第5章

HethenaddressedtheSenateinaspeechofstudiedgrandiloquence，andwasextolledbytheSenatorswithelaborateadulation。AsavageresolutionagainstCaecinawasmovedbyLuciusVitellius；therestaffectedindignationattheideathataconsulhadbetrayedtheState，ageneralhisEmperor，amanloadedwithwealthsovastandhonourssonumeroushisbenefactor，andseemedtodeplorethewrongsofVitellius，whiletheyutteredtheirprivategriefs。NotawordfromanyoneofthemdisparagedtheFlavianistleaders；theycensuredthedelusionandrecklessnessofthearmies，andwithaprudentcircumlocutionavoidedthenameofVespasian。Amanwasfound，who，whileallregardedwithgreatcontemptbothgiverandreceiver，wormedhimselfbyflatteryintotheonedayofofficewhichremainedtocompletetheconsulateofCaecina。OnthelastdayofOctoberRosiusRegulusbothassumedandresignedtheoffice。Thelearnedremarkedthatneverbeforehadanewconsulbeenelectedwithoutaformalactofdeprivationandthepassingofalaw。BeforethisindeedCaniniusRebilushadbeenconsulforasingledayduringthedictatorshipofCaiusCaesar，whentheprizesofthecivilwarhadtobeenjoyedinhaste。

AtthistimethemurderofJuniusBlaesusobtainedaninfamousnotoriety。OfthisactIhaveheardthefollowingaccount。

Vitellius，whowassufferingfromsevereillness，observedfromtheServiliangardensaneighbouringturretbrilliantlyilluminatedthroughoutthenight。Inquiringthecause，hewastoldthatCaecinaTuscuswasentertainingalargeparty，ofwhomJuniusBlaesuswasthemostdistinguished。Otherparticularsweregivenwithmuchexaggerationaboutthesplendourofthebanquetandtheunrestrainedgaietyoftheguests。TherewerepersonswhochargedTuscusandhisguests，andBlaesusmorevindictivelythanany，withpassingtheirdaysinmerrimentwhiletheEmperorwassick。Assoonasitwassufficientlycleartothosewhokeenlywatchtheangrymoodsofprinces，thatVitelliuswasexasperated，andthatBlaesusmightbedestroyed，thepartoftheinformerwasintrustedtoLuciusVitellius。

AnunworthyjealousymadehimtheenemyofBlaesus，whoseillustriouscharacterraisedhimfaraboveonewhowasstainedwitheveryinfamy；heburstintotheImperialchamber，andclaspingtohisbosomtheEmperor\'sson，fellathisknees。OnVitelliusenquiringthecauseofhisemotion:"Itisnot，"hereplied，"fromanyprivateapprehension，orbecauseIamanxiousformyself；itisforabrotherandforabrother\'schildrenthatIhavecomehitherwithmyprayersandtears。ItisidletofearVespasian，whentherearesomanylegionsofGermany，somanyprovinceswiththeirvalourandtheirloyalty，andlastly，sovastanextentofseaandlandwithenormousdistances，tokeephimfromus。Inthecapital，intheverybosomoftheempire，thereisthefoeofwhomwemustbeware，afoewhoboastsofJuniiandAntoniiamonghisancestors，who，claiminganImperialdescent，displaystosoldiershiscondescensionandhismagnificence。Onhimallthoughtsarefixed，whileVitellius，regardlessalikeoffriendsandfoes，ischerishingarival，whofromhisbanquetingtablegazesatthesufferingsofhissovereign。

Forsuchill-timedmirthlethimberecompensedwithanightofsorrowandofdeath，thathemayknowandfeelthatVitelliusstilllivesandreigns，andhasason，ifinthecourseofdestinyanythingshouldhappentohimself。"

Vitellius，afterwaveringbetweenhisguiltypurposeandhisfears，dreadinglesttopostponethemurderofBlaesusmighthastenhisownruin，whileopenlytoorderitmightprovoketerribleodium，determinedtodestroyhimbypoison。HegaveaproofofhisguiltbyhismarkedjoywhenhevisitedBlaesus。Hewasevenheardtoutteramostbrutalspeech，inwhich(Iwillrelatetheverywords)heboastedthathehadfeastedhiseyesonthespectacleofhisenemy\'sdeath。

Besideshisnoblebirthandrefinementofcharacter，Blaesuswasamanofresoluteloyalty。Intheflourishingdaysoftheparty，whencanvassedbyCaecinaandtheleadingmen，whowerebeginningtodespiseVitellius，heperseveredinrejectingtheirsolicitations。A

righteousmanandaloverofpeace，whocovetednosuddenelevation，muchlessthethrone，hecouldnotescapebeingthoughttodeserveit。

MeanwhileFabiusValens，whowasmovingalongwithavastandluxurioustrainofconcubinesandeunuchstootardilyforageneralabouttotakethefield，receivedspeedyintelligenceofthebetrayaloftheRavennafleetbyLuciliusBassus。Hadhehastenedthemarchwhichhehadthenbegun，hemighthavecomeupwithCaecinawhilestillundecided，orhavereachedthelegionsprevioustothedecisiveaction。Someadvisedhimtotakeafewofhismostdevotedsoldiers，and，avoidingRavenna，tohurryonbyunfrequentedpathstoHostiliaorCremona。OthersthoughtthatheshouldsummonthePraetoriancohortsfromRome，andthenforcehiswaywithastrongbodyoftroops。Butwitharuinousdelayhewastedindeliberationtheopportunitiesofaction。Eventuallyherejectedbothplans，anddidwhatistheveryworstthingincircumstancesofperil，attemptedamiddlecourse，andwasneitherboldenoughontheonehand，norcautiousenoughontheother。

HewrotetoVitelliusaskingforaid。ThreecohortswithsomeBritishcavalryarrived，aforcetoonumeroustoeludeobservation，toosmalltoforceitsway。EvenamidstsuchperilsValenscouldnotkeephimselfclearoftheinfamousreputationofgraspingatunlawfulgratificationsandpollutingthehousesofhishostswithintrigueandviolation。Hehadpower，hehadmoney，andheindulgedtheluststhatarethelastsolaceofdesperatefortunes。Atlengthonthearrivaloftheinfantryandcavalrythefollyofhisplansbecameevident。Withsosmallaforce，evenhaditbeenthoroughlyloyal，hecouldnothavemadehiswaythroughtheenemy，andtheloyaltytheyhadbroughtwiththemwasnotbeyondsuspicion。Yetshameandrespectforthepresenceoftheirgeneralheldthemincheck，nolastingrestraintwithmenwholoveddangerandwerecarelessofdisgrace。Movedbythisapprehension，Valens，whileheretainedafewattendantswhomadversityhadnotchanged，sentontheinfantrytoAriminumandorderedthecavalrytocoverhisrear。HethenhimselfmadehiswaytoUmbria，andthencetoEtruria，where，havinglearnttheissueofthebattleofCremona，heconceivedaplannotwantinginvigour，andwhich，haditsucceeded，wouldhavehadterribleresults。Thiswastoseizesomeships，tolandonsomepartofGalliaNarbonensis，torouseGaulwithitsarmiesaswellasthetribesofGermany，andsotokindleafreshwar。

ThegarrisonofAriminumwerediscouragedbythedepartureofValens，andCorneliusFuscus，bringinguphisarmyanddisposinghisLiburnianshipsatthenearestpointsoftheshore，investedtheplacebyseaandland。HistroopsoccupiedtheplainsofUmbriaandthatportionofthePicentineterritorythatiswashedbytheAdriatic，andnowthewholeofItalywasdividedbytherangeoftheApenninesbetweenVespasianandVitellius。Valens，havingstartedfromthebayofPisa，wascompelled，eitherbyacalmoracontrarywind，toputinattheportofHerculesMonoecus。NearthisplacewasstationedMariusMaturus，procuratoroftheMaritimeAlps，whowasloyaltoVitellius，andwho，thougheverythingaroundhimwashostile，hadnotyetthrownoffhisallegiance。WhilecourteouslyreceivingValens，hedeterredhimbyhisadvicefromrashlyinvadingGalliaNarbonensis。

Andnowthefidelityoftherestofthepartywasweakenedbytheirfears。InfacttheprocuratorValeriusPaullinus，anenterprisingofficer，whohadbeenafriendofVespasianbeforehiselevationtothethrone，hadmadetheneighbouringStatesswearallegiancetothatPrince。

Paullinushadcollectedallthetroopswho，havingbeendisbandedbyVitellius，werenowspontaneouslytakinguparms，andwasholdingwiththisforcethecolonyofForumJulii，whichcommandedthesea。Hisinfluencewasallthegreater，becauseForumJuliiwashisnativeplace，andbecausehewasrespectedbythePraetorians，inwhichforcehehadoncebeenatribune。Theinhabitantsthemselves，favouringafellow-townsman，andanticipatinghisfuturegreatness，didtheirbesttopromotethecause。Whenthesepreparations，whichwerereallyformidableandwereexaggeratedbyreport，becameknownamongthenowdistractedVitellianists，FabiusValensreturnedtohisshipswithfoursoldiersofthebody-guard，threepersonalfriends，andasmanycenturions，whileMaturusandtherestchosetoremainbehindandswearallegiancetoVespasian。ForValensindeedtheopenseawassaferthanthecoastorthetowns，yet，alluncertainaboutthefuture，andknowingratherwhathemustavoidthanwhathecouldtrust，hewasthrownbyadverseweatherontheStoechades，islandsoffMassilia。TherehewascapturedbysomeLiburnianships，dispatchedbyPaullinus。

Valensoncecaptured，everythingturnedtoswelltheresourcesoftheconqueror；theleadwastakeninSpainbythe1stlegion(the"Adjutrix")，whoserecollectionsofOthomadethemhateVitellius；

theydrewwiththemthe6thand10th。Gauldidnothesitatetofollow。

ApartialitylongfeltinBritainforVespasian，whohadtherecommandedthe2ndlegionbytheappointmentofClaudius，andhadservedwithdistinction，attachedthatprovincetohiscause，thoughnotwithoutsomecommotionamongtheotherlegions，inwhichweremanycenturionsandsoldierspromotedbyVitellius，whofeltuneasyinexchangingforanotherruleronewhomtheyknewalready。

Thesedissensions，andthecontinualrumoursofcivilwar，raisedthecourageoftheBritons。TheywereledbyoneVenutius，who，besidesbeingnaturallyhighspirited，andhatingthenameofRome，wasfiredbyhisprivateanimosityagainstQueenCartismandua。

