dynasty were led by flattery into adducing as the causes of the rebellion patriotism and the interests of peace. We cannot think them right. Apart from the innate disloyalty of the rebels and the loss of character after Galba's betrayal, they seem to have been led by jealousy and rivalry into sacrificing Vitellius himself for fear that they might lose the first place in his favour. Thus when Caecina joined his army,[460] he used every device to undermine the staunch fidelity of the centurions and soldiers to Vitellius. Bassus found the same task less difficult, for the fleet remembered that they had lately been in Otho's service, and were therefore already on the brink of rebellion. FOOTNOTES: [424] The narrative is here resumed from chap. 72. [425] See chap. 68. [426] The word 'cockney' may perhaps be admitted here to express that which is characteristic of the metropolitan masses. Similarly Petronius speaks of a man as 'a fountain of cockney humour' (_urbanitatis vernaculae fontem_). [427] They were cast for the part of Galba's avengers. [428] Only detachments of these latter four were present, so they had not got their eagles. [429] Under the empire there were six tribunes to each legion, and they took command on the march and on the field, acting under the orders of the _legatus legionis_. The ten centurions of the _pilani_ or front rank each commanded his cohort. [430] See note 107. [431] The end was so near. [432] At Cremera, near Veii, the Fabii died like heroes, 477 B.C., and on the Allia the Gauls won their victory over Rome, 390 B.C. The day was called Alliensis, and no work was to be done on it (Livy, vi. 1). [433] See chap. 71. At this time the emperor had in theory only the right of nominating candidates for the consulships, but it was obviously unnecessary for him to do more. The alliteration in this sentence is Tacitus'. [434] See iv. 4 f. [435] Thrasea, Helvidius' father-in-law, was an honoured member of the Stoic opposition who had been executed by Nero A.D. 66. Here Vitellius is posing as an ordinary senator. If he had opposed so distinguished a man as Thrasea, why should not Helvidius oppose him? Thrasea's end gives the remark a slightly sinister tone. [436] See note 346. [437] A patron apparently could claim support from his freedmen if he was in want, as these restored exiles certainly were, since their property had been confiscated and was irrecoverable. In exile they had of course lost their rights. [438] This probably includes bathing as well as drinking. [439] Since Tiberius there had been only nine, and Vespasian restored that number. [440] See i. 6. [441] Probably September 24. He was 54.