of the
army.

The conduct which disclaims the ordinary maxims of reason excites our
suspicion and eludes our inquiry. Whenever the spirit of fanaticism, at
once so credulous and so crafty, has insinuated itself into a noble
mind, it insensibly corrodes the vital principles of virtue and
veracity.

To moderate the zeal of his party, to protect the persons of his
enemies, to defeat and to despise the secret enterprises which were
formed against his life and dignity, were the cares which employed the
first days of the reign of the new emperor. Although he was firmly
resolved to maintain the station which he had assumed, he was still
desirous of saving his country from the calamities of civil war, of
declining a contest with the superior forces of Constantius, and of
preserving his own character from the reproach of perfidy and
ingratitude. Adorned with the ensigns of military and imperial pomp,
Julian showed himself in the field of Mars to the soldiers, who glowed
with ardent enthusiasm in the cause of their pupil, their leader, and
their friend. He recapitulated their victories, lamented their
sufferings, applauded their resolution, animated their hopes, and
checked their impetuosity; nor did he dismiss the assembly till he had
obtained a solemn promise from the troops, that if the emperor of the
East would subscribe an equitable treaty, they would renounce any views
of conquest and satisfy themselves with the tranquil possession of the
Gallic provinces.

On this foundation he composed, in his own name, and in that of the
army, a specious and moderate epistle, which was delivered to Pentadius,
his master of the offices, and to his chamberlain Eutherius, two
ambassadors whom he appointed to receive the answer and observe the
dispositions of Constantius. This epistle is inscribed with the modest
appellation of caesar; but Julian solicits, in a peremptory, though
respectful, manner, the confirmation of the title of augustus. He
acknowledges the irregularity of his own election, while he justifies,
in some measure, the resentment and violence of the troops which had
extorted his reluctant consent. He allows the supremacy of his brother
Constantius, and engages to send him an annual present of Spanish
horses, to recruit his army with a select number of barbarian youths,
and to accept from his choice a praetorian prefect of approved discretion
and fidelity. But he reserves for himself the nomination of his other
civil and