第7章

MeanwhilethetidingsofthedeathofVitellius，spreadingthroughGaulandGermany，hadcausedasecondwar。Civilishadthrownasidealldisguise，andwasnowopenlyassailingtheRomanpower，whilethelegionsofVitelliuspreferredevenaforeignyoketotheruleofVespasian。Gaulhadgatheredfreshcouragefromthebeliefthatthefortunesofourarmieshadbeeneverywheredisastrous；forareportwasrifethatourwintercampsinMoesiaandPannoniawerehemmedinbytheSarmatiansandDacians。RumoursequallyfalsewerecirculatedrespectingBritain。Aboveall，theconflagrationoftheCapitolhadmadethembelievethattheendoftheRomanEmpirewasathand。TheGauls，theyremembered，hadcapturedthecityinformerdays，but，astheabodeofJupiterwasuninjured，theEmpirehadsurvived；

whereasnowtheDruidsdeclared，withthepropheticutterancesofanidlesuperstition，thatthisfatalconflagrationwasasignoftheangerofheaven，andportendeduniversalempirefortheTransalpinenations。ArumourhadalsogoneforththatthechiefsofGaul，whomOthohadsentagainstVitellius，had，beforetheirdeparture，boundthemselvesbyacompactnottofallthecauseoffreedom，shouldthepowerofRomebebrokenbyacontinuoussuccessionofcivilwarsandinternalcalamities。

BeforethemurderofFlaccusHordeoniusnothinghadcomeoutbywhichanyconspiracycouldbediscovered。Afterhisdeath，messengerspassedtoandfrobetweenCivilisandClassicus，commanderofthecavalryoftheTreveri。Classicuswasfirstamonghiscountrymeninrankandwealth；hewasofaroyalhouse，ofaracedistinguishedbothinpeaceandwar，andhehimselfclaimedtobebyfamilytraditionthefoeratherthantheallyoftheRomans。JuliusTutorandJuliusSabinusjoinedhiminhisschemes。OnewasaTrever，theotheraLingon。TutorhadbeenmadebyVitelliusguardianofthebanksoftheRhine。Sabinus，overandabovehisnaturalvanity，wasinflamedwiththeprideofanimaginarydescent，forheassertedthathisgreat-grandmotherhad，byherpersonalcharms，attractedtheadmirationofthedivineJulius，whenhewascampaigninginGaul。Thesetwomenheldsecretconferencestosoundtheviewsoftherestoftheircountrymen，andwhentheyhadsecuredasaccomplicessuchastheythoughtsuitablefortheirpurpose，theymettogetherinaprivatehouseintheColoniaAgrippinensis；fortheStateinitspublicpolicywasstronglyopposedtoallsuchattempts。Some，however，oftheUbiiandTungriwerepresentbuttheTreveriandLingoneshadthegreatestweightinthematter。Norcouldtheyendurethedelayofdeliberation；theyrivalledeachotherinvehementassertionsthattheRomanswereinafrenzyofdiscord，thattheirlegionshadbeencuttopieces，thatItalywaslaidwaste，thatRomeitselfwasatthatverymomentundergoingcapture，whileallherarmieswereoccupiedbywarsoftheirown。IftheywerebuttosecurethepassesoftheAlpswithbodiesoftroops，Gaul，withherownfreedomfirmlyestablished，mightlookabouther，andfixthelimitsofherdominion。

Theseviewswerenosoonerstatedthanapproved。AstothesurvivorsoftheVitellianistarmy，theydoubtedwhattodo；manyvotedforputtingtodeathmensoturbulentandfaithless，stainedtoowiththebloodoftheirgenerals。Stillthepolicyofmercyprevailed。Tocutoffallhopeofquartermightprovokeanobstinateresistance。

Itwouldbebettertodrawthemintofriendlyunion。Ifonlythelegatesofthelegionswereputtodeath，theremainingmultitude，movedbytheconsciousnessofguiltandthehopeofescape，wouldreadilyjointheircause。

Suchwastheoutlineoftheiroriginalplan。EmissarieswerelikewisedespatchedthroughoutGaultostirupwar，whiletheythemselvesfeignedsubmission，thattheymightbethebetterabletocrushtheunsuspectingVocula。Persons，however，werefoundtoconveyinformationtohim，buthehadnotsufficientstrengthtosuppressthemovement，asthelegionswereincompleteinnumbersanddisloyal。So，whatwithsoldiersofdoubtfulfidelityandsecretenemies，hethoughtitbest，underthecircumstances，tomakehiswaybymeetingdeceitwithdeceit，andbyusingthesameartswithwhichhewashimselfassailed。HethereforewentdowntotheColoniaAgrippinenses。ThitherClaudiusLabeo，who，asIhaverelated，hadbeentakenprisonerandsentoutoftheprovinceintothecountryoftheFrisii，madehisescapebybribinghisgaolers。Thismanundertook，ifaforceweregivenhim，toentertheBatavianterritoryandbringbacktotheRomanalliancethemoreinfluentialpartofthatState；but，thoughheobtainedasmallforceofinfantryandcavalry，hedidnotventuretoattemptanythingamongtheBatavi，butonlyinducedsomeoftheNerviiandBetasiitotakeuparms，andmadecontinualattacksontheCanninefatesandtheMarsacimoreinthewayofrobberythanofwar。

LuredonbythetreacherousrepresentationsoftheGauls，Voculamarchedagainsttheenemy。HewasneartheOldCamp，whenClassicusandTutor，whohadgoneoninadvanceunderthepretenceofreconnoitring，concludedanagreementwiththeGermanchiefs。Theythenforthefirsttimeseparatedthemselvesfromthelegions，andformedacampoftheirown，withaseparatelineofentrenchment，whileVoculaprotestedthatthepowerofRomewasnotsoutterlyshakenbycivilwarastohavebecomecontemptibleeventoTreveriandLingones。"Therearestill，"hesaid，"faithfulprovinces，victoriousarmies，thefortuneoftheEmpire，andavengingGods。

ThusitwasthatSacrovirandtheAeduiinformerdays，VindexandtheGaulsinmorerecenttimes，werecrushedinasinglebattle。ThebreakersoftreatiesmaylookforthevengeanceofthesameDeities，andthesamedoom。JuliusandAugustusunderstoodfarbetterthecharacterofthepeople。Galba\'spolicyandthediminutionoftheirtributehaveinspiredthemwithhostilefeelings。Theyarenowenemies，becausetheiryokeiseasy；whentheyhavebeenplunderedandstripped，theywillbefriends。"Afterutteringthisdefiance，findingthatClassicusandTutorpersistedintheirtreachery，hechangedhislineofmarch，andretiredtoNovesium。TheGaulsencampedatadistanceoftwomiles，andpliedwithbribesthecenturionsandsoldierswhovisitedthemthere，strivingtomakeaRomanarmycommittheunheardofbasenessofswearingallegiancetoforeigners，andpledgeitselftotheperpetrationofthisatrociouscrimebymurderingorimprisoningitsofficers。Vocula，thoughmanypersonsadvisedhimtoescape，thoughtitbesttobebold，and，summoninganassembly，spokeasfollows:

"Never，whenIhaveaddressedyou，haveIfeltmoreanxiousforyourwelfare，nevermoreindifferentaboutmyown。OfthedestructionthatthreatensmeIcanhearwithcheerfulness；andamidsomanyevilsIlookforwardtodeathastheendofmysufferings。ForyouIfeelshameandcompassion。Againstyouindeednohostileranksaregathering。Thatwouldbebutthelawfulcourseofwar，andtherightwhichanenemymayclaim。ButClassicushopestowagewithyourstrengthhiswaragainstRome，andproudlyofferstoyourallegianceanempireofGaul。Thoughourfortuneandcouragehaveforthemomentfailedus，havewesoutterlyforgottentheoldmemoriesofthosemanytimeswhenthelegionsofRomeresolvedtoperishbutnottobedrivenfromtheirpost？Oftenhaveouralliesenduredtoseetheircitiesdestroyed，andwiththeirwivesandchildrentodieintheflames，withonlythisrewardintheirdeath，thegloryofuntarnishedloyalty。AtthisverymomentourlegionsattheOldCamparesufferingthehorrorsoffamineandofsiege，andcannotbeshakenbythreatsorbypromises。We，besidesourarms，ournumbers，andthesingularstrengthofourfortifications，havecornandsuppliessufficientforacampaignhoweverprotracted。Wehadlatelymoneyenougheventofurnishadonative；and，whetheryouchoosetoreferthebountytoVitelliusorVespasian，itwasatanyratefromaRomanEmperorthatyoureceivedit。Ifyou，whohavebeenvictoriousinsomanycampaigns，whohavesooftenroutedtheenemyatGeldubaandattheOldCamp，yetshrinkfrombattle，thisindeedisanunworthyfear。Stillyouhaveanentrenchedcamp；youhavefortificationsandthemeansofprolongingthewar，tillsuccouringarmiespourinfromtheneighbouringprovinces。ItmaybethatIdonotsatisfyyou；youmayfallbackonotherlegatesortribunes，onsomecenturion，evenonsomecommonsoldier。Letnotthismonstrousnewsgoforthtothewholeworld，thatwithyouintheirtrainCivilisandClassicusareabouttoinvadeItaly。ShouldtheGermansandtheGaulsleadyoutothewallsofthecapital，willyouliftuparmsagainstyourCountry？Mysoulshuddersattheimaginationofsohorribleacrime。WillyoumountguardforTutor，theTrever？ShallaBataviangivethesignalforbattle？WillyouserveasrecruitsintheGermanbattalions？WhatwillbetheissueofyourwickednesswhentheRomanlegionsaremarshalledagainstyou？Willyoubeasecondtimedeserters，asecondtimetraitors，andbravetheangerofheavenwhileyouwaverbetweenyouroldandyournewallegiance？

Iimploreandentreatthee，OJupiter，supremelygoodandgreat，towhomthrougheighthundredandtwentyyearswehavepaidthehonoursofsomanytriumphs，andthou，Quirinus，fatherofRome，that，ifitbenotyourpleasurethatthiscampshouldbepreservedpureandinviolateundermycommand，youwillatleastnotsufferittobepollutedanddefiledbyaTutorandaClassicus。GrantthatthesoldiersofRomemayeitherbeinnocentofcrime，oratleastexperiencearepentancespeedyandwithoutremorse。"

Theyreceivedhisspeechwithfeelingsthatvariedbetweenhope，fear，andshame。Voculathenleftthem，andwaspreparingtoputanendtohislife，whenhisfreedmenandslavespreventedhimfromanticipatingbyhisownactamostmiserabledeath。ClassicusdespatchedoneAemiliusLonginus，adeserterfromthefirstlegion，andspeedilyaccomplishedthemurder。Withrespecttothetwolegates，HerenniusandNumisius，itwasthoughtenoughtoputtheminchains。

ClassicusthenassumedtheinsigniaofRomanImperialpower，andenteredthecamp。Hardenedthoughhewastoeverysortofcrime，hecouldonlyfindwordsenoughtogothroughtheformofoath。AllwhowerepresentsworeallegiancetotheempireofGaul。HedistinguishedthemurdererofVoculabyhighpromotion，andtheothersbyrewardsproportionedtotheirservicesincrime。

TutorandClassicusthendividedthemanagementofthewarbetweenthem。Tutor，investingtheColoniaAgrippinensiswithastrongforce，compelledtheinhabitantsandallthetroopsontheUpperRhinetotakethesameoath。HedidthisafterhavingfirstputtodeaththetribunesatMogontiacum，anddrivenawaytheprefectofthecamp，becausetheyrefusedobedience。Classicuspickedoutallthemostunprincipledmenfromthetroopswhohadcapitulated，andbadethemgotothebesieged，andofferthemquarter，iftheywouldaccepttheactualstateofaffairs；otherwisetherewasnohopeforthem；theywouldhavetoendurefamine，thesword，andthedirestextremities。

