serving them Theodosius thought he had engaged them to him by caresses and liberalities notwithstanding being afraid lest their number should prevail which already exceeded that of his own Troops he made several detachments of them He sent a party into Egypt under the conduct of Hormisaas a Persian by Original Son of a Captain of that name who assisted in the War of Julian against the Persians He destributed the rest in places where Zoz l. 4. there was a Roman Garrison with orders to the Governours to observe them The War being come unlook'd for those who seemed to be most faithful were made choice of and composed a Body to serve in the Field These being resolved to accomplish their Oath and becoming more affectionate to their Country-men as they approached them gave them information of all that passed in the Emperors Army and promised to joyn with them if they would come to assault him by night in his Camp XIV The Goths upon this advice prepared themselves for battel and began to march Theodosius on his side being advertized of their design intrenched himself put his men in order of battel visited the quarters particularly that of the strangers whom he found more gay and pleasant than the rest and more disposed in appearance to defend themselves well and after having kindled fires throughout the Camp and given all necessary orders he attended the Enemy The Night advanced and the Barbarians taking the advantage of their number and dividing themselves into several bodies whereof each was almost equal to the whole Army of the Emperor extended themselves in the Plain in tolerable order and came with fearful crys to thunder upon all sides almost at the same time but they found every where more resistance than they had imagined and were repulsed with great loâ—s of theirs The strength of the attack fell upon the Emperors Quarter which they knew either by the signal that the Traytors had given them or by the great number of fires which they themselves had observed They hoped to overwhelm this Prince or at least to hold him employed there whilst they laid a snare for him on another side They gave several charges but they lost so many men that they were at length disheartened XV. Theodosius saw things in this condition when there arose a great noise towards the Quarter of the Strangers which made him apprehend some disorder He learnt at the same time that the Goths of his Army had joyned the Enemies and that he would be enclosed if he was not cautious of himself He detached immediately some Squadrons to seize upon certain Posts which might secure his retreat and as he knew that a party of the Legions were at handy blows with these Rebels he ordered his Cavalry to advance in haste which sell upon them so briskly and so opportunely and withal made so great a slaughter of them that there remained but few who received no Recompence for their Rebellion Those that supported them had well nigh the same Fortune But at length the Romans could not make such great efforts without much loss and the Goths whose number continually encreased had forced the Trenches in several places Theodosius before he came to be overwhelmed by the multitude rallied his weakened Troops who began for the most part to give way He charged himself with the care of making his Retreat amusing the Enemies by detachments made on purpose turning head from time to time to assault those who pursued him in disorder till he had gained the advanced Posts which his men were possessed of and had secured the remains of his Army This battel might have proved entirely fatal to the Empire if the Goths had known how to reap the advantage of their Victory but they disbanded themselves immediately Those who had fought least were the sirst that run to plunder and those who pursued the Enemy were afraid of losing their part of the booty and returned speedily to the Camp Thus a retreat was made without much difficulty Thessaly and Macedon in the mean time remained exposed to the insults and pillages of these Barbarians who ravaged the Country and left the Cities undisturbed because the Emperor had thrown some Troops therein and they were in hopes of drawing from thence considerable contributions After they had ruined all this Country as if their Avarice and Revenge had been satisfied they began to lament so many brave Soldiers whom they had lost in battel and their Victory appeared to them not so great as before They found themselves in small number and thought the Emperor was every hour at their backs to assault them XVI In the mean while Theodosius who was retired towards Thessalonica formed a body of Troops sufficient to oppose their progress He had received in his way some Recruits A Party of the Legions of Aegypt which he had sent for came to joyn him and he was in a condition to take the field again in a few days when Rusticus arrived from the Western Provinces to satisfy him of the concernment of Gratian and his whole Court for his indisposition and their joy for his recovery The Journey of this Officer had been tedious because he had passed through Italy and stopt at Rome to receive Baptism There he had received new orders and came with Letters from Pope Damasus and the Emperor Gratian. The first wrote to Theodosius to thank him for the protection he gave the Catholics and to beg of him to establish in the Church of Constantinople an Orthodox Bishop with whom might be preserved Peace and Communion The second gave him advice that he sent him a considerable assistance that he would have conducted them himself if the affairs of the Empire would have suffered him but that he had pickt out his choicest Troops and his best Captains to command them that they were upon March and had orders to repair with speed to the confines of the two Empires where they might know the course they were to take Theodosius was wonderfully pleased to learn this news and a little while after he was informed that the Auxillary Troops were arrived upon the Frontires of Illyrium Baudon and Arbogastes Frenchmen by birth Captains of great Reputation very affectionate to the Romans and very skilful in the profession of War who were the chief of this expedition sent two of their principal Officers to Court to know what they were to do The Emperor dispatched to them forthwith Persons of credit and intelligence to acquaint them with the posture of affairs and to get them to approach towards Macedon where he was resolved to come and join them Upon which these two Generals advanced by great journeys and happily fell upon some Parties of the Enemy whom they cut in pieces Theodosius at the same time began his March XVII Then there arose a consternation in the Army of the Barbarians who believed that they were going to be overwhelmed and that all the Forces of the East and West
the Huns Syrians and Carpodacks mixed together had made an irruption on this side and had cast so great a terror in all the Neigbouring Provinces that all the People of the Country had abandoned their harvests and were retired in disorder to remote Cities The Emperor encouraged them by his presence and after having made a review of his Army marched directly to the Enemies and gave battle a few days after Historians report no other circumstances than that he gained a celebrated Victory and defeated this Army of Barbarians whereof the greatest part were killed and the rest obliged to retire into their own Country from whence they durst not appear any more After this defeat the Troops thought themselves invincible under Theodosius and the People being perswaded that they could not hereafter disturb them with security resumed the care and management Zoz ibid. of their Land Then the past losses were repaired and the Empire enjoyed the fruits of the just and glorious Government of Theodosius LXV It was about this time that the King of Persia resolved to send a solemn Embassy to him Oros Hist in order to desire his Friendship and to conclude a firm alliance with him These two Nations almost always armed one against the other either for the regulation of borders or upon ancient pretentions and unexpected differences which often arise between States that are equally powerful and Neighbouring and had for a long time entertained a War which was interrupted but by some intervals of Peace and but some truces of a few years Constantius had often attempted to pass the Tygris or Euphrates and to extend his Frontiers on that side but he had rarely succeeded and if he had carried from time to time some advantages by his Generals he was always beaten when personal there But the Ammian l. 25. misfortune fell only upon the Emperor and his Troops and whether it was that the Persians had a mind to defend their Cities alone or else knew not how to reap the advantage of their Victory they did not gain an inch of ground upon the Empire Julian continued the war but having been killed in battle and the Army which he had engaged in the Enemies Country sinding it self upon the point of being destroyed either by Arms or Famine the Officers assembled to elect a Captain that might be able to disengage them from the extremity they were in and cast their eyes upon Jovian whom they chose Emperor by the consent of the whole Army This Prince who found himself obliged to repair the fault which his Predecessors had committed sought all opportunities of fighting and even carried some advantages over the Enemies in some encounters But Sapâ—r King of Persia who knew that the Romans were reduced to eat their Horses did not care to come to handy blows with them but had a mind to let them be consumed by Famine Notwithstanding altho' he saw them in this necessity and might have suffered not one to escape he feared the dispair of so many brave men and considered that what he should acquire by treaty would be more permanent and secure than what he should obtain by force of Arms. He sent first then to make to them proposals of Peace as a kind of a favour This moderation which he shewed did not cease to be very severe for besides that he kept them four days negotiating at a time when they Ammian lib. 25. endured an extream hunger he imposed upon them ignominious conditions which the extremity they were in forced them to accept of The terms were these That the Emperor should yeild to the Persians five Provinces upon the Tygris with divers Castles That he should restore to them the Cities of Nisibis and Singara and particularly that he should engage himself to furnish Arsaces King of Armenia with no assistance against the Persians notwithstanding he was one of the most faithful Allies of the Empire Jovian was constrained to sign these Articles and altho' he was urged when out of danger to infringe this agreement which necessity alone had obliged him to make and that the inhabitants of Nisihis had offered him to defend themselves and to stop as they had done several times the whole power of the King of Persia he would not consent to any proposal of Rupture nor violate the Faith which the misfortune of the time had compelled him to give Hostages were sent on both sides and a Peace concluded between the two Crowns for Thirty years This Treaty was since a subject of division The Persians swelled with this happy success thought they might undertake all things and â—he Ammian l. 27. Romans sought but for an occasion to counter vail the losses they had undergone As Armenia lay between the two Empires it might afford a considerable balance to affairs So it was disputed on both sides who should become Master thereof Sapor after he had kept himself sometime in Peace resolved to possess himself of this Kingdom He solicited the Nobility to submit to him he forced the People by continual incursions into the Heart of their Country and having drawn by his Caresses and Testimonies of Friendship the King Arsaces to an interview he seized upon him and put him to death in the Citadel of Agaban Para Son of Arsaces fearing the same entertainment went to throw himself by the counsel of the Queen his Mother into the Arms of the Romans Valens the Successour of Jovian received him and sent him to Neocesarea where he had the usage and education of a King Sometime after he commanded Terentius one of his Lieutenants to carry this Prince back into Armenia and to put him in possession of his Dominions which required his presence Altho the Emperor had been very cautious and had commanded Terentius to lead no Troops and not to assist at the Coronation of the King Sapor notwithstanding complained that Armenia was relieved and that they were wanting in one of the chief Articles of the last Treaty He entred with an Army into this Kingdom and being unable to seize upon the Person of the King who had saved himself in the Mountains where he remained concealed for five months he ravaged the Country and after a very tedious Seige took the Fort of Artogerass where the Queen Mother was enclosed with the Treasures of the late King Valens who saw the inevitable loss of Armenia if a speedy remedy did not interfere sent orders to Count Arintheus to march towards that side with the Army which he commanded and to Ammian l 27. relieve the Armenians if they still persisted to attack them Sapor who knew how to be humble end haughty according to the time stopt as soon as he heard of the approach of the Imperial Army He applied himself to gain the mind of King Para by promising to him an inviolable Alliance and Protection and engaged him by the encouragement of some Courtiers whom he had won to rid himself of two Ministers who had
eron mili annon cod Theod. Leg. 4. mâ—â—aâ—or coâ— Theod. the Soldiers to exact nothing of their Hosts not to ask the price of that sort of Bread which was provided for them nor to take any other Lodgings than what should be appointed for them by the Harbingers enjoining all the Officers to punish very severely tâ—ose who should make the least exaction or the smallest violence and particularly recommended to them the care of the repâ—se and substance of the poor Families of the Country as if it was their own Propriety XLVI He was not contented with having given such great testimonies of justiâ—e and goodness he would still do an heroical Act of Christian Generosity and pardon every Injury as he had pardoned some years before the sedition of the People of Antioch He made a Rescript to be prepared Leg. 1. Sâ—quis malediâ— Impâ—r cod Theod. in these terms If any one against all the Laws of shame and modesty has attempted to desame our Name by any Action or by any Slander and has been transported so far as to cry down our Government and our Conduct We are pleased to remit him from the punishment diâ—ected by the Laws or from any evil treatment for if it is by an indiscreet Levity that he has spoken against us we ought to despise him if it is by Folly we ought to pity him if it is by an evil will we are very willing to pardon him XLVII After these actions of Clemency and Piety Theodosius departed from Constantinople At â—â—zâ—m l. 7. c. 〈◊〉 seven miles â—rom thence he made some stay in order to make his Prayer in a Church which he had built in honour of St. John Baptist After which â—e continued his Journey till he had joined his Troops and advanced towards the Alps. Tiâ—asius commanded the Roman Legions which had fought with so much glory in the East against the Barbarians and in the West against Maximus Stilicâ—n a Vandal Pâ—ince who had married the Princess Serena the Emperor's Neece conducted the Troops which had been drawn out of the Frontiers since the last Treaties Gainas was at the head of the Goths who had enrolled themselves in the service of the Empire after the death of King Athanaric After them marched Saules and Alaric with a Body of Barbarians that came from the Banks of the Danube to assist in this War They were followed Ruffin l. 1. c. 10. by some Companies of old Iberian Soldiers commanded by Bacurius Captain of their Nation as zealous for the defence of the Christian Religion Claud. 〈◊〉 bel Gildoâ— as for the service of the Emperor Gildon Governor of Africâ— had had Orders to bring a powerful Relief but he remained armed without taking any Party expecting upon whom would fall the lot of Arms and considering rather how to revolt himself than to chastise the revolt of Theodor. l. 5. c. 24. Prudent adv Symmaâ—h l. 1. Eugenius Theodosius encouraged his Army by his presence and making the great Standard of the Cross to be carried before him he hoped with the assistance of Heaven to terminate successfully this War wherein was concerned not only the Empire but also Religion XLVIII Eugenius on his side had assembled a puisâ—ant Army composed of Legions which had served under Valentinian of a numerous Militia which Flavian had got together in Italy exciting the Pagans to go to the assistance of their Gods and of an infinite number of Germans and French whom Arbogastes their Countryâ—an had engaged to his Party These three Heads had different Prospects Eugenius lookt after Peace and thought to be able to reign undisturbed after the gaining of a Battel Arbogastes desired nothing but occasions of acquiring glory and signalizing himself in Fights Flavian aimed at the re-establishment of the worship of the Gods and to render himself considerable in becoming the chief of a Party They agreed notwithstanding in this Point that it was necessary to conquer Theodosius and to abolish the Christian Religion Eugenius according Philosâ—org to some Historians had already renounced it being vexed at the retreat and liberty of St. Ambrose and still more at the resolution of the Priests of Milan who by order of this Archbishop had treated him as a sacrilegious Person and would never be persuaded to receive his offerings Then they left the City and threatnâ— to exterminate Paulin. in 〈◊〉 Ambr. the Ecclesiasticks and to make of all the Churches in Milan Stables for their Horses after the defeat of Theodosius Arbogastes who was charged with all the cares of this War advanced with the whole Army and for fear of weakning it by making a division thereof as Maximus had done he marched towards the Alps with all the Forces of the West being resolved to attend Theodosius and to block up against him the entrance of Italy He placed Troops in the Passes of the Julian Alps the guard of which was committed to Flavian he ordered Forts to be erected upon the Ascents and encamped in a great Plain along the River Frigiaus which takes its rise in these Mountains Flavian on his side sacrificed Victims produced new Oracles and made the Statues of Hercules and those of Jupiter the Thunderer to be carried amongst the Ensigns at the head of the Army They left Eugenius nothing but the Title of Emperor and the care of enlivening the Troops by his Harangues August de civ Dei l. 5. c. 26. XLIX In the mean time Theodosius arrived towards the Alps went to observe the Enemy and fell so briskly upon those who guarded the Passages that Terror and Disorder being introduced amongst them he made himself Master of their Trenches and after some resistance carried those Forts which Arbogastes had supposed not only impregnable Zoz l. 4. Sozom. l. 7. c. 24. but even inaccessible Flavian who had promised to stop the Enemy's Army or to destroy it in the streights of those Mountains seeing Ruffin l. 1. c. 33. himself forced chose rather to dye fighting than to survive his misfortune and to undergo the shame of having given false hopes and been deceived in his Predictions Theodosius passed immediately with his whole Army thro' the Road he had opened to himself and went to present himself in Battel array before the Enemies In coming down the Alps towards Aquileia one discovers a great Plain capable of containing several Armies cuâ— off on one side by the River Frigidus and bounded on the other by Mountains which are as it were second Rampiers that Nature seems to have made for the security of Italy It was there Arbogastes attended Theodosius to give him Battel He learnt without surprize that the Passages were forced and encouraged his Troops whom so resolute an Action had a little disordered He extended in the Plain that Army of Barbarians which he had brought from Gaul leaving Eugenius upon the Ascents with the Roman Legions to support Zoz l. 4 them After having given his Orders