CartismanduaruledtheBrigantesinvirtueofherillustriousbirth；

andshestrengthenedherthrone，when，bythetreacherouscaptureofkingCaractacus，shewasregardedashavinggivenitschiefdistinctiontothetriumphofClaudiusCaesar。Thenfollowedwealthandtheself-indulgenceofprosperity。SpurningherhusbandVenutius，shemadeVellocatus，hisarmour-bearer，thepartnerofherbedandthrone。Bythisenormitythepowerofherhousewasatonceshakentoitsbase。Onthesideofthehusbandweretheaffectionsofthepeople，onthatoftheadulterer，thelustandsavagetemperoftheQueen。AccordinglyVenutiuscollectedsomeauxiliaries，and，aidedatthesametimebyarevoltoftheBrigantes，broughtCartismanduaintotheutmostperil。SheaskedforsomeRomantroops，andourauxiliaryinfantryandcavalry，afterfightingwithvarioussuccess，contrivedtorescuetheQueenfromherperil。Venutiusretainedthekingdom，andwehadthewaronourhands。

Aboutthesametime，Germanysufferedfromthesupinenessofourgeneralsandthemutinousconductofourlegions；theassaultsofenemiesandtheperfidyofalliesallbutoverthrewthepowerofRome。

Ofthiswar，itsoriginanditsissue，foritlastedlong，Ishallhereafterspeak。TheDaciansalsowereinmotion，apeoplewhichnevercanbetrusted，andwhich，nowthatourlegionswerewithdrawnfromMoesia，hadnothingtofear。Theyquietlywatchedtheopeningofthecampaign，butwhentheyheardthatItalywasinablazeofwar，andthatthewholeEmpirewasdividedagainstitself，theystormedthewinterquartersoftheauxiliaryinfantryandcavalry，andoccupiedbothbanksoftheDanube。Theywerethenpreparingtodestroythecampofthelegions，butMucianussentthe6thlegionagainstthem，forheknewofthevictoryofCremona，andhefearedthisdoublepressureofbarbarianpowerwithDaciansandGermansinvadingItalyfromoppositesides。Wewerehelped，asoftenbefore，bythegoodfortuneoftheRomanpeople，whichbroughttothespotMucianuswiththearmiesoftheEast，andbythedecisivesettlementwhichinthemeantimewaseffectedatCremona。FonteiusAgrippawasremovedfromAsia(whichprovincehehadgovernedasproconsulforayear)toMoesia，andhadsometroopsgivenhimfromthearmyofVitellius。Thatthisarmyshouldbedispersedthroughtheprovincesandcloselyoccupiedwithforeignwars，wassoundpolicyandessentialtopeace。

Allothernationswereequallyrestless。AsuddenoutbreakhadbeenexcitedinPontusbyabarbarianslave，whohadbeforecommandedtheroyalfleet。ThiswasAnicetus，afreedmanofPolemon，onceaverypowerfulpersonage，who，whenthekingdomwasconvertedintoaRomanprovince，illbrookedthechange。AccordinglyheraisedinthenameofVitelliusthetribesthatborderonPontus，bribedanumberofveryneedyadventurersbythehopeofplunder，and，attheheadofaforcebynomeanscontemptible，madeasuddenattackontheoldandfamouscityofTrapezus，foundedbytheGreeksonthefarthestshoreofthePontus。Therehedestroyedacohort，onceapartoftheroyalcontingent。Theyhadafterwardsreceivedtheprivilegesofcitizenship，andwhiletheycarriedtheirarmsandbannersinRomanfashion，theystillretainedtheindolenceandlicenceoftheGreek。

Anicetusalsosetfiretothefleet，and，astheseawasnotguarded，escaped，forMucianushadbroughtuptoByzantiumthebestoftheLiburnianshipsandallthetroops。Thebarbarianseveninsolentlyscouredtheseainhastilyconstructedvesselsoftheirowncalled"camarae，"builtwithnarrowsidesandbroadbottoms，andjoinedtogetherwithoutfasteningsofbrassoriron。Wheneverthewaterisroughtheyraisethebulwarkswithadditionalplanksaccordingtotheincreasingheightofthewaves，tillthevesseliscoveredinlikeahouse。Thustheyrollaboutamidthebillows，and，astheyhaveaprowatbothextremitiesalikeandaconvertiblearrangementofoars，theymaybepaddledinonedirectionoranotherindifferentlyandwithoutrisk。

ThematterattractedtheattentionofVespasian，andinducedhimtodispatchsomeveteransfromthelegionsunderVirdiusGeminus，atriedsoldier。Findingtheenemyindisorderanddispersedintheeagerpursuitofplunder，heattackedthem，anddrovethemtotheirships。HastilyfittingoutafleetofLiburnianshipshepursuedAnicetus，andovertookhimatthemouthoftheriverCohibus，wherehewasprotectedbythekingoftheSedochezi，whosealliancehehadsecuredbyasumofmoneyandotherpresents。Thisprinceatfirstendeavouredtoprotectthesuppliantbyathreatofhostilities；when，however，thechoicewaspresentedtohimbetweenwarandtheprofittobederivedfromtreachery，heconsented，withthecharacteristicperfidyofbarbarians，tothedestructionofAnicetus，anddelivereduptherefugees。Soendedthisservilewar。Amidstthejoyofthissuccess，whileeverythingwasprosperousbeyondhishopes，tidingsofthevictoryofCremonareachedVespasianinAegypt。ThismadehimhastenhisadvancetoAlexandria，for，nowthatthearmyofVitelliuswasshattered，hesoughttoapplythepressureoffaminetothecapital，whichisalwaysdependentonforeignsupplies。HewasindeedalsopreparingtoinvadebyseaandlandtheprovinceofAfrica，whichliesonthesamelineofcoast，intendingbythusclosingthesuppliesofcorntocausefamineanddissensionamongtheenemy。

Whilewiththisworld-wideconvulsiontheImperialpowerwaschanginghands，theconductofPrimusAntonius，afterthefallofCremona，wasbynomeansasblamelessasbefore。Eitherhebelievedthatthenecessitiesofthewarhadbeensatisfied，andthatallelsewouldfolloweasily，or，perhaps，success，workingonsuchatemperament，developedhislatentpride，rapacityandothervices。

HesweptthroughItalyasifitwereaconqueredcountryandcaressedthelegionsasiftheywerehisown；byallhiswordsandactshesoughttopaveforhimselfthewaytopower。Toimbuethearmywithaspiritoflicence，heofferedtothelegionsthecommissionsofthecenturionskilledinthewar。Bytheirvotethemostturbulentmenwereelected。Thesoldiersinfactwerenotunderthecontrolofthegenerals，butthegeneralswerethemselvesconstrainedtofollowthefuriousimpulsesofthesoldiers。Thesemutinousproceedings，soruinoustodiscipline，Antoniussoonturnedtohisownprofit，regardlessofthenearapproachofMucianus，aneglectmorefatalthananycontemptforVespasian。

Aswinterwasapproaching，andthelowcountrywasfloodedbythePadus，thearmymarchedonwithoutitsheavybaggage。Thestandardsandeaglesofthevictoriouslegions，theoldandwoundedsoldiers，andevenmanyeffectivemen，wereleftatVerona。Theauxiliaryinfantryandcavalry，withsomepickedtroopsfromthelegions，appearedsufficientforawarthatwasallbutfinished。Theyhadbeenjoinedbythe11thlegion，whichatfirsthadhesitated，butnowinthehourofsuccessfeltalarmathavingstoodaloof。Arecentlevyof6000Dalmatianswasattachedtothelegion。TheywereunderthecommandofPompeiusSilvanus，amanofconsularrank；therealdirectionofaffairswasinthehandsofAnniusBassus，thelegateofthelegion。Thisofficercontrived，underanappearanceofsubmission，togovernSilvanus，aleaderwithoutvigour，andapttowasteinwordstheopportunitiesofaction。Bassus，withhisunobtrusiveenergy，wasreadyforeverythingthathadtobedone。TotheseforceswereaddedtheeliteofthemarinesoftheRavennafleet，whodemandedpermissiontoserveinthelegions。ThecrewsweremadeupwithDalmatians。ThearmyandgeneralshaltedattheTempleofFortune，undecidedastotheirlineofaction。TheyhadheardthatthePraetorianGuardhadmarchedoutofRome，andtheysupposedthattheApennineswereoccupiedwithtroops。Thegenerals，findingthemselvesinacountryutterlyimpoverishedbywar，wereterrifiedbythescarcityofprovisionsandthemutinousclamoursofthesoldiery，whoincessantlydemandedthe"clavarium，"asthedonativewascalled。Theyhadprovidedneithermoneynorcorn，andtheywereembarrassedbythegeneralimpatienceandrapacity；forwhattheymighthaveobtainedwasplundered。

Ihavetheveryhighestauthorityforasserting，thattherewasamongtheconquerorssuchanimpiousdisregardofrightandwrong，thataprivatecavalrysoldierdeclaredhehadslainhisbrotherinthelatebattle，andclaimedarewardfromthegenerals。Thecommonlawofhumanityontheonehandforbadethemtorewardthisactofblood，thenecessitiesofthewarontheotherforbadethemtopunishit。Theyputhimoff，onthegroundthattheobligationwastoogreattobeimmediatelydischarged。Nothingmoreisrecorded。Intheearliercivilwarsindeedasimilarhorrorhadoccurred。InthebattlewithCinnaattheJaniculum，asoldierinPompey\'sarmy，asSisennatellsus，slewhisownbrother，and，ondiscoveringthehorribledeedhehadcommitted，destroyedhimself。Somuchmoreearnestamongourancestorswasthehonourpaidtovirtue，andtheremorsethatwaitedoncrime。Theseandlikeinstances，drawnfromtherecollectionsofthepast，Ishallmentionnotirrelevantly，wheneverthesubjectandtheoccasionshallcallforsomeexampleofgoodnessorsomesolaceinthepresenceofevil。

