第3章

Thefirstday，however，wasspentinafuriousonsetratherthanintheskilfulapproachesofaveteranarmy。Exposedandreckless，thetroopscamecloseunderthewalls，stupefiedbyexcessinfoodandwine。Inthisstruggletheamphitheatre，amostbeautifulbuilding，situatedoutsidethewalls，wasburnttotheground，possiblysetonfirebytheassailants，whiletheyshoweredbrands，fireballs，andignitedmissiles，onthebesieged，possiblybythebesiegedthemselves，whiletheydischargedincessantvolleysinreturn。Thepopulaceofthetown，alwaysinclinedtobesuspicious，believedthatcombustibleshadbeenpurposelyintroducedintothebuildingbycertainpersonsfromtheneighbouringcolonies，whovieweditwithenviousandjealouseyes，becausetherewasnotinItalyanotherbuildingsocapacious。Whateverthecauseoftheaccident，itwasthoughtofbutlittlemomentaslongasmoreterribledisasterswereapprehended；butassoonastheyagainfeltsecure，theylamenteditasthoughtheycouldnothaveenduredaheaviercalamity。IntheendCaecinawasrepulsedwithgreatslaughteramonghistroops，andthenightwasspentinthepreparationofsiege-works。TheVitellianistsconstructedmantlets，hurdles，andsheds，forunderminingthewallsandscreeningtheassailants；theOthonianistsbusiedthemselvesinpreparingstakesandhugemassesofstoneandofleadandbrass，withwhichtobreakandoverwhelmthehostileranks。Theshameoffailure，thehopeofrenown，wroughtonbotharmies；bothwereappealedtobydifferentarguments；ontheonesidetheyextolledthestrengthofthelegionsandofthearmyofGermany；ontheother，thedistinctionsofthesoldieryofthecapitalandthePraetoriancohorts；theonereviledtheirfoesasslothfulandindolentsoldiers，demoralizedbythecircusandthetheatres；theothersretortedwiththenamesofforeignerandbarbarian。AtthesametimetheylaudedorvituperatedOthoandVitellius，butfoundindeedamorefruitfulsourceofmutualprovocationininvectivethaninpraise。

Almostbeforedawnofdaythewallswerecrowdedwithcombatants，andtheplainsglitteredwithmassesofarmedmen。Theclosearrayofthelegions，andtheskirmishingpartiesofauxiliariesassailedwithshowersofarrowsandstonestheloftierpartsofthewalls，attackingthematclosequarterswheretheywereundefended，oroldanddecayed。TheOthonianists，whocouldtakeamoredeliberateandcertainaim，poureddowntheirjavelinsontheGermancohortsastheyrecklesslyadvancedtotheattackwithfiercewar-cries，brandishingtheirshieldsabovetheirshouldersafterthemanneroftheircountry，andleavingtheirbodiesunprotected。Thesoldiersofthelegions，workingundercoverofmantletsandhurdles，underminedthewalls，threwupearth-works，andendeavouredtoburstopenthegates。ThePraetoriansopposedthembyrollingdownwithatremendouscrashponderousmassesofrock，placedforthepurpose。

Beneaththesemanyoftheassailantswereburied，andmany，astheslaughterincreasedwiththeconfusion，andtheattackfromthewallsbecamefiercer，retreatedwounded，fainting，andmangled，withseriousdamagetotheprestigeoftheparty。Caecina，ashamedoftheassaultonwhichhehadsorashlyventured，andunwilling，ridiculedandbaffledashewas，toremaininthesameposition，againcrossedthePadus，andresolvedonmarchingtoCremona。Ashewasgoing，TurulliusCerialiswithagreatnumberoftheleviesfromthefleet，andJuliusBriganticuswithafewtroopers，gavethemselvesuptohim。

Juliuscommandedasquadronofhorse；hewasaBatavian。Turulliuswasacenturionofthefirstrank，notunfriendlytoCaecina，ashehadcommandedacompanyinGermany。

Spurinna，ondiscoveringtheenemy\'sroute，informedAnniusGallusbyletterofthesuccessfuldefenceofPlacentia，ofwhathadhappened，andofwhatCaecinaintendedtodo。GalluswasthenbringingupthefirstlegiontothereliefofPlacentia；hehardlydaredtrustsofewcohorts，fearingthattheycouldnotsustainaprolongedsiegeortheformidableattackoftheGermanarmy。OnhearingthatCaecinahadbeenrepulsed，andwasmakinghiswaytoCremona，thoughthelegioncouldhardlyberestrained，andinitseagernessforaction，evenwenttothelengthofopenmutiny，hehaltedatBedriacum。ThisisavillagesituatedbetweenVeronaandCremona，andhasnowacquiredanill-omenedcelebritybytwogreatdaysofdisastertoRome。AboutthesametimeMartiusMacerfoughtasuccessfulbattlenotfarfromCremona。Martius，whowasamanofenergy，conveyedhisgladiatorsinboatsacrossthePadus，andsuddenlythrewthemupontheoppositebank。TheVitellianistauxiliariesonthespotwererouted；thosewhomadeastandwerecuttopieces，therestdirectingtheirflighttoCremona。Buttheimpetuosityofthevictorswaschecked；foritwasfearedthattheenemymightbestrengthenedbyreinforcements，andchangethefortuneoftheday。ThispolicyexcitedthesuspicionsoftheOthonianists，whoputasinisterconstructiononalltheactsoftheirgenerals。Vyingwitheachotherinaninsolenceoflanguageproportionedtotheircowardiceofheart，theyassailedwithvariousaccusationsAnniusGallus，SuetoniusPaullinus，andMariusCelsus。ThemurderersofGalbawerethemostardentpromotersofmutinyanddiscord。Frenziedwithfearandguilt，theysoughttoplungeeverythingintoconfusion，resorting，nowtoopenlyseditiouslanguage，nowtosecretletterstoOtho；andhe，everreadytobelievethemeanestofmenandsuspiciousofthegood，irresoluteinprosperity，butrisinghigherunderreverses，wasinperpetualalarm。TheendofitwasthathesentforhisbrotherTitianus，andintrustedhimwiththedirectionofthecampaign。

Meanwhile，brilliantsuccessesweregainedunderthecommandofCelsusandPaullinus。Caecinawasgreatlyannoyedbythefruitlessnessofallhisundertakings，andbythewaningreputationofhisarmy。

HehadbeenrepulsedfromPlacentia；hisauxiliarieshadbeenrecentlycutup，andevenwhentheskirmishershadmetinaseriesofactions，frequentindeed，butnotworthrelating，hehadbeenworsted；

andnowthatValenswascomingup，fearfulthatallthedistinctionsofthecampaignwouldcentreinthatgeneral，hemadeahastyattempttoretrievehiscredit，butwithmoreimpetuositythanprudence。TwelvemilesfromCremona(ataplacecalledtheCastors)hepostedsomeofthebravestofhisauxiliaries，concealedinthewoodsthatthereoverhangtheroad。Thecavalrywereorderedtomoveforward，and，afterprovokingabattle，voluntarilytoretreat，anddrawontheenemyinhastypursuit，tilltheambuscadecouldmakeasimultaneousattack。TheschemewasbetrayedtotheOthonianistgenerals，andPaullinusassumedthecommandoftheinfantry，Celsusofthecavalry。Theveteransofthe13thlegion，fourcohortsofauxiliaries，and500cavalry，weredrawnupontheleftsideoftheroad；theraisedcausewaywasoccupiedbythreePraetoriancohorts，rangedindeepcolumns；ontherightfrontstoodthefirstlegionwithtwocohortsofauxiliariesand500cavalry。Besidesthese，athousandcavalry，belongingtothePraetorianguardandtotheauxiliaries，werebroughtuptocompleteavictoryortoretrievearepulse。

Beforethehostilelinesengaged，theVitellianistsbegantoretreat，butCelsus，awareofthestratagem，kepthismenback。TheVitellianistsrashlylefttheirposition，andseeingCelsusgraduallygiveway，followedtoofarinpursuit，andthemselvesfellintoanambuscade。Theauxiliariesassailedthemoneitherflank，thelegionswereopposedtotheminfront，andthecavalry，byasuddenmovement，hadsurroundedtheirrear。SuetoniusPaullinusdidnotatoncegivetheinfantrythesignaltoengage。Hewasamannaturallytardyinaction，andonewhopreferredacautiousandscientificplanofoperationstoanysuccesswhichwastheresultofaccident。Heorderedthetrenchestobefilledup，theplaintobecleared，andthelinetobeextended，holdingthatitwouldbetimeenoughtobeginhisvictorywhenhehadprovidedagainstbeingvanquished。ThisdelaygavetheVitellianiststimetoretreatintosomevineyards，whichwereobstructedbytheinterlacinglayersofthevines，andclosetowhichwasasmallwood。Fromthisplacetheyagainventuredtoemerge，slaughteringtheforemostofthePraetoriancavalry。KingEpiphaneswaswounded，whilehewaszealouslycheeringonthetroopsforOtho。

ThentheOthonianistinfantrycharged。Theenemy\'slinewascompletelycrushed，andthereinforcementswhowerecominguptotheiraidwerealsoputtoflight。Caecinaindeedhadnotbroughtuphiscohortsinabody，butonebyone；asthiswasdoneduringthebattle，itincreasedthegeneralconfusion，becausethetroopswhowerethusdivided，notbeingstrongatanyonepoint，wereborneawaybythepanicofthefugitives。Besidesthis，amutinybrokeoutinthecampbecausethewholearmywasnotledintoaction。JuliusGratus，prefectofthecamp，wasputinirons，onasuspicionofatreacherousunderstandingwithhisbrotherwhowasservingwithOtho\'sarmy，attheverytimethattheOthonianistshaddonethesamethingandonthesamegroundstothatbrotherJuliusFronto，atribune。Infactsuchwasthepaniceverywhere，amongthefugitivesandamongthetroopscomingup，inthelinesandinfrontoftheentrenchments，thatitwasverycommonlysaidonbothsides，thatCaecinaandhiswholearmymighthavebeendestroyed，hadnotSuetoniusPaullinusgiventhesignalofrecall。Paullinusallegedthathefearedtheeffectsofsomuchadditionaltoilandsolongamarch，apprehendingthattheVitellianistsmightissuefreshfromtheircamp，andattackhisweariedtroops，who，oncethrownintoconfusion，wouldhavenoreservestofallbackupon。Afewapprovedthegeneral\'spolicy，butitwasunfavourablycanvassedbythearmyatlarge。

