The Roman historie containing such acts and occurrents as passed under Constantius, Iulianus, Iovianus, Valentinianus, and Valens, emperours. Digested into 18. bookes, the remains of 31. and written first in Latine by Ammianus Marcellinus: now translated newly into English. Wherunto is annexed the chronologie, serving in stead of a briefe supplement of those former 13. bookes, which by the iniurie of time are lost: together with compendious annotations and coniectures upon such hard places as occurre in the said historie. Done by Philemon Holland of the citie of Coventrie, Doctor in Physicke.

THE XXVI. BOOKE. (Book 26)

CHAP. I. When Iovianus was dead, Valentinian was elected Emperour.

HAving with verie great care delivered the whole order and course of State affaires unto the times next proceeding our late and neere remembrance, beseeming it were now to draw backe, & proceed no farther in matters so wel known, to the end we may both decline the daungers, which many times are attendant upon the truth, and not bee subject to the censure of unreasonable examiners of this worke now to be compiled forward, who keep a great stirre as ••ore hurt, in case we should overslip what the Emperour spake at supper, or omit for what cause the common souldiors were chastised in the campe about ^a Principia: who also would be readie to find fault, and say, That in the manifold descriptions of countries, we ought not to have beene silent as touching small pyles and forts: as also that all their names who assembled at the office or court of the Citie-Praetor, were not expresly set downe: and many the like particulars not suting with the rules of Hystorie, which is wont to discourse and run through high and important affaires, and not to search into the small points of low and meane matters: Which if any man would desire to know, he may as well hope, that those indivisible little bodies or motes flying up and downe in the ayre, such as we call Atomi, may bee numbred. Which inconvenience some of the auncient Hystorians fearing, pub∣lished not unto the world the notice of sundrie acts (when they were penned and put downe in a flowing stile) so long as they lived: according as Tullie also, a reve∣rend witnesse, affirmeth in a certaine Epistle unto Cornelius Nepos. And therefore contemning such vulgar ignorance, proceed we to the narration of that which is behind. These mutable and horrible accidents making an end with a lamentable issue and dolefull death: after a small time comming betweene, when the corps of the prince deceased was dressed accordingly, yea and sent to Cons••antinople to be interred among the reliques of other Emperours, when the a••••ie also was gone forward toward * 1.1 Nicea the mother citie in Bithynia, the civile magistrats and mar∣tiall officers, enwrapped in great cares about the State, and some among them puf∣fed up with a vaine hope, made enquirie after a governour of long proofe and gra∣vitie: and in a running rumor and darke whisperings of some few, there was nomi∣nated Equitius Tribune as then over the first companie of the Scutarij: Who be∣ing misliked by the better sort that were in authoritie, as one rigorous and some∣what

rude, from him their voice turned and went, after a slight manner, to a kins∣man of Iovianus, named Ianuarius, who had the chiefe charge of all necessaries belonging to the armie in Illyricum: who also being rejected, for that he lay farre off, Valentinian with an uniforme accord, by the favour and grace of the heaven∣ly deitie was elected, as a fit and meet person for that affaire about which they went, one who being captaine of the second companie of the Scutarij, was left at Ancyra, to follow afterwards, as it was ordained. And for that this was thought without the gainesaying of any to stand with the good of the Common-weale, whiles some were of purpose sent to admonish him for to come with all speed, for tenne dayes space there was none to steere the helme of the Empire, which the Soothsayer Marcus, by inspection of beasts bowels at Rome, had pronoun∣ced to have happened at the same time. Meane while, to the end that nothing might be practised or done contrarie to that which was decreed, nor the uncon∣stant souldiors, often mutable, should make choice of some one there present, di∣ligent fore-cast was had by Equitius and Leo together (which Leo, as yet under Dagalaiphus Generall of the horsemen, kept the accompts of receits and expences for the militarie bands, and afterwards prooved a mischievous master of the offi∣ces) who framed and wrought all that ever they could the mind and judgement of the whole armie, as being Pannonians and favourers of the Emperour elect: who being upon sending for come, and having a presage or perceivance of the bu∣sinesse to bee performed (as hee had an inckling given him even by continuall dreames) would neither be seene nor come abroad for two dayes, avoiding the Bis∣sext or odde day ^b of the Leape yeare in the moneth Februarie, which then was comming, and which he knew had beene divers times unfortunat to the Romans: the certaine knowledge of which day I will now declare.

CHAP. II. A discourse and speculative consideration as touching the Bissextile or odde day of the Leape yeare, so precisely observed by Valentinian.

THe space and revolution of the yeare, the auncient writers, learned in the motion of the heaven, and in Astronomie, among whom, Menon, Euctemon, Hipparchus, and Archimedes excell, define in this wise: name∣ly, when the Sunne having by the everlasting law and order of things coelestiall run through the circle of the [twelve] signes, which in the Greek tongue is tearmed the ^c Zodiake, a course that he performeth in three hundred threescore and five dayes and nights, is returned againe to the same point: as for example, if setting out at the second degree of Aries, he returneth after his course ended to the same againe. But most truly, the space of one yeare is fully determined in the daies aforesaid, and sixe houres besides, namely, untill noone; and then the next yeare shall begin after the * 1.2 sixt houre, and reach unto the evening: the third day taking his beginning at the first * 1.3 watch, extendeth to the sixt houre of the * 1.4 night: and the fourth, from midnight holdeth on untill it be cleare * 1.5 day light. Least therefore this computation, by reason of the divers beginnings of the yeare, and for that, as one runneth out or endeth after the sixt houre of the day, so another after the sixt houre of the night should by a disorderly division confound all knowledge: and least the Autumne moneth might be found at any time in the Spring, thought good it

was, that those odde sixe houres, which in foure yeares arise to foure and twentie, should make the full measure of one day and night, for to be put unto the rest. Which being deepely considered, with the accord of many learned men it came to passe, that the revolution of the yerely course being brought to one distinctend, is neither wandering nor uncertaine, ne yet from thenceforth appeareth the order and motion of the heaven shadowed with any error, and the moneths keepe just their appointed times. The Romanes for a long time, before they had farre enlar∣ged their dominions, were ignorant hereof, and for many ages together being en∣wrapped with obscure doubts and difficulties, wavered then most in the deepe mist of errors, when they had transferred upon the priests the power and authoritie of ^d Intercalation: who gladly gratifying the Publicans or suiters at law for their com∣modities, at their pleasure abridged or augmented the times. And beside this, there arose many other deceivable errors, which to relate I thinke it now superfluous. All which abuses Octavian Augustus having abolished, in imitation of the Greekes re∣formed the disorder, and composed this inconstancie, by collecting together with great deliberation the spaces of twelve moneths and six houres: and so the Sunne running by eternall motion through the houses of the twelve signes, concludeth the space of the whole yeare. The reason of which odde day in the Leape yeare being thus allowed, Rome also (which by the helpe of Almightie God is to live so long as the world shall last) hath established. Wherefore let us proceed to the rest.

CHAP. III. Valentinian before the whole armie is pronounced soveraigne ruler of the Empire, whiles some can hardly brooke it, whom he in a grave Oration rebuketh and represseth.

