rtune." [38] An
artful expression, which, according to the chance of war, might be
differently explained; as a manly reproof of the ingratitude of the
usurper, or as a flattering confession, that a single act of such
benefit to the state ought to atone for all the failings of Constantius.

[Footnote 35: Ammian. xxi. 9, 10. Libanius, Orat. Parent. c. 54, p. 279,
280. Zosimus, l. iii. p. 156, 157.]

[Footnote 36: Julian (ad S. P. Q. Athen. p. 286) positively asserts,
that he intercepted the letters of Constantius to the Barbarians; and
Libanius as positively affirms, that he read them on his march to the
troops and the cities. Yet Ammianus (xxi. 4) expresses himself with
cool and candid hesitation, si famoe solius admittenda est fides. He
specifies, however, an intercepted letter from Vadomair to Constantius,
which supposes an intimate correspondence between them. "disciplinam non
habet."]

[Footnote 37: Zosimus mentions his epistles to the Athenians, the
Corinthians, and the Lacedaemonians. The substance was probably the
same, though the address was properly varied. The epistle to the
Athenians is still extant, (p. 268-287,) and has afforded much valuable
information. It deserves the praises of the Abbe de la Bleterie, (Pref.
a l'Histoire de Jovien, p. 24, 25,) and is one of the best manifestoes
to be found in any language.]

[Footnote 38: Auctori tuo reverentiam rogamus. Ammian. xxi. 10. It is
amusing enough to observe the secret conflicts of the senate between
flattery and fear. See Tacit. Hist. i. 85.]

The intelligence of the march and rapid progress of Julian was speedily
transmitted to his rival, who, by the retreat of Sapor, had obtained
some respite from the Persian war. Disguising the anguish of his soul
under the semblance of contempt, Constantius professed his intention of
returning into Europe, and of giving chase to Julian; for he never spoke
of his military expedition in any other light than that of a hunting
party. [39] In the camp of Hierapolis, in Syria, he communicated this
design to his army; slightly mentioned the guilt and rashness of the
Caesar; and ventured to assure them, that if the mutineers of Gaul
presumed to meet them in the field, they would be unable to sustain the
fire of their eyes, and the irresistible weight of their shout of onset.
The speech of the emperor was received with military applause, and
Theodotus, the president of the council of Hierapolis, requested, with
tears of adu