struggle through the snow, and realized what danger
they would have had to face if Vitellius had not happened
to turn back. Certainly chance helped the Flavian
generals quite as often as their own strategy.
Here they came across Petilius Cerialis,[162] who had
been enabled by his knowledge of the country to elude
Vitellius’ outposts, disguised as a peasant.
As he was a near relative of Vespasian and a distinguished
soldier he was given a place on the staff. Several
authorities say that Flavius Sabinus and Domitian[163]
were also afforded facilities for escape, and that
Antonius sent messengers who contrived by various
devices to get through to them, and made arrangements
for an interview and safe conduct. Sabinus, however,
pleaded that his health was unequal to the fatigue
of such a bold step. Domitian was quite ready
to venture, but although the guards to whom Vitellius
had entrusted him, promised that they would share his
flight, he was afraid they might be laying a trap for
him. As a matter of fact, Vitellius was too anxious
for the safety of his own relatives to plot any harm
against Domitian.
Arrived at Carsulae[164] the Flavian generals took
a few days’ 60 rest and awaited the
arrival of the main legionary force.[165] The place
suited them admirably for an encampment. It commanded
a wide view, and with so many prosperous towns in
the rear their supplies were safe. The Vitellians
too, were only ten miles away, and they had hopes
of negotiating treason with them. The soldiers
chafed at this delay, preferring victory to peace.
They did not even want to wait for their own legions,
for there would be more plunder than danger to share
with them. Antonius accordingly summoned a meeting
of the men and explained to them that Vitellius still
had troops at his command. Reflection might make
them waver, despair would steel their hearts.
In civil war, he told them, the first steps may be
left to chance, nothing but careful strategy can win
the final victory. The fleet at Misenum and the
richest districts of Campania had already deserted
Vitellius, and in the whole world nothing was left
to him now except the country between Narnia and Tarracina.
The battle of Cremona had brought them credit enough,
and the destruction of the town more than enough discredit.
Their desire must be not to take Rome but to save
it. They would gain richer rewards and far more
glory if they could show that they had saved the senate
and people of Rome without shedding a drop of blood.
Such considerations as these calmed their excitement,
and it was not long before the legions arrived.
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