WHen this day was past, unmeet (as some think) for important affaires, and the evening now came on, ordained it was, and proclamation made under paine of death, by the motion of Sallustius the Prae∣fect, and the readie assent of all men, That no person in place of high authoritie, or suspected to aspire unto great matters, should the next morning goe forth of dores in honourable habite. And when with the irkesome wearinesse of many, who were vexed with vaine vowes, at length the night was ended, and day begun, all the souldiors assembled together, and Valenti∣nian went forth into the plaine field: where being permitted to mount up to the Tribunall erected on high, in shew of a Parliament assembly, and with most for∣ward good will of all that were present, he was pronounced as a grave personage, Governour of the Empire. And anon being invested in regall robes, crowned al∣so and styled [Augustus] with ample praises, such as sweet noveltie could devise, he addressed himselfe to make a premeditate speech, and as he put forth his arme, that he might speake more readily, there arose a great mumbling, with a noyse of the Centuries, Maniples, and all the Cohorts, urging instantly, that out of hand there might a second Emperour bee declared with him. Which albeit many thought was done by the corruption of some few, in favour of those that had been rejected, yet by this one thing it seemed they were utterly deceived, because the crie went not as voices purchased with money, but like an uniforme accord of the whole multitude wishing and willing one thing; as fearing much by the fresh example

they had of late, the frailtie and brittlenesse of high fortunes. Then from secret whisperings it appeared evidently, that there was a more violent tumult raysed of the armie, making a mightie noise; and doubted it was, what the soldiors confident boldnesse might prove, which otherwhiles breaketh out into mischievous actions. Which Valentinian fearing more than all others, least it should come to passe in∣deed, holding happily up his right hand as a most hardie and redoubted prince, daring to rebuke some of them as seditious and stubborne, delivered his mind without interruption of any in this manner. Most valiant defendors of the provinces, I reioyce and acknowledge now, and ever shall, that your vertues have conferred upon me, as the worthiest of all others, the rule of the Romane world, without any hope or de∣sire at all of mine. That therefore which lay in your power to doe, when there was not yet any Governour of the Empire elected, yee have profitably and with glorie performed, in taking him to the highest pitch of honour, whom from the prime of his youth, even to this ripenesse of yeares, yee knew by experience to have lived in much honour and integri∣tie. Wherefore listen (I pray you) with quiet and peaceable eares, what after mine opi∣nion in plaine and simple words delivered, is expedient for the Common-weale. That there ought against all chaunces whatsoever a colleague to be ioyned in fellowship of au∣thoritie, sundrie considerations so requiring, I neither make doubt nor gainesay, as who even my selfe also, being a man, feare heapes of cares and sundrie changes of acci∣dents. But we must with our whole power endevour to have peace, by which even the least things become mightie: and that will easily bee obtained, if your patience, ioyned with equitie, shall willingly yeeld that unto me which belongeth unto my charge. For, as I hope, Fortune (the adiutrice of good purposes) will give the same unto me, see∣king diligently (so much as I am able to effect and attaine unto) after a temperature and moderation. For, as wise and learned men define this point, not onely in the matter of an Empire, where the greatest dangers are, and those happening most often, but also in private and dayly affaires, when any wise man hath iudged a stranger meet for his friendship, he ought then to take him, and not when he hath taken him, then to iudge of him. Thus much promise I, with hope of more prosperous proceedings. As for you, re∣taining still your constant and faithfull doings, while Winters repose giveth leave, re∣paire the vigour of mind and bodie both, who forthwith are to receive your due, for de∣claring and saluting me Augustus. The Emperour having ended this speech, which an unexpected authoritie had made more confident, woon them all to his mind: and they following his way and advice, who a little before with most earnest voice required another thing, conducted him (environed round about with standards and banners, royally also guarded with companies of divers degrees and states, and now terrible to see to) into the palace.

CHAP. IIII. Apronianus P••••fect or Governour of Rome, putteth Poysoners and Sorcerers to death.

WHiles the volubilitie of inconstant fortune produceth these occurrē∣ces in the East parts, Apronianus an upright & severe judge, who then ruled Rome, among other principall and important matter, with which this Praefectship is often troubled, chiefely set his mind and whole endevor upon this, That Sorcerers (who then began to spring

up here and there) being apprehended, and openly convicted, after examinations and trials past, that they had done hurt to some, and having discovered also such as were privie unto them, should be put to death: and so with the perill of a few, for feare of the like measure, to drive the rest away, if happily any lay close hidden And this he did (by report) the more effectually, for that himselfe being promoted by the choice of Iulian, who then abode in Syria, had lost one of his eyes in his journey: and suspecting that he was layd at by these wicked arts and practises, up∣on a just griefe verily, but yet unusuall, he made diligent inquisition after these and other the like: whereupon he was thought of some over-rigorous and cruell, in that he would seeme to looke into these criminall matters in the highest degree, e∣ven in the race of the Amphitheatre, where otherwhiles the commons flocke and conflow together like so many waves. In the end, after many such like offences pu∣nished, he condemned to loose his head Hilarius a chariot-runner, convicted, and that upon his owne confession, That he had put forth a sonne of his, scarce under∣growne, unto a Sorcerer, to be taught certaine secret casts forbidden by law, so as that without the privitie of any one hee might by himselfe have the helpe of some hidden and inward meanes: who, as the executioner had but slender hold of him, slipping suddainely away from under his hand, fled for sancturie to a chapp••ll of the Christians, and being pulled out from thence, had forthwith his head strucken off. But these and such like hainous practises, by order then taken for, to be punished streighwaies, men were warie to commit, and none or very few offendors in these foule and odious crimes insulted over the publicke justice: but in the time ensuing long impunitie nourished lewd enormities, and licentiousnesse grew to so great an head, that a certaine Senatour followed the example of Hilarius; and proved it was against him, even almost by his owne hand-writing, That he had put unto a teacher of these cursed crafts a servant of his, for to be inducted and schooled in these horri∣ble secrets, and was faine to buy out his punishment with a round summe of mo∣ney, as the report commonly went. And this selfesame partie now, delivered and freed from this kind of slaunder that went of him, whereas he should have beene a∣shamed of his life and fault committed, endevoured not to wipe away this staine; but, as if he alone, among many reprochfull persons had beene void of all offence, mounted upon a rich trapped horse, and prauncing over the paved streets, draweth after him, being but one man, many troupes of servants and pages, affecting by a certaine new kind of badge and cognizance, more earnestly to be gazed at: like as wee have heard, that Duillius in old time, after those glorious battailes which hee fought at sea, tooke thus much upon him, as to returne home unto his house after supper with a minstrell piping softly before him. Howbeit, under this Apronianus there was such plentie from time to time of all necessaries, that there could not so much as any grumbling at all be heard for want of victuals: a thing that falleth out continually in Rome.

CHAP. v. Valentinian taketh unto him to be Colleague in the Empire, his brother Valens: and when he was come to Constantinople pronounceth him Augustus. Through∣out the whole Roman world there be troubles and commoti∣ons of the people, which the Emperours ende∣vour to quench.

