The day was already sinking into evening. The magistrates and senators had fled in terror from the city, or were still in hiding at dependants' houses: it was therefore impossible to call a meeting of the senate. When all fear of violence was at an end, Domitian came out[227] and presented himself to the generals of his party. The crowds of soldiers at once hailed him as Caesar, and marched off, still in full armour, to escort him to his father's house. FOOTNOTES: [212] The narrative is continued from chap. 63. [213] December 17-23. [214] Otricoli. [215] i.e. for the delay which gave time for the burning of the Capitol. The fact that he tried to shift the responsibility seemed to argue an uncomfortable conscience. [216] i.e. through the Colline Gate. [217] Grotta Rosa. [218] A well-known member of the Stoic opposition, executed by Domitian's order, A.D. 94. [219] The historian. They now belonged to the emperor. [220] 88 and 82 B.C. [221] 87 B.C. [222] The Saturnalia. [223] See chap. 27, note 77. [224] Cp. note 205. [225] The words are uncertain. There is probably a lacuna. [226] Cp. vol. i, note 99. [227] He had taken refuge with a humble friend (see chap. 74). BOOK IV ROME AFTER THE FALL OF VITELLIUS (January-July, A.D. 70) The death of Vitellius ended the war without inaugurating peace. 1 The victors remained under arms, and the defeated Vitellians were hunted through the city with implacable hatred, and butchered promiscuously wherever they were found. The streets were choked with corpses; squares and temples ran with blood. Soon the riot knew no restraint; they began to hunt for those who were in hiding and to drag them out. All who were tall and of youthful appearance, whether soldiers or civilians, were cut down indiscriminately.[228] While their rage was fresh they sated their savage cravings with blood; then suddenly the instinct of greed prevailed. On the pretext of hunting for hidden enemies, they would leave no door unopened and regard no privacy. Thus they began to rifle private houses or else made resistance an excuse for murder. There were plenty of needy citizens, too, and of rascally slaves, who were perfectly ready to betray wealthy householders: others were indicated by their friends. From all sides came cries of mourning and misery. Rome was like a captured city. People even longed to have the insolent soldiery of Otho and Vitellius back again, much as they had been hated. The Flavian generals, who had fanned the flame of civil war with such energy, were incapable of using their victory temperately. In riot and disorder the worst characters take the lead; peace and quiet call for the highest qualities.