceivedfromSpain，andCluviusRufuswascommendedinanedict。ImmediatelyafterwardsitbecameknownthatSpainhadgoneovertoVitellius。EvenAquitania，boundthoughitwasbytheoathofallegiancetoOthowhichJuliusCordushadadministered，didnotlongremainfirm。Nowherewasthereanyloyaltyoraffection；menchangedfromonesidetotheotherunderthepressureoffearornecessity。ItwasthisinfluenceoffearthatdrewovertoVitelliustheprovinceofGalliaNarbonensis，whichturnedreadilytothesidethatwasatoncethenearerandthestronger。Thedistantprovinces，andallthearmiesbeyondthesea，stilladheredtoOtho，notfromanyattachmenttohisparty，butbecausetherewasvastweightinthenameofthecapitalandtheprestigeoftheSenate，andalsobecausetheclaimswhichtheyhadfirstheardhadprepossessedtheirminds。ThearmyofJudaeaunderVespasian，andthelegionsofSyriaunderMucianus，sworeallegiancetoOtho。EgyptandtheEasternprovinceswerealsogovernedinhisname。Africadisplayedthesameobedience，Carthagetakingthelead。

InthatcityCrescens，oneofNero\'sfreedmen(forineviltimeseventhisclassmakesitselfapowerintheState)，withoutwaitingforthesanctionoftheproconsul，VipstanusApronianus，hadgivenanentertainmenttothepopulacebywayofrejoicingsforthenewreign，andthepeople，withextravagantzeal，hastenedtomaketheusualdemonstrationsofjoy。TheexampleofCarthagewasfollowedtheothercitiesofAfrica。

Asthearmiesandprovinceswerethusdivided，Vitellius，inordertosecurethesovereignpower，wascompelledtofight。Othocontinuedtodischargehisimperialdutiesasthoughitwereatimeofprofoundpeace。SometimesheconsultedthedignityoftheCommonwealth，butofteninhastyacts，dictatedbytheexpediencyofthemoment，hedisregardeditshonour。HewashimselftobeconsulwithhisbrotherTitianustillthe1stofMarch；thetwofollowingmonthsheassignedtoVerginiusasacomplimenttothearmyofGermany。WithVerginiuswastobeassociatedPompeiusVopiscus，avowedlyonthegroundoftheirbeingoldfriends，thoughmanyregardedtheappointmentasmeanttodohonourtothepeopleofVienna。TheotherconsulshipsstillremainedasNeroorGalbahadarrangedthem。CaeliusSabinusandhisbrotherFlaviusweretobeconsulstillthe1stofJuly；ArriusAntoninusandMariusCelsusfromthattimetothe1stofSeptember。EvenVitellius，afterhisvictory，didnotinterferewiththeseappointments。Onagedcitizens，whohadalreadyheldhighoffice，Othobestowed，asacrowningdignity，pontificatesandaugurships，whileheconsoledtheyoungnobles，whohadlatelyreturnedfromexile，byrevivingthesacerdotaloffices，heldbytheirfathersandancestors。CadiusRufus，PediusBlaesus，SaeviniusPomptinius，whointhereignsofClaudiusandNerohadbeenconvictedunderindictmentsforextortion，wererestoredtotheirrankasSenators。Thosewhowishedtopardonthemresolvedbyachangeofnamestomake，whathadreallybeenrapacity，seemtohavebeentreason，achargethensoodiousthatitmadeevengoodlawsadeadletter。

BysimilarbountyOthosoughttowintheaffectionsofthecitiesandprovinces。HebestowedonthecoloniesofHispalisandEmeritasomeadditionalfamilies，ontheentirepeopleoftheLingonestheprivilegesofRomancitizenship；totheprovinceofBaeticahejoinedthestatesofMauritania，andgrantedtoCappadociaandAfricanewrights，morefordisplaythanforpermanentutility。Inthemidstofthesemeasures，whichmayfindanexcuseintheurgencyofthecrisisandtheanxietieswhichpresseduponhim，hestilldidnotforgethisoldamours，andbyadecreeoftheSenaterestoredthestatuesofPoppaea。ItisevenbelievedthathethoughtofcelebratingthememoryofNerointhehopeofwinningthepopulace，andpersonswerefoundtoexhibitstatuesofthatPrince。ThereweredaysonwhichthepeopleandthesoldiersgreetedhimwithshoutsofNeroOtho，asiftheywereheapingonhimnewdistinctionandhonour。Othohimselfwaveredinsuspense，afraidtoforbidorashamedtoacknowledgethetitle。

Men\'smindsweresointentonthecivilwar，thatforeignaffairsweredisregarded。ThisemboldenedtheRoxolani，aSarmatiantribe，whohaddestroyedtwocohortsinthepreviouswinter，toinvadeMoesiawithgreathopesofsuccess。Theyhad9000cavalry，flushedwithvictoryandintentonplunderratherthanonfighting。Theyweredispersedandofftheirguard，whenthethirdlegiontogetherwithsomeauxiliariesattackedthem。TheRomanshadeverythingreadyforbattle，theSarmatianswerescattered，andintheireagernessforplunderhadencumberedthemselveswithheavybaggage，whilethesuperiorspeedoftheirhorseswaslostontheslipperyroads。Thustheywerecutdownasiftheirhandsweretied。Itiswonderfulhowentirelythecourageofthispeopleis，sotospeak，externaltothemselves。Notroopscouldshewsolittlespiritwhenfightingonfoot；whentheychargeinsquadrons，hardlyanylinecanstandagainstthem。Butasonthisoccasionthedaywasdampandtheicethawed，whatwiththecontinualslippingoftheirhorses，andtheweightoftheircoatsofmail，theycouldmakenouseoftheirpikesortheirswords，whichbeingofanexcessivelengththeywieldwithbothhands。

Thesecoatsarewornasdefensivearmourbytheprincesandmostdistinguishedpersonsofthetribe。Theyareformedofplatesofironorverytoughhides，andthoughtheyareabsolutelyimpenetrabletoblows，yettheymakeitdifficultforsuchashavebeenoverthrownbythechargeoftheenemytoregaintheirfeet。

Besides，theSarmatianswereperpetuallysinkinginthedeepandsoftsnow。TheRomansoldier，movingeasilyinhiscuirass，continuedtoharassthemwithjavelinsandlances，andwhenevertheoccasionrequired，closedwiththemwithhisshortsword，andstabbedthedefencelessenemy；foritisnottheircustomtodefendthemselveswithashield。Afewwhosurvivedthebattleconcealedthemselvesinthemarshes。Theretheyperishedfromtheinclemencyoftheseasonandtheseverityoftheirwounds。Whenthissuccesswasknown，MarcusAponius，governorofMoesia，wasrewardedwithatriumphalstatue，whileFulviusAurelius，JulianusTitius，andNumisiusLupus，thelegatesofthelegions，receivedtheensignsofconsularrank。Othowasdelighted，andclaimedthegloryforhimself，asifitwerehethatcommandedsuccessinwar，andthathadaggrandisedtheStatebyhisgeneralsandhisarmies。