BVt Valentinian declared Emperour, as I have before said in Bithy∣nia, after he had given forth the signall of setting forward in his journey against the third day following, and assembled the chiefe governours and officers of the campe, intending, as it were, wholly to follow such designements and counsels as were right * 1.6 pleasing to himselfe, did put to question and demaunded, Who it was that must be assumed into the fellowship of the Empire? and when all the rest held their peace, Dagala••phus Generall of the horsemen for the time be∣ing, boldly answered thus, If thou lovest thine owne (quoth he) most gracious Empe∣rour, thou hast a brother: if the Commonwealth make further enquirie for another. At which words he was angrie, but saying never a word, and concealing what hee thought, after he had travailed apace, he entred Nicomedia the first day of March, and there with the dign••tie of a Tribuneship, made his brother great Master of his stable. And when hee was come from thence to Constantinople, casting many things in his mind, and considering that he now was about to mannage great and urgent affaires, he supposed there was no lingering about the matter, but produ∣cing the same Valens to a place by the citie side, with one generall accord of all (for no man durst say against him) pronounced him Augustus: and being adorned and invested in Imperial robes, and wearing a diademe about his head, he brought him backe in the same chariot with him: one verily, who was a lawful partner with him in power and authoritie, but yet duetifull unto him, as if he had beene a Sergeant, or such like attendant officer, as the processe of mine Hystorie shall declare. Which businesses thus brought to an end, without trouble and interruption by any one, both the Emperours having been long sicke of hot burning agues, when there was assured hope of life, as they were more industrious to looke into businesses than to compose them, graunted out a commission to make strait inquirie into the suspiti∣ous causes of their sicknesse, unto Vrsatius Master of the offices, a fierce and cruell Dalmatian, and to Iuventius Siscianus, at that time Questor, raising matter of envie and malice, as the constant bruit went, unto the memorie of prince Iulian, and to his friends, as if they had by some secret practise beene hurt. But this storme soon blew ouer and came to nothing: for there was not so much as a word found to lead unto any presumption or suspition of traiterous dealing. At this time, as if the trumpets had sounded the battaile throughout all the Roman world, most fell and savage nations rose up in armes, and invaded the next limits unto them. The * 1.7 Alemans wasted at once both Gaule and Rhaetia: the Sarmatians and Quadi made spoyle in Pannonia both the one and the other. The Picts, Saxons, Scots, and Attacots, infested the Britans with continuall troubles. The Austorians and other Maurite nations made rodes more fiercely than they had wont, into Affricke. Certain bands of Gothicke Brigands and rovers rifled and ransacked Thracia. The king of Persia

layd violent hands upon the Armenians, hastning by all forcible meanes to reduce them a fresh to his owne dominion, but unjustly; pretending and alledging thus much, that after the decease of Iovianus, with whom he had established league and peace, there ought to be nothing to the contrarie, but that hee might recover those things which hee shewed to have before time appertained unto his aunce∣stors. After therefore that the Winter was passed over in quietnesse and peace, the two Emperours agreeing most joyntly together, the one in name having pre∣heminence, the other, for outward shew, equall in honour, after they had passed through Thracia, came to Naessum, where, in a certaine Suburbian countrie towne which is called Mediana, and standeth three miles from the citie, as if they meant shortly to part, divided their Comites betweene them. And verily unto Valentini∣an, after whose will and direction the State was mannaged, f••ll Iovinus, promoted a good while since by Iulian to be Master of the men of * 1.8 Armes in Gaule, and Daga∣laiphus whom Iovian had preferred to be Colonell of the footmen. But to follow Valens into the East, was Victor appointed, who also by the choise and judgement of the foresaid Prince, had beene advanced, and with him was joyned Arintheus. For, Lupicinus promoted likewise before by Iovian, to be Master of the horsmen, had the charge of the East parts. Then also was Equitius made Colonell of the armie that served in Illiricum, not * 1.9 Master as yet, but Comes. And Serenianus, who long since was discharged of his militarie othe, entred into armes and warfare againe, as being a Pannon••an, accompanied Valens, and became captaine over the companie or band of the Domestici. Which things thus digested and ordered, there was a partition made also of the militarie bands: and after this, when both Princes entred into Sirmium, and had divided their Palatine traine, as it was thought good unto the elder and better of the twaine, so that Valentinian departed to Millain, and Valens to Constantinople. And verily in the East parts governed Sallustius as Praefect: but Mamertinus ruled in the same authoritie both Italy, Affricke, and Illyricum, like as Germanus the Provinces of Gaule.

CHAP. VI. Whiles Valentinian intendeth to make warre upon the Alemans, Procopius in the East parts aspireth to be Emperour: Whereupon Valentinian was busied with new cares.

WHiles therefore the two Princes kept their resiance in the said cities, they put on their first Consular robes of Estate: and all this yeare was the Roman Empire afflicted with grievous losses & damages. For, the Alemans brake through the limits of Germanie, provoked thereto with a more mischievous mind than usually they had beene, upon this occasion: Whereas upon their embassadors sent unto the Princes court, there should have beene bestowed of dutie certaine set gifts appointed by custom, allowance was made of smaller, and those of lesse value than had beene vsed: which they, when they should receive, faring in furions manner, flung away, as a most shamefull indignitie offered unto them: and after they had beene ve••ie roughly intreated by Vrsatius the Master of the offices, an angrie and cruell man, they re••••r∣ned home, and aggravating this fact, stirred up most fell nations, as if they had been contumeliously despised, to rebellion. And about that time, or not long after, Pro∣copius

in the East rose up in armes, and plot••ed to usurpe the Empire. Which newes happening neere about the * 1.10 Kalends of November, were reported the verie same day unto Valentinian, as he was comming to Paris. And for the Alemans verily he commaunded Dagalaiphus to march forward with speed, and to make head against them: who having wasted the places neerer at hand, were departed & gone a great way off, without losse of bloud. But about the repressing of the designe & attempt of Procopius before it might grow to greater strength, he was distracted with doubt∣full cares, and in this regard especially troubled, for that he wist not whether hee af∣fected and reached at the foresaid Empi••e, whiles Valens was alive, or after his death. For Equitius, upon relation and intelligence given by Antonius a Tribune (who had the command of the forces in the mid-land parts of Dacia) which gave knowledge of nothing but the occurrent it self, and that obscurely upon heare-say, had also himselfe before the thing was knowne for certain, in bare words acquain∣ted the Prince with what was done. Vpon knowledge hereof Valentinian having honoured the sayd Equitius with the dignitie of Great Master, or Generall, purpo∣sed to returne unto Illyricum, least the rebell become dread now after the overrun∣ning of Thracia, should in hostile manner make rodes into Pannonia. For, excee∣dingly terrified he was with the late and fresh example, as calling to mind how Iu∣lian a little before (contemning that Emperour who everie where in civile warre went away on the winning hand) before he was either feared or expected, passed with incredible celeritie from one citie to another. But as hot set as hee was upon returne, y••t his heat became allaied by the counsell and advice of those about him, persuading and beseeching him, not to expose Gaule unto the barbarous enemies, threatning as they did nothing but deadly mischiefe; nor upon this pretense and allegation to forsake the Provinces needing his helping hand: And together with them joyned the embassadors of noble cities, praying and intreating him not to leave the sayd Provinces in this hard and doubtfull estate, unprotected and with∣out defence, which with his personall presence he might deliver out of great daun∣gers, by affrighting the Germans onely with the majestie of his name. At length, pondering throughly and with good advisement, the utiliti•• of the thing, as ben∣ding and framing himselfe to yeeld unto the opinions of many, hee otherwhiles would say, That Procopius was enemie indeed but onely to himselfe and his bro∣ther, whereas the Alemans were to the whole Roman world and Empire, and so determined not to stirre any whither for the time without the confines of the Gaules, being gone forward alreadie as farre as to Remes: Yet having a carefull regard of Affricke, least the enemies should sodainely breake into it, he tooke order that Vulterius, afterward Consull, then Notarie, should goe to the defence thereof, as also Masaurio, one of the Domestici Protectores, upon this consideration, that being brought up there in times past under his father Cretio a * 1.11 Comes, he knew all the suspected and dangerous places: and with these he joyned Gaudentius a Scuta∣rius, whom he knew of old to be true and faithfull unto him. Now, for that there were most wofull tempests and stormes up in both parts of the Empire at one and the selfe same time, we wil digest everie thing in due place; first reporting what was done in the East, and then relating the Barbarian warres [in the West:] For that the most part of these occurrences fell out in the same monethes, both in the West, and also in the East part of the world: least whiles wee make hast by leaps to return other whiles out of one place to another, we should in a confusion of all, enwrap the order and course of the storie with verie foule obscuritie.

