Yet it was to Galba that the legions of
Lower Germany took the oath of fidelity annually
administered on the first of January. It was done, however, after long
delay, and then only by a few voices from the foremost ranks, while the rest
preserved an absolute silence, every one waiting for some bold demonstration
from his neighbour, in obedience to that innate tendency of men, which makes
them quick to follow where they are slow to lead. And
even in
the various legions there was a difference of feeling. The soldiers of the
1st and of the 5th were so mutinous, that some of them threw stones at the
images of Galba. The 15th and 16th legions ventured on nothing beyond uproar
and threatening expressions. They were on the watch for something that might
lead to an outbreak. In the Upper army, however, the 4th and 13th legions,
which were stationed in the same winter-quarters, proceeded on this same
first of January to break in pieces the images of Galba, the 4th legion
being foremost, the 18th shewing some reluctance, but soon joining with the
rest. Not however to seem to throw off all their reverence for the Empire,
they sought to dignify their oath with the now obsolete names of the Senate
and people of
Rome. Not a single legate or tribune
exerted himself for Galba; some, as is usual in a tumult were even
conspicuously active in mutiny, though no one delivered anything like a
formal harangue or spoke from a tribunal. Indeed there was as yet no one to
be obliged by such services.
