it as a specimen of what to expect.  Triaria’s shameless behaviour was further emphasized by the exemplary behaviour of her relative Galeria, the emperor’s wife, who kept clear of these dreadful doings.  Equally admirable was the character of his mother, Sextilia, a woman of the old school.  It was even on record that when her son’s first letters were read to her, she said, ’It was no Germanicus,[365] but a Vitellius that I brought into the world.’  From that time neither the attractions of her high station nor the unanimous flattery of Rome could win her over to complacence.  She only shared the sorrows of her house.

When Vitellius left Lugdunum, Cluvius Rufus[366] relinquished his 65 Spanish province and followed him.  He knew that serious charges had been made against him, and his smiling congratulations hid an anxious heart.  A freedman of the imperial court,[367] Hilarus by name, had given evidence against him, alleging that, when Cluvius heard of the rival claims of Otho and Vitellius, he had endeavoured to set up an independent authority of his own in Spain, and to this end had issued passports with no emperor’s name at the head.[368] Certain phrases in his speeches were also construed as damaging to Vitellius and as a bid for his own popularity.  However, Cluvius’ influence carried the day, and Vitellius even had his own freedman punished.  Cluvius was given a place at court, while still retaining Spain, of which he was absentee governor, following the precedent of Lucius Arruntius.  In his case, however, Tiberius’ motive had been suspicion, whereas Vitellius detained Cluvius without any such qualms.[369] Trebellius Maximus[370] was not allowed the same privilege.  He had fled from Britain to escape the fury of his troops.  Vettius Bolanus, who was then about the court, was sent out to take his place.

The soldiers of the defeated legions still gave Vitellius a good 66 deal of anxiety.  Their spirit was by no means broken.  They distributed themselves all over Italy, mingling with the victors and talking treason.  The most uncompromising of all were the Fourteenth, who refused to acknowledge their defeat.  At Bedriacum, they argued, it was only a detachment that had been beaten, the main strength of the legion was not present.[371] It was decided to send them back to Britain, whence Nero had summoned them, and meanwhile they were to share their quarters with the Batavian irregulars, because of the long-standing feud between them.[372] Quartered as they were under arms, their mutual hatred soon broke out into disorder.

At Turin[373] one of the Batavians was cursing a workman for having cheated him, when a legionary, who lodged with the workman, took his part.  Each quickly gathered his fellow soldiers round him, and from abuse they came to bloodshed.  Indeed, a fierce battle would have broken out, unless two regiments of Guards had sided with the Fourteenth, thus giving them confidence and frightening the Batavians.  Vitellius gave