CHAP. VII. What this Procopius was, and by what devises and policies he went about to usurpe the Empire.

PRocopius descended of noble parentage, borne & brought up in Cilicia, in this regard that he was neere of kin unto Iulian afterwards Emperor, from his verie first degree arose and shewed himselfe: and as one for his life and behaviour verie orderly and precise (although he was of a close and silent carriage) serving in the warres a long time in good credit and shew in qualitie of a Notarie and Tribune, and now being next in place unto the best and chiefe officers, after the death of Constantius, in that change of the world aspired high: as who was a kinsman of the Emperours, and raunged in the ranke and fellowship of the Comi∣tes. And apparent it was, that he, if ever it mightlye in his power, would trouble the quiet estate of the Commonwealth another day. This Procopius, Iulian when hee entred into Persia had left behind him him with strong regiments of souldiors in Mesopotamia, joyning to him in equall power Sebastianus: and had given him in charge, as whispered it was by a darke report (for there was no certaine author to be seene of this mandate) that hee should deale according to the course of things and occurrents knowne: and if he perceived at any time the ayds of the Roman State to goe downe the wind, he should take order, that himselfe with all speed might be nominated and stiled Emperour. Who carrying himselfe in civile and warie wise in the managing of that which was enjoyned unto him, when hee un∣derstood of the death of Iulian, upon a false rumor running abroad, that the same Iulian lying at the verie point of death, delivered thus much, That it was his mind and pleasure, that the government of the Empire should bee put into the hands of Procopius, fearing least for this cause he should be killed, without processe of law and condemnation, got himselfe out of sight: but terrified most of all after the death of Iovianus the chiefe of all the Notaries; whom upon the decease of Iulian nomina∣ted by some few souldiors as worthy of the Empire, and suspected afterwards to a∣spire thereunto, he understood to have been with much torment put to death. And for that he had learned how himselfe was with great diligence layd for, to avoid the heavie load of grievous envie, he departed out of the way (as I said) into remote and secret parts. And when he perceived that Iovianus the Emperour had his spyes a∣broad, to seeke out his lu••king holes, and was beside wearie of this manner of life: for, being cast downe from an high estate to a low degree, he was sore pinched also with hunger in ill favoured and foule countries: he wanted the speech and confe∣rence with men: & driven in the end to extreame necessitie, by journeying through wilds and by-wayes, he came into the territorie about Chalcedon, where because that seemed unto him a sure place of refuge, he kept himselfe close with a most tru∣stie friend one Strategius, who of a Palatine souldior was become a Senator: going many times secretly, as he might, betweene his house and Constantinople, as it ap∣peared evidently by the same Strategius, who disclosed all, after that there had been oft inquisition made into the adherents of that faction. After the guise therefore of a most cunning and subtile spie, altogether unknowne (in visage, hee looked so poore and leane) he harkened after all the flying rumors that began then to runne thicke abroad (as commonly things at their first beginning bee eve•• more distast∣full)

bruited by many persons, who seemed to blame Valens, as if he were hote and greedily bent to make spoyle of other mens goods: to the enkindling of whose ri∣gour and crueltie, there was a mischievous fire-brand readie at hand, his * 1.12 father in law Petronius, promoted with a suddaine jumpe from being a captaine of the souldiors ^• Martenses, to be a ^f Patritian, a man in mind and habite of bodie de∣formed. Who being wonderfully sharpe-set to strip all men without any respect, even to their very skins, after exquisit torments bound the innocent as well as the offendors with foure-fold bonds, raking and scraping for debts due even from the very dayes of Aurelianus the Emperour, and sorrowing exceedingly, if he had absolved or enlarged any, without receiving some hurt and damage. Whose intol∣lerable conditions this mischiefe also made the worse, for that being enriched with the piteous sorrowes of other men, he was inexorable and cruell: as he carried also an enraged heart, so he was therewith most rude and untaught, not fit at any time either to yeeld or admit reason: more odious than Cleander; who governing as Praefect under the Emperour Commodus, in a high straine (as it were) of outrage and madnesse, made havocke (as we read) of divers mens estates: more grievous and irkesome than Plautianus; who being likewise Praefect under Severus, swelling and puffed up beyond all measure, would have made a confusion of all thinges, had he not died upon the revenging edge of the sword. These lamentable pro∣ceedings, which by the instigation and setting on of Petronius under Valens, had shut up many houses as well of poore as rich, and the more horrible feare of mis∣chiefes toward, stucke close to the very heart root of the provinciall people and souldiors both, who groned under these burthens alike: and every man wished for a day, though in darke and secret tearmes, and that with joynt grones on all hands, that by the helpe of the highest God there might be an alteration in the State. Which Procopius closely taking vantage of, and supposing that when that blessed and happie day should come, with small adoe he might be taken up to the very top of the highest dignitie, lay close in espiall, waiting as a savage beast for his prey, readie forthwith to bounce out, if it could see that which might be caught. Vnto whom, so eagre of the bit, Fortune ministred this occasion in exceeding good season, to make up his mouth.

CHAP. VIII. Whiles Valens is farre removed by occasion of warre against the Gothes, Procopius putting forward his intended businesse, is by tumultuarie acclama∣tions saluted Emperour.

WHen Winter was spent, Valens speeding himselfe apace toward Sy∣ria, and being now entred the marches of Bithynia, was enfor∣med by the relation and reports made from the Lord-marchers, That the Gothes, a nation at that time unfoyled and not med∣led with, and the same most cruelly banding together, were put∣ting their forces in readinesse, to invade the confines and bor∣ders of Thracia. This beeing knowne, to the end that himselfe in person might without any let goe forward whither he meant, commaunded a sufficient aid of horse and foot both to bee sent unto those places, wherein it was feared there would be any rodes of the barbarous enemies. When the prince therefore was

farre remooved, Procopius worne away with long miseries, supposing any grie∣vous death more easie and tollerable than the painefull afflictions which he en∣dured, threw at a venture the dye, and hazarded at one cast all perils whatsoever: and in a desperate resolution leading the way, nothing at all afraid now to suffer any extremities, setteth in hand with a most bold enterprise. The ^g Divitenses and Tungritani of the younger sort and later enrolment, appointed among others to make hast unto the urgent service in Thracia, and purposing to abide after the so∣lemne manner two dayes in Constantinople, he hastened to sollicite by the me∣diation of some out of the same companies with whom he was acquainted (be∣cause it was a perillous and difficult matter to speake with them all) and made choice of some few to put in trust: who beeing woon through the hope of great rewards, promised and bound it with a religious oath, to doe whatsoever he wil∣led them; yea, and gave their word for the favour also and assistance of their fel∣low souldiors, among whom themselves carried a great sway, and might do much by persuasion, as having the greatest pay, and being of best desert. According to appointment, and when it was faire day light, the said Procopius distracted into sun∣drie cogitations, went to the Baines ^h Anastasianae, so called of Constantines sister, where he knew the militarie ensigns were bestowed, and being enformed by those that were privie to their secret counsels, that all of them, upon an association made in the night, agreed to side with him, with assurance of safe conduct being gladly admitted unto them, environed he was with a multitude thronged together of vendible or sale souldiors, by way of honour I must needs say, but yet pent up a∣mongst them as one besieged: who, like as the Praetorian cohort in times past, after the death of Pertinax, received Iulianus, cheapening (as one would say) the imperiall dignitie, and making offer what price he would give for it: even so they also, bent to every thing that would yeeld them advantage and profite, defended Procopius, plotting to enter upon an unfortunate soveraignetie. He stood therefore among them as one halfe pined and consumed (a man would have taken him to have been a ghost raysed from the dead) by reason that a rich regall mantle would no where be found, clad in a coat beset with embossed gold, like unto one of these kings * 1.13 servants, arrayed from the heele to the share in manner of a nice and pretie page, wearing also purple shooes and hose: and as he bare a javelin or speare in his right hand, so he carried in the left a pretie piece of purple cloth; so as one would have thought, that in a stage-play within the Theatre, either some notable image and counterfeit through the tapistrie curtaines, or else a mocking delusion to make folke laugh, suddainely came forth and appeared. Well then, being thus after a ridiculous manner lifted up to this degree, in disgrace (as it were) and mockerie of all honours, and by way of servile flatterie having made a speech unto the authors of this benefit and advancement of his, yea, and promised unto them great riches and dignities for this hansell and first fruits (as it were) of his Empire, foorth hee went in procession into the streets, guarded with a multitude of armed men: and there in stately port he marched on with the ensignes borne aloft upright, enclo∣sed on every side with a dreadfull noyse of shields and targuets, clattering in dole∣full wise: which they, for feare least from the high houses they should bee pelted with stones or broken tyles, fitted close and thicke to the crests of their helmets. As for himselfe, going timorously as he did, the people neither withstood nor fa∣voured: howbeit, ravished they were with a suddaine pleasure and joy in such a noveltie, a thing naturally given to most of the vulgar sort: and this was the rather