TheeffectofthisdisasterontheVitellianistswasnotsomuchtodrivethemtofearastodrawthemtoobedience。NorwasthisthecaseonlyamongthetroopsofCaecina，whoindeedlaidalltheblameuponhissoldiers，moreready，ashesaid，formutinythanforbattle。

TheforcesalsoofFabiusValens，whohadnowreachedTicinum，laidasidetheircontemptfortheenemy，andanxioustoretrievetheircreditbegantoyieldamorerespectfulanduniformobediencetotheirgeneral。Aseriousmutiny，however，hadragedamongthem，ofwhich，asitwasnotconvenienttointerrupttheorderlynarrativeofCaecina\'soperations，Ishalltakeupthehistoryatanearlierperiod。IhavealreadydescribedhowtheBataviancohortswhoseparatedfromthe14thlegionduringtheNeronianwar，hearingontheirwaytoBritainoftherisingofVitellius，joinedFabiusValensinthecountryoftheLingones。Theybehavedthemselvesinsolently，boasting，astheyvisitedthequartersoftheseverallegions，thattheyhadmasteredthemenofthe14th，thattheyhadtakenItalyfromNero，thatthewholedestinyofthewarlayintheirhands。Suchlanguagewasinsultingtothesoldiers，andoffensivetothegeneral。Thedisciplineofthearmywasrelaxedbythebrawlsandquarrelswhichensued。AtlastValensbegantosuspectthatinsolencewouldendinactualtreachery。

When，therefore，intelligencereachedhimthatthecavalryoftheTreveriandtheTungrianinfantryhadbeendefeatedbyOtho\'sfleet，andthatGalliaNarbonensiswasblockaded，anxiousatoncetoprotectafriendlypopulation，and，likeaskilfulsoldier，toseparatecohortssoturbulentand，whiletheyremainedunited，soinconvenientlystrong，hedirectedadetachmentoftheBatavianstoproceedtothereliefoftheprovince。Thishavingbeenheardandbecomegenerallyknown，theallieswerediscontentedandthelegionsmurmured。"Wearebeingdeprived，"theysaid，"ofthehelpofourbravestmen。Thoseveterantroopsvictoriousinsomanycampaigns，nowthattheenemyisinsight，arewithdrawn，sotospeak，fromtheveryfieldofbattle。IfindeedaprovincebeofmoreimportancethanthecapitalandthesafetyoftheEmpire，letusallfollowthemthither，butifthereality，thesupport，themainstayofsuccess，centreinItaly，youmustnottear，asitwere，fromabodyitsverystrongestlimbs。"

Inthemidstofthesefierceexclamations，Valens，sendinghislictorsintothecrowd，attemptedtoquellthemutiny。Onthistheyattackedthegeneralhimself，hurledstonesathim，and，whenhefled，pursuedhim。CryingoutthathewasconcealingthespoilofGaul，thegoldofthemenofVienna，thehireoftheirowntoils，theyransackedhisbaggage，andprobedwithjavelinsandlancesthewallsofthegeneral\'stentandtheverygroundbeneath。Valens，disguisedinthegarbofaslave，foundconcealmentwithasubalternofficerofcavalry。Afterthis，AlfeniusVarus，prefectofthecamp，seeingthatthemutinywasgraduallysubsiding，promotedthereactionbythefollowingdevice。Heforbadethecenturionstovisitthesentinels，anddiscontinuedthetrumpetcallsbywhichthetroopsaresummonedtotheirusualmilitaryduties。Thereuponallstoodparalysed，andgazedateachotherinamazement，panic-strickenbytheveryfactthattherewasnoonetodirectthem。Bytheirsilence，bytheirsubmission，finallybytheirtearsandentreaties，theycravedforgiveness。ButwhenValens，thusunexpectedlypreserved，cameforwardinsadplight，sheddingtears，theyweremovedtojoy，topity，eventoaffection。Theirrevulsiontodelightwasjustthatofamob，alwaysextremeineitheremotion。Theygreetedhimwithpraisesandcongratulations，andsurroundinghimwiththeeaglesandstandards，carriedhimtothetribunal。Withapoliticprudenceherefrainedfromdemandingcapitalpunishmentinanycase；yet，fearingthathemightlayhimselfmoreopentosuspicionbyconcealmentofhisfeelings，hecensuredafewpersons，wellawarethatincivilwarsthesoldiershavemorelicensethanthegenerals。

WhiletheywerefortifyingacampatTicinum，thenewsofCaecina\'sdefeatreachedthem，andthemutinynearlybrokeoutafreshfromanimpressionthatunderhanddealinganddelayonthepartofValenshadkeptthemawayfromthebattle。Theyrefusedallrest；

theywouldnotwaitfortheirgeneral；theyadvancedinfrontofthestandards，andhurriedonthestandard-bearers。AfterarapidmarchtheyjoinedCaecina。ThecharacterofValensdidnotstandwellwithCaecina\'sarmy。Theycomplainedthat，thoughsomuchweakerinnumbers，theyhadbeenexposedtothewholeforceoftheenemy，thusatonceexcusingthemselves，andextolling，intheimpliedflattery，thestrengthofthenewarrivals，whomight，theyfeared，despisethemasbeatenandspiritlesssoldiers。ThoughValenshadthestrongerarmy，nearlydoublethenumberoflegionsandauxiliaries，yetthepartialitiesofthesoldiersinclinedtoCaecina，notonlyfromthegenialityofheart，whichhewasthoughtmorereadytodisplay，butevenfromhisvigorousage，hiscommandingperson，andacertainsuperficialattractivenesswhichhepossessed。Theresultwasajealousybetweenthetwogenerals。Caecinaridiculedhiscolleagueasamanoffoulandinfamouscharacter；Valensretortedwithchargesofemptinessandvanity。Butconcealingtheirenmity，theydevotedthemselvestotheircommoninterest，andinfrequentletters，withoutanythoughtofpardon，heapedallmannerofchargesuponOtho，whiletheOthonianistgenerals，thoughtheyhadthemostabundantmaterialsforinvectiveagainstVitellius，refrainedfromemployingthem。

Infact，beforethedeathofthesetwomen(anditwasbyhisdeaththatOthogainedhighrenown，asVitelliusincurredbyhisthefoulestinfamy)，VitelliuswithhisindolentluxurywaslessdreadedthanOthowithhisardentpassions。ThemurderofGalbahadmadetheoneterribleandodious，whilenoonereckonedagainsttheothertheguiltofhavingbegunthewar。Vitelliuswithhissensualityandgluttonywashisownenemy；Otho，withhisprofligacy，hiscruelty，andhisrecklessness，washeldtobemoredangeroustotheCommonwealth。WhenCaecinaandValenshadunitedtheirforces，theVitellianistshadnolongeranyreasontodelaygivingbattlewiththeirwholestrength。Othodeliberatedastowhetherprotractingthewarorriskinganengagementwerethebettercourse。ThenSuetoniusPaullinus，thinkingthatitbefittedhisreputation，whichwassuchthatnooneatthatperiodwaslookeduponasamoreskilfulsoldier，togiveanopiniononthewholeconductofthewar，contendedthatimpatiencewouldbenefittheenemy，whiledelaywouldservetheirowncause。

"TheentirearmyofVitellius，"hesaid，"hasalreadyarrived。Norhavetheymuchstrengthintheirrear，sinceGaulisreadytorise，andtoabandonthebanksoftheRhine，whensuchhostiletribesarereadytoburstin，wouldnotanswerhispurpose。AhostilepeopleandaninterveningseakeepfromhimthearmyofBritain；Spainisnotoverfulloftroops；GalliaNarbonensishasbeencowedbytheattackofourshipsandbyadefeat；ItalybeyondthePadusisshutinbytheAlps，cannotberelievedfromthesea，andhasbeenexhaustedbythepassageofhisarmy。Forthatarmythereisnowhereanycorn，andwithoutsuppliesanarmycannotbekepttogether。ThentheGermans，themostformidablepartoftheenemy\'sforces，shouldthewarbeprotractedintothesummer，willsinkwithenfeebledframesunderthechangeofcountryandclimate。Manyawar，formidableinitsfirstimpetuosity，haspassedintonothingthroughthewearinessofdelay。

We，ontheotherhand，haveonallsidesabundantresourcesandloyaladherents。WehavePannonia，Moesia，Dalmatia，theEastwithitsarmiesyetintact，wehaveItalyandRome，thecapitaloftheEmpire，theSenate，andthepeople，namesthatneverlosetheirsplendour，thoughtheymaysometimesbeeclipsed。WehavethewealthoftheStateandofprivateindividuals。Wehaveavastsupplyofmoney，whichinacivilwarisamightierweaponthanthesword。OursoldiersareinuredtotheclimateofItalyortoyetgreaterheat。WehavetheriverPadusonourfront，andcitiesstronglygarrisonedandfortified，noneofwhichwillsurrendertotheenemy，asthedefenceofPlacentiahasproved。LetOthothereforeprotractthewar。Inafewdaysthe14thlegion，itselfhighlyrenowned，willarrivewiththetroopsfromMoesia。Hemaythenagainconsiderthequestion，andshouldabattleberesolvedon，weshallfightwithincreasedstrength。"

MariusCelsusacquiescedintheopinionofPaullinus；andAnniusGallus，whoafewdaysbeforehadbeenseriouslyinjuredbythefallofhishorse，wasreportedtoagreebythosewhohadbeensenttoascertainhisopinion。Othowasinclinedtoriskadecisivebattle。

HisbrotherTitianus，andProculus，theprefectofthePraetorianGuard，ignorantandthereforeimpatient，declaredthatfortune，theGods，andthegeniusofOtho，werewiththeircounsels，andwouldbewiththeirenterprises。Thatnoonemightdaretoopposetheirviews，theyhadtakenrefugeinflattery。Ithavingbeenresolvedtogivebattle，itbecameaquestionwhetheritwouldbebetterfortheEmperortobepresentinperson，ortowithdraw。PaullinusandCelsusnolongeropposed，fortheywouldnotseemtoputtheEmperorinthewayofperil，andthesesamemenwhosuggestedthebaserpolicyprevailedonhimtoretiretoBrixellum，andthussecurefromthehazardsofthefield，toreservehimselffortheadministrationofempire。Thatdayfirstgavethedeath-blowtothepartyofOtho。NotonlydidastrongdetachmentofthePraetoriancohorts，ofthebodyguard，andofthecavalry，departwithhim，butthespiritofthosewhoremainedwasbroken，forthemensuspectedtheirgenerals，andOtho，whoalonehadtheconfidenceofthesoldiers，whilehehimselftrustedinnonebutthem，hadleftthegenerals\'authorityonadoubtfulfooting。