Themessengerswhomhesentsupportedtheirrepresentationsbytheirownexample。

Thetiesofloyaltyontheonehand，andthenecessitiesoffamineontheother，keptthebesiegedwaveringbetweenthealternativesofgloryandinfamy。Whiletheythushesitated，allusualandevenunusualkindsoffoodfailedthem，fortheyhadconsumedtheirhorsesandbeastsofburdenandalltheotheranimals，which，thoughuncleananddisgusting，necessitycompelledthemtouse。Atlasttheytoreupshrubsandrootsandthegrassthatgrewbetweenthestones，andthusshewedanexampleofpatienceunderprivations，tillatlasttheyshamefullytarnishedthelustreoftheirfamebysendingenvoystoCivilistobegfortheirlives。Theirprayerswerenotheard，tilltheysworeallegiancetotheempireofGaul。Civilisthenstipulatedfortheplunderofthecamp，andappointedguardswhoweretosecurethetreasure，thecamp-followers，andthebaggage，andaccompanythemastheydeparted，strippedofeverything。AboutfivemilesfromthespottheGermansroseuponthem，andattackedthemastheymarchedwithoutthoughtofdanger。Thebravestwerecutdownwheretheystood；thegreaterpart，astheywerescatteredinflight。Therestmadetheirescapetothecamp，whileCiviliscertainlycomplainedoftheproceeding，andupbraidedtheGermanswithbreakingfaithbythisatrociousact。Whetherthiswasmerehypocrisy，orwhetherhewasunabletorestraintheirfury，isnotpositivelystated。Theyplunderedandthenfiredthecamp，andallwhosurvivedthebattletheflamesdestroyed。

ThenCivilisfulfilledavowoftenmadebybarbarians；hishair，whichhehadletgrowlongandcolouredwithareddyefromthedayoftakinguparmsagainstRome，henowcutshort，whenthedestructionofthelegionshadbeenaccomplished。Itwasalsosaidthathesetupsomeoftheprisonersasmarksforhislittlesontoshootatwithachild\'sarrowsandjavelins。HeneithertooktheoathofallegiancetoGaulhimself，norobligedanyBataviantodoso，forhereliedontheresourcesofGermany，andfeltthat，shoulditbenecessarytofightforempirewiththeGauls，heshouldhaveonhissideagreatnameandsuperiorstrength。MuniusLupercus，legateofoneofthelegions，wassentalongwithothergiftstoVeleda，amaidenofthetribeoftheBructeri，whopossessedextensivedominion；forbyancientusagetheGermansattributedtomanyoftheirwomenpropheticpowersand，asthesuperstitiongrewinstrength，evenactualdivinity。TheauthorityofVeledawasthenatitsheight，becauseshehadforetoldthesuccessoftheGermansandthedestructionofthelegions。Lupercus，however，wasmurderedontheroad。Afewofthecenturionsandtribunes，whowerenativesofGaul，werereservedashostagesforthemaintenanceofthealliance。

Thewinterencampmentsoftheauxiliaryinfantryandcavalryandofthelegions，withthesoleexceptionofthoseatMogontiacumandVindonissa，werepulleddownandburnt。

The16thlegion，withtheauxiliarytroopsthatcapitulatedatthesametime，receivedorderstomarchfromNovesiumtotheColonyoftheTreveri，adayhavingbeenfixedbywhichtheyweretoquitthecamp。Thewholeofthisintervaltheyspentinmanyanxiousthoughts。ThecowardstrembledtothinkofthosewhohadbeenmassacredattheOldCamp；thebettermenblushedwithshameattheinfamyoftheirposition。"Whatamarchisthisbeforeus！"theycried，"Whowillleadusonourway？Ourallisatthedisposalofthosewhomwehavemadeourmastersforlifeordeath。"Others，withouttheleastsenseoftheirdisgrace，stowedawayabouttheirpersonstheirmoneyandwhatelsetheyprizedmosthighly，whilesomegottheirarmsinreadiness，andgirdedontheirweaponsasifforbattle。Whiletheywerethusoccupied，thetimefortheirdeparturearrived，andprovedevenmoredismalthantheiranticipation。Forintheirintrenchmentstheirwoefulappearancehadnotbeensonoticeable；theopenplainandthelightofdayrevealedtheirdisgrace。TheimagesoftheEmperorsweretorndown；thestandardswerebornealongwithouttheirusualhonours，whilethebannersoftheGaulsglitteredoneveryside。Thetrainmovedoninsilencelikealongfuneralprocession。TheirleaderwasClaudiusSanctus；oneofhiseyeshadbeendestroyed；hewasrepulsiveincountenanceandevenmorefeebleinintellect。Theguiltofthetroopsseemedtobedoubled，whentheotherlegion，desertingthecampatBonna，joinedtheirranks。Whenthereportofthecaptureofthelegionsbecamegenerallyknown，allwhobutashorttimebeforetrembledatthenameofRomerushedforthfromthefieldsandhouses，andspreadthemselveseverywheretoenjoywithextravagantdelightthestrangespectacle。ThePicentineHorsecouldnotendurethetriumphoftheinsultingrabble，and，disregardingthepromisesandthreatsofSanctus，rodeofftoMogontiacum。ChancingtofallinwithLonginus，themurdererofVocula，theyoverwhelmedhimwithashowerofdarts，andthusmadeabeginningtowardsafutureexpiationoftheirguilt。Thelegionsdidnotchangethedirectionoftheirmarch，andencampedunderthewallsofthecolonyoftheTreveri。

Elatedwiththeirsuccess，CivilisandClassicusdoubtedwhethertheyshouldnotgiveuptheColoniaAgrippinensistobeplunderedbytheirtroops。Theirnaturalferocityandlustforspoilpromptedthemtodestroythecity；butthenecessitiesofwar，andtheadvantageofacharacterforclemencytomenfoundinganewempire，forbadethemtodoso。Civiliswasalsoinfluencedbyrecollectionsofkindnessreceived；forhisson，whoatthebeginningofthewarhadbeenarrestedintheColony，hadbeenkeptinhonourablecustody。

ButthetribesbeyondtheRhinedislikedtheplaceforitswealthandincreasingpower，andheldthattheonlypossiblewayofputtinganendtowarwouldbe，eithertomakeitanopencityforallGermans，ortodestroyitandsodispersetheUbii。

UponthistheTencteri，atribeseparatedbytheRhinefromtheColony，sentenvoyswithorderstomakeknowntheirinstructionstotheSenateoftheAgrippinenses。Theseorderstheboldestspiritamongtheambassadorsthusexpounded:"ForyourreturnintotheunityoftheGermannationandnamewegivethankstotheGodswhomweworshipincommonandtoMars，thechiefofourdivinities，andwecongratulateyouthatatlengthyouwillliveasfreemenamongthefree。UptothisdayhavetheRomansclosedriverandlandand，inaway，theveryair，thattheymaybarourconverseandpreventourmeetings，or，whatisastillworseinsulttomenborntoarms，mayforceustoassembleunarmedandallbutstripped，watchedbysentinels，andtaxedfortheprivilege。Butthatourfriendshipandunionmaybeestablishedforever，werequireofyoutostripyourcityofitswalls，whicharethebulwarksofslavery。Evensavageanimals，ifyoukeeptheminconfinement，forgettheirnaturalcourage。WerequireofyoutomassacreallRomanswithinyourterritory；libertyandadominantracecannotwellexisttogether。Letthepropertyoftheslaincomeintoacommonstock，sothatnoonemaybeabletosecreteanything，ortodetachhisowninterestfromours。LetitbelawfulforusandforyoutoinhabitbothbanksoftheRhine，asitwasofoldforourancestors。Asnaturehasgivenlightandairtoallmen，sohasshethrownopeneverylandtothebrave。Resumethemannersandcustomsofyourcountry，renouncingthepleasures，throughwhich，ratherthanthroughtheirarms，theRomanssecuretheirpoweragainstsubjectnations。Apureanduntaintedrace，forgettingyourpastbondage，youwillbetheequalsofall，orwillevenruleoverothers。"

TheinhabitantsoftheColonytooktimefordeliberation，and，asdreadofthefuturewouldnotallowthemtoaccepttheofferedterms，whiletheiractualconditionforbadeanopenandcontemptuousrejection，theyrepliedtothefollowingeffect:"Theveryfirstchanceoffreedomthatpresenteditselfweseizedwithmoreeagernessthancaution，thatwemightuniteourselveswithyouandtheotherGermans，ourkinsmenbyblood。Withrespecttoourfortifications，asatthisverymomenttheRomanarmiesareassembling，itissaferforustostrengthenthantodestroythem。AllstrangersfromItalyortheprovinces，thatmayhavebeeninourterritory，haveeitherperishedinthewar，orhavefledtotheirownhomes。Asforthosewhoinformerdayssettledhere，andhavebeenunitedtousbymarriage，andasfortheiroffspring，thisistheirnativeland。Wecannotthinkyousounjustastowishthatweshouldslayourparents，ourbrothers，andourchildren。Alldutiesandrestrictionsontradewerepeal。Lettherebeafreepassageacrosstheriver，butletitbeduringtheday-timeandforpersonsunarmed，tillthenewandrecentprivilegesassumebyusagethestabilityoftime。AsarbitersbetweenuswewillhaveCivilisandVeleda；undertheirsanctionthetreatyshallberatified。"TheTencteriwerethusappeased，andambassadorsweresentwithpresentstoCivilisandVeleda，whosettledeverythingtothesatisfactionoftheinhabitantsoftheColony。Theywerenot，however，allowedtoapproachoraddressVeledaherself。Inordertoinspirethemwithmorerespecttheywerepreventedfromseeingher。Shedweltinaloftytower，andoneofherrelatives，chosenforthepurpose，conveyed，likethemessengerofadivinity，thequestionsandanswers。

ThusstrengthenedbyhisalliancewiththeColoniaAgrippinensis，CivilisresolvedtoattachtohimselftheneighbouringStates，ortomakewaronthemiftheyofferedanyopposition。HeoccupiedtheterritoryoftheSunici，andformedtheyouthofthecountryintoregularcohorts。Tohinderhisfurtheradvance，ClaudiusLabeoencounteredhimwithahastilyassembledforceofBetasii，Tungri，andNervii，relyingonthestrengthofhisposition，ashehadoccupiedabridgeovertheriverMosa。Theyfoughtinanarrowdefilewithoutanydecidedresult，tilltheGermansswamacrossandattackedLabeo\'srear。Atthesamemoment，Civilis，actingeitheronsomeboldimpulseorbyapreconcertedplan，rushedintotheTungriancolumn，exclaiminginaloudvoice，"WehavenottakenuparmsinorderthattheBataviandTreverimayruleoverthenations。Farfromusbesucharrogance！Acceptouralliance。Iamreadytojoinyourranks，whetheryouwouldprefermetobeyourgeneraloryourcomrade。"Themultitudewasmovedbytheappeal，andwerebeginningtosheathetheirswords，whenCampanusandJuvenalis，twooftheTungrianchieftains，surrenderedthewholetribetoCivilis。Labeomadehisescapebeforehecouldbeintercepted。TheBetasiiandNervii，alsocapitulating，wereincorporatedbyCivilisintohisarmy。Henowcommandedvastresources，astheStateswereeithercompletelycowed，orelsewerenaturallyinclinedinhisfavour。

MeanwhileJuliusSabinus，afterhavingthrowndownthepillarsthatrecordedthetreatywithRome，badehisfollowerssalutehimasEmperor，andhastenedattheheadofalargeandundisciplinedcrowdofhiscountrymentoattacktheSequani，aneighbouringpeople，stillfaithfultoRome。TheSequanididnotdeclinethecontest。

Fortunefavouredthebettercause，andtheLingonesweredefeated。

Sabinusfledfromthebattlewithacowardiceequaltotherashnesswithwhichhehadprecipitatedit，and，inordertospreadareportofhisdeath，hesetfiretoacountry-housewherehehadtakenrefuge。

Itwasbelievedthathethereperishedbyadeathofhisownseeking。Thevariousshiftsbywhichhecontrivedtoconcealhimselfandtoprolonghislifefornineyears，thefirmfidelityofhisfriends，andthenobleexampleofhiswifeEpponina，Ishallrelateintheirproperplace。BythisvictoryoftheSequanithetideofwarwasstayed。TheStatesbeganbydegreestorecovertheirsenses，andtoreflectontheclaimsofjusticeandoftreaties。TheRemiwereforemostinthismovement，announcingthroughoutGaulthatdeputiesweretobesenttoconsultincommonassemblywhethertheyshouldmakefreedomorpeacetheirobject。