set on foot, because (as I said before) all folke with one mind detested Petronius, growing on to such wealth by violent meanes: as who raised up against divers or∣ders and degrees of citizens new troubles and suits; yea, and revived bils and wri∣tings of debt long since buried. When as therefore the said Procopius was moun∣ted up to the Tribunall, and by reason that all the people looked downe on the ground, and stood astonied (which silence of theirs gave suspition of some mis∣chiefe toward) supposing there was prepared now (as he feared) a readier way to his death, by reason of a trembling that went over all his joints (being of himselfe not readie of speech) he stood a long time silent. Yet after he had now begun to say somewhat with an interrupt and dead voice, whereby he pretended his neere alli∣ance unto the bloud and line imperial, with a low whispering of some few that were hired thereto of purpose, and afterwards with tumultuarie noises and cries of the common people, being named Emperour, disorderly & in great hast he went to the * 1.14 Curia: where finding none there of * 1.15 Senators degree, but some few, and those ig∣noble and base persons, he went apace, but with a most unfortunat and wicked foot, and so entred the palace.

CHAP. IX. Valens hearing of this bold action of Procopius, chaungeth his purpose: Procopius by sundry craftie devices, and in the end by an armie levied and assem∣bled, provideth for himselfe.

SOme marvaile, I assure you, that such ridiculous beginnings, unwisely and rashly taken in hand, have broken forth in the end, to the wofull calamities of Commonweale; as ignorant perhaps of former prece∣dents, supposing the same to have happened then first, and never be∣fore. Thus Andriscus the Adramytene, a base fellow, and of the meanest conditi∣on, raysed up to the very name of * 1.16 Pseudophilippus, was the cause of the third grie∣vous and bloudie Macedonian warre. Thus whiles Macrinus the Emperour abode in Antioch, Heliogabalus ⁱ came forth of * 1.17 Emesa, and became Antoninus. So also by an unexpected assault made by Maximinus, was ^k Alexander, together with Mammaea, stabbed to death. In Affrick, the elder Gordian, haled by force to usurpe the Empire, for very trouble and anguish of imminent dangers strangled himselfe with an halter, and ended his life. Well, procured there were and taken in to the doubtfull issue of this strange occurrence, some against their wils, and some wil∣lingly, * 1.18 marchants of trifling cates and such as gave attendance within the palace, or had given over to wait: those also who having beene enrolled souldiors, had betaken themselves now to a more quiet life. And there were againe, who suppo∣sing all conditions of life better than the present State, slipped away secretly from the citie, and with speedie journeyes made hast unto the Emperours campe. All these, Sophronius, then a Notarie, Praefect afterwards of Constantinople, out∣stript and prevented by riding most swiftly, and turned backe into Galatia, Va∣lens, readie then to depart from Caesarea in Cappadocia, intending now, that the hote and sultring constitution of the weather in Cilicia was allayed, to goe through, and that with speed, to the habitation and seat of Antioch: him, I say, he averted from his journey, after he had declared the whole order of the pro∣ceedings aforesaid unto him, much troubled and astonied, as he was, by reason of his doubtfull hopes, (as in such cases it is an ordinarie thing) and minding to take hold of these matters, yet standing upon fearefull and ticklish tearmes.

But whiles he maketh speed and taketh great journeyes, Procopius with most ear∣nest and watchfull care from day to day spent the whole nights, shewing abroad certaine suborned and counterfeit persons, who with confident boldnesse faining, that they were come, some out of the East, others out of Gaule, brought word, that Valentinian was dead; yea, and gave it out in plaine tearmes, that all lay cleare and open for this new and much favoured prince to enter upon. And because such re∣bellious usurpations of Empires malapartly taken in hand, are wont otherwhiles to be strengthened with quick dispatch, least any thing should be omitted that might strike a terror, forthwith Nebridius, newly by the faction of Petronius promoted in the rowme of Sallustius to be Praefectus Praetorio, and Caesarius Praefect of the citie Constantinople, were cast into prison and layed up fast: and Phronemius had com∣maundement to rule the citie after the wonted government, and Euphrasius to bee master of the Offices; both of them Gaules, and men most approved for their eru∣dition and learning: and the managing of militarie and campe-affaires was com∣mitted very inconsiderately (as the end shewed which bewrayeth what things are) unto Gomoarius and Agilo, who were called backe againe to take a new oath of souldiorie. And because Iulius the * 1.19 Comes having charge of the forces in Thracia, was like from the neere stations to suppresse these rebels, if he understood once of their attempts, and therefore feared, there was this effectuall and cunning policie devised; and he, by commaundement as it were of Valens, being sent for to Con∣stantinople by the letters of Nebridius (as yet in prison) violently wrung from him, under a colour to treat about the troubles of the barbarous enemies, was there de∣tained in strait hold close prisoner. And by this craftie and deceitfull fetch the war∣like nation of Thracia being without bloudshed woon to the side, brought excee∣ding great aid and maintenance to these tumultuarie attempts. After which so at∣chieved with prosperous successe, Araxius also by labouring those of the palace, and procuring of their voices, became Praefectus Praetorio: and Agilo, who marri∣ed his daughter, helped him forward also, with his good word: many others like∣wise were admitted to sundry places and employments in court, as also to the ad∣ministration of provinces, some against their wils, others of their owne accord offering themselves with money and rewards in hand. And, as it usually falleth out in civile and domesticall dissentions, divers rose up even out of the very dung∣hill and rascalitie, directed onely by desperate and blind projects: contrariwise, some againe there were, who being nobly borne, fell from high estates downe to very death and exile. Now, when as by these and such like practises there seemed to be a faction firmely framed, it remained that there should be good store of mi∣litarie forces raised: and easily was that brought about, a thing that diverse times in publicke broyles and commotions hath hindered brave exploits, enterprised e∣ven upon just and lawfull motives. For the troupes and companies as well of horse∣men as footmen which were levied through Thracia, to performe the expedition as they passed along, being courteously and liberally entreated, and all assembled together, so as they made a shew of an armie, gaping after most large promises, un∣der paine of cursed execrations swore allegeance unto Procopius, promising in their behalfe this constant resolution, That they would not faile, but defend him with their owne armes and forces. And verily he met with a very fit occasion and opor∣tunitie to allure them unto his part, for that himselfe carrying all about with him in his owne armes a little daughter of Constantius (whose fresh memoriall was high∣ly honoured) pretended kinred even with Iulian. He found also another thing,

