第6章

AsIhaveagainhappenedtomentionamanofwhomIshalloftenhavetospeak，thesubjectseemstodemandthatIshouldgiveabriefaccountofhislifeandpursuits，andofhisfortunes。HelvidiusPriscuswasanativeofthetownofCarecinainItaly，andwasthesonofoneCluvius，whohadbeenacenturionofthefirstrank。Inearlyyouthhedevotedhisdistinguishedtalentstotheloftiestpursuits，notwishing，asdomany，tocloakunderanimposingnamealifeofindolence，buttobeabletoenteruponpubliclifewithaspiritfortifiedagainstthechancesoffortune。Hefollowedthoseteachersofphilosophywhoholdnothingtobegoodbutwhatishonourable，nothingevilbutwhatisbase，andwhorefusetocounteitheramongthingsgoodorevil，power，rank，orindeedanythingnotbelongingtothemind。Whilestillholdingthequaestorship，hewasselectedbyPaetusThraseatobehisson-in-law，andfromtheexampleofhisfather-in-lawimbibedwithpeculiareagernessaloveofliberty。AsacitizenandasaSenator，asahusband，asason-in-law，asafriend，andinalltherelationsoflife，hewaseverthesame，despisingwealth，steadilytenaciousofright，andundauntedbydanger。

Thereweresomewhothoughthimtooeagerforfame，andindeedthedesireofgloryisthelastinfirmitycastoffevenbythewise。Thefallofhisfather-in-lawdrovehimintoexile，buthereturnedwhenGalbamountedthethrone，andproceededtoimpeachMarcellusEprius，whohadbeentheinformeragainstThrasea。Thisretribution，asgreatasitwasjust，haddividedtheSenateintotwoparties；for，ifMarcellusfell，awholearmyoffellowculpritswasstruckdown。Atfirsttherewasafiercestruggle，asisprovedbythegreatspeechesdeliveredbybothmen。Butafterwards，asthefeelingsofGalbaweredoubtful，andmanySenatorsinterceded，Priscusdroppedthecharge，amidstcommentsvaryingwiththetempersofmen，somepraisinghismoderation，andothersdeploringalackofcourage。Ontheday，however，thattheSenatewasvotingabouttheImperialdignitiesofVespasian，ithadbeenresolvedthatenvoysshouldbesenttothenewEmperor。HencearoseasharpaltercationbetweenHelvidiusandEprius。Priscusproposedthattheyshouldbechosenbynamebythemagistratesonoath，Marcellusdemandedtheballot；andthishadbeentheopinionexpressedbytheConsulelect。

ItwasthedreadofpersonalhumiliationthatmadeMarcellussoearnest，forhefearedthat，ifotherswerechosen，heshouldhimselfappearslighted。Fromanangryconversationtheypassedbydegreestolongandbitterspeeches。Helvidiusasked，"WhyshouldMarcellusbesoafraidofthejudgmentofthemagistrates？Hehaswealthandeloquence，whichmightmakehimsuperiortomany，werehenotoppressedbytheconsciousnessofguilt。Thechancesoftheballotdonotdiscriminatemen\'scharacters；thevotingandthejudgmentoftheSenateweredevisedtoreachthelivesandreputationsofindividuals。ItconcernstheinterestsoftheCommonwealth，itconcernsthehonourduetoVespasian，thatheshouldbemetbythosewhomtheSenatecountstobepeculiarlyblameless，andwhomayfilltheEmperor\'searwithhonourablecounsels。VespasianwasthefriendofThrasea，Soranus，andSextius；andtheaccusersofthesemen，thoughitmaynotbeexpedienttopunishthem，oughtnottobeparadedbeforehim。BythisselectiononthepartoftheSenatetheEmperorwill，sotospeak，beadvisedwhomheshouldmarkwithapproval，andfromwhomheshouldshrink。Therecanbenomoreeffectualinstrumentofgoodgovernmentthangoodfriends。LetMarcellusbesatisfiedwithhavingurgedNerotodestroysomanyinnocentvictims；lethimenjoythewagesofhiscrimesandhisimpunity，butlethimleaveVespasiantoworthieradvisers。"

Marcellusdeclared，"Itisnotmyopinionthatisassailed；theConsulelecthasmadeamotioninaccordancewitholdprecedents，whichdirectedtheuseoftheballotintheappointmentofenvoys，inorderthattheremightbenoroomforintrigueorprivateanimosities。Nothinghashappenedwhycustomsoflongstandingshouldfallintodisuse，orwhythehonourduetotheEmperorshouldbeturnedintoaninsulttoanyman。AllSenatorsarecompetenttopaytheirhomage。Whatwehaverathertoavoidisthis，thatamindunsettledbythenoveltyofpower，andwhichwillkeenlywatchtheverylooksandlanguageofall，shouldbeirritatedbytheobstinacyofcertainpersons。IdonotforgetthetimesinwhichIhavebeenborn，ortheformofgovernmentwhichourfathersandgrandfathersestablished。Imayregardwithadmirationanearlierperiod，butI

acquiesceinthepresent，and，whileIprayforgoodEmperors，Icanendurewhomsoeverwemayhave。ItwasnotthroughmyspeechanymorethanitwasthroughthejudgmentoftheSenatethatThraseafell。

ThesavagetemperofNeroamuseditselfundertheseforms，andIfoundthefriendshipofsuchaPrinceasharassingasothersfoundtheirexile。Finally，HelvidiusmayrivaltheCatosandtheBrutiofoldinconstancyandcourage；IambutoneoftheSenatewhichbowstothesameyoke。Besides，IwouldadvisePriscusnottoclimbhigherthanthethrone，ortoimposehiscounselsonVespasian，anoldman，whohaswonthehonoursofatriumph，andhastwosonsgrowntomanhood。

ForastheworstEmperorsloveanunlimiteddespotism，sothenoblestlikesomecheckonliberty。"Thesespeeches，whichweredeliveredwithmuchvehemenceonbothsides，wereheardwithmuchdiversityoffeeling。Thatpartyprevailedwhichpreferredthattheenvoysshouldbetakenbylot，aseventheneutralsectionintheSenateexertedthemselvestoretaintheoldpractice，whilethemoreconspicuousmembersinclinedtothesameview，dreadingjealousy，shouldthechoicefallonthemselves。

Anotherstruggleensued。ThepraetorsoftheTreasury(theTreasurywasatthistimemanagedbypraetors)complainedofthepovertyoftheState，anddemandedaretrenchmentofexpenditure。

TheConsulelect，consideringhowgreatwastheevilandhowdifficulttheremedy，wasforreservingthematterfortheEmperor。HelvidiusgaveitashisopinionthatmeasuresshouldbetakenatthediscretionoftheSenate。WhentheConsulscametotakethevotes，VulcatiusTertullinus，tribuneofthepeople，puthisvetoonanyresolutionbeingadoptedinsoimportantamatterintheabsenceoftheEmperor。HelvidiushadmovedthattheCapitolshouldberestoredatthepublicexpense，andthatVespasianshouldgivehisaid。AllthemoremoderateoftheSenatorsletthisopinionpassinsilence，andintimeforgotit；butthereweresomewhorememberedit。

MusoniusRufusthenmadeaviolentattackonPubliusCeler，accusinghimofhavingbroughtaboutthedestructionofBareaSoranusbyperjury。Bythisimpeachmentallthehatredsofthedaysoftheinformersseemedtoberevived；buttheaccusedpersonwassoworthlessandsoguiltythathecouldnotbeprotected。ForindeedthememoryofSoranuswasheldinreverence；Celerhadbeenaprofessorofphilosophy，andhadthengivenevidenceagainstBarea，thusbetrayingandprofaningthefriendshipofwhichheclaimedtobeateacher。Thenextdaywasfixedforthetrial。ButitwasnotofMusoniusorPublius，itwasofPriscus，ofMarcellus，andhisbrotherinformers，thatmenwerethinking，nowthattheirheartswereoncerousedtovengeance。

Whilethingswereinthisstate，whiletherewasdivisionintheSenate，resentmentamongtheconquered，norealauthorityintheconquerors，andinthecountryatlargenolawsandnoEmperor，Mucianusenteredthecapital，andatoncedrewallpowerintohisownhands。TheinfluenceofPrimusAntoniusandVarusArriuswasdestroyed；fortheirritationofMucianusagainstthem，thoughnotrevealedinhislooks，wasbutill-concealed，andthecountry，keentodiscoversuchdislikes，hadchangeditstoneandtransferreditshomage。Healonewascanvassedandcourted，andhe，surroundinghimselfwitharmedmen，andbargainingforpalacesandgardens，ceasednot，whatwithhismagnificence，hisproudbearing，andhisguards，tograspatthepower，whilehewaivedthetitlesofEmpire。ThemurderofCalpurniusGalerianuscausedtheutmostconsternation。HewasasonofCaiusPiso，andhaddonenothing，butanoblenameandhisownyouthfulbeautymadehimthethemeofcommontalk；andwhilethecountrywasstillunquietanddelightedinnoveltopics，therewerepersonswhoassociatedhimwithidlerumoursofImperialhonours。ByorderofMucianushewassurroundedwithaguardofsoldiers。Lesthisexecutioninthecapitalshouldexcitetoomuchnotice，theyconductedhimtothefortiethmilestonefromRomeontheAppianRoad，andthereputhimtodeathbyopeninghisveins。JuliusPriscus，whohadbeenprefectofthePraetorianGuardunderVitellius，killedhimselfratheroutofshamethanbycompulsion。AlfeniusVarussurvivedthedisgraceofhiscowardice。Asiaticus，whowasonlyafreedman，expiatedbythedeathofaslavehisevilexerciseofpower。

AtthistimethecountrywashearingwithanythingbutsorrowrumoursthatdailygainedstrengthofdisastersinGermany。Menbegantospeakofslaughteredarmies，ofcapturedencampments，ofGaulinrevolt，asifsuchthingswerenotcalamities。BeginningatanearlierperiodIwilldiscussthecausesinwhichthiswarhaditsorigin，andtheextentofthemovementswhichitkindledamongindependentandalliednations。