NothingofthisescapedtheVitellianists，for，asisusualincivilwars，thereweremanydeserters，andthespies，whilebusyininquiringintotheplansoftheenemy，failedtoconcealtheirown。

MeanwhileCaecinaandValensremainedquiet，andwatchedintentlyforthemomentwhentheenemyinhisblindnessshouldrushupondestruction，andfoundtheusualsubstituteforwisdominwaitingforthefollyofothers。Theybegantoformabridge，makingafeintofcrossingthePadus，inthefaceofanopposingforceofgladiators；

theywishedalsotokeeptheirownsoldiersfrompassingtheirunoccupiedtimeinidleness。Boatswererangedatequaldistancesfromeachother，connectedatbothendsbystrongbeams，andwiththeirheadsturnedagainstthecurrent，whileanchorswerethrownoutabovetokeepthebridgefirm。Thecables，however，insteadofbeingtaut，hunglooseinthewater，inorderthatasthestreamrosethevesselsmightrisewithouttheirarrangementbeingdisturbed。Ontheendofthebridgewasplacedaturret；itwasbuiltoutonthelastboat，andfromitenginesandmachinesmightbeworkedtorepeltheenemy。ThesoldiersofOthoalsoraisedaturretontheoppositebank，andhurledfromitstonesandflamingmissiles。

Inthemiddleoftheriverwasanisland。Whilethegladiatorsweremakingtheirwaytoitinboats，theGermansswamandoutstrippedthem。Aconsiderablenumber，asitchanced，hadeffectedthepassage，whenMacer，havingmannedsomelightgallies，attackedthemwiththemostactiveofhisgladiators。Butthegladiatorhasnotinbattlethefirmnessoftheregularsoldier，andnow，astheystoodonrockingvessels，theycouldnotdirecttheirblowslikemenwhohadasurefootingonland。Asthemenintheiralarmmadeconfusedmovements，rowersandcombatantsweremingledtogetherindisorder；

uponthis，theGermansthemselvesleaptintotheshallows，laidholdoftheboats，climbedoverthegunwales，orsankthemwiththeirhands。Allthispassedinthesightofbotharmies，andthemoreitdelightedtheVitellianists，themorevehementlydidtheOthonianistscursethecauseandauthorofthedisaster。

Theconflictwasterminatedbytheflightofthevanquished，whocarriedoffwhatboatswereleft。ThentheycriedoutfortheexecutionofMacer。Hehadbeenwoundedbyajavelinthrownfromadistance，andthesoldiershadmadearushuponhimwithdrawnswords，whenhewassavedbytheinterferenceofthetribunesandcenturions。SoonafterVestriciusSpurinna，havingreceivedorderstothateffectfromOtho，joinedwithhiscohorts，leavingbutamoderateforceingarrisonatPlacentia。AfterthisOthosentFlaviusSabinus，consulelect，totakethecommandofthetroopswhichhadbeenunderMacer；thesoldiersweredelightedbythischangeofgenerals，whilethegeneralswereledbythesecontinualoutbreakstoregardwithdisgustsohatefulaservice。

IfinditstatedbysomeauthorsthateitherthedreadoforthedisgustfeltforbothEmperors，whosewickednessandinfamywerecomingouteverydayintomoreopennotoriety，madethetwoarmieshesitatewhethertheyshouldnotceasetheirstrife，andeitherthemselvesconsulttogether，orallowtheSenatetochooseanEmperor；

andthat，forthisreason，Otho\'sgeneralsrecommendedacertainmeasureofdelay，Paullinusespeciallyentertaininghopesforhimself，onthegroundthathewasthesenioramongthemenofconsularrank，thathewaswellknownasasoldier，andhadattainedgreatdistinctionandfamebyhiscampaignsinBritain。ThoughIwouldallowthatthereweresomefewwhointheirsecretwishesprayedforpeaceinthesteadofdisorder，foraworthyandblamelessEmperorintheroomofmenutterlyworthlessandwicked，yetIcannotsupposethatPaullinus，wiseashewas，couldhavehopedinanagethoroughlydepravedtofindsuchmoderationinthecommonherd，asthatmen，whointheirpassionforwarhadtrampledpeaceunderfoot，shouldnowintheiraffectionforpeacerenouncethecharmsofwar；norcanI

thinkthatarmiesdifferinginlanguageandincharacter，couldhaveunitedinsuchanagreement；orthatlieutenantsandgenerals，whowereforthemostpartburdenedbytheconsciousnessofprofligacy，ofpoverty，andofcrime，couldhaveenduredanyEmperorwhowasnothimselfstainedbyvice，aswellasboundbyobligationtothemselves。

ThatoldpassionforpowerwhichhasbeeneverinnateinmanincreasedandbrokeoutastheEmpiregrewingreatness。Inastateofmoderatedimensionsequalitywaseasilypreserved；butwhentheworldhadbeensubdued，whenallrivalkingsandcitieshadbeendestroyed，andmenhadleisuretocovetwealthwhichtheymightenjoyinsecurity，theearlyconflictsbetweenthepatriciansandthepeoplewerekindledintoflame。Atonetimethetribuneswerefactious，atanothertheconsulshadunconstitutionalpower；itwasinthecapitalandtheforumthatwefirstessayedcivilwars。ThenroseC。Marius，sprungfromtheverydregsofthepopulace，andL。

Sulla，themostruthlessofthepatricians，whopervertedintoabsolutedominionthelibertywhichhadyieldedtotheirarms。AfterthemcameCn。Pompeius，withacharactermoredisguisedbutnowaybetter。Henceforthmen\'ssoleobjectwassupremepower。LegionsformedofRomancitizensdidnotlaydowntheirarmsatPharsaliaandPhilippi，muchlesswerethearmiesofOthoandVitelliuslikelyoftheirownaccordtoabandontheirstrife。Theyweredrivenintocivilwarbythesamewrathfromheaven，thesamemadnessamongmen，thesameincentivestocrime。Thatthesewarswereterminatedbywhatwemaycallsingleblows，wasowingtowantofenergyinthechiefs。Butthesereflectionsonthecharacterofancientandmoderntimeshavecarriedmetoofarfrommysubject。Inowreturntothecourseofevents。

OthohavingstartedforBrixellum，thehonoursofsupremecommanddevolvedonhisbrotherTitianus，whiletherealpowerandcontrolwereinthehandsoftheprefectProculus。CelsusandPaullinus，asnoonemadeanyuseoftheirskill，didbutscreenwiththeiridletitleofgeneraltheblundersofothers。Thetribunesandcenturionswereperplexedtoseethatbettermenweredespised，andthatthemostworthlesscarriedtheday。Thecommonsoldierswerefullofeagerness，butlikedtocriticiseratherthantoobeytheordersoftheirofficers。ItwasresolvedtomovethecampforwardtothefourthmilestonefromBedriacum，butitwasdonesounskilfully，thatthoughitwasspring，andthereweresomanyriversintheneighbourhood，thetroopsweredistressedforwantofwater。Thenthesubjectofgivingbattlewasdiscussed，Othoinhisdespatcheseverurgingthemtomakehaste，andthesoldiersdemandingthattheEmperorshouldbepresentattheconflict；manybeggedthatthetroopsquarteredbeyondthePadusshouldbebroughtup。Itisnotsoeasytodeterminewhatwasbesttobedone，asitistobesurethatwhatwasdonewastheveryworst。

Theystartedforacampaignratherthanforabattle，makingfortheconfluenceofthePadusandAddua，adistanceofsixteenmilesfromtheirposition。CelsusandPaullinusremonstratedagainstexposingtroopsweariedwithamarchandencumberedwithbaggagetoanyenemy，who，beinghimselfreadyforactionandhavingmarchedbarelyfourmiles，wouldnotfailtoattackthem，eitherwhentheywereintheconfusionofanadvance，orwhentheyweredispersedandbusywiththeworkofentrenchment。TitianusandProculus，overcomeinargument，fellbackontheImperialauthority。ItwastruethataNumidianhadarrivedatfullgallopwithanangrymessagefromOtho，inwhichtheEmperor，sickofdelayandimpatientofsuspense，sharplyrebukedtheinactivityofthegenerals，andcommandedthatmattersshouldbebroughttoanissue。

Thesameday，whileCaecinawasengagedontheconstructionofabridge，twotribunesofthePraetorianGuardcametohimandbeggedaninterview。Hewasonthepointofhearingtheirproposalsandsendingbackhisown，whenthescoutsarrivedatheadlongspeedwiththenewsthattheenemywerecloseathand。Theaddressofthetribuneswasthusabruptlyterminated。Thusitremaineduncertainwhetherdeception，ortreason，orsomehonourablearrangement，hadbeenintheirthoughts。Caecinadismissedthetribunesandrodebacktothecamp。TherehefoundthatFabiusValenshadgiventhesignalforbattle，andthatthetroopswereunderarms。Whilethelegionswerecastinglotsfortheorderofmarch，thecavalrycharged，and，strangetosay，werekeptonlybythecourageoftheItalianlegionfrombeingdrivenbackontheentrenchmentsbyaninferiorforceofOthonianists。Thesemen，atthesword\'spoint，compelledthebeatensquadrontowheelroundandresumetheconflict。ThelineoftheVitellianistswasformedwithouthurry，for，thoughtheenemywascloseathand，thesightoftheirarmswasinterceptedbythethickbrushwood。InOtho\'sarmythegeneralswerefulloffear，andthesoldiershatedtheirofficers；thebaggage-wagonsandthecamp-followersweremingledwiththetroops；andasthereweresteepditchesonbothsidestheroad，itwouldhavebeenfoundtoonarrowevenforanundisturbedadvance。Someweregatheringroundtheirstandards；otherswereseekingthem；everywherewasheardtheconfusedshoutingofmenwhowerejoiningtheranks，orcallingtotheircomrades，andeach，ashewaspromptedbycourageorbycowardice，rushedontothefront，orslunkbacktotherear。