Meanwhile，fromatriflingcause，whencenothingwasapprehended，therearoseatumult，whichhadnearlyprovedfataltothecapital。

Othohadorderedthe7thcohorttobebroughtuptoRomefromOstia，andthechargeofarmingitwasentrustedtoVariusCrispinus，oneofthetribunesofthePraetorianGuard。Thisofficer，thinkingthathecouldcarryouttheordermoreathisleisure，whenthecampwasquiet，openedthearmoury，andorderedthewagonsofthecohorttobeladenatnight-fall。Thetimeprovokedsuspicion，themotivechallengedaccusation，theelaborateattemptatquietendedinadisturbance，andthesightofarmsamongadrunkencrowdexcitedthedesiretousethem。Thesoldiersmurmured，andchargedthetribunesandcenturionswithtreachery，allegingthatthehouseholdsoftheSenatorswerebeingarmedtodestroyOtho；manyactedinignoranceandwerestupefiedbywine，theworstamongthemwereseekinganopportunityforplunder，themasswasasusualreadyforanynewmovement，andthemilitaryobedienceofthebetterdisposedwasneutralisedbythedarkness。Thetribune，whosoughttocheckthemovement，andthestrictestdisciplinariansamongthecenturions，werecutdown。Thesoldiersseizedtheirarms，baredtheirswords，and，mountedontheirhorses，madeforthecityandthepalace。

OthowasgivingacrowdedentertainmenttothemostdistinguishedmenandwomenofRome。Intheiralarmtheydoubtedwhetherthiswasacasualoutbreakofthesoldiers，oranactoftreacheryintheEmperor，andwhethertoremainandbearrestedwasamoreperilousalternativethantodisperseandfly。Atonetimemakingashowofcourage，atanotherbetrayedbytheirterror，theystillwatchedthecountenanceofOtho。And，asithappened，soreadywerealltosuspect，Othofeltasmuchalarmasheinspired。TerrifiednolessbytheSenate\'scriticalpositionthanbyhisown，hehadforthwithdespatchedtheprefectsofthePraetorianGuardtoallaythefuryofthesoldiery，andhenoworderedalltoleavethebanquetwithoutdelay。Thenonallsidesofficersofstatecastasidetheinsigniaofoffice，andshunnedtheretinuesoftheirfriendsanddomestics；

agedmenandwomenwanderedinthedarknessofnightaboutthevariousstreetsofthecity；fewwenttotheirhomes，mostsoughtthehousesoffriends，orsomeobscurehiding-placeinthedwellingoftheirhumblestdependents。

Therushofthesoldierswasnotevencheckedbythedoorsofthepalace。TheyburstinuponthebanquetwithlouddemandsthatOthoshouldshewhimself。Theywoundedthetribune，JuliusMartialis，andtheprefect，VitelliusSaturninus，whosoughttostemthetorrent。

Oneverytheybrandishedtheirswords，andmenacedthecenturionsandtribunesatonemoment，thewholeSenateatanother。Theirmindsweremaddenedbyablindpanic，and，unabletosingleoutanyoneobjectfortheirfury，theysoughtforindiscriminatevengeance。AtlastOtho，regardlessofhisimperialdignity，stooduponacouch，andbydintofprayersandtearscontrivedtorestrainthem。Reluctantandguilty，theyreturnedtothecamp。Thenextdaythehouseswereclosedastheymightbeinacapturedcity。Fewofthecitizenscouldbeseeninthestreets，thepopulaceweredejected，thesoldierswalkedwithdowncastlooks，andseemedgloomyratherthanpenitent。

LiciniusProculusandPlotiusFirmus，theprefects，addressedthecompaniesinthegentlerorharshertermsthatsuitedtheirrespectivecharacters。Theendoftheseharangueswasthat5000sesterceswerepaidtoeachsoldier。ThendidOthoventuretoenterthecamp；thetribunesandcenturionssurroundedhim。Theyhadthrownasidetheinsigniaoftheirrank，andtheydemandedreleasefromthetoilsandperilsofservice。Thesoldiersfeltthereproach；returningtotheirduty，theyevendemandedtheexecutionoftheringleadersintheriot。

Othowasawarehowdisturbedwasthecountry，andhowconflictingthefeelingsofthesoldiery，themostrespectableofwhomcriedoutforsomeremedyfortheexistinglicence，whilethegreatmassdelightedinriotandinanempirerestingonpopularity，andcouldbemosteasilyurgedtocivilwarbyindulgenceintumultandrapine。

Atthesametimehereflectedthatpoweracquiredbycrimecouldnotberetainedbyasuddenassumptionofthemoderationandofthedignityofformertimes，yethewasalarmedbythecriticalpositionofthecapitalandbytheperilsoftheSenate。Finally，headdressedthetroopsintheseterms:"Comrades，IamnotcomethatI

maymoveyourheartstoloveme，orthatImayrouseyourcourage；

loveandcourageyouhaveinsuperfluousabundance。Iamcometoprayyoutoputsomerestraintonyourvalour，somecheckonyouraffectionforme。Theoriginofthelatetumultistobetracednottorapacityordisaffection，feelingswhichhavedrivenmanyarmiesintocivilstrife，muchlesstoanyshrinkingfrom，orfearofdanger。

Itwasyourexcessiveaffectionformethatrousedyoutoactwithmorezealthandiscretion。Forevenhonourablemotivesofaction，unlessdirectedbyjudgment，arefollowedbydisastrousresults。Wearenowstartingforacampaign。Doesthenatureofthings，doestherapidflightofopportunities，admitofallintelligencebeingpubliclyannounced，ofeveryplanbeingdiscussedinthepresenceofall？Itisasneedfulthatthesoldiersshouldbeignorantofsomethingsasthattheyshouldknowothers。Thegeneral\'sauthority，thesternlawsofdiscipline，requirethatinmanymatterseventhecenturionsandtribunesshallonlyreceiveorders。If，wheneverordersaregiven，individualsmayaskquestions，obedienceceases，andallcommandisatanend。Willyouinthefieldtoosnatchupyourarmsinthedeadofnight？Shalloneortwoworthlessanddrunkenfellows，forIcannotbelievethatmorewerecarriedawaybythefrenzyofthelateoutbreak，imbruetheirhandsinthebloodofcenturionsandtribunes，andburstintothetentoftheirEmperor？