AtRomereportexaggeratedallthesedisasters，anddisturbedMucianuswiththefearthatthegenerals，thoughdistinguishedmen(forhehadalreadyappointedGallusAnniusandPetiliusCerialistothecommand)，wouldbeunequaltotheweightofsovastawar。Yetthecapitalcouldnotbeleftwithoutaruler，andmenfearedtheungovernedpassionsofDomitian，whilePrimusAntoniusandVarusArriuswerealso，asIhavesaid，objectsofsuspicion。Varus，whohadbeenmadecommanderofthePraetorianGuard，hadstillathisdisposalmuchmilitarystrength。Mucianusejectedhimfromhisoffice，and，nottoleavehimwithoutconsolation，madehimsuperintendentofthesaleofcorn。TopacifythefeelingsofDomitian，whichwerenotunfavourabletoVarus，heappointedArretinusClemens，whowascloselyconnectedwiththehouseofVespasian，andwhowasalsoagreatfavouritewithDomitian，tothecommandofthePraetorianGuard，allegingthathisfather，inthereignofCaligula，hadadmirablydischargedthedutiesofthatoffice。Theoldnamehesaid，wouldpleasethesoldiers，andClemenshimself，thoughontherollofSenators，wouldbeequaltobothduties。HeselectedthemosteminentmenintheStatetoaccompanyhim，whileotherswereappointedthroughinterest。AtthesametimeDomitianandMucianuspreparedtosetout，butinaverydifferentmood；Domitianinallthehopeandimpatienceofyouth，Mucianusevercontrivingdelaystocheckhisardentcompanion，who，hefeared，werehetointrudehimselfuponthearmy，mightbeledbytherecklessnessofyouthorbybadadviserstocompromiseatoncetheprospectsofwarandofpeace。Twoofthevictoriouslegions，the6thand8th，the21st，whichbelongedtotheVitellianistarmy，the2nd，whichconsistedofnewlevies，weremarchedintoGaul，someoverthePenineandCottian，someovertheGraianAlps。The14thlegionwassummonedfromBritain，andthe6thand10thfromSpain。Thusrumoursofanadvancingarmy，aswellastheirowntemper，inclinedtheStatesofGaulwhichassembledinthecountryoftheRemitomorepeacefulcounsels。EnvoysfromtheTreveriwereawaitingthemthere，andamongthemTulliusValentinus，themostvehementpromoterofthewar，whoinasetspeechpouredforthallthechargesusuallymadeagainstgreatempires，andlevelledagainsttheRomanpeoplemanyinsultingandexasperatingexpressions。Themanwasaturbulentfomenterofsedition，andpleasedmanybyhisfranticeloquence。

OntheotherhandJuliusAuspex，oneoftheleadingchieftainsamongtheRemi，dweltonthepowerofRomeandtheadvantagesofpeace。

Pointingoutthatwarmightbecommencedindeedbycowards，butmustbecarriedonattheperilofthebraverspirits，andthattheRomanlegionswerecloseathand，herestrainedthemostprudentbyconsiderationsofrespectandloyalty，andheldbacktheyoungerbyrepresentationsofdangerandappealstofear。Theresultwas，that，whiletheyextolledthespiritofValentinus，theyfollowedthecounselsofAuspex。ItiscertainthattheTreveriandLingoneswereinjuredintheeyesoftheGallicnationsbytheirhavingsidedwithVerginiusinthemovementofVindex。Manyweredeterredbythemutualjealousyoftheprovinces。"Where，"theyasked，"couldaheadbefoundforthewar？Wherecouldtheylookforcivilauthority，andthesanctionofreligion？Ifallwentwellwiththem，whatcitycouldtheyselectastheseatofempire？"Thevictorywasyettobegained；dissensionhadalreadybegun。OneStateangrilyboastedofitsalliances，anotherofitswealthandmilitarystrength，oroftheantiquityofitsorigin。Disgustedwiththeprospectofthefuture，theyacquiescedintheirpresentcondition。LetterswerewrittentotheTreveriinthenameoftheStatesofGaul，requiringthemtoabstainfromhostilities，andremindingthemthatpardonmightyetbeobtained，andthatfriendswerereadytointercedeforthem，shouldtheyrepent。Valentinusstillopposed，andsucceededinclosingtheearsofhiscountrymentothisadvice，thoughhewasnotsodiligentinpreparingforwarashewasassiduousinharanguing。

AccordinglyneithertheTreveri，theLingones，northeotherrevoltedStates，tookmeasuresatallproportionedtothemagnitudeoftheperiltheyhadincurred。Eventheirgeneralsdidnotactinconcert。CiviliswastraversingthepathlesswildsoftheBelgaeinattemptingtocaptureClaudiusLabeo，ortodrivehimoutofthecountry。Classicusforthemostpartwastedhistimeinindolentrepose，asifhehadonlytoenjoyanempirealreadywon。EvenTutormadenohastetooccupywithtroopstheupperbankoftheRhineandthepassesoftheAlps。Meanwhilethe21stlegion，bywayofVindonissa，andSextiliusFelixwiththeauxiliaryinfantry，bywayofRhaetia，penetratedintotheprovince。TheywerejoinedbytheSingularianHorse，whichhadbeenraisedsometimebeforebyVitellius，andhadafterwardsgoneovertothesideofVespasian。

TheircommandingofficerwasJuliusBriganticus。Hewassister\'ssontoCivilis，andhewashatedbyhisuncleandhatedhiminreturnwithalltheextremebitternessofafamilyfeud。Tutor，havingaugmentedthearmyoftheTreveriwithfreshleviesfromtheVangiones，theCaeracates，andtheTriboci，strengtheneditwithaforceofveteraninfantryandcavalry，menfromthelegionswhomhehadeithercorruptedbypromisesoroverbornebyintimidation。Theirfirstactwastocuttopiecesacohort，whichhadbeensentoninadvancebySextiliusFelix；soonafterwards，however，ontheapproachoftheRomangeneralsattheheadoftheirarmy，theyreturnedtotheirdutybyanactofhonourabledesertion，andtheTriboci，Vangiones，andCaeracates，followedtheirexample。AvoidingMogontiacum，TutorretiredwiththeTreveritoBingium，trustingtothestrengthoftheposition，ashehadbrokendownthebridgeovertheriverNava。A

suddenattack，however，wasmadebytheinfantryunderthecommandofSextilius；afordwasdiscovered，andhefoundhimselfbetrayedandrouted。TheTreveriwerepanicstrickenbythisdisaster，andthecommonpeoplethrewdowntheirarms，anddispersedthemselvesthroughthecountry。Someofthechiefs，anxioustoseemthefirsttoceasefromhostilities，fledtothoseStateswhichhadnotrenouncedtheRomanalliance。Thelegions，whichhadbeenremoved，asIhavebeforerelated，fromNovesiumandBonnatotheterritoryoftheTreveri，voluntarilysworeallegiancetoVespasian。TheseproceedingstookplaceintheabsenceofValentinus。Whenhereturned，fulloffuryandbentonagainthrowingeverythingintoconfusionandruin，thelegionswithdrewtotheMediomatrici，apeopleinalliancewithRome。ValentinusandTutoragaininvolvedtheTreveriinwar，andmurderedthetwolegates，HerenniusandNumisius，thatbydiminishingthehopeofpardontheymightstrengthenthebondofcrime。

Suchwasthestateofthewar，whenPetiliusCerialisreachedMogontiacum。Greatexpectationswereraisedbyhisarrival。Eagerforbattle，andmorereadytodespisethantobeonhisguardagainsttheenemy，hefiredthespiritofthetroopsbyhisboldlanguage；forhewould，hesaid，fightwithoutamoment\'sdelay，assoonasitwaspossibletomeetthefoe。ThelevieswhichhadbeenraisedinGaulheorderedbacktotheirrespectiveStates，withinstructionstoproclaimthatthelegionssufficedtodefendtheEmpire，andthatthealliesmightreturntothedutiesofpeace，secureinthethoughtthatawarwhichRomanarmshadundertakenwasfinished。ThisproceedingstrengthenedtheloyaltyoftheGauls。Nowthattheiryouthwererestoredtothemtheycouldmoreeasilybeartheburdenofthetribute；and，findingthemselvesdespised，theyweremorereadytoobey。CivilisandClassicus，havingheardofthedefeatofTutorandoftheroutoftheTreveri，andindeedofthecompletesuccessoftheenemy，hastenedintheiralarmtoconcentratetheirownscatteredforces，andmeanwhilesentrepeatedmessagestoValentinus，warninghimnottoriskadecisivebattle。

ThismadeCerialismovewithmorerapidity。HesenttotheMediomatricipersonscommissionedtoconductthelegionswhichweretherebytheshortestrouteagainsttheenemy；and，collectingsuchtroopsastherewereatMogontiacumandsuchashehadbroughtwithhimself，hearrivedinthreedays\'marchatRigodulum。Valentinus，attheheadofalargebodyofTreveri，hadoccupiedthisposition，whichwasprotectedbyhills，andbytheriverMosella。Hehadalsostrengtheneditwithditchesandbreastworksofstones。Thesedefences，however，didnotdetertheRomangeneralfromorderinghisinfantrytotheassault，andmakinghiscavalryadvanceupthehill；

hescornedtheenemy，whoseforces，hastilylevied，couldnot，heknew，deriveanyadvantagefromtheirposition，butwhatwouldbemorethancounterbalancedbythecourageofhisownmen。Therewassomelittledelayintheascent，whilethetroopswerepassingthroughtherangeoftheenemy\'smissiles。Assoonastheycametoclosefighting，thebarbariansweredislodgedandhurledlikeafallinghousefromtheirposition。Adetachmentofthecavalryroderoundwherethehillswerelesssteep，andcapturedtheprincipalBelgicchiefs，andamongthemValentinus，theirgeneral。

OnthefollowingdayCerialisenteredtheColonyoftheTreveri。Thesoldierswereeagertodestroythecity。"This，"theysaid，"isthebirthplaceofClassicusandTutor；itwasbythetreasonofthesementhatourlegionswerebesiegedandmassacred。WhathadCremonadonelikethis，CremonawhichwastornfromtheverybosomofItaly，becauseithadoccasionedtotheconquerorsthedelayofasinglenight？HereonthebordersofGermanystandsunharmedacitywhichexultsinthespoilsofourarmiesandthebloodofourgenerals。

LettheplunderbebroughtintotheImperialtreasury；weshallbesatisfiedwiththefirethatwilldestroyarebelliouscolonyandcompensatefortheoverthrowofsomanycamps。"Cerialis，fearingthedisgraceofbeingthoughttohaveimbuedhissoldierswithaspiritoflicenceandcruelty，checkedtheirfury。Theysubmitted，for，nowthatcivilwarwasatanend，theyweretractableenoughindealingwithanenemy。TheirthoughtswerethendivertedbythepitiableaspectofthelegionswhichhadbeensummonedfromtheMediomatrici。Theystoodoppressedbytheconsciousnessofguilt，theireyesfixedontheearth。Nofriendlysalutationspassedbetweenthearmiesastheymet，theymadenoanswertothosewhowouldconsoleorencouragethem，buthidthemselvesintheirtents，andshrankfromtheverylightofday。Norwasitsomuchtheirperilortheiralarmthatconfoundedthem，astheirshameandhumiliation。Eventheconquerorswerestruckdumb，anddarednotutterawordofentreaty，butpleadedforpardonbytheirsilenttears，tillCerialisatlastsoothedtheirmindsbydeclaringthatdestinyhadbroughtaboutallthathadhappenedthroughthediscordsofsoldiersandgeneralsorthroughthetreacheryofthefoe。Theymustconsiderthatdayasthefirstoftheirmilitaryserviceandoftheirallegiance。TheirpastcrimeswouldberememberedneitherbytheEmperornorbyhimself。Theywerethusadmittedintothesamecampwiththerest，andanorderwasreadineverycompany，thatnosoldierwasinanycontentionoraltercationtoreproachacomradewithmutinyordefeat。

CerialisthenconvokedanassemblyoftheTreveriandLingones，andthusaddressedthem:"Ihavenevercultivatedeloquence；itisbymyswordthatIhaveassertedtheexcellenceoftheRomanpeople。

