tius had died at Treves), in order that he, in conjunction with
the deputy, might inquire into everything connected with the second
embassy. And besides this, the emperor ordered the tongues of Erecthius
and Aristomenes to be cut out, because this same Palladius had intimated
that they made some malignant and disloyal statements.

21. The secretary, following the deputy, as had been arranged, came to
Tripoli. When his arrival was known, Romanus sent one of his servants
thither with all speed, and Caecilius, his assessor, who was a native of
the province; and by their agency (whether they employed bribery or
deceit is doubtful) all the citizens were won over to accuse Jovinus,
vigorously asserting that he had never issued any of the commands which
he had reported to the emperor; carrying their iniquity to such a
pitch, that Jovinus himself was compelled by them to confess, to his
own great danger, that he had made a false report to the emperor.

22. When these events were learnt from Palladius on his return,
Valentinian, being always inclined to severe measures, commanded the
execution of Jovinus as the author of such a report, and of Caelestinus,
Concordius, and Lucius, as privy to it, and partners in it. He also
commanded Ruricius, the president, to be put to death for falsehood; the
charge against him being aggravated by the circumstance that his report
contained some violent and intemperate expressions.

23. Ruricius was executed at Sitifis; the rest were condemned at Utica
by the sentence of the deputy Crescens. But before the death of the
ambassadors, Flaccianus, while being examined by the deputy and the
count, and while resolutely defending his own safety, was assailed with
abuse, and then attacked with loud outcries and violence by the angry
soldiers, and was nearly killed; the charge which they made against him
being that the cause which had prevented the people of Tripoli from
being defended was, that they had refused to furnish necessaries for the
use of any expedition.

24. On this account he was thrown into prison, till the emperor could be
consulted on his case, and should decide what ought to be done; but his
gaolers were tampered with, as was believed, and he escaped from prison
and fled to Rome, where he concealed himself for some time, till his
death.

25. In consequence of this memorable catastrophe, Tripoli, which had
been often harassed by external and domestic calamities, brought forward
no fu