"Youindeeddidthistoserveme，butinthetumult，thedarkness，andthegeneralconfusion，anopportunitymaywelloccurthatmaybeusedagainstme。IfVitelliusandhissatelliteswereallowedtochoose，whatwouldbethetemperandwhatthethoughtswithwhichtheywouldcurseus？Whatwouldtheywishforusbutmutinyandstrife，thattheprivateshouldnotobeythecenturion，northecenturionthetribune，thatthusweshouldrush，horseandfoottogether，onourowndestruction？Comrades，itisbyobeying，notbyquestioningtheordersofcommanders，thatmilitarypoweriskepttogether。Andthatarmyisthemostcourageousinthemomentofperil，whichisthemostorderlybeforetheperilcomes。Keepyouyourarmsandyourcourage，leaveittometoplan，andtoguideyourvalour。Afewwereinfault，twowillbepunished。Letalltherestblotouttheremembranceofthatnightofinfamy。NeverletanyarmyhearthosecriesagainsttheSenate。ToclamourforthedestructionofwhatistheheadoftheEmpire，andcontainsallthatisdistinguishedintheprovinces，goodGod！itisathingwhichnoteventhoseGermans，whomVitelliusatthisverymomentisrousingagainstus，woulddaretodo。ShallanysonsofItaly，thetrueyouthofRome，cryoutforthemassacreofanorder，bywhosesplendiddistinctionswethrowintotheshadethemeanandobscurefactionofVitellius？Vitelliusisthemasterofafewtribes，andhassomesemblanceofanarmy。WehavetheSenate。Thecountryiswithus；withthem，thecountry\'senemies。What！doyouimaginethatthisfairestofcitiesismadeupofdwellingsandedificesandpilesofstones？Thesedumbandinanimatethingsmaybeindifferentlydestroyedandrebuilt。Theeternaldurationofempire，thepeaceofnations，mysafetyandyours，restonthesecurityoftheSenate。ThisorderwhichwasinstitutedunderdueauspicesbytheFatherandFounderofthecity，andwhichhaslastedwithoutinterruptionandwithoutdecayfromtheKingsdowntotheEmperors，wewillbequeathtoourdescendants，aswehaveinheriteditfromourancestors。ForyougivethestateitsSenators，andtheSenategivesititsPrinces。"

Thisspeech，whichwasmeanttotouchandtocalmthefeelingsofthesoldiers，andthemoderateamountofseverityexercised(forOthohadorderedtwoandnomoretobepunished)，metwithagratefulacceptance，andforthemomentreducedtoordermenwhocouldnotbecoerced。Yettranquillitywasnotrestoredtothecapital；

therewasstillthedinofarmsandallthesightsofwar，andthesoldiers，thoughtheymadenoconcerteddisturbance，haddispersedthemselvesindisguiseaboutprivatehouses，andexercisedamalignantsurveillanceoverallwhomexaltedrank，ordistinctionofanykind，exposedtoinjuriousreports。ManytoobelievedthatsomeofthesoldiersofVitelliushadcometothecapitaltolearnthefeelingsofthedifferentparties。Henceeverythingwasrifewithsuspicion，andeventheprivacyofthefamilywashardlyexemptfromfear。Itwashoweverinpublicthatmostalarmwasfelt；witheverypieceofintelligencethatrumourbrought，menchangedtheirlooksandspirits，anxiousnottoappeardiscouragedbyunfavourableomens，ortoolittledelightedbysuccess。WhentheSenatewassummonedtotheChamber，itwashardforthemtomaintaininallthingsasafemoderation。

Silencemightseemcontumacious，andfranknessmightprovokesuspicion，andOtho，whohadlatelybeenasubject，andhadusedthesamelanguage，wasfamiliarwithflattery。Accordingly，theydiscussedvariousmotionsonwhichtheyhadputmanyconstructions。Vitelliustheycalledapublicenemyandatraitortohiscountry，themoreprudentcontentingthemselveswithhackneyedtermsofabuse，thoughsomethrewoutreproachesfoundedintruth，yetonlydidsointhemidstofclamour，andwhenmanyvoiceswereheardatonce，drowningtheirownspeechinatumultofwords。

Prodigieswhichwerenownoisedabroadfromvarioussourcesincreasedmen\'sterror。ItwassaidthatintheporchoftheCapitolthereinsofthechariot，onwhichstoodthegoddessofVictory，haddroppedfromherhand，thatfromthechapelofJunotherehadrushedforthaformgreaterthantheformofman，thatthestatueoftheDivineJulius，whichstandsontheislandintheTiber，hadturnedfromtheWesttotheEastonacalmandtranquilday，thatanoxhadspokenaloudinEtruria，thatstrangebirthsofanimalshadtakenplace，besidesmanyotherthings，suchasinbarbarousagesareobservedevenduringseasonsofpeace，butarenowheardofonlyintimesofterror。Butanalarmgreaterthanall，becauseitconnectedimmediatelosswithfearsforthefuture，arosefromasuddeninundationoftheTiber。Theriverbecamevastlyswollen，brokedownthewoodenbridge，wascheckedbytheheapofruinsacrossthecurrent，andoverflowednotonlythelowandleveldistrictsofthecapital，butalsomuchthathadbeenthoughtsafefromsuchcasualties。Manyweresweptawayinthestreets，manymorewerecutoffintheirshopsandchambers。Thewantofemploymentandthescarcityofprovisionscausedafamineamongthepopulace。Thepoorerclassofhouseshadtheirfoundationssappedbythestagnantwaters，andfellwhentheriverreturnedtoitschannel。Whenmen\'smindswerenolongeroccupiedbytheirfears，thefact，thatwhileOthowaspreparingforhiscampaign，theCampusMartiusandtheViaFlaminia，hisroutetothewar，wereobstructedbycauseseitherfortuitousornatural，wasregardedasaprodigyandanomenofimpendingdisasters。

Otho，afterpubliclypurifyingthecityandweighingvariousplansforthecampaign，determinedtomarchuponGalliaNarbonensis，asthepassesofthePenineandCottianAlpsandalltheotherapproachestoGaulwereheldbythearmiesofVitellius。Hisfleetwasstrongandloyaltohiscause，forhehadenrolledintheranksofthelegionthesurvivorsoftheslaughterattheMilvianbridge，whomthesternpolicyofGalbahadretainedincustody，whiletotheresthehadheldouthopesofamorehonourableserviceforthefuture。Tothefleethehadaddedsomecitycohorts，andmanyofthePraetorians，thestayandstrengthofhisarmy，whomightatonceadviseandwatchthegenerals。

ThecommandoftheexpeditionwasentrustedtoAntoniusNovellusandSuediusClemens，centurionsofthefirstrank，andAemiliusPacensis，towhomOthohadrestoredtherankoftribune，takenfromhimbyGalba。Oscus，afreedman，retainedthechargeofthefleet，andwenttowatchthefidelityofmenmorehonourablethanhimself。

SuetoniusPaullinus，MariusCelsus，andAnniusGallus，wereappointedtocommandtheinfantryandcavalry。TheEmperor，however，placedmostconfidenceinLiciniusProculus，prefectofthePraetorianGuard；anactiveofficerathome，withoutexperienceinwar，hefoundedperpetualaccusationsonthehighinfluenceofPaullinus，ontheenergyofCelsus，onthematurejudgmentofGallus，infact，oneachman\'sspecialexcellence，athingmosteasytodo；andthustheunscrupulousandthecunningwerepreferredbeforethemodestandthegood。