TheBatavians，whiletheydweltontheothersideoftheRhine，formedapartofthetribeoftheChatti。Drivenoutbyadomesticrevolution，theytookpossessionofanuninhabiteddistrictontheextremityofthecoastofGaul，andalsoofaneighbouringisland，surroundedbytheoceaninfront，andbytheriverRhineintherearandoneitherside。NotweakenedbythepowerofRomeorbyalliancewithapeoplestrongerthanthemselves，theyfurnishedtotheEmpirenothingbutmenandarms。TheyhadhadalongtrainingintheGermanwars，andtheyhadgainedfurtherrenowninBritain，towhichcountrytheircohortshadbeentransferred，commanded，accordingtoancientcustom，bythenoblestmeninthenation。Theyhadalsoathomeaselectbodyofcavalry，whopractisedwithspecialdevotiontheartofswimming，sothattheycouldstemthestreamoftheRhinewiththeirarmsandhorses，withoutbreakingtheorderoftheirsquadrons。

JuliusPaullusandClaudiusCivilis，scionsoftheroyalfamily，rankedveryhighabovetherestoftheirnation。PaulluswasexecutedbyFonteiusCapitoonafalsechargeofrebellion。CiviliswasputinchainsandsenttoNero，and，thoughacquittedbyGalba，againstoodinperilofhislifeinthetimeofVitellius，whenthearmyclamouredforhisexecution。Herewerecausesofdeepoffence；

hencearosehopesbuiltonourdisasters。Civilis，however，wasnaturallypolitictoadegreerarelyfoundamongbarbarians。HewaswonttorepresenthimselfasSertoriusorHannibal，onthestrengthofasimilardisfigurementofhiscountenance。Toavoidtheoppositionwhichhewouldencounterasapublicenemy，wereheopenlytorevoltfromRome，heaffectedafriendshipforVespasianandazealousattachmenttohisparty；andindeedaletterhadbeendespatchedtohimbyPrimusAntonius，inwhichhewasdirectedtodivertthereinforcementswhichVitelliushadcalledup，andtokeepthelegionswheretheywerebythefeintofanoutbreakinGermany。ThesamepolicywassuggestedbyHordeoniusinperson；hehadabiastowardsVespasian，andfearedfortheEmpire，theutterruinofwhichwouldbeverynear，wereafreshwarwithsomanythousandsofarmedmentoburstuponItaly。

Civilis，whowasresolvedonrebellion，andintended，whileconcealinghisulteriordesigns，torevealhisotherplansasoccasionpresenteditself，setabouttheworkofrevolutioninthisway。BycommandofVitelliusalltheBatavianyouthwasthenbeingsummonedtotheconscription，athingnaturallyvexatious，andwhichtheofficialsmadeyetmoreburdensomebytheirrapacityandprofligacy，whiletheyselectedagedandinfirmpersons，whomtheymightdischargeforaconsideration，andmerestriplings，butofdistinguishedbeauty(andmanyattainedeveninboyhoodtoanoblestature)，whomtheydraggedoffforinfamouspurposes。Thiscausedindignation，andtheringleadersoftheconcertedrebellionprevaileduponthepeopletorefusetheconscription。Civiliscollectedatoneofthesacredgroves，ostensiblyforabanquet，thechiefsofthenationandtheboldestspiritsofthelowerclass。Whenhesawthemwarmedwiththefestivitiesofthenight，hebeganbyspeakingoftherenownandgloryoftheirrace，andthencountedthewrongsandtheoppressionswhichtheyendured，andalltheotherevilsofslavery。"Thereis，"hesaid，"noalliance，asoncetherewas；wearetreatedasslaves。Whendoesevenalegatecomeamongus，thoughhecomeonlywithaburdensomeretinueandinallthehaughtinessofpower？Wearehandedovertoprefectsandcenturions，andwhentheyaregluttedwithourspoilsandourblood，thentheyarechanged，andnewreceptaclesforplunder，newtermsforspoliation，arediscovered。Nowtheconscriptionisathand，tearing，wemaysay，foreverchildrenfromparents，andbrothersfrombrothers。NeverhasthepowerofRomebeenmoredepressed。Inthewinterquartersofthelegionsthereisnothingbutpropertytoplunderandafewoldmen。Onlydaretolookup，andceasetotrembleattheemptynamesoflegions。Forwehaveavastforceofhorseandfoot；wehavetheGermansourkinsmen；wehaveGaulbentonthesameobjects。EventotheRomanpeoplethiswarwillnotbedispleasing；ifdefeated，weshallstillreckonitaservicetoVespasian，andforsuccessnoaccountneedberendered。"

Havingbeenlistenedtowithgreatapproval，heboundthewholeassemblywithbarbarousritesandthenationalformsofoath。EnvoysweresenttotheCanninefatestourgeacommonpolicy。Thisisatribewhichinhabitspartoftheisland，andcloselyresemblestheBataviansintheirorigin，theirlanguage，andtheircourageouscharacter，butisinferiorinnumbers。AfterthishesentmessengerstotamperwiththeBritishauxiliariesandwiththeBataviancohorts，who，asI

havebeforerelated，hadbeensentintoGermany，andwerethenstationedatMogontiacum。AmongtheCanninefatestherewasacertainBrinno，amanofacertainstolidbraveryandofdistinguishedbirth。Hisfather，afterventuringonmanyactsofhostility，hadscornedwithimpunitytheridiculousexpeditionofCaligula。Hisveryname，thenameofafamilyofrebels，madehimpopular。Raisedaloftonashieldafterthenationalfashion，andbalancedontheshouldersofthebearers，hewaschosengeneral。ImmediatelysummoningtoarmstheFrisii，atribeofthefartherbankoftheRhine，heassailedbyseathewinterquartersoftwocohorts，whichwasthenearestpointtoattack。Thesoldiershadnotanticipatedtheassaultoftheenemy；evenhadtheydoneso，theyhadnotstrengthtorepulseit。Thusthecampwastakenandplundered。ThentheenemyfelluponthesutlersandRomantraders，whowerewanderingaboutineverydirection，astheywouldinatimeofpeace。Atthesametimetheywereonthepointofdestroyingtheforts，buttheprefectsofthecohorts，seeingthattheycouldnotholdthem，setthemonfire。

Thestandards，thecolours，andwhatsoldierstherewere，concentratedthemselvesintheupperpartoftheislandunderthecommandofAquilius，acenturionofthefirstrank，anarmyinnameratherthaninstrength。Vitelliusinfact，afterwithdrawingtheeffectivetroopsfromthecohorts，hadloadedwitharmsacrowdofidlersfromtheneighbouringvillagesoftheNerviiandtheGermans。

Civilis，thinkingthathemustproceedbycraft，actuallyblamedtheprefectsforhavingdesertedtheforts，sayingthathewouldhimself，withthecohortunderhiscommand，quellthedisturbanceamongtheCanninefates，andthattheyhadbetterreturntotheirrespectivewinterquarters。Itwasevident，however，thattherewassometreacherousdesignbeneaththisadvice，thatthecohortswouldbedispersedonlytobemoreeasilycrushed，andthattheguidinghandinthewarwasnotBrinnobutCivilis；forindicationsofthetruth，whichtheGermans，apeoplewhodelightinwar，couldnotlongconceal，weregraduallycomingtolight。Whenstratagemprovedineffectual，heresortedtoforce，arrangingindistinctcolumnstheCanninefates，theBatavians，andtheFrisii。TheRomanarmywasdrawnuptomeetthemnotfarfromtheriverRhine，andtheships，which，afterburningtheforts，theyhadstrandedatthatpoint，werearrangedsoastofronttheenemy。Beforethestrugglehadlastedlong，acohortofTungrianscarriedovertheirstandardstoCivilis。

Theothertroops，paralysedbytheunexpecteddesertion，werecutdownalikebyfriendsandfoes。Inthefleettherewasthesametreachery。SomeoftherowerswereBatavians，andtheyhinderedtheoperationsofthesailorsandcombatantsbyanapparentwantofskill；

thentheybegantobackwater，andtorunthesternsontothehostileshore。Atlasttheykilledthepilotsandcenturions，unlessthesewerewillingtojointhem。Theendwasthatthewholefleetoffourandtwentyvesselseitherdesertedorwastaken。

Forthemomentthiswasabrilliantsuccess，andithaditsuseforthefuture。Theypossessedthemselvesofsomearmsandsomevessels，bothofwhichtheywanted，whiletheybecameveryfamousthroughoutGermanyasthechampionsofliberty。ThetribesofGermanyimmediatelysentenvoyswithoffersoftroops。Theco-operationofGaulCivilisendeavouredtosecurebypoliticliberality，sendingbacktotheirrespectivestatesthecapturedprefectsofcohorts，andgivingpermissiontotheirmentogoorstayastheypreferred。Heofferedtothosewhostayedserviceonhonourableterms，tothosewhodepartedthespoilsoftheRomanarmy。Atthesametimeheremindedtheminconfidentialconversationsofthewrongswhichtheyhadenduredforsomanyyears，whiletheyfalselygavetoawretchedslaverythenameofpeace。"TheBatavians，"hesaid，"thoughfreeoftribute，haveyettakenuparmsagainstourcommonmasters。InthefirstconflictthesoldiersofRomehavebeenroutedandvanquished。WhatwillbetheresultifGaulthrowsofftheyoke？WhatstrengthisthereyetleftinItaly？Itisbythebloodoftheprovincesthattheprovincesareconquered。ThinknotofhowitfaredwiththearmiesofVindex。ItwasbyBataviancavalrythattheAeduiandtheArverniweretrampleddown，andamongtheauxiliariesofVerginiustherewerefoundBelgiantroops。TothosewhowillestimatethematterarightitisevidentthatGaulfellbyherownstrength。Butnowallareonthesameside，andwehavewhateverremnantofmilitaryvigourstillflourishedinthecampsofRome。WithustooaretheveterancohortstowhichthelegionsofOtholatelysuccumbed。LetSyria，AsiaMinor，andtheEast，habituatedasitistodespotism，submittoslavery；therearemanyyetaliveinGaulwhowerebornbeforethedaysoftribute。ItwasonlylatelyindeedthatQuintiliusVaruswasslain，andslaverydrivenoutofGermany。AndtheEmperorwhowaschallengedbythatwarwasnotaVitellius，butaCaesarAugustus。Freedomisagiftbestowedbynatureevenonthedumbanimals。Courageisthepeculiarexcellenceofman，andtheGodshelpthebraverside。Letusthen，whoarefreetoactandvigorous，fallonadistractedandexhaustedenemy。WhilesomearesupportingVespasian，andothersVitellius，opportunitiesareopeningupforactingagainstboth。"