throughout An. 394 and represented to the Troops the confidence which he reposed in their Valor the necessity of Sozom. l. 7. c. 24. Victor Socrat. l. 5. c. 24. Oros. l. 7. c. 35. conquering the importance of a Victory and the Rewards they were to hope for he put himself at the head of some French Batallions to whom he had given the Vanguard and expected the Enemy's motion L. Theodosius lost no time and to keep the same order of Battel he made all his foreign Troops descend into the Plain with an incredible diligence and reserved himself with the Body of Roman Zoz l. 4. Soldiers upon the adjoining Hills Whatsoever Ardor was observed in the two Armies they gave themselves time to be put in order and to take their advantages till Theodosius gave the Signal to march Gainas was the first at the charge with the Goths he commanded Arbogastes opposed to them some French Troops who received them with a great deal of courage and resolution The Fight grew hot The two Parties assisted with the Bodies which were detached to support them a long time disputed the Victory but at length the Goths were upon the turn and seeing themselves weakned by the loss of their chief Officers and their most valiant Soldiers and being overwhelmed by the number of Troops which fell upon them continually they began to yield back and falling one upon another put the whole Army in disorder LI. Arbogastes taking advantage of the confusion they were in pursued them with some Squadrons of Reserve and made a horrible slaughter Ten thousand Goths were killed upon the place the rest were almost rendred uncapable of fighting and all this multitude of Barbarians was going to be entirely defeated Theodosius who from an Eminence discovered the Rout of his Men and saw his loss inevitable if Eugenius came to fall upon him with his Roman Legions had recourse to God in this extremity and lifting up his hands to Heaven he made this Prayer Thou knowest O my God that I have undertaken this War in the Name of thy Ruffin l. 2. c. 33. Son Jesus Christ If my intentions are not so pure as I thought they were let me perish If thou approvest the justice of my Cause and the confidence I repose in thee assist me and don 't permit the Gentiles to say Where is the God of the Christians He had no sooner finished these words but he descends into the Plain with the Romans whom he excited by his Piety and his Courage and advances to snatch from the Enemies a Victory which they thought secure In the mean time Bacurius gave marks of an extraordinary Fidelity and Valor for after having rallied those that fled and put himself at their head with his Iberians he sustain'd all the burden of the Fight keeping off all the Darts of the Enemy who charged him on all Ruffin ib. sides and putting a stop to their Fury till such time as Theodosius was arrived LII Then the fight began afresh Both parties used their efforts to overcome the one flushed with their former success the others encouraged by the presence of the Emperour They attacked they opposed without fearing danger without drawing back of either side But what attempt soever Theodosius could make he could never gain any advantage over Arbogastes who maintained himself by his valour by his conduct and by the number and courage of his Troops At last the night put an end to the Battel and each was obliged to retire to his Camp The loss was not considerable on the side of Eugenius and Theodosius lost several Officers and particularly the brave Bacurius who after having several times dispersed the Enemies and bore through their Squadrons with Sword in hand fatigued with the labour of Zoz l. 4. Ruffin l. 2. c. 33. the days work weakned by the wounds he had received came at last to fall in the sight of the Emperor upon a heap of Barbarians whom he had slain with his own hand LIII The two Emperors passed the night in a very different manner Eugenius made fires to be kindled through his Camp distributed rewards to those who had distinguished themselves by some glittering action and thought that he had won an absolute Victory He did not so much as doubt but that Theodosius had saved himself by favor of the night with the residue of his Troops Theodosius on his side having regained his Camp upon the Mountain called together the chief Officers of his Army and held a Council of war Theodor. l. 5. c. 24. Timasius and Stilicon were of opinion to yield to the time and to provide immediately for the security of a Retreat They represented That after the loss which had been sustained it was necessary to think alone of re-establishing himself That it was enough to have been conquered That it was wisdom to take care of being entirely defeated That it was to sacrifice the remainders of the Army to expose it to the hazard of a second Battle and that it would be a piece of rashness to pretend with a small number of disheartened Soldiers to force an Enemy who confided in their multitude and valor and who had lately obtained so considerable an advantage That it were better to inclose himself in the strong places of the Empire in order to assemble new Troops during the Winter and to take the Field in the beginning of the Spring and renew the War with equal Forces The Emperor rejected their Counsel and looking upon them with some indignation God forbid said he to them that the Cross of Jesus Christ which appears in my Colors should fly before the Statues of Hercules and Jupiter which are born amongst the Ensigns of the Enemy These words spoken with an holy confidence inspired his Captains with that resolution he desired He gave necessary orders for the morrow and retired into a Chappel near the place where he was encamped in order to pass the rest of the night in Prayer LIV. It is reported that having fallen asleep towards morning he saw in a Dream two Cavaliers Ib. c. 42. mounted upon two White Horses who encouraged him to fight and passed their word for the success of the battle assuring him that they were John the Evangelist and Philip Apostles of Jesus Christ sent from God to march before his Ensigns and to shew his Soldiers the way that would direct them to a Victory Whether this Dream was only the effect of the imagination of this Prince still hot with the last engagement and a new desire of conquering with the assistance of Heaven or whether it was a sensible testimony of the protection of God upon him he related when he awaked what he had seen and went out of the Chappel attended by part of his Officers in order to go and range his Army in battle At the same time was presented to him a Soldier who had the same night seen such another Vision He examined him made
Irruptions of the Huns. XLIX The Goths chased by the Huns. L. The Goths sue for a Retreat into Thrace LI. The Goths are received by Lupicin LII The Goths revolt and vanquish Lupicin LIII Siege of Adrianople LIV. Valens persecutes the Catholicks Themistius pacifies him LV. War of the Sarazens against the Romans LVI The Persians declare War LVII Valens sends to Gratian for Succor and concludes a Peace with the Sarazens and Persians LVIII News of the Battel and Retreat of Trajan and Ricomer LIX Gratian marches to the Relief of his Vncle LX. Famous Victory of Gratian over the Germans LXI Generous Answer of Trajan LXII Valens arrives at Constantinople He is murmur'd against He departs LXIII Prudence of Fritigern King of the Goths LXIV Valens iâ— ill advised He deliberates whether he shall An. 395 give Battel LXV Fritigern amuses the Emperor LXVI Valens marches to the Enemy Fritigern makes new Propositions LXVII The Armies engage The Right Wing of the Romans disorder'd LXVIII The Left Wing defends it self valiantly LXIX Entire Defeat of the Romans LXX Valens saves himself He is wounded and burnt alive in a house LXXI Great loss of the Romans Gratian stops at Sirmium LXXII Reflections of Gratian. LXXIII Re-establishment of the exiled Bishops LXXIV Gratian calls home Theodosius LXXV Occupations of Theodosius during his Exile LXXVI Di vers Enterprizes of the Goths LXXVII Th Goths beaten by the Sarazens before Constantinople LXXVIII St. Ascole defends Thessalonica by his Prayers LXXIX Horrible Massacre of the Goths in the East LXXX Theodosius arrives at Sir mium LXXXI Theodosius defeats the 〈◊〉 LXXXII Theodosius's Dream LXXXIII Gratian is resolved to chuse a Collegue LXXXIV Theodosius destined Emperor LXXXV Ausonius iâ— made Consul LXXXVI Victory of Theodosius confirmed THE LIFE OF Theodosius the Great BOOK I. II. THE Empire began to fall from that State of Grandeur and Power wherein Constantine had fixed it by his Piety and victorious Arms. Constantius and Constance two of his Sons governed one the East the other the West but as they enjoyed not the great qualities of their Father so were they neither beloved of their Subjects nor feared of their Enemies like him and they had much ado to sustain a part of that burden which he himself had born with so much glory It was about the ninth year of their Reign when Theodosius was born at Italica a little City of Spain upon the banks of the River Betis He was of a very Noble Family and descended from the race of Trajan whom he was always very desirous to resemble His Father's name was Theodosius and his Mother Thermantia both endowed with all the vertues that were agreeable to their Sex He soon made appear an admirable nature and he was educated with abundance of care He had for his Tutor one Anatolius a learned man that despised Riches but forgot nothing for his advancement to Honors This Philosopher taught him the first principles of humane Sciences and foreseeing that they would soon rob him of his Scholar to send him to the War he made haste to frame his Genius and rendered him in a little time capable to judge of the merit and works of learned men He made it his principal business to inspire him with good and generous Sentiments by observing to him in History those Examples which he ought to purâ—â—e and gave him the first impressions of honour and probity which since ruled all the actions of his Life Scarce was Theodosius past his Infancy but his Father who by his valor and his prudence was advanced to the chief employments of war resolved to take him along with him to the first expedition that should be attempted against the Barbarians III. In the mean while the Empire in a little space of time had undergone several revolutions Constance had miserably perished by the treachery of the Tyrant Magnentius Constantius his Brother was dead in Cilicia vexed at the ill success of those wars he had as ill sustained against the Persians Julian his Successor being inconsiderately engaged in the conquest of Persia had been killed in battel And Jovian a valiant and religious Prince after having reigned eight months came to dye suddenly in his bed being stifled with the smoke of Coals which had been kindled in his Chamber in order to make it dry IV. The Troops which were then in Bithynia advanced as far as Nicaea and without giving leisure to pretenders to make their factions the Army assembled to elect a new Emperor Valentinian was proposed and altho he was absent and there was some reason to fear his austere and inflexible humor he was notwithstanding unanimously chosen He was born at Cibalis in Pannonia Gratian his Father had raised himself by his vertue above his birth and of a simple Soldier was become General of the Roman Armies It is reported that he was so strong that five men Aureâ— â—â—ctor could not force out of his hands a Cord which he held tied fast It was by that means he came to make himself known to the Emperors Be it as it will he fell as suddenly as he was raised and the same Constantius who had loaded him with honors and possessions deprived him thereof being much disturbed that he had received in his house the Tyrant Magnentius Valentinian having found the fortune of his Father ruined was obliged to labor himself to the advancement of his own He passed through all the degrees of warfare and acquitted himself of those employments which he had with so much courage and prudence that the Soldiers saw him prosper without envy and were accustomed to say of him that he deserved much more than was conferred upon him Jovian had made him Captain of his second Troop of Guards and left him at Ancyra the chief City of Galatia to command there It was there they deputed to him to give him advice of his election He departed forthwith and came to the Army the 24th of February He would not appear the next day because 't was the day of Leap-year which an ancient superstition made pass for unlucky amongst the Romans The day following the Army being assembled in the morning he came to the Camp and was conducted with ceremony to the Tribunal which was prepared for him He was invested with the Purple and the Crown and proclaimed Emperor in the accustomed forms After he had enjoyed for some time the pleasure of the military acclamations he was for making an Oration to the Army but scarce had he opened his mouth but there arose a great noise amongst the Troops Whether it was a Cabal of discontented Officers or nothing else but a whimsey of the Soldiers they cried from all parts he must have a Collegue It seemed either that they repented of the choice they had made or that they had a mind to impose Laws upon him whom they had elected for Master Valentinian observed this tumult without disorder and regarding first on one side then on the other with
all Illyrium and left those of the East to his Brother They came together as far as Naisse where they shared the Armies and the chief Commanders and at last parted at Sirmium the one for Milan the other to return to Constantinople VIII Valentinian immediately applied himself to examine the condition of those Provinces that lay most exposed to the Insults of Barbarians He passed into Gaul and fought the Germans who had made an Incursion therein with a great Army After their defeat he departed from Amiens to go to Treves There he was in hopes to enjoy in peace the advantage of his late Victory when he received advice from several places that all England was ransack'd and wasted by the Enemy that the French and Saxons had made a descent therein on that side nearest Gaul that the Picts and Scots made a destruction to the very heart of the Country that they had killed the Governor and surprized the General of the Army and that if things were not suddenly remedied the Empire would infallibly lose one of its fairest Provinces IX This News astonished the Emperor and occasioned to him great disturbances He commanded Theodosius the Father of him whose History we write to pass into that Island with Troops that were advanced that way judging him alone capable of restoring to a better state an Affair which appeared desperate Theodosius departed in haste and took his Son with him that he might learn the Trade of War He rende vouz d at Bologne the Army that was destined for him and crossing the Sea with an assurance which seemed to foretel the Event he advanced towards London and searched for the Enemies to give them Battel He routed several of their Parties which he found rambling through the Country He took away their Men their Cattel and all the rest of the Booty which they drag'd along and made a Declaration in all places round about that every one should come to see and repossess his own reserving but a little part of the Booty for those Soldiers who were most fatigued His chiefest care was still to ease the People and his first Instructions to his Son were Examples of Humanity and Justice necessary Vertues but rarely known to Men of War After these first Successes he entred London and encouraged the City who already acknowledged him for her Deliverer As he had to do with Enemies who dispersed themselves and rallied at all moments to surprize him he resolved to baffle them at their own game and to weaken them by little Skirmishes being unable to engage them to a Fight Whereupon he took the Field possessed himself of advantageous Posts divided his Army into several Bodies and falling without delay upon one or t'other of these Barbarians who had their separate Interests and who came rather with a design to pillage than to fight he defeated them entirely and established security in City and Country In all these Encounters he made appear as much of Valor as Discretion Ammian lib. 28. and 't is reported of him that he never commanded his Soldiers to an Attempt but he first gave himself for an Example X. Theodosius shewed himself a worthy Son of this renowned Captain and afforded in these first occasions marks of his future greatness Maximus by birth an English man who took a pride in boasting of his Descent from the Race of Constantine served at the same time in the same Army These two young Men who were one day to dispute between them the Empire of the World came to know one another and signalized themselves by Emulation in this Expedition They were almost of the same age their spirits their courage were alike and both enjoyed the same great passion to exalt themselves by way of Arms but they were different as to manners Theodosius was free courteous and generous Maximus deceitful morose and jealous of the desert and reputation of another The one was brave by vertue the other so by fierceness the one pretended to no more than the glory of serving Emperors the other would gladly have consented to usurp their place XI Scarce was this War concluded but a Conspiracy was found of no less danger The Heads of which were arrested and condemned to death But it was not judged convenient to put them to the question lest there should be too many Accomplices to punish or their despair should revive those Troubles which were but just appeased After which Theodosius returned to the Court of Valentinian and presented to him his Son who had been the Companion of his Labours It was there that this young Lord made himself known to Prince Gratian who altho' a very Child was already much inclined to favour Vertue and Desert XII The Joy which was entertained for the happy Success of the English Affairs was soon disturbed by the News which was received of an Insurrection of a part of Africk Firmus one of the chief Lords of the Country was Captain of the Rebellion He was accus'd for having caused the Assassination of one of his Brothers The Roman Governor of the Province had attempted to destroy him he supported himself by his Friends and Reputation They wrote to the Court the one his Accusations and Complaints the other his Justifications Valentinian was of a humor severe enough but there were some convenient moments when he suffered himself to be easily wrought upon In the greatest necessities of Affairs he had been careful to ease the People but not so vigilant upon those that governed them and altho' he was of his own temper inexorable for the slenderest Faults yet he would not so much as hear Complaints relating to his Officers whether it was that he thought to hurt his own Authority by lessening theirs even when they abused it or else that according to his Politicks it was necessary to treat the People with an extream Rigor XIII This was the occasion of the Revolt of Firmus He had Advice that they had suppressed his Letters at Court that those of his Enemy were lookt upon that the Ministers were won and the Prince prepossessed As he saw himself upon the point of being overwhelmed he had recourse to Arms. He raised the People that were even impatient at the Violences and Rapines of their Governor took on himself the Crown and was proclaimed King He took the Field forthwith consumed all that made resistance surprized the City of Caesarea which he abandoned to his Troops lest Fire and Sword should be omitted and â—ngross'd his Army with a great number of Moors who came in multitudes to fight under his Banner Theodosius had Orders to depart with his Son in haste in order to oppose the Rebels He embarked with the Troops that were designed him and descended upon the Coast of Africk There having met the Governor of the Province he learnt of him the posture of Affairs and after having softly reproached him for the Disturbances he had caused he sent him to give Orders for the security of