AboutthistimeCorneliusDolabellawasbanishedtotheColoniaAquinas，buthewasnotkeptinstrictorsecretcustody；itwasnotforanycrimethathesuffered；hewasmarkedoutforsuspicionbyhisancientnameandbyhisrelationshiptoGalba。ManyoftheofficersofstateandalargeproportionofthemenofconsularrankOthoorderedtoaccompanyhimtothefield，notindeedtoshareorserveinthecampaign，buttoformaretinue。AmongthemwasLuciusVitellius，whomOthotreatedashetreatedtherest，andnotasthoughhewerethebrothereitherofanEmperor，orofanenemy。Thisrousedtheanxietiesofthecapital；norankwasfreefromapprehensionorperil。TheleadingmenoftheSenateeithersufferedfromtheinfirmitiesofage，orwereenervatedbyaprolongedpeace；

thenobilitywereindolentandhadforgottenhowtofight；theEquestrianorderknewnothingofservice；andthemoretheyendeavouredtohideandrepresstheiralarmthemoreevidentwastheirterror。Ontheotherhand，thereweresomewhowithsenselessostentationpurchasedsplendidarmsandmagnificenthorses，andsomewhoprocuredbywayofequipmentsforthewartheluxuriousfurnitureofthebanquetandotherincentivestoprofligacy。ThewiselookedtotheinterestsofpeaceandoftheCommonwealth，whilethegiddyandthosewhowerethoughtlessofthefuturewereinflatedwithidlehopes。Manywhosecredithadbeenshakenintheyearsofpeaceregainedtheirspiritsamidsttheconfusionsofthetime，andfoundtheirbestsafetyinrevolution。

Themobandthepeoplegenerally，whosevastnumberscutthemofffromallinterestinthestate，beganbydegreestofeeltheevilsofwar，nowthatallthecurrencyhadbeendivertedtothepurposesofthearmy，andthepricesofprovisionswereraised。TheseevilshadnotequallydistressedthecommonpeopleduringtheinsurrectionofVindex；thecapitalwassafe，andthewarwasintheprovinces，and，foughtasitwasbetweenthelegionsandGaul，itseemedbutaforeigncampaign。IndeedfromthetimethattheDivineAugustusconsolidatedthepoweroftheCaesars，thewarsoftheRomanpeoplehadbeeninremoteplaces，andhadcausedanxietyorbroughthonourtobutoneman。UnderTiberiusandCaiusmendreadedfortheCommonwealthonlythemiseriesofpeace。TherisingofScribonianusagainstClaudiuswascrushedassoonasheardof。Nerowasdrivenfrompowerbyeviltidingsandrumoursratherthanbythesword。Nowthelegionsandthefleetswerebroughtintoaction，andwiththemaforceusedbutonfewotheroccasions，thePraetorianandcitysoldiery。IntheirrearweretheprovincesoftheEastandoftheWestwithalltheirforces；hadtheyfoughtunderothergeneralstherewasallthematerialforaprotractedwar。ManysuggestedtoOtho，ashewassettingout，areligiousobstacleinthefactthatthesacredshieldshadnotbeenrestoredtotheirplace。Hespurnedalldelay，ashavingbeenNero\'sfatalmistake；andthefactthatCaecinahadnowcrossedtheAlpsurgedhimtoaction。

Onthe14thofMarch，aftercommendingtheStatetothecareoftheSenate，hepresentedtothosewhohadbeenrecalledfromexilewhatwasleftoftheNeronianconfiscations，orhadnotyetbeenpaidintotheImperialtreasury，amostequitableandapparentlymostsplendidpieceofliberality，butpracticallyworthless，asthepropertyhadbeenhastilyrealizedlongbefore。Soonafterwardshesummonedanassembly，andenlargedonthedignityofthecapitalandtheunanimityoftheSenateandpeopleinhisfavour。OfthepartyofVitelliushespokewithmoderation，chargingthelegionswithignoranceratherthanwithcrime，andmakingnomentionofVitelliushimself。Thismoderationwaseitherhisown，orwasduetothewriterofthespeech，who，fearingforhimself，abstainedfrominvectivesagainstVitellius。ForOthowasbelievedtoavailhimselfoftheabilitiesofGaleriusTrachalusincivilmatters，justasheemployedthoseofCelsusandPaullinusinwar。Thereweresomewhorecognizedtheverystyleofspeaking，whichwaswellknownfromhisconstantpleadingatthebar，andwhichsoughttofillthepopularearwithacopiousandsonorousdiction。Theacclamationsandcrieswhichhabitualflatterypromptedinthepeoplewereatonceextravagantandfalse。AsiftheywereapplaudingaDictatorlikeCaesar，oranEmperorlikeAugustus，theyviedwitheachotherintheirzealandgoodwishes。Theyactednotfromfearoraffection，butfromthemereloveofservitude；asitmightbeinsomeprivatehousehold，eachhadhisownmotives，andthepublichonournowwentfornothing。Othosetout，leavingthepeaceofthecityandthecaresofempireinthechargeofhisbrotherSalviusTitianus。

BOOKII，March-August，A。D。69

INAdistantpartoftheworldfortunewasnowpreparingtheoriginandriseofanewdynasty，whosevarieddestiniesbroughthappinessormiseryontheState，prosperityordestructiononthePrincesofitsline。TitusVespasianhadbeensentfromJudaeabyhisfatherwhileGalbastilllived，andallegedasareasonforhisjourneythehomageduetotheEmperor，andhisage，whichnowqualifiedhimtocompeteforoffice。Butthevulgar，evereagertoinvent，hadspreadthereportthathewassentfortobeadopted。

TheadvancedyearsandchildlessconditionoftheEmperorfurnishedmatterforsuchgossip，andthecountrynevercanrefrainfromnamingmanypersonsuntilonebechosen。ThereportgainedthemorecreditfromthegeniusofTitushimself，equalasitwastothemostexaltedfortune，fromthemingledbeautyandmajestyofhiscountenance，fromtheprosperousfortunesofVespasian，fromthepropheticresponsesoforacles，andevenfromaccidentaloccurrenceswhich，inthegeneraldispositiontobelief，wereacceptedasomens。

AtCorinth，thecapitalofAchaia，hereceivedpositiveinformationofthedeathofGalba，andfoundmenwhospokeconfidentlyoftherevoltofVitelliusandofthefactofwar。Intheanxietyofhismind，hesentafewofhisfriends，andcarefullysurveyedhispositionfrombothpointsofview。HeconsideredthatifheshouldproceedtoRome，heshouldgetnothanksforacivilityintendedforanother，whilehispersonwouldbeahostageinthehandseitherofVitelliusorofOtho；thatshouldheturnback，theconquerorwouldcertainlybeoffended，butwiththeissueofthestrugglestilldoubtful，andthefatherjoiningtheparty，thesonwouldbeexcused；ontheotherhand，ifVespasianshouldassumethedirectionofthestate，menwhohadtothinkofwarwouldhavetoforgetsuchcausesofoffence。

