2. maternal grandfather was one of the proscribed; but as he bears the same
name as No. I, it is probable that the historian has made a mistake, unless he had by adoption
taken the name of his maternal grandfather. He first served under Calvisius Sabinus; and one
night he accompanied the wife of his commander, who was dressed as a common soldier, through
the camp, and committed adultery with her in the Principia, which was reckoned a sacred spot
by the Romans, because the eagles and standards were deposited there. For that offence he was
put in irons by order of Caligula, but by the change of times was released and obtained
successively the praetorship and the command of a legion. He was subsequently exposed to the
imputation of having stolen a gold goblet at the table of the emperor Claudius. He was
notwithstanding appointed, probably during the reign of. Nero, to the government of Gallia
Narbonensis, with the title of proconsul, where he ruled with justice and integrity, and he
was afterwards in Spain as the legatus of Galba. Through his friendship with Galba he was
raised to the consulship on the accession of the latter to the empire. During the short reign
of Galba the government devolved almost entirely upon Vinius and Cornelius Laco, the praefect
of the praetorian troops. The possession of such great power developed his evil passions, and
he is called by Tacitus "deterrimus mortalium." Vinius recommended Galba to choose Otho as his
successor, and he was supposed by some to have been privy to the Galb. 14, Vitell. 7;