On the subsequent arrival of two legions,
the third commanded by Dillius Aponianus, the eighth by Numisius Lupus, it
was resolved to make a demonstration of their
FLAVIANIST SOLDIERS MUTINOUS |
strength, and to surround
Verona with military lines. It so happened that Galba's
legion had had their work allotted to them on that side the lines which
faced the enemy, and that some of the allied cavalry appearing in the
distance were taken for the enemy, and excited a groundless panic. They flew
to arms, and as the rage of the soldiers at the supposed treachery fell upon
T. Ampius Flavianus, not from any proof of his guilt, but because he had
been long unpopular, they clamoured for his death in a very whirlwind of
passion, vociferating that he was the kinsman of Vitellius, that he had
betrayed Otho, that he had embezzled the donative. He could get no
opportunity of defending himself, even though he stretched out his hands in
entreaty, repeatedly prostrating himself on the ground, his garments torn,
his breast and features convulsed with sobs. This very conduct provoked
afresh these furious men, for fear so excessive seemed to argue a
consciousness of guilt. Aponius was clamoured down by the shouts of the
soldiers, when he attempted to address them; every one else was repulsed
with noisy cries. To Antonius alone the soldiers' ears were open; for he had
eloquence, the art of soothing an angry crowd, and personal influence. As
the mutiny grew fiercer, and the soldiers went on from abuse and taunts to
use their hands and their weapons, he ordered that Flavianus should be put
in irons. The soldiers saw what a mockery it was, and pushing aside those
who were guarding the tribunal, were about to commit the most outrageous
violence. Antonius threw himself in the way with his sword drawn, protesting
that he would die either by the soldiers' hands or by his own; whenever he
saw any one who was known to him, or who was distinguished by any military
decoration, he summoned him by name to his assistance. Then he turned to the
standards, and prayed to the gods of war, that they would inspire the armies
of the enemy, rather than his own, with such madness and such strife. So the
mutiny began to abate, and at the close of the day the men dispersed to
their tents. The same night Flavianus set out, and being met by letters from
Vespasian, was relieved from his perilous position.