Theseandlikethoughtsmadehimwaverbetweenhopeandfear；buthopetriumphed。SomesupposedthatheretracedhisstepsforloveofQueenBerenice，norwashisyoungheartaversetohercharms，butthisaffectionoccasionednohindrancetoaction。Hepassed，itistrue，ayouthenlivenedbypleasure，andpractisedmoreself-restraintinhisownthaninhisfather\'sreign。So，aftercoastingAchaiaandAsia，leavingthelandonhisleft，hemadefortheislandsofRhodesandCyprus，andthenbyaboldercourseforSyria。HereheconceivedadesiretovisitandinspectthetempleofthePaphianVenus，placeofcelebritybothamongnativesandforeigners。Itwillnotbeatediousdigressiontorecordbrieflytheoriginoftheworship，theceremonialofthetemple，andtheformunderwhichthegoddessisadored，aformfoundinnootherplace。

Thefounderofthetemple，accordingtooldtradition，waskingAerias，thoughsomerepresentthisasthenameofthegoddessherself。

LateraccountstellusthatthetemplewasconsecratedbyCinyras，andthatthegoddessherselfafterherbirthfromtheseawaswaftedtothisspot，butthatthewisdomandcraftofthedivinerswasaforeignimportationintroducedbyTamirasofCilicia；andthatitwasagreedthatthedescendantsofbothfamiliesshouldpresideovertheworship。

Afterwards，thattheroyalfamilymightnotbewithoutsomesuperiorityovertheforeignstock，thestrangersrelinquishedthecraftwhichtheyhadthemselvesintroduced。ThepriestofthelineofCinyrasisaloneconsulted。Thevictimsaresuchaseachworshipperhasvowed，butmalesareselected；thesurestprognosticsareseenintheentrailsofkids。Itisforbiddentopourbloodonthealtar；

theplaceofsacrificeisservedonlywithprayersandpureflame，andthoughitstandsintheopenair，itisneverwetwithrain。Theimageofthegoddessdoesnotbearthehumanshape；itisaroundedmassrisinglikeaconefromabroadbasetoasmallcircumference。Themeaningofthisisdoubtful。

Titus，aftersurveyingthetreasures，theroyalpresents，andtheotherobjectswhichtheantiquariantendenciesoftheGreekarbitrarilyconnectwithsomeuncertainpast，firstconsultedtheoracleabouthisvoyage。Receivingananswerthatthewaywasopenandtheseapropitious，hethen，aftersacrificinganumberofvictims，askedsomequestionsinambiguousphraseconcerninghimself。Sostratus(thatwasthenameofthepriest)seeingthattheentrailspresentedanuniformlyfavourableappearance，andthatthegoddesssignifiedherfavourtosomegreatenterprise，returnedatthemomentabriefandordinaryanswer，butafterwardssolicitingaprivateinterview，disclosedthefuture。Hisspiritsraised，Titusrejoinedhisfather，andwasreceivedasamightypledgeofsuccessbythewaveringmindsoftheprovincialsandthetroops。VespasianhadallbutcompletedtheJewishwar，andonlythesiegeofJerusalemnowremained，anoperation，thedifficultyandarduousnessofwhichwasdue，rathertothecharacterofitsmountaincitadelandtheperverseobstinacyofthenationalsuperstition，thantoanysufficientmeansofenduringextremitieslefttothebesieged。Aswehavementionedabove，Vespasianhimselfhadthreelegionsinuredtowar。Mucianushadfourunderhiscommandinhispeacefulprovince。Emulation，however，andtheglorywonbytheneighbouringarmyhadbanishedalltendencytosloth，andunbrokenrestandexemptionfromthehardshipsofwarhadgiventhemavigourequivalenttothehardihoodwhichtheothershadgainedbytheirperilsandtheirtoils。Eachhadauxiliaryforcesofinfantryandcavalry，eachhadfleetsandtributarykings，andeach，thoughtheirrenownwasofadifferentkind，hadacelebratedname。

Vespasianwasanenergeticsoldier；hecouldmarchattheheadofhisarmy，choosetheplaceforhiscamp，andbringbynightanddayhisskill，or，iftheoccasionrequired，hispersonalcouragetoopposethefoe。Hisfoodwassuchaschanceoffered；hisdressandappearancehardlydistinguishedhimfromthecommonsoldier；inshort，butforhisavarice，hewasequaltothegeneralsofold。Mucianus，onthecontrary，waseminentforhismagnificence，forhiswealth，andforagreatnessthattranscendedinallrespectstheconditionofasubject；readierofspeechthantheother，hethoroughlyunderstoodthearrangementanddirectionofcivilbusiness。Itwouldhavebeenararecombinationofprincelyqualities，if，withtheirrespectivefaultsremoved，theirvirtuesonlycouldhavebeenunitedinoneman。MucianuswasgovernorofSyria，VespasianofJudaea。Intheadministrationoftheseneighbouringprovincesjealousyhadproduceddiscordbetweenthem，butonNero\'sfalltheyhaddroppedtheiranimositiesandassociatedtheircounsels。Atfirsttheycommunicatedthroughfriends，tillTitus，whowasthegreatbondofunionbetweenthem，byrepresentingtheircommoninterestshadterminatedtheirmischievousfeud。HewasindeedamanformedbothbynatureandbyeducationtoattractevensuchacharacterasthatofMucianus。Thetribunes，thecenturions，andthecommonsoldiers，werebroughtovertothecausebyappealstotheirenergyortheirloveoflicense，totheirvirtuesortotheirvices，accordingtotheirdifferentdispositions。

LongbeforethearrivalofTitus，botharmieshadtakentheoathofallegiancetoOtho。Thenewshadcome，asisusual，withgreatspeed，whiletherewasmuchtodelaythegiganticundertakingofacivilwar，forwhichtheEastafteralongperiodofreposewasthenforthefirsttimepreparing。InformertimesthemightiestcivilconflictshadbeenbeguninGaulorItalywiththeresourcesoftheWest。Pompey，Brutus，Cassius，andAntony，allofwhomhadbeenfollowedacrosstheseabycivilwar，hadmetwithadisastrousend，andtheEmperorshadbeenoftenerheardofthanseeninSyriaandJudaea。Therehadbeennomutinyamongthelegions，nothingindeedbutsomedemonstrationsagainsttheParthians，attendedwithvarioussuccess。Inthelastcivilwar，thoughotherprovinceshadbeendisturbed，peacehadbeenhereunshaken。ThenhadfollowedaloyaladherencetoGalba。ButwhenitbecamenotoriousthatOthoandVitellius，opposedinimpiousstrife，werereadytomakeaspoiloftheEmpire，thethoughtthatotherswouldengrosstherewardsofpower，whiletheywouldhavenothingleftforthemselvesbutacompulsorysubmission，madethesoldiersmurmurandtakeasurveyoftheirownstrength。Therewerecloseathandsevenlegions；therewereSyriaandJudaea，withavastnumberofauxiliaries。Then，withoutanyintervalofseparation，therewasEgyptanditstwolegions，andontheothersideCappadocia，Pontus，andallthegarrisonsalongthefrontierofArmenia。TherewasAsiaMinor；thereweretheotherprovinces，notwithoutamilitarypopulation，andwellfurnishedwithmoney。TherewerealltheislandsoftheMediterranean。Andtherewastheseaitself，whichduringtheintervalofpreparationforwarwouldbebothaconvenienceandaprotection。

