matter and cause of their brawles allayed were reconciled and growne to agreement and withall that most dishonourable departure of the Romane leader much encreased their pride and stoutnesse naturally in bred in them Likewise it went worse on the Romanes part by another meanes and that upon such an occasion and occurrent as this Two brethren there were of the bloud royall who being fast tied by vertue of that peace which they had obtained from Constantius durst neither raise any uprore nor so much as once stirre But within a while after when one of them named Gundomadus the greater person of the twaine and more firme of his word was by a traine murthered all his people conspired and banded with our enemies and presently withall the common sort also of Vandomarius his subjects as it was affirmed joyned themselves to the forces and regiments of the Barbarians that made warre Well when all the armie from highest to lowest gave their allowance that it was even then a convenient and meet time to joyne battaile and slacked nothing of their resolute minds fully bent to fight all on a suddaine the Standard-bearer cried out in these tearmes On foorth most happie and fortunate Caesar whither the kind favour of fortune leadeth thee By thee at length we have a sence of valour and militarie policie Advaunce forward and lead the way as a luckie and valiant warrior marching in the vaward hard before the standards Good proofe thou shalt have what souldiors in the sight of a warlike leader and an inseparable witnesse of service to be performed will be able upon these motives and encouragements to do in case it may please the God of heaven to assist them CHAP. X. The order of the Alemans armie and the principall commaunders thereof Iulianus a second time wisely encourageth as well his ownemen as strangers to give battaile WHen they heard this without any further respite or delay the whole armie marched on and approched an hill of a pretie height and easie ascent spred all over with standing corne now ripe and readie for harvest not farre distant from the edge or bankes of Rhene From the top whereof three horsemen of the enemies lying there in espiall rose up and readie to give notice suddainely that the Romane hoast was neere at hand made hast to their companie But one footman not able to follow was taken by the quicke pursute of our men who told us That the Germanes for three dayes and three nights together passed over the river whom when our leaders espied hard by arraunging themselves thicke and close together into squadrons they made a stand and stirred not a foot whiles the Antepilani i the Hastati and the formost of every ranke in the vaward stood firme and fast like a strong and insoluble wall and with semblable warinesse the enemies kept their ground and made no hast forward And when according as the foresaid fugitive had told they saw all the Cavallerie on the right side opposite unto them the very flower of their horsemen they bestowed thicke thronged together in the left wing and among them here and there they entermingled skirmishers and footmen lightly appointed For well they wist That an horseman of theirs though a skilfull souldior otherwise fighting with our man of armes in complete harneis whiles he holdeth his shield and reines of the bridle by shaking and casting his speare with one hand can doe no hurt unto a warriour hidden wholly under an yron armour of proofe but that a footman in the very point and heights of dangers when no man is wont to take heed of aught but that which commeth in his way and encountereth him as he creepeth close to the ground by digging into the horse side is able to throw the rider over his horse head ere he be aware and then may he with small adoe be killed Having marshalled the matter thus the right side of the battaile they flanked and made sure with secret and blind ambushments Now the chiefe leaders of all these warlike and fierce nations were Chonodomarius and Serapio in higher place of power and authoritie than the other kings And Chonodomarius verily the mischievous fire-brand of the whole warre with a flame-colour wreath or tassell fitted to his crest advaunced before and led the left wing a man bold and trusting upon his wonderfull strength of bone and brawne where the heat of battaile was looked for mounted on high upon a lustie frothing courser bearing with him a great breadth and bignesse of bulke with his launce in rest and that of a terrible bignesse all bravely to be seene in glittering armor both an hardie souldior aforetime and also a good leader above all others But the right side was conducted by Serapio even then a lustie gallant with tender downe growing on his cheekes but for action more forward than his yeares the sonne of Chonodomarius his brother Medericus a most perfidious wretch all his life time so called for that his father kept as an hostage or pledge a long time in Gaule and having learned certaine hidden Greeke mysteries changed the name of this sonne of his who originally at the first was cleped Agenarichus into Serapio After these followed kings or potentates next in power unto them in number five and princes of the bloud royall tenne also a great traine and ranke of nobles with five and thirtie thousand fighting men all armed levied out of sundry nations partly for wages and partly upon covenant and agreement to have the like service tendered unto them againe By this time terribly sounded the trumpers al'arme and then Severus a Romane leader who had the commaund of the left wing when he drew neere unto the trenches above said full of armed men from whence order had beene given afore that lying there close and hidden they should start up of a suddaine and breake the arraies he stood still without all feare being somwhat suspitious of blind ambushments hee attempted neither to recule backe nor to step forward any further Which when Caesar saw as he was courageous to enter upon the services of greatest danger guarded with a troupe of two hundred horse according as the heat of the service required and riding swiftly among the footmen where they stood embattailed he gave them comfortable words of encouragement And considering that to speake unto them all at once neither the large ground that they tooke up stretched foorth in length nor the number of so great a multitude assembled would permit and otherwise he avoided the heavie load of envie and displeasure for feare he might be thought to affect that which the Emperour supposed due to himselfe alone taking good heed unto himselfe and riding apace without the shot of the enemies with these and such like speeches he animated the souldiors knowne and unknowne one with another to play the men and doe their devoire valiantly Now quoth he is come the full time of fighting my good
noise stirring and inticing them forward and thus brandishing their speares when they were come to the foresaid cliffes that stood against them and endevoured maugre the Alemans who shoved and thrust sore upon them to gaine the higher ground thither came all the maine force of the armie and in the end following hard after these ring-leaders through the thickets of bushes and rough brambles and bryers with much straining of their strength got up to the high toppes of the mountaine With a great stomacke therefore of both parts the conflict began by the deadly dint point of the sword to be tried and of the one side the Romans more skilfull souldiors and on the other the barbarous enemies though fierce yet unwarie and inconsiderat coped and joyned hand to hand And verily our armie displayed verie large and spreading forth the wings to enclose the enemies on both sides assailed them sore terrified as they were with hideous outcries neighing of horses and sounding of trumpets yet neverthelesse tooke they heart againe and boldly resisted And thus for a while the hosts in equall ballance of fortune maintained fight with no small ado and endevour whiles the conflict continued with mutual killing and slaying on either side At length such was the valiant courage of the Romans that the enemies rankes were broken and for feare so shufled together that the formost were mingled with the hindmost and whiles they seeke to get away by good footmanship pierced through they were with casting darts and javelins that the enemies launced at them And in the end whiles they run fetching their wind short and all wearie they laid open to them that followed their hammes the calves of their legges and their backes In conclusion after many of them were beaten downe Sebastian placed with a fresh companie for supply at the back of the mountaines slew part of them that had slipped and escaped away by reason they were hemmed in on that side that they tooke no heed of the rest dispersed betooke themselves to the lurking corners of the woods In this conflict there dyed of our part also men of no small account among whom was Valerianus the principall of all the guard in ordinarie and a certaine esquier or targuetier borne a verie evirate Eunuch but such an expert and approved warriour that he might be compared either with old Sicinius or Sergius These exploits thus performed with such varietie of accidents the souldiors returned unto their Winter harbours and the Emperours to Triers CHAP. X. Probus Pretorio Prefectus or L. chiefe Iustice a most cunning and experienced Courtier is here lively depainted IN these dayes when Vulcatius Ruffinus was departed this life even in the time of his government Probus was sent for from the citie to rule as Prefectus Pretorio a man for noble parentage power and wealth knowne all over the Roman world in which throughout almost from the one end to the other he held possessions and livelodes dispersed here and there whether by right or wrong it lyeth not in my simple judgement to set downe This man a certain twofold u fortune as the Poets faine carrying with her flight-wings shewed unto the world one while a bountifull benefactor and advauncer of his friends to great fortunes otherwhiles againe a vengible wayt-layer and by bloudie grudges and displeasures doing much mischiefe And albeit he could doe much all his life time by giving great largesses suing continually unto those that were in high authoritie yet was he now and then timorous in any opposition with those that were bold but bearing himselfe bigge over such as were fearefull so that hee seemed when he presumed of himselfe to creake and vaunt in a loftie tragicall note and whensoever he feared to debase himselfe lower than a comicall actor And as all the kind of fishes and swimming creatures driven out of their owne element live not long upon drye land even so drouped he and could not hold up his head without Prefectures which he was forced to take upon him for the troubles and law-suites of great families which by reason of their infinite desires are never innocent and to the end they may be able to effect many designes without punishment use to engage their Lord deepely in the affaires of State and governement For confessed this must be that being bred up in that magnanimitie as he was hee never commaunded either Client or servant of his to doe any unlawfull action But if he found that one of them had committed any crime or hainous offence although even Iustice her selfe said nay without due enquirie made into the matter without respect of goodnesse or honestie he would patronize it a fault that Cicero by way of reprehension noteth in these words For What difference is there quoth he betweene the counsellor to a fact and the defendor of a fact Or what mattereth it whether I would have a thing done or reioyce that it is done Howbeit of his owne nature suspitious he was and of a base and faint heart and smiling also after a bitter sort yea and glavering otherwhiles upon a man to do him harme and that is a notorious and evident bad propertie in such conditions and then especially when it is thought it may be concealed so implacable and hard hearted that if hee purposed once to doe a man a shrewd turne he could not possibly be intreated nor enclined to forgive so much as light errours and delinquencies and therefore his eares seemed to many men though they were not indeed close stopped up In the highest pitch of dignities and riches full of care and taking thought and in that regard troubled alwayes with light diseases In this order passed the affaires in the West parts CHAP. XI Sapor King of the Persians invadeth Armenia King Arsaces he taketh prisoner and after dolorous torments killeth him And whiles he goeth about to murder and make away his wife and son there fall out some accidents which were the seeds of a new warre betweene Romans and Persians BVt Sapor thus long living king of the Persians and a prince from the verie beginning of his raigne much given and addicted to the sweetnesse of pillage and robberies after the decease of the Emperour Iulian and the covenants of so dishonourable a peace concluded seeming together with his people for a while to friend us brake the faithfull bond of the articles of agreement made under Iovianus and reached at Armenia that as if the strength of the said capitulations had beene reversed and cancelled he might lay the same unto his owne dominion And first of all by divers false and deceitfull fleights he put the whole nation that withstood his intent to some small and light dammages soliciting certaine of the chiefe rulers and great lords of the countrey and surprising other by sodaine rodes and invasions After this when he had caught the king himselfe Arsaces by the meanes of fine allurements and those interlaced
