*Disce, miles, militare: Galba est, non Gaetulicus.*
Learn, soldier, now in arms to use your hands,
‘Tis Galba, not Gaetulicus, commands.With equal strictness, he would allow of no petitions for leave of absence from the camp. He hardened the soldiers, both old and young, by constant exercise; and having quickly reduced within their own limits the barbarians who had made inroads into Gaul, upon Caius’s coming into Germany, he so far recommended himself and his army to that emperor’s approbation, that, amongst the innumerable troops drawn from all the provinces of the empire, none met with higher commendation, or greater rewards from him.
He likewise distinguished himself by heading an escort, with a shield in his hand 658, and running at the side of the emperor’s chariot twenty miles together.
VII. Upon the news of Caius’s death, though many earnestly pressed him to lay hold of that opportunity of seizing the empire, he chose rather to be quiet. On this account, he was in great favour with Claudius, and being received into the number of his friends, stood so high in his good opinion, that the expedition to Britain 659 was for some time suspended, because he was suddenly seized with a slight indisposition. He governed Africa, as pro-consul, for two years; being chosen out of the regular course to restore order in the province, which was in great disorder from civil dissensions, and the alarms of the barbarians. His administration was distinguished by great strictness and equity, even in matters of small importance. * A soldier upon some expedition being charged with selling, in a great scarcity of corn, a bushel of wheat, which was all he had