Vitellius, after bestowing high commendation on the zeal of the
soldiers, proceeded to distribute among Roman Knights the offices of the
Imperial court usually held by freedmen. He paid the furlough fees to the
centurions out of the Imperial treasury. While in most instances he
acquiesced in the fury of the soldiers, who clamoured for numerous
executions, in some few he eluded it under the pretence of imprisoning the
accused. Pompeius Propinquus, procurator of Belgica,
was immediately put to death. Julius Burdo, prefect of the German fleet, he
contrived to withdraw from the scene of danger. The resentment of the
army
VITELLIUS SALUTED AS EMPEROR |
had been
inflamed against this officer by the belief, that it was he who had invented
the charges and planned the treachery which had destroyed Capito. The memory
of Capito was held in high favour, and with that enraged soldiery it was
possible to slaughter in open day, but to pardon only by stealth. He was
kept in prison, and only set at liberty after the victory of Vitellius, when
the resentment of the soldiery had subsided. Meanwhile, by way of a victim,
the centurion Crispinus was given up to them; this man had actually imbued
his hands in the blood of Capito. Consequently he was to those who cried for
vengeance a more notorious criminal, and to him who punished a cheaper
sacrifice.
