1When Otho had set out for Brixellum, the title of command lay with his brother Titianus, the real force and power with Proculus the prefect; 1Celsus and Paulinus, since no one made use of their good sense, were held up, with the empty name of generals, as a screen for others' blunders; 1the tribunes and centurions were wavering, because the best men were spurned and the worst prevailed; 1the soldiers were eager, but would still rather interpret their generals' orders than carry them out. 1It was decided to move the camp forward to the fourth milestone from Bedriacum, so unskilfully that, although it was springtime and there were so many rivers round about, they were distressed by lack of water.
1There they wavered about giving battle, Otho demanding by letter that they make haste, the soldiers calling for the emperor to be present at the fight: many urged that the forces stationed across the Po be summoned. 1Nor can it be decided so well what would have been the best thing to do, as that what was done was the worst.