Antonius was indignant, and
blamed Mucianus, whose calumnies had depreciated his own hazardous
achievements. Nor was he temperate in his expressions, for he was habitually
violent in language, and was unaccustomed to obey. He wrote a letter to
Vespasian in terms more arrogant than should be addressed to an Emperor, and
not without implied reproach against Mucianus. "It was I," he said, "who
brought into the field the legions of
Pannonia; my
instiga-
ANTONIUS AND MUCIANUS
QUARREL |
tions roused the generals in
Mœsia; my courageous resolution forced a passage
through the Alps, seized on
Italy, and cut off the succours from
Germany and
Rhætia. The
discomfiture of the disunited and scattered legions of Vitellius by a fierce
charge of cavalry, and afterwards by the steady strength of the infantry in
a conflict that lasted for a day and a night, was indeed a most glorious
achievement, and it was my work. For the destruction of
Cremona the war must be answerable; the civil strifes of
former days cost the State more terrible loss and the overthrow of many
cities. Not with messages and letters, but with my arm and my sword, have I
served my Emperor. I would not seek to hinder the renown of those who in the
meanwhile have reduced
Asia to tranquillity. They
had at heart the peace of
Mœsia, I the safety
and security of
Italy. By my earnest representations
Gaul and
Spain, the most
powerful region of the world, have been won for Vespasian. But all my
efforts have been wasted, if they alone who have not shared the peril obtain
its rewards." The meaning of all this did not escape Mucianus, and there
arose a deadly feud, cherished by Antonius with frankness, by Mucianus with
reserve, and therefore with the greater bitterness.