Fromtheconsternationofpanictheirfeelingspassedundertheinfluenceofagroundlessjoyintolanguidindifference，somepersonsspreadingtheliethatVitellius\'armyhadrevolted。WhetherthisrumourwascirculatedbythespiesofVitellius，ororiginatedintreacheryorinaccidentamongthepartisansofOtho，hasneverbeenclearlyascertained。Forgettingtheirwarlikeardour，theOthonianistsatoncegreetedthefoe；astheywereansweredbyanangrymurmur，theycausedapprehensionsoftreacheryinmanyoftheirownside，whodidnotknowwhatthegreetingmeant。Thentheenemy\'slinechargedwithitsranksunbroken，instrengthandinnumberssuperior；theOthonianists，scatteredandwearyastheywere，mettheattackwithspirit。Thegroundwassoentangledwithtreesandvineyardsthatthebattleassumedmanyforms。Theymetincloseandindistantconflict，inlineandincolumn。Ontheraisedroadtheystoodfoottofoot，theypushedwiththeirbodiesandtheirshields，andceasingtothrowtheirjavelins，theystruckthroughhelmetsandbreastplateswithswordsandbattle-axes。Recognisingeachotheranddistinctlyseenbytherestofthecombatants，theywerefightingtodecidethewholeissueofthewar。

InanopenplainbetweenthePadusandtheroad，twolegionshappenedtomeet。OnthesideofVitelliuswasthe21st，calledtheRapax，acorpsofoldanddistinguishedrenown。OnthatofOthowasthe1st，calledAdjutrix，whichhadneverbeforebeenbroughtintothefield，butwashigh-spirited，andeagertogainitsfirsttriumph。Themenofthe1st，overthrowingtheforemostranksofthe21st，carriedofftheeagle。The21st，infuriatedbythisloss，notonlyrepulsedthe1st，andslewthelegate，OrfidiusBenignus，butcapturedmanycoloursandstandardsfromtheenemy。Inanotherquarterthe13thlegionwasputtoflightbyachargeofthe5th。The14thwassurroundedbyasuperiorforce。Otho\'sgeneralshadlongsincefledandCaecinaandValensstrengthenedtheirarmywiththereserves。

NewreinforcementsweresuppliedbyVarusAlfeniuswithhisBatavians。

Theyhadroutedthebandofgladiators，whichhadbeenferriedacrosstheriver，andwhichhadbeencuttopiecesbytheopposingcohortswhiletheywereactuallyinthewater。Thusflushedwithvictory，theychargedtheflankoftheenemy。

Thecentreoftheirlinehadbeenpenetrated，andtheOthonianistsfledonallsidesinthedirectionofBedriacum。Thedistancewasverygreat，andtheroadswereblockedupwithheapsofcorpses；thustheslaughterwasthegreater，forcaptivestakenincivilwarcanbeturnedtonoprofit。SuetoniusPaullinusandLiciniusProculus，takingdifferentroads，avoidedthecamp。VediusAquila，legateofthe13thlegion，intheblindnessoffear，fellinthewayofthefurioussoldiery。Lateinthedayheenteredtheentrenchments，andfoundhimselfthecentreofamobofclamorousandmutinousfugitives。

Theydidnotrefrainfromabuseoractualviolence；theyreviledhimasadeserterandtraitor，nothavinganyspecificchargeagainsthim，butall，afterthefashionofthemob，imputingtohimtheirowncrimes。TitianusandCelsuswerefavouredbythedarkness。Bythattimethesentrieshadbeenposted，andthesoldiersreducedtoorder。AnniusGallushadprevaileduponthembyhisprayers，hisadvice，andhispersonalinfluence，nottoaggravatethedisasteroftheirdefeatbymutualslaughter。Whetherthewarwasatanend，orwhethertheymightchoosetoresumetheconflict，thevanquishedwouldfindinunionthesolemitigationoftheirlot。Thespiritoftherestofthearmywasbroken，butthePraetoriansangrilycomplainedthattheyhadbeenvanquished，notbyvalour，butbytreachery。"TheVitellianistsindeed，"theysaid，"gainednobloodlessvictory；

theircavalrywasdefeated，alegionlostitseagle。WehavestillthetroopsbeyondthePadus，andOthohimself。ThelegionsofMoesiaarecoming；agreatpartofthearmyremainedatBedriacum；thesecertainlywerenevervanquished；andifitmustbeso，itisonthebattlefieldthatweshallfallwithmosthonour。"Amidalltheexasperationorterrorofthesethoughts，theextremityofdespairyetrousedthemtofuryratherthantofear。

ThearmyofVitelliusbivouackedatthefifthmilestonefromBedriacum。Thegeneralsdidnotventureanassaultontheenemy\'scampthatsameday；besides，acapitulationwasexpected。Thoughtheywerewithoutbaggage，andhadmarchedoutonlytofight，itwassufficientprotectiontothemthattheyhadarms，andwerevictorious。

Onthefollowingday，asthefeelingofOtho\'sarmywasevident，andthosewhohadbeenmostfuriouswereinclinedtorepent，envoysweresent，nordidthegeneralsofVitelliushesitatetograntconditionsofpeace。Theenvoysindeedweredetainedforsomelittletime，andthiscircumstancecausedsomedoubt，asitwasnotknownwhethertheyhadobtainedtheirobject；beforelong，however，theyreturned，andthecampwasthrownopen。Bothvictorsandvanquishedmeltedintotears，andcursedthefatalityofcivilstrifewithamelancholyjoy。Thereinthesametentsdidtheydressthewoundsofbrothersorofkinsmen。Theirhopes，theirrewards，werealluncertain；deathandsorrowweresure。Andnoonehadsoescapedmisfortuneastohavenobereavementtolament。SearchwasmadeforthebodyofthelegateOrfidius，anditwasburntwiththecustomaryhonours。Afewwereburiedbytheirfriends；themultitudethatremainedwereleftaboveground。

Othowasawaitingnewsofthebattlefreefromalarmandresolvedinpurpose。Firstcamegloomytidings，andthenfugitivesfromthefield，makingknownthatallwaslost。ThezealofthesoldiersdidnotwaitfortheEmperortospeak。Theybadehimbeofgoodcheer，tellinghimthathehadstillfreshforces，andthattheywouldthemselvesendureanddaretothelast。Thiswasnoflattery；theywerefiredbyafuriousimpulsetoseekthebattle-field，andraiseagainthefallenfortunesoftheirparty。Thosewhostoodatadistancestretchedouttheirarms，thosewhowerenearclaspedtheEmperor\'sknees，andPlotiusFirmuswasthemostzealousofthemall。Thisman，whowasprefectofthePraetorianGuard，repeatedlybesoughtOthonottodesertanarmysoloyalandsoldierssodeserving；"therewasmorecourageinbearingtrouble，"hesaid，"thaninescapingfromit；thebraveandtheenergeticclingtohope，eveninspiteoffortune；thecowardlyandtheindolentarehurriedintodespairbytheirfears。"Whilehewasthusspeaking，asOthoassumedarelentingorasternexpression，thesoldierscheeredorgroaned。

NorwasitonlythePraetorians，whowerepeculiarlyOtho\'stroops，thatthusacted；thosewhohadbeensentonfromMoesiadeclaredthattheapproachingarmywasasfirmlyresolved，andthatthelegionshadenteredAquileia。Noonethereforecandoubtthatthewarmighthavebeenrenewedwithitsterribledisasters，anditsuncertaintiesbothforvictorsandvanquished。

Othohimselfwasopposedtoallthoughtsofwar。Hesaid，"Iholdthattoexposesuchaspirit，suchacourageasyours，toanyfurtherriskistoputtoohighavalueonmylife。Themorehopeyouholdouttome，shouldIchoosetolive，themoregloriouswillbemydeath。FortuneandInowknoweachother；youneednotreckonforhowlong，foritispeculiarlydifficulttobemoderatewiththatprosperitywhichyouthinkyouwillnotlongenjoy。ThecivilwarbeganwithVitellius；hewasthefirstcauseofourcontendinginarmsforthethrone；theexampleofnotcontendingmorethanonceshallbelongtome。BythisletposterityjudgeofOtho。Vitelliusiswelcometohisbrother，hiswife，hischildren。Ineedneitherrevengenorconsolation。Othersmayhaveheldthethroneforalongertime，butnoonecanhaveleftitwithsuchfortitude。ShallIsuffersolargeaportionoftheyouthofRomeandsomanynoblearmiestobeagainlaidlowandtobelosttotheState？Letthisthoughtgowithme，thatyouwerewillingtodieforme。Butlive，andletusnolongerdelay，lestIinterferewithyoursafety，youwithmyfirmness。

Tosaytoomuchaboutone\'sendisamarkofcowardice。TakeasthestrongestproofofmydeterminationthefactthatIcomplainofnoone。Toaccuseeithergodsormenisonlyforhimwhowishestolive。"

Afterhavingthusspoken，hecourteouslyentreatedallintermsbefittingtheirageandranktogoatonce，andnotexasperatetheangeroftheconquerorbystaying。Withtheyoungheusedhisauthority，withtheoldhisprayers，andstillhislookwascalm，hisspeechcollected，ashecheckedtheunseasonabletearsofhisfriends。Hegaveordersthatthosewhoweredepartingshouldbefurnishedwithboatsandcarriages；hedestroyedallmemorialsandlettersremarkablefortheirexpressionsofzealforhimselfortheirabuseofVitellius。Hedistributedsomegratuities，butsparingly，andnotlikeamanwhowassoontodie。ThenheevenadministeredconsolationtoSalviusCocceianus，hisbrother\'sson，averyyoungman，whowasanxiousandsorrowful，praisinghisaffectionwhileherebukedhisfear。"Doyouthink，"hesaid，"thatVitelliuswillshewsoruthlessatemperthathewillnotmakeeventhisreturnforthepreservationofhiswholefamily？ByhasteningmyendIearntheclemencyoftheconqueror。Itisnotintheextremityofdespair，butwhilemyarmyyetcriesforbattle，thatI

havesacrificedtotheStatemylastchance。Ihaveobtainedenoughreputationformyself，enoughnobilityformyfamily。SuccessortotheJulii，theClaudii，theServii，havebeenthefirsttobringtheImperialdignityintoanewfamily。Enterthenonlifewithabraveheart，andneverentirelyforget，orremembertoovividly，thatOthowasyouruncle。"