was better to want the obtaining of one Battel than to lose the advantage of all the rest which he had gained So he retired always possessing himself of advantageous Posts for fear of a surprize but the Enemies persued him obstinately cut off all passages and reduced him to the necessity of exposing himself to an unequal Combat in order to save himself XX. Hazard kept off the danger for the Maziques whom he had just fubdued were obliged to furnish him with Troops and they performed it Some Roman Squadrons advanced before to conduct them to Theodosius not knowing the condition he was in The Moorish Couriers discerned this Succor at a distance and returned full speed to give the Alarm to their Camp as if entire Armies were approaching to disengage the General They that kept the passages abandoned them and Theodosius taking the advantage of the moment and gaining the Defiles went to encamp under the City of Taves where he secured his Army in the beginning of the month of February from thence he observed the Enemy and laboured to disunite them by secret Negotiations till he might be able to reduce them by force XXI In the mean time he dispatched his Son to the Emperor Valentinian to give him an account of the state of the African Troubles and to procure new Troops in order to the entire destruction of the rebellious Party The young Theodosius was received at Court with all the consideration that his Fathers Services and his own deserved Gratian was extremely glad to see him again and from this time he conceived an esteem for him which was since known to the whole World He was a Prince in whom was scarce accomplished thirteen years who was already very understanding and who made great advances in the study of Learning under Ausonius his Tutor one of the finest Genius's of his Age. He won the affection of the People by his sweet and obliging â—atâ—eâ— and it was judged from thence that he would have the good qualities of his Father without his defects He had been declared Augustus not long since in a conjuncture pressing enough Ammian l. XXII Valentinian was fallen into a distemper whereof it was not expected that he would recover Every one destined him a Successor according to his fancy as if the Empire had been certainly vacant The Gaulish Officers that were of credit in the Army cast their eyes upon Julian first Secretary of State cruel and violent Others made their Intreagues for Severus Collonel of the Foot who was not a whit more moderate than Julian The Emperor being cured contrary to all appearance reflected upon the danger he had run and resolved to break all these Cabals to associate his Son to the Empire He sounded the inclinations of the Soldiers and as he was assured of their intentions he ordered the Army to assemble in a spacious plain where he came in Person with his whole Court He ascended upon his Tribunal taking his Son by the hand whom he had brought expresly for the purpose and after he had shown him to the Troops he prayed them to consent to the resolution he had taken to share the Empire with him He represented to them that he did not pretend to use his own Rights any further than as the Army should think them reasonable and that he would always have more regard to the Interests of the State than to those of his Family that he presented to them his Son that was brought up amongst them and destined to fight with them for the defence of the Empire that indeed he was a Child that had neither strength nor experience but who appeared so well born that it was probable he would be no dishonor to them that he applyed himself already to the study of Sciences and to all sorts of noble Exercises to the end that he might be pleasing to them and know how to distinguish persons of merit that he would soon put him in a condition to march with them under the Standards of the Empire without fearing the incommodity of Seasons or the fatigues of War that he would recommend to him above all things the observance of the publick good as his own and to prefer the State above his Family At these words the Soldiers transported with joy interrupted him and strove who should be loudest in proclaiming Gratian Augustus by clattering of Arms and sound of Trumpets The Emperor encouraged by these Acclamations invested his Son with the Imperial Habits then he kissed him and with a gravity mixed with joy and tenderness Behold your self My Son said he to him invested with the Purple of Emperors I was desirous of doing you this favour and our Companions whom you see here present have agreed thereto Endeavor to make your self able to ease and assist your Father and your Uncle whose Collegue you commence from this time Dispose your self to remain under Arms with the patience of a simple Soldier and to pass over the Danube and Rhine frozen at the head of the Foot spare not if 't is convenient your blood and life for the People whom you govern Esteem nothing below you that has any reference to the safety or glory of the Empire This is the principal Advice I can give you here The greatest employment of my Reign hereafter shall be to instruct you how to reign Then turning himself towards the Troops As for you said he support the Honor of the Empire by your Arms continue to assist us in our Wars and preserve to this young Emperor whom I refer to your cares and affection an inviolable fidelity Thereupon arose another mighty Shout Euphraxus Secretary of State cried out that Valentinian and his Son deserved yet more The whole Army renewed their Acclamations and every one pressed forward to view this August Youth at a nearer distance whose Eyes were lively and sparkling his Face agreeable his Behavior sweet and noble and a certain modest Majesty without Pride drew him the Love and Admiration of all that beheld him This Prince from this time was the Delight of the People and his Vertues encreased with his Age. XXIII Valentinian was then upon the point of entring Germany with a puissant Army to tame that wild and troublesom Nation that always kept the Frontiers of the Empire in alarm His Son he took with him and carried him beyond the Rhine in the Enemies Country to accustom him betimes to the fatigues and even dangers of War This Expedition was an important one the Emperor undertook it of himself and went there to command in person Wherefore he made choice of his best Troops and all his Officers of Reputation in the Empire He ordered the young Theodosius to follow him and observed in him so much Valor and Prudence in the divers Events of this War that he judged him capable of commanding the Armies in chief and resolved to employ him The sudden irruption of the Quades soon furnished him with an occasion to the great
satisfaction of Gratian who already interessed himself much in the fortune of Theodosius The Emperor Valentinian who loved glory and was always meditating upon some great design that might tend to his Honor and the Advantage of the Public attempted to make a Causey be continued from the Springs of the Rhine to its very mouth in the Sea He made himself a draught of the Forts he would have erected on both sides of the River according to the disposition of the places and having perceived that the Waters insensibly ruined a Fortress which he had built upon the Neckar he turned the Course of the River by a Channel which he caused to be made by force of Labour and Silver He had a mind to fortify the Banks of the Danube like those of the Rhine to serve as two Barriers to oppose the barbarous Nations and to render the Empire inaccessible to them He sent Orders to Equitius who commanded in Illyrium to pass into the Country of the Quades and there to erect a Cittadel where he might hold a considerable Garrison XXIV The Quades lived peaceably then under their King in Moravia and as they had no design to usurp the Lands of their Neighbors they thought themselves under no necessity to mind their own It was formerly a puissant and warlike People but they had degenerated from their ancient Valor and languished for some time in a Laziness which rendred them almost despicable Equitius preparing himself to execute the Orders of the Emperor the Quades remonstrated to him softly the injury that was done to them and sent Deputies to Court for to complain Equitius during the time an answer was expected gave Orders for the works to cease for fear of exciting Disturbances but Maximin a man cruel and active accused him of Negligence and Cowardise and charged himself with the Commission He went upon the place and ordered the continuance of the Forts which were begun without asking the consent of the Barbarians which they would undoubtedly have granted rather than have brought a war upon themselves Gabinius their King went to find him and represented to him modestly that it was an insult committed upon them without reason that it was but just to let a peaceable Nation live in Peace that disturbed not that of others that they had no longer the Ambition of Conquest but that still there remained with them that of being Masters in their own Country that they left the Grandeur and Glory of subduing the World to those who were spurred on thereto that as for them they esteemed themselves happy enough in their freedom In a word that they asked no Favor but begg'd that they might have no Injustice done them Maximin made an appearance of being affected with the reasons of this Prince and for a testimony of his Friendship invited him with some of his Retinue to a great Feast where he caused him to be inhumanly murdered The People after having lamented for some time the death of their King took up Arms to revenge it Despair was to them in the place of Courage and the Sarmats being joyned to them they passed the Danube together and dispersed themselves in the Country burning the Villages and destroying all they met in their way The Princess Constantia Daughter of the Emperor Constantius who had been betrothed to Gratian was coming then from the Eastern Court to that of the West and was taking some refreshment at a Country House Her Train was pillaged some of her Servants taken and she herself had fallen into the hands of these Barbarians if Messala who had been sent to receive her had not clapt her into a Chariot they met by accident and brought her full speed to Sirmium Probus the Praefectus Pretorio a fearful man and little used to War was in the City and prepared his Horses to make his escape in the night They endeavoured to make him understand that the Danger was not so great as he imagined that his flight would discourage the Citizens and that he would answer for all the mischances that should happen to the Princess At last he recovered himself a little from his fright and gave orders to repair the Fortifications forthwith and to get dispatched from the Neighboring Garrisons some Companies of Archers to defend the place in case of a Siege The Enemies were contented to keep the Field There was sent against them two of the best Legions of the Empire who would undoubtedly have given them a defeat but they fell out about Pretensions and Disputes of Preference and the Sarmats having forced them separately into their quarters cut them in pieces one after another The young Theodosius was sent to stop the course of these disorders and that he might act with more Authority he was advanced to the Government of Moesia and the command of the Troops of that Province XXV He parted without delay and after having observed the posture of affairs he assembled a considerable body of an Army His first application was to establish an exact Discipline amongst his Troops and to chase out of the Country a remainder of rambling and disbanded Barbarians who pillaged it with Impunity He put some to death and contented himself with having expelled the rest out of the Limits of the Empire Aster which having information that the Sarmats appeared upon the Frontier and that their Army was enlarged by a multitude of People in League with them he resolved not only to oppose their Passage but likewise to draw them to a fight The Enemies who confided in their numbers divided themselves into several bodies to make irruptions through divers places But Theodosius beat them in every encounter and after having obliged them to re-unite themselves he went to attack them in â—â—eir very Camp Notwithstanding the oppoâ—â—tion they immediately made he forced them and made so great a slaughter that they entreated him for a Peace upon such conditions as he thought fit to imposâ— and durst not infringe it so long as he continued in this Province XXVI Whilst Thoodosius the Son served the Empire so successfully in Moesia the Father was employed in the Reduction of the revolted Moors in Africk He had already disingaged a great number from the Interests of Firmus some by Menaces and some by Promises and Rewards Firmus who perceived some alteration fearing on one side to be abandoned and on the other vexed to entertain so many Troops at his own expence went out of his Camp by night and saved himself in the Mountains As soon as Theodosius had advice that this Army without a Captain was divided and retreated in disorder he took the field defeated one part of them and obliged the rest to lay down their Arms. This multitude of enemies being thus dispersed he put in the Cities Governours of an assured fidelity and pursued Firmus to the Mountains XXVII Scarce was he entred therein but he was informed that the Captain of the Rebels was fled to the Isaflians and that he was
him near the Emperor This firmness of Theodosius had procured him the hatred of those powerful men who stuck close to the Prince after having abused him and who affording themselves the freedom of committing things unjust would debar others of that of discovering them and making complaints The Emperor Valens was contented to entertain these enmities under-hand without daring to attempt any thing in the life time of Valentinian but after his death he kept no measures any longer and took the same ascendant over his Nephews that his Brother had formerly taken over him He gained the Ministers of Gratian already prepossessed by their Jealousies He joyned with the Empress Justine an Arrian as violent as himself and made so good a use of the favourable conjuncture of these new Reigns that mixing the Interests of the State with those of Religion and the Passions of others with his own he brought Theodosius to his trial He was arrested in Carthage and whether he was accused for intending to make himself Master of Africk or had other crimes supposed against him he was condemned to die in those very places where he had triumphed a little before XLV Theodosius seeing himself oppressed by envy employed the remaining part of his time in thoughts of his Salvation He received Baptism which through the evil custom of that time he had deferred and died innocent before God as he had lived without reproach and with Glory before Oros l. 7. c. 33. men His Son was still in Moesâ—a where he commanded the Army beloved of the People esteemed of the Soldiers and dreaded of the Enemies of the Empire As he was no less to be feared for his vertues than his Father he would infallibly have run the same fortune with him but he quitted Ambros in fun Theod. all his employments and fled forthwith into Spain where he sheltered himself from the persecution of Valens who upon the subject of suspicions was not of a humor to leave a crime imperfect Altho the Emperor Gratian was at an age to apply himself to business and was acquainted with the disgrace of Theodosius whose deserts he knew he left him in his Exile and whether it was that he feared to displease his Uncle or that he had not the force to express the passions of his Ministers or else that things were concealed from his knowledge and he would not put himself to the trouble of examining them himself he abandoned the two greatest Captains of the Empire to the oppression and violence of their Enemies Thus the best Princes by a soft Policy or criminal Laziness become oftentimes as dangerous as the bad XLVI Thoodosius passed some years in Spain using this exile as a time of repose and living obscurely with some of his Relations and Friends till such time as the affairs of the Empire were embroiled in such a manner that they were reduced to run to him as the only man capable to establish them I think my self obliged to recite here a little at large all these troubles as well to give an account of the state of the Eastern Empire and make the course of this History the more intelligible as to shew the methods which God made use of to chastise the Emperor Valens and to fix Theodosius in his place XLVII Of all those barbarous people that went out in multitudes from the Northern parts and drove one another to the very banks of the Danube and the Rhine there was none more formidable to the Roman Empire than the Goths They inhabited originally a part of that wild and barren Country which lies between the Northern Ocean and the Baltick Sea Being weary of a place so unfruitful and pushed on by their natural fierceness they descended as far as the adjacent parts of the River Vistule above three hundred years before the birth of Jesus Christ There being encreased by a crowd of Vandals whom they had subdued and finding themselves too much straitned they extending their limits upon the Neighbouring States and advanced since as far as the Palus Meotis under the conduct of King Filimer forcing all they encountred in their passage The resistance which they found in this place constrained them to turn their course to another side and to pass at length after many windings into the Country of the Dacians and Getes where they remained some time in peace The correspondence which they had there with people that were more human and polite than they having made them lose a little of their grossness they imposed Laws upon themselves and divided into two Nations under Commanders worthy to govern them They that possessed the most Eastern parts were called Ostrogoths or Eastern Goths and acknowledged for their Kings the Princes of the Royal Family of the Amales They that inhabited towards the West took the name of Visigoths or Western Goths and disposed themselves under the Princes of the ancient Race of the Baltes These Barbarians who were then no otherwise separated from the Provinces of the Empire than by the Danube made oftentimes irruptions into Thrace Illyrium and Pannonia notwithstanding as they made War in disorder they were almost always beaten and made no progress But after they had been a long time either Enemies or Allies to the Emperors they accustomed themselves to Discipline and by serving the Romans they learnt to conquer them Sozom. l. 6. c. 37. Division being introduced amongst them under the Empire of Valens they came to an open War there hapned a bloody Battel Athanaric King of the Ostrogoths remained Victor and Fritegern King of the Visigoths was defeated The last had recourse to the protection of the Emperor who sent him a very considerable Relief He overcame Athanaric at his turn and as an acknowledgment to the Emperor and so many Christians who came to his assistance he embraced the Christian Religion and would have his Subjects do the Theodor. l 4. c. ult Oros l. 7. c. 32. same Valens did not lose this occasion of advancing the Arrian Sect pursuant to the Vow he had made at his Baptism He sent forthwith to Fritegern men that were passionate for this Doctrine who inspired the Prince therewith as also his Subjects by the treachery of Vlphilas their Bishop the first Inventer of the Gothick Letters and Translator of the Holy Scriptures into his Language which they had effected in the time of his Embassies at Constantinople XLVIII These two Kings began to re-unite and demanded nothing more than Peace after so many foreign and domestick Wars when they were assaulted of a sudden both one and t'other and expelled with their whole Nation from those Lands which they had conquered A People unknown and till then enclosed between the River Tanais and the frozen Sea went out of their own Country and dispersed themselves like a Torrent into all the adjoining Provinces They were the Huns a Nation without Honesty Justice or Religion hardned to Labour from Ammian l. 31. Zoz l. 4.