Theardourofthetroopswasnotunknowntotheirgenerals；butitwasjudgedadvisabletowaitfortheissueofthestrugglewhichotherswerecarryingon。Theconquerorsandtheconquered，itwassaid，neverunitewithagenuinegoodfaith。ItmattersnotwhetherfortunemakeOthoorVitelliustobethevictor。Evengreatgeneralsgrowinsolentinprosperity；thesemenarequarrelsome，indolent，andprofligate，andtheirownfaultswillmakewarfataltotheone，andsuccesstotheother。Theythereforepostponedthewaruntilamorefittingopportunity，andthoughVespasianandMucianushadbutlatelyresolvedonconcertedaction，theothershaddonesolongbefore。Theworthiestamongthemweremovedbypatriotism；manywerewroughtuponbytheattractionsofplunder；somebytheirprivateembarrassments。Andso，goodandbad，fromdifferentmotives，butwithequalzeal，werealleagerforwar。

AboutthistimeAchaiaandAsiaMinorwereterrifiedbyafalsereportthatNerowasathand。Variousrumourswerecurrentabouthisdeath；andsothereweremanywhopretendedandbelievedthathewasstillalive。TheadventuresandenterprisesoftheotherpretendersIshallrelateintheregularcourseofmywork。ThepretenderinthiscasewasaslavefromPontus，or，accordingtosomeaccounts，afreedmanfromItaly，askilfulharp-playerandsinger，accomplishments，which，addedtoaresemblanceintheface，gaveaverydeceptiveplausibilitytohispretensions。Afterattachingtohimselfsomedeserters，needyvagrantswhomhebribedwithgreatoffers，heputtosea。DrivenbystressofweathertotheislandofCythnus，heinducedcertainsoldiers，whowereontheirwayfromtheEast，tojoinhim，andorderedothers，whorefused，tobeexecuted。Healsorobbedthetradersandarmedallthemostablebodiedoftheslaves。ThecenturionSisenna，whowasthebeareroftheclaspedrighthands，theusualemblemsoffriendship，fromthearmiesofSyriatothePraetorians，wasassailedbyhimwithvariousartifices，tillhelefttheislandsecretly，and，fearingactualviolence，madehisescapewithallhaste。Thencethealarmspreadfarandwide，andmanyrousedthemselvesatthewell-knownname，eagerforchange，anddetestingthepresentstateofthings。Thereportwasdailygainingcreditwhenanaccidentputanendtoit。

GalbahadentrustedthegovernmentofGalatiaandPamphyliatoCalpurniusAsprenas。TwotriremesfromthefleetofMisenumweregivenhimtopursuetheadventurer:withthesehereachedtheislandofCythnus。PersonswerefoundtosummonthecaptainsinthenameofNero。Thepretenderhimself，assumingastudiedappearanceofsorrow，andappealingtotheirfidelityasoldsoldiersofhisown，besoughtthemtolandhiminEgyptorSyria。Thecaptains，perhapswavering，perhapsintendingtodeceive，declaredthattheymustaddresstheirsoldiers，andthattheywouldreturnwhenthemindsofallhadbeenprepared。Everything，however，wasfaithfullyreportedtoAsprenas，andathisbiddingtheshipwasboardedandtaken，andtheman，whoeverhewas，killed。Thebody，inwhichtheeyes，thehair，andthesavagecountenance，wereremarkablefeatures，wasconveyedtoAsia，andthencetoRome。

Inastatethatwasdistractedbystrife，andthatfromfrequentchangesinitsrulerstrembledonthevergebetweenlibertyandlicence，evenlittlematterswereattendedwithgreatexcitement。

VibiusCrispus，whosewealth，power，andability，madehimrankamongmenofdistinction，ratherthanamongmenofworth，demandedthatAnniusFaustus，oftheEquestrianorder，whointhedaysofNerohadpractisedthetradeoftheinformer，shouldbebroughttotrialbeforetheSenate。TheSenatorsindeedhadrecently，duringthereignofGalba，passedaresolution，thatcognizanceshouldbetakenofthecasesoftheinformers。Thisdecreewasvariouslycarriedout，and，whileretainedaslaw，waspowerlessoreffectual，accordingastheperson，whohappenedtobeaccused，wasinfluentialorhelpless。Besidestheterrorofthelaw，Crispushadexertedhisownpowertotheutmosttodestroythemanwhohadinformedagainsthisbrother。HehadprevaileduponagreatpartoftheSenatetodemandthatheshouldbeconsignedtodestruction，undefendedandunheard。

But，ontheotherhand，thereweresomewithwhomnothinghelpedtheaccusedpersonsomuchastheexcessivepoweroftheaccuser。Theygaveitastheiropinion，thattimeoughttobeallowed，thatthechargesoughttobespecified，that，odiousandguiltyasthemanmightbe，heyetoughttobeheard，asprecedentrequired。Atfirsttheycarriedtheirpoint，andthetrialwaspostponedforafewdays，butbeforelongFaustuswascondemned，butbynomeanswiththatunanimityonthepartofthepeoplewhichhisdetestablecharacterhaddeserved。MenrememberedthatCrispushadfollowedthesameprofessionwithprofit；norwasitthepenaltybuttheprosecutorthattheydisliked。

MeanwhilethecampaignhadopenedfavourablyforOtho，atwhosebiddingthearmiesofDalmatiaandPannoniahadbeguntomove。Thesecomprisedfourlegions，fromeachofwhichtwothousandtroopsweresentoninadvance。The7thhadbeenraisedbyGalba，the11th，13th，and14thwereveteransoldiers，the14thhavingparticularlydistinguisheditselfbyquellingtherevoltinBritain。Nerohadaddedtotheirreputationbyselectingthemashismosteffectivetroops。