concealed namely that having two curst and cruell shee Beares that used to feed of men and womens flesh the one named Golden Mica and the other Innocentia he carefully tooke order to place their cages neere unto his owne bed-chamber and to set trustie keepers diligently to see that they wanted nothing nor had nought that might offend them As for Innocentia after he had seene many burials of dead bodies rent and dismembred by her he suffered her as having well deserved libertie to goe her waies without any harme done unto her into the forrests CHAP. IX Valentinian raiseth warre upon Macrianus king of the Alemans and without effect returneth to Triers After this he causeth Hortarius a pettie king to be burned for treason ANd verily these are most true proofes of his bloudie behaviour and cruell intent But of his prudent purpose about the Commonwealth never digressing .... If any of the enemies was discovered from above out of the watch-towers or barbicans once to stirre he was overwhelmed Now among many and sundrie cares this above all other he first and principally cast in his mind how by open violence or privie traines he might catch alive and carrie away king Macrianus growne among so many changes of successions to be rich and mightie and now by reason of his puissant forces rising up in armes against our men like as long before Iulianus had intercepted Vadomarius But this businesse required both fore-sight and also time When it was knowne therefore by that which the fugitives told where the foresaid king who looked for no such thing might be taken as closely as possibly he could for feare that any should hinder the framing and setting together of a bridge he made a passage over the Rhene with ships And Severus who had the conduct of the Infanterie being gone before just against Mattiacae Aquae considering full well how few our souldiors were was affrighted and stood still fearing least not able to make resistance he should be borne downe with the mightie power of the enemies squadrons rushing violently upon him And because he suspected that they who brought with them certaine buffons as slaves to be sold whō by chance they found there would by speedie riding out give intelligence of that which they saw those he spoyled of their commodities and slew them all By the comming therefore of more forces the captaines being animated and having pitched their tents for a very short time because no man had either packe-horse nor pavilion but the prince whose carpets of tapistrie served for his tabernacle after they had stayed a small while by reason of the darke night no sooner was the Moone risen but in order of battaile they marched on farther having for their guides such as were skilfull in the wayes ...... with a great stirre and noise of his own people he was hindered whom for all that he charged continually to forbeare burning and spoiling yet could he not prevaile For by reason of the crackling that the fire made and the dissonant cries beside the Pentioners and Squires of his bodie were raysed who suspecting that which happened indeed mounted the king up into a most speedie chariot and in a narrow entrie within the hils which were round about broken bestowed him Thus Valentinian defrauded and disappointed of this glorious exploit through the default neither of himselfe nor of his captaines but through the unruly intemperance of the souldiors which oftentimes hath cost the Romane state grievous losses after he had fired the enemies land fiftie myles forward returned to Triers with heavie cheare where fretting and grinding his emptie jawes like unto a Lyon for the losse of a Stag or Roe-bucke whiles the scattered rankes of the enemies were affrighted he ordained Fraomarius in stead of Macrianus to raigne over the Bucinobantes an Aleman nation just against Mogontiacum Fraomarius I say whom shortly after because in a late rode the same territorie had bin quite wasted he sent over into Britannie and made Tribune and Colonell over a regiment of the Alemans which for number and valour in those dayes was renowmed But Bitheridus and Hortarius principall men likewise of that nation he commaunded to have the charge of souldiors under them Of which two Hortarius detected by the meanes of Florentius duke of Mogontiacum to have written somewhat against the State unto Macrianus and other nobles of the Barbarians after the truth was by torture expressed and fetched out were burnt for it CHAP. X. Firmus a prince of Mauritania raiseth troubles and commotions which Theodosius Generall of the Horsemen endevoureth to appease FRom hence among .... these occurrences that followed next I thought good should be delivered in one continued narration least while in businesses and places farre distant other matters be inserted there ensue of necessitie a confused knowledge of many things Nubel a petie king as it were through all the nations of Mauritania right puissant departing this life left behind him sonnes both legitimate and also base begotten of his concubines One of these named Zamma well accepted and in favor with the lieutenant named Romanus being secretly by his brother Firmus murthered gave the occasion of much discord and warre For the said lieutenant making hast with all earnest desire to revenge his death wrought many meanes and those very dangerous to the utter overthrow of the foresaid privie murtherer And as it was by sundrie rumors reported great diligence and labour hereabout was employed in the Emperours palace And verily the relations made by Romanus which cast many and grievous imputations upon Firmus were willingly entertained of the prince and read before him whiles there wanted not many besides favourably to second the same But on the contrarie side looke what Firmus impleaded and oftentimes by his friends alledged in defence of himselfe and of his life the same how ever it was received did remaine a long time smothered by reason that Remigius master at that time of the Offices allied by marriage and a friend unto Romanus constantly alwayes affirmed That among many weightie and important affaires of the Emperour these so frivolous and superfluous matters ought not be read unto him but at some convenient and seasonable time Which when the Moore perceived to be a practise for to overthrow his defence trembling now for feare of extremitie least haply when those allegations which he pretended and pleaded were cast aside he might be condemned as one pernitious and contumacious and so put to death renounced his allegeance unto the Empire and rebelled and such helpes ... for feare least by encrease of his power he might grow to be an implacable enemie to the suppressing of him with the helpe of some few souldiors attendant about the court was Theodosius Generall of the Horsemen sent whose vertues in those dayes as of great efficacie above the rest shone forth being like for all the world to those auncient knights Domitius Corbulo and Lusius
Valentinian His growth and progresse His acts and whole course of life briefly run over NOw is it time to unfold as divers times we have done and from the nativitie of this Princes father by way of a briefe collection to discourse of his acts even to the death of himselfe not leaving out the distinct difference of his vices or good parts which his high place and dignitie shewed that is alwayes woont to lay naked the inward dispositions of the mind Gratianus the elder was borne at Cibalae a towne in Pannonia of ignoble and base parentage sirnamed from his verie childhood Funarius because that he as yet but a stripling as he carried a rope about with him to sell shrunke not five souldiors that with great endevor were in hand to snatch the same violently from him following herein Milo l Crotoniates from whom as hee held many times and clasped close either in his right hand or his left any apples no man was ever able with might and maine to wrest them away For the cleane strength therefore of his mightie bodie and the skill he had in wrestling as the manner is of souldiors being verie well knowne unto many after the dignitie borne of a Protector and a Tribune he managed in Affrica the office of m Comes reicastrensi whereupon being touched with the suspition of theft and departed thence long after in the like place he had the rule of the Britaines armie and at the last discharged honestly of his militarie othe returned home to his privat house and notwithstanding that he lived farre remote from all stirre and noyse of the world yet was he fined by Constantius with the losse of his goods for this cause that in the heat and broyle of civile warre he was said to have entertained and lodged Magnentius as his guest what time as by his lands and possessions hee made hast to his intended designes In regard of whose deserts Valentinian his sonne from the verie prime of his youth commendable with the helpe also of a long traine of his owne vertues being adorned at Nicea with the investure of Imperiall Majestie tooke his brother Valens unto him as fellow Emperour who in respect of brotherhood in the whole bloud sorted and accorded most joyntly with him a man that carried himselfe in a meane betweene reproachfull and prayse-worthie acts which I will in convenient place declare Valentinian therefore after many dangerous troubles past whiles he led a privat life was no sooner entred upon his Empire but he visited the castles scituat neere unto great rivers violent streames as also Gaule that lay exposed to the Alemans rodes and invasions who began the more boldly to revive and stirre againe upon knowledge of the Emperour Iulians death whom onely of all the men in the world they stood in awe of And for this good cause also was Valentinian much dread because he both reenforced his armies with strong supplies and also fortified Rhene on either side with high castles and fortresses that the enemie making rodes breaking out upon our province might no where be undiscovered And to let many-particulars passe which he did by the authoritie of a staied and well grounded governour as also what abuses he reformed either by himselfe or his industrious captaines after he had assumed his sonne Gratian into the societie of his power and high place he privily stabbed because openly he could not Vithigabius a king of the Alemans the sonne of Vadomarius a young prince in his verie flower and