Since，however，wordshaveverygreatweightwithyou，sinceyouestimategoodandevil，notaccordingtotheirrealvalue，butaccordingtotherepresentationsofseditiousmen，Ihaveresolvedtosayafewwords，which，asthewarisatanend，itmaybeusefulforyoutohaveheardratherthanformetohavespoken。RomangeneralsandEmperorsenteredyourterritory，astheydidtherestofGaul，withnoambitiouspurposes，butatthesolicitationofyourancestors，whowereweariedtothelastextremitybyintestinestrife，whiletheGermans，whomtheyhadsummonedtotheirhelp，hadimposedtheiryokealikeonfriendandfoe。HowmanybattleswehavefoughtagainsttheCimbriandTeutones，atthecostofwhathardshipstoourarmies，andwithwhatresultwehavewagedourGermanwars，isperfectlywellknown。ItwasnottodefendItalythatweoccupiedthebordersoftheRhine，buttoinsurethatnosecondAriovistusshouldseizetheempireofGaul。DoyoufancyyourselvestobedearerintheeyesofCivilisandtheBataviandtheTransrhenanetribes，thanyourfathersandgrandfathersweretotheirancestors？

TherehaveeverbeenthesamecausesatworktomaketheGermanscrossoverintoGaul，lust，avarice，andthelongingforanewhome，promptingthemtoleavetheirownmarshesanddeserts，andtopossessthemselvesofthismostfertilesoilandofyouitsinhabitants。Liberty，indeed，andthelikespeciousnamesaretheirpretexts；butneverdidanymanseektoenslavehisfellowsandsecuredominionforhimself，withoutusingtheverysamewords。

"Gaulalwayshaditspettykingdomsandintestinewars，tillyousubmittedtoourauthority。We，thoughsooftenprovoked，haveusedtherightofconquesttoburdenyouonlywiththecostofmaintainingpeace。Forthetranquillityofnationscannotbepreservedwithoutarmies；armiescannotexistwithoutpay；paycannotbefurnishedwithouttribute；allelseiscommonbetweenus。Youoftencommandourlegions。Youruletheseandotherprovinces。Thereisnoprivilege，noexclusion。FromworthyEmperorsyouderiveequaladvantage，thoughyoudwellsofaraway，whilecruelrulersaremostformidabletotheirneighbours。Endurethepassionsandrapacityofyourmasters，justasyoubearbarrenseasonsandexcessiverainsandothernaturalevils。Therewillbevicesaslongastherearemen。

Buttheyarenotperpetual，andtheyarecompensatedbytheoccurrenceofbetterthings。Perhaps，however，youexpectamilderruleunderTutorandClassicus，andfancythatarmiestorepeltheGermansandtheBritonswillbefurnishedbylesstributethanyounowpay。ShouldtheRomansbedrivenout(whichGodforbid)whatcanresultbutwarsbetweenallthesenations？Bytheprosperityandorderofeighthundredyearshasthisfabricofempirebeenconsolidated，norcanitbeoverthrownwithoutdestroyingthosewhooverthrowit。Yourswillbetheworstperil，foryouhavegoldandwealth，andthesearethechiefincentivestowar。Givethereforeyourloveandrespecttothecauseofpeace，andtothatcapitalinwhichwe，conquerorsandconquered，claimanequalright。Letthelessonsoffortuneinbothitsformsteachyounottopreferrebellionandruintosubmissionandsafety。"Withwordstothiseffecthequietedandencouragedhisaudience，whofearedharshertreatment。

TheterritoryoftheTreveriwasoccupiedbythevictoriousarmy，whenCivilisandClassicussentletterstoCerialis，thepurportofwhichwasasfollows:"Vespasian，thoughthenewsissuppressed，isdead。RomeandItalyarethoroughlywastedbyintestinewar。

MucianusandDomitianaremereemptyandpowerlessnames。IfCerialiswishesfortheempireofGaul，wecanbecontentwiththeboundariesofourownStates。Ifhepreferstofight，wedonotrefusethatalternative。"CerialissentnoanswertoCivilisandClassicus，butdespatchedthebearerandtheletteritselftoDomitian。Theenemyadvancedfromeveryquarterinseveralbodies。Cerialiswasgenerallycensuredforallowingthemtounite，whenhemighthavedestroyedthemindetail。TheRomanarmysurroundedtheircampwithafosseandrampart，foruptothattimetheyhadbeenrashenoughtooccupyitwithoutanydefence。AmongtheGermanstherewasaconflictofopinions。

Civilissaid:"WemustawaitthearrivaloftheTransrhenanetribes，theterrorofwhosenamewillbreakdowntheshatteredstrengthofRome。AsfortheGauls，whataretheybutthepreyoftheconqueror？

Andyetthechiefstrengthofthenation，theBelgae，arewithus，eitheropenly，orinheart。"TutormaintainedthatthepowerofRomewouldonlyincreasewithdelay，asherarmieswereassemblingfromallquarters。"Onelegion，"hesaid，"hasalreadybeenbroughtoverfromBritain；othershavebeensummonedfromSpain，orareadvancingfromItaly。Norarethesetroopsnewlyraisedlevies，buttheyareveteransoldiers，experiencedinwar。ButtheGermans，whomweareexpecting，donotobeyorders，andcannotbecontrolled，butalwaysactaccordingtotheirowncaprice。ThemoneytooandotherpresentsbywhichalonetheycanbebribedaremoreplentifulamongtheRomans，andnoonecanbesobentonfightingasnottopreferreposetoperil，whentheprofitisthesame。Butifweatoncemeetthefoe，CerialishasnolegionsbutthosethatsurvivefromthewreckoftheGermanarmy，andtheseareboundbytreatiestotheStatesofGaul。

Andtheveryfactoftheirhaving，contrarytotheirexpectations，latelyroutedtheundisciplinedforceofValentinuswillconfirmintheirrashnessboththemandtheirgeneral。Theywillventureagain，andwillfindthemselvesinthehands，notofanignorantstripling，whosethoughtswereofspeechesandharanguesratherthanofbattleandthesword，butinthoseofCivilisandClassicus，whomwhentheyoncebeholdtheywillberemindedofpanic，offlight，offamine，andofthemanytimeswhenascaptivestheyhadtobegforlife。NoraretheTreveriandLingonesboundbyanytiesofaffection；oncelettheirfearcease，andtheywillresumetheirarms。"ClassicusputanendtothesedifferencesofopinionbygivinghisapprovaltothesuggestionsofTutor，whichwereatonceactedon。

ThecentrewasthepostassignedtotheUbiiandLingones。OntherightweretheBataviancohorts；onthelefttheBructeriandtheTencteri。Onedivisionmarchingoverthehills，anotherpassingbetweenthehighroadandtheriverMosella，madetheattackwithsuchsuddenness，thatCerialis，whohadnotsleptinthecamp，wasinhischamberandeveninhisbed，whenheheardatthesamemomentthatthebattlehadbegun，andthathismenwerebeingworsted。Herebukedthealarmofthemessengers，tillthewholeextentofthedisasterbecamevisible，andhesawthatthecampofthelegionshadbeenforced，thatthecavalrywererouted，thatthebridgeovertheMosella，whichconnectedthefartherbankoftheriverwiththeColony，washeldbytheGermans。Undismayedbytheconfusion，Cerialisheldbackthefugitiveswithhisownhand，andreadilyexposinghimself，withhispersonentirelyunprotected，tothemissilesoftheenemy，hesucceededbyadaringandsuccessfuleffort，withthepromptaidofhisbravestsoldiers，inrecoveringthebridgeandholdingitwithapickedforce。Thenreturningtothecamp，hesawthebrokencompaniesofthelegions，whichhadbeencapturedatBonnaandNovesium，withbutfewsoldiersroundthestandards，andtheeaglesallbutsurroundedbythefoe。Firedwithindignation，heexclaimed，"ItisnotFlaccusorVocula，whomyouarethusabandoning。

Thereisnotreacheryhere；IhavenothingtoexcusebutthatIrashlybelievedthatyou，forgettingyouralliancewithGaul，hadagainrecollectedyourallegiancetoRome。IshallbeaddedtothenumberoftheNumisiiandHerennii，sothatallyourcommanderswillhavefallenbythehandsoftheirsoldiersoroftheenemy。Go，tellVespasian，or，sincetheyarenearer，CivilisandClassicus，thatyouhavedesertedyourgeneralonthebattlefield。Legionswillcomewhowillnotleavemeunavengedoryouunpunished。"

Allthiswastrue，andthetribunesandprefectsheapedontheirmenthesamereproaches。Thetroopsformedthemselvesincohortsandcompanies，fortheycouldnotdeployintoline；astheenemywerescatteredeverywhere，whilefromthefactthatthebattlewasragingwithintheentrenchments，theywerethemselveshamperedwiththeirtentsandbaggage。Tutor，Classicus，andCivilis，eachathispost，animatedthecombatants；theGaulstheyurgedtofightforfreedom，theBataviforglory，theGermansforplunder。Everythingseemedinfavouroftheenemy，tillthe21stlegion，havingmoreroomthantheothers，formeditselfintoacompactbody，withstood，andsoondrovebacktheassailants。Norwasitwithoutaninterpositionofheaven，thatbyasuddenchangeoftempertheconquerorsturnedtheirbacksandfled。Theirownaccountwas，thattheywerealarmedbythesightofthecohorts，which，afterbeingbrokenatthefirstonset，ralliedonthetopofthehills，andpresentedtheappearanceofreinforcements。Whatcheckedthemintheircourseofvictorywasamischievousstruggleamongthemselvestosecureplunderwhiletheyforgottheenemy。Cerialis，havingthusallbutruinedeverythingbyhiscarelessness，restoredthedaybyhisresolution；followinguphissuccess，hetookanddestroyedtheenemy\'scamponthesameday。

Nolongtimewasallowedtothesoldiersforrepose。TheAgrippinenseswerebeggingforhelp，andwereofferingtogiveupthewifeandsisterofCivilisandthedaughterofClassicus，whohadbeenleftwiththemaspledgesforthemaintenanceofthealliance。InthemeanwhiletheyhadmassacredalltheGermanswhowerescatteredthroughouttheirdwellings。Hencetheiralarmandreasonableimportunityinbeggingforhelp，beforetheenemy，recoveringtheirstrength，couldraisetheirspiritsforaneweffortorforthoughtsofrevenge。AndindeedCivilishadmarchedintheirdirection，norwashebyanymeansweak，ashehadstill，inunbrokenforce，themostwarlikeofhiscohorts，whichconsistedofChauciandFrisii，andwhichwaspostedatTolbiacum，onthefrontiersoftheAgrippinenses。Hewas，however，divertedfromhispurposebythedeplorablenewsthatthiscohorthadbeenentirelydestroyedbyastratagemoftheAgrippinenses，who，havingstupefiedtheGermansbyaprofuseentertainmentandabundanceofwine，fastenedthedoors，setfiretothehouses，andburnedthem。AtthesametimeCerialisadvancedbyforcedmarches，andrelievedthecity。Civilistoowasbesetbyotherfears。Hewasafraidthatthe14thlegion，supportedbythefleetfromBritain，mightdomischieftotheBatavialongtheirlineofcoast。Thelegionwas，however，marchedoverlandunderthecommandofFabiusPriscusintotheterritoryoftheNerviiandTungri，andthesetwostateswereallowedtocapitulate。TheCanninefates，takingtheoffensive，attackedourfleet，andthelargerpartoftheshipswaseithersunkorcaptured。ThesametribealsoroutedacrowdofNervii，whobyaspontaneousmovementhadtakenuparmsontheRomanside。Classicusalsogainedavictoryoversomecavalry，whohadbeensentontoNovesiumbyCerialis。Thesereverses，which，thoughtrifling，cameinrapidsuccession，destroyedbydegreestheprestigeoftherecentvictory。

AboutthesametimeMucianusorderedthesonofVitelliustobeputtodeath，allegingthatdissensionwouldnevercease，ifhedidnotdestroyallseedsofcivilwar。NorwouldhesufferAntoniusPrimustobetakenintothenumberofDomitian\'sattendants，forhefeltuneasyathispopularitywiththetroops，andfearedtheproudspiritoftheman，whocouldnotendureanequal，muchlessasuperior。AntoniusthenwenttoVespasian，whoreceivedhim，notindeedasheexpected，butinanotunfriendlyspirit。TwooppositeinfluencesactedontheEmperor；ontheonehandwerethemeritsofAntonius，underwhoseconductthewarhadbeyondalldoubtbeenterminated；ontheother，werethelettersofMucianus。Andeveryoneelseinveighedagainsthim，asanill-affectedandconceitedman，nordidtheyforgetthescandalsofhisearlylife。Antoniushimselffailednottoprovokeoffencebyhisarroganceandhisexcessivepropensitytodwellonhisownservices。Hereproachedothermenwithbeingcowards；Caecinahestigmatizedasacaptiveandaprisonerofwar。Thusbydegreeshecametobethoughtoflessweightandworth，thoughhisfriendshipwiththeEmperortoallappearanceremainedthesame。