Afterthishedismissedeveryone，andtooksomerepose。Hewasnowponderinginhisheartthelastcaresoflife，whenhisattentionwasdistractedbyasuddentumultandhewastoldoftheconfusionandoutrageousconductofthesoldiers。Theywerethreateningwithdeathallwhoattemptedtodepart，andwereextremeintheirviolenceagainstVerginius，whosehousetheyhadblockadedandwerebesieging。Afterrebukingtheringleadersofthetumult，hereturnedandemployedhimselfingrantinginterviewstothosewhoweredeparting，tillallhadleftinsafety。Towardseveninghequenchedhisthirstwithadraughtofcoldwater。Twodaggerswerebroughttohim；hetriedtheedgeofeach，andthenputoneunderhishead。Aftersatisfyinghimselfthathisfriendshadsetout，hepassedatranquilnight，anditisevensaidthatheslept。Atdawnhefellwithhisbreastuponthesteel。Hearingagroanfromthedyingman，hisfreedmenandslaves，andPlotiusFirmus，prefectofthePraetorianGuard，camein。Theyfoundbutonewound。Hisfuneralwashastilyperformed。Hehadmadethisthesubjectofearnestentreaties，anxiousthathisheadmightnotbecutoffandsubjectedtoindignities。ThePraetoriancohortscarriedhisbodywithpraisesandtears，coveringhiswoundandhishandswithkisses。Someofthesoldierskilledthemselvesnearthefuneralpile，notmovedbyremorseorbyfear，butbythedesiretoemulatehisglory，andbyloveoftheirPrince。

AfterwardsthiskindofdeathbecameacommonpracticeamongallranksatBedriacum，atPlacentia，andintheothercamps。OverOthowasbuiltatombunpretendingandthereforelikelytostand。

ThusOthoendedhislifeinthe37thyearofhisage。HecamefromthemunicipaltownofFerentinum。Hisfatherwasofconsular，hisgrandfatherofpraetorianrank。Hisfamilyonthemother\'ssidewasoflessdistinction，butyetrespectable。Whathisboyhoodandhisyouthhadbeen，wehavealreadyshewn。Bytwodaringacts，onemostatrocious，theothersingularlynoble，heearnedintheeyesofposterityaboutanequalshareofinfamyandofglory。IshouldthinkitunbecomingthedignityofthetaskwhichIhaveundertaken，tocollectfabulousmarvels，andtoamusewithfictionthetastesofmyreaders；atthesametimeIwouldnotventuretoimpugnthecreditofcommonreportandtradition。ThenativesofthesepartsrelatethatonthedaywhenthebattlewasbeingfoughtatBedriacum，abirdofunfamiliarappearancesettledinamuchfrequentedgrovenearRegiumLepidum，andwasnotfrightenedordrivenawaybytheconcourseofpeople，orbythemultitudeofbirdsthatflockedroundit，untilOthokilledhimself；thenitvanished。Whentheycametocomputethetime，itwasfoundthatthecommencementandtheendofthisstrangeoccurrencetalliedwiththelastscenesofOtho\'slife。

Atthefuneralthemutinousspiritofthesoldierswaskindledafreshbytheirsorrowandregret，andtherewasnoonetocheckthem。

TheyturnedtoVerginius，andinthreateninglanguage，atonetimebesoughthimtoaccepttheImperialdignity，atanother，toactasenvoytoCaecinaandValens。Verginiussecretlydepartedbyabackwayfromhishouse，andthusmanagedtoeludethemwhentheyburstin。

RubriusGalluswaschargedwiththepetitionofthecohortswhichhadbeenquarteredatBrixellum。Anamnestywasimmediatelygrantedtothem，whileatthesametimetheforceswhichhadbeencommandedbyFlaviusSabinussignifiedthroughhimtheirsubmissiontotheconqueror。

Hostilitieshadceasedeverywhere，butaconsiderablenumberoftheSenate，whohadaccompaniedOthofromRome，andhadbeenafterwardsleftatMutina，encounteredtheutmostperil。Newsofthedefeatwasbroughttothisplace。Thesoldiers，however，rejecteditasafalsereport；andjudgingtheSenatetobehostiletoOtho，watchedtheirlanguage，andputanunfavourableconstructionontheirlooksandmanner。Proceedingatlasttoabuseandinsults，theysoughtapretextforbeginningamassacre，whileadifferentanxietyalsoweighedupontheSenators，who，knowingthatthepartyofVitelliuswasintheascendant，fearedthattheymightseemtohavebeentardyinwelcomingtheconqueror。Thustheymetingreatalarmanddistractedbyatwofoldapprehension；noonewasreadywithanyadviceofhisown，butlookedforsafetyinsharinganymistakewithmanyothers。TheanxietiesoftheterrifiedassemblywereaggravatedwhentheSenateofMutinamadethemanofferofarmsandmoney，and，withanill-timedcompliment，styledthem"ConscriptFathers。"

Therethenensuedanotablequarrel，LiciniusCaecinainveighingagainstMarcellusEprius，forusingambiguouslanguage。Therestindeeddidnotexpresstheiropinions，butthenameofMarcellus，exposedasitwastoodiumfromthehatefulrecollectionofhiscareerasaninformer，hadrousedinCaecina，whowasanunknownman，andhadlatelybeenmadeaSenator，thehopeofdistinguishinghimselfbymakinggreatenemies。Themoderationofwisermenputanendtothedispute。TheyallreturnedtoBononia，intendingtheretodeliberateagain，andalsoexpectingfurthernewsinthemeantime。AtBononiatheypostedmenonthedifferentroadstomakeenquiriesofeverynewcomer；oneofOtho\'sfreedmen，onbeingquestionedastothecauseofhisdeparture，repliedthathewasentrustedwithhismaster\'slastcommands；Othowasstillalive，hesaid，whenhelefthim，buthisonlythoughtswereforposterity，andhehadtornhimselffromallthefascinationsoflife。Theywerestruckwithadmiration，andwereashamedtoputanymorequestions，andthentheheartsofallturnedtoVitellius。

LuciusVitellius，thebrotheroftheEmperor，waspresentattheirdeliberations，andwaspreparingtoreceivetheirflatteries，whenofasuddenCoenus，afreedmanofNero，threwthemallintoconsternationbyanoutrageousfalsehood。Heassertedthat，bythearrivalofthe14thlegion，joinedtotheforcesfromBrixellum，thevictoriousarmyhadbeenroutedandthefortunesofthepartychanged。

TheobjectofthisfabricationwasthatthepassportsofOtho，whichwerebeginningtobedisregarded，mightthroughmorefavourablenewsrecovertheirvalidity。Coenuswasconveyedwithrapiditytothecapital，butafewdaysaftersufferedthepenaltyofhiscrimebytheorderofVitellius。TheperiloftheSenatorswasincreasedbythesoldiersofOtho\'sarmybelievingthattheintelligencethusbroughtwasauthentic。TheiralarmwasheightenedbythefactthattheirdeparturefromMutinaandtheirdesertionofthepartyhadtheappearanceofapublicresolution。Theydidnotmeetagainforgeneraldeliberation，buteverymanconsultedhisownsafety，tilllettersarrivedfromFabiusValenswhichremovedtheirfear。Besides，theverygloryofOtho\'sdeathmadethenewstravelmorequickly。

AtRome，however，therewasnoalarm；thegamesofCereswereattendedasusual。WhentrustworthymessengersbroughtintothetheatrethenewsthatOthowasdead，andthatallthetroopsinthecapitalhadtakentheoathtoVitelliusunderthedirectionofFlaviusSabinus，prefectofthecity，thespectatorsgreetedthenameofVitelliuswithapplause。ThepeoplecarriedroundthetemplesimagesofGalba，ornamentedwithlaurelleavesandflowers，andpiledchapletsintheformofasepulchralmoundnearthelakeofCurtius，ontheveryspotwhichhadbeenstainedwiththebloodofthedyingman。IntheSenateallthecustomaryhonours，whichhadbeendevisedduringthelongreignsofotherEmperors，wereforthwithdecreed。

PublicacknowledgmentsandthankswerealsogiventothearmiesofGermany，andenvoysweresentchargedwithcongratulations。TherewasreadaletterfromFabiusValenstotheconsuls，whichwaswritteninanotunbecomingstyle，buttheylikedbetterthemodestyofCaecinainnotwritingatall。

Italy，however，wasprostratedundersufferingsheavierandmoreterriblethantheevilsofwar。ThesoldiersofVitellius，dispersedthroughthemunicipaltownsandcolonies，wererobbingandplunderingandpollutingeveryplacewithviolenceandlust。

Everything，lawfulorunlawful，theywerereadytoseizeortosell，sparingnothing，sacredorprofane。Somepersonsunderthesoldiers\'

garbmurderedtheirprivateenemies。Thesoldiersthemselves，whoknewthecountrywell，markedoutrichestatesandwealthyownersforplunder，orfordeathincaseofresistance；theircommanderswereintheirpoweranddarednotcheckthem。Caecinaindeedwasnotsorapaciousashewasfondofpopularity；Valenswassonotoriousforhisdishonestgainsandpeculationsthathewasdisposedtoconcealthecrimesofothers。TheresourcesofItalyhadlongbeenimpaired，andthepresenceofsovastaforceofinfantryandcavalry，withtheoutrages，thelosses，andthewrongstheyinflicted，wasmorethanitcouldwellendure。

MeanwhileVitellius，asyetunawareofhisvictory，wasbringinguptheremainingstrengthofthearmyofGermanyjustasifthecampaignhadyettobefought。Afewoftheoldsoldierswereleftinthewinterquarters，andtheconscriptionthroughoutGaulwashastilyproceededwith，inorderthatthemusterrollsofthelegionswhichremainedbehindmightbefilledup。ThedefenceofthebankoftheRhinewasentrustedtoHordeoniusFlaccus。Vitelliushimselfaddedtohisownarmy8000menoftheBritishconscription。Hehadproceededafewdays\'march，whenhereceivedintelligenceofthevictoryatBedriacum，andoftheterminationofthewarthroughOtho\'sdeath。Hecalledanassembly，andheapedpraisesonthevalourofthesoldiers。WhenthearmydemandedthatheshouldconferequestrianrankonAsiaticushisfreedman，hecheckedthedisgracefulflattery。Then，withhischaracteristicfickleness，intheprivacyofabanquethegrantedtheverydistinctionwhichhehadpubliclyrefused；andhonouredwiththeringofKnighthoodthissameAsiaticus，aslaveofinfamouscharacter，everseekingpowerbyunprincipledintrigues。