first downe of his cheekes for stirring up the people to insurrections and warres Also in a battaile against the Alemans neere unto Solicinium a place where he was forelaid and like to have lost his life he might have put then to the sword everie man of them but that by vantage taken of the darke night some few of them made quicke speed and escaped And yet among these politike and warie exploits by a treacherous stratageme I must needs say but advantageous to him he slew the Saxons that now were growne to fearefull outrage a nation at all times making sodaine rodes and invasions and then arrived at the Maritime tracts with the spoyles whereof they were returned almost loden these robbers I say and brigands then by force defeated he stripped of all their bootie and pillage And in like manner the Britaines who were not able to endure such troupes of enemies overrunning them he restored to their libertie and quiet peace with hope of better dayes suffering not one in manner of the foresaid brigands to returne home into their countrey With semblable valour and fortunat successe whereas one Valentinus a banished person in Pannonia went about in these provinces to trouble the common peace he suppressed him before his plotted designe grew to any strong head After this he delivered Affricke out of great daungers being much troubled with a sodaine mischiefe what time as Firmus not able to abide the greedinesse and pride of the militarie men raised the nations of Mauritania who upon everie small gale are forward ynough to entertaine all commotions and discords And with like fortitude he had revenged the lamentable losses and calamities of Illyricum but that prevented by death he left that serious businesse unfinished And albeit these atchievements which wee have related were performed by the service of his excellent captaines yet full well it is knowne that himselfe also as he was of a quicke and nimble conceit yea and throughly grounded with long experience of warfare atchieved many acts beside among which this might have more notably appeared in case he could have taken alive king Marcianus who in those dayes was verie terrible according as with great industrie he had assayed after he understood with sorrow and griefe that he was escaped to the Burgundians whom himselfe had annexed unto the Alemans Thus much may serve for a briefe discourse as touching the acts of this prince CHAP. XI His vices are at large described VPon assured confidence now that posteritie enthralled neither to feare nor foule flatterie is woont with an uncorrupt and single eye to behold things past we will summarily reckon up his vices and afterward shew also his good deserts He pretended sometime an outward shew of clemencie whereas by heat of nature he was much inclined to crueltie forgetting I assure you this lesson That a King and Emperour ought to avoid all excessive courses no lesse than so many steepe and craggie rockes For never doe wee find that he tooke up with any mild correction and punishment but commanded otherwhiles bloudie examinations to be multiplied one upon another when as some after cruell interrogatories were tormented even to the danger of their lives And so much given he was to do mischiefe that he was never knowne by a mercifull note of his subscribing to have saved any one person from death were he once condemned to dye whereas otherwhiles even most cruell princes have done so
a posterne gate of the palace and thereby presenting unto the Queene a rich jewell of great price effected thus much That by vertue of a writ or warrant sent unto Honoratus then lieutenant a generall of the East the said Clematius upon deadly malice without touch and attaint of any wicked act not permitted once to open his mouth or to speake for himselfe should be killed After this wicked part committed which now was feared also in others as if a licence had beene graunted unto cruelty certaine persons upon obscure mists onely of suspitions and presumptions were judged guilty and condemned of whom some suffered death others punished with forfeiture of goods and turned out of house and home as banished folke hauing nought left unto them but plaints mones and bitter teares lived onely of contribution and almes And thus whiles in lieu of civile and just government a bloudie mind and will bare sway wealthy and noble houses were quite shut up neyther was there required in all these heapes of enormities and troubles any voice of an accuser were he but counterfeit and suborned that criminall matters might seeme though but in outward shew committed to the formall triall of Law a course that very tyrants divers times have taken but whatsoever setled once in Caesars irreconcileable heart the same went currant for right and lawfull yea and was followed hard even to present execution Moreover devised it was that certaine unknowne persons such as for their basenesse were of small regard should be sent out of purpose through all parts of Antiochia to hearken after tales and rumors with direction to relate whatsoever they heard These fellowes in manner of travailers raunging from place to place and covertly joyning themselves close to men of quality and honour at their meetings entring also in habit of needie and poore folke into rich mens houses what ever they could learne or heare being let into the Court secretly at the backe dores made report thereof observing this one point joyntly with one accord some things to invent and forge of their owne heads and what they knew in deed to make the same worse by the one halfe but in any wise to suppresse and conceale all the praises that came to their eares of Caesar which many men were forced even against their wils to give out for feare of calamities that hung over their heads And otherwhiles it fell out so that if the husband had whispered ought in his wives eare within a secret roome where no servitor at all more inward and privie to his life was present the same should the Emperour bee sure to know the morrow after no lesse than if b Amphiaraus or Martius renowned Divinors and Wisards in old time gave intelligence thereof and therefore the very bare wals alone made acquainted with any secrets were feared Now this obstinate and setled purpose of his to search into these and many such like matters became of greater force by reason of the Queene ever at his elbow to pricke and proke him forward who bearing her selfe shrewd and froward upon her husbands high estate lay on him still creaking and crowing as one most sharpe set and hotely bent to worke mischiefe whereas out of that mildnesse which beseemeth a woman she ought rather by good and holesome persuasions to have reduced him into the way of truth and courteous humanitie as we have reported in the acts of the Gordians That the wife of Maximinus that c cruell emperour was woont to do To conclude this Gallus after a new and pernitious example feared not to put in practise the same foule and dangerous pranke which Gallienus is reported to have attempted sometime at Rome with the greatest dishonor and shame that might be and taking some few in companie privily weaponed he would in the evening walke here and there about the shops hostelries carrefours and crosse streets busily inquiring in the Greek tongue wherein he was very perfect what any man thought of Caesar And these parts plaid he boldly within the citie even where lights shining cleere all night long are woont to resemble the bright dayes At length being oftentimes knowne who he was and perceiving now that if he came thus abroad hee should bee discovered hee was not seene to go forth but openly by day-light and that about his serious affaires as he thought them And these verily were the courses that hee tooke whereat many a man grieued and groaned at the heart Furthermore Thalassius then Lord chiefe d Iustice beeing in place who also himselfe was of an arrogant nature considering that this hastinesse of his to the hazard of many still increased did not by gravitie or sage counsell mitigate his mood as divers times men placed in high authority have mollified and assuaged the wrath and ire of princes but by way of opposition and rebuke at unmeet seasons set him farther out and made him starke mad giving informations very thicke unto the Emperour of him aggravating his proceedings and making them more than they were yea and endevouring of what mind I know not that the same should not be hidden whereat Caesar within a while much more fell and enraged erecting on high the banner as it were of selfe-will and frowardnesse without regard either of other mens safety or his owne ran on end still in manner of a swift streame with irreclamable violence to beare downe and carry quite away all under him CHAP. 11. Warre raised by the Brigands or Robbers of Isauria whereof the euents and issues were diuers NEither verily was this the only bane that plagued the East with sundry troubles and calamities For the Isauri with whom an usuall matter it is oft times to rest quiet and as often with suddaine outrodes to disturbe and confound all from secret robberies and those but seldome committed brake out while impunitie fostered their boldnesse growing worse and worse into grievous warres stirring up verily their hostile and rebellious stomacks a long time by commotions without all rest howbeit mightily moued by occasion of this indignitie as they gave it out that some of their consorts taken prisoners were at Iconium a towne of Pisidia contrary unto the manner and custome cast out to be devoured of ravenous wild beasts at a publique shew in their Amphitheatre and according to the saying of Tully Like as even savage beasts upon warning given returne for the most part unto the place where sometimes they have beene fed even so all of them in manner of a whirlewind being come downe from the cumbersome and high mountaines repaired to the sea coasts along the which hiding themselves within the vallies full of lurking holes toward darke night especially when the Moone was but new and in her first quarter and therefore yet not shining out in her full light observed the shippe-masters and saylers whom when they perceiued once to be layed along to sleepe creeping on all foure among the anchor-gables and then going
