1You would have thought it a different senate, a different people: all rushed to the camp, outran those nearest them, vied with those running ahead, abused Galba, praised the soldiers' judgement, covered Otho's hand with kisses; 1and the more false their actions were, the more of them they performed. 1Nor did Otho rebuff individuals, tempering the greedy and menacing mood of the soldiers with voice and look. 1They demanded Marius Celsus, consul-designate and Galba's friend, loyal to the very end, for execution, resenting his energy and integrity as though they were wicked arts. 1It was evident that a beginning of slaughter and plunder and the ruin of every good man were being sought, but Otho did not yet have the authority to prevent a crime: he could already order one.
1So, by pretending anger, he ordered him to be put in chains, and by declaring that he would suffer a heavier punishment, he removed him from immediate death.