Civilis，bentonwinningGaulandGermanyifhispurposesshouldprosper，wasonthepointofsecuringsupremacyoverthemostpowerfulandmostwealthyofthestates。HisfirstattemptsHordeoniusFlaccushadencouragedbyaffectingignorance。Butwhenmessengerscamehurryinginwithintelligencethatacamphadbeenstormed，thatcohortshadbeencuttopieces，andthattheRomanpowerhadbeenexpelledfromtheislandoftheBatavians，thegeneralorderedthelegate，MuniusLupercus，whowasincommandofthewinterquartersoftwolegions，toadvanceagainsttheenemy。LupercusingreathastethrewacrosstheRhinesuchlegionariesaswereonthespot，someUbiantroopswhowerecloseathand，andsomecavalryoftheTreveri，whowerestationedatnogreatdistance；thesewereaccompaniedbysomeBatavianhorse，who，thoughtheyhadbeenlongdisaffected，yetstillsimulatedloyaltyinorderthatbybetrayingtheRomansinthemomentofactualconflicttheymightreceiveahigherpricefortheirdesertion。Civilis，surroundinghimselfwiththestandardsofthecapturedcohorts，tokeeptheirrecenthonoursbeforetheeyesofhisownmen，andtoterrifytheenemybytheremembranceofdefeat，nowdirectedhisownmotherandsisters，andthewivesandchildrenofallhismen，tostandintherear，wheretheymightencouragetovictory，orshamedefeat。Thewar-songofthemen，andtheshrillcriesofthewomen，rosefromthewholeline，andanansweringbutfarlessvigorouscheer，camefromthelegionsandauxiliaries。TheBatavianshadexposedtheleftwingbytheirdesertion，andtheyimmediatelyturnedagainstourmen。Stillthelegionaries，thoughtheirpositionwasalarming，kepttheirarmsandtheirranks。TheauxiliariesoftheUbiiandtheTreveribrokeatonceinshamefulflight，anddispersedoverthewholecountry。OnthatsidetheGermansthrewtheweightoftheirattack。MeanwhilethelegionshadanopportunityofretreatingintowhatwascalledtheOldCamp。ClaudiusLabeo，prefectoftheBatavianhorse，whohadbeentherivalofCivilisinsomelocalcontest，wassentawayintothecountryoftheFrisii；tokillhimmightbetogiveoffencetohiscountrymen，whiletokeephimwiththearmymightbetosowtheseedsofdiscord。

AboutthesametimethemessengerdespatchedbyCiviliscameupwiththecohortsoftheBataviansandtheCanninefates，whilebytheordersofVitelliustheywereadvancingtowardsRome。Atonce，inflatedwithprideandhaughtiness，theydemanded，bywayofremunerationfortheirmarch，adonative，doublepay，andanincreaseinthenumberofcavalry，thingsindeedwhichVitelliushadpromised，butwhichtheynowasked，notwiththethoughtofobtainingthem，butasapretextformutiny。Flaccus，byhismanyconcessions，hadproducednoothereffectbuttomaketheminsistwithmoreenergyonwhattheyknewhemustrefuse。Treatinghimwithcontempt，theymadetheirwaytowardsLowerGermany，tojoinCivilis。Hordeonius，assemblingthetribunesandcenturions，askedtheiropinionastowhetherheshouldusecoercionwiththosewhorefusedobedience。Soon，yieldingtohisnaturaltimidityandtothealarmofhisofficers，whoweretroubledbythesuspicioustemperoftheauxiliariesandbythefactthattheranksofthelegionshadbeenrecruitedbyahurriedconscription，heresolvedtoconfinehistroopstothecamp。Then，repentingofhisresolve，andfindingthattheverymenwhohadadviseditnowdisapprovedit，heseemedbentonpursuingtheenemy，andwrotetoHerenniusGallus，legateofthefirstlegion，whowasthenholdingBonna，thathewastopreventtheBataviansfromcrossingtheRhine，andthathewouldhimselfhangontheirrearwithhisarmy。Theymighthavebeencrushed，ifHordeonius，movingfromoneside，andGallusfromtheother，hadenclosedthembetweentheirarmies。ButFlaccusabandonedhispurpose，and，inotherdespatchestoGallus，recommendedhimnottothreatenthedepartingfoe。Thencearoseasuspicionthatthewarwasbeingkindledwiththeconsentofthelegates，andthateverythingwhichhadhappened，orwasapprehended，wasdue，nottothecowardiceofthetroops，ortothestrengthoftheenemy，buttothetreacheryofthegenerals。

WhentheBatavianswerenearthecampatBonna，theysentonbeforethemdelegates，commissionedtodelivertoHerenniusGallusamessagefromthecohorts。Itwastothiseffect:"WehavenoquarrelwiththeRomans，forwhomwehavesooftenfought。Weariedwithaprotractedandfruitlessservice，welongforournativelandandforrest。Ifnooneopposeus，ourmarchwillbeharmless，butifanarmedforceencounterus，wewillmakeawaywiththesword。"Thesoldiersprevaileduponthehesitatinglegatetoriskthechancesofabattle。Threethousandlegionaries，somerawBelgiancohorts，andwiththemamobofrusticsandcamp-followers，cowardly，butboldofspeechbeforethemomentofdanger，rushedoutofallthegates，thinkingtosurroundtheBatavians，whowereinferiorinnumber。Buttheenemy，beingveterantroops，formedincolumns，presentingoneverysideadensearray，withfront，flanks，andrearsecure。Thustheywereabletobreakthethinlineofoursoldiers。TheBelgiansgivingway，thelegionwasdrivenback，retreatinginconfusionontheentrenchmentsandthegates。Itwastherethatthegreatestslaughtertookplace。Thetrencheswereheapedupwithcorpses。Norwasitonlyfromthedeadlyblowsoftheenemythattheysuffered；

manyperishedinthecrushandbytheirownweapons。Thevictoriousarmy，whoavoidedtheColoniaAgrippinensis，didnotventureonanyotherhostileactduringtheremainderoftheirmarch，andexcusedtheconflictatBonna，allegingthattheyhadaskedforpeace，andthatwhenitwasrefusedtheyhadbutlookedtotheirownsafety。

Civilis，whonowonthearrivaloftheseveterancohortswasattheheadofacompletearmy，butwhowasundecidedinhisplans，andstillreflectedonthepowerofRome，madeallwhowerewithhimswearallegiancetoVespasian，andsentenvoystothetwolegionswhichaftertheirdefeatinthepreviousengagementhadretreatedintotheOldCamp，advisingthemtoacceptthesameallegiance。Theirreplywas:"Wedonotfollowtheadviceoftraitorsorenemies。VitelliusisourEmperor；tohimwewillretainourfealtyanddevoteourswordstillourlastbreath。ThenletnotaBatavianrefugeeaffecttodecidethedestiniesofRome；lethimratherawaitthemeritedpenaltyofhisguilt。"WhenthisreplywasdeliveredtoCivilis，hewasfuriouswithanger，andhurriedthewholeBataviannationintoopenwar。TheBructeriandtheTencterijoinedhim，andmessengerssummonedallGermanytoshareinhisplunderandhisglory。

Tomeetthethreateneddangersofthegatheringwar，thelegatesofthelegions，MuniusLupercusandNumisiusRufus，strengthenedtheirentrenchmentsandwalls。Thebuildings，whichduringalongperiodofpeacehadgrownuplikeatownnearthecamp，weredestroyed，lesttheymightbeusefultotheenemy。Littlecare，however，wastakenabouttheconveyanceofsuppliesintothecamp。Thesethegeneralsallowedtobeplundered；andso，whatmightlonghavesufficedfortheirnecessities，waswantonlywastedinafewdays。

Civilis，whooccupiedthecentreofthearmywiththeeliteoftheBataviantroops，wishingtoaddanewterrortohisdemonstration，coveredbothbanksoftheRhinewithcolumnsofhisGermanallies，whilehiscavalrygallopedabouttheplains。Atthesametimethefleetwasmovedupthestream。Herewerethestandardsoftheveterancohorts；theretheimagesofwildbeasts，broughtoutofthewoodsandsacredgroves，underthevariousformswhicheachtribeisusedtofollowintobattle，andthesemingledemblemsofcivilandofforeignwarfareutterlyconfoundedthebesieged。Theextentoftheentrenchmentraisedthehopesofthebesiegers。Constructedfortwolegions，itwasnowheldbynotmorethanfivethousandRomansoldiers。Buttherewaswiththemagreatnumberofcamp-followers，whohadassembledthereonthedisturbanceofpeace，andwhocouldbeemployedinthecontest。

Partofthecampoccupiedthegentleslopeofahill；topartwasalevelapproach。BythisencampmentAugustushadthoughttheGermantribesmightbewatchedandchecked；neverhadhecontemplatedsuchapitchofdisaster，asthatthesetribesshouldthemselvesadvancetoattackourlegions。Hencenolabourwasbestowedonthegroundoronthedefences。Ourvalourandourarmsseemeddefenceenough。TheBataviansandtheTransrhenanetribestookuptheirposition，eachtribebyitself，todistinguishandsothebettertodisplaythevalourofeach；firstannoyingusbyadistantvolley；then，astheyfoundthatverymanyoftheirmissilesfixedthemselvesharmlesslyintheturretsandbattlementsofthewalls，andtheythemselvessufferedfromthestonesshowereddownonthem，theyfellontheentrenchmentwithashoutandfuriousrush，manyplacingtheirscaling-laddersagainsttheramparts，andothersmountingonatestudoformedbytheircomrades。Somewereintheactofclimbingoverwhentheywerethrustdownbytheswordsoftheenemy，andfelloverwhelmedbyastormofjavelinsandstakes。Alwaysverydaringatfirstandexcessivelyelatedbysuccess，theynowintheireagernessforplunderboreupagainstreverse。Theyalsoventuredtousewhattothemwasanovelty，enginesofwar；theyhadthemselvesnoskillinhandlingthem，buttheprisonersanddeserterstaughtthemtopileuptimberintheshapeofabridge，underwhichtheyputwheels，andsopropelledit，somestandingonthetop，andfightingastheywouldfromanearth-work，othersconcealingthemselveswithinandunderminingthewalls。Butthestonesthrownbythecatapultsprostratedtheill-constructedfabric，andwhentheysetthemselvestopreparehurdlesandmantlets，burningspearswerethrownonthembytheengines，firebeingthusactuallyusedagainsttheassailants。Atlast，despairingofsuccessbyforce，theychangedtheirplans，andresolvedtowait，fortheywerewellawarethatonlyafewdays\'

provisionswereinthecamp，andthattherewasagreatcrowdonnon-combatants；andtheycountedatthesametimeonthetreacherythatmightfollowonscarcity，onthewaveringfidelityoftheslaves，andonthechancesofwar。