guard firmely founded the securitie of Gaule leaving no cause of terror and feare behind us at our backes we came into Pannonia to the pleasure of eternall God purposing to strengthen whatsoever was like to run to ruine and decay And when all things were prepared accordingly as yee know in the middle of Spring we went in hand with most weightie and important affaires First that when we were about to frame a bridge close ioynted no voleyes of shot might impeach us which worke being with small ado finished after we had seene and overrun our enemies lands the Sarmatians who stubbornely in a wilfull mind went about to withstand us unto death we overthrew and subdued without any losse of our owne men The Quadi also in semblable malapartnes whiles they came to aid the Sarmatians and fell upon the squadrons of our noble legions we hewedin pieces who after miserable damages sustained having found by experience in all their braving rodes and minatorie attempts of resistance of what force our valour was did cast away all fence of armour and those hands which they had prepared and fitted for fight they carried pinnioned behind at their backes and seeing no other meanes to save their lives but in prayer and petition they fell prostrate at the foot of a mercifull Emperour whose battails they had often found to have come unto afortunat end After these were sequestred and set aside with like valour we vanquished the Limigantes also and when a number of them were slaine the others to avoid the danger were driven to flye for refuge unto their starting holes among the blind marishes And when these exploits were likewise brought to an happie conclusion the time was come when we were to use seasonable mildnesse and clemencie The Limigantes we forced to flit into places farre removed for feare they might any more bestirre themselves to doe our men mischiefe and most of them we spared Over those that were free we set as ruler Zizais who was to be devoted and faithfull afterward unto us reputing it a greater matter to create than to present unto the Barbarians a king and this honor added much unto the solemnitie of his creation that he was appointed unto the same people a ruler who had before time elected and accepted him A foure-fold reward therefore which one expedition hath performed we have acquired and the Common-wealth together first by working due revenge upon hurtfull and mischievous robbers and after by taking of our enemies so many prisoners as may satisfie you abundantly For with those things ought vertue and prowesse to stand contented which it hath woon by painefull sweat and strong hand as for our selves our owne travailes and fortitude will be sure to save for us much wealth and ample riches which are great treasures even the patrimonies of all men whole and sound For this is it that beseemeth the mind of a good prince this suiteth well with prosperous successes Finally I my selfe also carrie before me the spoile of our enemies name even the addition in my style of Secundus Sarmaticus which yee all with one accord without arrogancie be it spoken have worthily and for desert conferred upon me After this speech ended the whole assembly with more than wonted alacritie as having their hope of greater matters and gaine bettered by way of joyfull applause and festivall acclamations rose up to resound the praises of their Emperor and at last after open declaration made according to the maner That Constantius was invincible repaired with joy unto their pavilions And the Emperour being brought backe unto his pallace and refreshed with two daies repose returned with triumphant pompe to Sirmium the militarie bands and companies also retyred to their appointed places of abode In these very daies Prosper Spectatus and Eustachius sent as embassadours unto the Persians as I have shewed before went unto the king being returned to Ctesiphon producing the Emperors letters and presents and they demanded as things then stood whole and sound a peace and mindfull of their commission and what directions they had in charge they never left the due regard of the good and majestie of the Romane Empire avouching boldly that the covenant of amitie was to be established no otherwise but with this condition That there should be no motion at all made of troubling the state of Armenia and Mesopotamia When therefore they had staied there a long time seeing the king most obstinately set and hardened against the admitting of any peace unlesse the Seignorie of these countries were awarded unto him they returned without effecting their businesse After this were sent to obtaine the self-same thing with like strength and validitie of conditions Lucillianus a lieutenant and Procopius at that time a Notarie who afterwards entangled and tied fast with a certaine knot of violent necessitie rose up in open rebellion and aspired to the imperiall diademe THE XVIII BOOKE CHAP. I. Iulianus Caesar having set aside all cares of warre hath a watchfull eye to the safetie of Gaule and seemeth a maintainer and lover of justice after this renewing warre against the Alemans he buildeth and storeth his garners seven cities he taketh in and repaireth THese acts in one and the same yeare were in sundry parts of the world atchieved But in Gaule now that the State stood in better tearmes than before and Eusebius together with Hypatius brethren were styled with the high titles of Consuls Iulian renowmed in the place of his Winter abode for contriving of his affaires to so good successe having sequestred and layed aside for the meane time all cares of warre with no lesse regard disposed and ordered many things to the behoofe and welfare of the provinces observing diligently That no man should be surcharged with the burthen of tribute That no one mans greatnesse or power should over-weigh and oppresse another nor they be in place of authoritie whose privat estate grew by the fall and decay of the Common weale ne yet that any Iudge should without punishment swerve from equitie And this redressed he with small travaile and little adoe for that himselfe deciding quarrels and controversies especially when the greatnesse either of causes or persons s required was a constant and irremoveable discerner of right and wrong And albeit there be many commendable examples of his in such like controversies yet it shall suffice to put downe but one to the patterne or likenesse whereof his other deeds or sayings are to bee considered Numerius ruler but a while before of Narbonensis Gallia being accused for theft he heard after an unusuall censorious rigour openly at the barre before his Tribunall and admitted to the audience of his triall whosoever were willing to bee there who when he pleaded unguiltie and put by all matters objected against him by a bare deniall and could not in any one point be convinced Delphidius a most sharpe Oratour who layd sore against him for want of proofes and evidences in a great chafe
companies of the barbarous rebels fully bent there to leave their lives And because the fierie courage of our men resolved fully by manhood to wipe away all shamefull dishonour as whetting their anger against such disloyall and perfidious enemies without spare downe they went with all that stood in their way hewing them in pieces trampling underfoot as well those that were alive as them that lay halfe dead killed outright indeed and before they could make up their hands full with killing these Barbarians there lay whole heapes of them dead thrust up and steaked fast together For these rebels were driven to extremities whiles some were killed downright in the place others for deadly feare scattered asunder of whom a great sort conceiving some hope of life by prayers which came to nothing after many a blow wound received one in the necke of another were massacred in the end After they were all defeated and made away when the trumpets sounded the retreat our men also though but here there were seene lying breathlesse and dead namely such as some violent rout had borne down or whom the fatall course of destinie made an end of whiles they withstood the enemies rage and laid their naked and unarmed sides open to them But the death of Cella a Tribune of the Scutarij was notable among others who at the very beginning of the conflict thrust himselfe first of all others into the middest of the Sarmatians troupes After which so cruell a carnage and massacre committed Constantius having taken order for securitie according as the urgent occasions of the limits required returneth to Sirmium with full revenge taken of his false enemies where when he had likewise dispatched those affaires which the instant necessities of the time called for he departed from thence and went to Constantinople that being now so neere unto the East he might salve the sores and hurts received at Amida and by renewing the armie with fresh supplies with like puissance and forces restraine the king of Persia his violent attempts who as it was well knowne unlesse the heavenly power and some greater care of many besides did repell intended to leave Mesopotamia behind him and advaunce his ensignes displayed along the spatious and wide countries of the maine CHAP. XI A new Tragoedie growing from a slender matter the chiefe part wherein to be acted is committed unto one Paulus a Notarie and skilfull in cruell feats HOwbeit among these cares and thoughts the trumpets sounded with full blast according to a certaine received custome of old in lieu of civile warres certaine matters of imputation coloured deepely with the crime of majestie or high Treason For the pursuit and managing whereof Paulus that Notarie whom I must so often name was sent who being a skilfull practitioner in these capitall and bloudie arts like as a fencer or sword-player out of s Funerals or t Playes so himselfe also from the racke or hangmans office used to reape some gaine and commoditie for as he had an obstinate and setled purpose to doe hurt so he forbare not also to theeve and steale devising against innocent persons sundrie causes and imputations tending to their mischiefe and overthrow so long as he had his hand in such damnable salaries Now a small and base occasion there was that ministred matter of examinations infinitely extended There is a towne named Abydum seated in the furthest part of the province Thebais here the Oracle of a god called in that place Beses in old time revealed things to come and was wont to have honor and worship done unto it according to the auncient ceremonies of the countries lying round about it And for as much as some personally present and some again by others sending a script that shewed what they were desirous to know with an expresse forme of supplications conceived asked counsell of the divine powers those pieces of paper or parchment which contained in them their requests and petitions remained otherwhiles even after answeres given in the chappell Of these some upon a malicious intent were sent unto the Emperour who as he was a man of a base mind carrying a deafe eare in other matters even of great weight and importance became in this particular cause and information presented unto him passing tractable and suspitious and besides being prepared before hand naturally with bitter gall soone was heat and caught fire Immediately therefore he warned Paulus with all speed to go into the East armed with this warrant and commission That as a captaine renowmed for his experience in the world hee should cause these matters to be heard at his will and pleasure Likewise there was emploied in this businesse Modestus then lieutenant overall the East a man fitted for these and such like affaires for Hermogenes Ponticus at the same time Praefectus Praetorio was rejected as one of too mild a temper Well Paulus according as hee was commaunded set forward on his journey full of deadly furie and carrying a pernicious breath with him Having graunted libertie therefore to preferre slanders and false endictments a number were brought into question from all parts in manner of the earth as well of noble birth as of obscure parentage whereof some were put to paine by hard and streight bonds others died pent up in close prisons and dungeons And chosen there was to behold these deadly and wofull punishments Scythopolis a citie in Palęstina which upon a twofold consideration was thought the meetest of all others for that it stood more secret and apart and besides was just in the middest betweene Antiochia Alexandria whence many most commonly were drawne to their accusations CHAP. XII The executions of right honourable and most noble personages whiles Paulus the Notarie sat as Iudge The exquisit censure of Ammianus Marcellinus as touching this affaire An horrible monster borne and seene at Antioch The Isauri with theeving and robberie infest the neighbour nations but by the threats rather than the rigour of Lauritius they are reformed BRought there was therefore judicially with the first Simplicius the sonne of Philip who had beene Praefect and Consull both endited upon this point for that he was reported to have enquired about the obtaining of the Empire and being commaunded to be put to torture by vertue of the princes writ who in these cases at any time neither sinned nor trespassed in matter of pietie and mercie by some speciall providence of God protecting him without any foile or abuse done to his bodie was condemned to banishment then Pernasius late Praefect of Aegypt a plaine conditioned man brought to that point of danger that he had sentence pronounced worthie of death was likewise driven into exile he had beene heard oftentimes long before to say That when hee left Patrae a towne in Achaia where he was borne and had his dwelling place for to obtaine or get a certaine office he had seene as he lay asleepe many images in habite of
