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
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
Places and to visit the Garrisons In the mean time he advanced as far as the City of Setifi where he sent to Firmus to enjoin him to lay down his Arms and to return to his Duty and that he should take his choice either of Peace or War Whilst he expected his resolution he considered how to manage his Troops who were not accustomed to the heats of those Climats and to prevent the Tyrant who was no less formidable by his Artifice and Cunning than for his Arms and Force XIV Firmus was at present uncertain of the Choice he was to make A little while after he sent Deputies to Theodosius to represent to him that he had taken up Arms through Necessity and not through Ambition that he aimed not at the Empire but a particular Enemy who abused the Emperor's Authority that he had not pretended to revolt but to defend himself that he might have Justice done him or at least his Life preserved and he would abandon his Resentments and disband his Army Theodosius promised him his Pardon if his return was cordial and sincere and ordered him to send Hostages In the mean time he visited the Coast made his Legions assemble joined to them some Troops of the Country and commanded all his Officers to observe an exact Discipline saying That the Roman Soldiers ought not to subsist but upon the Expence of their Enemies and that they were no better than Rebels when they incommoded the Citizens which attracted to him the affection of the People Firmus was of a Family that was numerous and powerful by reason of the Lands which it possessed and by its alliance with the principal Lords amongst the Moors Mascizel and Mazuca his Brothers marched with two great Bodies of an Army and Cyria his Sister a Lady of great courage assisted them with Men and Money and raised by her Intrigues all Mauritania XV. Theodosius foreseeing that it would be difficult to oppose so many Forces if he should give them time to join advanced by great Journies towards Mascizel and presented him Battel The Moors accepted of it and vigorously sustained the first charge of the Legions but at length they were broken the Vanguard cut in pieces and the rest saved themselves in disorder Theodosius made himself Master of the Field and took some important places for his security where he made great provisions of Necessaries and as he went to advance further in the Country he had advice that Mascizel was returning with the Moors which he had rallied and some fresh Troops which he had received He joined him in a little space of time fought him routed his whole Army and pressed upon him so briskly that he scarce left him opportunity enough to save himself XVI The Rebels were in a consternation at the loss of these two Battels and Firmus not knowing whom to address himself to had recourse to some Bishops whom he entreated to repair to Theodosius and to obtain of him a Pardon for his Rebellion upon any condition whatsoever These Deputies were received with Honour and upon the favourable Answer they brought back Firmus himself departed with a small Attendance and came to the Camp of Theodosius where this General attended him without his Tent. The Legions were under Arms with their Ensigns displayed and every Soldier at the first noise of the arrival of the Captain of the Rebels had redoubled his fierceness Firmus alighted from his Horse as soon as he perceived Theodosius and approaching him with a profound Respect he prostrated himself at his Feet to the very ground and asked him pardon for his offence his tears in his eyes sometimes accusing his rashness sometimes his misfortuue with all the marks of an unfeigned repentance Theodosius received his Submissions but coldly and after a long Conference which they had together the Accommodation was concluded The Conditions were that Firmus should furnish Provisions for the Army that he should leave some of his Relations for Hostages that he should release all the Prisoners he had made since the Troubles that he should restore to the City of Icosium the Roman Ensigns and all that he had taken upon the Subjects of the Empire and after that he should licentiate his Troops and enter into the Emperor's Favor XVII Firmus returned well satisfied and accomplished in less than two days the greatest part of the Treaty Theodosius feeing such fair dispositions to a Peace marched towards Caesarea to repair the Ruines of that City which had been burnt in the beginning of the Wars He received in his way a deputation from the Maziques a People of Africk who had unseasonably joined with the Rebels and came to ask Pardon for their Treason but his Answer to them was no more than that he knew how to forgive his Enemies but that he could not endure Traytors and so sent them awayâ—with menaces that he would soon â—e with them toochastise them He was jusâ—come out of Caesarea where he had left the first and second Legion in order to repair the Fortifications of the place when he received information that Firmus had only disguised his Treachery under appearances of Peace and Submission that he debauched with Promises and Money the very Troops of the Empire that a Squadron of Archers had gone over to his Party and that a Tribune had had the insolence to put his Collar in form of a Diadem upon the head of this Rebel XVIII Theodosius resolved to use all the extremities of War against the Traytors He marched with an incredible diligence towards Tagavia where he surprized a party of the revolted Archers whom he deliver'd to the vengeance of the Soldiers in order to make them learn to fear what he made them exercise against the culpable The Tribune was executed after his hand cut off the other Officers were beheaded and all the rest punished as they deserved This irritated General besieged a few days after a Fortress where the most seditious of the Moors were retired He took it by Storm put the whole Garison to the Sword and razed the Walls to the very Foundations He presently turned upon the Coast of Tangier where the Maziques were assembled and after having defeated them several times he afforded them that Pardon which he had refused before XIX At last the heat of War having engaged him in the Enemy's Country further than he imagined Cyria the Sister of Firmus suddenly caused an Insurrection of the whole Province All the People put themselves in a posture of Battel as if the Signal had been given and marched against the Romans Theodosius who had then but a little Foot with a Body of 3500 Horse and who saw this innumerable crowd of Enemies was some time in suspense whether he should hazard a Battel or retire The shame of yielding to those Enemies so many times overcome and the fear of disgracing the Arms of the Empire determined him to fight But after having considered the condition of Affairs he judged that it