AboutthesametimenewscametoVitelliusthattheprocuratorAlbinushadfallen，andthatboththeprovincesofMauritaniahaddeclaredforhim。LucceiusAlbinus，whomNerohadappointedtothegovernmentofMauritaniaCaesariensis，towhichGalbahadsubsequentlyaddedthechargeoftheprovinceofTingitana，hadthedisposalofnocontemptibleforce。Hehadwithhim19cohortsofinfantry，5

squadronsofcavalry，andavastnumberofMoors，aforcetrainedtowarbyrobberyandplunder。WhenGalbahadfallen，hewasstronglydisposedinfavourofOtho。HeevenlookedbeyondAfricaandthreatenedSpain，whichisseparatedfromitonlybyanarrowstrait。ThisalarmedCluviusRufus，whoorderedthe10thlegiontoapproachthecoast，asifheintendedtosendthemacross。SomeofthecenturionsweresentonbeforetogainforVitelliusthegood-willoftheMoors。Thiswasnodifficulttask，asthefameoftheGermanarmywasgreatintheprovinces。Besidesthis，areportwascirculatedthatAlbinus，scorningthetitleofprocurator，wasassumingtheinsigniaofroyaltyandthenameofJuba。

Thetideoffeelingturned，andAsiniusPollio，oneofthestanchestfriendsofAlbinus，prefectofoneofthesquadronsofcavalry，withFestusandScipio，prefectsoftwoinfantrycohorts，werekilled。

Albinushimself，whowassailingfromtheprovinceTingitanatoMauritaniaCaesariensis，wasmurderedashereachedtheshore。Hiswifethrewherselfinthewayofthemurderersandwaskilledwithhim。Vitelliusmadenoinquiriesintowhatwasgoingon。Hedismissedmattersofeventhegreatestimportancewithbriefhearing，andwasquiteunequaltoanyseriousbusiness。Hedirectedthearmytoproceedbyland，butsailedhimselfdowntheriverArar。

Hisprogresshadnothingofimperialstateaboutit，butwasmarkedbythepovertyofhisformercondition，tillJuniusBlaesus，governorofGalliaLugdunensis，amanofnoblebirth，whosemunificencewasequaltohiswealth，furnishedhimwithsuitableattendance，andescortedhimwithasplendidretinue；aservicewhichwasofitselfdispleasing，thoughVitelliusmaskedhisdislikeunderservilecompliments。AtLugdunumthegeneralsofthetwoparties，theconquerorsandtheconquered，werewaitingforhim。ValensandCaecinaheputbyhisownchairofstate，aftercelebratingtheirpraisesbeforeageneralassembly。Hethenorderedthewholearmytocomeandgreethisinfantson；hebroughthimout，wrappedinamilitarycloak，andholdinghiminhisarms，gavehimthetitleofGermanicusandsurroundedhimwithalltheinsigniaoftheimperialrank。Itwasanextravagantdistinctionforadayofprosperity，butitservedasaconsolationinadversity。

ThenthebravestcenturionsamongtheOthonianistswereputtodeath。This，morethananythingelse，alienatedfromVitelliusthearmiesofIllyricum。Atthesametimetheotherlegions，influencedbythecontagionofexample，andbytheirdislikeoftheGermantroops，weremeditatingwar。VitelliusdetainedSuetoniusPaullinusandLicinusProculusinallthewretchednessofanodiousimprisonment；

whentheywereheard，theyresortedtoadefence，necessaryratherthanhonourable。Theyactuallyclaimedthemeritofhavingbeentraitors，attributingtotheirowndishonestcounselsthelongmarchbeforethebattle，thefatigueofOtho\'stroops，theentanglementofthelinewiththebaggage-wagons，andmanycircumstanceswhichwerereallyaccidental。Vitelliusgavethemcreditforperfidy，andacquittedthemofthecrimeofloyalty。SalviusTitianus，thebrotherofOtho，wasneverinanyperil，forhisbrotherlyaffectionandhisapatheticcharacterscreenedhimfromdanger。MariusCelsushadhisconsulshipconfirmedtohim。Itwascommonlybelieved，however，andwasafterwardsmadeamatterofaccusationintheSenateagainstCaeciliusSimplex，thathehadsoughttopurchasethishonour，andwithitthedestructionofCelsus。Vitelliusrefused，andafterwardsbestowedonSimplexaconsulshipthathadnottobeboughtwithcrimeorwithmoney。TrachaluswasprotectedagainsthisaccusersbyGaleriathewifeofVitellius。

Amidtheadventuresoftheseillustriousmen，oneisashamedtorelatehowacertainMariccus，aBoianofthelowestorigin，pretendingtodivineinspiration，venturedtothrusthimselfintofortune\'sgame，andtochallengethearmsofRome。CallinghimselfthechampionofGaul，andaGod(forhehadassumedthistitle)，hehadnowcollected8000men，andwastakingpossessionoftheneighbouringvillagesoftheAedui，whenthatmostformidablestateattackedhimwithapickedforceofitsnativeyouth，towhichVitelliusattachedsomecohorts，anddispersedthecrowdoffanatics。Mariccuswascapturedintheengagement，andwassoonafterexposedtowildbeasts，butnothavingbeentornbythemwasbelievedbythesenselessmultitudetobeinvulnerable，tillhewasputtodeathinthepresenceofVitellius。

Nofurtherseveritieswereexercisedonthepersonsoftheoppositefaction，orwithpropertyinanycase；thewillsofthosewhohadfallenfightingforOthowereheldtobevalid，andwiththosewhodiedintestate，thelawwascarriedout。Assuredly，couldVitelliushavebridledhisluxurioustastes，nooneneedhavedreadedhisrapacity。Hehadascandalousandinsatiablepassionforfeasts；theprovocativesofgluttonywereconveyedtohimfromthecapitalandfromItaly，tilltheroadsfrombothseasresoundedwithtraffic；

theleadingmenofthevariousstateswereruinedbyhavingtofurnishhisentertainments，andthestatesthemselvesreducedtobeggary；

thesoldiersfastdegeneratedfromtheiroldactivityandvalour，throughhabitualindulgenceandcontemptoftheirleader。Hesentonbeforehimtothecapitalanedict，bywhichhepostponedhisacceptanceofthetitleofAugustusandrefusedthatofCaesar，thoughherelinquishednothingofhisactualpower。TheastrologerswerebanishedfromItaly。TheRomanKnightswereforbidden，underseverepenalties，todegradethemselvesbyappearinginpublicentertainments，orinthearena。FormerEmperorshadencouragedthepracticebybribes，ormorefrequentlyenforceditbycompulsion；

andmanyofthetownsandcolonieshadviedwitheachotherinattractingbylargepaythemostprofligateoftheyouth。

Vitellius，however，whenhisbrotherjoinedhim，andwhenthosewhoareskilledintheartsofdespotismbegantocreepintohisconfidence，grewmorearrogantandcruel。HeorderedtheexecutionofDolabella，whosebanishmentbyOthototheColoniaAquinasIhavebeforementioned。Dolabella，onhearingofthedeathofOtho，hadenteredthecapital。PlanciusVarus，whohadfilledtheofficeofpraetor，andhadbeenoneofDolabella\'sintimatefriends，foundedonthisacharge，whichhelaidbeforeFlaviusSabinus，prefectofthecity，implyingthatDolabellahadescapedfromcustody，andhadofferedtoputhimselfattheheadofthevanquishedparty；andhealsoallegedthatthecohortstationedatOstiahadbeentamperedwith。Ofthesegraveaccusationshebroughtnoproofwhatever，andthenrepenting，sought，whenthecrimehadbeenconsummated，apardonwhichcouldbeofnoavail。FlaviusSabinushesitatingtoactinamatterofsuchimportance，Triaria，thewifeofLuciusVitellius，withunfeminineferocity，warnedhimnottoseekareputationforclemencybyimperillingtheEmperor。Sabinuswasnaturallyofamilddisposition，butunderthepressureoffearwaseasilyswayed；here，thedangerofanothermadehimtrembleforhimself，and，lesthemightseemtohavehelpedtheaccused，heprecipitatedhisfall。

Uponthis，Vitellius，who，besidesfearingDolabella，hatedhim，becausehehadmarriedPetronia，hisformerwife，summonedhimbyletter，andatthesametimegaveordersthat，withoutpassingalongthemuchfrequentedthoroughfareoftheFlaminianroad，heshouldturnasidetoInteramna，andtherebeputtodeath。Thisseemedtootedioustotheexecutioner，whoinaroad-sidetavernstruckdownhisprisoner，andcuthisthroat。Theactbroughtgreatodiumuponthenewreign，andwasnotedasthefirstindicationofitscharacter。

Triaria\'srecklessnesswasrenderedmoreintolerablebyanimmediatecontrastwiththeexemplaryvirtueofGaleria，theEmperor\'swife，whotooknopartinthesehorrors，andwithSextilia，themotherofthetwoVitellii，awomanequallyblameless，andoftheoldtypeofcharacter。Sheindeedissaidtohaveexclaimedonreceivingthefirstletterfromherson，"Iamthemother，notofGermanicus，butofVitellius。"Andinafterdaysnoseductionsoffortune，noflatteryfromtheState，couldmovehertoexultation；itwasonlythemisfortunesofherfamilythatshefelt。

M。CluviusRufus，whohadlefthisgovernmentinSpain，cameupwithVitelliusafterhisdeparturefromLugdunum。Heworealookofjoyandcongratulation，buthewasanxiousatheart，forheknewthathewastheobjectofaccusations。Hilarius，theEmperor\'sfreedman，hadindeedbroughtthischargeagainsthim，thatonhearingofthecontestforthethronebetweenVitelliusandOtho，hehadmadeanattempttosecurepowerforhimself，andtoobtainpossessionofSpain，andthatwiththisviewhehadnotheadedhispassportswiththenameofanyEmperor。SomeextractsfromthespeechesofRufusherepresentedasinsultingtoVitellius，andintendedtowinpopularityforhimself。

