5.  During the preparations against him, Vitel’lius, though buried in sloth and luxury, resolved to make an effort to defend the empire; and his chief commanders, Va’lens and Cecin’na, were ordered to make all possible preparations to resist the invaders. 6.  The first army that entered Italy with a hostile intention was under the command of Anto’nius Pri’mus, who was met by Cecin’na, near Cremo’na.  A battle was expected to ensue; but a negociation taking place, Cecin’na was prevailed upon to change sides, and declared for Vespa’sian.[25] His army, however, quickly repented of what they had done, and, imprisoning their general, attacked Anto’nius, though without a leader. 7.  The engagement continued the whole night; and in the morning, after a short repast, both armies engaged a second time; when the soldiers of Anto’nius saluting the rising sun, according to custom, the Vitel’lians supposed that they had received new reinforcements, and betook themselves to flight, with the loss of thirty thousand men.

8.  In the mean time, Vitel’lius made offers to Vespa’sian of resigning the empire in his favour, provided his life were spared, and a sufficient revenue allotted for his support.  In order to enforce this proposal, he issued from his palace in deep mourning, with all his domestics weeping round him. 9.  He then went to offer the sword of justice to Cecil’ius, the consul, which he refusing, the abject emperor prepared to lay down the ensigns of empire in the Temple of Concord; but being interrupted by some who cried out, that he himself was Concord, he resolved, upon so weak an encouragement, still to maintain his power, and immediately prepared for his defence.

10.  During this fluctuation of counsels, one Sabi’nus, who had advised Vitel’lius to resign, perceiving his desperate situation, resolved, by a bold step, to favour Vespa’sian; and accordingly seized upon the capitol.  But he was premature in his attempt; for the soldiers of Vitel’lius attacked him with great fury; and prevailing by their numbers, soon laid that beautiful building in ashes. 11.  During this dreadful conflagration, Vitel’lius was feasting in the palace of Tibe’rius, and beheld all the horrors of the assault with satisfaction. 12.  Sabi’nus was taken prisoner, and shortly after executed by the emperor’s command.  Young Domi’tian, his nephew, who was afterwards emperor, escaped by flight, in the habit of a priest; and the rest, who survived the fire, were put to the sword.

13.  But Anto’nius, Vespa’sian’s commander, being arrived before the walls of the city, the forces of Vitel’lius resolved upon defending it to the utmost extremity.  It was attacked with fury; while the army within, sallying out upon the besiegers, defended it with equal obstinacy.  The battle lasted the whole day; the besieged were driven back into the city, and a dreadful slaughter made of them in the streets which they vainly attempted to defend.