their Infancy nourished with savage Roots and raw Flesh always encamped and avoiding Houses as if they had been Tombs wandering all day and sleeping at night on Horseback being accustomed to fall out with one another and to be Friends again immediately without any other Reason than that of their natural Inconstancy Claudian in Ruff. in l. 1. Jornand c. 24. Their innumerable Horse and prodigious number of Chariots which followed them loaded with their Wives and Children their manner of fighting in round Bodies and of rallying again a moment after their defeat the very figure of these Men in stature small but strong and well compact their Faces rugged their Eyes but small and Heads of an unsuitable bigness all this cast a terror in the minds of People who were not so barbarous as they XLIX They attacked the Alains presently who were constrained to seek their Friendship They pushed on their Conquests as far as this side the Boristhenes driving or massacring all that made resistance and extended themselves towards Datia At the noise of this formidable march all the Goths run to their Arms. Athanaric who was the most exposed collected all his Troops and advanced himself towards the Banks of the River Danast in order to dispute the Enemies passage Ammian ibid. He sent in the mean time several Parties above twenty Leagues beyond to observe them and to bring him the News But notwithstanding all his Precautions the Huns prevented these Parties and passed the River by favor of the night partly by fording and partly by swimming Altho' Athanaric had hardly leisure to put his Army in order yet he sustained their first Attack with abundance of vigor but as he saw himself overwhelmed by number he retired with as much of his Army as he could save and gained the mountains where he retrenched himself whilst the Enemies amused themselves by laying waste the Platcountrey L. In the mean time the affrighted Goths advanced all towards the Banks of the Danube Videric King of the Grotungues a Youth under age came to join them under the conduct of Alathee and Saphrax two excellent Captains They were too great a number to subsist in so small a space and too few to oppose such powerful Enemies In this Extremity they sent an Embassy to the Emperor Valens humbly to request of him some Lands in Thrace where they might live in peace under his protection promising to serve him in his Wars and to preserve themselves the Frontiers of the Empire The Affair was debated in Council They that consulted the Publick Good were of opinion to reject the Proposition and remonstrated to the Emperor that it was necessary â—o mistrust a People who had often broke their Faith with him and would become insolent as soon as they should cease to be miserable Others to accommodate themselves to the humor of the Prince represented to him that it was for his glory to give Retreat to the unfortunate that he might encrease his Armies with a great number of these strangers and that discharging the Provinces from the Recruits they were obliged to furnish he might draw from them every year considerable Sums as a compensation These Reasons affected the Emperor He granted the Goths their demands and sent Orders to Lupicin Governor of Thrace to furnish them with Necessaries and to receive them into his Province upon condition still that they should enter therein without Arms that they should not exceed the limits which should be set out to them and that they should send their Male Children into the East to be Zoz l. 4. brought up there in the exercise of Roman Discipline LI. Lupicin went as far as the Banks of the Danube accompanied with Maximus Commander of the Foot They saw King Fritigern arrive with his Subjects and distributed Provisions to them and some Lands to cultivate The River at that time had overflowed so that this multitude of Barbarians were many days and nights in passing over Valens as if he had secured the Empire Socrat. l. 4. c. 34. Sozom. l. 6. c. 38. thought he had no further need of the old Troops levied no more new ones and neglected the Recruits which he ordered to be paid him in money to the value of fourscore Crowns in gold for every Soldier In a little time the Armies grew weak and the Officers were discontented The Goths on their side began to want Provisions and found themselves reduced by the avarice of the Governor to give their Goods and sell their very Children for bread They endured these Extremities till such time as Despair made them begin to murmur Lupicin mistrusting a Revolt being resolved at the same time not to relax kept himself upon his guard and got the Thracian Army together on this side Alathée and Safrax to whom Valens had refused to give Retreat coasted the Danube at that time and finding some places but ill guarded made shift to get some Boats and made their Horse pass over in disorder As for Athanaric he durst not ask any favor of the Emperor who had hated him of a long time and threw himself upon a quarter of the Sarmats where he established himself by force of Arms. In the mean time King Fritigern retained the Fury of the Goths and dexterously managed the humor of the Romans till he could discover his resentment with more security Having information by Spies that Alathée and Safrax had passed the River and foreseeing that he should have occasion for Horse he marched towards them by small Journies and By ways to give no suspition of intelligence At last he encamped near Martâ—anopolâ— where Lupicin received him into his house and entertained him magnificently Whilst they were at Table some Goths coming to the gates of the City to make their Provisions the Soldiers of the Garison repulsed them they grew hot on both sides came to handy Blows all the Burgesses took Arms and the whole Camp of the Goths mutined The Governor being advertised of this disorder was not much disturbed at it and as he was half drunk he gave Orders softly to murder those Ammian l. 31. of the King's Retinue who attended him in the next Hall This Order could not be executed so secretly but Fritigern mistrusted it and even heard the Cryes of those whose Throats were cut He arose from the Table of a sudden without giving the Governor time to take any Resolution and went out of the City under a pretence of shewing himself and to chastise the mutinous As soon as he was in safety he took Horse and run every where to encourage his People to revenge In a little time the whole Nation rose up and Valens had for Enemies those whom he lookt upon as his Hosts and Allies LII They presently fell a ravaging the Country and put several Villages to Fire and Sword Fritigern let them satiate their first anger after which he put them in what order he could and made them march under their
the Army as well to prevent their falling into the Ambuscades of the Romans as to accustom them to the discipline of the Camp He sent Couriers to Alatheus and Safrax to pray them to approach in diligence with their Horse He encamped Ammian ib. no longer but in Plains and near Cities for fear of being surprized or at a loss for Provisions As soon as he had advice that the Emperor was near he retired as if he had an intention to avoid the fight and covered so well his march dividing his Army into several different bodies that the enemies Scouts could discern but a part of them He had detached some Batallions to seize upon the advanced Posts and had cut off the provisions of the Romans if he had not been prevented In a word he managed himself with so much prudence and caution that one would have taken Fritigern for the Roman Prince and Valens for the Barbarian LXIV As soon as the Emperor was come to Adrianople they that had been sent to view the Ammian ibid. Goths reported to him that they were not above ten thousand men that they were retired in disorder and durst not be seen out of their Trenches Then he believed the Victory was certain At the same time Ricomer came from Sirmium to advertize him that Gratian was upon the march and that he would suddenly arrive This young Prince wrote to his Uncle and conjured him to attend him and suffer him to partake at least the fatigues and dangers of this War if not the glory of it Valens assembled the Council and put the affair into consideration Victor General of the Horse was of opinion to precipitate nothing and represented that the Enemies were stronger than was imagined that their Army might be encreased in a little time with an infinite number of Troops that were dispersed in the Country that they had a vigilant Captain who knew how to make use of opportunities that it would be a hard matter to force them in their Camp or to defeat them in battel with the single forces of the East but that they might be assured of subduing them without recovery if they attended the assistance of the Gauls He added that it was to offend an Emperor who came in person to relieve them to fight without necessity when he was upon the point of arriving The chief Officers of the Army were of the same opinion Sebastian on the other side sustained that it was necessary to give Battel forthwith This was a â—oz l. 4. great Captain lately come from the Western Courts where he could not agree with the Ministers He commanded the Infantry since the disgrace of Trajan and sought all occasions to signalizâ— himself in his charge and to get into credit with the Emperor As long as he observed this Prince to be amazed and irresolute he advised him to continue near Constantinople with his Army but as soon as he saw him disposed to fight he proposeâ— to attack the enemy whom he represented to â— weakned by his losses frighted and trembling â— his Camp and not in a condition to recollect his scattered forces All the young men of the Court and Army took this part some to comply with the Emperor others to acquire glory even many stirr'd up by a false emulation cried out that they would never suffer others to come and conquer for Ammian â— 31. them Valens who was assured of Victory and was otherwise jealous of the reputation which his Nephew had acquired chose the counsel which flattered most his passion and resolved to go directly to the enemies before Gratian's arrival LXV Fritigern on his side knowing that he should have two great Armies and two Emperors upon his hands if the Affair was not soon determined judged it convenient either to compound with Valens or suddenly engage him to a genera Battel Whereupon he sent Ambassadors to him and made him reasonable Propositions in very respectful and submissive terms He hoped thereby that the Emperor would either grant him Peace or that he would interpret his Submissions for marks of fear and weakness and be the more desirous for Battel The Bishop Vlphilas who had the Secret of the Embassy went without delay to the Camp of Adrianople where he was honourably received and presently conducted to an Audience He presented his Letters in publick by which the King his Master in the name of all his Subjects requested the Emperor to leave undisturbed an unhappy Nation chased from all parts which had not taken up Arms but in extremity was ready to depose them and considered only how to live and serve the Empire and to manure in peace those Lands which had been afforded them in Thrace This Prelate had Orders to demand a secret Audience and to render a second dispatch into the Emperor's own hand in case the first took noâ—effect Fritigern wrote to Valens that he was resolved to be his Friend and his Ally and that he had endeavored to reduce the Goths to Reason but that they were Barbarians who could not imngine to themselves that they durst be assaulted notwithstanding there was nothing more to do than to shew them the Army and they would fubmit to all things as soon as they were frighted with the name and presence of an Emperor LXVI These Ambassadors were dismissed without any Answer and Valens was so much the more impatient inasmuch as he thought the Goths had an intention to shun him He disposed all Ammian ibid. Idat. in fast things and marched the next day being the 9th of August at day-break leaving all his Equipage near Adrianople in order to make the more haste He arrived about Noon in prospect of the Enemy and put his Army in Battel-aray all fatigued as it was with a march of twelve miles through difficult ways and an excessive heat The King of the Goths sent Deputies to the Emperor forthwith to offer new Proposals of Peace for as he was wise and ingenious he feared the consequence of a Battel and was desirous of getting time whatsoever hapned till the Cavalry which he expected was come up In the mean time he visited his Camp gave Orders to his Captains and disposed his Troops behind an Intrenchment of all the Chariots of his Army He gave directions for great Fires to be kindled throughout the Countrey to the end that the Romans heated and thirsty by the sultriness of the day coming still to breathe a burning Air might be less in a condition to fight At the same time he had advice that the Emperor had despised his Deputies and would make no Treaty but with the Chief of the Nation He sent him word that he would come himself if he would before-hand dispatch to him some of the Lords of his Court as Hostages This Negotiation made a kind of a Truce for some hours during which time Alatheus and Ammian ibid. Safrax arrived with their Horse and formed two great Squadrons at the head
and re-established them in their Sees He commanded Sapor one of his Lieutenant Generals to go and execute this Order throughout the East to chase the false Bishops from the Churches they had usurped and to suffer none but those who were in the Communion of Pope Damasus Notwithstanding judging it convenient to manage the humors of the People and joyning Sweetness to Piety he allowed every one the free exercise of his Religion and prohibited no public Assemblies but to certain Sects which appeared to him either ridiculous or scandalous LXXIV After having delivered the Church from its Oppression it was necessary to consider of means in order to save the State Valens died without Children and the young Valentinian who had the Title and Quality of Emperor was not yet of an age to exercise the functions of it so Gratian alone was charged with all the cares of the Empire He saw at the same time the Goths victorious in Thrace and other barbarous Nations ready to make an irruption into the Lands of the Empire Being unable himself to suffice the whole or to know where his presence would be most necessary he searcht for a man that was capable to assist him in his wars and to command in the East in his absence He cast his Eyes upon Theodosius whose Valor and Wisdom he was acquainted with and whether he had already resolved to associate him to the Empire or only designed to give him the command of the Army he wrote to him and sent him Orders to come forthwith to Sirmium LXXV Theodosius was then in Spain where he was retired as we have already said to avoid the Persecution of Valens and the Envy of those Courtiers who could not dispence with his Reputation nor his Merit He lived in his retreat without complaining either of Emperors or his Fortune Sometimes he was at the City amongst his fellow Citizens composing the differences of some assisting others in their necessities obliging Pacat. in Panegyr all the world and preferring himself to no one sometimes in the Country where he manured himself his Gardens and addicted himself with satisfaction to all the cares of Husbandry Making this advantage of his disgrace he learnt to gain the Friendship of the People and accustomed himself so well to all the Offices of a civil life that he retained the sweetness and modesty of a private person even when he was raised to Soveraign Dignity He was in this condition when he received Gratian's Letters he put his domestic affairs in order and departed a few days after LXXVI In the mean time the Goths after their Victory went against the advice of King Fritigern Ammian lib. 31. to besiege Adrianople where they received information that Valens had enclosed his Treasures and all that he had most precious in the Empire They made their approaches tumultuously and gave several assaults but it was with so much precipitation and disorder that they were always repulsed and lost their best Troops They had won some Soldiers of the Garison who were to deliver to them one of the City gates but the intelligence was discovered At last being incommoded with the rains that fell several days together pelted with the Artillery of the besieged and discouraged with the tediousness of the Siege they passed as far as the Precincts of Perinthus where they hoped to find a more considerable booty LXXVII As they durst not attack this place they plundered the Countty and a pproached Constantinople with a design to invest it and to take it either by Assault or Famine The Empress Doâ—inica the Wife of Valens opened the public Treasure and encouraged so well by her Discourse and Largesses the Inhabitants and Soldiers that they made a Sally and charged a body of the Barbarians which was advanced towards the City The fight was bloody and finished by an action which surprized the Goths and cast a terror into their whole Army Zoz l. 4. Some Sarazin battalions which Queen Mauvia had sent to the assistance of the Empire and which Valens had left in Garrison at Constantinople where at handy blows with the Enemy and the Victory was yet uncertain when of a sudden a Souldier of that Nation was seen to appear with a Dagger in his hand and muttering some dismal words He went out of the ranks all naked and falling upon the first Goth he met with stab'd him in the breast and instantly cast himself upon him to suck the blood which trickled from his wound The Goths amazed at this brutish action which they took for a prodigy fled in disorder and had not the courage to assault the Sarasins LXXVIII They were not more successful before Thessalonica they attempted several times to become Masters of this City which was not in a condition to resist them but St. Ascole the Bishop thereof defended it by the sole vertue of his Ambros Ep. 59. Prayers It is reported that a secret fear possessed these Barbarians as soon as they approached that they lost without knowing for what reason that natural fierceness which they had at other times and that the wisest of them were of opinion to abandon the attempt and to leave undisturbed a Ammian â— 31. Hier. Ep. 3. Zoz l. 4. City which God so visibly protected by the intercession of this Holy Prelate At length after they had lost the Pillage of these three Cities they threw themselves into Macedon Thrace Scythia Mesia and dispersed themselves as far as the Julian Alpes which confine Italy on this side ravaging all these Provinces and leaving every where fatal Testimonies of their avarice and fury LXXIX The East was going to fall into a like disorder if there had not been a sudden stop put to the course of a Conspiracy which was already formed When the Goths were received in Thracâ— one of the Conditions imposed upon them was that they should give up their Children for Hostages and Necessity obliged them to consent to it They hoped by that means to secure the fidelity Zoz l. 4. of their Fathers and to accustom the Children insensibly to the Laws and Discipline of the Romans in order to make both serve in the Wars of the Empire Julius who commanded in the East was charged with the Education of these Barbarian Youths He dispersed them in the Cities of his Governments and instructed them according to the Orders he had received from Court Many of them were already of an age to carry Arms and notwithstanding the care which was taken to conceal from them the Victory of their Nation they came to understand the News Then returning to their nature they concerted amongst themselves how to seize upon certain Cities and to put those Garisons to the Sword who should not be upon their guard Those that were together advertised their Companions secretly and the Conspiracy was suddenly to take effect Julius had advice of it and was resolved to prevent them He visited the places gave Orders to the