InthemonthsduringwhichVespasianwaswaitingatAlexandriafortheperiodicalreturnofthesummergalesandsettledweatheratsea，manywondersoccurredwhichseemedtopointhimoutastheobjectofthefavourofheavenandofthepartialityoftheGods。OneofthecommonpeopleofAlexandria，wellknownforhisblindness，threwhimselfattheEmperor\'sknees，andimploredhimwithgroanstohealhisinfirmity。ThishedidbytheadviceoftheGodSerapis，whomthisnation，devotedasitistomanysuperstitions，worshipsmorethananyotherdivinity。HebeggedVespasianthathewoulddeigntomoistenhischeeksandeye-ballswithhisspittle。Anotherwithadiseasedhand，atthecounselofthesameGod，prayedthatthelimbmightfeettheprintofaCaesar\'sfoot。AtfirstVespasianridiculedandrepulsedthem。Theypersisted；andhe，thoughontheonehandhefearedthescandalofafruitlessattempt，yet，ontheother，wasinducedbytheentreatiesofthemenandbythelanguageofhisflattererstohopeforsuccess。Atlastheorderedthattheopinionofphysiciansshouldbetaken，astowhethersuchblindnessandinfirmitywerewithinthereachofhumanskill。Theydiscussedthematterfromdifferentpointsofview。"Intheonecase，"theysaid，"thefacultyofsightwasnotwhollydestroyed，andmightreturn，iftheobstacieswereremoved；intheothercase，thelimb，whichhadfallenintoadiseasedcondition，mightberestored，ifahealinginfluencewereapplied；such，perhaps，mightbethepleasureoftheGods，andtheEmperormightbechosentobetheministerofthedivinewill；atanyrate，allthegloryofasuccessfulremedywouldbeCaesar\'s，whiletheridiculeoffailurewouldfallonthesufferers。"AndsoVespasian，supposingthatallthingswerepossibletohisgoodfortune，andthatnothingwasanylongerpastbelief，withajoyfulcountenance，amidtheintenseexpectationofthemultitudeofbystanders，accomplishedwhatwasrequired。Thehandwasinstantlyrestoredtoitsuse，andthelightofdayagainshoneupontheblind。Personsactuallypresentattestbothfacts，evennowwhennothingistobegainedbyfalsehood。

VespasianthuscametoconceiveadeeperdesiretovisitthesanctuaryofSerapis，thathemightconsulttheGodabouttheinterestsofhisthrone。Hegaveordersthatallpersonsshouldbeexcludedfromthetemple。Hehadentered，andwasabsorbedinworship，whenhesawbehindhimoneofthechiefmenofEgypt，namedBasilides，whomheknewatthetimetobedetainedbysicknessataconsiderabledistance，asmuchasseveraldaysjourneyfromAlexandria。Heenquiredofthepriests，whetherBasilideshadonthisdayenteredthetemple。Heenquiredofotherswhomhemet，whetherhehadbeenseeninthecity。Atlength，sendingsomehorsemen，heascertainedthatatthatveryinstantthemanhadbeeneightymilesdistant。Hethenconcludedthatitwasadivineapparition，anddiscoveredanoracularforceinthenameofBasilides。

TheoriginofthisGodSerapishasnothithertobeenmadegenerallyknownbyourwriters。TheEgyptianpriestsgivethisaccount。WhilePtolemy，thefirstMacedoniankingwhoconsolidatedthepowerofEgypt，wassettingupinthenewly-builtcityofAlexandriafortifications，temples，andritesofworship，thereappearedtohiminhissleepayouthofsingularbeautyandmorethanhumanstature，whocounselledthemonarchtosendhismosttrustyfriendstoPontus，andfetchhiseffigyfromthatcountry。This，hesaid，wouldbringprosperitytotherealm，andgreatandillustriouswouldbethecitywhichgaveitareception。Atthesamemomenthesawtheyouthascendtoheaveninablazeoffire。Rousedbysosignificantandstrangeanappearance，PtolemydisclosedthevisionofthenighttotheEgyptianpriests，whosebusinessitistounderstandsuchmatters。AstheyknewbutlittleofPontusorofforeigncountries，heenquiredofTimotheus，anAthenian，oneofthefamilyoftheEumolpids，whomhehadinvitedfromEleusistopresideoverthesacredrites，whatthisworshipwas，andwhowasthedeity。Timotheus，questioningpersonswhohadfoundtheirwaytoPontus，learntthattherewasthereacitySinope，andnearitatemple，which，accordingtoanoldtraditionoftheneighbourhood，wassacredtotheinfernalJupiter，fortherealsostoodcloseathandafemalefigure，towhichmanygavethenameofProserpine。Ptolemy，however，withthetruedispositionofadespot，thoughpronetoalarm，was，whenthefeelingofsecurityreturned，moreintentonpleasuresthanonreligiousmatters；andhebeganbydegreestoneglecttheaffair，andtoturnhisthoughtstootherconcerns，tillatlengththesameapparition，butnowmoreterribleandperemptory，denouncedruinagainstthekingandhisrealm，unlesshisbiddingwereperformed。

PtolemythengavedirectionsthatanembassyshouldbedespatchedwithpresentstokingScydrothemis，whoatthattimeruledthepeopleofSinope，andinstructedthem，whentheywereonthepointofsailing，toconsultthePythianApollo。Theirvoyagewasprosperous，andtheresponseoftheoraclewasclear。TheGodbadethemgoandcarrybackwiththemtheimageofhisfather，butleavethatofhissisterbehind。

OntheirarrivalatSinope，theydeliveredtoScydrothemisthepresentsfromtheirking，withhisrequestandmessage。Hewaveredinpurpose，dreadingatonemomenttheangeroftheGod，terrifiedatanotherbythethreatsandoppositionofthepeople。Oftenhewaswroughtuponbythegiftsandpromisesoftheambassadors。Andsothreeyearspassedaway，whilePtolemydidnotceasetourgehiszealoussolicitations。Hecontinuedtoincreasethedignityofhisembassies，thenumberofhisships，andtheweightofhisgold。A

terriblevisionthenappearedtoScydrothemis，warninghimtothwartnolongerthepurposesoftheGod。Asheyethesitated，variousdisasters，pestilence，andtheunmistakableangerofheaven，whichgrewheavierfromdaytoday，continuedtoharasshim。Hesummonedanassembly，andexplainedtothemthebiddingoftheGod，thevisionsofPtolemyandhimself，andthemiseriesthatweregatheringaboutthem。Thepeopleturnedawayangrilyfromtheirking，werejealousofEgypt，and，fearingforthemselves，throngedaroundthetemple。Thestorybecomesatthispointmoremarvellous，andrelatesthattheGodofhisownwillconveyedhimselfonboardthefleet，whichhadbeenbroughtclosetoshore，and，wonderfultosay，vastaswastheextentofseathattheytraversed，theyarrivedatAlexandriaonthethirdday。Atemple，proportionedtothegrandeurofthecity，waserectedinaplacecalledRhacotis，wheretherehadstoodachapelconsecratedinoldtimestoSerapisandIsis。SuchisthemostpopularaccountoftheoriginandintroductionoftheGodSerapis。IamawareindeedthattherearesomewhosaythathewasbroughtfromSeleucia，acityofSyria，inthereignofPtolemyIII。，whileothersassertthatitwastheactofthesameking，butthattheplacefromwhichhewasbroughtwasMemphis，onceafamouscityandthestrengthofancientEgypt。TheGodhimself，becausehehealsthesick，manyidentifiedwithAesculapius；otherswithOsiris，thedeityofthehighestantiquityamongthesenations；notafewwithJupiter，asbeingsupremerulerofallthings；butmostpeoplewithPluto，arguingfromtheemblemswhichmaybeseenonhisstatues，orfromconjecturesoftheirown。

DomitianandMucianusreceived，beforetheyreachedtheAlps，favourablenewsoftheoperationsamongtheTreveri。Thebestproofofthevictorywasseenintheenemy\'sgeneralValentinus，whowithundauntedcourageshewedinhislookhishabitualhighspirit。Hewasheard，butonlythattheymightjudgeofhischaracter；andhewascondemned。Duringhisexecutionherepliedtoonewhotauntedhimwiththesubjectionofhiscountry，"ThatItakeasmyconsolationindeath。"Mucianusnowbroughtforwardasanewthoughtaplanhehadlongconcealed。"Since，"hesaid，"bytheblessingoftheGodsthestrengthoftheenemyhasbeenbroken，itwouldlittlebecomeDomitian，nowthatthewarisallbutfinished，tointerferewiththegloryofothers。IfthestabilityoftheEmpireorthesafetyofGaulwereindanger，itwouldhavebeenrightforCaesartotakehisplaceinthefield；buttheCanninefatesandBatavishouldbehandedovertoinferiorgenerals。LettheEmperordisplayfromthenearneighbourhoodofLugdunumthemightandprestigeofimperialpower，notmeddlingwithtriflingrisks，thoughhewouldnotbewantingongreateroccasions。"

Hisartificeswereunderstood，butitwasapartoftheirrespectnottoexposethem。ThustheyarrivedatLugdunum。ItisbelievedthatfromthisplaceDomitiandespatchedsecretemissariestoCerialis，andtemptedhisloyaltywiththequestionwhether，onhisshewinghimself，hewouldhandovertohimthecommandofthearmy。WhetherinthisschemeDomitianwasthinkingofwarwithhisfather，orofcollectingmoney，andmentobeusedagainsthisbrother，wasuncertain；forCerialis，byajudicioustemporising，eludedtherequestaspromptedbyanidleandchildishambition。Domitian，seeingthathisyouthwasdespisedbytheolderofficers，gaveupeventhelessimportantfunctionsofgovernmentwhichhehadbeforeexercised。Underasemblanceofsimpleandmodesttastes，hewrappedhimselfinaprofoundreserve，andaffectedadevotiontoliteratureandaloveofpoetry，thusseekingtothrowaveiloverhischaracter，andtowithdrawhimselffromthejealousyofhisbrother，ofwhosemildertemper，sounlikehisown，hejudgedmostfalsely。

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EARLYinthisyearTitusCaesar，whohadbeenselectedbyhisfathertocompletethesubjugationofJudaea，andwhohadgaineddistinctionasasoldierwhilebothwerestillsubjects，begantoriseinpowerandreputation，asarmiesandprovincesemulatedeachotherintheirattachmenttohim。Theyoungmanhimself，anxioustobethoughtsuperiortohisstation，waseverdisplayinghisgracefulnessandhisenergyinwar。Byhiscourtesyandaffabilityhecalledforthawillingobedience，andheoftenmixedwiththecommonsoldiers，whileworkingormarching，withoutimpairinghisdignityasgeneral。HefoundinJudaeathreelegions，the5th，the10th，andthe15th，alloldtroopsofVespasian\'s。Totheseheaddedthe12thfromSyria，andsomemenbelongingtothe18thand3rd，whomhehadwithdrawnfromAlexandria。Thisforcewasaccompaniedbytwentycohortsofalliedtroopsandeightsquadronsofcavalry，bythetwokingsAgrippaandSohemus，bytheauxiliaryforcesofkingAntiochus，byastrongcontingentofArabs，whohatedtheJewswiththeusualhatredofneighbours，and，lastly，bymanypersonsbroughtfromthecapitalandfromItalybyprivatehopesofsecuringtheyetunengagedaffectionsofthePrince。WiththisforceTitusenteredtheenemy\'sterritory，preservingstrictorderonhismarch，reconnoitringeveryspot，andalwaysreadytogivebattle。AtlastheencampednearJerusalem。

AsIamabouttorelatethelastdaysofafamouscity，itseemsappropriatetothrowsomelightonitsorigin。