AntoniusandtheothergeneralsofthepartyjudgeditexpedienttosendforwardthecavalryandexplorethewholeofUmbriaforsomepointwheretheApenninespresentedamoregentleascent，andalsotobringuptheeaglesandstandardsandallthetroopsatVerona，whiletheyweretocoverthePadusandtheseawithconvoys。Sometherewereamongthegeneralswhowerecontrivingdelays，forAntoniusinfactwasnowbecomingtoogreataman，andtheirhopesfromMucianusweremoredefinite。Thatcommander，troubledatsospeedyasuccess，andimaginingthatunlessheoccupiedRomeinpersonheshouldloseallshareinthegloryofthewar，continuedtowriteinambiguoustermstoVarusandAntonius，enlargingatonetimeonthenecessityoffollowinguptheiroperations，atanotherontheadvantageofdelay，andwithexpressionssowordedthathecould，accordingtotheevent，repudiateadisastrous，orclaimasuccessfulpolicy。ToPlotiusGriphus，whohadlatelybeenraisedbyVespasiantothesenatorialrankandappointedtocommandalegion，aswellastoallothersonwhomhecouldfullyrely，hegaveplainerinstructions。AllthesemensentrepliesreflectingunfavourablyontheprecipitancyofVarusandAntonius，andsuitingthewishesofMucianus。ByforwardingtheseletterstoVespasianhehadaccomplishedthismuch，thatthemeasuresandachievementsofAntoniuswerenotvaluedaccordingtohishopes。

Antoniuswasindignant，andblamedMucianus，whosecalumnieshaddepreciatedhisownhazardousachievements。Norwashetemperateinhisexpressions，forhewashabituallyviolentinlanguage，andwasunaccustomedtoobey。HewrotealettertoVespasianintermsmorearrogantthanshouldbeaddressedtoanEmperor，andnotwithoutimpliedreproachagainstMucianus。"ItwasI，"hesaid，"whobroughtintothefieldthelegionsofPannonia；myinstigationsrousedthegeneralsinMoesia；mycourageousresolutionforcedapassagethroughtheAlps，seizedonItaly，andcutoffthesuccoursfromGermanyandRhaetia。ThediscomfitureofthedisunitedandscatteredlegionsofVitelliusbyafiercechargeofcavalry，andafterwardsbythesteadystrengthoftheinfantryinaconflictthatlastedforadayandanight，wasindeedamostgloriousachievement，anditwasmywork。ForthedestructionofCremonathewarmustbeanswerable；thecivilstrifesofformerdayscosttheStatemoreterriblelossandtheoverthrowofmanycities。Notwithmessagesandletters，butwithmyarmandmysword，haveIservedmyEmperor。IwouldnotseektohindertherenownofthosewhointhemeanwhilehavereducedAsiatotranquillity。TheyhadatheartthepeaceofMoesia，IthesafetyandsecurityofItaly。BymyearnestrepresentationsGaulandSpain，themostpowerfulregionoftheworld，havebeenwonforVespasian。

Butallmyeffortshavebeenwasted，iftheyalonewhohavenotsharedtheperilobtainitsrewards。"ThemeaningofallthisdidnotescapeMucianus，andtherearoseadeadlyfeud，cherishedbyAntoniuswithfrankness，byMucianuswithreserve，andthereforewiththegreaterbitterness。

Vitellius，afterhispowerhadbeenshatteredatCremona，endeavouredtosuppressthetidingsofthedisaster，andbythisfoolishattemptatconcealmentheputoff，notindeedhistroubles，butonlytheapplicationoftheremedy。Hadheavowedanddiscussedhisposition，hehadsomechance，somestrength，left；whereas，onthecontrary，whenhepretendedthatallwasprosperous，heaggravatedhisperilsbyfalsehood。Astrangesilencewasobservedinhispresenceastothewar；throughoutthecountryalldiscussionwasprohibited，andso，manywhowouldhavetoldthetruthhaditbeenallowed，findingitforbidden，spreadrumoursexaggeratingthecalamity。Thegeneralsoftheenemyfailednottomagnifythereportoftheirstrength，fortheysentbackanyspiesofVitelliuswhomtheycaptured，afterconductingthemroundthecampinorderthattheymightlearntheforceofthevictoriousarmy。AllofthesepersonsVitelliusquestionedinsecret，andthenorderedthattheyshouldbeputtodeath。Singularbraverywasdisplayedbyacenturion，JuliusAgrestis，who，afterseveralinterviews，inwhichhehadinvainendeavouredtorouseVitelliustocourage，prevailedontheEmperortosendhiminpersontoseewhatwasthestrengthoftheenemy\'sresources，andwhathadhappenedatCremona。HedidnotseektoescapethenoticeofAntoniusbymakinghisobservationsinsecret，butavowedtheemperor\'sinstructionsandhisownpurpose，andaskedleavetoseeeverything。Personsweresenttoshewhimthefieldofbattle，theremainsofCremona，andthecapturedlegions。HethenmadehiswaybacktoVitellius，andwhentheEmperordeniedthetruthoftheintelligencewhichhebrought，andevenchargedhimwithhavingbeenbribed，"Since，"hereplied，"yourequiresomedecisiveproof，andIcannolongerserveyouinanyotherwayeitherbymylifeordeathIwillgiveyouaproofwhichyoucanbelieve。"Sohedeparted，andconfirmedhisstatementbyavoluntarydeath。SomesaythathewasslainbyorderofVitellius，buttheybearthesametestimonytohisloyaltyandcourage。

Vitellius，whoseemedlikeamanrousedfromslumberorderedJuliusPriscusandAlfeniusVarus，withfourteenofthePraetoriancohortsandtheentireforceofcavalry，tooccupytheApennines。A

legionoftroopsdraftedfromthefleetfollowed。Somanythousandtroops，comprisingthepickedmenandhorsesofthearmy，hadtheybeenunderthedirectionofadifferentgeneral，wouldhavebeenquiteequaleventoaggressiveoperations。TherestofthePraetoriancohortswereentrustedtoLuciusVitellius，brotheroftheEmperor，forthedefenceofthecapital。Vitellius，whileheabatednothingofhishabitualindulgence，withaprecipitancypromptedbyalarm，anticipatedtheelections，atwhichheappointedconsulsforseveralyears。Withaprofuseliberality，hegrantedtreatiestoallies，andtherightsofLatincitizenshiptoforeigners；someherelievedbytheremissionoftribute，othersbyexemptions；inaword，utterlycarelessofthefuture，hemutilatedtheresourcesoftheEmpire。

Butthemobwasattractedbythemagnificenceofhisbounties。Themostfoolishboughtthesefavourswithmoney；thewiseheldthattobeinvalid，whichcouldneitherbegivennorreceivedwithoutruintotheState。Yieldingatlengthtotheimportunityofthearmy，whichhadtakenupitspositionatMevania，andaccompaniedbyanumeroustrainofsenators，intowhichmanywerebroughtbyambitionandmorebyfear，heenteredthecamp，undecidedinpurposeandatthemercyoffaithlesscounsels。

Whilehewasharanguinghistroops(marvelloustorelate)suchamultitudeofill-omenedbirdsflewoverhim，astoobscurewithadarkcloudthelightofday。Thereoccurredanotherterriblepresage。A

bullescapedfromthealtar，scatteredthepreparationsforsacrifice，andwasfinallyslainfarfromthespotwherethevictimsareusuallystruckdown。ButthemostportentousspectacleofallwasVitelliushimself，ignorantofmilitarymattersandwithoutforethoughtinhisplans，evenaskingothersabouttheorderofmarch，aboutthebusinessofreconnoitring，andthediscretiontobeusedinpushingonorprotractingthecampaign，betrayinginhiscountenanceandgaithisalarmateveryfreshpieceofintelligence，andfinallydrinkingtointoxication。Atlast，wearyofthecamp，andhavingreceivedtidingsofthedefectionofthefleetatMisenum，hereturnedtoRome，tremblingateverynewdisaster，butrecklessofthefinalresult。ForthoughitwasopentohimtohavecrossedtheApennineswithanarmyinunimpairedvigour，andtohaveattackedinthefieldanenemysufferingfromcoldandscantsupplies，yet，bydividinghisforces，heabandonedtodestructionorcaptivitytroopsofthekeenestcourageandfaithfultothelast，againstthejudgmentofthemostexperiencedamongthecenturions，who，hadtheybeenconsulted，wouldhavetoldhimthetruth。TheywereallkeptatadistancebytheintimatefriendsofVitellius；fortheEmperor\'searsweresoformed，thatallprofitablecounselswereoffensivetohim，andthathewouldhearnothingbutwhatwouldpleaseandruin。

ThefleetatMisenum，somuchcanbedoneintimesofcivildiscordbythedaringofevenasingleman，wasdrawnintorevoltbyClaudiusFaventinus，acenturioncashieredbyGalba，whoforgedlettersinthenameofVespasianofferingarewardfortreachery。

ThefleetwasunderthecommandofClaudiusApollinaris，amanneitherfirminhisloyalty，norenergeticinhistreason。ApiniusTiro，whohadfilledtheofficeofpraetor，andwhothenhappenedtobeatMinturnae，offeredtoheadtherevolt。Bythesementhecoloniesandmunicipaltownsweredrawnintothemovement，andasPuteoliwasparticularlyzealousforVespasian，whileCapuaontheotherhandremainedloyaltoVitellius，theyintroducedtheirmunicipaljealousyintothecivilwar。ClaudiusJulianus，whohadlatelyexercisedanindulgentruleoverthefleetatMisenum，wasselectedbyVitelliustosoothetheirritationofthesoldiery。Hewassupportedbyacitycohortandatroopofgladiatorswhosechiefofficerhewas。

Assoonasthetwocampswerepitched，Julianus，withoutmuchhesitation，wentovertothesideofVespasian，andtheythenoccupiedTarracina，whichwasprotectedbyitsfortificationsandpositionratherthanbyanyabilityoftheirs。

Vitellius，wheninformedoftheseevents，leftaportionofhisarmyatNarniaunderthecommandoftheprefectofthePraetorianGuard，anddeputedhisbrotherLuciuswithsixcohortsofinfantryand500

cavalrytoencounterthedangerthatnowthreatenedhimonthesideofCampania。Sickatheart，hefoundreliefinthezealofthesoldiersandintheshoutswithwhichthepeopleclamouredforarms，whilehegavethedelusivenameofanarmyandofRomanlegionstoacowardlymob，thatwouldnotventureonanythingbeyondwords。Attheinstanceofhisfreedmen(forhisfriendswerethelessfaithfulthemoredistinguishedtheirrank)heorderedthetribestobeconvoked，andtothosewhogaveintheirnamesadministeredtheoathofservice。Asthenumberswereexcessive，hedividedthebusinessofenrolmentbetweentheconsuls。HerequiredtheSenatorstofurnishaprescribednumberofslavesandacertainweightofsilver。TheRomanKnightsofferedtheirservicesandmoney，andeventhefreedmenvoluntarilysoughttheprivilegeofdoingthesame。Thispretenceofloyalty，dictatedatfirstbyfear，passedintoenthusiasm，andmanyexpressedcompassion，notsomuchforVitellius，asforthefallenconditionoftheImperialpower。Vitelliushimselffailednottodrawouttheirsympathiesbyhispitiablelooks，hisvoice，andhistears；hewasliberalinhispromisesandevenextravagant，asmenintheiralarmnaturallyare。HeevenexpressedawishtobesalutedasCaesar，atitlewhichhehadformerlyrejected。Butnowhehadasuperstitiousfeelingaboutthename；anditisafactthatinthemomentofterrorthecounselsofthewiseandthevoiceoftherabblearelistenedtowithequalrespect。Butasallmovementsthatoriginateinthoughtlessimpulse，howevervigorousintheirbeginnings，becomefeebleafteratime，thethrongofSenatorsandKnightsgraduallymeltedaway，dispersingatfirsttardilyandduringtheabsenceoftheEmperor，butbeforelongwithacontemptuousindifferencetohispresence，till，ashamedofthefailureofhisefforts，Vitelliuswaivedhisclaimstoserviceswhichwerenotoffered。