Governors and proclaimed throughout the whole extent of his government that the Emperor to gratify these strangers Ammian l. 31. Zoz l. 4. and to engage them the stronger to the service of the Empire had commanded to distribute to them not only Money but also Lands and Houses and that they should be treated as natural Subjects The day was appointed for this distribution The Barbarians hoping to take the advantage of the Money and Favors which were to be allowed them and to render their Rebellion more easy and secure were softned a little They came to the Cities whose Garisons were under-hand reinforced and as they were assembled in the great Streets some Troops that were lodged in the adjacent Houses fell upon them with their Swords and slew the greatest part the rest thinking to save themselves by the cross-ways were knocked down with stones by the Citizens They did not so much as spare those who were not of an age to do an injury and by an inhumane Prudence Julius delivered these Provinces from the danger they were in The affair was manag'd with so much dexterity and orders given and executed so opportunely that this Massacre the same day went throughout the East without the Goths conceiving the least suspition of it or the possibility of one's escaping LXXX Things were in this condition when Theodosius arriv'd at Sirmium Gratian receiv'd him so much the more favourably inasmuch as he was ashamed of having banisht him his Court and that he was upon entrusting him with the most important affair of the Empire He made him General of his Army and dispatched him against the Goths with a part of those Troops he had in Illyrium Theodosius marched forthwith towards Thrace where the Enemies were assembled in a vast number He knew that several Companies of Alains Huns and Taifals had joined them since their last Victory and that they were of opinion to have reduced the Emperor to dare no further to appear in Field But he learnt at the same time that their best Soldiers were disbanded that the chief Officers were divided amongst themselves that Fritigern was no longer Master of them and that there was neither Order nor Discipline amongst such a heap of Barbarians who were come to assist them in their Pillage and not to fight LXXXI Then he advanced with much assurance and having encountred the Enemy he gave them Battel slew the greatest part obliged the rest to repass the Danube and went himself to carry the News of this defeat to Court Theodoret Theod. l. 5. c. 5. 6. reports that Theodosius left so great a number of them slain upon the place made so many Prisoners and obtained so much Spoil that being come with an extream diligence to give the Emperor an account of his Victory it appeared immediately incredible His Rivals durst accuse him of having been defeated and of having fled himself and Gratian being astonished was at a stand how to employ his Faith Theodosius entreated him to send his Accusers upon the place to the end they might examine the truth and give a testimony of it themselves The Emperor to satisfy his pressing Solicitations charged persons of degree and reputation to go forthwith and learn the particulars of this Action and to return with a clear Information to him LXXXII The same Historian reports that it was in this time that Theodosius saw in a Dream a Bishop who put a Crown upon his head and invested him with the Imperial Robes and that one of his intimate Friends to whom he discovered this Vision assured him that it was a certain Presage of that Grandeur to which God would advance him The Bishop who appeared to him was since known for Meletius Bishop of Antioch This holy Prelate by vertue of the last Edict of Gratian was then returned to his Church after a banishment of several years The Confessors of Jesus Christ were seen to pass through the whole Empire some followed by a Troop of Infidels whom they had converted others delivered from their Chains and bearing still upon their Bodies the glorious marks of the Torments which they had endured They transferr'd even with honour the Relicks of those who died in their Exile The greatest part were received with abundance of Joy by the People whose Conduct and Protection they came to resume But as the Emperor notwithstanding all his Piety had not Authority enough to make himself obeyed there were some who by the Cabals of Hereticks underwent more Misfortunes in this time of Peace than they had endured in the time of Persecution Many observing their Sees to be supplied with Arrians offered to share with them the Government of their Flock upon condition they would reunite themselves to the Catholick Faith and Communion Others were even ready to yield up their Dignity entire in order to establish the Peace and Unity of the Church LXXXII Amongst so many holy Bishops it seemed that God had made choice of the most renowned to give Theodosius the first hopes of the glory to which he designed him This Presage was suddenly accomplished For Gratian having learnt that the People who inhabited along the Rhine were entred into Gaul and moreover finding himself as it were encompassed with an inundation of Barbarians who were dispersed in the Provinces of the East resolved to associate Theodosius to the Empire He considered that he must be unable himself alone to oppose so many Enemies that a Lieutenant discharged him but of a part of his Cares that it was convenient to have a Collegue who should have his Wars apart and should defend the State as his own proper inheritance that it would be more for his Reputation and Glory to give one of his Empires voluntarily than to retain it with disturbance and that he was happy in the possession of any thing whereby to recompense a great merit in the establishment of his own repose LXXXIV The Friendship and esteem which he had entertained for Theodosius from his Infancy determined him still more and the impatience which he had to go and relieve Gaul where he was educated pressed him to declare his design But it was proper to attend the confirmation of the last Victory of Theodosius to the end that his Rivals might themselves be obliged to approve his Election after having suffered the confusion which their Calumny deserved Claudian Pacat. in Paneg. This choice was so much the more glorious to Theodosius inasmuch as he had not lookt after it He was even modest enough to refuse this honour when Gratian offer'd it to him and this refusal was attended with so many marks of Moderation and Sincerity that it was easie to judge it was no vain ceremony but a real wisdom which made him regard as a difficult and hazardous employment this Dignity wherein is sought for the most part nothing but the repose and pleasure of commanding LXXXV About this time Ausonius was nominated Consul altho absent and regardless of factions
to procure this honour Gratian after having advantag'd himself by his instructions lost no occasion of testifying to him his acknowledgment He raised him to the charge of Questor and a little after to that of Praefectus Praetorio at length he declared him Consul and forgot nothing that he could imagine to be most obliging and most honourable He gave him for a Colleague Olibrius Gallus a young man of a very noble and ancient Family and as people were curious to know which of the two he named first to favour Ausonius without offending the other he answered that he pretended to determine their rank not by Birth but Age and the antiquity of their Praefecture After that he dispatched forthwith a Courier to Ausonius to give him advice of his nomination to the Consulship Auson in grat act and wrote to him in these terms As I considered some time since to create Consuls for this year I invoked the assistance of God as you know I am accustomed to do in every thing I undertake and as I know it conformable to your desire I was of opinion that I was obliged to nominate you first Consul and that God required of me this acknowledgment for the good instructions I have received from you I render to you then what is your due and knowing that one can never acquit himself towards his Father nor towards his Master I confess that I still owe you what I have endeavoured to render you To the end that nothing might be wanting to the favour which he had done he accompanied this Letter with a Present and sent him a very glorious Robe wherein was embroidered in Gold the figure of the Emperor Constantius his Father-in-Law And Ausonius on his side employ'd all the force and delicacy of his Genius to make in Verse and Prose the Panegyriek of his August Benefactor LXXXVI A few days after this action of Gratian's those who were sent to the Army arrived and reported that the defeat of the Goths had been very considerable that the number of the dead Theod. l. 5. c. 9. and prisoners and the quantity of spoils went beyond what Theodosius affirmed of them Then his very Enemies were obliged to commend his valour and modesty and the Emperor thought it high time to share the Empire with him The End of the First Book The CONTENTS of the SECOND BOOK I. GRatian shares the Empire with Theodosius II. Theodosius goes to Thessalonica and receives the Deputations there III. He undertakes a War against the Goths IV. He sends Modarius to view them V. He surprizes them and defeats them entirely in Thrace VI. He grants them Peace and returns to Thessalonica where he learns the Victory of Gratian. VII He has a design to pull down the Arrains VIII The Original and Progress of this Sect IX Theodosius falls sick and is baptized by Ascole Bishop of Thessalonica X. He sets forth an Edict against the Arrians XI Maximus the Cynick usurps the Episcopal See of Constantinople his Crimes and his Cheats XII Theodosius repulses Maximus XIII Perfidiousness of the Goths XIV The Goths attack the Emperor in his Trenches XV. Treason of the Goths in the service of the Empire Retreat of Theodosius XVI Theodosius rallies his Army and receives the assistance of the Gauls XVII Consternation of the Goths XVIII Different Opinions touching Peace or War XIX Theodosius grants the Goths a Peace XX. Divers Effects produced by the Edict of Theodosius for the Catholick Religion in Constantinople XXI Theodosius disbands the Gaulish Troops and repairs to Constantinople XXII Theodosius receives the Civilities of the Arrians the Catholicks murmur at it XXIII State of Religion in Constantinople XXIV Theodosius declares for the Catholicks His Conference with Gregory of Nazianzum XXV He orders all the Churches of the City to be restored to the Catholicks XXVI He represses the Arrians and goes himself to instal Gregory of Nazianzum XXVII Policy of Theodosius XXVIII Difference of Fravitas and Eriulphus XXIX Malice of the Historian Zozimus XXX Conspiracy of the Arrians against Gregory of Nazianzum XXXI Sweetness of Gregory XXXII New Edict of Theodosius against the Arrians XXXIII Pride of Athanaric King of the Goths his hatred against Valens and against the Empire XXXIV Fritigern unites himself with the Grotungues and after several Incursions they chase Athanaric from his Territories XXXV Athanatic begs the protection of Theodosius XXXVI Theodosius gives Athanaric a Retreat in his Court XXXVII Theodosius shews Athanaric Constantinople Original and Greatness of this City XXXVIII Death of Athanaric XXXIX Effects of the goodness of Theodosius XL. Theodosius calls the Council of Constantinople XLI He calls the Macedonian Hereticks to it XLII Number of the Bishops of the Council and their different Prospects XLIII Respect of Theodosius for Miletius President of the Council XLIV Election of an Archbishop of Constantinople XLV Gregory of Nazianzum is chosen he refuses this dignity is obliged to accept of it XLVI Points of Faith regulated XLVII Rules for Discipline XLVIII Synodal Letters addressed to Theodosius XLIX Death of Meletius Bishop of Antioch Honours rendred to him by Theodosius L. Theodosius Answers to the Bishops and confirms the Ordinances of the Council LI. Schism of Antioch its Original and Progress LII It is proposed to chuse a Successor to Meletius Division of the Fathers upon this Subject LIII Theodosius calls the Bishops of Egypt and Macedon to the Council LIV. Protestation against the Election of Gregory of Nazianzum LV. Gregory resigns his Archbishoprick and goes out of the Assembly LVI Gregory demands his Congé of Theodosius LVII Last Sermon of Gregory and his Reâ—reat LVIII Theodosius complains of the Contests of the Bishops LIX Orders given for the Election of a new Archbishop LX. The Emperor chuses Nectarius LXI Remonstrance of the Bishops to Theodosius LXII Ordination of Nectarius LXIII Conclusion of the Council Translation of the Relicks of St. Paul Archbishop of Constantinople LXIV Victory of Theodosius over the Huns Scyrians and Carpodacks LXV King Sapor seeks the friendship of Theodosius State of the Persian Affairs LXVI Famous Embassy of the Persian King to Theodosius LXVII Alliance of Theodosius with the King of Persia LXVIII Deputation of the Council of Aquileia to Theodosius LXIX Theodosius doth not consent to the Convocation of a General Council at Rome LXX New Intrigues of Maximus the Cynick LXXI Theodosius re-assembles the Bishops of the East at Constantinople They refuse to go to Rome LXXII The Goths of Athanaric's Retinue praise the grandeur and goodness of Theodosius LXXIII Fritigern seeks the Alliance of Theodosius LXXIV New Instances of the Italian Bishops for the Convocation of a Council at Rome THE HISTORY OF THEODOSIVS the Great BOOK II. Anne 379. I. THE Army which was then in quarters about Sirmium had Orders to Rendezvous and upon the sixteenth day of January Gratian repaired to it accompanied with Theodosius and the other Lords of his Socrat. l. 5. c. 2.
Court He was conducted to the midst of the Camp the Troops being drawn round him he exposed to them the deplorable State of the Empire the misery of the people the weakness of the Armies the irruptions of the Germans in Gaul and the ravages which so many barbarous Nations had committed in the Eastern Provinces He represented to them that one single man could not sustain so many Wars at a time nor remedy so many disorders That as for him he preferred August de Civit. Deâ— the pleasure of having a faithful Collegue before the ambition of Reigning alone and that in the design of making a choice which should be advantagious to the Sâ—ate and agreeable to them he had cast his Eyes upon Theodosius At this name the Troops interrupted him and testifyed their Joy by long applauses Gratian continued his discourse and after having made the Encomium of Theodosius he gave him the Purple Aur. Victor in Theod. and the Crown Then the Soldiers who had heretofore esteemed him worthy of the Empire redoubled their acclamation and the Officers came in multitudes to Salute the new Emperor who being but of the Age of three and thirty years and joyning to the strength and vigour of his Age a great experience and consummated Wisdom caused them to hope for the entire re-establishment of Affairs Gratian gave him for his Division Thrace and all the Provinces that Valens had possessed He Sozom. l. 7. added thereto that Eastern part of Illyrium whereof Thessalonica was Capital taking off from the Empire of the West that Province which lay exposed to the courses of the Barbarians and which neither he because of his Remoteness nor his Brother Valentinian by reason of his inferior Age could defend A few days after this Election the two Emperors parted Gratian took the Road of Gaul to go and chase the Germans who plundered it and Theodosius marched towards Thessalonica to rendezvous his Army there in order to renew a war against a formidable multitude of Zoz l. 4. Alains Goths and Huns who since his last Victory were again entred into Thrace after having run through Mysia and Pannonia II. The noise was soon dispersed that Theodosius was Emperor and that he advanced with a part of the Western Army which Gratian had enforced him with The People whom the Unhappiness of the last Wars and Rigor of the late Reign had extreamly cast down began to breath again The Troops which the Enemies had kept close in their Garisons took heart and made Incursions in the Country and the Officers who saved themselves from the last defeat and had got themselves into strong places were ready to appear at the first order and to collect the scattered remains of the Roman Legions in order to conduct them to Theodosius All the Cities disposed their Deputations and Constantinople which Valens had sworn to destroy at his return from the war was glad to be under the dominion of a Prince who deserved their love and was capable to protect them Theodosius in the mean time arrived at Thessalonica where resorted immediately from all the Provinces of the Empire those whose Rank or Duty called them to Court and those who came to render an account of the public Affairs or to sollicite their particular ones There he began to do all the Functions of a great Emperor dispersing his Orders every where receiving Persons of Quality and Merit with Honor and the rest with Goodness giving Audiences at every hour and rendering Justice indifferently to all his Subjects refusing nothing that he could reasonably grant adding to his favors an obliging way of doing them and sweetning refusals by expressions of good will So they who obtained their demands Zoz l. 4. were satisfied and they who could not returned at least with comfort III. The care he took for the satisfaction and repose of the People did not hinder him from giving all convenient orders for preparations of war The Chief Officers were already near his Person the Infantry came out of their Garisons and the whole Army rendezvous'd in the beginning of the Spring Altho it was not considerable in number it was so in courage and by the confidence it reposed in its Emperor Theodosius then took the field and advanced by great Journeys towards Thrace The Barbarians were divided into several bodies and without applying themselves to the siege of any place wherein they never succeeded they pillaged all the Country without opposition They were armed after the Roman manner since the defeat of Valens Fritigern had taught them to rally and to observe some Discipline their Army encreased every day with an infinite number of their Companions whom the noise of Victory and the hopes of a great Booty drew from all parts Thus they were formidable But they had scarce any Captains Fritigern whom they had refused to obey had abandoned them As soon as they gave themselves to pillage they no longer observed any order and this multitude that came to joyn them served but to encrease the confusion and to cause divisions amongst them for the sharing of the Prizes they had made IV. Theodosius entred into Thrace He defeated immediately some Parties of the Enemy who were separated from the body of the Army and having learnt of the Prisoners the place where was encamped the greatest part of these Barbarians he thought he might easily subdue them if he could surprize them before they were advertised of his March He commanded Modarius Prince Zoz l. 4. of the Blood Royal of the Scythians who was in the Service of the Emperors and by his fidelity and valor had deserved the first employments in their Armies to advance with some Horse in order to observe the Enemy whilst he marched himself withthe utmost diligence A few days after Modarius returned and gave Theodosius notice that the Enemy was not far off that they were encamped in Plains commanded by Ascents which it would be easy to possess that their Camp was defended but by one Intrenchment of some Chariots ill placed which might be forced without any difficulty that there was a great number of men but few Soldiers that in all likelihood they would not quit a Post where they found all sorts of commodity to subsist on and in a word not suspicious of any thing but thinking the Emperor at a great distance from them they might be oppressed before they would be in a condition to defend themselves The Emperor was extreamly pleased to hear this News and sent back Modarius with a great Detachment to seize upon those Posts he should judge necessary whether to prevent the Goths from being informed or to fight them with advantage if they were disposed for battle Pretty near the Camp and almost in prospect of the Enemy there was a little Hill which extended a good way and towards the middle of its brow left a space of land compact and large enough to lodge a reasonable number of Troops Modarius
made several attempts against his Person but as he had convinced them by his discourse so he edified them by his patience He began to enjoy the fruit of his labors when Maximus was presented to him Gregory received him not only with civility but also with respect as a Confessor of Jesus Christ he listened to the false history of his life and judging of another by himself he believed it He kept him in his house let him partake of his Table and discovered to him his study and designs and supposing it was honorable and advantageous to have in a reviving Church a Man taken for a Martyr he proposed him for an example and recited publickly a discourse which he had made in his commendation This Impostor on his side got more and more into the favors of this holy Prelate by a dexterous insinuation by frequent invectives against the Arrians and by an Air of Piety which appeared to be sincere In the mean time he managed his intrigues with privacy He engaged therein a Priest of Constantinople to whom the Elevation and Merit of the Archbishop were become insupportable They turned so well the Spirit of the Patriarch of Alexandria by the powerful correspondencies they had near his Person that he entred into the interests of Maximus whether it was that he had a mind to favor his Country-man or that he was afraid of giving occasion to the aggrandizing of the See of Constantinople if he put in a man of extraordinary Reputation or that he believed the Election which he had but lately approved of had not been done according to form It was then by his orders that seven Bishops were chosen to go and support the Party of this Philosopher under pretence of conducting the Fleet which conveyed Corn every year from Aegypt to Constantinople As soon as they were arrived Maximus encouraged them by his discourse and presents He won an Ecclesiastic of the Isle of Thasse who came to buy some Marble for his Church and borrowed his Money of him to distribute it amongst the Mariners whom he had resolved to make use of There remained nothing more than to take a time for the Ordination The Egyptian Bishops at their arrival had refused to communicate with the Arrians and had united with the Catholics Gregory had received them in his house with much civility and respect As the entrance of the Church was free to them at all hours they came there one night when this Prelate was carried sick to a Country-house Greg. Naz. Carm. dâ— vita sua near the City They began the ceremony of the consecration of Maximus in presence of a great number of Mariners for the most part strangers who represented the people But the day having surprized them and the Clergy running up and down the whole quarter was stirr'd up the people assemble the Magistrates are called and Maximus is driven away with all his accomplices who saved themselves in disorder in the house of a certain Flute-master where they concluded their Sacrilegious ordination The indignity of this action which was matter of horror to the very Hereticks gave occasion to enquire after the life of this Impostor People began to undeceive themselves of the Martyr he boasted of and they discovered the crimes which he had the dexterity to conceal till then which caused him to be shamefully banished from the City XII This ill success did not astonish him After having wandered some time in Thrace he went accompanied with the Bishops who had consecrated him to find Theodosius to prepossess him if he could in his favour But Ascole to whom Pope Damasus had often sent concerning the affairs of the Church of Constantinople was already advertized of all that had passed and had informed the Emperor Maximus being arrived with his companions and entreating him to maintain him by his Authority this Prince replied with indignation That he was informed of his Cabals That he hated all those who disturbed the peace of the Church and hindred the progress of Religion That he knew how to chastise him and his Partisans as they deserved if they had ever the insolence to pursue their attempt They would have justified themselves but the Emperor interrupted them and sent them away without the trouble of hearing them or seeing them any more XIII Whilst Theodosius who was now in a fair way of Recovery took so much care for the advancement of Religion he got his Army together and prepared to take the Field as soon as he should have regained his strength The Goths upon the information they had received of his sickness by their Deserters and the Hostages they had of his train made a mock of the last Treaty They were so far from leaving the territories of the Empire as they had promised that they called in to their assistance some new Troops of Barbarians and were more sevese in pillaging than before Those of their Nation who had entred in great numbers into the Emperors pay secretly advised them of their contributing towards an easie passage into the Provinces Terrour was dispersed amongst the people the Souldiery receiving from the Court but slow and undetermined orders could not tell what to resolve on Thus all things remained as it were immovable by the indisposition of a Prince who governed only by himself and was not at that time in a capacity to act Upon the first noise of this renewing of the War Couriers were suddenly dispatched to the Emperor Gratian to give him advice of the danger wherein Theodosius was and to sollicit him to send with expedition a considerable relief towards Macedon Some Officers of the Army with what Troops they could assemble in the mean time opposed the enemies and disputed the passes with them But the number of these Barbarians encreasing continually they made themselves masters every where As soon as they had received the succours they expected they plundered the frontiers and threw themselves into Thessaly and Macedon Theodosius made his Army march that way and went there himself as soon as his health would permit him After he had sent to view the enemies notwithstanding he was so inferior in number he advanced with a design to fight them but he was prevented and whatsoever cautions he had taken he saw himself on a sudden betrayed by the Goths whom he had retained in his service This Prince after the conclusion of the Treaty of the preceding year considering the weakness of the Empire at that time and judging that he could not improve it without the assistance of those very people who had occasioned its decay made it to be proclaimed in their Camps that he desired to live with them in good intelligence and that he would receive all those who would come into his Armies These Barbarians came in multitudes to inroll themselves in the service of the Romans and had obliged themselves before by execrable Oaths to take all occasions of doing them harm in making an appearance of