into farre countries no whit slacked the care of his affaires but determined to set upon the Barbarians who as I have shewed slew Libino the lieutenant in a skirmish together with some few of his souldiors And because the rumour of his comming should not cause them to remoove into the parts more remote after hee had passed over Rhene in the dead time of the night with the most expedite and lightest appointed companies of his auxiliarie forces hee compassed them about mistrusting no such matter And when with the rustling and clattering noyse of armour and weapons they awoke and started up whiles they looke about for their swords and darts he hastily flew upon them and some he slew others craving mercie and offering booties he tooke prisoners upon their submission to the rest that remained upon their entreatie and promising withall to continue in stedfast and assured quietnesse he graunted peace CHAP. IIII. The hortatorie Oration of Iulianus unto his souldiors when he meant to give battaile unto Constantius in open field A solemne oath taken of them all except Nebridius whom Iulian delivereth from the furie of the souldiors and saveth his life WHich exploits being performed with stout and resolute courage he guessing what a world of civile and domesticall troubles hee had raised and foreseeing by quicknesse of wit and understanding that nothing was so well befitting suddaine enterprises as expedition he thought himselfe should bee in safer estate if hee professed openly his revolt and breach of allegeance but standing doubtfull of his souldiors loyaltie he first pacified by a secret kind of religious ceremonie Bellona f and then after he had summoned his armie together unto an assembly standing upon a banke raised of stone and now as it seemed very confident he discoursed thus with a lowder voice than he was wont to doe Long since in secret deliberation with my selfe I suppose that you my noble and worthie fellow souldiors stirred up with so brave and valiant exploits expect this counsell at my hands namely how those events which are feared might be throughly thought upon and well taken heed of before hand for it becommeth souldiors growne up in glorious acts to use their eares more than their tongues and deeme no other commaunder to be of approoved equitie than him who may be both praysed and liked worthily To dispatch therefore what I have purposed letting all circumstance goe by marke I pray you favourably what I shall in few words deliver Being by the will of God in heaven entermingled in companie with you in the very beginning of my youth the continuall inrodes and invasions as well of Alemans as of Frankes I repressed and iointly with vigorous courage I made Rhene passable to the Romane forces as often as they would standing unmoveable against the noyse of rumors and the violent excursions of puissant nations trusting I assure you and grounding my selfe upon your vertue and valour And these painefull labours which we have taken and sustained Gaule an eye-witnesse thereof which after the losse of many a mans life after long and grievous calamities hath beene relieved shall commend unto posteritie from age to age for ever But now seeing that by the compulsion of your grave and honourable iudgement as also of urgent necessitie I am through the grace of God and your favour lifted up to the imperiall dignitie if Fortune further my enterprises I will aspire higher and reach at greater matters protesting and declaring thus much openly That unto the armie the equitie and noble prowesse whereof hath beene so renowmed I have beene seene both at home temperate and mild and in many warres also against the banded and combined forces of the barbarous nations considerate and warie That we may therefore iointly with one accord and mind prevent adverse events follow this way and policie that is right good as I take it seeing the welfare of the State is correspondent to our intention and desire and whiles the countries of Illyricum are without greater garrisons let us march on apace without stay and take the time to seize into our hands the utmost bounds of Dacia and from thence by the meanes of good successe be furnished with instructions what ought further to be done and as the manner is of hardie and redoubted leaders and captaines promise I beseech you by the bond of an oath continuance of concord and fidelitie unto me your Commaunder who will endevour diligently and after my accustomed manner that for my part nothing be done inconsiderately or faintly yea and produce the testimonie if any man shall require it of a syncere and uncorrupt conscience that I will enterprise or attempt nothing willingly but what is expedient and profitable to us all in common This verily I earnestly desire and request Take heed that in the fit of heat and boiling anger none of you breake forth to the hurt and hinderance of any private person but let him consider thus much that as the infinite overthrowes and losses of our enemies so the indemnitie and safetie of the Provinces testified notably by examples given of vertues have made us so famous This Oration of the Emperours being no lesse approoved than if it had beene an Oracle the whole assemblie was seene to stirre and moove exceeding much and desirous of noveltie and change with one consent made a terrible noyse with lowd voices and wonderfull clattering of their shields calling him Great and high Commaunder and as they had seene by experience the Fortunate Conquerour of barbarous Nations and Kings both And beeing all commaunded throughout to sweare alleageance unto him with setting swords close to their owne neckes they tooke a solemne oath in set forme of words and that under paine of horrible curses That they would in his quarrell even to the spending of their lives if need so required undergoe all chaunces and perils whatsoever which done all the great officers and rulers following yea and those that were next in place unto the prince obliged their fealtie with the like oath Nebridius the Praefect was the onely man of all that companie who although in his inward purpose he was sure ynough and stedfast yet boldly refused to sweare saying That he might not be bound by oath against Constantius unto whom for his many benefites at sundrie times he had alreadie beene obliged Which when the souldiors that stood neere unto him heard they were in a great chafe and furious heat of anger and made at him to have killed him outright but that the Emperour with his rich coat of armes protected him as he fell downe at his knees And being returned into his royall palace when he espied him gone before and lying prostrate in suppliant wise beseeching him That for to ease him of feare he would vouchsafe to reach foorth his right hand unto him And what sayth he shall I keepe especially for my friends in case thou touch my hand But goe thy wayes from hence whither thou wilt in
safetie and securitie Which when he heard he retyred himselfe apart without any harme done unto him to his owne house in Thuscia Iulian having provided thus aforehand as the weightie importance of the businesse required knowing also by experience how powerfull and effectuall in troublous affaires is prevention and getting ground before after he had by a signall and watchword given warning of his journey into Pannonia he advaunced forward his tents and marched on with his ensignes displayed and rashly committed himselfe to doubtfull fortune CHAP. V. What acts Constantius performed both domesticall and militarie whiles he wintered in Antioch NOw meet it is that I unfold the times past and recount summarily what acts Constantius wintering in Antiochia atchieved both at home and in the warres abroad whiles these affaires aforesaid passed in Gaule Among many other right honourable personages that came out of strange countries to doe their reverence unto the Emperour there were also Tribunes of the better sort men of marke appointed thereunto When as therefore Constantius being returned out of Mesopotamia was received with this kind of dutie one Amphtlochius a Paphlagonian who had beene Tribune and not long before whiles he served under Constans was deepely suspected upon presumptions that carried a likelyhood of truth to have sowed matter of quarell and discord among his elder brethren presuming verie sawsily to stand in place to the end that himselfe also might be admitted to the like obsequious service was known and debarred And when there were many that muttered hereat yea and cried out That he was not worthy to live any longer as being an obstinat and stiffe-necked traytor Constantius who in these matters was more mild than otherwise hee used to be Surcease quoth he to trouble the man who as I thinke is guiltie but not yet openly convicted and remember yee that if he have committed any such matter from under mine eye he shall receive punishment by the doome of his owne conscience from which he cannot be hidden and so he departed The day following the same Amphilochius at the solemne games Circenses stood beholding the sight as he was woont just over against the Emperor and upon the setting up of a sudden shout at the sending forth of an expected game or masterie that was to be performed when the crosse-barres on which he with many others leaned brake in peeces so that they all and he together fell downe to the ground some few of them were slightly hurt but hee alone was found with rupture within of his midriffe to have yeelded the ghost whereupon Constantius skilfull also in the foreknowledge of things to come rejoiced much At the same time he espoused and tooke to wife Faustina having a good while before buried Eusebia who had to her brethren Eusebius and Hypatius men of Consuls degree a lady for bodily beautie and commendable behaviour excelling a number and yet in so high an estate right curteous through whose most just favour as I have shewed before Iulian was delivered out of dangers and declared Caesar At the same time also there was good regard had of Florentius who for feare of an alteration in the State departed out of Gaule and by occasion that Anatolius Praefectus Praetorio in Illyricum was late deceased hee was sent to take his place and together with Taurus likewise Praefectus Praetorio in Italie hee received the ensignes g of the highest and most honourable office Neverthelesse preparation was made of meanes for warre as well foraine as civile the number also of horsemens troups was augmented and with like carefulnesse there were enrolled supplements for the legions by appointing a levie of new yong souldiers throughout the Provinces Moreover all degrees and professions were sore burdened with finding apparell armour weapons and Engines to discharge shot as also gold and silver yea and plentie of victuall of sundrie sorts and divers kinds of beasts for carriage And because the king of Persia for all the hard Winter was with much ado driven backe and therefore more puissant forces of his were feared so soone as the mild weather and temperat season of the yeare came about embassadors were sent with rich presents unto the kings and potentats beyond Tigris with instructions to admonish and exhort them all to be of our mind and to hold with us as also to attempt no fraudulent nor deceitfull practise But above all Arsares and Meribanes the kings of Armenia and Hiberia were bought and wrought to our side with costly and gorgious suits of robes with many gifts also of sundrie sorts who were like to endamage the Roman affaires if in the dangerous and doubtfull times they had revolted unto the Persians Amid so many troubles and urgent negotiations died Hermogenes and promoted to the Praefect-ship was Helpidius borne a Paphlagonia a man that carried no presence with him and for infirmitie in his speech of no reckoning but verie simple and plaine of nature gentle and nothing bloudily minded