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.

CHAP. IX. Iulianus in good regard of himselfe, by a long Epistle endevoureth to pacifie the mind of Constantius.

MEane while Iulian having placed his wintering harbour at Paris, much fearing what would be the end of these begun enterprises, was sore per∣plexed, as who by casting and tossing many matters in his mind, consi∣dered, That Constantius would in no wise like of his doings, in whose conceit and eye he was reputed as a vile, base, and contemptible person. Advising well there∣fore the fearefull beginnings of all innovations and changes in the state of an Em∣pire, he resolved to send unto him embassadours, who should declare what occur∣rents had happened: and withall he dispatched letters agreeable unto them, wher∣in more plainely he advertised and shewed, what was done, and what ought after∣wards to be done: although he supposed that hee had heard all, a good while be∣fore, by the report of Decentius long since returned, as also by gentlemen of the Chamber newly come againe backe out of Gaule, who had carried unto Caesar certaine solemne presents. And albeit he was not unwilling hereunto, yet wrote he nothing in arrogant tearmes, least he might be thought suddainely to have re∣volted. Now the tenour of his letters went in this wise. My faithfull allegeance, according to my purpose, no lesse in my accustomed behaviour than in covenants of agree∣ments, I verily for my part, carrying alwayes one and the same mind, have for the time hitherto kept and performed, as by many effectuall proofes hath evidently appeared. And ever since that you created me Caesar, and exposed me to the terrible noise of bat∣tailes contenting my selfe with the place of commaund wherein I was set, like a tru∣stie servitour and officer, filled your eares evermore with newes of prosperous atchieve∣ments performed to my wish and hearts desire, attributing nothing at all to mine owne perils and adventures; whereas by dayly examples and continuall proofes it is well knowne, that where the Germanes were spred abroad and intermingled every where, I was in painefull travailes, of all others seene first, and in my repose and refection last.

But if I may with your good leave say so much, in case there be any chaunge and alterati∣on now (as you thinke there is) hence it commeth: The souldiors spending their yeares in many warres, and those right dangerous, without reaping any fruit of their service, effe∣cted that in tumultuous manner at length, which long since they determined, as impatient to serve under a Commaunder in a second place; seeing that by a Caesar they could have no recompence made for their long labour, and many victories. To whose anger, for that they neither found augmentation of dignities, nor touched their yearely wages, this also is fallen out unlooked for to aggravate the matter, That beeing men acquainted with cold and frozen countries, they were commaunded to come to the utmost parts of the East world, and drawne away needie and bare, apart from their wives and children. Where∣upon they being enraged above their wonted manner, in the night assembled themselves together, and beset the palace with loud voices, and those often reiterated, styling Iulian by the name of Augustus. This set me in a trembling, I confesse, and I withdrew my selfe: and thus so long as I could keepe me out of the way, I sought to save my selfe with holding my peace and hiding my head. But when they would give me no time nor respite to consi∣der upon the matter, fenced (as I may so say) with the wall of a free and pure heart, I went forth and stood in the sight of them all, supposing this their tumultuous rising might ey∣ther by authoritie of countenance or gentle words be allayed. Howbeit, they grew into a wonderfull heat, and went so farre, as that because I assayed to overcome their stubborne obstinacie by entreatie, they instantly menaced death, as it seemed by their violent assaults following one in the necke of another. In the end being overcome, and reasoning thus with mine owne selfe, that if I were once stabbed, some other perhaps willingly ynough would be declared prince, I gave my assent, yet hoping still to assuage this their franticke and ar∣med violence. This is the very order and manner of my proceedings, which I beseech you to entertaine with a peaceable and gentle construction. Neither thinke that any thing hath beene done otherwise, nor admit malicious persons and evill willers readie to whisper in your eares pernicious matters: such I meane, as are wont for their owne gaine and ad∣vantage to make debate and variance betweene princes: but putting aside flatterie, the ve∣ry nourice of vices, set your mind upon iustice, the most excellent vertue of all others, and receive unfainedly and bona fide these equall conditions which I propose vnto you: reaso∣ning and reckoning thus in your mind, That these things are behoofefull to the Romane state and to us, who in neerenesse of bloud and in the height of supreme fortune are con∣ioined. And (pardon me I pray you) I desire not so much that such things should be done which with reason are required, as that profitable and honest courses should of you be ap∣proved: whose commaundements even henceforth still I purpose right willingly to em∣brace, such I meane as need requireth to be performed. To be short, I will allow unto * 1.1 you Spanish horses for your chariot, and chosen piked young men to be entermingled among your Gentiles and Scutarij, some of them being a race from the barbarous nations discen∣ded on this side Rhene, or at leastwise out of those that yeeld themselves and revolt to our side: and this promise I to doe, not onely in a thankfull mind, but also with willing heart, so long as I live. For * 1.2 Praefects of the Praetorium, you shall of your clemencie give unto us those who for their equitie and deserts are knowne worthie of the place. The residue, as well ordinarie civile Iudges, as messengers of warre affaires, likewise Pentioners to guard my person, who are to be promoted, meet it is they be left unto my will and pleasure. For a folly it were (where as it may be prevented before hand) to admit those to the guard of an Emperours person, whose behaviour, whose mind and affection is not knowne. This one thing verily I may be bold without all doubt to avouch, The Gaules having beene with long troubles and most grievous misfortunes vexed, neither will of their owne accord, nor

can by compulsion send young souldiors into strange and remote countries, least if their youth being utterly spent, they be afflicted anew; and calling to remembrance, as they do, what is past, in a desperate feare of dangers hanging over their heads, be readie to perish. Neither will it be convenient, that from hence aid souldiors should be sent for to oppose a∣gainst Parthian nations, considering that as yet the violent rodes and invasions of their barbarous enemies be not stopped: and (if you will abide the truth to be spoken) these pro∣vinces here being afflicted with continuall troubles and calamities, have need themselves of forraine helpes, and those right strong and valorous. These things by way of exhorta∣tion (to the good, as I deeme it, of the state) have I written, requiring and requesting the same to be put in execution. For well I wote (that I may speake nothing prowdly, according to an imperiall place) well I wote I say, what adverse and wofull cases of the Common∣wealth, when it was in manner remedilesse and given as lost for ever, the concord of princes yeelding by turnes one unto another, hath reduced into better tearmes; considering it is evident by the example of our auncestors, That rulers when they thinke of these and such like courses, find in some sort the way to lead a fortunat and blessed life, and so com∣mend a most pleasant remembrance of themselves unto posteritie and future times for ever.

Notes

• * 1.1

  in regard of so∣veraigne prehemi∣nence.
• * 1.2

  ••. L L. chiefe Iustices.