MeanwhileFlaccus，whohadheardofthesiegeofthecamp，andhadsentintoallpartsofGaultocollectauxiliaries，putundercommandofDilliusVocula，legateofthe18thlegion，sometroopspickedfromthelegionswithorderstohastenbyforcedmarchesalongthebanksoftheRhine。Flaccushimself，whowasweakinhealthanddislikedbyhistroops，travelledwiththefleet。ThetroopsindeedcomplainedinunmistakablelanguagethattheirgeneralhaddespatchedtheBataviancohortsfromMogontiacum，hadfeignedignoranceoftheplansofCivilis，andwasinvitingtheGermantribestojointheleague。"This，"theysaid，"hasstrengthenedVespasiannolessthantheexertionsofPrimusAntoniusandMucianus。Declaredenmityandhostilitymaybeopenlyrepulsed，buttreacheryandfraudworkindarkness，andsocannotbeavoided。

Civilisstandsinarmsagainstus，andarrangestheorderofhisbattle；Hordeoniusfromhischamberorhislittergivessuchordersasmaybestservetheenemy。Theswordsofthousandsofbravemenaredirectedbyoneoldman\'ssickcaprice。Howmuchbetterbyslayingthetraitor，tosetfreeourvalourandourfortunefromtheseevilauspices！"ThepassionsalreadykindledbythelanguagewhichtheythusheldamongthemselveswereyetmoreinflamedbyadespatchfromVespasian，whichFlaccus，findingthatitcouldnotbeconcealed，readbeforeanassemblyofthetroops，sendingthepersonswhohadbroughtitinchainstoVitellius。

Withfeelingssomewhatappeased，theyarrivedatBonna，thewinter-campofthefirstlegion。ThetroopstherewereevenmoreenragedagainstHordeonius，andlaidonhimtheblameofthelatedisaster。TheysaidthatitwasbyhisordersthattheyhadofferedbattletotheBatavians，supposingthatthelegionsfromMogontiacumwerefollowingthem；thatitwasthroughhistreacherythattheyhadbeenslaughtered，noreinforcementscomingup；thatalltheseeventswereunknowntotheotherlegions，andwerenottoldtotheirEmperor，thoughthesuddenoutburstoftreasonmighthavebeencrushedbythepromptactionofsomanyprovinces。HordeoniusreadtothearmycopiesofalltheletterswhichhehadsentaboutGaul，beggingforreinforcements，andestablishedasaprecedentamostdisgracefulpractice，namely，thehandingoverthedespatchestothestandard-bearersofthelegions，throughwhosemeanstheywerereadbythesoldierssoonerthanbythegenerals。Hethenorderedoneofthemutineerstobeputinirons，moreforthesakeofassertinghisauthoritythanbecauseanyonemanwasinfault。ThearmywasthenmovedfromBonnatotheColoniaAgrippinensis，whileauxiliariesfromGaulcontinuedtoflowin；foratfirstthatnationzealouslysupportedthecauseofRome。SoonindeedastheGermansincreasedinpower，manyofthestatestookuparmsagainstus，movedbythehopeoffreedomand，couldtheyonceshakeofftheyoke，evenbythelustofempire。Theirritationofthelegionsstillincreased，norhadtheimprisonmentofasinglesoldierstruckthemwithterror。Thisfellowindeedactuallychargedthegeneralwithcomplicity；hehad，hesaid，actedasamessengerbetweenCivilisandFlaccus，andbecausehemighttellthetruthhewasnowbeingcrushedunderafalsecharge。

WithwonderfulfirmnessVoculaascendedthetribunal，andorderedtheman，whohadbeenseizedbythelictors，andwasloudlyremonstrating，tobeledofftoexecution。Allthebestmenacquiescedintheorder，whiletheill-affectedwerestruckwithterror。Then，asallwithcommonconsentdemandedthatVoculashouldbetheirgeneral，Hordeoniushandedovertohimthesupremecommand。

Butthereweremanythingstoexasperatethealreadydividedfeelingsofthesoldiery。Payandprovisionswerescanty，Gaulwasrebellingagainstconscriptionandtaxes，whiletheRhine，owingtoadroughtunexampledinthatclimate，wouldhardlyadmitofnavigation，andthussupplieswerestraitenedatthesametimethatoutpostshadtobeestablishedalongtheentirebanktokeeptheGermansfromfordingthestream；theself-samecausethusbringingaboutasmallersupplyofgrainandagreaternumberofconsumers。

Amongignorantpersonstheveryfailureofthestreamwasregardedasaprodigy，asiftheveryrivers，theolddefencesoftheEmpire，weredesertingus。What，inpeace，wouldhaveseemedchanceornature，wasnowspokenofasdestinyandtheangerofheaven。AsthearmyenteredNovesiumthesixteenthlegionjoinedit；HerenniusGallus，itslegate，wasassociatedwithVoculaintheresponsibilitiesofcommand。

Astheydidnotventuretoadvanceupontheenemy，theyconstructedacampataplacecalledGelduba。Herethegeneralssoughttogivesteadinesstothetroopsbysuchexercisesasforminginorderofbattle，constructingfortifications，makingentrenchments，andwhateverelsemighttrainthemforwar。Inthehopethattheymightbefiredtocouragebythedelightsofplunder，VoculaledthearmyagainstthenearestvillagesoftheGugerni，whohadacceptedtheallianceofCivilis。SomeofthetroopsremainedpermanentlywithHerenniusGallus。

OnedayithappenedthatatnogreatdistancefromthecamptheGermanswereendeavouringtodragofftotheirownbankavesselladenwithcorn，whichhadrunagroundintheshallows。Galluscouldnotendurethis，andsentacohorttohelp。ThenumbersoftheGermansalsoincreased；asfreshtroopscontinuedtojoinbothsides，aregularbattleensued。TheGermans，besidesinflictinggreatlossonourmen，carriedoffthevessel。Thevanquishedtroops，followingwhathadbecomearegularpractice，laidtheblamenotontheirowncowardice，butonsupposedtreacheryinthelegate。Draggedoutofhistent，hisgarmentstorn，andhispersonseverelybeaten，hewascommandedtodeclareforwhatbribeandwithwhataccompliceshehadbetrayedthearmy。TheiroldhatredofHordeoniusreappeared。He，theydeclared，wastheinstigatorofthecrime，Gallushistool。Atlast，utterlyterrifiedbytheirthreatsofinstantdeath，thelegatehimselfchargedHordeoniuswithtreachery。Hewasthenputinirons，andonlyreleasedonthearrivalofVocula，whothenextdayinflictedcapitalpunishmentontheringleadersofthemutiny；suchwideextremesoflicenseandofsubordinationweretobefoundinthatarmy。ThecommonsoldierswereundoubtedlyloyaltoVitellius，butallthemostdistinguishedmenwereinfavourofVespasian。Theresultwasanalternationofoutbreaksandexecutions，andastrangemixtureofobedienceandfrenzy，whichmadeitimpossibletorestrainthemenwhomitwasyetpossibletopunish。

MeanwhileallGermanywasraisingthepowerofCivilisbyvastadditionsofstrength，andthealliancewassecuredbyhostagesofthenoblestrank。HedirectedthattheterritoriesoftheUbiiandtheTreverishouldberavagedbytheseveraltribesonwhichtheybordered，andthatanotherdetachmentshouldcrosstheriverMosa，tothreatentheMenapiiandtheMoriniandthefrontiersofGaul。Inbothquartersplunderwascollected；withpeculiarhostilityinthecaseoftheUbii，because，thisnation，beingofGermanorigin，hadforswornitsnativecountry，andassumedtheRomannameoftheAgrippinenses。TheircohortswerecutupatthevillageofMarcodurum，wheretheylayincarelesssecurity，presumingontheirdistancefromtheriver-bank。TheUbiididnotremainquiet，butmadepredatoryexcursionsintoGermany，escapingatfirstwithimpunity，thoughtheywereafterwardscutoff。Throughoutthewholeofthiswar，theyweremoreloyalthanfortunate。Civilis，grownmoreformidablenowthattheUbiihadbeencrushed，andelatedbythesuccessofhisoperations，pressedonthesiegeofthelegions，keepingastrictwatchtopreventanysecretintelligenceofadvancingsuccoursfromreachingthem。HeentrustedtotheBataviansthecareofthemachinesandthevastsiege-works，andwhentheTransrhenanetribesclamouredforbattle，hebadethemgoandcutthroughtheramparts，and，ifrepulsed，renewthestruggle；theirnumbersweresuperfluouslylarge，andtheirlosswasnotfelt。Evendarknessdidnotterminatethestruggle。

Pilinguplogsofwoodroundthewallsandlightingthem，theysatfeasting，andrushedtotheconflict，aseachgrewheatedwithwine，withauselessdaring。Theirmissilesweredischargedwithouteffectinthedarkness，buttotheRomanstheranksofthebarbarianswereplainlydiscernible，andtheysingledoutwithdeliberateaimanyonewhoseboldnessorwhosedecorationsmadehimconspicuous。Civilissawthis，and，extinguishingthefires，threwtheconfusionofdarknessovertheattack。Thenensuedasceneofdiscordantclamour，ofaccident，anduncertainty，wherenoonecouldseehowtoaimortoavoidablow。Whereverashoutwasheard，theywheeledroundandstrainedhandandfoot。Valourwasofnoavail，accidentdisturbedeveryplan，andthebravestfrequentlywerestruckdownbythemissilesofthecoward。TheGermansfoughtwithinconsideratefury；

ourmen，morealivetothedanger，threw，butnotatrandom，stakesshodwithironandheavystones。Wherethenoiseoftheassailantswasheard，orwheretheladdersplacedagainstthewallsbroughttheenemywithinreachoftheirhands，theypushedthembackwiththeirshields，andfollowedthemwiththeirjavelins。Many，whohadstruggledontothewalls，theystabbedwiththeirshortswords。Afteranightthusspent，dayrevealedanewmethodofattack。

