The history of the church from our Lords incarnation, to the twelth year of the Emperour Maricius Tiberius, or the Year of Christ 594 / as it was written in Greek, by Eusebius Pamphilius ..., Socrates Scholasticus, and Evagrius Scholasticus ... ; made English from that edition of these historians, which Valesius published at Paris in the years 1659, 1668, and 1673 ; also, The life of Constantine in four books, written by Eusibius Pamphilus, with Constantine's Oration to the convention of the saints, and Eusebius's Speech in praise of Constantine, spoken at his tricennalia ; Valesius's annotations on these authors, are done into English, and set at their proper places in the margin, as likewise a translation of his account of their lives and writings ; with two index's, the one, of the principal matters that occur in the text, the other, of those contained in the notes.

CHAP. XXIII. Concerning Johannes who Tyrannized at Rome, af∣ter Honorius the Emperour's death. And how God * 1.1 mollified, by Theodosius's prayers, delive∣red him into the hands of the Roman Army.

HOnorius Augustus therefore being dead, the Emperour Theodosius informed thereof, conceals it, and deceives the populace [by feigning] sometimes one thing, at others ano∣ther. But he sends his Military Forces secretly to Salonae; which is a City of Dalmatia; to the end that if any * 1.2 Rebellion should happen in the Western parts, a force to resist it might not be far off. Having made provision after this man∣ner before hand, he then published the death of his † 1.3 Uncle. But in the interim, a 1.4 Johannes the chief of the Emperour's No∣taries, unable to bear the ‖ 1.5 greatness of his own prefer∣ment, seizes the Empire, and sends an Embassage to the Emperour Theodosius, requi∣ring to be admitted Col∣league in the Empire. Theodo∣sius imprisoned his Embassadours; and dispatches away Arda••urius, Master of the Milice, who had done excellent service in the Persian War. He be∣ing arrived at Salonae, sailed from thence to Aqui∣leia; and had ill success as he then thought; (but 'twas afterwards demonstrated to be prospe∣rous.) For, an unlucky wind blew, which drove him into the Tyrant's hands. Who having taken Ardaburius, hoped Theodosius would be necessitated to Elect and Proclaim him Emperour, if he were desirous of preserving the life of his Master of the Milice. And the Emperour, when informed hereof, was really in an Agony, as was also the Army which had been sent against the Ty∣rant, least Ardaburius should suffer any mischief from the Tyrant. Moreover, Aspar, Ardabu∣rius's Son, when he understood that his Father was taken by the Tyrant, and knew that many Myriads of Barbarians were come to the Ty∣rant's assistance, knew not what course to take. But, the prayer of the Emperour, beloved by God, at that time prevailed again. For an Angel of God in the habit of a Shepherd, became a guide to Aspar and the forces with him, and leads them through the Lake which lies near to Ra∣venna. For in that City the Tyrant resided, where he detained the * 1.6 Master of the Milice Prisoner. No person was ever known to have passed through this Lake. But God rendred that passable at that time, which before had been impassable. b 1.7 When therefore they had passed the waters of the Lake [as if it had been] over dry ground, they found the gates of the City open, and seized the Tyrant. At which time the most pious Emperour gave a demonstration of his Religious affection towards God. For whilest he was exhibiting the Cirque-Sports, news was brought him that the Tyrant was destroyed. Whereupon he speaks to the people: Come, said he, if you please, let us rather leave our Recrea∣tion, and go into the Church, and put up our thanksgivings to God, in regard his hand hath destroyed the Tyrant. These were his words; and the Shows ceased immediately, and were neglected: and all persons went through the midst of the Cirque, singing praises together with him with one consent of mind and voice, and went into God's Church. And the whole City became one congregation. Being come into the place of prayer, they continued there all day.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Or, bowed, or, inclined.
• * 1.2

  Or, In∣novation.
• † 1.3

  That is, Honorius.
• a 1.4

  This is the Johannes, Pri∣miccrius▪ [or, Chief] of the N••∣taries, who when Rome was be∣sieged, had been sent Embassa∣d••ur to Alarichus King of the Goths, whose Friend and Guest he had been, as Zosimus relates, book 5. Vales.
• ‖ 1.5

  Or, Fortunateness.
• * 1.6

  That is, Ardaburius.
• b 1.7

  Instead of [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, but having pas∣sed the wa∣ter of the Lake through dry ground] the reading in the Florent. M. S. is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. when there∣fore they had passed, &c.] but, in my judg∣ment, ano∣ther particle is to be added, after this manner, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. When therefore they had passed the waters of the Lake as i•• i•• had been over dry ground. Vales.