were united in order to fall upon them The presence of the Emperor the approach of two great Captains the defeat of some of their Party all astonished them They assembled together and fearing to be surprized in Thessaly and Macedon where two Armies came to thunder upon them they fled into Thrace But being unable to subsist there by reason of the destruction they had made the preceding years and not questioning but they should be pursued they sent Deputies to Theodosius humbly to sue for Peace XVIII Albeit they were as yet in a state of fighting they consented to be treated as if subdued and offered to retire into their own Country or to serve the Empire promising to accomplish faithfully all the conditions that should be laid upon them The affair was put under deliberation Baudon and Arbogastes who were near the Emperor advised the extirpation of these Barbarians and represented to him that they were irreconcileable Enemies to the Empire that they sued for Peace only when they were uncapable of making War that the Danube was a Barrier which they had accustomed themselves to leap over that their past infidelity ought to serve as a caution for the future and that it was for his repose and that of the State to destroy a Nation always disturbing to the Emperors whether in serving them or making war against them Others sustained on the contrary that it was better to prefer a certain Peace before an uncertain Victory that it was not humane to reject the submissions of the Enemy nor safe to expose themselves to their despair that they would be more quiet on the other side of the Danube when they should be forced to repass it that it was not Policy in the present Conjunctures to neglect the service of this Nation and that it would be an easy matter to be cautious of their Treasons In a word that the Empire was a Body grown feeble by the long Wars and could not possibly recover itself but by Intervals of Peace XIX Theodosius praised the resolution of the first and followed the counsel of the second He granted the Barbarians a Peace The Conditions were that they should lay down their Arms and swear never to resume them up against the Empire that they should send the Chief of their Captains in Hostage that they should immediately leave the Provinces of the Empire whose Frontiers they should defend against other People that they should furnish out a certain number of chosen Troops to be distributed into all the Bodies of the Roman Army and that the Emperor should also protect them and look upon them as his Friends and his Allies The Goths accepted these Conditions and began to execute the Treaty in reality XX. In the mean time the Ordinance of Theodosius in favour of the Catholick Faith had been published in Constantinople where it had produced very different effects Those who professed the Faith of Nice took courage and united themselves more strictly with Gregory of Nazianzum whom they regarded as their Pastor They run in greater throngs to his Sermons and urged him often to make use of the Authority of the Prince and to demand of the Arrians the Churches which they had usurped But as the Edict did not expresly bear this restitution and that it was not yet time to touch that Point the Saint moderated their Zeal and exhorted them to attend the Emperor's conclusion of what he had begun The greatest part of the Officers and Magistrates of the City who favoured the Hereticks before were of opinion that they ought to accommodate themselves to the time and respect the Religion of the Prince But the Arrians proclaimed their resentments in every Encounter The news of the Baptism of Theodosius had much alarmed them They gloried in the honour of baptizing the Emperors of the East till now and as iâ— it had been a right of Prescription for the time to come they complained that Ascole had administred this Sacrament to Theodosius which Eusebius of Nicomedia had administred to Constantine the Great Euzoïus of Antioch to Constantius and Endoxius of Constantinople to Valens They well foresaw the consequences of this Action But afterwards when they heard published a Law which disgraced them and condemned them they were like furious persons they complained highly that they were dishonoured without a cause and fell upon Gregory of Nazianzum who without making use of the advantages of the time and the protection of the Prince opposed to their Violences nothing but Remonstrances and Prayers They proceeded to that excess of fury that they massacred at Noon-day a reverend old Man who was just returned from Exile where he had been sent under the Reign of Valens for the defence of the Faith After which they observed no Bounds abusing the Catholicks to deprive them of all hopes of being restored and rising up against the Magistrates to terrify the Emperor and to make him fear a general Revolt if he undertook to ruine a Party which his Predecessors had so firmly established XXI Theodosius was informed of these disorders and wisely dissembled till he was in a condition to rectify them He pressed the Barbarians to execute the Treaty and to repass the Danube which they performed in a little time Then he disbanded the Auxiliaries after having distributed Rewards to the Officers and Soldiers as if they had fought He gave so many marks of esteem and good will to the two Generals that they returned with the sole regret of not finding an opportunity to expose their lives 〈◊〉 â—im At the same time he sent an Embassy 〈◊〉 â—he Emperor Gratian to give him an account of the affairs of the East and to render him thanks for the cares he had taken towards his assistance in this War and to help him to preserve that Empire which he had so generously given him All things being thus composed this Prince gave orders for the fortifying of the Frontier places gave Quarters of refreshment to his Army wherein he incorporated those chosen Troops which the Goths had furnished him with and after he had secured the adjacent Provinces from the insults of the Enemy he took the Road of Constantinople As he foresaw he should have to do with obstinate and seditious Spirits he thought it proper to march with a part of his Troops and upon the twenty fourth day of November he was received in Idat. Marcell Com. in Chron. Chron. Sozom. l. 5. Sozom. l. 4. his Imperial City where they had prepared for him not only a Magnificent entrance as for a new Emperor but also a Triumph as Conqueror of the Barbarians Some days passed in the reception of the different bodies of the City who came to salute him and in giving those pressing orders which are necessary in all new establishments XXII As the affair of Religion was the most considerable and ought perhaps to be regulated one of the first it was expected what the Success would be The two Parties as it
been very faithful and serviceable to him In the mean time he sent Ambasâ—adors to the Court of Constantinople to represent there that the Emperor had no manner of right to assist the King of Armenia and that if he continued to joyn with him and to relieve him with his Armies it was an Infraction which the King of Persia would be obliged to revenge Valens made no great esteem of this Embassy and his Answer was nothing more than this That he did not concern himself with the Controversies of the Persians and Armenians that it was lawful for Soveraigns to send Armies upon their Dominions according as they judged it convenient for the good of their Affairs that he made no League in prejudice of the Treaties but that he had more right to protect the King of Armenia than Sapor had to oppress him and that if the one was against the Faith of a Treaty the other was contrary to Justice and all the Rights of Nations Upon which he sent back the Ambassadors Sapor took this answer for an open Rupture levied Troops and made great Preparations of War for the Spring The Emperor on his side sent against him Count Trajan and Vadcmaire King of the Germans with orders to observe the Persians and to commit no act of Hostility against them till the utmost extremity Ammian l. 29. These two Generals marched with the Legions towards the frontier taking always advantageous Posts for the Insantry which made all the strength of their Army There they kept themselves close and even gave way on purpose when they saw the enemy approach lest they should be accused of being the first in the infringement of the Treaty But at length the Persians being come on to force them in the consideration that they fled through cowardize and not prudence there was a necessity of coming to a close engagement The fight was severe and Sapor was constrained to retire to Ctesiphonte after he had lost the Battel and demanded a Truce himself which was immediately accorded to him In the mean time those who had an eye upon the affairs of Armenia wrote to the Emperour that it was convenient to send thither another King that all was in disorder that Para misused his Subjects and that he would oblige them by his pride to throw themselves into the arms of the King of Persia which would be of great consequence in relation to the Empire Valens having sent to desire his company under pretence of conferring with him upon the present affairs left him at Tarsus in Cilicia without saying any thing to him and gave him a good number of Officers in appearance to serve him but in reality to guard him This young Prince being come to a sense of his imprisonment and under a suspicion for his life fled away one morning with so much haste â—har for all he was pursued by the shortest ways he gain'd his own Dominions without falling into the snares which were laid for him in several places He was received of his people with much â—â—y and dissembling all the subjects he had to complain of the Emperour he continued in that fidelity he had sworn to the Empire But those who commanded in Armenia and the adjacent Provinces fearing lest he should give up his Kingdom to the Persians wrote against him to the Court and accused him of holding private intelligence with the Enemy of having put to death two of his Ministers that were affectionate to his service and the Interests of the Empire and above all of medling with enchantments and Magick Several testified that he had a secret to transform Men or to consume them by incurable languors Those who pursued him to excuse their ill success affirmed that he had bewitched their eyes Valens who was credulous and mistrustful and apprehended nothing so much as to perish by Inchantments gave secret Orders that they should either by force or artifice deliver him from so dangerous a man which was put in execution not long after at a Feast where this young Prince was inhumanely murdered Sapor being amazed at the loss of the last Battel and still more at the death of the King of Armenia with whom he was in hopes to have concerted infallible measures against the Romans had recourse to negotiation He sent Arsaces one of Ammian l. 30. the chief Lords of his Court to propose to the Emperour a friendly composition and with their joint consent to ruine Armenia which was without a King and had been the single cause of their divisions and their wars Valens rejected the proposition and replied That he kept up to the ancient Treaties and would innovate nothing After several shifts and turnings they came to menaces and a little time after they prepared on both sides for War Valens levied forces in the Country of the Scythians and resolved to enter into Persia with three Bodies of an Army at the beginning of the Spring Sapor sollicited his Allies for assistance and assembled a great Army He even prevented the Romans and threw himself upon some neighbouring Provinces which they had newly won The revolt of the Goths happening about that time it was convenient to suffer all things from the Persians and to make Peace with them upon conditions little honourable but necessary LXVI Sapor enjoyed the advantages which he had reaped from the juncture of affairs and as he had been brought up in War from his youth he was always meditating upon new attempts and his ambition in an advanced age was not diminished But when he came to know that Theodosius was Emperor and had heard of his great qualities and the mighty actions he had performed he dispatched a famous Embassy to him and whether he was touched at the reputation of this Prince or was afraid of losing under him what he had gained under his Predecessors he instructed his Ambassadors to tell him from him That he congratulated his promotion to the Empire That after having been at War with four Emperours whom he could boast of vanquishing in several encounters he was extremely glad to find one with whom he might live in a perfect intelligence That he would do him a favour in granting him his friendship and in permitting him peaceably An. 382 to pass the remainder of his days in his alliance He offered even to terminate the ancient contests of the two Nations and to regulate their pretensions upon Armenia and Iberia by a reasonable composition LXVII Theodosius who knew how necessary a Peace was for the Empire and how expensive and incommodious Wars are to the People even when they are glorious to the Kings that have undertaken them understood these overtures of Peace with joy and answered to the Ambassadors That he thanked their King for the offers he made to him and that he might assure himself of his friendship That since he had been called to the Empire â—e had not only laboured to put an end to the Wars which he had found but
attended by Three Hundred Horse which he had assembled with much ado in order to assist him in his Flight but he found all the Passages guarded by those he had reason to mistrust He went back again uncertain of the way he was to take to save himself As he arrived at Lions he had advice Socrat. l. 5. c. 11. Sozom. l. 7. c. 13. from several places that the Empress his Wife was coming to seek him in order to accompany him in his adversity IX This Prince forgetting for a time the danger he was in more affected with the misfortunes of this Princess than his own recalled in his mind all his Love and passed the Rhine with a design to meet her As soon as he was upon the Shore he discerned a Litter encompassed with Guards He hastened to it but he saw come out instead of his Wife Count Andragatius General of the Horse whom Maximus had dispatched after him in haste This Traytor having surpriz ed him in his Snares seized him and most inhumanely murdered him the Four and twentieth of September in the Eight and twentieth Year of his Ammian l. 27. Age and the Sixteenth of his Empire Such was the Destiny of this Emperor He â—uffered Death with Constancy and all the concern he had upon him was for the absence of St. Ambrose who might have disposed him to a holy Death The Church which he had always defended Ambros in Orat. de obitu Gr. bemoaned his loss and those who reign after him may draw from him this instruction that it concerns their Reputation Peace and even Safety to govern by themselves those States wherewith they are charged X. Maximus puffed up with so many Successes was ready to pass into Italy and surprize Valentinian a young Prince without Experience and without Force But besides â—hat it was necessary to give some Orders in the Provinces newly subdued he judged it convenient before he passed the Alps to sound the intentions of Theodosius He sent Ambassadors to him with Instructions to offer him his Friendship if he would associate him to the Empire or to declare War against Zoz l. 4. him if he refused it Theodosius being sensibly touched at the Death of Gratian his Friend and Benefactor had already resolved to revenge it but as he had reserved himself but a small number of Troops since the general Peace throughout the East he was afraid lest Valentinian should be oppressed before he was in a condition to defend him He dissembled his design and replied to the Ambassadors that he accepted the Offers of Maximus that he did not oppose what the Army had done for him and since he possessed the place of Gratian he lookt upon him as his Successor to the Empire The necessity of things Zoz ibid. obliged him thus to treat him as a Collegue till he was in a posture to declare himself his Enemy XI But whilst he entred into Negotiation with him the Empress Justine imagined every moment that Maximus was coming to thunder upon Italy She had neither Army to oppose him nor expectation of Succor from her Allies She resolved then to send Ambassadors to him in order to prevail on him by her Submissions and to stop him on t' other side of the Alps. But she found no one in her Court who could or would undertake so difficult a Negotiation insomuch that she was constrained to have recourse to St. Ambrose She suspended for a time the Hatred which she had conceived against him and conjured him on the part of the Emperor her Son to undertake this Embassy The holy Bishop willingly accepted of this Employment and went away in haste being resolved to sacrifice his Repose and his very Life for his Prince and Country He found Maximus in a state of enterprizing all things His Conquests instead of satisfying his Ambition had incensed him To be Master of Gaul Spain and England he accounted of small importance if he did not reign in Italy He came from spilling the blood of one Emperor he went to chase the other from his Empire XII But this Prelat spoke to him with so much force and performed so well by his eloquence and address that he made him abandon the resolution he had taken to pass the Alps. His Arms fell out of his hands and whether the respect and veneration he conceived for this great man had suggested to him some great moderation or that he perceived his Passions to relent by his affecting free discourses or else that God who is the Master of Kings and le ts loose Tyrants in his anger and retains them when he pleases had prescribed his bounds to this did without knowing why what St. Ambrose desired of him Contrary to all appearance he stopt at Gaul established at Treves the seat of his new Dominion and took the Title of Augustus with the consent of the two Emperors He repented afterwards of having lost so favourable an opportunity and Ambros Eâ— 33. complained often that the Archbishop of Milan had enchanted him XIII About this time Theodosius observing his Son Arcadius to grow up resolved to declare him Augustus altho he was but Seven or Eight Years Socrat. l. 5. c. 10. Sozom. l. 7. c. 12. old The Ceremony was performed in a Palace called the Tribunal designed for the Coronation of the Emperors in presence of all the Lords of the Court and several Bishops Every one testified by his Acclamations the joy he had to see this Young Prince invested with the Imperial Habits and wished that he might possess the Vertues of his Father as he had received his Dignity XIV Theodosius was extreamly satisfied with having made a new Emperor out of his Family and with the public Approbation But he was more intent upon his Education than his Establishment and thought it was of little importance to leave him ample Territories if he did not leave him Wisdom to govern them He had a long time sought for the wisest and learnedst man of the Empire to entrust him with this Infant who was one day to be the Master of so many People He had sent to the Emperor Gratian concerning it and Gratian had entreated Pope Damasus to make himself a choice of so much moment and to dispatch him to Constantinople whom he should esteem worthy of this Employment This Pope who was well versed in good literature had an exemplary Piety and an excellent Judgment cast his Eyes upon Arsenius Deacon of the Roman Church whose Vertue and Learning he was acquainted with XV. He was a man of a very noble Family absolute in the Greek and Latin Tongues in Human Sciences and the Study of the Holy Scriptures As worthy as he was of the greatest Stations and the chief Dignities of the Church he never had any other prospect than that of his Salvation Altho his inclination had ever disposed him to a retirement and that he was very austere in relation to himself yet he did