ThishadmadethemlongfaithfultoNero，andkindledtheirzealforOtho。Buttheirself-confidenceinducedatardinessofmovementproportionatetotheirstrengthandsolidity。Theauxiliaryinfantryandcavalrymovedinadvanceofthemainbodyofthelegions。Thecapitalitselfcontributednocontemptibleforce，namelyfivePraetoriancohorts，sometroopsofcavalry，andthefirstlegion，andtogetherwiththese，2000gladiators，adisreputablekindofauxiliaries，butemployedthroughoutthecivilwarsevenbystrictdisciplinarians。AnniusGalluswasputattheheadofthisforce，andwassentonwithVestriciusSpurinnatooccupythebanksofthePadus，theoriginalplanofthecampaignhavingfallentotheground，nowthatCaecina，whotheyhadhopedmighthavebeenkeptwithinthelimitsofGaul，hadcrossedtheAlps。Othohimselfwasaccompaniedbysomepickedmenofthebody-guard，withwhomweretherestofthePraetoriancohorts，theveterantroopsfromthePraetoriancamp，andavastnumberoftheleviesraisedfromthefleet。Noindolenceorriotdisgracedhismarch。Heworeacuirassofiron，andwastobeseeninfrontofthestandards，onfoot，roughandnegligentindress，andutterlyunlikewhatcommonreporthadpicturedhim。

Fortuneseemedtosmileonhisefforts。Throughhisfleets，whichcommandedthesea，heheldthegreaterpartofItaly，evenasfaraswherethechainoftheMaritimeAlpsbegins。Thetaskofattemptingthepassageofthischain，andofadvancingintotheProvinciaNarbonensis，hehadentrustedtothreegenerals，SuediusClemens，AntoniusNovellus，andAemiliusPacensis。Pacensis，however，wasputinironsbyhisinsubordinatetroops，Antoniuspossessednokindofauthority，andClemenscommandedonlyforpopularity，andwasasrecklessintransgressingthegoodorderofmilitarydisciplineashewaseagertofight。OnewouldnothavethoughtthatitwasItaly，thefields，andthehabitationsoftheirnativecountry，thattheywerepassingthrough。Theyburnt，spoiled，andplundered，asiftheywereamongthelandsoftheforeignerandthecitiesofahostilepeople，andallwiththemorefrightfuleffectasnowherehadtherebeenmadeanyprovisionagainstthedanger。Thefieldswerefullofruralwealth，thehousesstoodwithopendoors；andtheowners，aswiththeirwivesandchildrentheycameforthtomeetthearmy，foundthemselvessurrounded，inthemidstofthesecurityofpeace，withallthehorrorsofwar。MariusMaturuswasthengoverningasprocuratortheprovinceoftheMaritimeAlps。Raisingthepopulation，inwhichisnolackofable-bodiedmen，heresolvedtodrivebacktheOthonianistsfromthebordersofhisprovince；butthemountaineerswerecutdownandbrokenbythefirstcharge，asmightbeexpectedofmenwhohadbeenhastilycollected，whowerenotfamiliarwithcampsorwithregularcommand，whosawnogloryinvictory，noinfamyinflight。

Exasperatedbythisconflict，thetroopsofOthoventedtheirrageonthetownofAlbintemilium。Inthefieldindeedtheyhadsecurednoplunder；theirrusticadversarieswerepoor，andtheirarmsworthless；norcouldtheybetakenprisoners，fortheywereswiftoffoot，andknewthecountrywell。Buttherapacityofthetroopsglutteditselfintheruinofaninnocentpopulation。ThehorroroftheseactswasaggravatedbyanobledisplayoffortitudeinaLigurianwoman；shehadconcealedherson，andwhenthesoldiers，whobelievedthatsomemoneyhadbeenhiddenwithhim，questionedherwithtortureastowhereshewashidinghim，shepointedtoherbosom，andreplied，"Itisherethatheisconcealed"；norcouldanysubsequentthreatsorevendeathitselfmakeherfalterinthiscourageousandnobleanswer。

MessengersnowcameinhasteandalarmtoinformFabiusValens，howOtho\'sfleetwasthreateningtheprovinceofGalliaNarbonensis，whichhadswornallegiancetoVitellius。Envoysfromthecolonieswerealreadyonthespotprayingforaid。HedespatchedtwocohortsofTungrianinfantry，foursquadronsofhorse，andallthecavalryoftheTreviriunderthecommandofJuliusClassicus。PartofthesetroopswereretainedforthedefenceofthecolonyofForumJulii，foritwasfeared，thatifthewholearmyweresentbytheroutethroughtheinterior，theenemy\'sfleetmightmakearapidmovementontheunprotectedcoast。Twelvesquadronsofcavalryandsomepickedinfantryadvancedagainsttheenemy；theywerereinforcedbyacohortofLigurians，anauxiliarylocalforceoflongstanding，andfivehundredPannonians，notyetregularlyenrolled。Theconflictcommencedwithoutdelay，theenemy\'slineofbattlebeingsoarranged，thatpartoftheleviesfromthefleet，whohadanumberofrusticsamongtheirranks，werepostedontheslopeofthehillswhichborderonthecoast，thePraetoriansfullyoccupyingthelevelgroundbetweenthehillsandtheshore，whileontheseawasthefleet，mooredtothelandandreadyforaction，drawnupinlinesoastopresentaformidablefront。TheVitellianistswhoseinfantrywasinferior，butwhowerestrongincavalry，stationedthemountaineersontheneighbouringheights，andtheirinfantryincloseranksbehindthecavalry。ThesquadronsoftheTreverichargedtheenemyincautiously，andfoundthemselvesencounteredinfrontbytheveterantroops，whileontheflankstheywerealsoannoyedbyshowersofstonesfromtherusticband，whowereskilfulthrowers，andwho，mixedupastheywereamongtheregularsoldiers，whethercowardlyorbrave，wereallequallyboldinthemomentofvictory。ThegeneralconsternationoftheVitellianistswasincreasedbyanewalarmasthefleetattackedtherearofthecombatants。Bythismovementtheywerehemmedinonallsides，andthewholeforcewouldhaveperished，hadnottheshadesofnightcheckedtheadvanceofthevictoriousarmy，andcoveredtheretreatofthevanquished。

TheVitellianists，however，thoughbeaten，didnotremaininactive。Theybroughtupreinforcementsandattackedtheenemy，whofeltthemselvessecure，andwhosevigilancewasrelaxedbysuccess。

Thesentinelswerecutdown，thecampstormed，andthepanicreachedtheships，till，asthealarmgraduallysubsided，theyagainassumedtheoffensiveundertheprotectionofsomeneighbouringheightswhichtheyhadoccupied。Aterribleslaughterensued，andtheprefectsoftheTungriancohorts，afterhavinglongmaintainedtheirlineunbroken，fellbeneathashowerofmissiles。TheOthonianists，however，didnotachieveabloodlessvictory，astheenemy\'scavalrywheeledround，andcutoffsomewhohadimprudentlyprolongedthepursuit。Andthen，asifasortofarmisticehadbeenconcludedtoprovideagainstanysuddenpanicthatthecavalryoftheonepartyorthefleetoftheothermightcause，theVitellianistsretreatedtoAntipolis，atownofGalliaNarbonensis，theOthonianiststoAlbigaunum，inUpperLiguria。