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
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
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
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
and recommended to him likewise his two Children He thought himself obliged to testify this confidence to a Man who had very faithfully served him in the most important Affairs of his Reign and who had the honour to marry the Princess Serena his Neece Stilicon was a great Soldier and an excellent Statesman wise in the counsel bold in the execution expert in managing the minds of People fit to discover happy moments and to Claudian make use of them whether in Treaties or Battels dexterous in finding out the Interests of the Grandees of the Empire and piercing into the designs of Foreign Nations beloved of the Troops capable of supporting the burden of Affairs of forming a young Emperor in the exercises of Peace and War and diverting troubles by his Wisdom or putting a stop to them by his Courage and his Valor These great Qualities rendred him worthy of the choice which Theodosius had made of him till being engaged by the jealousies of Ruffin and his own ambition â—lushed with his credit and the success of several Battels reducing all publick Affairs to his own private designs and interests rekindling himself the Wars which he had extinguished and recalling those Enemies which he had chased away in order to make use of them upon occasion he was weary of being nothing but the Tutor the Father-in-law the Favorite and even the Master of the Emperor and attempted to put the Empire in his own Family LXXVI Since the Emperor's arrival at Milan this City had disposed itself to prepare a stately Triumph for him and to celebrate by all kind of Rejoycings a Victory which had made him absolute Master of the two Empires His indisposition had retarded the publick Sports which made the chief part of this Festival But at length after having setled his Affairs he found himself much eased and whether he was unwilling that the City should make in vain so considerable an Expence or whether he had a design to comfor the People by shewing himself once more in publick he gave notice to the Magistrates that he would be at the Circus on the morrow to receive the honour which they intended for him He Sozâ—m l. 7. c. ult made himself to be carried there in the morning and assisted some time at a course of Horses after which he retired more filled with the apprehensions of Death than the Idea's of his Triumph LXXVII Scarce was he arrived at the Palace but he found himself worse than before He commanded his Son Honorius to go and hold his place in the Circus As for him he passed the rest of the day in conversing with St. Ambrose about the vanity of humane Grandeurs and giving his Son Arcadius those counsels which he thought to be most important for his Conduct and for that of his Empire The same night his distemper being considerably encreased he was sensible of the diminution Prosper Marcellin Socrat. l. 5. c. 25. of his strength and some hours after he quietly departed this life upon the 17th day of January in the year 395 being the 16th of his Empire and the 50th of his Age. This death was lamented by all the People of the Empire and even the most barbarous Nations Zoz l. 5. Arcadius returned immediately to Constantinople in order to prevent those Confusions which might happen upon such Revolutions Ruffin being at that time Praefectus Pratorio accompanied him thither vexed with envy and jealousy against Stilicon whom they had raised above him and revolving already in his mind the design of abusing the weakness of his Master of destroying all that was an obstacle to his power of embroiling the Empires and Emperors by his secret Intelligences with the Huns the Goths and the Alains and to tender himself Soveraign or at least independant both on his Masters and his Enemies LXXVIII Honorius remained near the Body of his Father to render him the last devoirs of Christian Piety He assisted at the stately Funeral which was made for him at Milan sorty days after his death St. Ambrose preached his Funeral Sermon wherein he represented to his Auditors That they had lost an Emperor but that God haâ—ing withdrawn him into his eternal Mansions one might say Ambros in fun Theod. that he had only changed his Empire That his Piety was still alive That he had by the constancy of his Faith abolished all the Superstitions of the Gentiles That having no more to give his Sons whom he had made Emperors his only prospect in dying was to leave his Subjects in peace and abundance by remitting the injuries which they had done him or the Taxes which had been imposed upon them That his last Appointments â—ad been Rules of Charity and Mercy and that they were rather Laws than Articles of a Will Then he declares That he will ever preserve in his heart all the tenderness which he had conceived for this Prince who in his Wars had always trusted to the â—ssistance of Heaven and had never presumed upon his own Forces who had more esteemed those who reproved him than those who flattered him and who when almost at extremity was more in pain for the state wherein he left the Church than that wherein his Family would be after his death He could not hinder himself particularly from commending his Clemency That it is a great and extraordinary happiness said he to find a Prince piâ—us and faithful who being carried by his power to revenge himself upon his Enemies is retained by his goodness Theodosius of august memory thought to have received a Favor when he was entreated to pardon an Offence which had been committed against him The more Passion he had discovered the more he was inclined to grant the Pardon which was demanded of him The heat of his displeasure was a prejudication that he would pardon Instead of fearing their anger in other Princes contrariwise they wished it in him We have seen Men convicted by him of their Crime terrified and repulsed by the Reproaches which he made them obtain their pardon of a sudden He was for conquering and not punishing He made himself Arbitrator of Equity and not Judge of Rigor He never refused to pardon those who acknowledged their fault As for those who hid something from him which they retained in the bottom of their Conscience he told them that he left the decision thereof to God This expression of his was of more terror to them than the punishment because they saw this Emperor so moderate and easy that he chose rather to win Men to his service by Religion than fear At last the holy Archbishop directs himself to the young Emperor who was attentive to him and who melted into tears He commends him for his Affection and his Piety and the sensible Concern he was under for being unable to conduct himself the Body of his Father to Constantinople He comforts him by representing to him the Honours which would be rendred to the