Page 170
CHAP. IIII. The hortatorie Oration of Iulianus unto his souldiors, when he meant to give bat∣taile 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 understan∣ding, 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 stan∣ding doubtfull of his souldiors loyaltie, he first pacified by a secret kind of religi∣ous ceremonie * 1.1 Bellona f: and then, after he had summoned his armie together un∣to 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 ta∣ken 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 com∣panie 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 ma∣ny 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 correspon∣dent to our intention and desire: and whiles the countries of Illyricum are without grea∣ter 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 har∣die 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