1After Vitellius had left Lugdunum, Cluvius Rufus overtook him, having abandoned Spain, wearing joy and congratulation on his face, anxious in his mind and aware that he had been the target of accusations. 1Hilarus, a freedman of the emperor, had denounced him, alleging that, on hearing of the principates of Vitellius and Otho, he had attempted to seize power and the possession of the Spanish provinces for himself, and that for this reason he had put no emperor's name at the head of his warrants; 1and he interpreted certain passages from his speeches as insulting to Vitellius and as courting popularity for himself. 1The influence of Cluvius prevailed, so that Vitellius actually ordered his own freedman to be punished.
1Cluvius was added to the emperor's retinue, without being deprived of Spain, which he governed in his absence, following the precedent of Lucius Arruntius. 1But Tiberius Caesar kept Arruntius back from fear, while Vitellius kept Cluvius from no dread at all. 1Trebellius Maximus did not receive the same honour: he had fled from Britain because of the soldiers' resentment; 1Vettius Bolanus, one of those in the emperor's company, was sent in his place.