as he was facing difficulties, galerius made the first steps to reconciliation. he sent two officers to tempt the romans by the offer of a conference. these offers were rejected with firmness, his friendship refused. unless he retreated, he might meet the fate of severus. it was not a moment too soon; money from maxentius to his soldiers had corrupted their loyalty. when galerius began his withdrawal from italy, it was only with great difficulty that he managed to stop his veterans deserting him.