AstheoccupationofMevania，andtheapparentrevivalofthewarwithnewvigour，hadstruckterrorintoItaly，sonowdidthetimorousretreatofVitelliusgiveanunequivocalbiasinfavouroftheFlavianists。TheSamnites，thePeligni，andtheMarsi，rousedthemselves，jealousathavingbeenanticipatedbyCampania，and，asmenwhoserveanewmaster，wereenergeticinallthedutiesofwar。

Thearmy，however，wasmuchdistressedbybadweatherinitspassageovertheApennines，andsincetheycouldhardlystrugglethroughthesnow，thoughtheirmarchwasunmolested，theyperceivedwhatdangertheywouldhavehadtoencounter，hadnotVitelliusbeenmadetoturnbackbythatgoodfortune，which，notlessoftenthanthewisdomoftheircounsels，helpedtheFlavianistgenerals。HeretheyfellinwithPetiliusCerialis，whohadescapedthesentriesofVitelliusbyarusticdisguiseandbyhisknowledgeofthecountry。

TherewasanearrelationshipbetweenCerialisandVespasian，andhewasnotwithoutreputationasasoldier。Hewasthereforeadmittedtorankamongthegenerals。IthasbeensaidbymanythatthemeansofescapewerelikewiseopentoFlaviusSabinusandtoDomitian，andindeedmessengers，dispatchedbyAntonius，contrivedundervariousdisguisestomaketheirwaytothem，offeringthemaplaceofrefugeandaprotectingforce。Sabinuspleadedhisillhealth，unsuitedtotoilandadventure。Domitiandidnotwantthecourage，buthefearedthattheguardswhomVitelliushadsetoverhim，thoughtheyofferedtoaccompanyhiminhisflight，hadtreacherousdesigns。AndVitelliushimself，outofaregardforhisownconnexions，didnotmeditateanycrueltyagainstDomitian。

TheFlavianistgeneralsontheirarrivalatCarsulaetookafewdaysforrepose，whiletheeaglesandstandardsofthelegionswerecomingup。Carsulaeappearedagoodpositionforanencampment，foritcommandedanextensiveprospect，provisionscouldbesafelybroughtup，andtherewereinitsrearseveralverywealthytowns。TheyalsocalculatedoninterviewswiththeVitellianists，whowereonlytenmilesdistant，andonthechancesofdefection。Thesoldiersweredissatisfiedwiththisprospect，andwishedforvictoryratherthanforpeace。Theywouldnotevenawaitthearrivaloftheirownlegions，whomtheylookeduponassharersinthespoilratherthaninthedangersofthecampaign。Antoniussummonedthemtoanassembly，andexplainedtothemthatVitelliushadstillforces，whichwouldwaverintheirloyaltyiftheyhadtimetoreflect，butwouldbefiercefoesifdriventodespair。"Theopeningofacivilwarmust，"hesaid，"belefttochance；thefinaltriumphisperfectedbywisecounselsandskill。ThefleetofMisenumandthefairestportionofCampaniahavealreadyrevolted，andoutofthewholeworldVitelliushasnothingleftbutthecountrybetweenTarracinaandNarnia。FromourvictoryatCremonasufficientgloryhasaccruedtous，andfromthedestructionofthatcityonlytoomuchdisgrace。Letusnotbeeagertocaptureratherthantopreservethecapital。Greaterwillbeourreward，farhigherourreputation，ifwesecurewithoutbloodshedthesafetyoftheSenateandofthepeopleofRome。"Bythisandsimilarlanguagetheirimpatiencewasallayed。

Soonafter，thelegionsarrived。Alarmedbythereportofthisincreasetothearmy，theVitellianistcohortsbegantowaver；nooneurgedthemtofight，manyurgedthemtochangesides，eachmoreeagerthantheothertohandoverhiscompanyortroop，apresenttotheconqueror，andasourceoffutureadvantagetohimself。FromthesemenitwasascertainedthatInteramna，situatedintheadjoiningplain，wasoccupiedbyagarrisonof400cavalry。Varuswasatoncedispatchedwithalightlyequippedforce，andcuttopiecesafewwhoattemptedtoresist；thegreaternumberthrewdowntheirarms，andbeggedforquarter。Somefledbackintothecamp，andspreadpaniceverywherebyexaggeratedreportsofthecourageandstrengthoftheenemy，seekingthustomitigatethedisgraceofhavinglosttheposition。AmongtheVitellianiststreasonwentunpunished；allloyaltywassubvertedbytherewardsofdesertion，andnothingwasleftbutemulationinperfidy。Therewerenumerousdesertionsamongthetribunesandcenturions；thecommonsoldiersremainedobstinatelyfaithfultoVitellius，tillPriscusandAlfenius，desertingthecampandreturningtoVitellius，relievedallfromanyshametheymightfeelatbeingtraitors。

AboutthesametimeFabiusValenswasputtodeathwhileinconfinementatUrbinum。HisheadwasdisplayedtotheVitellianistcohort，thattheymightnotcherishanyfurtherhope，fortheygenerallybelievedthatValenshadmadehiswayintoGermany，andwastherebringingintothefieldveteranaswellasnewlyleviedarmies。Thebloodyspectaclereducedthemtodespair，anditwasamazinghowthearmyofVespasianwelcomedintheirheartsthedestructionofValensastheterminationofthewar。ValenswasanativeofAnagnia，andbelongedtoanEquestrianfamily；hewasamanofloosecharacter，butofnosmallability，whosoughttogainbyprofligacyareputationforelegance。InthetheatricalsperformedbyyoungmenduringthereignofNero，atfirstapparentlyfromcompulsion，afterwardsofhisownfreechoice，herepeatedlyactedinthefarces，withmoreclevernessthanpropriety。Whilelegateofalegion，hefirstsupported，thenslandered，Verginius。FonteiusCapitohemurdered，eitherafterhehadcorruptedhim，orbecausehehadfailedtodoso。ThoughatraitortoGalbahewasloyaltoVitellius，andgainedalustrefromtheperfidyofothers。

Findingalltheirhopescutoff，thetroopsofVitellius，intendingtopassovertothesideoftheconqueror，buttodosowithhonour，marcheddownwiththeirstandardsandcoloursintotheplainsbeneathNarnia。ThearmyofVespasian，preparedandequippedasifforaction，wasdrawnupindensearrayonbothsidesoftheroad。TheVitellianistswerereceivedbetweenthetwocolumns；whentheywerethussurrounded，Antoniusaddressedthemkindly。OnedivisionwasorderedtoremainatNarnia，anotheratInteramna；withthemwereleftsomeofthevictoriouslegions，whichwouldnotbeformidabletothemiftheyremainedquiet，butwerestrongenoughtocrushallturbulence。AtthesametimePrimusandVarusdidnotneglecttoforwardcontinualmessagestoVitellius，offeringhimpersonalsafety，theenjoymentofwealth，andaquietretreatinCampania，providedhewouldlaydownhisarmsandsurrenderhimselfandhischildrentoVespasian。Mucianusalsowrotetohimtothesameeffect，andVitelliuswasoftendisposedtotrusttheseovertures，andevendiscussedthenumberofhishouseholdandthechoiceofaresidenceonthecoast。Suchalethargyhadcomeoverhisspirit，that，hadnotothersrememberedhehadbeenanEmperor，hewouldhavehimselfforgottenit。

TheleadingmenintheStatehadsecretconferenceswithFlaviusSabinus，prefectofthecity，urginghimtosecureashareinthecreditofthevictory。"Youhave，"theysaid，"aforceofyourowninthecitycohorts；thecohortsofthewatchwillnotfailyou，andtherearealsoourownslaves，thereistheprestigeoftheparty，thereisthefactthattothevictoriouseverythingiseasy。YoushouldnotyieldthegloryofthewartoAntoniusandVarus。Vitelliushasbutafewcohorts，andtheyarealarmedbygloomytidingsfromeveryquarter。Thefeelingsofthepeopleareeasilyswayed，and，ifyouputyourselfattheirhead，therewillsoonbethesameflatteriesreadyforVespasian。Vitelliuseveninprosperitywasunequaltohisposition，andheisproportionatelyunnervedbydisaster。Themeritofhavingfinishedthewarwillbelongtohimwhomayhavepossessedhimselfofthecapital。ItwouldwellbecomeSabinustokeeptheEmpireforhisbrother，andVespasianequallywell，tocounthisotheradherentsinferiortoSabinus。"

Oldandinfirmashewas，itwaswithanythingbuteagernessthathelistenedtothesesuggestions。Someindeedassailedhimwithdarkinsinuations，implyingthatfrommotivesofenvyandrivalryhewasseekingtoretardtheelevationofhisbrother。Itwastrue，thatwhilebothwereinaprivatestation，FlaviusSabinus，whowastheelder，wasthesuperiorofVespasianininfluenceandinwealth。Hewasbelievedindeedtohavesustainedthefailingcreditofhisbrother，whiletakingamortgageofhishouseandlands；andhence，thoughtheoutwardappearanceofharmonywaspreserved，somesecretgrudgewasfeared。Itismorecharitabletosupposethatthemildtemperofthemanshrankfrombloodshedandslaughter，andthatforthisreasonhehadheldfrequentconferenceswithVitelliustodiscussthequestionofpeaceandthecessationofhostilitiesuponcertainconditions。Aftermanyprivateinterviews，theyfinally，soreportsaid，ratifiedanagreementinthetempleofApollo。ThewordsoftheirconversationhadtwowitnessesinCluviusRufusandSiliusItalicus。Theirlookswerenotedbythemoredistantspectators；theexpressionofVitelliuswasabjectandmean，thatofSabinusnottriumphant，butratherakintopity。