Fear put a stop to her Fury and the necessity Paulin. in vit Ambr. of things obliged her suddenly to have recourse to that very Prelate whom she had so cruelly persecuted LXI Maximus who secretly prepared to pass into Italy and sought but for a Pretence to justify Theodor. l. 5. 6. 14. his Irruption wrote a Letter to Valentinian to exhort him to persevere in the Catholick Religion and to cease the Persecution of St. Ambrose and of those who persisted at Milan in the Party oâ— Truth He made him even apprehend that he would declare himself the Protector of this Archbishop He dispatched Oâ—ders at the same time to his Ambassadors at Constantinople to complain there of the Empress Justine and to make it plausible that he approached Italy in order to secure Religion LXII Theodosius who could not be pleased with the violent Proceedings of Justine and saw well that Maximus under this Pretence went to seize upon the Dominions of Valentinian had a mind to advance himself towards the Alps to retain both one and t'other in their duty But Thrace was threatned with a new deluge of Barbarians insomuch that he durst not be at a distance from it The Grotungues a cruel and disturbing People had left the heart of Scythia with a design to enter by fair means or otherwise into the Lands of the Empire They were in prodigious number all armed and well inured to War Alatheus and Safrax Captains of their Nation who had assisted at the defeat of Valens had engaged them to this Enterprize and their King Odetheus conducted them to it as to an easy Conquest Passage was granted to them in some places they took themselves that liberty in others After having compelled all that made resistance and collected all that would join with them they arrived upon the Banks of the Danube and demanded permission to pass the River Whatsoever Protestations they made to live in Peace the Example of the Goths was too fresh and Theodosius had not the same facility as Valens Claud. de I. Consul Honor. LXIII When they saw themselves repulsed they resolved to pass in spite of the Romans They had made in a few days 3000 Barks and attempted the Passage in divers places Promotus who commanded the Army of Thrace and had extended his quarters along the River stopt them every-where with great loss oâ— their side But since he had Orders to spare the Troops and besides feared Zoz l. 4 the surprizes or efforts of this multitude he joined dexterity to force He found in his Aâ—my some Soldiers of an experienced fidelity who understood the language of these Barbarians and sent them into their Camp in order to discover their designs and to advertise him thereof These seigning themselves to be Deserters and Malecontents got to be presented to the King and chief Commanders and offered to deliver to them the Army and General of the Romans but they demanded such an excessive Recompence that the Barbarians protested they had not where withal to requite so great a Service After several Proposals made on both sides they agreed at last upon a considerable Sum part whereof was to be paid beforehand and the other was secure for the day after the execution They took the hour of embarking concerted the Signal which was to be given marked out the place of passage and prepared all things for the following night LXIV It was resolved that their best Troops should pass first to assault the Romans whom they supposed to find asleep that they should be supported by the rest of the Army and that the Women and Children should come after without difficulty or danger in the Barks which were intended for them Promotus being informed of the design of the Gortungues and of the order they were to observe provided all things on his side He linked together three and three the lightest of his Boats and extending them about the space of twenty Furlongs all along the River he formed as it were a Chain in order to obstruct the Descent upon the Shore He designed the bigger Vessels to keep the River and to fall impetuously upon the Enemies in the time of their passage The Troops were disposed conformably to his Projections The Moon made no appearance and the night to the satisfaction of both Parties was very obscure Odetheus embarked in silence with the choicest of his Men and thought of nothing less than a discovery But scarce were they arrived at the reach of the Tract towards the Bank of the River but they were charged by the Roman Troops who guarded the Shore Then they began to know they were betrayed and remained in suspence not daring to advance and being unable to draw back As they were in this disorder the Romans who ascended the great Vessels abandoning themselves to the current of the water rowed with all the â—orce of their Oars came to take them in the flank and shocked them so rudely that overthrowing one upon another with their Barks they drowned the most considerable part of them Those who remained went to strike against the Chain of Boats and were either knocked on the head or made Prisoners After the defeat of the most brave it was no hard matter to compass the end of the rest whom the death of their King and their Companions had put into a Consternation and were still in the disorder of the Engagement Altho' they surrendred at discretion the heated Soldier had put all to the Sword but that Promotus made the slaughter cease and even hindred them from pillaging the Camp to the end that the Emperor who was suddenly to come to the Army might himself be a Witness of this Victory and might know the consequence of it by the quantity of Spoils and by the number of the dead and Prisoners LXV Never was Naval Fight more fatal to the Enemies of the Empire The River was covered with the wreck of so many broken Barks and overthrown Vessels There was to be seen heaps of Barbarian Bodies which the Waves had cast upon the Banks on both sides Their very Arms were of such a make that notwithstanding Zoz â— 4. they â—ere weighty enough they did not cease to reascend upon the water Theodosius came time enough to have his share of this Spectacle He presently gave his Prisoners liberty who finding themselves without a head and in despair of reaching their own Country again gave themselves voluntarily to him and were afterwards serviceable to him in his Wars He ordered the Spoils to be divided amongst the Soldiers and after he had commended the Prudence and Valor of Promotus he entrusted him with the design he had to declare War against Maximus and designed him for the command of the Army LXVI Of all these Grotungues who took part in his Troops he picked out the most couragious and best made and to secure them more firmly to his service he made a Promise to them of double Pay presented each
body towards him as it were to kiss him The Saint stopt and when they made signs to him on all sides to advance and the Emperor himself invited him he answered to him That he did not believe he would kiss a Man to whom he had denied a private Audience and a Seat conformable to the Rank which he held in the Church and to the Dignity of the Prince who sent him Maximus threw himself upon Complaints and reproached him with his former Embassy and those fine words which had seduced him from passing at that time into Italy But the holy Prelate replied to him generously That he had taken care of the Interests of a Pupil Prince That he was proud of it as of an Action worthy of a Bishop but that he had not blocked up the Alps from any one That he had opposed neither Armies Trenches Rocks nor yet false Assurances After having justified his own conduct he justified that of Valentinian who â—ad disbanded the Huns and Alains for fear of giving him suspiâ—â—â—n who had always received his Ambassadors with honor and had sent back his Brother to him whom he might have put to death by way of Reprizals In a word he expoâ—ed to him his Commission and demanded of him from his Master the confirmation of the passed Treaties and the Body of the Emperor Gratian whose murder he had without doubt commanded â—ince he refused him burial Maximus being pressed with the remorse of his Conscience and the â—easons of the Archbishop had nothing to answer him but that he was willing to treat with Valentinian and referred him to another Audience Some days after having learnt that he refused to communicate with him and with the Prelats of his Court who were of the Schism of Itacus he made use of this pretence to command him to depart his Dominions LXXIII St. Ambrose immediately dispatched a Courier to Valentinian to give him an account of the ill success of his Embassy and to advise him not to confide in the golden words of the Tyrant who under appearances of Peace concealed a formed design of making War Valentinian who had as yet no manner of experience judged of this Embassy by the event and sent Domitius one of his chief Ministers to renew the Negotiation and to accommodate by his ingenuity what he thought the Archbishop had spoiled by his indiscreet zeal or small capacity Maximus received this new Ambassador with all possible civility accepted all his Proposals and dexterously engaged him to conduct some of his Troops to Valentinian to assist him against the Barbarians that disturbed Pannonia This Minister glorious of the Honors which he had receiv'd and the service he thought to have rendred took the Road of the Alps leaving as it were in triumph the half of an adversary Army under the name of auxiliary Troops LXXIV Maximus followed him so close that he entred into Italy almost as soon as he with his whole Army and marched directly to Aquileia where he thought to surprize Valentinian The Consternation was so great that no one put himself into a condition to resist him Valentinian who took him for his Ally observing him to come as an Enemy considered nothing but his safety He retired immediately towards the Adriatick Sea where he embarked with the Empress his Mother and sailed towards Thessalonica in order to go and implore the assistance of Theodosius Maximus Pacat. in Panegyr Theod. displeased that he had missed of the Emperor's person dispersed himself like a furious Torrent ruining Placentia Modena Rhegio and Bologna to all intents and purposes and laying waste all the Cities he found in his passage upon the right and left There was no Cruelty Pillage Violence Infamy or Sacriledge but what was exercised by his Troops Part of the Citizens were put to the Sword those whom that had spared languisheâ— in a miserable Captivity There was none but Milan that was preserved from these publick miseries and whatsoever hatred was had for the Archbishop of this City they suffered him to preach in peace Repentance to his People so venerable is Holiness even to Tyrants LXXV Then Maximus seeing that all things submitted to his Fortune stopt and commanded the Officers of his Army to make the Troops live in order to the end that he might win the affection of those People whose weakness he had a sense of The first thing he did was to send Ambassadors to Constantinople to prevent Theodosius and to remonstrate to him That he was not entred into Italy with a design to usurp the Empire but to confirm the Catholick Religion therein which was going fairly to be ruined He wrote the same thing to Pope Siricius and sent him word That his desire was absolutely to preserve the purity of Faith without suffering any single Heresy To gain the Gentiles he restored the Sacrifices which Gratian had abolished and gave them Ambr. ep 29. permission to set up again the Altar of Victory in the Capitol He likewise kept fair with the Jews by suffering the rebuilding of their Synagogues at Rome Thus this politick Usurper fitted his Conscience to his designs and interests LXXVI In the mean time Valentinian after having incurred several dangers upon the Sea arrived upon the Eastern Coasts from thence he sent one of his Domesticks to Theodosius to advise him of his flight and the irruption of Maximus and to entreat him to undertake the protection of a wandring Prince who had the honour to be his Collegue his Friend and his Ally Theodosius was very sensibly touched at the unhappy state to which this young Prince was reduced and immediately gave all necessary Orders for War After which he set out with part of his Court and advanced as far as Thessalonica where he found this fugitive Emperor and the Princess Galla whom the Empress Justine had brought along with her He treated this afflicted Family with all the civility Aug. l. 5. de civ Dei e. 26. and tenderness which he owed to the house of the great Valentinian After he had comforted them he spoke to them as a Father and a most Christian Emperor and Suidas verbo Valentinianus told this young Prince That to remedy his misfortune it was necessary for him to take away the Cause That the War he had declared to Jesus Christ had occasioned that of Maximus That if he had not God on his side all the Forces of the Empire would be of no other service than to render his loss the more observeable That he ought to confide more in the justice of his Cause than in the number and valor of his Soldiers That Victory had always followed the great Valentinian his Father because he had confessed the Faith and God protected him That his Vncle Valens on the other side after he had supported an Error persecuted the Bishops and massacred the Saints had been defeated and burnt rather through his Impiety than his Enemies Foroe or Art That he should
renewed the Treaties of Peace with all the Neighbouring Princes of the Empire He took into his pay the best Soldiers amongst the Goths Huns Scythians and Alains as well to reinforce his Army as to weaken the Barbarians who might be suspected to him Arbogastes had brought him a considerable body of French and Saxons Generals of great Reputation and Experience who were to command under him and make discipline to be observed amongst so many different Troops In a world he had provided all things that might make succeed an enterprise so important to his own glory and to the safety of the Empire But his chief care had been to procure the blessings of God upon his Army and to dispose himself for victory by his Piety He gave orders for solemn devotions and sent to entreat the most famous Solitaries of Egypt to recommend to God in August de civ Dei l. 5. c. 26. their Prayers the success of this war and to liâ—t up their hands to heaven whilst he fought Above all he consulted the holy Abbot John who gave him assurances of the Victory he was to obtain This admirable man who was as it were the Oracle of his Age foretold him the principal events of his Reign his Wars his Victories the very Evagr. vit S. P. P. c. 1. Irruptions of the Barbarians which he observed to the least circumstances XC It was not sufficient in the Emperors opinion to implore the assistance of Heaven by Entreaties and Prayers he endeavored it also by his Actions For before he went out of Thessalonica he renewed his ancient Edicts and ordained new ones against the Hereticks forbidding them to hold Assemblies to make Ordinations to give or take the name of Bishops enjoyning the Magistrates Leg 14 15 16. de Haeret. Cod. Theod. to hinder these profane Religions which seemed to have conspired against the true one from celebrating their sacrilegious mysteries in public or in private And because the Arians had supposed or interpreted some of his former Edicts in their favor he declared by an express Law that all they could expound to their advantage should be held false and contrary to his intention Thus he endeavoured to engage God to protect him by undertaking with so much Zeal the protection of his Church and went to joyn his Troops encouraged with a holy confidence XCI Maximus on his side observing that no positive answer was given to his Ambassadors had put himself into a condition not only to defend himself but to attack if it was necessary To assure himself of the Gauls in his absence he had left there his Son Victor under the conduct of Nâ—â—tius and Quentin his Generals Part of the German People whom he had reduced to pay him great contributions was run to his assistance and he had reason to be satisfied with the number and valor of his Soldiers He divided his Forces immediately into three bodies He sent Count Andragatius with orders to fortify the Julian Alps and to guard all the narrow Passes He commanded his Brother Marcellin to seize upon all the Avenues of the Drave with a party of the auxiliary Troops and himself with the Roman Legions advanced towards Pannonia and stopt upon the Save After he had thus made himself Master of the Mountains and Rivers he thought he had shut up all the passages to Italy and posted himself in such a manner that he could in a little time joyn his Brother whenever he should judge it convenient XCII Theodosius was scarce got out of Constantinople but he was advised that some Treason was contriving in his Army where Maximus had already won some Officers and that is was necessary to put a sudden stop to an Enemy that was more accustomed to bribery than fighting This notice was given him by men that appeared to be very well informed and the former conduct of Maximus made it but too probable The Emperor then advanced in haste towards his Army and made a very strict enquiry after the Agents of Maximus and those who had held any correspondence with them The noise was soon dispersed that there was a treason which would suddenly be discovered and the Traytors judged well that they should not escape the chastisement which they had deserved if so be they did not hastily retire They secretly concerted the time and place of their flight and Zoz ibid. leaving the Camp in little Troops they join'd again at night and fled towards the Woods and Marshes of Macedonia with a design to hide themselves Theodosius being advertised in the morning that a Battalion of Barbarians had deserted was glad to be rid of those disloyal Soldiers but fearing lest they should draw after them the Troops of their Country and difturb in his absence the repose of this Province he detached some Squadrons who pursued them killed the greatest part of them before they had gained the Marshes and constrained the rest to betake themselves to the Woods and Mountains XCIII Theodosius being delivered from this disâ—uiet made Valentinian embark with the Empress Justine and made them to be conducted to Rome in safety whether it was that Italy had required Zoz ibid. them again or that he imagined their presence would encourage those People who were still affected to them and could not dispense with the Tyranny of Maximus After that he made very severe Regulations concerning the Discipline of his Troops and obliged all his Officers to see them performed to the end that People might judge of the justice of his Cause by the moderation of his Soldiers and see the difference there was between an Emperors Army and that of a Tyrant These Orders were so exactly observed that there was no manner of confusion or tumult amongst Pacat. in Panegyr so many Nations that were accustomed to live without rule and without constraint Neither City nor Country was inconvenienc'd by their passage and there being a want of Provisions for some days there was not one Soldier but those rather to endure hunger with patience than commit any disorder that might be displeasing to the Emperor XCIV All things being thus regulated Theodosius marched by great Journies and thought that Pâ—ilostorg Oros. l. 7. the good success of this Expedition partly depended upon the diligence of his march Theodosius commanded the Cavalry Timasius was at the head of the Legions Arbogastes and Ricomer conducted the greatest part of the auxiliary Barbarians and the Emperor had an eye over all He divided his Army like Maximus into three Bodies to conceal from him the course he was to take and especially to cause the less disturbance in the Countries he passed through and to keep his Men more easily in order As he advanced in this posture towards Pannonia he had advice that Maximus made a halt and that he had encamped his Army about * Seisseg Siscia It was a City that was considerable neither for its Greatness nor its Fortifications but for
its advantagious Scituation It was upon the Banks of the Save which dividing it self in two Branches forms an Isle over against this place serves as a double Bulwark to it and renders it almost inaccessible The Tyrant Magnentius had formerly possessed himself thereof as of a very important Post in the War he made against the Emperor Constantius Theodosius got all his Troops together on a sudden and made so much haste that he was encamped between the Drave and the Save before the Enemies could hinder him and cut off the Communication of their two Armies Then judging that Maximus would hold himself close and that it would be a hard matter to draw â—m to a general Fight resolved to pass the Save at what price foever and to go and force him in his Post He proposed his design to his Generals who immediately found the execution hazardous Notwithstanding the presence of the Emperor who encouraged his Troops the Valor and Prudence of the Officers the Chearfulness and Courage of the Soldiers who thought the Enemy durst not hold the Field made them believe that nothing was impossible to them The Emperor made good use of the heat and confidence which he observed in his Troops and marching at their head with an extraordinary diligence he appeared hard by Siscia and was immediately as ready to pass the River as the Enemies to defend it He cast a terror into their whole Camp and at the same time made the passage of the River to be attempted in several places Maximus who by a strange blindness had believ'd Theodosius to have been still at a good distance was presently surprized He endeavoured to encourage his Legions made them advance according to occasions and supposed that if they could sustain these first efforts it would be easy for him afterwards to keep them in good heart In the mean time Theodosius who was advanced upon the Bank to observe the posture of the Enemies knowing by their motions and their confusion that they were disordered would most willingly have gone to charge them without giving them leisure to recover themselves but the Save was very deep and Maximus sent new Troops continually to reinforce those who were already upon the Shoar Then seeing the fatal moment that might terminate this War and fearing to let slip an occasion of conquering which perhaps Fortune would not offer any more he made Fords to be searcht for and prepared Bridges with an incredible diligence XCV As he was in this inquietude Arbogastes brought to him some Officers of his Nation who offered to pass the River The Emperor commended their resolution made them hope for great rewards and assured them that he would be a Witness of their Valor and would support them Pacat. in Panegyr himself with all the bravest Men of his Army These Officers went to join their Squadrons whom they encouraged more by their example than their words Arbogastes put himself at the head of them and throwing themselves all together in the River all dusty and fatigued as they were with a long march they attempted a great many Tracts and passed on Horseback by swimming in the sight of the Emperor who supported them in person The Enemies amazed at so bold a resolution retired in disorder and gave the Alarm to all the rest of the Army Whilst Arbogastes after he had gained the shoar cut all in pieces that he met the other Troops which Theodosius sent over immediately fell upon the Enemies on another side and made a terrible slaughter Many hurl'd themselves voluntarily into the River Several were trod under the Horses feet The Country was cover'd with the dead the Ditches of Siscia were filled with the bodies of those that fled thither for Sanctuary Maximus after having several times attempted in vain to rally his Troops applied himself to his own safety and retired as well as he could towards Aquileia where he pretended to gather up the fragments of his Army whilst his Brother Marcellin should defend the entrance of Italy XCVI Theodosius after having performed a Thanksgiving to God for his Victory and rewarded upon the Field those who had distinguished themselves in this occasion turned upon the right forthwith and marched towards Marcellin with so much diligence that he gave him not time enough to gain the narrow Passes of the Alps nor even to understand the Defeat of his Brother As soon as he was come near * Pettan Paetovium a little City upon the Drave where Marcellin was encamped he resolved to give him battel the same day but it was late and the Troops were weary which obliged him to refer it to the morrow Every one prepared himself in the night and at break of day the Emperor gave orders to assault the Enemy who appeared already to be agreed upon a defence The Fight began with much vehemence on both sides On the one the desire of conquering the glory of having already overcome and the pleasure of serving a Prince who acknowledged the services which were rendred to him on the other the hope of plundering all Italy and the fear of being punished stir'd up the Combatants But Marcellin had soon the Fate of his Brother After this first resistance some of his Troops were put to the rout the rest threw down their Colors and demanded Quarter XCVII Theodosius observing this war to be almost concluded immediately detached Arbogastes with a body of Horse to go into Gaul and seize upon young Victor to whom Maximus had given the Title of Caesar After which he pursued those that fled with an incredible eagerness Andragatius who had been sent to guard the Alps had orders upon the first noise of Valentinian's embarking to put himself to Sea with all the Vessels he could get together and to take him upon his way But he waited in vain upon the Coasts of Ionia for Valentinian who had already crossed the Sea and he abandoned the Passes of the Mountains to Theodosius Pacat. in Panegyr This Prince found there no opposition The City of Hemona and the rest which he found in his way received him with the testimonies of an extraordinary joy and furnished his victorious Army with all the refreshments it had occasion for At last he arrived near Aquileia and besieged that place Maximus who after several turnings and windings had inclosed himself therein instead of retiring into Gaul was sensible then that he could not possibly avoid a misfortune which he should have foreseen and recollected with himself what St. Martin had before told him viz. that he should miserably perish in Italy if he attempted to pass therein He had a mind to make some resistance but his Soldiers seeing his loss inevitable opened the gates to the besiegers and altogether siezing on his Person pulled him from his Throne where he was distributing money to some Moorish Cavaliers who had attended him and after having deprived him of all the Ornaments of his Dignity put him into the