insomuch as when Constantius commaunded him to put a certaine innocent person to torture in his presence he was verie well content to bee deprived of his place and besought That these matters might be committed to others better than himselfe for to be accomplished according to the princes mind CHAP. VI. In what sort Constantius provided for his instant affaires The politike speed that Iulian made in setting his designes forward COnstantius therefore in this difficultie of urgent businesses standing doubtfull was to seeke what course to take as one along time much troubled in his mind whether he should goe against Iulian into countries farre of or repel the Parthians upon the point now as they threatned to passe over Euphrates and sticking thus in equall ballance in the end after he had consulted oftentimes with his captains he enclined wholly this way namely when he had finished or at least wise appeased the neerer warre and left behind him at his back no enemies whom he might feare now that Illyria and Italy as he thought were daunted and quelled to take Iulian as a hunters prey in the verie beginning of his enterprises for to allay the feare of his owne souldiers these were the verie words that otherwhiles he gave forth But because hee would not bee thought to waxe coole or to have omitted the other side where warre was on foot as minding to disperse and spread a terror of his comming in all places and fearing withall least Africke a countrey fit and commodious for the Emperour in all occasions that might befall should in his absence be invaded as if hee had beene departed out of the marches of the East he sent thither by sea Gaudentius a Notarie him I meane who as I briefely touched before lay as a spie a good while to observe the proceedings of Iulian in Gaule For he hoped that hee with his obsequious and quicke service would be able to
as a goddesse to be revenged of such as ioy in wicked deeds will in the end bring such prowd swelling and fierie spirits to dead sparkes and embers as my selfe have found by experience and as I easily am induced to beleeve by the knowledge I have out of auncient histories What remaineth then but that we withstand these tempestuous whirlewinds that are raised and by speedie remedies represse and quell the rage of this warre new sprung up before it bee growne to greater strength For there is no doubt to be made with the favour of that most high God assisting us by whose eternall sentence unthankefull persons are alreadie condemned but that the edge of the sword so impiously prepared will be turned upon them to their utter destruction who not provoked with iniuries but made greater by many benefites have thus risen up to endanger the innocent For as my mind presageth and iustice readie to further good counsels doth promise I dare undertake that if they come once to buckle in close fight they will for starke feare grow so benummed that they shall not be able to endure the ardent light brandishing and sparkling out of your eies or the first noise of the outcrie at the ioyning of battaile After these speeches uttered hee drew them all to his mind and when they had answered the same with kind words and loving acclamations they shooke their speares in angrie wise and called to bee led foorth out of hand into the field against the rebell Whereupon the Emperour turning his feare into the joy soone after dissolved the assembly commaunded Arbetio whom he knew alreadie by former proofes to bee above all others a fortunate man in appeasing of civile warres to goe before him in his journey with the m Lancearij and n Mattiarij the companies of the light armed souldiors likewise Gomoarius with the Laeti who was to be opposed against them that should come into the straits of Succi one whom in this respect he preferred before others because hee was mischievously bent against Iulian as who had beene despised and disgraced by him in Gaule CHAP. XIII Constantius after this being disquieted with dreames and as hee thought for saken of his tutelar Genius and frighted withall by a certaine unluckie and ominous token whiles hee came unto a village neere Antioch fell mortally sicke and dyed HIs fortune thus sticking standing still in this tumultuous state of adversities shewed by signes as openly almost as if they had spoken plaine That the painfull end of his life was at hand For both terrified he was in the night time and before also that hee fell fast asleepe he saw the ghost of his father as offering unto him a faire babe Againe when he had taken the said babe unto him and bestowed it in his bosome it strucke from him and flung a great way off the ball which himselfe carried in his right hand Now this betokened nothing else but a change in the State although the interpreters answered pleasing things to him After this he confessed unto his familiars that kept neerest unto him daily bare him companie at the table That now as one forlorne he saw no more any secret apparition in cheerefull and pleasant forme but he thought it stood hard by him in poore and mournefull maner and supposed it was That a certaine tutelar Genius allotted unto him for the protection of his life had forsaken him readie to depart verie shortly out of the world For the Divines out of their learning say That all persons new borne saving alwayes the stable firmnesse of the destinies have to accompanie them some such powerful spirits to guide as it were governe their actions and yet the same appearing to veriefew even those whom many kinds of vertues have made great and famous And this doctrine both the Oracles and also excellent authors have taught us among whom is Menander likewise the Comical Poet in whom are read these two o Senarie-Iambick verses 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 One Angell hath each man his birth once past Which him directs whiles lively breath doth last Semblably out of those everlasting verses of Homer wee are given to understand That they were not gods of heaven that communed with valiant men neither stood by or helped them as they fought but familiar Genij or angels that conversed with them by meanes of whose especiall helpe it is said that Pythagoras Socrates Numa Pompilius the former Scipio and as some thinke Marius and Octavianus the first that had the name of Augustus given unto him excelled likewise that great p Hermes Tris-Megistus Apollonius also Tyaneus and Plotinus who adventured by discoursing upon this Theme by way of argument both mystically and profoundly to shew the first beginnings when these Genij become linked to mens soules which being once received into their bosomes they protect as long as they may and instruct them in many high points in case they perceive them to bee pure and by the immaculat societie of the bodie severed from the filth of sinne Well Constantius with all speed being entred Antioch and minding earnestly to addresse himselfe as his manner was against the troubles of civile warres after he had put all things in readinesse hastened to go forth into the field although a number secretly in mumbling maner were exceeding much against it For no man durst either openly dissuade him or say nay Toward the later end of Autumne he put himselfe in his journey and when he was come to a certaine countrey Manor not far from the said citie to wit three miles off named Hippocephalus in the morning when it was day light he espied the dead bodie of a man slain lying on his right hand with the head severed from the shoulders stretched out along just against the West side And being afrighted with this ominous signe himselfe as the destinies hastened his end went on apace the more resolutely and came to Tarsus where hee got a light ague but supposing that all danger of this crasinesse of his might bee shaken off by stirring in his travaile he came by difficult and cumbrous wayes to Mopsuestia the utmost station of Cilicia as men go this way scituaâ— under the foot of the mountaine Taurus And when the next morrow he would have gone forth the grievousnesse of his disease growing upon him had so impaired his strength that he was staied there and so by little and little the unkind and excessive heat of the fever so inflamed the bloud within his veinâ—s that his bodie burning in maner of a furnace or oven would not suffer a man so much as to touch it When as therefore all meanes of medicines failed drawing toward the howre of death hee bewailed his end While his memorie and sences were yet sound and perfect he ordayned by will as the report went Iulian to succeed him in his imperiall place After this when his wind grew
modest and noble prince Marcus who what time as Cassius had mounted up to the imperiall dignitie in Syria and a packet of letters sent from him to his complices and adherents was presented unto him and the bearer intercepted caused the same sealed as it was straight waies to be burnt this did he whiles he abode in Illyricum for feare least if the traytors were detected and knowne hee might offend and displease some of them whom he would not And as divers of sound judgement are of opinion it was a signe rather of great vertue in the same prince to have left the Empire without any bloudshed of those of his traine and privie Counsell than if he had beene revenged so unmercifully According to the doctrine also of Tully in a certaine Epistle to Nepos taxing Caesar for crueltie For Felicitie quoth hee is nothing else but prosperitie of honest things Or that I may define it otherwise Felicitie is that fortune which helpeth good counsels which whosoever useth not can by no meanes be happie And therefore in wicked and impious counsels which Caesar tooke to there could be no felicitie And more happie in my iudgement was Camillus whiles hee lived in exile than in the same dayes Manlius although he might as he desired have raigned king Her aclitus also the Ephesian affirmeth the same and advertiseth us That brave and worthy men have divers times beene overcome such are the variable events that fortune worketh even of idle and slothfull cowards And that this moreover among other principall prayses is most eminent when as authoritie placed in high degree having the desire to hurt to be cruell and wroth subdued and as it were put under the yoke hath erected a glorious trophie of clemencie in the castle of a victorious mind Now as this Prince in foreine warres went away with hurt and foyle so by reason of civile conflicts wherein he sped well he bare himselfe proud and by occasion of the inward ulcers of Common weale he was all embrued with horrible and filthy bloud Whereupon in a perverse purpose rather than just and usuall he reared with great cost and charges in Gaule and Pannonia triumphall arches even out of the losse and calamitie of the Provinces together with the titles of his acts affixed thereto for men to read so long as those monuments would be able to stand Exceeding much addicted he was to his wives to the small puling voyces of Eunuches and to some Courtyers who applauded every word he spake and observed to honour him and sooth him up in whatsoever hee affirmed or denyed The distastfull bitternesse of these times was made the worse by the unsatiable extortion and snatching of these receivers importunat collectors of tributes and taxes who drew more hatred upon his head than money into his coffers And this seemed unto many the more intollerable for that he never heard any cause nor tendered the indemnitie of the provinces when they were over-layed with taxes tributes and imposts one in the necke of another Over and above all this apt hee was to take away againe what hee had once given and that perfect and syncere religion of the Christians hee blended with foolish and doting superstitions and beeing given to search thereinto more intricately than to settle it with gravitie hee stirred many schismes and discords which as they spread more and more hee maintained with contentious words and disputations insomuch as whiles their bishops coursed