SomesaythattheJewswerefugitivesfromtheislandofCrete，whosettledonthenearestcoastofAfricaaboutthetimewhenSaturnwasdrivenfromhisthronebythepowerofJupiter。Evidenceofthisissoughtinthename。ThereisafamousmountaininCretecalledIda；theneighbouringtribe，theIdaei，cametobecalledJudaeibyabarbarouslengtheningofthenationalname。OthersassertthatinthereignofIsistheoverflowingpopulationofEgypt，ledbyHierosolymusandJudas，dischargeditselfintotheneighbouringcountries。Many，again，saythattheywerearaceofEthiopianorigin，whointhetimeofkingCepheusweredrivenbyfearandhatredoftheirneighbourstoseekanewdwelling-place。OthersdescribethemasanAssyrianhordewho，nothavingsufficientterritory，tookpossessionofpartofEgypt，andfoundedcitiesoftheirowninwhatiscalledtheHebrewcountry，lyingonthebordersofSyria。Others，again，assignaverydistinguishedorigintotheJews，allegingthattheyweretheSolymi，anationcelebratedinthepoemsofHomer，whocalledthecitywhichtheyfoundedHierosolymaaftertheirownname。

Mostwriters，however，agreeinstatingthatonceadisease，whichhorriblydisfiguredthebody，brokeoutoverEgypt；thatkingBocchoris，seekingaremedy，consultedtheoracleofHammon，andwasbiddentocleansehisrealm，andtoconveyintosomeforeignlandthisracedetestedbythegods。Thepeople，whohadbeencollectedafterdiligentsearch，findingthemselvesleftinadesert，satforthemostpartinastuporofgrief，tilloneoftheexiles，Moysesbyname，warnedthemnottolookforanyrelieffromGodorman，forsakenastheywereofboth，buttotrusttothemselves，takingfortheirheaven-sentleaderthatmanwhoshouldfirsthelpthemtobequitoftheirpresentmisery。Theyagreed，andinutterignorancebegantoadvanceatrandom。Nothing，however，distressedthemsomuchasthescarcityofwater，andtheyhadsunkreadytoperishinalldirectionsovertheplain，whenaherdofwildasseswasseentoretirefromtheirpasturetoarockshadedbytrees。Moysesfollowedthem，and，guidedbytheappearanceofagrassyspot，discoveredanabundantspringofwater。Thisfurnishedrelief。Afteracontinuousjourneyforsixdays，onthesevenththeypossessedthemselvesofacountry，fromwhichtheyexpelledtheinhabitants，andinwhichtheyfoundedacityandatemple。

Moyses，wishingtosecureforthefuturehisauthorityoverthenation，gavethemanovelformofworship，opposedtoallthatispractisedbyothermen。Thingssacredwithus，withthemhavenosanctity，whiletheyallowwhatwithusisforbidden。Intheirholyplacetheyhaveconsecratedanimageoftheanimalbywhoseguidancetheyfounddeliverancefromtheirlongandthirstywanderings。Theyslaytheram，seeminglyinderisionofHammon，andtheysacrificetheox，becausetheEgyptiansworshipitasApis。Theyabstainfromswine\'sflesh，inconsiderationofwhattheysufferedwhentheywereinfectedbytheleprosytowhichthisanimalisliable。Bytheirfrequentfaststheystillbearwitnesstothelonghungerofformerdays，andtheJewishbread，madewithoutleaven，isretainedasamemorialoftheirhurriedseizureofcorn。Wearetoldthattherestoftheseventhdaywasadopted，becausethisdaybroughtwithitaterminationoftheirtoils；afterawhilethecharmofindolencebeguildedthemintogivinguptheseventhyearalsotoinaction。ButotherssaythatitisanobservanceinhonourofSaturn，eitherfromtheprimitiveelementsoftheirfaithhavingbeentransmittedfromtheIdaei，whoaresaidtohavesharedtheflightofthatGod，andtohavefoundedtherace，orfromthecircumstancethatofthesevenstarswhichrulethedestiniesofmenSaturnmovesinthehighestorbitandwiththemightiestpower，andthatmanyoftheheavenlybodiescompletetheirrevolutionsandcoursesinmultiplesofseven。

Thisworship，howeverintroduced，isupheldbyitsantiquity；alltheirothercustoms，whichareatonceperverseanddisgusting，owetheirstrengthtotheirverybadness。Themostdegradedoutofotherraces，scorningtheirnationalbeliefs，broughttothemtheircontributionsandpresents。ThisaugmentedthewealthoftheJews，asalsodidthefact，thatamongthemselvestheyareinflexiblyhonestandeverreadytoshewcompassion，thoughtheyregardtherestofmankindwithallthehatredofenemies。Theysitapartatmeals，theysleepapart，andthough，asanation，theyaresingularlypronetolust，theyabstainfromintercoursewithforeignwomen；amongthemselvesnothingisunlawful。Circumcisionwasadoptedbythemasamarkofdifferencefromothermen。Thosewhocomeovertotheirreligionadoptthepractice，andhavethislessonfirstinstilledintothem，todespiseallgods，todisowntheircountry，andsetatnoughtparents，children，andbrethren。Stilltheyprovidefortheincreaseoftheirnumbers。Itisacrimeamongthemtokillanynewly-borninfant。Theyholdthatthesoulsofallwhoperishinbattleorbythehandsoftheexecutionerareimmortal。Henceapassionforpropagatingtheirraceandacontemptfordeath。Theyarewonttoburyratherthantoburntheirdead，followinginthistheEgyptiancustom；theybestowthesamecareonthedead，andtheyholdthesamebeliefaboutthelowerworld。Quitedifferentistheirfaithaboutthingsdivine。TheEgyptiansworshipmanyanimalsandimagesofmonstrousform；theJewshavepurelymentalconceptionsofDeity，asoneinessence。TheycallthoseprofanewhomakerepresentationsofGodinhumanshapeoutofperishablematerials。TheybelievethatBeingtobesupremeandeternal，neithercapableofrepresentation，norofdecay。Theythereforedonotallowanyimagestostandintheircities，muchlessintheirtemples。Thisflatteryisnotpaidtotheirkings，northishonourtoourEmperors。Fromthefact，however，thattheirpriestsusedtochanttothemusicofflutesandcymbals，andtoweargarlandsofivy，andthatagoldenvinewasfoundinthetemple，somehavethoughtthattheyworshippedfatherLiber，theconqueroroftheEast，thoughtheirinstitutionsdonotbyanymeansharmonizewiththetheory；forLiberestablishedafestiveandcheerfulworship，whiletheJewishreligionistastelessandmean。

EastwardthecountryisboundedbyArabia；tothesouthliesEgypt；onthewestarePhoeniciaandtheMediterranean。NorthwarditcommandsanextensiveprospectoverSyria。Theinhabitantsarehealthyandabletobearfatigue。Rainisuncommon，butthesoilisfertile。

Itsproductsresembleourown。Theyhave，besides，thebalsam-treeandthepalm。Thepalm-grovesaretallandgraceful。Thebalsamisashrub；eachbranch，asitfillswithsap，maybepiercedwithafragmentofstoneorpottery。Ifsteelisemployed，theveinsshrinkup。Thesapisusedbyphysicians。Libanusistheprincipalmountain，andhas，strangetosay，amidsttheseburningheats，asummitshadedwithtreesandneverdesertedbyitssnows。ThesamerangesuppliesandsendsforththestreamoftheJordan。Thisriverdoesnotdischargeitselfintothesea，butflowsentirethroughtwolakes，andislostinthethird。Thisisalakeofvastcircumference；

itresemblesthesea，butismorenauseousintaste；itbreedspestilenceamongthosewholivenearbyitsnoisomeodour；itcannotbemovedbythewind，anditaffordsnohomeeithertofishorwater-birds。Thesestrangewaterssupportwhatisthrownuponthem，asonasolidsurface，andallpersons，whethertheycanswimorno，areequallybuoyedupbythewaves。Atacertainseasonoftheyearthelakethrowsupbitumen，andthemethodofcollectingithasbeentaughtbythatexperiencewhichteachesallotherarts。Itisnaturallyafluidofdarkcolour；whenvinegarissprinkleduponit，itcoagulatesandfloatsuponthesurface。Thosewhosebusinessitistakeitwiththehand，anddrawitontothedeckoftheboat；itthencontinuesofitselftoflowinandladethevesseltillthestreamiscutoff。Norcanthisbedonebyanyinstrumentofbrassoriron。Itshrinksfrombloodoranyclothstainedbythemenstruaofwomen。Suchistheaccountofoldauthors；butthosewhoknowthecountrysaythatthebitumenmovesinheavingmassesonthewater，thatitisdrawnbyhandtotheshore，andthatthere，whendriedbytheevaporationoftheearthandthepowerofthesun，itiscutintopieceswithaxesandwedgesjustastimberorstonewouldbe。

Notfarfromthislakeliesaplain，oncefertile，theysay，andthesiteofgreatcities，butafterwardsstruckbylightningandconsumed。

Ofthisevent，theydeclare，tracesstillremain，forthesoil，whichisscorchedinappearance，haslostitsproductivepower。

Everythingthatgrowsspontaneously，aswellaswhatisplantedbyhand，eitherwhentheleaforflowerhavebeendeveloped，oraftermaturingintheusualform，becomesblackandrotten，andcrumblesintoakindofdust。Iamreadytoallow，ontheonehand，thatcities，oncefamous，mayhavebeenconsumedbyfirefromheaven，while，ontheother，Iimaginethattheearthisinfectedbytheexhalationsofthelake，thatthesurroundingairistainted，andthatthusthegrowthofharvestandthefruitsofautumndecayundertheequallynoxiousinfluencesofsoilandclimate。TheriverBelusalsoflowsintotheJewishsea。Aboutitsmouthisakindofsandwhichiscollected，mixedwithnitre，andfusedintoglass。Thisshoreisoflimitedextent，butfurnishesaninexhaustiblesupplytotheexporter。

AgreatpartofJudaeaconsistsofscatteredvillages。Theyhavealsotowns。Jersualemisthecapital。Therestoodatempleofimmensewealth。Firstcamethecitywithitsfortifications，thentheroyalpalace，then，withintheinnermostdefences，thetempleitself。OnlytheJewmightapproachthegates；allbutpriestswereforbiddentopassthethreshold。WhiletheEastwasundertheswayoftheAssyrians，theMedes，andthePersians，Jewswerethemostcontemptibleofthesubjecttribes。WhentheMacedoniansbecamesupreme，KingAntiochusstrovetodestroythenationalsuperstition，andtointroduceGreekcivilization，butwaspreventedbyhiswarwiththeParthiansfromatallimprovingthisvilestofnations；foratthistimetherevoltofArsaceshadtakenplace。TheMacedonianpowerwasnowweak，whiletheParthianhadnotyetreacheditsfullstrength，and，astheRomanswerestillfaroff，theJewschosekingsforthemselves。Expelledbytheficklepopulace，andregainingtheirthronebyforceofarms，theseprinces，whiletheyventuredonthewholesalebanishmentoftheirsubjects，onthedestructionofcities，onthemurderofbrothers，wives，andparents，andtheotherusualatrocitiesofdespots，fosteredthenationalsuperstitionbyappropriatingthedignityofthepriesthoodasthesupportoftheirpoliticalpower。

CneiusPompeiuswasthefirstofourcountrymentosubduetheJews。Availinghimselfoftherightofconquest，heenteredthetemple。Thusitbecamecommonlyknownthattheplacestoodemptywithnosimilitudeofgodswithin，andthattheshrinehadnothingtoreveal。ThewallsofJerusalemweredestroyed，thetemplewasleftstanding。Aftertheseprovinceshadfallen，inthecourseofourcivilwars，intothehandsofMarcusAntonius，Pacorus，kingoftheParthians，seizedJudaea。HewasslainbyPubliusVentidius，andtheParthiansweredrivenbackovertheEuphrates。CaiusSosiusreducedtheJewstosubjection。Theroyalpower，whichhadbeenbestowedbyAntonyonHerod，wasaugmentedbythevictoriousAugustus。

OnHerod\'sdeath，oneSimon，withoutwaitingfortheapprobationoftheEmperor，usurpedthetitleofking。HewaspunishedbyQuintiliusVarusthengovernorofSyria，andthenation，withitslibertiescurtailed，wasdividedintothreeprovincesunderthesonsofHerod。UnderTiberiusallwasquiet。ButwhentheJewswereorderedbyCaligulatosetuphisstatueinthetemple，theypreferredthealternativeofwar。ThedeathoftheEmperorputanendtothedisturbance。Thekingswereeitherdead，orreducedtoinsignificance，whenClaudiusentrustedtheprovinceofJudaeatotheRomanKnightsortohisownfreedmen，oneofwhom，AntoniusFelix，indulgingineverykindofbarbarityandlust，exercisedthepowerofakinginthespiritofaslave。HehadmarriedDrusilla，thegranddaughterofAntonyandCleopatra，andsowasthegrandson-in-law，asClaudiuswasthegrandson，ofAntony。