CouldVitelliushaveswayedthefeelingsofhispartisansaseasilyashehadhimselfyielded，thearmyofVespasianmighthaveenteredthecapitalwithoutbloodshed。Butthemoreloyalhisadherents，themoredidtheyprotestagainstpeaceandnegotiation。

Theypointedoutthedangeranddisgraceofasubmissioninwhichthecapriceoftheconquerorwouldbetheirsoleguarantee。"AndVespasian，"theysaid，"isnotsoarrogantastotoleratesuchasubjectasVitellius。Eventhevanquishedwouldnotendureit。Theirpitywouldbedangeroustohim。Youcertainlyareanoldman，andhavehadenoughbothofprosperityandofadversity，butthinkwhataname，whataposition，youwillleavetoyoursonGermanicus。Nowindeedtheypromiseyouwealth，andalargeestablishment，andaluxuriousretreatinCampania；butwhenVespasianhasonceseizedthethrone，neitherhe，norhisfriends，norevenhisarmies，willfeelthemselvessecuretillallrivalryhasbeenextinguished。FabiusValens，captiveashewas，andreservedagainstthechanceofdisaster，wasyettooformidabletothem；andcertainlyPrimus，Fuscus，andMucianus，whoexhibitsthetemperofhisparty，willnotbeallowedpoweroverVitelliusexcepttoputhimtodeath。CaesardidnotleavePompey，AugustusdidnotleaveAntonyinsafety，though，perhaps，Vespasianmayshowamoreloftyspirit，Vespasian，whowasadependantofVitellius，whenVitelliuswasthecolleagueofClaudius。Ifyouwouldactasbecomesthecensorship，thethrice-repeatedconsulateofyourfather，andallthehonoursofyourillustrioushouse，letdespairatanyratearmyoutocourageousaction。Thetroopsarestillfirm，andamongthepeoplethereisabundantzeal。Lastly，nothingcanhappentousmoreterriblethanthatuponwhichwearevoluntarilyrushing。Ifweareconquered，wemustdie；wemustdie，ifwecapitulate。Allthatconcernsusisthis；shallwedrawourlastbreathamidstscornandinsult，orinavaliantstruggle？"

TheearsofVitelliusweredeaftomanlycounsels。Hiswholesoulwasoverwhelmedbyatenderanxiety，lestbyanobstinateresistancehemightleavetheconquerorlessmercifullydisposedtohiswifeandchildren。Hehadalsoamotheroldandfeeble，butshe，expiringafewdaysbefore，escapedbyheropportunedeaththeruinofherhouse，havinggainedfromtheImperialdignityofhersonnothingbutsorrowandagoodname。Onthe18thofDecember，afterhearingofthedefectionofthelegionandtheauxiliaryinfantrywhichhadsurrenderedatNarnia，heleftthepalace，cladinmourningrobes，andsurroundedbyhisweepinghousehold。Withhimwenthislittleson，carriedinalitter，asthoughinafuneralprocession。Thegreetingsofthepeoplewereflattering，butill-suitedtothetime；

thesoldierspreservedanominoussilence。

Therecouldhardlybeamansocarelessofhumaninterestsasnottobeaffectedbythisspectacle。TherewastheRomanEmperor，lordbutafewdaysbeforeofthewholehumanrace，leavingtheseatofhispower，andpassingthroughthemidstofhispeopleandhiscapital，toabdicatehisthrone。Menhadneverbeforeseenorheardofsuchanevent。Caesar，theDictator，hadfallenbysuddenviolence，Caligulabysecrettreason。Theshadesofnightandtheobscurityofaruralhiding-placehadveiledtheflightofNero。PisoandGalbahad，itmightbesaid，falleninbattle。Inanassemblyofhisownpeople，andinthemidstofhisownsoldiers，withtheverywomenofhisfamilylookingon，Vitelliusstoodandspokeafewwordssuitabletothesadconjuncture。"Hegaveway，"hesaid，"forthesakeofpeace，forthesakeofhiscountry；letthemonlyrememberhim，andthinkwithcompassionofhisbrother，ofhiswife，ofhisyoungandinnocentchildren。"Atthesametimeheheldouthisson，commendinghimfirsttoindividualbystanders，thentothewholeassembly。Atlast，unabletospeakforweeping，heunfastenedthedaggerfromhisside，andofferedittotheConsul，CaeciliusSimplex，whowasstandingbyhim，asiftoindicatethathesurrenderedthepoweroflifeanddeathoverthecitizens。TheConsulrejectingit，andthosewhowerestandingbyintheassemblyshoutingremontrance，hedeparted，asifwiththeintentionoflayingasidetheemblemsofImperialpowerintheTempleofConcord，andofbetakinghimselftohisbrother\'shouse。

Loudershoutsheremethimfromthecrowd，whichhinderedhimfromenteringaprivatehouse，andinvitedhimtoreturntothepalace。

Everyotherroutewasclosed，andtheonlyoneopenwasonewhichledintotheViaSacra。Theninutterperplexityhereturnedtothepalace。TherumourthathehadrenouncedtheImperialdignityhadprecededhimthither，andFlaviusSabinushadsentwrittenorderstothetribunesofthecohortstokeeptheirsoldiersunderrestraint。

Then，asifthewholeStatehadpassedintothehandsofVespasian，theleadingmenoftheSenate，manyoftheEquestrianorder，withallthecitysoldieryandthewatch，throngedthedwellingofSabinus。IntelligencewastherebroughttohimoftheenthusiasmofthepopulaceandofthethreateningattitudeoftheGermancohorts。Hehadnowgonetoofartobeabletoretreat，andeveryone，fearingforhimself，shouldtheVitellianistscomeuponthemwhiletheywerescatteredandcomparativelyweak，urgedhim，inspiteofhisreluctance，tohostilities。Asusuallyhappens，however，insuchcases，allgavetheadvice，butfewsharedtherisk。ThearmedretinuewhichwasescortingSabinuswasmet，asitwascomingdownbytheLakeFundanus，bysomeofthemostdeterminedoftheVitellianists。Fromthisunforeseencollisionresultedanencounterslightindeed，butterminatingfavourablyfortheVitellianists。InthehurryofthemomentSabinusadoptedthesafestcourseopentohim，andoccupiedtheCapitolwithamiscellaneousbodyofsoldiery，andsomeSenatorsandKnights。Itisnoteasytogivethenamesofthesepersons，sinceafterthetriumphofVespasianmanypretendedtohaverenderedthisservicetohisparty。Therewereevenwomenwhobravedthedangersofthesiege；themostconspicuousamongthembeingVerulanaGratilla，whowastakenthither，notbytheloveofchildrenorkindred，butbythefascinationofwar。TheVitellianistskeptbutacarelesswatchoverthebesieged，andthusatthedeadofnightSabinuswasabletobringintotheCapitolhisownchildrenandDomitianhisbrother\'sson，andtosendbyanunguardedrouteamessengertothegeneralsoftheFlavianistparty，withinformationthattheywerebesieged，andthat，unlesssuccourarrived，theymustbereducedtodistress。Thenightpassedsoquietlythathemighthavequittedtheplacewithoutloss；for，braveaswerethesoldiersofVitelliusinencounteringdanger，theywerefarfromattentivetothelaboriousdutiesofwatching。Besidesthis，thesuddenfallofawinterstormbaffledbothsightandhearing。

Atdawnofday，beforeeithersidecommencedhostilities，SabinussentCorneliusMartialis，acenturionofthefirstrank，toVitellius，withinstructionstocomplainoftheinfractionofthestipulatedterms。"Therehasevidently，"hesaid，"beenamereshowandpretenceofabdicatingtheEmpire，withtheviewofdeceivinganumberofdistinguishedmen。Ifnot，why，whenleavingtheRostra，hadhegonetothehouseofhisbrother，lookingasitdidovertheForum，andcertaintoprovokethegazeofthemultitude，ratherthantotheAventine，andthefamilyhouseofhiswife？ThiswouldhavebefittedaprivateindividualanxioustoshunallappearanceofImperialpower。

Butonthecontrary，Vitelliusretracedhisstepstothepalace，theverystrongholdofEmpire；thenceissuedabandofarmedmen。Oneofthemostfrequentedpartsofthecitywasstrewedwiththecorpsesofinnocentpersons。TheCapitolitselfhadnotbeenspared。"I，"saidSabinus，"wasonlyacivilianandamemberoftheSenate，whiletherivalryofVitelliusandVespasianwasbeingsettledbyconflictsbetweenlegions，bythecaptureofcities，bythecapitulationofcohorts；withSpain，Germany，andBritaininrevolt，thebrotherofVespasianstillremainedfirmtohisallegiance，tillactuallyinvitedtodiscusstermsofagreement。Peaceandharmonybringadvantagetotheconquered，butonlycredittotheconqueror。Ifyourepentofyourcompact，itisnotagainstme，whomyoutreacherouslydeceived，thatyoumustdrawthesword，norisitagainstthesonofVespasian，whoisyetoftenderage。Whatwouldbegainedbytheslaughterofoneoldmanandonestripling？Youshouldgoandmeetthelegions，andfightthereforEmpire；everythingelsewillfollowtheissueofthatstruggle。"TotheserepresentationstheembarrassedVitelliusansweredafewwordsinhisownexculpation，throwingalltheblameuponthesoldiers，withwhoseexcessivezealhismoderationwas，hesaid，unabletocope。HeadvisedMartialistodepartunobservedthroughaconcealedpartofthepalace，lestheshouldbekilledbythesoldiers，asthenegotiatorofthisabhorredconvention。Vitelliushadnotnowthepowereithertocommandortoforbid。HewasnolongerEmperor，hewasmerelythecauseofwar。