up and downe by troupes on post-horses allowed by the State from Synode as they tearme it to Synode labouring to bring all rites and ceremonies to their owne dispose and will he thereby cut the sinewes quite of those that kept waggons for hire As touching his forme and feature of bodie this it was His complexion somewhat blacke or browne the cast of his eye loftie his sight quicke the haire of his head soft his cheekes alwaies shaven and shining beautifully from the grafting of his necke to his groine very long bow-legged and short withall whereby he both leapt and ran passing well Well being thus dead his corpes being embalmed and chested Iovianus who then was Protector u Domesticus had commaundement to attend upon it with royall pompe as farre as to Constantinople to be enterred close unto the neerest of his bloud and unto him sitting upon the Carroch that carried the Reliques as the manner is unto Emperours were presented the essayes and proofes of the souldiors corne and victuals as themselves tearme them x Indicia proba also publique beasts were shewed and according to the usuall custome they came upon him and grew more and more which together with officious meetings upon the way and other such signes portended verily unto the sayd Iovianus the Empire but the same to no effect and without any port or continuance as unto one that was the minister of such funerall pompes THE XXII BOOKE CHAP. I. The death of Constantius once knowne Iulianus as yet a young man of good growth with exceeding applause of all men is received by the Constantinopolitanes WHiles the mutable and rolling chances of Fortune worke these occurrents in divers parts of the world Iulian among many affaires which he projected in Illyricum pried continually into the bowels of beasts and gazing withall at the flight of birds longed to know before hand what end all accidents would have but when he had received doubtfull and darke answers he rested still uncertaine of the future And at the length Aprunculus Gallus the Oratour a skilfull Soothsayer and promoted afterwards to be governour of the province Narbonensis told him the events instructed before hand as himselfe said by the inspection of a liver which hee had seene hidden within a duple skin And when as Iulian feared for all that least this might bee devised to humour his desire and was therefore sad and heavie himselfe espied a much more certaine praesaging token which evidently shewed the death of Constantius For at the very same instant when the said Constantius died in Cilicia it happened that the souldior who with his right hand lifted him up to his horse backe caught a fall and lay along on the ground whereupon he cried out by and by in the hearing of many That He was fallen who had raysed him up to his high place of dignitie And albeit he knew these were gladsome signes yet standing fast still as it were upon his guard he kept himselfe within the bounds of Dacia fearing even for all this many accidents for he thought it no point of wisedome to trust in conjectures which peradventure would fall out contrarie Whiles hee stood thus doubtfull and in suspence behold all on a suddaine there came as embassadours sent unto him Theolaiphus and Aligildus with tidings That Constantius was deceased and saying moreover That by the last words he spake he nuncupated him successor in his imperiall throne Which being knowne after he was exempt from dangerous broyles
upon the same that they had knocked and beaten before Betweene these rockes that thus open asunder and jurre one against another so often if a fowle should happen to flye by no swiftnesse of wing could she possibly escape and get away but be crushed to death These cliffes when as Argo the first ship that ever was making speedie way to Colchi for to steale the golden Fleece had passed by them without harme stood unmooveable conjoyned in one bodie with the head or point crackt round about so that no man who seeth them now would ever beleeve they were at any time parted asunder but that all the songs and poemes of men in old time agreed joyntly thereupon Beyond part of Bithynia the provinces Pontus and Paphlagonia stretch out in length wherein stand Heraclea Sinope Polemonion and Amysos great cities also Tios and Amastris all founded auspicately by the direction of bird-flight such was the precise care of the Greekes likewise Cerasus from whence Lucullus brought such fruit as are named Cerasa i. Cherries Semblably certaine Isles bearing up aloft containing in them Trapezus and Pityus townes of no meane account Beyond these places there is the hole or cave Acherusius which the people dwelling thereby call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 also the haven Acone with divers rivers rivers to wit Acheron named likewise Archadius Iris Tembrius and hard by Parthenius running all downe into the sea with a swift course and violent streame Next unto these is the river Thermodoon falling from the mountaine Armonius and gliding betweene the woods and groves of Themyscyra into which the Amazones in times past were forced to flit upon this occasion The auncient Amazones after that the bordering nations were sore weakened with continuall losses as who by them were wasted with bloudie rodes and invasions aymed now at higher exploits and considering their owne puissance and the places bordering neere unto them oftentimes gave the attempt upon more mightie nations as being ravished with the heat of greedie desire And when they had broken forcibly through many countries they made warre upon the Athenians and beeing in a sharpe conflict discomfited and scattered asunder and having the flankes of their Cavallerie layed naked were slaine every one When the defeature and death of these were knowne the feeble remaines of them that were left at home declining the deadly violence of their neighbours who had before time suffered extremities and were like to pay them home with semblable measure flitted to the more peaceable seat of Thermodoon The progenie of these being in long time after multiplied by many issues and generations returned with a mightie power to their first native places and in processe of time became dread to people of divers discents and originals Not farre from thence mounteth up Carambis an hill of gentle ascent rising full upon the Northren f Elice overagainst which is Criu-metopon a promontorie of Taurica distant from the other two thousand and five hundred stadia And from this place all the maritime coast which beginneth at the river Halys lying streight in length like a line shapeth out the string fastened to the two ends of the bow aforesaid CHAP. VII More of the same argument as before VPon these countries confine the Dahae of all others the most fierce warriors and the Chalybes who were the first that digged up wrought yron into steele Beyond whom the open lands are possessed by the Byzares Tapites Tibareni Mossynaeci Macrones and Philyres people by no acquaintance knowne to us and from them not farre stand the monuments or tombes of noblemen wherein were enterred Stheneleus Idmon and Typhis Of whom the first was a companion of Hercules wounded to death in the warre against the Amazones the second an Augure or Soothsayer to the Argonauts and the third a most skilfull and expert pylot of the ship abovenamed Argo After you have passed beyond these parts before specified you meet with the den or cave Alion and the streame of Callichorus sirnamed so upon this occasion For that Liber or Bacchus having after three yeares vanquished the Indian nations and being returned to those tracts about the greene and shadie bankes of this river brought againe into ure the old songs and daunces t Orgia Some are of opinion That such sacred ceremonies and solemnities as these were called u Trieterica Beyond these confines are the populous and well frequented territories of the Camaritae and the river Phasis with roring streame commeth to the Colchi the auncient off-spring of the Aegyptians where among other cities standeth Phasis bearing the name of the river abovesaid also Dioscurias knowne even to this day The founders whereof as we find in record were Amphitus and Telchius two Spartanes the chariot-drivers to Castor and Pollux of whom began the nation of the Hemiochi Not farre removed from these dwell the Achaei who having finished a certaine former warre at Troy I meane not that warre which was fought for the quarrell of Helena as some authors have written by reason of contrarie winds wandering and driven into Pontus finding nothing but hostilitie and no where any assured place to set foot in possessed themselves of the hill tops alwaies full of snow and thus being pent in and hardened with the chilling cold of the weather accustomed they were to get their living dangerously by robbing and by that meanes grew afterwards beyond all measure fell and cruell As touching the Cerceti who joyne close unto them there is no memorable matter written At the backe of them dwell the inhabitants of the Cimmerian Bosporus where are the Milesian cities and the mother of them all Panticapaeum before which runneth the river Hypanis swelling as well with his owne water as forraine streames running into him Then a great way off the Amazones stretching out in length even as farre as to the Caspian sea inhabite about Tanais which rising among the rocks of Caucasus glideth by many winding turnes and reaches and parting Asia from Europe is hidden at last within the meeres of Maeotis Neere unto this is the river Rha on the sides whereof groweth a comfortable and holesom root so named good for many uses in Physicke Beyond Tanais there spread out in breadth the Sauromatae through whome all the way run the rivers Maraccus Rhombites Theophanes and Totordanes although there be another nation also of the Sauromatae farre distant from these joyning hard upon the shore which letting in the river Corax sendeth it to the utmost maine sea Neere unto this is the meere Maeotis of an exceeding large circuit out of the most plentifull veines whereof by the straits Patares a maine deale of water breaketh forth and runneth into Pontus in the right side of which are the Islands Phanagorus and Hermonassa reared by the industrious labour of the Greeks