YettheenduranceoftheJewslastedtillGessiusFloruswasprocurator。Inhistimethewarbrokeout。CestiusGallus，legateofSyria，whoattemptedtocrushit，hadtofightseveralbattles，generallywithill-success。Cestiusdying，eitherinthecourseofnature，orfromvexation，VespasianwassentbyNero，andbyhelpofhisgoodfortune，hishighreputation，andhisexcellentsubordinates，succeededwithinthespaceoftwosummersinoccupyingwithhisvictoriousarmythewholeofthelevelcountryandallthecities，exceptJerusalem。Thefollowingyearhadbeenwhollytakenupwithcivilstrife，andhadpassed，asfarastheJewswereconcerned，ininaction。PeacehavingbeenestablishedinItaly，foreignaffairswereoncemoreremembered。OurindignationwasheightenedbythecircumstancethattheJewsalonehadnotsubmitted。Atthesametimeitwasheldtobemoreexpedient，inreferencetothepossibleresultsandcontingenciesofthenewreign，thatTitusshouldremainwiththearmy。

Accordinglyhepitchedhiscamp，asIhaverelated，beforethewallsofJerusalem，anddisplayedhislegionsinorderofbattle。

TheJewsformedtheirlinecloseundertheirwalls，whence，ifsuccessful，theymightventuretoadvance，andwhere，ifrepulsed，theyhadarefugeathand。Thecavalrywithsomelightinfantrywassenttoattackthem，andfoughtwithoutanydecisiveresult。Shortlyafterwardstheenemyretreated。Duringthefollowingdaystheyfoughtaseriesofengagementsinfrontofthegates，tilltheyweredrivenwithinthewallsbycontinualdefeats。TheRomansthenbegantoprepareforanassault。Itseemedbeneaththemtoawaittheresultoffamine。Thearmydemandedthemoreperilousalternative，somepromptedbycourage，manybysheerferocityandgreedofgain。TitushimselfhadRomewithallitswealthandpleasuresbeforehiseyes。

Jerusalemmustfallatonce，oritwoulddelayhisenjoymentofthem。Butthecommandingsituationofthecityhadbeenstrengthenedbyenormousworkswhichwouldhavebeenathoroughdefenceevenforlevelground。Twohillsofgreatheightwerefencedinbywallswhichhadbeenskilfullyobliquedorbentinwards，insuchamannerthattheflankofanassailantwasexposedtomissiles。Therockterminatedinaprecipice；thetowerswereraisedtoaheightofsixtyfeet，wherethehilllentitsaidtothefortifications，wherethegroundfell，toaheightofonehundredandtwenty。Theyhadamarvellousappearance，andtoadistantspectatorseemedtobeofuniformelevation。Withinwereotherwallssurroundingthepalace，and，risingtoaconspicuousheight，thetowerAntonia，socalledbyHerod，inhonourofMarcusAntonius。

Thetempleresembledacitadel，andhaditsownwalls，whichweremorelaboriouslyconstructedthantheothers。Eventhecolonnadeswithwhichitwassurroundedformedanadmirableoutwork。Itcontainedaninexhaustiblespring；thereweresubterraneanexcavationsinthehill，andtanksandcisternsforholdingrainwater。Thefoundersofthestatehadforeseenthatfrequentwarswouldresultfromthesingularityofitscustoms，andsohadmadeeveryprovisionagainstthemostprotractedsiege。AfterthecaptureoftheircitybyPompey，experienceandapprehensiontaughtthemmuch。AvailingthemselvesofthesordidpolicyoftheClaudianeratopurchasetherightoffortification，theyraisedintimeofpeacesuchwallsasweresuitedforwar。Theirnumberswereincreasedbyavastrabblecollectedfromtheoverthrowoftheothercities。Allthemostobstinaterebelshadescapedintotheplace，andperpetualseditionsweretheconsequence。Therewerethreegenerals，andasmanyarmies。

Simonheldtheouterandlargercircuitofwalls。John，alsocalledBargioras，occupiedthemiddlecity。Eleazarhadfortifiedthetemple。

JohnandSimonwerestronginnumbersandequipment，Eleazarinposition。Therewerecontinualskirmishes，surprises，andincendiaryfires，andavastquantityofcornwasburnt。BeforelongJohnsentsomeemissaries，who，underpretenceofsacrificing，slaughteredEleazarandhispartisans，andgainedpossessionofthetemple。Thecitywasthusdividedbetweentwofactions，till，astheRomansapproached，warwiththeforeignerbroughtaboutareconciliation。

Prodigieshadoccurred，whichthisnation，pronetosuperstition，buthatingallreligiousrites，didnotdeemitlawfultoexpiatebyofferingandsacrifice。Therehadbeenseenhostsjoiningbattleintheskies，thefierygleamofarms，thetempleilluminatedbyasuddenradiancefromtheclouds。Thedoorsoftheinnershrineweresuddenlythrownopen，andavoiceofmorethanmortaltonewasheardtocrythattheGodsweredeparting。Atthesameinstanttherewasamightystirasofdeparture。Somefewputafearfulmeaningontheseevents，butinmosttherewasafirmpersuasion，thatintheancientrecordsoftheirpriestswascontainedapredictionofhowatthisverytimetheEastwastogrowpowerful，andrulers，comingfromJudaea，weretoacquireuniversalempire。ThesemysteriousprophecieshadpointedtoVespasianandTitus，butthecommonpeople，withtheusualblindnessofambition，hadinterpretedthesemightydestiniesofthemselves，andcouldnotbebroughtevenbydisasterstobelievethetruth。Ihaveheardthatthetotalnumberofthebesieged，ofeveryageandbothsexes，amountedtosixhundredthousand。Allwhowereableborearms，andanumber，morethanproportionatetothepopulation，hadthecouragetodoso。Menandwomenshowedequalresolution，andlifeseemedmoreterriblethandeath，iftheyweretobeforcedtoleavetheircountry。Suchwasthiscityandnation；andTitusCaesar，seeingthatthepositionforbadanassaultoranyofthemorerapidoperationsofwar，determinedtoproceedbyearthworksandcoveredapproaches。Thelegionshadtheirrespectivedutiesassignedtothem，andtherewasacessationfromfighting，tillalltheinventions，usedinancientwarfare，ordevisedbymoderningenuityforthereductionofcities，wereconstructed。

MeanwhileCivilis，havingrecruitedhisarmyfromGermanyafterhisdefeatamongtheTreveri，tookuphispositionattheOldCamp，wherehissituationwouldprotecthim，andwherethecourageofhisbarbariantroopswouldberaisedbytherecollectionofsuccessesgainedonthespot。HewasfollowedtothisplacebyCerialis，whoseforceshadnowbeendoubledbythearrivalofthe2nd，6th，and14thlegions。Theauxiliaryinfantryandcavalry，summonedlongbefore，hadhastenedtojoinhimafterhisvictory。Neitherofthegeneralsloveddelay。Butawideextentofplainnaturallysaturatedwithwaterkeptthemapart。CivilishadalsothrownadamobliquelyacrosstheRhine，sothatthestream，divertedbytheobstacle，mightoverflowtheadjacentcountry。Suchwasthecharacterofthedistrict，fullofhiddenperilsfromthevaryingdepthofthefords，andunfavourabletoourtroops。TheRomansoldierisheavilyarmedandafraidtoswim，whiletheGerman，whoisaccustomedtorivers，isfavouredbythelightnessofhisequipmentandtheheightofhisstature。

TheBataviprovokingaconflict，thestrugglewasatoncebegunbyalltheboldestspiritsamongourtroops，butapanicarose，whentheysawarmsandhorsesswallowedupinthevastdepthsofthemarshes。

TheGermansleaptlightlythroughthewell-knownshallows，andfrequently，quittingthefront，hungontherearandflanksofourarmy。Itwasneithertheclosenorthedistantfightingofaland-battle；itwasmorelikeanavalcontest。Strugglingamongthewaters，orexertingeverylimbwheretheyfoundanyfirmfooting，thewoundedandtheunhurt，thosewhocouldswimandthosewhocouldnot，wereinvolvedinonecommondestruction。Thelosshoweverwaslessthanmighthavebeenexpectedfromtheconfusion，fortheGermans，notventuringtoleavethemorass，returnedtotheircamp。

Theresultofthisbattlerousedbothgenerals，thoughfromdifferentmotives，tohastenonthefinalstruggle。Civiliswasanxioustofollowuphissuccess；Cerialistowipeouthisdisgrace。

TheGermanswereflushedwithsuccess；theRomanswerethoroughlyrousedbyshame。Thebarbariansspentthenightinsingingandshouting；ourmeninrageandthreatsofvengeance。

NextmorningCerialisformedhisfrontwiththecavalryandauxiliaryinfantry；inthesecondlinewerepostedthelegions，thegeneralreservingapickedforceforunforeseencontingencies。Civilisconfrontedhimwithhistroopsranged，notinline，butincolumns。OntherightweretheBataviandtheGugerni；theleft，whichwasnearertheriver，wasoccupiedbytheTransrhenanetribes。Theexhortationsofthegeneralswerenotaddressedasformalharanguestotheassembledarmies，buttothedivisionsseparately，astheyrodealongtheline。CerialisspokeoftheoldgloryoftheRomanname，offormerandofrecentvictories；hetoldthemthatindestroyingforevertheirtreacherous，cowardly，andbeatenfoe，theyhadtoexecuteapunishment，ratherthantofightabattle。Theyhadlatelycontendedwithasuperiorforce，andyettheGermans，thestrengthofthehostilearmy，hadbeenrouted；afewwereleft，whocarriedterrorintheirheartsandscarsupontheirbacks。Headdressedtotheseverallegionsappropriateappeals。The14thwerestyledthe"ConquerorsofBritain"；thepowerfulinfluenceofthe6thhadmadeGalbaEmperor；themenofthe2ndwereinthatbattlefirsttoconsecratetheirnewstandardsandneweagle。ThenridinguptothearmyofGermany，hestretchedforthhishand，andimploredthemtorecovertheirriverbankandtheircampbytheslaughterofthefoe。A

joyfulshoutarosefromthewholearmy，someofwhomafterlongpeacelustedforbattle，whileothers，wearyofwar，desiredpeace；

allwerelookingforrewardsandforfuturerepose。

NordidCivilismarshalhisarmyinsilence。Hecalledthefieldofbattletobearwitnesstotheirvalour。HetoldtheGermansandBataviansthattheywerestandingonthemonumentsoftheirglory，thattheyweretreadingunderfoottheashesandbonesoflegions。

"Wherever，"hesaid，"theRomanturnshiseyes，captivity，disaster，andeverythingthatisterrible，confronthim。DonotbealarmedbytheadverseresultofthebattleamongtheTreveri。There，theirownsuccessprovedhurtfultotheGermans，for，throwingawaytheirarms，theyhamperedtheirhandswithplunder。Sincetheneverythinghasbeenfavourabletous，andagainstthefoe。Allprecautions，whichtheskillofageneralshouldtake，havebeentaken。Herearethesefloodedplainswhichweknowsowell，herethemarshessofataltotheenemy。TheRhineandtheGodsofGermanyareinyoursight。Undertheirauspicesgivebattle，rememberingyourwives，yourparents，andyourfather-land。Thisdaywilleitherbethemostgloriousamongthedeedsofthepast，orwillbeinfamousintheeyesofposterity。"Thesewordswerehailed，accordingtotheircustom，withtheclashofarmsandwithwildantics，andthenthebattlewascommencedbyadischargeofstones，leadenballs，andothermissiles，oursoldiersnotenteringthemorass，whiletheGermanssoughttoprovoke，andsodrawthemon。