that suited verie fitly with the present time: for that he did upon him the orna∣ments of Imperiall vesture, when as Faustina mother of the said girle was by a cer∣taine meere chaunce present in place. To these he adjoyneth another peece of po∣licie, which with all diligence was to be put in practise; namely, certaine picked men for the nonce, and foole-hardie, were sent to seize upon Illyricum, trusting up∣on no other helpe but malapert sawcinesse, who, forsooth, handsomely devised cer∣taine peeces of gold made with the stampe of the new Emperors face, beside other meanes of allurements: Whom Equitius, Generall of the forts in those countries apprehended and put to divers sorts of death. And then fearing the like practises, he stopped up three most narrow waies and passages, by which the Northern pro∣vinces are assailed, the one by Dacia * 1.20 Ripensis, a second, and that right will known, by Succi, and the third by the Macedonians, which they tearme ^l 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. And by this warie prevention the usurper of an undue and unlawfull government, being put quite beside his vaine conceit and persuasion to get Illyricum into his hands, lost great meanes of maintaining warres.

CHAP. X. The legions armed against Procopius, and readie to fight, through his seditious words as it were, enchaunted and bewitched, are wrought against Valens and Valentinian, and acknowledge Procopius for Emperour. After this he gaineth to his side Nicea and Bithynia. Valens having escaped extre∣mitie of danger, by his best and most select cap∣tains encountreth the rebels.

WHiles these things are thus in contriving Valens astonied at so heavie and fearefull newes, and now in his returne through Gallograecia, hearing how things went at Constantinople, marched diffidently and in much feare: and considering this sodaine affright confounded all the wayes of providence and forecast, so much was he discouraged and cast downe, that hee thought once to throw away his Imperiall robes, as an heavie burden. And so had he done indeed, but that through the gainsaying and opposition of his inward friends next about him, he was dissuaded from that base and unseemely purpose, and strengthened with the advice and opinions of the better sort, commaunded two regiments to goe before, named Iovij and Victores, for to breake into the re∣bels campe. As these now drew neere, Procopius being retyred from Nicea, whi∣ther he was lately come, having in his companie the ^m Divitenses, and a confused rabble of rebels and revolts, which almost in six dayes space he had gathered toge∣ther, he made hast to Mygdus, a place watered with the river * 1.21 Sangarius: where, when the legions were readie to joyne battaile and fight, among those that dischar∣ged arrowes and other shot to and fro, he alone, as if he meant to advance forward, and by way of skirmish to charge the enemies, brake out into the mids before them all: and such was the guidance of his good fortune, that seeming to agnize one Vi∣talianus out of the opposit battaile (and whether he knew him or no uncertain it is) after greeting in the Latine tongue, he gently 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 * 1.22 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 un∣to 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 barba∣rous 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 invin∣cible. 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 * 1.23 Drepanum, and now Helenopolis, and so from thence possessed himselfe, sooner than men would have thought, of Nicea. To the besieging whereof when Vado∣marius, 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 Chalce∣don: 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 * 1.24 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 en∣counter 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 * 1.25 Gastrensis, that is, a * 1.26 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 win∣neth it by force, as also by keeping in most strait ward Serenianus the Prefect, sent unto Nicea. Which done, bearing and vaun∣ting himselfe over high, he neglecteth the op∣portunitie of his affaires.

WHiles these affaires in this manner proceed, Venustus a certaine Mi∣nister 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, conside∣ring the time was unfit for that businesse, went quickly to * 1.27 Cyzicus with those moneyes which he had gathered up; where by chaunce he found Serenianus, then * 1.28 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 aunci∣ent records, to be compassed with imprenable walls: to the winning whereof Pro∣copius had appointed a strong power, that being lord of Bithynia, he might be ma∣ster 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. Vp∣on 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 re∣sting 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 en∣trance to the citie. And so by the working of this feat the citie lay open and unde∣fended, to the violence of the enemies. For which cause what time as afterwards (Procopius) the author of all this proud and audacious rebellion, was put to death, and the adherents and complices of this faction cruelly executed, this verie Tri∣bune in regard of so noble an exployt, keeping his life still, and the place he had in warre-service, dyed long after in Isauria, stabbed and killed by a sort of robbing Brigands. When Cyzicum was by this service laid open, Procopius made hast thi∣ther, after pardon graunted in generall to all those that had made resistance, onely

Serenianus he commaunded to be led bound unto Nicea, and there kept in ward most straitly. And forth with upon Ormisda, a forward and ripe young gentleman, the sonne of that noble Ormisda, a [Persian] Prince of the bloud royall, he confer∣red a Proconsulship, with commission to manage after the manner of old time, as well civile causes, as warre affaires. Who dealing mildly in his place according to his accustomed maner, when he should have beene surprised, and caught up in a sodaine incursion, by those souldiors whom Valens had sent by the wilds and by∣wayes of Phrygia, with so vigorous a courage escaped, that being once embarked he would never lye open to such doubtfull and daungerous chaunces: and had a∣way with him his wife that followed in safetie, notwithstanding a cloud (as it were) of arrows flew all about, when she was at the point to be taken prisoner: a wealthy dame she was, and nobly descended, whose modest carriage and glorious constan∣cie delivered her husband afterwards from extreame daungers. Procopius upon the foresaid victorie vaunting himselfe above the condition of mortalitie, and not knowing, that any man be he never so happie to day, with the turning of Fortunes wheele, may once before evening become most miserable, commanded the house of Arbetio, full (as it was) by reason of those inestimable escheats (which house be∣fore time he had spared as his owne, as reckoning him for one of his owne compli∣ces and adherents) to be rifled and ransacked cleane, taking stomacke and indigna∣tion against him, that being sent for sundrie times to come unto him, hee alwayes made delayes, alledging for his excuse the lets of old age and sicknesse. And al∣though for this cause he, a presumptuous usurper, might well feare some grievous inclination and turning of the ballance: yet whereas he might now at his pleasure with the willing assent of all men (there being none to make resistance) have inva∣ded the East provinces, desirous all to see some new chaunge, as irked with that ri∣gorous and rough governement wherewith they were held under: yet by linge∣ring on, and making longer stay, for to allure unto him certaine cities of Asia, and to chuse out skilfull miners for the getting of gold ore, as those that might stand him in good stead against his wars, which he expected would be many and great, he became dull and blunt in manner of a keene and fine edged sword: Like as in times past Pescennius Niger, sent for oftentimes by the people of Rome, to re∣lieve and succour the hope of the State lying in extremitie, whiles hee lingered a long time the invading of Syria, was vanquished in the gulfe * 1.29 Issicum (which is in Cilicia, where Alexander defeated Darius) and being put to flight, died by the hand of a common souldior, in a certaine Suburbe-village of Antiochia. These were the acts that passed about mid-Winter, whiles Valentinian and Valens were Consuls.

CHAP. XII. Valens using the service of Arbetio an old experienced captaine, draweth unto him many of Procopius his footmen and horsemen both: At length Procopius himself bound in chaines by his owne men, and brought unto Valens, had his head stricken off, and so buried quite the troubles of a civile war which was begun.