MartialishadhardlyreturnedtotheCapitol，whentheinfuriatedsoldieryarrived，withoutanyleader，everymanactingonhisownimpulse。TheyhurriedatquickmarchpasttheForumandthetempleswhichhangoverit，andadvancedtheirlineuptheoppositehillasfarastheoutergatesoftheCapitol。Therewereformerlycertaincolonnadesontherightsideoftheslopeasonewentup；thedefenders，issuingforthontheroofofthesebuildings，showeredtilesandstonesontheVitellianists。Theassailantswerenotarmedwithanythingbutswords，anditseemedtootedioustosendformachinesandmissiles。Theythrewlightedbrandsonaprojectingcolonnade，andfollowingthetrackofthefirewouldhaveburstthroughthehalf-burntgatesoftheCapitol，hadnotSabinus，tearingdownonallsidesthestatues，thegloriesofformergenerations，formedthemintoabarricadeacrosstheopening。TheythenassailedtheoppositeapproachestotheCapitol，nearthegroveoftheAsylum，andwheretheTarpeianrockismountedbyahundredsteps。Boththeseattackswereunexpected；thecloserandfiercerofthetwothreatenedtheAsylum。Theassailantscouldnotbecheckedastheymountedthecontinuouslineofbuildings，which，aswasnaturalinatimeofprofoundpeace，hadgrownuptosuchaheightastobeonalevelwiththesoiloftheCapitol。Adoubtarisesatthispoint，whetheritwastheassailantswhothrewlightedbrandsontotheroofs，orwhether，asthemoregeneralaccounthasit，thebesiegedthussoughttorepeltheassailants，whowerenowmakingvigorousprogress。Fromthemthefirepassedtothecolonnadesadjoiningthetemples；theeaglessupportingthepediment，whichwereofoldtimber，caughttheflames。AndsotheCapitol，withitsgatesshut，neitherdefendedbyfriends，norspoiledbyafoe，wasburnttotheground。

ThiswasthemostdeplorableanddisgracefuleventthathadhappenedtotheCommonwealthofRomesincethefoundationofthecity；fornow，assailedbynoforeignenemy，withHeavenreadytobepropitious，hadourvicesonlyallowed，theseatofJupiterSupremelyGoodandGreat，foundedbyourancestorswithsolemnauspicestobethepledgeofEmpire，theseat，whichneitherPorsenna，whenthecitywassurrendered，northeGauls，whenitwascaptured，hadbeenabletoviolate，wasdestroyedbythemadnessofourEmperors。OncebeforeindeedduringcivilwartheCapitolhadbeenconsumedbyfire，butthenonlythroughthecrimeofindividuals；nowitwasopenlybesieged，andopenlysetonfire。Andwhatwerethemotivesofthisconflict？whatthecompensationforsogreatadisaster？wasitforourcountrywewerefighting？KingTarquiniusPriscushadvoweditserectioninhiswarwiththeSabines，andhadlaidthefoundationsonascalewhichsuitedthehopesoffuturegreatnessratherthanwhattheyetmoderateresourcesofRomecouldachieve。Afterhim，ServiusTullius，heartilyassistedbytheallies，andTarquiniusSuperbus，employingthespoilsofwarfromtheconqueredSuessaPometia，raisedthesuperstructure。Butthegloryofitscompletionwasreservedforthedaysofliberty。AftertheexpulsionoftheKings，HoratiusPulvillus，inhissecondconsulate，dedicatedit，abuildingsomagnificent，thatthevastwealthafterwardsacquiredbythepeopleofRomeservedtoembellishratherthanincreaseit。Itwasrebuiltonthesamesite，when，afteranintervalof415years，itwasburnttothegroundintheconsulateofLuciusScipioandCaiusNorbanus。Sulla，afterhisfinaltriumph，undertookthechargeofrestoringit，butdidnotlivetodedicateit，theonethingdeniedtohisuniformgoodfortune。ThenameofLutatiusCatulus，thededicator，remainedamongallthevasterectionsoftheEmperors，downtothedaysofVitellius。Thiswasthebuildingthatwasnowonfire。

Thecatastrophe，however，causedmorepanicamongthebesiegedthanamongthebesiegers。Infact，thetroopsofVitelliuslackedneitherskillnorcourageinthemidstofperil。Opposedtothemweresoldierswithoutself-possession，andaspiritlessand，sotospeak，infatuatedcommander，whohadnottheuseofhistongueorhisears，whowouldnotbeguidedbyothermen\'scounsels，andcouldnotcarryouthisown，who，hurriedtoandfrobytheshoutsoftheenemy，forbadewhathehadjustordered，andorderedwhathehadjustforbidden。Then，asusuallyhappenswheneverythingislost，allgaveorders，andnooneobeyed。Atlast，theythrewawaytheirarms，andbegantolookaboutforwaysofescapeandmeansofconcealment。TheVitellianistsburstin，carryingeverywherewithindiscriminateferocitythefirebrandandthesword。Afewofthemilitarymen，amongwhomthemostconspicuouswereCorneliusMartialis，AemiliusPacensis，CasperiusNiger，andDidiusSceva，venturedtoresist，andwerecutdown。FlaviusSabinus，whowasunarmed，andwhodidnotattempttofly，wassurrounded，andwithhimtheconsulQuinctiusAtticus，markedoutbyhisclingingtotheshadowofoffice，andbyhisfollyinhavingscatteredamongthepeopleedictshighlyeulogisticofVespasianandinsultingtoVitellius。Therestescapedbyvariouschances，somedisguisedasslaves，othersconcealedbythefidelityofdependants，andhidingamongthebaggage。SomecaughtthewatchwordbywhichtheVitellianistsrecognisedeachother，and，themselveschallengingothersandgivingitwhenchallenged，foundintheiraudacityaneffectualdisguise。

Whentheenemyfirstburstin，Domitianconcealedhimselfinthehouseofaservantofthetemple。Attheingenioussuggestionofafreedman，heassumedalinenvestment，andpassingunnoticedamongacrowdofacolytes，foundarefugewithCorneliusPrimus，oneofhisfather\'sdependants，inahouseneartheVelabrum。Whenhisfathermountedthethrone，hepulleddownthechamberofthetemple-servant，andbuiltasmallchapel，dedicatedtoJupiterthePreserver，withanaltaronwhichhisownadventureswererepresentedinmarble。Afterwards，onhisownaccessiontotheImperialpower，heconsecratedavasttempletoJupitertheGuardian，withaneffigyofhimselfinthearmsofthegod。SabinusandAtticuswereloadedwithchains，andconductedtoVitellius，whoreceivedthemwithanythingbutangerinhiswordsandlooks，amidstthemurmursofthosewhodemandedtheprivilegeofslayingthemandtheirpayfortheworktheyhaddone。Thosewhowerestandingnearbegantheclamour，andthedegradedrabblecriedoutfortheexecutionofSabinus，andmingledthreatswiththeirflatteries。Vitellius，whowasstandingbeforethestepsofthepalace，andwaspreparingtointercede，wasinducedtodesist。ThebodyofSabinus，piercedandmutilatedandwiththeheadseveredfromit，wasdraggedtotheGemoniae。

Suchwastheendofamaninnowisecontemptible。InfiveandthirtycampaignshehadservedtheState，andhadgaineddistinctionbothathomeandabroad。Hisblamelessnessandintegritynoonecouldquestion。Hewassomewhatboastful；thiswastheonlyfaultofwhichrumouraccusedhiminthesevenyearsduringwhichhehadgovernedMoesia，andthetwelveduringwhichhewasprefectofthecity。Intheclosingsceneofhislifesomehaveseenpusillanimity，manyamoderatetemper，sparingofthebloodofhiscountrymen。Onethingisallowedbyall，that，beforetheaccessionofVespasian，thedistinctionofthefamilywascentredinSabinus。IhaveheardthathisdeathgratifiedMucianus，andmanyindeedassertedthattheinterestsofpeacewerepromotedbytheremovaloftherivalrybetweenthesetwomen，oneofwhomfelthimselftobethebrotheroftheEmperor，whiletheotherthoughthimselfhiscolleague。VitelliusresistedthedemandsofthepeoplefortheexecutionoftheConsul；hewasnowpacified，andwished，itwouldseem，torecompenseAtticus，who，whenaskedwhohadsetfiretotheCapitol，hadconfessedhisownguilt，andbythisconfession，whichmayindeedhavebeenanopportunefalsehood，wasthoughttohavetakenuponhimselftheodiumofthecrime，andtohaveacquittedtheVitellianistparty。

MeanwhileLuciusVitellius，whowasencampednearFeronia，wasthreateningTarracinawithdestruction。Therewereshutupintheplaceafewgladiatorsandseamen，whodarednotleavethewallsandriskanengagementintheplain。IhavementionedbeforethatJulianuswasincommandofthegladiators，Apollinarisoftheseamen，twomenwhoseprofligacyandindolencemadethemresemblegladiatorsratherthangenerals。Theykeptnowatch；theydidnotstrengthentheweakpointsofthefortifications；but，makingeachpleasantspotringwiththenoiseoftheirdailyandnightlydissipation，theydispersedtheirsoldiersonerrandswhichweretoministertotheirluxury，andneverspokeofwar，exceptattheirbanquets。ApiniusTirohadquittedtheplaceafewdaysbefore，andwasnow，bytheharshexactionofpresentsandcontributionsfromthetowns，addingtotheunpopularityratherthantotheresourcesofhisparty。

MeanwhileaslavebelongingtoVerginiusCapitodesertedtoL。

Vitellius，andhavingengaged，onbeingfurnishedwithaforce，toputhiminpossessionoftheunoccupiedcitadel，proceededatalatehourofthenighttoplacesomelight-armedcohortsonthesummitofarangeofhillswhichcommandedtheenemy\'sposition。Fromthisplacethetroopsdescendedtowhatwasmoreamassacrethanaconflict。Manywhomtheyslewwereunarmedorintheactofarmingthemselves，somewerejustawakingfromsleep，amidtheconfusionofdarknessandpanic，thebrayingoftrumpets，andtheshoutsofthefoe。Afewofthegladiatorsresisted，andfellnotaltogetherunavenged。Therestmadearushfortheships，whereeverythingwasinvolvedinageneralpanic，thetroopsbeingmingledwithcountrypeople，whomtheVitellianistsslaughteredindiscriminately。SixLiburnianshipswithApollinaris，prefectofthefleet，escapedinthefirstconfusion。Therestwereeitherseizeduponthebeach，orwereswampedbytheweightofthecrowdsthatrushedonboard。JulianuswasbroughtbeforeL。Vitellius，and，afterbeingignominiouslyscourged，wasputtodeathinhispresence。SomepersonsaccusedTriaria，thewifeofL。Vitellius，ofhavingarmedherselfwithasoldier\'ssword，andofhavingbehavedwitharroganceandcrueltyamidthehorrorsandmassacresofthestormofTarracina。Luciushimselfsenttohisbrotheralaurelleddispatchwithanaccountofhissuccess，andaskedwhetherhewishedhimatoncetoreturntoRome，ortocompletethesubjugationofCampania。ThiscircumstancewasadvantageoustotheStateaswellastothecauseofVespasian。Hadthearmyfreshfromvictory，andwithalltheprideofsuccessaddedtoitsnaturalobstinacy，marcheduponRome，aconflictofnoslightmagnitude，andinvolvingthedestructionofthecapital，musthaveensued。LuciusVitellius，infamousashewas，hadyetsomeenergy，butitwasnotthroughhisvirtues，asisthecasewiththegood，butthroughhisvices，thathe，liketheworstofvillains，wasformidable。