that the event fell out otherwise For indeed the death of a king was thereby portended but of what king it rested doubtfull For we read that even Oracles also were doubtfully delivered and such as nothing but the accidents that happened in the end could distinctly determine as for example the truth and proofe of the Delphicke prophesie which foretold That Craesus after he had passed over the river Halys should be the overthrow of a most d mightie kingdome as also another which by crooked tearmes appointed the e sea for the Athenians to trie battaile with the Medes yea and an answere by Oracle later than these before cited which verily was true but no lesse ambiguous and equivocant Aiote f Aeacida Romanos vincereposse i. I say thy selfe Aeacides the Romans vanquish may Howbeit the Tuscane Soothsayers which were in his traine and had skill in these prodigious and presaging tokens considering there was no credit given unto them when they oftentimes prohibited and dissuaded this expedition brought foorth their bookes of rites and ceremonies shewed plainely the foresaid sight was a signe prohibitorie and contrarie to a prince that invadeth although justly a forraine princes kingdome But downe went they and were troden under foot in comparison of Philosophers that gainesaid them whose authoritie in those dayes was had in great esteeme and reverence who otherwhiles shoot wide of the marke and yet in matters whereof they have no perfect knowledge stand stiffely a long time For they pretended and alledged as a probable argument to maintaine the truth and credit of their skill in that unto Maximian also before time Caesar being now at the point to joine battail with Narses king of the Persians there was in like maner a lion and a huge wild bore also tendered slain both together he say they after he had vanquished that nation departed in safetie But little considered these Philosophers that thereby destruction was portended to him that invaded and sought for other mens lands and well it is knowne that Narses began first to seize Armenia into his hands which was subject to the Roman power and jurisdiction CHAP. V. Other presaging signes diversly expounded A persuasive oration of Iulianus unto his souldiers as touching hot pursuit of the warre against the Persians SEmblably the day following which was the seventh before the Ides of Aprill when the Sunne grew now toward setting sodainely of a verie small cloud the ayre so thickened that all the light of the day was quite gone and after terrible thunder claps flashes of lightning that came thick one after another a souldier named Iovianus was strucken from heaven fel downe dead together with two horses which hee was bringing backe from the river after they had drunke their fill Which when he saw he sendeth for the interpreters of these and such like signes who being demaunded What they thought thereof avouched confidently That it also prohibited this expedition and intended war shewing that lightning was a counsellor for so are those tearmed which advise or dissuade any thing to be done And therefore especiall heed was to bee taken hereof because it killed a souldier that carried an high and great name together with horses that are beasts for warre and places smitten or blasted by this meanes the bookes which treat of lightnings pronounce That they ought not to be looked or troden upon On the contrarie side That Phylosophers argued that the brightnesse of sacred fire sodainely seene is not significative but onely is the course or shooting of a swift and vehement exhalation thrust some way out of the skie downe to the Iower parts or if aught were fore-tokened thereby it shewed before hand encrease of honour and renowne unto the Emperour in his glorious enterprise considering that certaine it is flames of their owne nature if there be nothing to checke them flie up on high Well when this bridge as hath been said before was finished and all were passed over the river the Emperours chiefe and principall care now as he thought was to make a speech unto his souldiers so forward and fearelesse presuming confidently upon their owne valour and their Generals prowesse By a signall therefore of trumpets sound when all the centuries cohorts and bands were assembled himselfe standing upon a banke of earth clods and guarded round about with a companie of great Commaunders and officers of the campe with a gratious countenance discoursed unto them in this wise as one highly favoured with a joynt consent and affection of them all Right valiant and redoubted souldiers beholding how vigorous yee are in regard of your exceeding puissance and lustie courage I am determined to make an oration unto you and by many reasons to prove That this is not the first time as some evill tongued folkes secretly give out that the Romans have invaded the kingdomes of Persia For to passe by Lucullus or Pompejus who through the Albanes and Massagets whom now wee tearme Alani having made way by force even through this nation have seene the Caspian lakes wee know that Ventidius also the Lieutenant of Antonius made an infinit number of slaughters and overthrowes in these tracts But to leave these acts of auntient record I will rehearse what exploits be fresh in memorie and of late date Trajanus and Severus entred againe thus farre with victories and trophies and with the like honour and fame had Gordian the younger returned whose monument and supulchre we have newly seene honourably erected after he had discomfited and put to flight the Persian king at Resaina but that by the faction of Philip that was Praefectus Praetorio together with the helpe of some few wicked persons he was in this verie place where he now lyeth buried ungratiously wounded and killed Neither wandered his Manes long unrevenged in that as if Iustice her selfe appeared evidently to take vengeance all that conspired against him were put to torture and dolorous death And as for these brave captaines verily whom I have named carried they were with a forward will and mind of atchieving high matters unto the enterprise of these memorable exploits But as for us wee are mooved to undertake these expeditions which we have intended by occasion of the wofull and miserable case of cities newly forced of the unrevenged ghosts of whole armies put to the sword of the great dammages sustained and the losse of our deere friends to the end we may give comfort to our allies redresse and remedie hurts past and by procuring an honourable securitie unto the Commonwealth on this coast of the world leave unto posteritie matter sufficient for which they may give us a noble report and commendation another day Present will I your Emperour be in all places with you through the helpe of immortall God both to lead before you in the front as a Captaine and to fight with you as a fellow souldior and that with fortunat signes of successe as I am persuaded
led him forth and after he had given him his right hand and saluted him with a kisse when they were all on both sides amazed hereat Lo quoth he the auncient fidelitie of the Roman Armies and the othes bound with firmereligious complements And is it indeed your mind and pleasure most valiant warriours that for unknowne strangers so many swords should be drawne of your owne countrey men and that a base and misbegotten Pannonian marring and treading downe all under foot should enioy an Empire which he never durst so much as conceive in his mind or wish for and that we should grone under your and our wounds Nay rather follow the royall race and line of the highest bloud raising now most iust and lawfull war not to tyrannize and make havocke of other mens goods but rather to restore the same unto the full and whole estate of auncient Maiestie With this mild speech they were all appeased that came fiercely to fight and debasing the tops of their ensignes and standerds willingly revolted unto him and with a terrible crie which the barbarous sort tearme Barritus they stiled him Emperour and in one consent with a strong guard about him as the manner is brought him backe into the campe and in souldior-like sort cried unto Iupiter and prayed That Procopius might bee invincible This good successe of these rebels had a better to second it For Rumitalca a Tribune being taken into the societie of the Procopians and having entred upon the charge of the Palace and therewith complotted in good time this designe and communicated it with the souldiors came by water to a towne before time named Drepanum and now Helenopolis and so from thence possessed himselfe sooner than men would have thought of Nicea To the besieging whereof when Vadomarius sometime a great leader and king of the Alemans was sent with such as were skilfull in this kind of service Valens goeth forward to Nicomedia From whence being departed verie earnest he was with great forces to assault Chalcedon from the walls whereof they let flie at him reviling and reproachfull tearmes calling him injuriously Sabaiarius now is Sabania a kind of poore folks drinke in Illyricum made of barley or wheat converted into liquor But wearied in the end for want of victuals through the exceeding obstinacie of the defendants within that would not relent he was now at the point to depart And see in this meane while those which were besieged within Nicea sodainly setting open the gates and issuing forth after they had slaine a great number of the pioners and assailants with their most hardie and bold leader Rumitalca made hast in this heat of bloud to come upon the backe of Valens who as yet was not gone from the suburbes of Chalcedon and to compasse him in round about And verily effected they had this exploit but that by a certaine rumor that went before he having intelligence of this imminent mischiefe with departing speedily by the lake Sunonensis and the winding cranks of the river Gallus he deluded the enemie hard at hard at his heeles and following after him in vaine And by this accident Bithynia likewise was brought under the hands of Procopius From whence when Valens was by speedie journeies returned to Ancyra and advertised that Lupicinus was comming toward the East parts with certaine puissant companies of armed men being now put in greater hope of better successe he sent Arintheus a most select captaine to encounter the enemies by the way Who being come to Dadastana a certaine station wherein Iovianus dyed all on a sodaine espied Hyperechius readie to affront and and make head against him with an armie one who before time was truly tearmed Apparitor Gastrensis that is a Minister of the belly and throat unto whom as to a friend Procopius had committed the conduct of his ayds And disdaining in fight to vanquish such a contemptible person bearing himselfe bold of his owne authoritie a goodly tall personage commanded the verie enemies themselves to bind their ruler And so this unfortunat Carpet Knight a chiefetaine forsooth of armed troups was apprehended by the hands of his owne followers CHAP. XI Procopius besiegeth Cyzicum and by the good service of Alison a Tribune winneth it by force as also by keeping in most strait ward Serenianus the Prefect sent unto Nicea Which done bearing and vaunting himselfe over high he neglecteth the opportunitie of his affaires WHiles these affaires in this manner proceed Venustus a certaine Minister or Officer belonging to the Treasurie under Valens sent long before to Nicomedia for to receive gold and distribute it as wages poll by poll among the souldiors that were dispersed all over the East parts understanding of this heavie newes aforesaid considering the time was unfit for that businesse went quickly to Cyzicus with those moneyes which he had gathered up where by chaunce he found Serenianus then Comes of the Domestici of purpose sent to keepe the treasure safe who with the helpe onely of a tumultuarie garrison kept the citie wel knowne even upon auncient records to be compassed with imprenable walls to the winning whereof Procopius had appointed a strong power that being lord of Bithynia he might be master also of Hellespontus But by reason that the companies of the besiegers were oftentimes sore troubled with arrows bullets other shot as also for that through the industrie of the defendants there was devised a barre by a verie strong yron chaine bestowed in the verie mouth of the haven which because the enemies ships armed with piked-beake-heads might not rush in was bound fast at either end long it was ere the siege tooke effect This chaine after sundrie paines that both souldiors and captaines tooke who alreadie were out-toiled with most sharp conflicts one Aliso a Tribune and an expert warrior cut away by this device Vpon three ships joyned together he built a roofe over head in this manner Vpon the formost hatches or rowers bankes stood armed men close together with their shields couched thick over their heads others also behind them stooping somwhat lower a third sort by degrees bending their bodies down so as the hindmost resting upon their houghes or hammes made a shew of an arched building Which kind of Fabricke against fight from walls is framed in such a forme for this cause That the shot of casting weapons and of stones as they light and fall might glance and glide off like shewers of raine and so take no effect Thus therefore Aliso being saved for a while from the violence of dartes and other shot with mightie strength of bodie putting underneath a sound pyle or post with the huge stroke of an axe so clave and burst the chaine aforesaid that it fell asunder and gave a large entrance to the citie And so by the working of this feat the citie lay open and undefended to the violence of the enemies For which cause what time as