BVtwhen that most honourable magistracie was transferred to Gratianus as yet a privat person, and to Dagalaiphus, and the Spring began, where∣in all things gather strength, Valens joyning unto him Lupicinus, with strong auxiliaries, speedily advaunced his ensignes towardes

* 1.30 Pessinus, a towne in times past of Phrygia, and now of Galatia: which when he had quickly fortified with a garrison, least any unexpected accident might at una∣wares arise in those tracts, he intended to take his journey by the foot of the high hill Olympus, and the rough craggie lanes, minding to set upon Gomoarius, whiles he lay secure and negligent. But crossed he was in this designe by many, that joint∣ly and resolutely agreed together, upon this consideration especially, That his ene∣mie (as hath beene related before) by carrying about with him in a litter the little daughter of Constantius, with her mother Faustina, both in the way as he marched, and also when battailes approched one another embattailed, he enkindled the cou∣rage of the souldiors, to the end, that for this imperiall progenie, whereto he sayd moreover that himselfe was linked, they might fight more boldly. Like as upon a time the Macedonians, readie to strike a battail with the Illyrians, placed their king (as yet an infant in his swathling bands) behind the armie raunged in battaile ray; for feare of whom, least he should be carried away captive, they fought more vali∣antly, and vanquished their enemies. Against these craftie fetches, the Emperour in sage policie, to helpe the matter thus wavering and readie to reele, tooke good order, and exhorted Arbetio sometime Consull (who this long time had lived privately) to repaire unto him, to the end that by the reverent regard of him, a cap∣taine under Constantius, the rebels fell stomacke might be appeased. And so it fell out in very deed. For when he, in yeares elder, and in dignitie higher than all the rest, shewed his reverend gray haires unto many, that were otherwise en∣clined to perfidious trecherie, he calling Procopius himselfe a trayterous rebell to the State; but the souldiors that now followed his error, sonnes and parteners with him in travailes and paines-taking long agoe, requested them rather to follow him, as a father knowne unto them for his most happie conducts, than to be ruled by a lewd varlet, who would even anon beforlorne, and at point to take his finall overthrow. Which being knowne, Gomoarius, when he might well ynough have deluded the enemies, and returned safe to the place from whence he came, taking the vauntage of the neere distance, in pretence and colour of a captive passed over to the Emperours campe, as if he had beene beset with the rode of a multitude, that he suddainely espied. Vpon this good successe, Valens marched on with a running campe toward Phrygia; and neere unto * 1.31 Nacolia, when they were come to joyne battaile, the captaine of the adverse side Agilo, at the very instant of a doubtfull fight, by riding suddainely out of the ranke, betrayed all: and in imitation of him a number of others now shaking their javelins and swords, goe over to the Emperour, bearing their banners and shields reversed: a most ma∣nifest signe of revolt. This being once seene besides all mens expectation, Pro∣copius perceiving himselfe cut off from all meanes of escape, betooke him to his heeles, and ran within the secret noukes of the woods and woulds that stood round about: and after him there followed Florentius, and Barchalba a Tribune, whom being well knowne for his service in most bloudie warres, even from Con∣stantius his dayes, necessitie, and not his owne will, had drawne into this leawd and wicked action. When as therefore the greater part of the night was past, and the Moone, which from evening shone untill day light, augmented their feare, Procopius seeing on every side himselfe destitute of all meanes of esca∣ping, not knowing what to doe (as it falleth out commonly in such hard ca∣ses) expostulated with his lamentable and heavie fortune: and so, over whel∣med with a world of sundrie cares, was suddainely by his owne companions

fast bound, and upon the returne now of day brought into the campe, and pre∣sented to the Emperour, saying never a word, and looking downeward; and immediately having his head smitten off, hee buried with him the troubles of civile discords that were growing: according to the example of Perpenna in old time; who after that he had murthered Sertorius as he sat at his meat, having enjoyed a while the Soveraignetie, was plucked forth of the shrubs under which he had shrowded himselfe, and being brought before Pompeius, at his commaun∣dement was slaine. And in the like heat of bloud, Florentius and Barchalba, who brought him in, were streightwayes killed, without any regard and considera∣tion had of reason. For, if they had betrayed their lawfull prince, even Iustice her selfe would have pronounced, they were rightly killed: if a rebell and ene∣mie of civile peace (as he was named to be) they ought to have had ample and large rewards given them for so memorable an act. Now, Procopius departed this life, when he was fortie yeares old and tenne moneths over: a man not un∣comely of bodie, nor of meane stature, somewhat stouping, and in his gate loo∣king alwayes downeward to the ground, and by his close and sad behavior, like for all the world to that Crassus, of whom Lucillius and Tully make this report, That he laughed but once all his life time: and that which is to be wondered, so long as he lived, not stained with bloudshed.

CHAP. XIII. Marcellus captaine of Nicea, after that Serenianus was slaine, and Chalcedonpos∣sessed, taketh upon him the shaddow of a deadly and wofull Emperour: but within a little after is suppressed. Then was there cruell proceeding against the complices of Procopius and Marcellus, and that beyond all measure: for which Valens, an implacable man, whose greatest fault it was, deserved blame: whose crueltie here is described.

NEere about the same time, Marcellus a Protector, and a cousin of the same Procopius, captaine also of the garrison at Nicea, ha∣ving intelligence given him of the souldiors revolt, and death of Procopius, came upon Serenianus at unawares in the dead time of midnight, shut where hee was within the palace, and slew him; whose death was the life of many: for, if he had sur∣vived this victorie, being a man rough hewen, rude of behaviour, and for re∣semblance of conditions and vicinitie of native soyle well accepted of Valens, ob∣serving the close disposition and pleasure of the prince, too much enclined to cru∣eltie, would no doubt have massacred many innocent persons: who being slaine, Marcellus aforesaid riding presently unto Chalcedon, and seizing it into his owne hands, at the crie and shout of some few, whom their base condition and desperat estate thrust forward to mischiefe, taketh upon him the momentanie shadow of an Emperour, that cost him his life; induced thereto by two motives, which failed and deceived him: for that both the three thousand Gothes, which upon the paci∣fication of the kings were sent to aid Procopius, pretending that he was of kin un∣to