WhilethesesuccesseswerebeingachievedonthesideofVitellius，thearmyofVespasianhadleftNarnia，andwaspassingtheholidayoftheSaturnaliainidlenessatOcriculum。ThereasonallegedforsoinjuriousadelaywasthattheymightwaitforMucianus。SomepersonsindeedtherewerewhoassailedAntoniuswithinsinuations，thathelingeredwithtreacherousintent，afterreceivingprivatelettersfromVitellius，whichconveyedtohimtheofferoftheconsulshipandoftheEmperor\'sdaughterinmarriagewithavastdowry，asthepriceoftreason。Othersassertedthatthiswasallafiction，inventedtopleaseMucianus。Someagainallegedthatthepolicyagreeduponbyallthegeneralswastothreatenratherthanactuallytoattackthecapital，asVitellius\'strongestcohortshadrevoltedfromhim，anditseemedlikelythat，deprivedofallsupport，hewouldabdicatethethrone，butthatthewholeplanwasruinedbytheimpatienceandsubsequentcowardiceofSabinus，who，afterrashlytakinguparms，hadnotbeenabletodefendagainstthreecohortsthegreatstrongholdoftheCapitol，whichmighthavedefiedeventhemightiestarmies。Onecannot，however，easilyfixupononemantheblamewhichbelongstoall。Mucianusdidinfactdelaytheconquerorsbyambiguously-wordeddispatches；Antonius，byaperverseacquiescence，orbyanattempttothrowtheodiumuponanother，laidhimselfopentoblame；theothergenerals，byimaginingthatthewarwasover，contrivedadistinctionforitsclosingscene。EvenPetiliusCerialis，thoughhehadbeensentonwithathousandcavalrybycrossroadsthroughtheSabinedistrictsoastoenterRomebytheViaSalaria，hadnotbeensufficientlypromptinhismovements，whenthereportofthesiegeoftheCapitolputallalikeonthealert。

AntoniusmarchedbytheViaFlaminia，andarrivedatSaxaRubra，whenthenightwasfarspent，toolatetogiveanyhelp。Therehereceivednothingbutgloomyintelligence，thatSabinuswasdead，thattheCapitolhadbeenburnttotheground，thatRomewasinconsternation，andalsothatthepopulaceandtheslaveswerearmingthemselvesforVitellius。AndPetiliusCerialishadbeendefeatedinacavalryskirmish。Whilehewashurryingonwithoutcaution，asagainstavanquishedenemy，theVitellianists，whohaddisposedsomeinfantryamongtheircavalry，methim。Theconflicttookplacenotfarfromthecityamongbuildings，gardens，andwindinglanes，whichwerewellknowntotheVitellianists，butdisconcertingtotheiropponents，towhomtheywerestrange。Norindeedwereallthecavalryoneinheart，fortherewerewiththemsomewhohadlatelycapitulatedatNarnia，andwhowereanxiouslywatchingthefortunesoftherivalparties。TulliusFlavianus，commandingasquadron，wastakenprisoner；therestfledindisgracefulconfusion，butthevictorsdidnotcontinuethepursuitbeyondFidenae。

Bythissuccessthezealofthepeoplewasincreased。Themobofthecityarmeditself。Somefewhadmilitaryshields，thegreaterpartseizedsucharmsascametohand，andloudlydemandedthesignalofbattle。Vitelliusexpressedhisthankstothem，andbadethemsallyforthtodefendthecapital。ThentheSenatewascalledtogether，andenvoyswereselectedtomeetthearmiesandurgetheminthenameoftheCommonwealthtounionandpeace。Thereceptionoftheseenvoyswasnoteverywherethesame。ThosewhofellinwithPetiliusCerialiswereexposedtoextremeperil，forthetroopsdisdainedalloffersofpeace。ThepraetorArulenusRusticuswaswounded。Thisdeedseemedallthemoreatrocious，when，overandabovetheinsultofferedtothedignityoftheenvoyandpraetor，menconsideredtheprivateworthoftheman。Hiscompanionsweredispersed，andthelictorthatstoodnexttohim，venturingtopushasidethecrowd，waskilled。Hadtheynotbeenprotectedbyanescortprovidedbythegeneral，thedignityoftheambassador，respectedevenbyforeignnations，wouldhavebeenprofanedwithfatalviolencebythemadnessofRomancitizensbeforetheverywallsoftheirCountry。TheenvoyswhometAntoniousweremorefavourablyreceived，notbecausethetroopswereofquietertemper，butbecausethegeneralhadmoreauthority。

OneMusoniusRufus，amanofequestrianrank，stronglyattachedtothepursuitofphilosophyandtothetenetsoftheStoics，hadjoinedtheenvoys。Hemingledwiththetroops，and，enlargingontheblessingsofpeaceandtheperilsofwar，begantoadmonishthearmedcrowd。Manythoughtitridiculous；morethoughtittiresome；

somewerereadytothrowhimdownandtramplehimunderfoot，hadhenotyieldedtothewarningsofthemoreorderlyandthethreatsofothers，andceasedtodisplayhisill-timedwisdom。TheVestalvirginsalsopresentedthemselveswithaletterfromVitelliustoAntonius。Heaskedforonedayoftrucebeforethefinalstruggle，andsaid，thatiftheywouldpermitsomedelaytointervene，everythingmightbemoreeasilyarranged。Thesacredvirginsweresentbackwithhonour，buttheanswerreturnedtoVitelliuswas，thatallordinaryintercourseofwarhadbeenbrokenoffbythemurderofSabinusandtheconflagrationoftheCapitol。

Antonius，however，summonedthelegionstoanassembly，andendeavouredtocalmthem，proposingthattheyshouldencampneartheMulvianbridge，andenterthecapitalonthefollowingday。Hisreasonfordelaywasthefearthatthesoldiers，onceexasperatedbyconflict，wouldrespectneitherthepeoplenortheSenate，noreventheshrinesandtemplesoftheGods。They，however，lookedwithdislikeonallprocrastinationasinimicaltovictory。Atthesametimethecoloursthatglitteredamongthehills，thoughfollowedbyanunwarlikepopulation，presentedtheappearanceofahostilearray。

Theyadvancedinthreedivisions，onecolumnstraightfromwheretheyhadhaltedalongtheViaFlaminia，anotheralongthebankoftheTiber，athirdmovedontheCollineGatebytheViaSalaria。Themobwasroutedbyachargeofthecavalry。ThentheVitellianisttroops，themselvesalsodrawnupinthreecolumnsofdefence，metthefoe。Numerousengagementswithvariousissuetookplacebeforethewalls，buttheygenerallyendedinfavouroftheFlavianists，whohadtheadvantageofmoreskilfulgeneralship。OnlythatdivisionsufferedwhichhadwounditswayalongnarrowandslipperyroadstotheleftquarterofthecityasfarasthegardensofSallust。TheVitellianists，takingtheirstandonthegarden-walls，keptofftheassailantswithstonesandjavelinstilllateintheday，whentheyweretakenintherearbythecavalry，whichhadthenforcedanentrancebytheCollineGate。IntheCampusMartiusalsothehostilearmiesmet，theFlavianistswithalltheprestigeoffortuneandrepeatedvictory，theVitellianistsrushingoninsheerdespair。

Thoughdefeated，theyralliedagaininthecity。

Thepopulacestoodbyandwatchedthecombatants；and，asthoughithadbeenamimicconflict，encouragedfirstonepartyandthentheotherbytheirshoutsandplaudits。Whenevereithersidegaveway，theycriedoutthatthosewhoconcealedthemselvesintheshops，ortookrefugeinanyprivatehouse，shouldbedraggedoutandbutchered，andtheysecuredthelargershareofthebooty；for，whilethesoldierswerebusywithbloodshedandmassacre，thespoilsfelltothecrowd。Itwasaterribleandhideoussightthatpresenteditselfthroughoutthecity。Hereragedbattleanddeath；therethebathandthetavernwerecrowded。Inonespotwerepoolsofbloodandheapsofcorpses，andclosebyprostitutesandmenofcharacterasinfamous；

therewereallthedebaucheriesofluxuriouspeace，allthehorrorsofacitymostcruellysacked，tillonewasreadytobelievetheCountrytobemadatoncewithrageandlust。Itwasnotindeedthefirsttimethatarmedtroopshadfoughtwithinthecity；theyhaddonesotwicewhenSulla，oncewhenCinnatriumphed。Thebloodshedthenhadnotbeenless，butnowtherewasanunnaturalrecklessness，andmen\'spleasureswerenotinterruptedevenforamoment。Asifitwereanewdelightaddedtotheirholidays，theyexultedinandenjoyedthescene，indifferenttoparties，andrejoicingoverthesufferingsoftheCommonwealth。

Themostarduousstrugglewasthestormingofthecamp，whichthebravestoftheenemystillheldasalasthope。Itwas，therefore，withpeculiarenergythattheconquerors，amongwhomtheveterancohortswereespeciallyforward，broughttobearuponitatoncealltheapplianceswhichhavebeendiscoveredinreducingthestrongestcities，thetestudo，thecatapult，theearth-work，andthefirebrand。Theyrepeatedlyshouted"thatallthetoilanddangertheyhadenduredinsomanyconflictswouldbecrownedbythisachievement。ThecapitalhasbeenrestoredtotheSenateandpeopleofRome，andtheirtemplestotheGods；butthesoldier\'speculiardistinctionisinthecamp；thisishiscountry，andthishishome；

unlessthisberecoveredforthwith，thenightmustbepassedunderarms。"OntheotherhandtheVitellianists，thoughunequalinnumbersanddoomedtodefeat，couldyetdisturbthevictory，delaytheconclusionofpeace，andpollutebothhearthandaltarwithblood；andtheyclungtotheselastconsolationsofthevanquished。Many，desperatelywounded，breathedtheirlastonthetowersandramparts。