Sostrong，however，wastheinfluenceofCluvius，thatVitelliusactuallyorderedthefreedmantobepunished。CluviuswasattachedtotheEmperor\'sretinue；Spainhoweverwasnottakenfromhim；hestillgovernedtheprovincethoughnotresident，asL。Arruntiushaddonebeforehim，whomTiberiusCaesardetainedathome，becausehefearedhim；itwasnotfromanyapprehensionthatVitelliuskeptCluviuswithhim。ThesamecomplimentwasnotpaidtoTrebelliusMaximus。HehadfledfromBritainbecauseoftheexasperationofthesoldiery。VettiusBolanus，whowasthenaccompanyingtheEmperor，wassenttosucceedhim。

Vitelliuswastroubledbythespiritofthevanquishedlegions，whichwasanythingbutbroken。ScatteredthroughallpartsofItaly，andmingledwiththeconquerors，theyspokethelanguageofenemies。

Thesoldiersofthe14thlegionwerepeculiarlyfurious。Theysaidthattheyhadnotbeenvanquished；thatatthebattleofBedriacumonlytheveteranshadbeenbeaten，andthatthestrengthofthelegionhadbeenabsent。ItwasresolvedthatthesetroopsshouldbesentbacktoBritain，fromwhichprovinceNerohadsummonedthem，andthattheBataviancohortsshouldinthemeantimebequarteredwiththem，becausetherewasanoldfeudbetweenthemandthe14th。Inthepresenceofsuchanimositiesbetweenthesearmedmasses，harmonydidnotlastlong。AtAugustaoftheTauriniithappenedthataBataviansoldierfiercelychargedsomeartisanwithhavingcheatedhim，andthatasoldierofthelegiontookthepartofhishost。Eachman\'scomradesgatheredroundhim；fromwordstheycametoblows，andafiercebattlewouldhavebrokenout，hadnottwoPraetoriancohortstakenthesideofthe14th，andgivenconfidencetothem，whiletheyintimidatedtheBatavians。Vitelliusthenorderedthattheselattertroopsshouldbeattachedtohisownforce，inconsiderationoftheirloyalty，andthatthelegionshouldpassovertheGraianAlps，andthentakethatlineofroad，bywhichtheywouldavoidpassingVienna，fortheinhabitantsofthatplacewerealsosuspected。Onthenightofthedepartureofthelegion，apartoftheColoniaTaurinawasdestroyedbythefireswhichwereleftineverydirection。

Thisloss，likemanyoftheevilsofwar，wasforgotteninthegreaterdisasterswhichhappenedtoothercities。Whenthe14thhadmadethedescentontheothersideoftheAlps，themostmutinousamongthemwereforcarryingthestandardstoVienna。Theywerechecked，however，bytheunitedeffortsofthebetterdisposed，andthelegionwastransportedintoBritain。

VitelliusfoundhisnextcauseofapprehensioninthePraetoriancohorts。Theywerefirstdivided，andthenordered，thoughwiththegratifyingcomplimentofanhonourabledischarge，togiveuptheirarmstotheirtribunes。ButasthearmsVespasiangatheredstrength，theyreturnedtotheiroldservice，andconstitutedthemainstayoftheFlavianistparty。ThefirstlegionfromthefleetwassentintoSpain，thatinthepeacefulreposeofthatprovincetheirexcitementmightsubside；the7thand11thweresentbacktotheirwinterquarters；the，13thwereorderedtoerectamphitheatres，forbothCaecinaatCremona，andValensatBononia，werepreparingtoexhibitshowsofgladiators。VitelliusindeedwasneversointentonthecaresofEmpireastoforgethispleasures。

Thoughhehadthusquietlydividedtheconqueredparty，therearoseadisturbanceamongtheconquerors。Itbeganinsport，butthenumberofthosewhofellaggravatedthehorrorsofthewar。

VitelliushadsatdowntoabanquetatTicinum，andhadinvitedVerginiustobehisguest。ThelegatesandtribunesalwaysfollowthecharacteroftheEmperor，andeitherimitatehisstrictness，orindulgeinearlyconviviality。Andthesoldiersinlikemannerareeitherdiligentorlaxintheirduty。AboutVitelliusallwasdisorderanddrunkenness，morelikeanocturnalfeastandrevelthanaproperlydisciplinedcamp。Thusithappenedthattwosoldiers，oneofwhombelongedtothe5thlegion，whiletheotherwasoneoftheGallicauxiliaries，challengedeachotherinsporttoawrestlingmatch。

Thelegionarywasthrown，andtheGaultauntedhim。Thesoldierswhohadassembledtowitnessthecontesttookdifferentsides，tillthelegionariesmadeasuddenandmurderousattackontheauxiliarytroops，anddestroyedtwocohorts。Thefirstdisturbancewascheckedonlybyasecond。Acloudofdustandtheglitterofarmswereseenatadistance。Asuddencrywasraisedthatthe14thlegionhadretraceditssteps，andwasadvancingtotheattack。Itwasinfacttherearguardofthearmy，andtheirrecognitionremovedthecauseofalarm。MeanwhileaslaveofVerginiushappenedtocomeintheirway。HewaschargedwithhavingdesignedtheassassinationofVitellius。Thesoldiersrushedtothesceneofthebanquet，andloudlydemandedthedeathofVerginius。EvenVitellius，tremblinglyaliveashewastoallsuspicions，hadnodoubtofhisinnocence。Yethecouldhardlycheckthetroopswhentheyclamouredforthedeathofamanofconsularrank，formerlytheirowngeneral。IndeedtherewasnoonewhowasmorefrequentlytheobjectofallkindsofoutbreaksthanVerginius；themanstillwasadmired，stillretainedhishighreputation，buttheyhatedhimwiththehatredofthosewhoaredespised。

ThenextdayVitellius，aftergivingaudiencetotheenvoysfromtheSenatewhomhehadorderedtowaitforhimthere，proceededtothecamp，andactuallybestowedhighpraiseontheloyaltyofthesoldiers。Theauxiliarytroopsloudlycomplainedthatsuchcompleteimpunity，suchprivilegedarrogance，wasaccordedtothelegions。

TheBataviancohortsweresentbacktoGermany，lesttheyshouldventureonfurtherviolence。Destinywasthussimultaneouslypreparingtheoccasionsofcivilandofforeignwar。TheGallicauxiliariesweresentbacktotheirrespectivestates，avastbodyofmen，whichintheveryearlieststageoftherevolthadbeenemployedtomakeanidleshowofstrength。Besidesthis，inordertoekeouttheImperialresources，whichhadbeenimpairedbyaseriesofbounties，directionsweregiventhatthebattalionsofthelegionsandtheauxiliaryforcesshouldbereduced，allrecruitingbeingforbidden。Dischargeswereofferedwithoutdistinction。ThismeasurewasdisastroustotheState，anddistastefultothesoldier，whofoundthatthesamedutywasdistributedamongasmallernumber，andthathistoilsandriskscameroundinamorefrequentsuccession。Theirvigourtoowasunderminedbyluxury，aluxurythattransgressedourancientdisciplineandthecustomsofourancestors，inwhosedaysthepowerofRomefoundasurerfoundationinvalourthaninwealth。

VitelliusthendirectedhiscoursetoCremona，andafterwitnessingthespectacleexhibitedbyCaecina，heconceivedadesiretovisittheplainsofBedriacumandtosurveythesceneoftherecentvictory。Itwasahideousandterriblesight。Notfortydayshadpassedsincethebattle，andtherelaymangledcorpses，severedlimbs，theputrefyingformsofmenandhorses；thesoilwassaturatedwithgore，and，whatwithlevelledtreesandcrops，horriblewasthedesolation。NotlessrevoltingwasthatportionoftheroadwhichthepeopleofCremonahadstrewedwithlaurelleavesandroses，andonwhichtheyhadraisedaltars，andsacrificedvictimsasiftogreetsomebarbarousdespot，festivitiesinwhichtheydelightedforthemoment，butwhichwereafterwardstoworktheirruin。ValensandCaecinawerepresent，andpointedoutthevariouslocalitiesofthefieldofbattle；shewinghowfromonepointthecolumnsofthelegionshadrushedtotheattack；howfromanotherthecavalryhadcharged；

howfromathirdtheauxiliarytroopshadturnedtheflankoftheenemy。Thetribunesandprefectsextolledtheirindividualachievements，andmixedtogetherfictions，facts，andexaggerations。

Thecommonsoldiersalsoturnedasidefromthelineofmarchwithjoyfulshouts，andrecognizedthevariousscenesofconflict，andgazedwithwonderonthepilesofweaponsandtheheapsofslain。Someindeedtherewerewhomallthismovedtothoughtsofthemutabilityoffortune，topity，andtotears。Vitelliusdidnotturnawayhiseyes，didnotshuddertobeholdtheunburiedcorpsesofsomanythousandsofhiscountrymen；nay，inhisexultation，inhisignoranceofthedoomwhichwassocloseuponhimself，heactuallyinstitutedareligiousceremonyinhonourofthetutelarygodsoftheplace。

AshowofgladiatorswasthengivenbyFabiusValensatBononia，withallthearrangementsintroducedfromthecapital。ThenearertheEmperorapproachedtoRome，thegreaterwasthelicenseofhismarch，accompaniedasitwasbyplayersandherdsofeunuchs，infactbyallthathadcharacterisedthecourtofNero。Indeed，VitelliususedtomakeadisplayofhisadmirationforNero，andhadconstantlyfollowedhimwhenhesang，notfromthecompulsiontowhichthenoblesthadtoyield，butbecausehewastheslaveandchattelofprofligacyandgluttony。ToleavesomemonthsofofficeopenforValensandCaecina，theconsulatesofotherswereabridged，thatofMartiusMacerwasignoredonthegroundofhishavingbeenoneofOtho\'sgenerals。ValeriusMaximus，whohadbeennominatedconsulbyGalba，hadhisdignitydeferredfornooffence，butbecausehewasamanofgentletemper，andcouldsubmittamelytoanaffront。

PedaniusCostawaspassedover。TheEmperordislikedhimbecausehehadrisenagainstNero，androusedVerginiustorevolt。Otherreasons，however，werealleged。Finally，aftertheservilefashionofthetime，thankswerevotedtoVitellius。