Constantius, he thought might be brought with some small reward and conside∣ration to side with him; and also, for that the proceedings in Illyricum were as yet unknowne. Amid these fearefull occurrences, Equitius being given to understand by faithfull espials, That the preparation of the whole warre was turned upon Asia, departing by Succi, assayed by great force and violence to open Philippopolis, cal∣led in old time Eumolpiada, shut up and kept by the enemies garrisons, a citie of very great importance, and like to impeach his comming, in case he should be for∣ced when he was to bring the aids that were left behind unto Valens (for as yet he knew not what had beene done at Nacolia) to hasten unto Haemimontum. But a little while after, when the vaine presumption and usurpation of Marcellus was known, there were sent adventurous and resolute souldiors, who having apprehen∣ded him, cast him into safe custodie, as a slave yeelded up for to receive punish∣ment. Whereupon the next day following he was brought foorth, and after his ⁿ sides were most cruelly cut and mangled, together with his consorts, that suffered the like torments, he died; in this regard onely favoured and loved, for that he dis∣patched Serenianus out of the way, as cruell as ^o Phalaris, trustie both to one and a∣nother, even to the teaching of cruell * 1.32 learning, which he shewed upon small and trifling occasions. After this mortall and deadly warre was by the fall of the chiefe captaine rooted out, more rigorous proceeding there was against many, than ey∣ther their errors or trespasses required: but most of all against the ^p defendors of Philippopolis, who hardly and with very much adoe yeelded up both the citie and themselves, but not before they had seene the head of Procopius, which was carried into Gaule. But to gratifie those that made much entreatie, some were chastised more mildly: among whom, Araxius was a chiefe man, who by ambitious labou∣ring for voices, and the intercession of his daughters husband Agilo, in the very heat and broile of all attained to be Praefect, and he (I say) was for his punishment confined to the Islands, but shortly after escaped. As for Euphrasius and Phrone∣mius likewise, they were sent into the West parts, and exposed to the will and deter∣mination of Valentinian: and verily Euphrasius was quit and set free; but Phrone∣mius was had away into Cherrhonesus, and in the same businesse more unmerci∣fully punished, because he was a favourite of Iulianus of sacred memorie; whose memorable vertues, both the princes, brethren, depraved, being themselves neither his like, nor comming neere unto him. Besides all this, other exemplarie punish∣ments there were more grievous, yea, and farre more terrible than those executi∣ons that fall out in battailes: For the tormentor, the drags and yron hookes, with bloudie examinations, without respect of age or dignitie made foule worke in all estates and degrees; and under the pretence of peace, a most detestable vice was put in practise; whiles all men generally cursed this unluckie victorie, more grie∣vous than any deadly warre whatsoever. For among weapons yet and sounding trumpets the equalitie of condition maketh the dangers lighter, and the power of martiall valour either preventeth that which was attempted, or if death happen suddainely and unawares, it carrieth no sence at all of ignominie and shame, but bringeth with it both end of life and paine together: But when wicked and im∣pious purposes have right and lawes for their pretence, and the Iudges sit them downe with a false colour, and set upon them either of a Catonian or * 1.33 Cassian sen∣tence, and whatsoever is done, is done according to the will of a great ruler or ma∣gistrat puffed up with pride, and to satisfie his pleasure, matters of great impor∣tance,

even of life and death, are weighed and considered accordingly, there must the issue needs fall out to capitall mischiefe in the highest degree. For as any one in those dayes was in any respect powerfull, or toward the Court, and burning in greedie desire to seize upon other mens goods, although he were openly knowne to accuse an innocent person, yet was he welcommed as a familiar and faithfull friend shortly to be enriched with other mens misfortunes. For the Emperour, readie ynough to doe hurt, lying open to all accusers, and procuring deadly infor∣mations, proceeded most fiercely to sundrie sorts of punishments, and therein tooke delight, ignorant as hee was of that worthie saying of Tully, who sheweth, That unhappie are they, who thinke they may lawfully doe all things. This implacable rigour, in a most righteous cause verily, but foulely blemishing a victorie, exposed many innocent folke to the tormentors hand, and either brought their heads ben∣ding under the racke, or layed them along with the stroke of the grim executioner: for whom it had beene better to have lost tenne lives apeece in fight, if by nature they could have had so many, than thus (faultlesse as they were) with their sides gashed and rent, and their * 1.34 whole estates groning, as it were, to suffer punishment as traitors, having their bodies all torne and mangled before, which is more dolo∣rous than all the deaths in the world. After this, when as his crueltie (overcome with so many wofull executions) became assuaged, men of higher place and cal∣ling endured proscriptions and banishments, and such like; which although they be grievous, yet seeme to some but light: and to the end that another person might be enriched, a man of noble birth, and happily for his deserts become very weal∣thie, stripped and turned out by the head and shoulders of his livelod, and thrust into exile, either pined away, and died for anguish, or else was faine to live upon the devotion and benevolence of others: neither was there any end of these mis∣chievous practises, untill the prince and his favourites were satisfied with their goods and bloud.

CHAP. XIIII. Fearefull tremblings or quakings of the earth at one and the same time throughout the whole earth.

WHiles this usurper [Procopius] whose manifold acts and death I have de∣clared, was yet living upon the * 1.35 twelfth day before the kalends of Au∣gust, whiles Valentinian was the first time Consull with his * 1.36 brother, most fearefull earthquakes suddainly happened, that shooke the whole earth, the like to which, neither fabulous tales nor true reporting records of anti∣quitie deliver unto us. For a little after Sunnerising the whole weightie and stedie masse of the earthly globe shooke, with flashes of lightening most fiercely shot go∣ing before very thicke: the sea also driven aside, with the waves and billowes tum∣bling out backward, went away so, that the deepe gulfes being discovered and layd bare, a man might have seene many sorts of swimming creatures sticking in the mud: also the vast vales and mounts, which nature had set farre away under the huge waters, saw (as men thought) that day the beames of the Sunne. After there∣fore that many ships were bedded fast (as one would say) in drie ground, and a num∣ber of people straggled at their pleasure in the small remaines of water, o take upfi∣shes and such like with their hands; the waves of the sea disdaining (as one would say) and loth to put up this repulse, rose up all at once and turned againe, and vio∣lently

among the surging shallowes, beating upon the islands and promontories of the continent reaching farreinto the sea, overflowed, and laid levell an infinit sort of things in cities, yea and houses where any were found. And therefore in this furious discord of the elements, the surface of the world being covered, represen∣ted straunge and wonderfull sights. For, the mightie masse of the sea being retur∣ned backe againe, when it was least looked for, killed and drowned many thou∣sands of people: and with the swift and violent whirling of the tydes running backe, certaine ships after the swelling of this liquid substance or element was aba∣ted, were seene sunke to the verie ground, yea and by reason of shipwrackes many dead bodies lay along either on their backes or groveling. Other mightie shippes also driven out by violent winds, setled upon the tops of palaces, as it happened at Alexandria: and two miles almost off, farre from the shore were some of them flung, as we our selves in passing by beheld one of Laconia neere unto the towne Metson, almost rotten for age.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.2

  noone.
• * 1.3

  ••. 6. of the clocke in the evening.
• * 1.4

  midnight
• * 1.5

  6. of the clocke in the morning, af∣ter the ••quinocti∣all houres, when daies and rights be equall.
• * 1.6

  Qua sibi plas••nti••
• * 1.7

  Austri••, Carin∣thi••, Car••iola, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.8

  or horsemen.
• * 1.9

  or Generall.
• * 1.10

  the first day.
• * 1.11

  Lieutenant or Captaine.
• * 1.12

  his wives father.
• * 1.13

  yeomen of the guard.
• * 1.14

  the Senate house.
• * 1.15

  claris••••morum.
• * 1.16

  or counterfeit name of Philip.
• * 1.17

  H••man & Ham∣sa. Bellon.
• * 1.18

  C••p••diarum vili∣•••• mercatores: haply he meaneth caters, and such like officers for provision.
• * 1.19

  captaine or liue∣tenant.
• * 1.20

  Along the rivage for difference of Mediterranea, i. the inland country
• * 1.21

  Sangari, Bellon. Zagari, Nigr.
• * 1.22

  Hungarian.
• * 1.23

  Ponto Sabia, and Trapani, Mor∣motio.
• * 1.24

  Gatippo, Piner.
• * 1.25

  Alluding by way of agnomination to Castrensis, i. Militarie.
• * 1.26

  A parasite or glutton.
• * 1.27

  Chyzico.
• * 1.28

  or Captaine.
• * 1.29

  Golfo de Aiazze
• * 1.30

  Possene. Theveto.
• * 1.31

  Einagiol. Louncl.
• * 1.32

  or policie.
• * 1.33

  Cui bono fuerit, and such like.
• * 1.34

  Fortunis gementi∣bus 〈…〉〈…〉: or thus: Whereat all estates and degrees g••••ned againe.
• * 1.35

  21. day of Iuly.
• * 1.36

  Ʋalens.