Whenthegatesweretorndown，thesurvivorsthrewthemselvesinabodyontheconquerors，andfelltoaman，withtheirwoundsinfrontandtheirfacesturnedtowardsthefoe，soanxiousweretheyevenintheirlasthourstodiewithhonour。Whenthecityhadbeentaken，VitelliuscausedhimselftobecarriedinalitterthroughthebackofthepalacetotheAventine，tohiswife\'sdwelling，intending，ifbyanyconcealmenthecouldescapeforthatday，tomakehiswaytohisbrother\'scohortsatTarracina。Then，withcharacteristicweakness，andfollowingtheinstinctsoffear，which，dreadingeverything，shrinksmostfromwhatisimmediatelybeforeit，heretracedhisstepstothedesolateandforsakenpalace，whenceeventhemeanestslaveshadfled，orwheretheyavoidedhispresence。Thesolitudeandsilenceoftheplacescaredhim；hetriedthecloseddoors，heshudderedintheemptychambers，till，weariedoutwithhismiserablewanderings，heconcealedhimselfinanunseemlyhiding-place，fromwhichhewasdraggedoutbythetribuneJuliusPlacidus。Hishandswereboundbehindhisback，andhewasledalongwithtatteredrobes，arevoltingspectacle，amidsttheinvectivesofmany，thetearsofnone。Thedegradationofhisendhadextinguishedallpity。OneoftheGermansoldiersmettheparty，andaimedadeadlyblowatVitellius，perhapsinanger，perhapswishingtoreleasehimthesoonerfrominsult。Possiblytheblowwasmeantforthetribune。

Hestruckoffthatofficer\'sear，andwasimmediatelydispatched。

Vitellius，compelledbythreateningswords，firsttoraisehisfaceandofferittoinsultingblows，thentobeholdhisownstatuesfallingroundhim，andmorethanoncetolookattheRostraandthespotwhereGalbawasslain，wasthendrivenalongtilltheyreachedtheGemoniae，theplacewherethecorpseofFlaviusSabinushadlain。Onespeechwasheardfromhimshewingaspiritnotutterlydegraded，whentotheinsultsofatribuneheanswered，"YetIwasyourEmperor。"Thenhefellunderashowerofblows，andthemobreviledthedeadmanwiththesameheartlessnesswithwhichtheyhadflatteredhimwhenhewasalive。

Luceriawashisnativeplace。Hehadnearlycompletedhis57thyear。

Hisconsulate，hispriesthood，hishighreputation，hisplaceamongthefirstmenoftheState，heowed，nottoanyenergyofhisown，buttotherenownofhisfather。Thethronewasofferedhimbymenwhodidnotknowhim。Seldomhavetheaffectionsofthearmyattachedthemselvestoanymanwhosoughttogainthembyhisvirtuesasfirmlyastheydidtohimfromtheindolenceofhischaracter。Yethehadacertainfranknessandgenerosity，qualitiesindeedwhichturntoaman\'sruin，unlesstemperedwithdiscretion。Believingthatfriendshipmayberetainedbymunificentgiftsratherthanbyconsistencyofcharacter，hedeservedmoreofitthanhesecured。DoubtlessitwasgoodfortheStatethatVitelliusshouldbeoverthrown，buttheywhobetrayedVitelliustoVespasiancannotmakeameritoftheirtreachery，sincetheyhadthemselvesrevoltedfromGalba。Thedaywasnowfastdrawingtoaclose，andtheSenatecouldnotbeconvened，owingtothepanicofthemagistratesandSenators，whohadstolenoutofthecity，orwereconcealingthemselvesinthehousesofdependants。Whennothingmorewastobefearedfromtheenemy，Domitiancameforwardtomeettheleadersoftheparty；hewasuniversallysalutedbythetitleofCaesar，andthetroops，ingreatnumbers，armedastheywere，conductedhimtohisfather\'shouse。

BOOKIV，January-November，A。D。70

WHENVitelliuswasdead，thewarhadindeedcometoanend，butpeacehadyettobegin。Swordinhand，throughoutthecapital，theconquerorshunteddowntheconqueredwithmercilesshatred。Thestreetswerechokedwithcarnage，thesquaresandtemplesreekedwithblood，formenweremassacredeverywhereaschancethrewthemintheway。Soon，astheirlicenseincreased，theybegantosearchforanddragforthhiddenfoes。Whenevertheysawamantallandyoungtheycuthimdown，makingnodistinctionbetweensoldiersandcivilians。Buttheferocity，whichinthefirstimpulseofhatredcouldbegratifiedonlybyblood，soonpassedintothegreedofgain。Theyletnothingbekeptsecret，nothingbeclosed；

Vitellianists，theypretended，mightbethusconcealed。Herewasthefirststeptobreakingopenprivatehouses；here，ifresistanceweremade，apretextforslaughter。Themostneedyofthepopulaceandthemostworthlessoftheslavesdidnotfailtocomeforwardandbetraytheirwealthymasters；othersweredenouncedbyfriends。

Everywherewerelamentations，andwailings，andallthemiseriesofacapturedcity，tillthelicenseoftheVitellianistandOthonianistsoldiery，oncesoodious，wasrememberedwithregret。

Theleadersoftheparty，soenergeticinkindlingcivilstrife，wereincapableofcheckingtheabuseofvictory。Instirringuptumultandstrifetheworstmencandothemost，butpeaceandquietcannotbeestablishedwithoutvirtue。

DomitianhadenteredintopossessionofthetitleandresidenceofCaesar，butnotyetapplyinghimselftobusiness，wasplayingthepartofasonofthethronewithdebaucheryandintrigue。TheofficeofprefectofthePraetorianGuardwasheldbyArriusVarus，butthesupremepowerwasinthehandsofPrimusAntonius，whocarriedoffmoneyandslavesfromtheestablishmentoftheEmperor，asiftheywerethespoilsofCremona。Theothergenerals，whosemoderationorinsignificancehadshutthemoutfromdistinctioninthewar，hadaccordinglynoshareinitsprizes。Thecountry，terror-strickenandreadytoacquiesceinservitude，urgentlydemandedthatLuciusVitelliuswithhiscohortsshouldbeinterceptedonhiswayfromTarracina，andthatthelastsparksofwarshouldbetroddenout。

ThecavalryweresentontoAricia，themainbodyofthelegionshaltedonthissideofBovillae。WithouthesitationVitelliussurrenderedhimselfandhiscohortstothediscretionoftheconqueror，andthesoldiersthrewdowntheirill-starredarmsinragequiteasmuchasinalarm。Thelongtrainofprisoners，closelyguardedbyarmedmen，passedthroughthecapital。Notoneofthemworethelookofasuppliant；sullenandsavage，theywereunmovedbytheshoutsandjestsoftheinsultingrabble。Afew，whoventuredtobreakaway，wereoverpoweredbytheforcethathemmedthemin；therestwerethrownintoprison。Notoneofthemutteredanunworthyword；evenindisasterthehonourofthesoldierwaspreserved。AfterthisLuciusVitelliuswasexecuted。Equallyviciouswithhisbrother，hehadyetshewngreatervigilanceduringthatbrother\'sreign，andmaybesaid，notsomuchtohavesharedhiselevation，astohavebeendraggeddownbyhisfall。

AboutthesametimeLuciliusBassuswassentwithsomelightcavalrytoestablishorderinCampania，wherethetownswerestilldisturbed，butbymutualanimositiesratherthanbyanyspiritofoppositiontothenewEmperor。Thesightofthesoldieryrestoredquiet，andthesmallercoloniesescapedunpunished。AtCapua，however，thethirdlegionwasstationedtopassthewinter，andthenoblefamiliessufferedseverely。Tarracina，ontheotherhand，receivednorelief；somuchmoreinclinedarewetorequiteaninjurythananobligation。Gratitudeisaburden，whilethereseemstobeaprofitinrevenge。TheywereconsoledbyseeingtheslaveofVerginiusCapito，whomIhavementionedasthebetrayerofTarracina，gibbetedintheveryringsofknighthood，thegiftofVitellius，whichtheyhadseenhimwear。AtRometheSenate，delightedandfullofconfidenthope，decreedtoVespasianallthehonourscustomarilybestowedontheEmperors。Andindeedthecivilwar，which，beginninginGaulandSpain，andafterwardsdrawingintothestrugglefirstGermanyandthenIllyricum，hadtraversedAegypt，Judaea，andSyria，everyprovince，andeveryarmy，thiswar，nowthatthewholeearthwas，asitwere，purgedfromguilt，seemedtohavereacheditsclose。TheiralacritywasincreasedbyaletterfromVespasian，writtenduringthecontinuanceofthewar。Suchindeedwasitscharacteratfirstsight；thewriter，however，expressedhimselfasanEmperor，speakingmodestlyabouthimself，inadmirablelanguageabouttheState。TherewasnowantofdeferenceonthepartoftheSenate。OntheEmperorandhissonTitustheconsulshipwasbestowedbydecree；

onDomitiantheofficeofpraetorwithconsularauthority。

MucianushadalsoforwardedtotheSenatecertainletterswhichfurnishedmatterfortalk。Itwassaid，"Why，ifheisaprivatecitizen，doeshespeaklikeapublicman？Inafewdays\'timehemighthavesaidtheverysamewordsinhisplaceasaSenator。AndeventheinvectiveagainstVitelliuscomestoolate，andisungenerous；

whilecertainlyitisarrogancetotheStateandaninsulttotheEmperortoboastthathehadtheImperialpowerinhishands，andmadeapresentofittoVespasian。"Theirdislike，however，wasconcealed；theiradulationwasopenenough。InmostflatteringlanguagetheyvotedatriumphtoMucianus，atriumphforacivilwar，thoughtheexpeditionagainsttheSarmataewasthepretext。OnAntoniusPrimuswerebestowedtheinsigniaofconsularrank，onArriusVarusandCorneliusFuscuspraetorianhonours。ThentheyrememberedtheGods。ItwasdeterminedthattheCapitolshouldberestored。AllthesemotionsValeriusAsiaticus，consulelect，proposed。MostoftheSenatorssignifiedtheirassentbytheirlooks，orbyraisingthehand；butafew，whoeitherheldadistinguishedrank，orhadapractisedtalentforflattery，declaredtheiracquiescenceinstudiedspeeches。WhenitcametotheturnofHelvidiusPriscus，praetorelect，tovote，hedeliveredanopinion，fullofrespectindeedtoaworthyEmperor，andyetwhollyfreefrominsincerity；

andhewasstronglysupportedbythesympathiesoftheSenate。ToPriscusindeedthisdaywasinanespecialmannerthebeginningofagreatquarrelandagreatrenown。