TheBatavianshadraisedatowertwostorieshigh，whichtheybroughtuptothePraetoriangateofthecamp，wherethegroundwasmostlevel。Butourmen，pushingforwardstrongpoles，andbatteringitwithbeams，brokeitdown，causinggreatdestructionamongthecombatantsonthetop。Theenemywereattackedintheirconfusionbyasuddenandsuccessfulsally。Allthistimemanyengineswereconstructedbythelegionaries，whoweresuperiortotheenemyinexperienceandskill。Peculiarconsternationwascausedbyamachine，which，beingpoisedintheairovertheheadsoftheenemy，suddenlydescended，andcarrieduponeormoreofthempastthefacesoftheirfriends，andthen，byashiftingoftheweights，projectedthemwithinthelimitsofthecamp。Civilis，givingupallhopeofasuccessfulassault，againsatdowntoblockadethecampathisleisure，andunderminedthefidelityofthelegionsbythepromisesofhisemissaries。

AlltheseeventsinGermanytookplacebeforethebattleofCremona，theresultofwhichwasannouncedinadespatchfromAntonius，accompaniedbyCaecina\'sproclamation。AlpiniusMontanus，prefectofacohortinthevanquishedarmy，wasonthespot，andacknowledgedthefateofhisparty。Variousweretheemotionsthusexcited；theGallicauxiliaries，whofeltneitheraffectionnorhatredtowardseitherparty，andwhoservedwithoutattachment，atonce，attheinstanceoftheirprefects，desertedVitellius。Theveteransoldiershesitated。Nevertheless，whenHordeoniusadministeredtheoath，underastrongpressurefromtheirtribunes，theypronouncedthewords，whichtheirlooksandtheirtemperbelied，andwhiletheyadoptedeveryotherexpression，theyhesitatedatthenameofVespasian，passingitoverwithaslightmurmur，andnotunfrequentlyinabsolutesilence。

Afterthis，certainlettersfromAntoniustoCiviliswerereadinfullassembly，andprovokedthesuspicionsofthesoldiery，astheyseemedtobeaddressedtoapartisanofthecauseandtobeunfriendlytothearmyofGermany。SoonthenewsreachedthecampatGelduba，andthesamelanguageandthesameactswererepeated。MontanuswassentwithamessagetoCivilis，biddinghimdesistfromhostilities，andnotseektoconcealthedesignsofanenemybyfightingunderfalsecolours，andtellinghimthat，ifhehadbeenattemptingtoassistVespasian，hispurposehadbeenfullyaccomplished。Civilisatfirstrepliedinartfullanguage，butsoonperceivingthatMontanuswasamanofsingularlyhighspiritandwashimselfdisposedforchange，hebeganwithlamentingtheperilsthroughwhichhehadstruggledforfive-and-twentyyearsinthecampsofRome。"Itis，"hesaid，"anoblerewardthatIhavereceivedformytoils；mybrothermurdered，myselfimprisoned，andthesavageclamourofthisarmy，aclamourwhichdemandedmyexecution，andforwhichbythelawofnationsI

demandvengeance。You，Treveri，andotherenslavedcreatures，whatrewarddoyouexpectforthebloodwhichyouhaveshedsooften？

Whatbutahatefulservice，perpetualtribute，therod，theaxe，andthepassionsofarulingrace？SeehowI，theprefectofasinglecohort，withtheBataviansandtheCanninefates，amerefractionofGaul，havedestroyedtheirvastbutuselesscamps，orarepressingthemwiththecloseblockadeoffamineandthesword。Inaword，eitherfreedomwillfollowonourefforts，or，ifwearevanquished，weshallbutbewhatwewerebefore。"Havingthusfiredtheman\'sambition，Civilisdismissedhim，butbadehimcarrybackamilderanswer。Hereturned，pretendingtohavefailedinhismission，butnotrevealingtheotherfacts；theseindeedsooncametolight。

Civilis，retainingapartofhisforces，senttheveterancohortsandthebravestofhisGermantroopsagainstVoculaandhisarmy，underthecommandofJuliusMaximusandClaudiusVictor，hissister\'sson。OntheirmarchtheyplunderedthewintercampofabodyofhorsestationedatAscibergium，andtheyfellonVocula\'scampsounexpectedlythathecouldneitherharanguehisarmy，norevengetitintoline。Allthathecoulddointheconfusionwastoordertheveterantroopstostrengthenthecentre。Theauxiliariesweredispersedineverypartofthefield。Thecavalrycharged，but，receivedbytheorderlyarrayoftheenemy，fledtotheirownlines。

Whatensuedwasamassacreratherthanabattle。TheNervianinfantry，frompanicorfromtreachery，exposedtheflankofourarmy。Thustheattackfelluponthelegions，whohadlosttheirstandardsandwerebeingcutdownwithintheentrenchments，whenthefortuneofthedaywassuddenlychangedbyareinforcementoffreshtroops。

SomeVasconinfantry，leviedbyGalba，whichhadbythistimebeensentfor，heardthenoiseofthecombatantsastheyapproachedthecamp，attackedtherearofthepreoccupiedenemy，andspreadapanicmorethanproportionatetotheirnumbers，somebelievingthatallthetroopsfromNovesium，othersthatallfromMogontiacum，hadcomeup。ThisdelusionrestoredthecourageoftheRomans，andinrelyingonthestrengthofotherstheyrecoveredtheirown。AllthebravestoftheBatavians，oftheinfantryatleast，fell，butthecavalryescapedwiththestandardsandwiththeprisonerswhomtheyhadsecuredintheearlypartoftheengagement。Oftheslainonthatdaythegreaternumberbelongedtoourarmy，buttoitslesseffectivepart。TheGermanslostthefloweroftheirforce。

Thetwogeneralswereequallyblameworthy；theydeserveddefeat，theydidnotmakethemostofsuccess。HadCivilisgivenbattleingreaterforce，hecouldnothavebeenoutflankedbysosmallanumberofcohorts，andhemighthavedestroyedthecampafteronceforcinganentrance。AsforVocula，hedidnotreconnoitretheadvancingenemy，andconsequentlyhewasvanquishedassoonasbeleftthecamp；andthen，mistrustinghisvictory，hefruitlesslywastedseveraldaysbeforemarchingagainsttheenemy，though，hadheatonceresolvedtodrivethemback，andtofollowuphissuccess，hemight，byoneandthesamemovement，haveraisedthesiegeofthelegions。

MeanwhileCivilishadtriedtoworkonthefeelingsofthebesiegedbyrepresentingthatwiththeRomansallwaslost，andthatvictoryhaddeclaredforhisowntroops。Thestandardsandcolourswerecarriedroundtheramparts，andtheprisonersalsoweredisplayed。Oneofthem，withnobledaring，declaredtherealtruthinaloudvoice，and，ashewascutdownonthespotbytheGermans，allthemoreconfidencewasfeltinhisinformation。Atthesametimeitwasbecomingevident，fromthedevastationofthecountryandfromtheflamesofburninghouses，thatthevictoriousarmywasapproaching。Voculaissuedordersthatthestandardsshouldbeplantedwithinsightofthecamp，andshouldbesurroundedwithaditchandrampart，wherehismenmightdeposittheirknapsacks，andsofightwithoutencumbrance。Onthis，theGeneralwasassailedbyaclamorousdemandforinstantbattle。

Theyhadnowgrownusedtothreaten。Withouteventakingtimetoformintoline，disorderedandwearyastheywere，theycommencedtheaction。Civiliswasonthefield，trustingquiteasmuchtothefaultsofhisadversariesastothevalourofhisowntroops。WiththeRomansthefortuneofthedayvaried，andthemostviolentlymutinousshewedthemselvescowards。Butsome，rememberingtheirrecentvictory，stoodtheirgroundandstruckfiercelyatthefoe，nowencouragingeachotherandtheirneighbours，andnow，whiletheyre-formedtheirlines，imploringthebesiegednottolosetheopportunity。Theselatter，whosaweverythingfromthewalls，salliedoutfromeverygate。ItsohappenedthatCiviliswasthrowntothegroundbythefallofhishorse。Areportthathehadbeeneitherwoundedorslaingainedbeliefthroughoutbotharmies，andspreadincrediblepanicamonghisowntroops，andgaveasgreatencouragementtotheiropponents。ButVocula，leavingtheflyingfoe，begantostrengthentherampartandthetowersofthecamp，asifanothersiegewereimminent。Hehadmisusedsuccesssooftenthathewasrightlysuspectedofapreferenceforwar。

Nothingdistressedourtroopssomuchasthescarcityofsupplies。

ThebaggageofthelegionswasthereforesenttoNovesiumwithacrowdofnon-combatantstofetchcornfromthatplaceoverland，fortheenemycommandedtheriver。Themarchofthefirstbodywasaccomplishedinsecurity，asCivilishadnotyetrecovered。ButwhenheheardthatofficersofthecommissariathadbeenagainsenttoNovesium，andthattheinfantrydetachedasanescortwereadvancingjustasifitwereatimeofprofoundpeace，withbutfewsoldiersroundthestandards，thearmsstowedawayinthewagons，andallwanderingaboutattheirpleasure，heattackedtheminregularform，havingfirstsentontroopstooccupythebridgesandthedefilesintheroad。Thebattleextendedoveralonglineofmarch，lastingwithvaryingsuccesstillnightpartedthecombatants。TheinfantrypushedontoGelduba，whilethecampremainedinthesamestateasbefore，garrisonedbysuchtroopsashadbeenleftinit。Therecouldbenodoubtwhatperilaconvoy，heavilyladenandpanic-stricken，wouldhavetoencounterinattemptingtoreturn。

VoculaaddedtohisforceathousandpickedmenfromthefifthandfifteenthlegionsbesiegedintheOldCamp，abodyoftroopsundisciplinedandill-affectedtotheirofficers。Butmorethanthenumberspecifiedcameforward，andopenlyprotested，astheymarched，thattheywouldnotendureanylongerthehardshipsoffamineandthetreacheryofthelegates。Ontheotherhand，thosewhohadstayedbehindcomplainedthattheywere，beinglefttotheirfatebythiswithdrawalofapartofthelegions。Atwofoldmutinywastheresult，somecallinguponVoculatocomeback，whiletheothersrefusedtoreturntothecamp。