that generosity wherewith he was accustomed to preach truth and justice to Emperors He represented to Ambr. Ep. 29. him That if he did not hearken to the Prayers of Bishops God would not attend to those which Bishops made for him That there was this difference between good and bad Princes the one would have their Subjects free the others would dispense with none but Slaves That as for him he chose rather to pass for importunate than for weak and unserviceable when the glory of God and the safety of the Emperor were concerned That indeed he acknowledged him for a pious Prince and one that feared God but that the most pious oftentimes let themselves be prejudiced by an indiscreet Zeal and a false Idea of Justice That he was indebted to his Majesty for an infinite number of favors and that it would be a cruel ingratitude to suffer his Benefactor to be wanting by an unworthy complaisance After that he made him see the consequences of this affair That he reduced a Bishop to disobey him or to betray his Ministry and that he went to make either a Transgressor or a Martyr which would be unbecoming of such a Reign as his That the Enemies of the Church would triumph in those structures built with the Spoils of Christians and the Patrimony of Jesus Christ That to make him repeal his Ordinance of rebuilding the Synagogues it sufficed to tell him that Julian would have done it and that the Fire of Heaven might fall to day as it did then That the Palace of the Patriarch of Constantinople was lately burnt and that a vast number of Churches reduced to ashes smoâ—kt still without any appearance of revenge That there was no application but to erect profane Temples That Maximus some days before he was forsaken of God had made a like Deeree Then he prayed him to take his freedom for a testimony of his respect and to believe that it was a great proof of the zeal and tenderness he had for him to dare even to anger him for his fafety He exhorted him at length to change his opinion and not to be ashamed to correct himself and made him apprehend that he endeavored to reform him in private lest he should be obliged to speak to him publickly in the Church CIII This Letter of so much force and urgency had not all the success which might have been expected from it and Theodosius still deferred to give a favourable answer which occasion'd the Archbishop upon his return to Milan to speak to him before all the People pursuant to his threatnings For one day when the Emperor was at Church to assist at the Sermon the Saint made choice of a Text suitaâ—le to the Subject he was to Paulin. in vit Ambr. treat of and after having enlarged himself upon the advantage one ought to make of corrections as the Auditors were in their greatest attention he fell upon the affair of the burnt Synagogue He directed his discourse to the Emperor and made God himself speak in these terms It is from me thou hast the Diadem I have made thee Emperor of a simple private man as thou wast I have delivered to thee the Army of thine Enemy I have made pass into thy Party those Troops which he had raised against thee I have put his very Person into thy hands I have given thee Children who shall reign after their Father I have afforded thee an easie Triumph and by an Ordinance thou hast just now made thou goest to resign thy Victory to my Enemies CIV These reproaches so sensibly touched Theodosius that he drew near the Archbishop as he descended from the Pulpit and said to him as it were in a complaining tone you have spoken against us to purpose my Father The Saint replied to him that his intention had been to speak for him and that he would have the same zeal whensoever his safety should be concerned Then the Emperor confessed that the Order which he had given out against the Bishop was too severe and that it was fitting to repeal it Some Lords who were present alledged to make their Court that the Solitaries ought at least to be persecuted who had been the Authors of this commotion I speak at present to the Emperor replied to them the holy Prelate and I know how to apply my self to you when it shall be convenient They durst not make any further answer to a man whose constancy they were acquainted with Thus â—e obtained the revocation of the Decree and after he had twice received assurances thereof from the Emperors own mouth he went to offer to God the Holy Sacrifice In the time Theodosius was at Milan all the considerable Bodies of the Empire sent Deputies to him in order to testify the joy which they conceived for his Victory The Senate of Rome was of the first in performing this duty Symmachus by his credit and intrigues obtained the nomination of Deputies that were Pagans like himself and recommended to request in the name of the Senate the preservation of the Altar of Victory which Maximus had re-established CV This Altar since the Reign of Constantine the Great had been an original of Contests It was erected in a Chappel which was built at the entrance of the Senate Here was to be seen a Herodian Prudent l. 2. in Symm Golden Statue which represented Victory under the figure of a young Damosel who had wings and bore in her hands a Crown of Lawrel The Pagans after having lost the greatest part of the Temples consecrated to their Gods whose very names were become insupportable to the Emperors had fixed all the hopes of their Religion in a Symmach relat ad Imp. Goddess whose name was so agreeable They swore upon her Altar they offered Sacrifices to her and they made this fragment of Superstition and Idolatry pass for the Religion of the whole Senate It was very uneasy to the Christians who were at D. Ambros contra Symmach the Palace to observe before their Eyes the exercise of a worship contrary to theirs to smell in the very Senate the odour of Sacrifices and to hear the vows they made to a profane Divinity CVI. The Emperors erected or pulled down this Altar according as they were moved by principles of Policy or Piety Constantine had dispenced with it out of Prudence judging his condescension necessary in the alteration of Religion and Empire Constance his Son destroyed it by a motion of Religion The Tyrant Magâ—entius restored it to oblige some Pagan Senators Ambr. ep 31. Symmach in relat ad â—al whom he had a mind to draw to his Party Constantius pulled it down out of Ostentation being desirous to let the Romans entertain a good opinion of his Faith when he had deprived them of the Pope Liberius Julian by the inclination he had for Idolatry and his hatred to the Christians commanded the re-establishment thereof Jovian and the great Valentinian left it in the
He was to be feared as well by the credit he had obtained and the studied predictions which he published amongst the men of the Party as bâ— the secret connexions he had with Count Arbogastes who being accustomed to play the Master in Gaul took measures to preserve in spight of the jealousies of the Emperor the Authority he had got XXX This Arbogastes was a French Captainâ— who had inrolled himself very young in the servioâ— Paulin. in vit Ambr. of the Romans He followed Gratian in his German Wars and acquired therein much reputation After the death of this Prince he refused to acknowledge Zoz l. 4. Suidas ver Arb. Maximus and in the general revolt almost of the Officers of the Army he kept firâ— for the Party of Valentinian He arrived at all thâ— employments which his fidelity deserved joined to the great opinion which was entertained of his courage and his conduct He won the affection of the Soldiers who of their own accord investeâ— him with the command of the Army without thâ— Court's daring to oppose it After the defeat of Maximus where he was the principal cause he was sent into Gaul to possess himself thereof and to Paulin. in vitâ— Ambr. command there He re-established the affairs of the Empire in that Country and obtained several Battels against the Barbarians and even against those of his own Nation whom he constrained to sue for Peace These great Services rendred him so fierce and so absolute that he took of himself the entire administration of the Wars of the Empire The Army blindly pursued his Wills for besides that he was valiant successful in all his undertakings and very expert in the Art of War he was an Enemy to Luxury received no gratuity from the Emperor but to have the satisfaction of obliging the Soldiers with it dividing amongst them all the Spoils after his Victories reserving to himself only the glory of having conquered and led a life so frugal so modest and so active that one would have said he was but the Companion of those whose General he was Theodosius who was sensible of his great qualities and who had designed to have taken him along with him judged it more convenient to leave him in the West as a Man of known fidelity who by his credit and his example might retain the Court of Valentinian in its duty and be assistant with his counsels to this young Emperor who had very good intentions but not experience enough in business Arbogastes imagined then that his great Services could not be sufficiently acknowledged and became so much the more insolent as he esteemed himself more necessary He disposed of the employments of the Army he regulated the Troops and gave them new forms of Discipline he made War or Peace according to his fancy despising or reforming the Orders of the Emperor and enduring no other bounds of his power than those of his Pride and his Ambition Valentinian being come into Gaul he could not suffer Arbogastes to command there as Soveraign he attempted to humble him without proceeding to his ruine and if it was possible his displeasure To that end he gave out important Orders without his participation he was oftentimes of an opinion contrary to his sometimes he rejected his counsels or preferred those of other Ministers hoping thereby to accustom insensibly to a dependance a Man who would have been very agreeable to him if he had not affected to be his equal Arbogastes who did not love to be contradicted and would not lose an inch of that Authority which he had been suffered to take secretly confederated himself with all the Malecontents and resolved to undertake all things if he was pushed In the mean time he secured the Officers of the Army and opposed himself to the Will of the Emperor when he did not fall into his opinion About the same time it was reported that an Army of Barbarians advanced towards the Frontiers of Italy Valentinian who was then at Vienne in Gaul disposed himself to pass the Alps and to march against the Enemy at the head of his Troops But before he engaged himself in this War he would look to his salvation by receiving Baptism and to his repose by disgracing Arbogastes and taking from him the command of the Army Ambr. ep 34. aâ— Theod. XXXI As for Baptism altho' there were in Gaul Bishops of a remarkable Piety he desired to receive it from the hand of St. Ambrose whom he called his Father and his Master As he was going to send one of his Officers to him he learnt that the holy Prelat was coming to find him for which he testified an extreme joy Upon the first Ambr orat 〈◊〉 fâ—n Valen noise of the Enemy's march the Governors and Magistrates of those Cities which lay most exposed had addressed themselves to this Archbishop and entreated him to go and remonstrate to the Emperor the danger wherein Italy was if it was not speedily relieved He had accepted the deputation judging it necessary for the repose and safety of his Country He prepared himself to depart the next day when News was received at Milan that the Prince hastened his Journy that his Road was marked that his Equipage was already well advanced and that Orders were given out on all sides for the entertainment of the Court and the quartering of the Soldiers The Archbishop who out of charity was never wanting in things that were necessary and out of modesty never undertook superfluous ones supposed himself then to be discharged of his Commission and waited for the Emperor at Milan when the Emperor attended him at Vienne XXXII In the mean time Valentinian every day more jealous of his Authority and more offended at the insupportable arrogance of Arbogastes attempted Zoz l. 4. to ruine him He took his opportunity and as he was one day upon his Throne seeing him approach and regarding him with indignation he presented him with a Billet wherein he ordered him to leave his Court and to lay down the command of his Armies Arbogastes took the Note in his hand After having perused it he tore it in his presence and turning insolently towards him Socrat. l. 5. As you did not give me this Command said he to him you shall not dispossess me of it Valentinian consulting nothing but his Courage and Resentment seized upon the Sword of one of his Guards to kill Arbogastes But the Guard retained him and he was obliged to say every where That this Prince being vexed that he could not do what he would had a design to kill himself Arbogastes after that well foresaw that there was no more security for him and that it was necessary to compleat the Crime for fear of being prevented Under a pretence that some powerful Men had resolved to destroy him Sozom. l. 7. c. 22. he assembled his Friends he gained the Eunuchs of his Chamber and placed Soldiers who were at his disposal even
him several times repeat all the circumstances of this Dream and taking Ibid. from thence an occasion to encourage his Army he said to his Captains That they could no longer doubt of the success of a battle after this new declaration That he had resolved upon it against their opinions but that it was by a secret order from God who sent them invisible Captains for their Conduct That all the force of mankind was not to be feared since Heaven would undertake for them That they should couragiously fight under such puissant Auspices and that they should regard their Protectors and not compute their Adversaries This news being dispersed through the whole Army revived the courage of the Soldiers and as there is no stronger confidence than that which is grounded upon Religion they demanded nothing but a battle They imagined that they saw all the Heaven armed for their defence and expected not a doubtful fight but an assured Victory Theodosius took advantage of this ardor and made them forthwith descend into the Plain LV. Just as he had made an end of distributing Sozom. l. 7. c. 24. his orders he received Letters from some Officers of the Enemy's Army which was posted upon the Mountains who promised to come over to his party if he would afford them the same honours and the same rank which they held under Eugenius The Emperour having borrowed a Table-book of one that was near him marked the employments Oros l. 7. c. 35. which he destined for them if they discharged their promises after which he marched directly to the Enemy guarding himself with the sign of the Cross which was the signal of Battel LVI In the mean time Arbogastes disposed himself to receive it and wondring from whence could proceed that assurance to men that had been overcome and who had but few Troops remaining he detached Squadrons continually to seize upon the advanced Posts and ordered his Army so that he might extend it in the Plain to hem in the Enemy Eugenius from the top of a little hill where he had erected his Pavillion harrangued his Souldiers and remonstrated to them That they had but this fatigue to undergo That it was an easie matter to break that body of despairing men who rather came with a design to dye than to fight That they should see the residue of that Army which they defeated the preceding day give ground at the first onset if they would charge it couragiously and compleat a Victory which was already far advanced He promised to all rewards and gave orders to the Officers to take Theodosius and to bring him alive to him oppressed with Irons Theod. ib. LVII As the Armies were in sight Theodosius observed that his Vanguard at the prospect of so great a multitude of Enemies marched a little Ambr oras in fun Theod. too heavily and fearing left Arbogastes should take advantage of this slowness he descended from his Horse advanced alone towards the first Ranks and crying out with a holy confidence Where is the God of Theodosius he put new Life into his Troops and led them on himself to the engagement There was immediately discharged on both sides a shower of Darts and Arrows which eclipsed the Air. They fell in pell-mell a little after The example of the Prince and the hope of the assistance of Heaven excited the one anger and indignation pushed on the others to make extraordinary efforts The heat was alike in both Parties and there was as yet no considerable advantage Things were in this posture in the right Wing where Theodosius fought when they came to advise him that his auxiliary Troops which composed the left Wing were vigorously attacked by Arbogastes and that they would be in confusion if they were not supported LVIII Theodosius took Horse without delay and run accompanied with some of his men towards these Barbarians in order to put himself at their Head and to encourage them by his presence But he discerned a body of the Enemies Horse who being advanced through the streights Oros l. 7. c. 35. of the Mountains were come into the Plain and seemed to design to fall upon his Army behind He stopt and put himself into a condition of defending himself with those few that attended him The Count Arbetion who commanded these Adversary Squadrons was ready to charge upon Paul Diac. hist Theodosius and had infallibly overwhelmed him before he could possibly be relieved but whether the fierce and majestic aspect of this Prince inspired him with Respect and Veneration for his Person or whether he was come with a design to follow the best Party he threw down his Arms and disposed himself with his Troops near the Emperor with an intent to stand by him and to obey him LIX Theodosius seeing himself not only delivered from an important danger but likewise reinforced with a considerable relief turned towards his Left Wing which he encouraged by his presence But what effort soever he made in this bloody and obâ—tinate fight where the valor was so great in both Parties and the number so unequal the courage â—nd prudence of Arbogastes the vigor and perseâ—erance of his Troops the helps he found in the â—ultitude of his Soldiers had unquestionably ruâ—ed the Army of Theodosius It insensibly decayed â—nd was going to be if not conquered at least â—tigued by the tediousness of the Fight when Heaven declared itself for this Emperor by a â—iracle which the very Pagans could not disâ—mble LX. There arose from the top of the Alps an â—petuous Wind between East and North Claud. in Paneg. Con. Honor. Oros. ib. Aug. de civ Dei l. 26. Ruffin Socrat. Theodor. Sozom. â—hich blowing on a sudden upon the Squadrons â—f Engenius put them into a strange disorder They â—ere shook notwithstanding their utmost endeaâ—ors to remain firm Their Shields were snatcht s it were out of their Hands The Arrows â—hich they drew either lost their force in the â—ir or returned against themselves The Darts â—hich they let fly against them being driven back â—y rapid Whirlwinds fell upon their own breasts â—ith deep and mortal wounds Clouds of dust â—hich the Storm had raised beat against the faces â—f the Soldiers and deprived them of the use of â—e sight and even respiration Thus they contiâ—ed as it were immoveable and tied by an inisible power without being able either to attack â— defend themselves being exposed to the Darts nd Javelins which were directed against them â—om all parts Then the Troops of Theodosius acknowledgiâ—â— the assistance of Heaven which fought so manifestly for them break thro' the Enemy with Sworâ— in hand and make a horrible slaughter of theâ— Barbarians who the day before had got so much advantage Arbogastes after having vainly â—â—ployed his utmost capacity against Heaven anâ— Theod. ib. Earth saw no safety for himself but in flight Tâ— Captains of the Western Legions asked for Quater and implored the mercy of