Adeception，whichwasstartedwithconsiderablevigour，lastedforafew，andbutafewdays。Therehadsuddenlysprungupaman，whogaveoutthathewasScribonianusCamerinus；that，dreadingthetimesofNero，hehadconcealedhimselfinHistria，wheretheoldfamilyoftheCrassistillhaddependants，estates，andapopularname。Headmittedintothesecretofhisimpostureallthemostworthlessofhisfollowers；andthecredulouspopulaceandsomeofthesoldiers，eitherfromnotknowingthetruth，orimpatientforrevolution，beganeagerlytorallyroundhim。WhenhewasbroughtbeforeVitellius，andaskedwhohewas，ashisaccountofhimselfcouldnotbetrusted，，andhismasterrecognisedhimasarunawayslave，bynameGeta，hewasexecutedasslavesusuallyare。

Itwouldalmostpassbelief，wereItotelltowhatadegreetheinsolenceandslothofVitelliusgrewuponhimwhenmessengersfromSyriaandJudaeabroughtthenewsthattheprovincesoftheEasthadswornallegiancetohim。Thoughasyetallinformationwasbutvagueanduncertain，Vespasianwasthesubjectofmuchtalkandrumour，andatthementionofhisnameVitelliusoftenrousedhimself。Butnow，boththeEmperorandthearmy，asiftheyhadnorivaltofear，indulgingincruelty，lust，andrapine，plungedintoallthelicenceofforeignmanners。

Vespasian，ontheotherhand，wastakingageneralsurveyofthechancesofacampaignandofhisresourcesbothimmediateandremote。Thesoldiersweresoentirelydevotedtohim，thatashedictatedtheoathofallegianceandprayedforallprosperitytoVitellius，theylistenedtohiminsilence。MucianushadnodisliketoVespasian，andwasstronglyinclinedtowardsTitus。AlreadyhadAlexander，thegovernorofEgypt，declaredhisadhesion。Thethirdlegion，asithadpassedoverfromSyriatoMoesia，Vespasiancounteduponasdevotedtohimself，anditwashopedthattheotherlegionsofIllyricumwouldfollowitsexample。InfactthewholearmyhadbeenkindledintoindignationbytheinsolenceofthesoldierswhocameamongthemfromVitellius。Savageinappearance，andspeakingarudedialect，theyridiculedeverybodyelseastheirinferiors。Butinsuchgiganticpreparationsforwarthereisusuallydelay。Vespasianwasatonemomenthighinhope，andatanotherdisposedtoreflectonthechancesoffailure。Whatadaywouldthatbewhenheshouldexposehimselfwithhissixtyyearsuponhim，andthetwoyoungmen，hissons，totheperilsofwar！Inprivateenterprisesmenmayadvanceorrecede，andpresumemoreorlessuponfortuneastheymaychoose，whereastheywhoaimatempirehavenoalternativebetweenthehighestsuccessandutterdownfall。

ThestrengthofthearmyofGermany，withwhichasamilitarymanhewaswellacquainted，wascontinuallybeforehiseyes。Hereflectedthathisownlegionswerewhollywithoutexperienceofacivilwar，thatthoseofVitelliushadbeenvictorious，andthatamongtheconqueredtherewasmoredissatisfactionthanrealstrength。CivilstrifehadshakenthefidelityoftheRomansoldiery，anddangerwastobeapprehendedfromindividuals。Whatwouldbetheuseofinfantryandcavalry，shouldoneortwomenseektheprizewithwhichtheenemywouldbereadytorewardapromptactoftreason？ItwasthusthatScribonianushadfalleninthedaysofClaudius，andhismurderer，Volaginius，hadbeenraisedfromtherankstothehighestmilitarycommand。Itwaseasiertomovetheheartsofthemultitudethantoavoidthesingleassassin。

Thoughstaggeredbytheseapprehensions，hewasconfirmedinhispurposebyothersamongthelegatesandamonghisownfriends，andparticularlybyMucianus，who，aftermanyconversationswithhiminprivate，nowpubliclyaddressedhiminthefollowingterms:"Allwhoenteruponschemesinvolvinggreatinterests，shouldconsiderwhetherwhattheyareattemptingbefortheadvantageoftheState，fortheirowncredit，easyofaccomplishment，oratanyratefreefromseriousdifficulty。Theymustalsoweighthecircumstancesoftheiradviser，mustseewhetherhewillfollowuphisadvicebyimperillinghimself，andmustknowwho，shouldfortuneprospertheundertaking，istohavethehighesthonours。Iinviteyou，Vespasian，toadignitywhichwillbeasbeneficialtotheState，asitwillbehonourabletoyourself。Underheaventhisdignitylieswithinyourreach。Anddonotdreadwhatmaypresentthesemblanceofflattery。TobechosensuccessortoVitelliuswouldbemoreofaninsultthanacompliment。ItisnotagainstthevigorousintellectoftheDivineAugustus，itisnotagainsttheprofoundsubtletyoftheagedTiberius，itisnotevenagainstthehouseofCaius，Claudius，orNero，establishedbyalongpossessionoftheEmpire，thatwearerisinginrevolt。YouhavealreadyyieldedtotheprestigeevenofGalba\'sfamily。Topersistininaction，andtoleavetheStatetodegradationandruin，wouldlooklikeindolenceandcowardice，evensupposingthatservitudewereassafeforyouasitwouldbeinfamous。

ThetimehasgonebyandpassedawaywhenyoumighthaveenduredthesuspicionofhavingcovetedImperialpower。Thatpowerisnowyouronlyrefuge。HaveyouforgottenhowCorbulowasmurdered？Hisorigin，Igrant，wasmoreillustriousthanours；yetinnobilityofbirthNerosurpassedVitellius。Themanwhoisafraidseesdistinctionenoughinanyonewhomhefears。ThatanEmperorcanbecreatedbythearmy，Vitelliusishimselfaproof，who，thoughhehadseennoserviceandhadnomilitaryreputation，wasraisedtothethronebytheunpopularityofGalba。Otho，whowasovercome，notindeedbyskilfulgeneralship，orbyapowerfulenemy，butbyhisownprematuredespair，thismanhasmadeintoagreatanddeservedlyregrettedEmperor，andallthewhileheisdisbandinghislegions，disarminghisauxiliaries，andsowingeverydayfreshseedsofcivilwar。Alltheenergyandhighspiritwhichoncebelongedtohisarmyiswastedintherevelryoftavernsandinapingthedebaucheriesoftheirchief。YouhavefromJudaea，Syria，andEgypt，ninefreshlegions，unexhaustedbybattle，uncorruptedbydissension；youhaveasoldieryhardenedbyhabitsofwarfareandvictoriousoverforeignfoes；youhavestrongfleets，auxiliariesbothhorseandfoot，kingsmostfaithfultoyourcause，andanexperienceinwhichyouexcelallothermen。

"FormyselfIwillclaimnothingmorethannottobereckonedinferiortoValensandCaecina。ButdonotspurnMucianusasanassociate，becauseyoudonotfindinhimarival。IcountmyselfbetterthanVitellius；Icountyoubetterthanmyself。Yourhouseisennobledbythegloriesofatriumph；ithastwoyouthfulscions，oneofwhomisalreadyequaltothecaresofEmpire，andintheearliestyearsofhismilitarycareerwonrenownwiththeseveryarmiesofGermany。ItwouldberidiculousinmenottowaivemyclaimstoEmpireinfavourofthemanwhosesonIshouldadopt，wereImyselfEmperor。Betweenus，however，therewillnotbeanequaldistributionofthefruitsofsuccessorfailure。Ifwearevictorious。Ishallhavewhateverhonouryouthinkfittobestowonme；thedangerandtheperilweshallsharealike；nay，Iwouldratherhaveyou，asisthebetterpolicy，directyourarmies，andleavetometheconductofthewarandthehazardsofbattle。Atthisverymomentastricterdisciplineprevailsamongtheconqueredthanamongtheconquerors。Theconqueredarefiredtovalourbyanger，byhatred，bythedesireofvengeance，whiletheconquerorsarelosingtheirenergyinprideandinsolence。Warwillofitselfdiscoverandlayopenthehiddenandranklingwoundsofthevictoriousparty。And，indeed，yourvigilance，economy，andwisdom，donotinspiremewithgreaterconfidenceofsuccessthandotheindolence，ignorance，andcrueltyofVitellius。Onceatwar，wehaveabettercausethanwecanhaveinpeace，forthosewhodeliberateonrevolthaverevoltedalready。"

AfterthisspeechfromMucianus，theotherofficerscrowdedroundVespasianwithfreshconfidence，encouraginghim，andremindinghimoftheresponsesofprophetsandthemovementsoftheheavenlybodies。

NorwasVespasianproofagainstthissuperstition，forafterwards，whenmasteroftheworld，heopenlyretainedoneSeleucus，anastrologer，todirecthiscounsels，andtoforetellthefuture。Oldomensnowrecurredtohisthoughts。Acypresstreeofremarkableheightonhisestatehadsuddenlyfallen，andrisingagainthefollowingdayontheverysamespot，hadflourishedwithmajesticbeautyandevenbroadershade。This，astheHaruspicesagreed，wasanomenofbrilliantsuccess，andthehighestdistinctionseemedprophesiedtoVespasianinearlyyouth。Atfirst，however，thehonoursofatriumph，hisconsulate，andthegloryofhisvictoriesinJudaea，appearedtohavejustifiedthetruthoftheomen。Whenhehadwonthesedistinctions，hebegantobelievethatitportendedtheImperialpower。BetweenJudaeaandSyriaisMountCarmel；thisisthenamebothofthemountainandtheDeity。Theyhavenoimageofthegodnoranytemple；thetraditionofantiquityrecognisesonlyanaltaranditssacredassociation。WhileVespasianwasthereofferingsacrificeandponderinghissecrethopes，Basilidesthepriest，afterrepeatedinspectionsoftheentrails，saidtohim，"Whateverbeyourpurposes，Vespasian，whetheryouthinkofbuildingahouse，ofenlargingyourestate，oraugmentingthenumberofyourslaves，thereisgivenyouavasthabitation，boundlessterritory，amultitudeofmen。"Theseobscureintimationspopularrumourhadatoncecaughtup，andnowbegantointerpret。Nothingwasmoretalkedaboutbythecommonpeople。InVespasian\'spresencethetopicwasmorefrequentlydiscussed，becausetotheaspiranthimselfmenhavemoretosay。