MeanwhileCivilisblockadedtheOldCamp。VocularetiredfirsttoGelduba，after，wardstoNovesium；CivilistookpossessionofGelduba，andnotlongafterwasvictoriousinacavalryengagementnearNovesium。Butreversesandsuccessesseemedequallytokindleinthetroopstheonedesireofmurderingtheirofficers。Thelegions，increasedinnumberbythearrivalofthemenfromthefifthandfifteenth，demandedadonative，fortheyhaddiscoveredthatsomemoneyhadbeensentbyVitellius。AfterashortdelayHordeoniusgavethedonativeinthenameofVespasian。This，morethananythingelse，fosteredthemutinousspirit。Themen，abandoningthemselvestodebaucheryandrevelryandallthelicenseofnightlygatherings，revivedtheiroldgrudgeagainstHordeonius。Withoutasinglelegateortribuneventuringtocheckthem，forthedarknessseemstohavetakenfromthemallsenseofshame，theydraggedhimoutofhisbedandkilledhim。ThesamefatewasintendedforVocula，butheassumedthedressofaslave，andescapedunrecognizedinthedarkness。Whentheirfuryhadsubsidedandtheiralarmreturned，theysentcenturionswithdespatchestothevariousstatesofGaul，imploringhelpinmoneyandtroops。

Thesemen，headstrong，cowardly，andspiritless，asamobwithoutaleaderalwaysis，ontheapproachofCivilishastilytookuparms，and，ashastilyabandoningthem，betookthemselvestoflight。Disasterproduceddisunion，thetroopsfromtheUpperarmydissociatingtheircausefromthatoftheircomrades。NeverthelessthestatuesofVitelliuswereagainsetupinthecampandintheneighbouringBelgiantowns，andthisatatimewhenVitelliushimselfhadfallen。

Thenthemenofthe1st，the4th，andthe18thlegions，repentingoftheirconduct，followedVocula，andagaintakinginhispresencetheoathofallegiancetoVespasian，weremarchedbyhimtothereliefofMogontiacum。Thebesiegingarmy，anheterogeneousmassofChatti，Usipii，andMattiaci，hadraisedthesiege，gluttedwithspoils，butnotwithoutsufferingloss。Ourtroopsattackedthemontheway，dispersedandunprepared。MoreovertheTreverihadconstructedabreastworkandrampartacrosstheirterritory，andtheyandtheGermanscontinuedtocontendwithgreatlossesonbothsidesuptothetimewhentheytarnishedbyrebelliontheirdistinguishedservicestotheRomanpeople。

MeanwhileVespasian(nowconsulforthesecondtime)andTitusenteredupontheiroffice，bothbeingabsentfromRome。Peopleweregloomyandanxiousunderthepressureofmanifoldfears，for，overandaboveimmediateperils，theyhadtakengroundlessalarmundertheimpressionthatAfricawasinrebellionthroughtherevolutionarymovementsofLuciusPiso。Hewasgovernorofthatprovince，andwasfarfrombeingamanofturbulentdisposition。Thefactwasthatthewheat-shipsweredetainedbytheseverityoftheweather，andthelowerorders，whowereaccustomedtobuytheirprovisionsfromdaytoday，andtowhomcheapcornwasthesolesubjectofpublicinterest，fearedandbelievedthattheportshadbeenclosedandthesuppliesstopped，theVitellianists，whohadnotyetgivenuptheirpartyfeelings，helpingtospreadthereport，whichwasnotdispleasingeventotheconquerors。Theirambition，whichevenforeigncampaignscouldnotfilltothefull，wasnotsatisfiedbyanytriumphsthatcivilwarcouldfurnish。

Onthe1stofJanuary，atameetingoftheSenate，convokedforthepurposebyJuliusFrontinus，praetorofthecity，votesofthankswerepassedtothelegates，tothearmies，andtothealliedkings。TheofficeofpraetorwastakenawayfromTettiusJulianus，ashavingdesertedhislegionwhenitpassedovertothepartyofVespasian，withaviewtoitsbeingtransferredtoPlotiusGriphus。

EquestrianrankwasconferredonHormus。Then，ontheresignationofFrontinus，CaesarDomitianassumedtheofficeofpraetorofthecity。Hisnamewasputattheheadofdespatchesandedicts，buttherealauthoritywasinthehandsofMucianus，withthisexception，thatDomitianventuredonseveralactsofpower，attheinstigationofhisfriends，orathisowncaprice。ButMucianusfoundhisprincipalcauseofapprehensioninPrimusAntoniusandVarusArrius，who，inthefreshnessoftheirfame，whiledistinguishedbygreatachievementsandbytheattachmentofthesoldiery，werealsosupportedbythepeople，becauseinnocasehadtheyextendedtheirseveritiesbeyondthebattle-field。ItwasalsoreportedthatAntoniushadurgedScribonianusCrassus，whomanillustriousdescentaddedtothehonoursofhisbrothermadeaconspicuousperson，toassumethesupremepower；

anditwasunderstoodthatanumberofaccompliceswouldnothavefailedtosupporthim，hadnottheproposalbeenrejectedbyScribonianus，whowasamannoteasilytobetemptedevenbyacertainty，andwasproportionatelyapprehensiveofrisk。Mucianus，seeingthatAntoniuscouldnotbeopenlycrushed，heapedmanypraisesuponhimintheSenate，andloadedhimwithpromisesinsecret，holdingoutasaprizethegovernmentofEasternSpain，thenvacantinconsequenceofthedepartureofCluviusRufus。Atthesametimehelavishedonhisfriendstribuneshipsandprefectures；andthen，whenhehadfilledthevainheartofthemanwithhopeandambition，hedestroyedhispowerbysendingintowinterquartersthe7thlegion，whoseaffectionforAntoniuswasparticularlyvehement。

The3rdlegion，oldtroopsofVarusArrius，weresentbacktoSyria。

PartofthearmywasonitswaytoGermany。Thusallelementsofdisturbancebeingremoved，theusualappearanceofthecapital，thelaws，andthejurisdictionofthemagistrates，wereoncemorerestored。

Domitian，onthedayofhistakinghisseatintheSenate，madeabriefandmeasuredspeechinreferencetotheabsenceofhisfatherandbrother，andtohisownyouth。Hewasgracefulinhisbearing，and，hisrealcharacterbeingyetunknown，thefrequentblushonhiscountenancepassedformodesty。OnhisproposingtherestorationoftheImperialhonoursofGalba，CurtiusMontanusmovedthatrespectshouldalsobepaidtothememoryofPiso。TheSenatepassedbothmotions，butthatwhichreferredtoPisowasnotcarriedout。

Certaincommissionerswerethenappointedbylot，whoweretoseetotherestitutionofpropertyplunderedduringthewar，toexamineandrestoretotheirplacethebrazentablesofthelaws，whichhadfallendownthroughage，tofreetheCalendarfromtheadditionswithwhichtheadulatoryspiritofthetimehaddisfiguredit，andtoputacheckonthepublicexpenditure。TheofficeofpraetorwasrestoredtoTettiusJulianus，assoonasitwasknownthathehadfledforrefugetoVespasian。Griphusstillretainedhisrank。ItwasthendeterminedthatthecauseofMusoniusRufusagainstPubliusCelershouldbeagainbroughton。Publiuswascondemned，andthusexpiationwasmadetotheshadeofSoranus。Thedaythusmarkedbyanexampleofpublicjusticewasnotbarrenofdistinctiontoindividuals。Musoniuswasthoughttohavefulfilledtherighteousdutyofanaccuser，butmenspokeverydifferentlyofDemetrius，adiscipleoftheCynicalschoolofphilosophy，whopleadedthecauseofanotoriouscriminalbyappealstocorruptinfluencesratherthanbyfairargument。Publiushimself，inhisperil，hadneitherspiritnorpowerofspeechleft。Thesignalforvengeanceontheinformershavingbeenthusgiven，JuniusMauricusaskedCaesartogivetheSenateaccesstotheImperialregisters，fromwhichtheymightlearnwhatimpeachmentstheseveralinformershadproposed。Caesaranswered，thatinamatterofsuchimportancetheEmperormustbeconsulted。

TheSenate，ledbyitsprincipalmembers，thenframedaformofoath，whichwaseagerlytakenbyallthemagistratesandbytheotherSenatorsintheorderinwhichtheyvoted。TheycalledtheGodstowitness，thatnothinghadbeendonebytheirinstrumentalitytoprejudicethesafetyofanyperson，andthattheyhadgainednodistinctionoradvantagebytheruinofRomancitizens。Greatwasthealarm，andvariousthedevicesforalteringthewordsoftheoath，amongthosewhofelttheconsciousnessofguilt。TheSenateappreciatedthescruple，butdenouncedtheperjury。Thispubliccensure，asitmightbecalled，fellwithespecialseverityonthreemen，SariolenusVocula，NonniusAttianus，andCestiusSeverus，alloftheminfamousforhavingpractisedthetradeoftheinformerinthedaysofNero。Sariolenusindeedlabouredunderanimputationofrecentdate。ItwassaidthathehadattemptedthesamepracticesduringthereignofVitellius。TheSenatorsdidnotdesistfromthreateninggestures，tillhequittedthechamber；thenpassingtoPacciusAfricanus，theyassailedhiminthesameway。Itwashe，theysaid，whohadsingledoutasvictimsforNerothebrothersScribonius，renownedfortheirmutualaffectionandfortheirwealth。Africanusdarednotconfesshisguilt，andcouldnotdenyit；buthehimselfturnedonVibiusCrispus，whowaspressinghimwithquestions，andcomplicatingachargewhichhecouldnotrebut，shiftedtheblamefromhimselfbyassociatinganotherwithhisguilt。

