ero and the truth
of a philosopher. Yet the superstitious confidence that Constantius
was the enemy, and that he himself was the favorite, of the gods, might
prompt him to desire, to solicit, and even to hasten the auspicious
moment of his reign, which was predestined to restore the ancient
religion of mankind. When Julian had received the intelligence of the
conspiracy, he resigned himself to a short slumber; and afterwards
related to his friends that he had seen the genius of the empire
waiting with some impatience at his door, pressing for admittance,
and reproaching his want of spirit and ambition. [13] Astonished
and perplexed, he addressed his prayers to the great Jupiter, who
immediately signified, by a clear and manifest omen, that he should
submit to the will of heaven and 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.

[Footnote 11: Eutropius, a respectable witness, uses a doubtful
expression, "consensu militum." (x. 15.) Gregory Nazianzen, whose
ignorance night excuse his fanaticism, directly charges the apostate
with presumption, madness, and impious rebellion, Orat. iii. p. 67.]

[Footnote 12: Julian. ad S. P. Q. Athen. p. 284. The devout Abbe de
la Bleterie (Vie de Julien, p. 159) is almost inclined to respect the
devout protestations of a Pagan.]

[Footnote 13: Ammian. xx. 5, with the note of Lindenbrogius on the
Genius of the empire. Julian himself, in a confidential letter to his
friend and physician, Oribasius, (Epist. xvii. p. 384,) mentions another
dream, to which, before the event, he gave credit; of a stately tree
thrown to the ground, of a small plant striking a deep root into the
earth. Even in his sleep, the mind of the Caesar must have been agitated
by the hopes and fears of his fortune. Zosimus (l. iii. p. 155) relates
a subsequent dream.]

To moderate the zeal of his party, to protect the persons of his
enemies, [14] 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, o