Corsica，Sardinia，andtheotherislandsoftheneighbouringseas，wereretainedintheinterestsofOthobythefameofthesenavalsuccesses。Corsica，however，allbutsufferedfatalinjuryfromtherashproceedingsofDecumusPacarius，theprocurator，proceedingswhichinsogiganticawarcouldcontributenothingtothegeneralresult，andwhichonlybroughtdestructionupontheirauthor。InhishatredofOthoheresolvedtosupportVitelliuswiththewholestrengthofCorsica，aninsignificantassistanceevenhadthedesignsucceeded。Hecollectedthechiefmenoftheisland，andexplainedhisplans。ClaudiusPyrrhicus，captainoftheLiburnianshipsstationedintheplace，andQuintiusCertus，aRomanknight，whoventuredtoofferopposition，heorderedtoexecution。Allwhowerepresentwereterrifiedattheirdeath，and，withtheignorantpopulace，whicheverblindlysharesinthefearsofothers，tooktheoathofallegiancetoVitellius。ButwhenPacariusbegantoenlisttroops，andtowearywithmilitarydutiesanundisciplinedpopulation，disgustedwiththeunusualtoil，theybegantoreflectupontheirownweakness。"Thecountrywhichweinhabit，"theysaidtothemselves，"isanisland:Germanyanditsmightylegionsarefarfromus，andweknowthatevencountriesprotectedbyinfantryandcavalryhavebeenplunderedandravagedbythefleet。"Theirfeelingsunderwentasuddenchange；theydidnot，however，resorttoopenviolence，butchoseanopportunityforatreacherousattack。WhenthepersonswhousuallysurroundedPacariushadlefthim，andhewasnakedandhelplessinthebath，theyslewhim。Hisassociateswereslaughteredwithhim。TheperpetratorsofthedeedcarriedtheheadsoftheslaintoOtho，asbeingtheheadsofpublicenemies；but，lostamongthecrowdofgreatercriminals，inthevastconfusionofevents，theywereneitherrewardedbyOthonorpunishedbyVitellius。

Silius\'Horsehadnow，asIhavealreadyrelated，openedthewayintoItaly，andtransferredthewaracrosstheborders。NooneentertainedanyattachmenttoOtho，yetitwasnotbecausetheypreferredVitellius:longyearsofpeacehadsubduedthemtoanykindofservitude，hadmadethemreadytosubmittothefirstcomerandcarelessaboutthebettercause。ThewealthiestdistrictofItaly，thebroadplainsandcitieswhichliebetweenthePadusandtheAlps，wasnowheldbythetroopsofVitellius；forbythistimetheinfantrysentoninadvancebyCaecinahadalsoarrived。AcohortofPannonianshadbeentakenprisonersatCremona，ahundredcavalry，andathousandoftheleviesfromthefleetinterceptedbetweenPlacentiaandTicinum。ElatedbythesesuccessesthetroopsofVitelliuswouldnolongerberestrainedbytheboundariesoftheriver\'sbank。TheverysightofthePadusexcitedthemenfromBataviaandtheTransrhenaneprovinces。Crossingthestreambyasuddenmovement，theyadvancedonPlacentia，andseizingsomereconnoitererssoterrifiedtherest，that，deceivedbytheiralarm，theyannouncedthatthewholearmyofCaecinawasathand。

Spurinna，whonowheldPlacentia，wassurethatCaecinahadnotyetarrived，andthat，evenwereheapproaching，heoughttokeephismenwithintheirfortifications，andnotconfrontaveteranarmywiththreePraetoriancohorts，athousandveterans，andahandfulofcavalry。Buttheundisciplinedandinexperiencedsoldieryseizedtheirstandardsandcolours，andrushedtotheattack，brandishingtheirweaponsinthefaceoftheirgeneralwhenhesoughttorestrainthem，andspurningfromthemthetribunesandcenturions，andevencryingoutthatOthowasbetrayedandthatCaecinahadcomebyinvitation。Spurinnaassociatedhimselfwiththerashmovementwhichothershadoriginated，atfirstactingundercompulsion，butafterwardspretendingtoconsent，inthehopethathiscounselsmighthavemoreinfluenceshouldthemutinousspiritabate。

WhenthePaduswasinsightandnightbegantofalltheyjudgeditexpedienttoentrenchacamp。Thelabour，newasitwastothesoldieryofthecapital，broketheirspirits。Alltheoldestamongthembegantoinveighagainsttheirowncredulity，andtopointoutthedifficultyanddangeroftheirposition，ifonthoseopenplainsCaecinaandhisarmyweretosurroundtheirscantyforces。Bythistimemoretemperatelanguagewasheardthroughoutthecamp，andthetribunesandcenturions，mixingwiththetroops，suggestedcommendationsoftheprudenceoftheirgeneralinselectingfortherallyingpointandbasisofhisoperationsacolonyrichinmilitarystrengthandresources。Finally，Spurinnahimself，notsomuchreproachingthemwiththeirerrorasexposingitbyhisarguments，conductedthemallbacktoPlacentia，exceptsomescoutswhomheleft，inalessturbulenttemperandmoreamenabletocommand。Thewallswerestrengthened，battlementswereadded，andthetowerswereraisedinheight。Itwasnotonlyoftheimplementsofwarthatprovisionandpreparationweremade，butofthespiritofsubordinationandtheloveofobedience。Thiswasallthatwaswantingtotheparty，fortheyhadnoreasontobedissatisfiedwiththeircourage。

Caecina，whoseemedtohavelefthiscrueltyandprofligacyontheothersideoftheAlps，advancedthroughItalywithhisarmyunderexcellentdiscipline。Thetownsandcolonies，however，foundindicationsofahaughtyspiritinthegeneral\'sdress，whentheysawthecloakofvariouscolours，andthetrews，agarmentofforeignfashion，clothedinwhichhewaswonttospeaktotheirtoga-cladcitizens。Andtheyresented，asifwithasenseofpersonalwrong，theconductofhiswifeSalonina，thoughitinjurednoonethatshepresentedaconspicuousfigureassherodethroughtheirtownsonhorsebackinapurplehabit。Theywereactingontheinstinctsofhumannature，whichpromptmentoscrutinizewithkeeneyestherecentelevationoftheirfellows，andtodemandatemperateuseofprosperityfromnonemorerigorouslythanfromthosewhomtheyhaveseenonalevelwiththemselves。Caecina，aftercrossingthePadus，soughttotamperwiththeloyaltyoftheOthonianistsataconferenceinwhichheheldouthopesofreward，andhewashimselfassailedwiththesamearts。Afterthespeciousbutmeaninglessnamesofpeaceandconcordhadbeenthusbandiedtoandfro，CaecinaturnedallhisthoughtsandplansonthecaptureofPlacentia，makingaformidableshowofpreparation，asheknewthataccordingtothesuccessofhisopeningoperationswouldbethesubsequentprestigeofhisarms。