Greatwasthereputationforbrotherlyaffection，aswellasforeloquence，whichVipstanusMessallaearnedforhimselfonthatday，byventuring，thoughnotyetofSenatorialage，topleadforhisbrotherAquiliusRegulus。ThefallofthefamiliesoftheCrassiandOrfitushadbroughtRegulusintotheutmostodium。Ofhisownfreewill，asitseemed，andwhilestillamereyouth，hehadundertakentheprosecution，nottowardoffanyperilfromhimself，butinthehopeofgainingpower。ThewifeofCrassus，SulpiciaPraetextata，andherfourchildrenwereready，shouldtheSenatetakecognizanceofthecause，todemandvengeance。Accordingly，Messalla，withoutattemptingtodefendthecaseorthepersonaccused，hadsimplythrownhimselfinthewayoftheperilsthatthreatenedhisbrother，andhadthuswroughtuponthefeelingsofseveralSenators。OnthisCurtiusMontanusmethimwithafiercespeech，inwhichhewenttothelengthofasserting，thatafterthedeathofGalba，moneyhadbeengivenbyRegulustothemurdererofPiso，andthathehadevenfastenedhisteethinthemurderedman\'shead。"Certainly，"hesaid，"Nerodidnotcompelthisact；youdidnotsecurebythispieceofbarbarityeitheryourrankoryourlife。Wemaybearwiththedefenceputforwardbymenwhothoughtitbettertodestroyothersthantocomeintoperilthemselves。Asforyou，theexileofyourfather，andthedivisionofhispropertyamonghiscreditors，hadleftyouperfectlysafe，besidesthatyouryouthincapacitatedyouforoffice；therewasnothinginyouwhichNerocouldeithercovetordread。Itwasfromsheerlustofslaughterandgreedofgainthatyou，unknownasyouwere，you，whohadneverpleadedinanyman\'sdefence，steepedyoursoulinnobleblood，when，thoughyouhadsnatchedfromtheverygraveofyourCountrythespoilsofamanofconsularrank，hadbeenfedtothefullwithsevenmillionsesterces，andshonewithallsacerdotalhonours，youyetoverwhelmedinonecommonruininnocentboys，oldmenofillustriousname，andnobleladies，whenyouactuallyblamedthetardymovementsofNeroinwearyinghimselfandhisinformerswiththeoverthrowofsinglefamilies，anddeclaredthatthewholeSenatemightbedestroyedbyoneword。Keep，ConscriptFathers，preserveamanofsuchreadycounsels，thateveryagemaybefurnishedwithitsteacher，andthatouryoungmenmayimitateRegulus，justasouroldmenimitateMarcellusandCrispus。Evenunsuccessfulvillanyfindssometoemulateit:whatwillhappen，ifitflourishandbestrong？Andtheman，whomwedarenotoffendwhenheholdsonlyquaestor\'srank，arewetoseehimrisetothedignitiesofpraetorandconsul？DoyousupposethatNerowillbethelastofthetyrants？ThosewhosurvivedTiberius，thosewhosurvivedCaligula，thoughtthesame；andyetaftereachtherearoseanotherruleryetmoredetestableandmorecruel。

WearenotafraidofVespasian；theageandmoderationofthenewEmperorreassureus。Buttheinfluenceofanexampleoutlivestheindividualcharacter。Wehavelostourvigour，ConscriptFathers；wearenolongerthatSenate，which，whenNerohadfallen，demandedthattheinformersandministersofthetyrantshouldbepunishedaccordingtoancientcustom。ThefirstdayafterthedownfallofawickedEmperoristhebestofopportunities。"

MontanuswasheardwithsuchapprovalonthepartoftheSenate，thatHelvidiusconceivedahopethatMarcellusalsomightbeoverthrown。HethereforebeganwithapanegyriconCluviusRufus，who，thoughnotlessrichnorlessrenownedforeloquence，hadneverimperilledasinglelifeinthedaysofNero。Bythiscomparison，aswellasbydirectaccusations，hepressedEpriushard，andstirredtheindignationoftheSenators。WhenMarcellusperceivedthis，hemadeasifhewouldleavetheHouse，exclaiming，"Wego，Priscus，andleaveyouyourSenate；acttheking，thoughCaesarhimselfbepresent。"

Crispusfollowed。Bothwereenraged，buttheirlooksweredifferent；

Marcelluscastfuriousglancesabouthim，whileCrispussmiled。Theyweredrawnback，however，intotheSenatebythehastyinterferenceoffriends。Thecontestgrewfiercer，whilethewell-disposedmajorityontheoneside，andapowerfulminorityontheother，foughtouttheirobstinatequarrel，andthusthedaywasspentinaltercation。

AtthenextmeetingoftheSenateCaesarbeganbyrecommendingthatthewrongs，theresentments，andtheterriblenecessitiesofformertimes，shouldbeforgotten，andMucianusspokeatgreatlengthinfavouroftheinformers。Atthesametimeheadmonishedingentletermsandinatoneofentreatythosewhowererevivingindictments，whichtheyhadbeforecommencedandafterwardsdropped。

TheSenators，whentheyfoundthemselvesopposed，relinquishedthelibertywhichtheyhadbeguntoexercise。ThatitmightnotbethoughtthattheopinionoftheSenatewasdisregarded，orthatimpunitywasaccordedtoallactsdoneinthedaysofNero，MucianussentbacktotheirislandstwomenofSenatorialrank，OctaviusSagittaandAntistiusSosianus，whohadquittedtheirplacesofbanishment。

OctaviushadseducedonePontiaPostumia，and，onherrefusingtomarryhim，inthefrenzyofpassionhadmurderedher。Sosianusbyhisdepravityhadbroughtmanytoruin。BothhadbeencondemnedandbanishedbyasolemndecisionoftheSenate，and，thoughotherswerepermittedtoreturn，werekeptunderthesamepenalty。ButthisdidnotmitigatethehatredfeltagainstMucianus。SosianusandSagittawereutterlyinsignificant，eveniftheydidreturn；butmendreadedtheabilitiesoftheinformers，theirwealth，andthepowerwhichtheyexercisedinmanysinisterways。

Atrial，conductedintheSenateaccordingtoancientprecedents，broughtintoharmonyforatimethefeelingsofitsmembers。ManliusPatruitus，aSenator，laidacomplaint，thathehadbeenbeatenbyamobinthecolonyofSena，andthatbyorderofthemagistrates；

thatthewronghadnotstoppedhere，butthatlamentationsandwailings，infactarepresentationoffuneralobsequies，hadbeenenactedinhispresence，accompaniedwithcontemptuousandinsultingexpressionslevelledagainstthewholeSenate。Thepersonsaccusedweresummonedtoappear，andafterthecasehadbeeninvestigated，punishmentwasinflictedonthosewhowerefoundguilty。A

resolutionoftheSenatewasalsopassed，recommendingmoreorderlybehaviourtothepeopleofSena。AboutthesametimeAntoniusFlammawascondemnedunderthelawagainstextortion，atthesuitofthepeopleofCyrene，andwasbanishedforcruelpractices。

Amidstallthisamutinyinthearmyallbutbrokeout。Thetroopswho，havingbeendisbandedbyVitellius，hadflockedtosupportVespasian，askedleavetoserveagaininthePraetorianGuard，andthesoldierswhohadbeenselectedfromthelegionswiththesameprospectnowclamouredfortheirpromisedpay。EventheVitellianistscouldnotbegotridofwithoutmuchbloodshed。Butthemoneyrequiredforretainingintheservicesovastabodyofmenwasimmenselylarge。

Mucianusenteredthecamptoexaminemoreaccuratelytheindividualclaims。Thevictoriousarmy，wearingtheirproperdecorationsandarms，hedrewupwithmoderateintervalsofspacebetweenthedivisions；thentheVitellianists，whosecapitulationatBovillaeI

havealreadyrelated，andtheothertroopsoftheparty，whohadbeencollectedfromthecapitalanditsneighbourhood，werebroughtforthalmostnaked。Mucianusorderedthesementobedrawnupapart，makingtheBritish，theGerman，andanyothertroopsthattherewerebelongingtootherarmies，takeupseparatepositions。Theveryfirstviewoftheirsituationparalyzedthem。Theysawopposedtothemwhatseemedahostilearray，threateningthemwithjavelinandsword。Theysawthemselveshemmedin，withoutarms，filthyandsqualid。Andwhentheybegantobeseparated，sometobemarchedtoonespot，andsometoanother，athrillofterrorranthroughthemall。AmongthetroopsfromGermanythepanicwasparticularlygreat；

fortheybelievedthatthisseparationmarkedthemoutforslaughter。Theyembracedtheirfellowsoldiers，clungtotheirnecks，beggedforpartingkisses，andentreatedthattheymightnotbedeserted，ordoomedinacommoncausetosufferadifferentlot。

TheyinvokednowMucianus，nowtheabsentEmperor，and，asalastresource，heavenandtheGods，tillMucianuscameforward，andcallingthem"soldiersboundbythesameoathandservantsofthesameEmperor，"stoppedthegroundlesspanic。Andindeedthevictoriousarmysecondedthetearsofthevanquishedwiththeirapprovingshouts。Thisterminatedtheproceedingsforthatday。ButwhenDomitianharanguedthemafewdaysafterwards，theyreceivedhimwithincreasedconfidence。Thelandthatwasofferedthemtheycontemptuouslyrejected，andbeggedforregularserviceandpay。Theirswereprayersindeed，butsuchasitwasimpossibletoreject。TheywerethereforereceivedintothePraetoriancamp。Thensuchashadreachedtheprescribedage，orhadservedthepropernumberofcampaigns，receivedanhonourabledischarge；othersweredismissedformisconduct；butthiswasdonebydegreesandindetail，alwaysthesafestmodeofreducingtheunitedstrengthofamultitude。

Itisafactthat，whethersuggestedbyrealpovertyorbyawishtogivetheappearanceofit，apropositionpassedtheSenatetotheeffectthataloanofsixtymillionsestercesfromprivatepersonsshouldbeaccepted。PompeiusSilvanuswasappointedtomanagetheaffair。Beforelong，eitherthenecessityceasedorthepretencewasdropped。Afterthis，onthemotionofDomitian，theconsulshipsconferredbyVitelliuswerecancelled，andthehonoursofacensor\'sfuneralwerepaidtoSabinus；greatlessonsbothofthemutabilityoffortune，everbringingtogetherthehighesthonoursandthelowesthumiliations。