Whentheirstoreofmissileswasspent，andthebattlegrewhotter，afierceronslaughtwasmadebytheenemy。Theirtallstatureandverylongspearsenabledthem，withoutclosing，towoundourmen，whowerewaveringandunsteady。AtthesametimeacolumnoftheBructeriswamacrossfromthedam，whichIhavedescribedascarriedoutintotheriver。Heretherewassomeconfusion。Thelineofthealliedinfantrywasbeingdrivenback，whenthelegionstookupthecontest。Thefuryoftheenemywaschecked，andthebattleagainbecameequal。AtthesametimeaBataviandesertercameuptoCerialis，offeringanopportunityofattackingtheenemy\'srear，ifsomecavalryweresentalongtheedgeofthemorass。Thegroundtherewasfirm，andtheGugerni，towhomtheposthadbeenallotted，werecareless。Twosquadronsweresentwiththedeserter，andoutflankedtheunsuspectingenemy。Attheshoutthatannouncedthissuccess，thelegionschargedinfront。TheGermanswererouted，andfledtowardstheRhine。Thewarwouldhavebeenfinishedthatday，ifthefleethadhastenedtocomeup。Asitwas，thecavalrydidnotpursue，forastormofrainsuddenlyfell，andnightwasathand。

Thenextdaythe14thlegionwassentintotheUpperProvincetojoinGallusAnnius。The10th，whichhadarrivedfromSpain，supplieditsplaceinthearmyofCerialis。CiviliswasjoinedbysomeauxiliariesfromtheChauci。NeverthelesshedidnotventuretofightforthedefenceoftheBataviancapital，butcarryingoffpropertythatcouldberemoved，andsettingfiretotheremainder，heretreatedintotheisland，awarethattherewerenotvesselsenoughforconstructingabridge，andthattheRomanarmycouldnotcrosstheriverinanyotherway。Healsodemolishedthedyke，constructedbyDrususGermanicus，and，bydestroyingthisbarrier，senttheriverflowingdownasteepchannelonthesideofGaul。Theriverhavingbeenthus，sotospeak，diverted，thenarrownessofthechannelbetweentheislandandGermanycreatedanappearanceofanuninterruptedsurfaceofdryground。Tutor，Classicus，andonehundredandthirteensenatorsoftheTreveri，alsocrossedtheRhine。AmongthemwasAlpiniusMontanus，ofwhosemissionintoGaulbyAntoniusI

havealreadyspoken。HewasaccompaniedbyhisbrotherDecimusAlpinius。Hisotheradherentswerenowendeavouringtocollectauxiliariesamongthesedanger-lovingtribesbyappealstotheirpityandtheirgreed。

Thewarwassofarfrombeingatanend，thatCivilisinonedayattackedonfourpointsthepositionsoftheauxiliaryinfantryandcavalryandofthelegions，assailingthetenthlegionatArenacum，thesecondatBatavodurum，andthecampoftheauxiliaryinfantryandcavalryatGrinnesandVada，andsodividinghisforces，thathehimself，hissister\'ssonVerax，Classicus，andTutor，ledeachhisowndivision。Theywerenotconfidentofaccomplishingalltheseobjects，buttheyhopedthat，iftheymademanyventures，fortunewouldfavourthemonsomeonepoint。Besides，Cerialiswasnotcautious，andmighteasilybeintercepted，asthemultiplicityoftidingshurriedhimfromplacetoplace。Theforce，whichhadtoattackthetenthlegion，thinkingitahardmattertostormalegionaryencampment，surprisedsometroops，whohadgoneout，andwerebusyfellingtimber，killedtheprefectofthecamp，fivecenturionsofthefirstrank，andafewsoldiers；therestfoundshelterbehindthefortifications。AtBatavodurumtheGermantroopstriedtobreakdownthebridgepartlybuilt。Nightterminatedanindecisiveconflict。

TherewasgreaterdangeratGrinnesandVada。CivilisattackedVada，ClassicusGrinnes，andtheycouldnotbechecked，forourbravestmenhadfallen，amongthemBriganticus，whocommandedasquadronofcavalry，andofwhoseloyaltytotheRomancauseandenmitytohisuncleCivilisIhavealreadyspoken。ButwhenCerialiscameupwithapickedbodyofcavalry，thefortuneofthedaychanged，andtheGermansweredrivenheadlongintotheriver。Civilis，whowasrecognisedwhileseekingtostophisflyingtroops，becamethemarkofmanymissiles，lefthishorse，andswamacrosstheriver。Veraxescapedinthesameway。Somelightvesselswerebroughtup，andcarriedoffTutorandClassicus。EvenonthisoccasiontheRomanfleetwasnotpresentattheengagement，thoughordershadbeengiventothateffect。Fearkeptthemaway，andtheircrewsweredispersedaboutothermilitaryduties。Cerialisinfactallowedtoolittletimeforexecutinghiscommands；hewashastyinhisplans，thougheminentlysuccessfulintheirresults。Fortunehelpedhimevenwhereskillhadfailed，andsoboththegeneralandhisarmybecamelesscarefulaboutdiscipline。Afewdaysafterthisheescapedtheperilofactualcapture，butnotwithoutgreatdisgrace。

HehadgonetoNovesiumandBonna，toinspectthecampswhichwerethenincourseoferectionforthewinterabodeofthelegions，andwasmakinghiswaybackwiththefleet，hisescortbeingindisorder，andhissentriesnegligent。ThiswasobservedbytheGermans，andtheyplannedasurprise。Theychoseadarkandcloudynight，andmovingrapidlydownthestream，enteredtheentrenchmentswithoutopposition。Thecarnagewasatfirsthelpedonbyacunningdevice。Theycuttheropesofthetents，andslaughteredthesoldiersastheylayburiedbeneaththeirowndwellings。Anotherforceputthefleetintoconfusion，threwtheirgraplingironsonthevessels，anddraggedthemawaybythesterns。Theysoughtatfirsttoeludenoticebysilence，butwhentheslaughterwasbegun，bywayofincreasingthepanictheyraisedonallsidesadeafeningshout。

TheRomans，awakenedbysounds，lookedfortheirarmsandrushedthroughthepassagesofthecamp，somefewwiththeirproperaccoutrements，butmostwiththeirgarmentswrappedroundtheirshoulders，andwithdrawnswordsintheirhands。Thegeneral，whowashalfasleep，andallbutnaked，wassavedbytheenemy\'smistake。Theycarriedoffthepraetorianvessel，whichwasdistinguishedbyaflag，believingthatthegeneralwasonboard。

Cerialisindeedhadpassedthenightelsewhere，inthecompany，asmanybelieved，ofanUbianwoman，ClaudiaSacrata。Thesentinelssoughttoexcusetheirownscandalousneglectbythedisgracefulconductofthegeneral，allegingthattheyhadbeenorderedtobesilent，thattheymightnotdisturbhisrest，andthat，fromomittingthewatchwordsandtheusualchallenges，theyhadthemselvesfallenasleep。Theenemyrowedbackinbroaddaylightwiththecapturedvessels。ThepraetoriantriremetheytoweduptheriverLupiaasapresenttoVeleda。

Civiliswasseizedbyadesiretomakeanavaldemonstration。Hemannedallthetriremesthathehad，andsuchvesselsaswerepropelledbyasinglebankofoars。Totheseheaddedavastnumberofboats。Heputineachthreeorfourhundredmen，theusualcomplementofaLiburniangalley。Withthesewerethecapturedvessels，inwhich，picturesquelyenough，plaidsofvariouscolourswereusedforsails。Theplaceselectedwasanexpanseofwater，notunlikethesea，wherethemouthoftheMosaservestodischargetheRhineintotheocean。Themotiveforequippingthisfleetwas，tosaynothingofthenaturalvanityofthispeople，adesiretointercept，bythisalarmingdemonstration，thesuppliesthatwereapproachingfromGaul。Cerialis，moreinastonishmentthanalarm，drewuphisfleetinline，and，thoughinferiorinnumbers，ithadtheadvantageintheexperienceofthecrews，theskillofthepilots，andthesizeofthevessels。TheRomanshadthestreamwiththem，theenemy\'svesselswerepropelledbythewind。Thuspassingeachother，theyseparatedafterabriefdischargeoflightmissiles。Civilisattemptednothingmore，andretiredtotheothersideoftheRhine。

CerialismercilesslyravagedtheIslandoftheBatavi，but，withapolicyfamiliartocommanders，leftuntouchedtheestatesandhousesofCivilis。Meanwhile，however，theautumnwasfaradvanced，andtheriver，swollenbythecontinualrainsoftheseason，overflowedtheisland，marshyandlow-lyingasitis，tillitresembledalake。Therewerenoships，noprovisionsathand，andthecamp，whichwassituatedonlowground，wasinprocessofbeingcarriedawaybytheforceofthestream。

Thatthelegionsmightthenhavebeencrushed，andthattheGermanswishedtocrushthem，butwereturnedfromtheirpurposebyhisowncraft，wasclaimedasameritbyCivilis；norisitunlikethetruth，sinceacapitulationfollowedinafewdays。Cerialis，sendingsecretemissaries，hadheldouttheprospectofpeacetotheBatavi，andofpardontoCivilis，whileheadvisedVeledaandherrelativestochangebyawell-timedservicetotheRomanpeoplethefortuneofwar，whichsomanydisastershadshewntobeadverse。HeremindedthemthattheTreverihadbeenbeaten，thattheUbiihadsubmitted，thattheBatavihadhadtheircountrytakenfromthem，andthatfromthefriendshipofCivilisnothingelsehadbeengainedbutwounds，defeat，andmourning；anexileandafugitivehecouldonlybeaburdentothosewhoentertainedhim，andtheyhadalreadytrespassedenoughincrossingtheRhinesooften。Iftheyattemptedanythingmore，ontheirsidewouldbethewrongandtheguilt，withtheRomansthevengeanceofheaven。

Thuspromisesweremingledwiththreats。WhenthefidelityoftheTransrhenanetribeshadbeenthusshaken，amongtheBatavialsotherearosedebates。"Wecannolonger，"theysaid，"postponeourruin。Theservitudeofthewholeworldcannotbeavertedbyasinglenation。Whathasbeenaccomplishedbydestroyinglegionswithfireandsword，butthatmorelegionsandstrongerhavebeenbroughtup？IfitwasforVespasianthatwefoughtthiswar，thenVespasianrulestheworld；ifwemeanttochallengetobattletheRomanpeople，thenwhatamerefractionofthehumanracearetheBatavi！LookattheRhaetiansandNoricans，attheburdensbornebytheotherallies。Notribute，butvalourandmanhoodaredemandedofus。Thisisthenextthingtoliberty，andifwemustchoosebetweenmasters，thenwemaymorehonourablybearwiththeEmperorsofRome，thanwiththewomenoftheGermans。"Suchwerethemurmursofthelowerclass；thenoblesspokeinfiercerlanguage。"Wehavebeendrivenintowar，"theysaid，"bythefuryofCivilis。Hesoughttocounterbalancehisprivatewrongsbythedestructionofhisnation。ThenweretheGodsangrywiththeBataviwhenthelegionswerebesieged，whenthelegateswereslain，whenthewar，sonecessarytothatoneman，sofataltous，wasbegun。Weareatthelastextremity，unlesswethinkofrepenting，andavowourrepentancebypunishingtheguilty。"

ThesedispositionsdidnotescapethenoticeofCivilis。Hedeterminedtoanticipatethem，movednotonlybywearinessofhissufferings，butalsobythatclingingtolifewhichoftenbreaksthenoblestspirits。Heaskedforaconference。ThebridgeovertheriverNabaliawascutdown，andthetwogeneralsadvancedtothebrokenextremities。Civilisthusopenedtheconference:-"IfitwerebeforealegateofVitelliusthatIweredefendingmyself，myactswoulddeservenopardon，mywordsnocredit。Alltherelationsbetweenuswerethoseofhatredandhostility，firstmadesobyhim，andafterwardsembitteredbyme。MyrespectforVespasianisoflongstanding。Whilehewasstillasubject，wewerecalledfriends。ThiswasknowntoPrimusAntonius，whoselettersurgedmetotakeuparms，forhefearedlestthelegionsofGermanyandtheyouthofGaulshouldcrosstheAlps。WhatAntoniusadvisedbyhisletters，Hordeoniussuggestedbywordofmouth。IfoughtthesamebattleinGermany，asdidMucianusinSyria，AponiusinMoesia，FlavianusinPannonia。"

[AtthispointtheHistoriesbreakoff。WedonotknowwhathappenedtoCivilis。TheBataviansseemtohavereceivedfavorabletreatment。]

THEEND