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CHAP. VII. By reason of Gaule inclined to revolt, Constantius not able to undergoe the charge, minding to take Iulian to him as his companion in the Empire, is hindered by flatterers: but in the end declareth Iulian his Colleague, and in∣vesteth him in the purple Robe, with exceeding ap∣plause of the whole armie.
AS for Constantius, disquieted he was with newes continually, reporting how Gaule was now in a desperate case, while the barbarous enemies made wast and spoyle of all, killing and sleying in every quarter, and no man there was to withstand them. Now, as he tossed to and fro in his mind, what force to use for the repressing of these troubles, resiant still himselfe in Italie, as he desired, (for he thought it a matter of danger to thrust himselfe into parts farre remote) he hit at length upon the right way and meanes to effect the same: and it came in his mind to joyne with him as companion in the Empire his cousin germane Iulianus, not long since sent for and brought out of Achaia, and even yet in his students cloake or gaberdine. When he had upon the urgent occasion of so many imminent calamities bewrayed thus much to his favourites and friends next about him, shewing in plaine tearmes, That himselfe, but one, shrunke now (which hee never had done before) under the burthen of so many necessities and troubles comming so thicke upon him: they beeing throughly taught how with excessive flatterie to beare him up, foolified and gulled the man, telling him ever and anone, That there was nothing in the world so adverse and difficult, but his powerfull vertue and heavenly fortune together were able (as ever heretofore) to overcome: and many of them pricked in conscience for their offences committed, said thus much moreover, That he was from henceforth to beware of the name of Caesar; rehearsing therewith the lewd parts committed un∣der Gallus. Against whom labouring hard upon this point, the Queene alone op∣posed her selfe, were it for very feare to flit into so farre countries; or that in her own naturall wit and wisedome she thought it good policie for the State, I wote not: but she said, That a kinsman ought to bee preferred before all other. And after much debating of the matter, by way of deliberation to and fro, this resolution stood firme: and so setting aside all frivolous and bootlesse disputations, hee fully determined to take unto him Iulianus, as his compartener in the imperiall governe∣ment. Now, when he was sent for and come at the day prefixed, the Emperour, after all the companies of fellow souldiors there present were called together, and a Tribunall erected upon an high banke, above which stood the maine standerds of Eagles and other ensignes, he mounted up unto it, and holding Iulianus by the right hand, thus by way of a mild and gentle speech began to say. Here stand we before you, right valorous defendors of the Weale publique, to maintaine in manner all with one breath and spirit the common cause, which I, being to plead, as it were, before equall Iudges, will briefely declare unto you. After the death of rebellious tyrants, whom rage and furie moved and egged on to attempt these designes which they proiected, the Barbarians, as if they meant with Romane bloud to sacrifice unto their wicked Manes, invade Gaule, and over-run it, having broken the peace of the marches; encouraged upon this confidence and assured persuasion, that extreame necessities bind us fast ynough, by occasion of lands so farre dis-ioyned asunder. This mischiefe therefore, which incrocheth