AboutthesametimetheproconsulLuciusPisowasmurdered。I

shallmaketheaccountofthismurderasexactaspossiblebyfirstreviewingafewearliercircumstances，whichhaveabearingontheoriginandmotivesofsuchdeeds。ThelegionandtheauxiliariesstationedinAfricatoguardthefrontiersoftheEmpirewereundertheproconsul\'sauthorityduringthereignsofthedivineAugustusandTiberius。ButincourseoftimeCaligula，promptedbyhisrestlesstemperandbyhisfearofMarcusSilanus，whothenheldAfrica，tookawaythelegionfromtheproconsul，andhandeditovertoalegatewhomhesentforthatpurpose。Thepatronagewasequallydividedbetweenthetwoofficers。Asourceofdisagreementwasthusstudiouslysoughtinthecontinualclashingoftheirauthority，anditwasfurtherdevelopedbyanunprincipledrivalry。Thepowerofthelegatesgrewthroughtheirlengthenedtenureofoffice，and，perhaps，becauseaninferiorfeelsgreaterinterestinsuchacompetition。

Allthemoredistinguishedoftheproconsulscaredmoreforsecuritythanforpower。

AtthistimethelegioninAfricawascommandedbyValeriusFestus，ayoungmanofextravaganthabitsandimmoderateambition，whowasnowmadeuneasybyhisrelationshiptoVitellius。WhetherthismanintheirfrequentinterviewstemptedPisotorevolt，orwhetherheresistedsuchovertures，isnotknownforcertain，fornoonewaspresentattheirconfidentialmeetings，and，afterPiso\'sdeath，manyweredisposedtoingratiatethemselveswiththemurderer。ThereisnodoubtthattheprovinceandthetroopsentertainedfeelingsofhostilitytoVespasian，andsomeoftheVitellianists，whohadescapedfromthecapital，incessantlyrepresentedtoPisothatGaulwashesitatingandGermanyreadytorevolt，thathisownpositionwasperilous，andthatforonewhoinpeacemustbesuspected，warwasthesafercourse。Whilethiswasgoingon，ClaudiusSagitta，prefectofPetra\'sHorse，makingaveryquickpassage，reachedAfricabeforePapirius，thecenturiondespatchedbyMucianus。HedeclaredthatanordertoputPisotodeathhadbeengiventothecenturion，andthatGalerianus，hiscousinandson-in-law，hadperished；thathisonlyhopeofsafetywasinboldaction；thatinsuchactiontwopathswereopen；hemightdefendhimselfonthespot，orhemightsailforGaulandofferhisservicesasgeneraltotheVitellianistarmies。

Pisowaswhollyunmovedbythisstatement。ThecenturiondespatchedbyMucianus，onlandingintheportofCarthage，raisedhisvoice，andinvokedinsuccessionallblessingsontheheadofPiso，asifhewereEmperor，andbadethebystanders，whowereastonishedbythissuddenandstrangeproceeding，takeupthesamecry。Thecredulousmobrushedintothemarket-place，anddemandedthatPisoshouldshewhimself。

Theythreweverythingintoanuproarwiththeirclamorousshoutsofjoy，carelessofthetruth，andonlyeagertoflatter。Piso，actingontheinformationofSagitta，or，perhaps，fromnaturalmodesty，wouldnotmakehisappearanceinpublic，ortrusthimselftothezealofthepopulace。Onquestioningthecenturion，andfindingthathehadsoughtapretextforaccusingandmurderinghim，heorderedthemantobeexecuted，moved，notsomuchbyanyhopeofsavinghislife，asbyindignationagainsttheassassin；forthisfellowhadbeenoneofthemurderersofMacer，andwasnowcometoslaytheproconsulwithhandsalreadystainedwiththebloodofthelegate。HethenseverelyblamedthepeopleofCarthageinanedictwhichbetrayedhisanxiety，andceasedtodischargeeventheusualdutiesofhisoffice，shuttinghimselfupinhispalace，toguardagainstanycasualoccurrencethatmightleadtoanewoutbreak。

Butwhentheagitationofthepeople，theexecutionofthecenturion，andothernews，trueorfalse，exaggeratedasusualbyreport，cametotheearsofFestus，hesentsomecavalrytoputPisotodeath。Theyrodeoveratfullspeed，andbrokeintothedwellingoftheproconsulinthedimlightofearlydawn，withtheirswordsdrawnintheirhands。ManyofthemwereunacquaintedwiththepersonofPiso，forthelegatehadselectedsomeMoorishandCarthaginianauxiliariestoperpetratethedeed。Neartheproconsul\'schambertheychancedtomeetaslave，andaskedhimwhohewas，andwherePisowastobefound？Theslavewithanobleuntruthreplied，"Iamhe，"

andwasimmediatelycutdown。SoonafterPisowaskilled，fortherewasonthespotonewhorecognizedhim，BaebiusMassa，oneoftheprocuratorsofAfrica，anameeventhenfataltothegood，anddestinedoftentoreappearamongthecausesofthesufferingswhichhehaderelongtoendure。FromAdrumetum，wherehehadstayedtowatchtheresult，Festuswenttothelegion，andgaveordersthatCetroniusPisanus，prefectofthecamp，shouldbeputinirons。Hedidthisoutofprivatepique，buthecalledthemananaccompliceofPiso。Somefewcenturionsandsoldiershepunished，othersherewarded，neithertheonenortheotherdeservedly，buthewishedmentobelievethathehadextinguishedawar。HethenputanendtoaquarrelbetweentheCensesandtheLeptitani，which，originatinginrobberiesofcornandcattlebytworusticpopulations，hadgrownfromthisinsignificantbeginningtillitwascarriedoninpitchedbattles。ThepeopleofCeea，whowereinferiorinnumbers，hadsummonedtotheiraidtheGaramantes，awildraceincessantlyoccupiedinrobbingtheirneighbours。ThishadbroughttheLeptitanitoextremities；theirterritorieshadbeenravagedfarandwide，andtheyweretremblingwithintheirwalls，whentheGaramanteswereputtoflightbythearrivaloftheauxiliaryinfantryandcavalry，andthewholeofthebootywasrecaptured，withtheexceptionofsomewhichtheplunderers，intheirwanderingsthroughinaccessiblehamlets，hadsoldtomoredistanttribes。

VespasianhadheardofthevictoryofCremona，andhadreceivedfavourabletidingsfromallquarters，andhewasnowinformedofthefallofVitelliusbymanypersonsofeveryrank，who，withagoodfortuneequaltotheircourage，riskedtheperilsofthewintrysea。

EnvoyshadcomefromkingVologesustoofferhim40，000Parthiancavalry。Itwasamatterofprideandjoytohimtobecourtedwithsuchsplendidoffersofhelpfromtheallies，andnottowantthem。HethankedVologesus，andrecommendedhimtosendambassadorstotheSenate，andtolearnforhimselfthatpeacehadbeenrestored。WhilehisthoughtswerefixedonItalyandonthestateoftheCapital，heheardanunfavourableaccountofDomitian，whichrepresentedhimasoversteppingthelimitsofhisageandtheprivilegesofason。HethereforeentrustedTituswiththemainstrengthofthearmytocompletewhathadyettobedoneintheJewishwar。

ItwassaidthatTitusbeforehisdeparturehadalonginterviewwithhisfather，inwhichheimploredhimnottolethimselfbeeasilyexcitedbythereportsofslanderers，buttoshewanimpartialandforgivingtempertowardshisson。"Legionsandfleets，"heremindedhim，"arenotsuchsurebulwarksofImperialpowerasanumerousfamily。Asforfriends，time，alteredfortunes，perhapstheirpassionsortheirerrors，mayweaken，maychange，mayevendestroy，theiraffection。Aman\'sownracecanneverbedissociatedfromhim，leastofallwithPrinces，whoseprosperityissharedbyothers，whiletheirreversestouchbuttheirnearestkin。Evenbetweenbrotherstherecanbenolastingaffection，exceptthefathersetstheexample。"

Vespasian，delightedwiththebrotherlyaffectionofTitusratherthanreconciledtoDomitian，badehissonbeofgoodcheer，andaggrandisetheStatebywaranddeedsofarms。Hewouldhimselfprovidefortheinterestsofpeace，andforthewelfareofhisfamily。

Hethenhadsomeoftheswiftestvesselsladenwithcorn，andcommittedthemtotheperilsofthestillstormysea。Romeindeedwasintheverycriticalpositionofnothavingmorethantendays\'

consumptioninthegranaries，whenthesuppliesfromVespasianarrived。

TheworkofrebuildingtheCapitolwasassignedbyhimtoLuciusVestinius，amanoftheEquestrianorder，who，however，forhighcharacterandreputationrankedamongthenobles。Thesoothsayerswhomheassembleddirectedthattheremainsoftheoldshrineshouldberemovedtothemarshes，andthenewtempleraisedontheoriginalsite。TheGods，theysaid，forbadetheoldformtobechanged。Onthe21stofJune，beneathacloudlesssky，theentirespacedevotedtothesacredenclosurewasencompassedwithchapletsandgarlands。

Soldiers，whoboreauspiciousnames，enteredtheprecinctswithsacredboughs。Thenthevestalvirgins，withatroopofboysandgirls，whosefathersandmotherswerestillliving，sprinkledthewholespacewithwaterdrawnfromthefountainsandrivers。Afterthis，HelvidiusPriscus，thepraetor，firstpurifiedthespotwiththeusualsacrificeofasow，asheep，andabull，anddulyplacedtheentrailsonturf；then，intermsdictatedbyPubliusAelianus，thehigh-priest，besoughtJupiter，Juno，Minerva，andthetutelarydeitiesoftheplace，toprospertheundertaking，andtolendtheirdivinehelptoraisetheabodeswhichthepietyofmenhadfoundedforthem。Hethentouchedthewreaths，whichwerewoundroundthefoundationstoneandentwinedwiththeropes，whileatthesamemomentalltheothermagistratesoftheState，thePriests，theSenators，theKnights，andanumberofthecitizens，withzealandjoyunitingtheirefforts，draggedthehugestonealong。Contributionsofgoldandsilverandvirginores，neversmeltedinthefurnace，butstillintheirnaturalstate，wereshoweredonthefoundations。Thesoothsayershadpreviouslydirectedthatnostoneorgoldwhichhadbeenintendedforanyotherpurposeshouldprofanethework。Additionalheightwasgiventothestructure；thiswastheonlyvariationwhichreligionwouldpermit，andtheonefeaturewhichhadbeenthoughtwantinginthesplendouroftheoldtemple。