d himself more to flattery than to
modesty.

5. For reflecting on the resolution of the emperor, who considered
nothing but how he might amass money from all quarters, without any
distinction between just and unjust actions; he never attempted to lead
back the misguided prince into the path of equity, as mild and wise
rulers often have done; but rather followed his lead through all his
winding and tortuous paths.

6. And to this conduct were owing the heavy distresses which afflicted
the emperor's subjects; the ruinous titles, privileges, and exemptions,
which alike ate up the fortunes of poor and rich; under different
pretexts which were produced, each more powerful than the other, as the
fruit of a long experience in injuring. Lastly, the burdens of all
tributes and taxes were augmented in a manifold degree; and drove some
of the highest nobles from fear of the worst to emigrate from their
homes; some also after being drained to the utmost by the cruelty of the
revenue officers, as they really had nothing more to give, were thrown
into prison, of which they became permanent inmates. And some, becoming
weary of life and light, sought a release from their miseries by hanging
themselves.

7. Unvarying report made known the treacherous and inhuman character of
these transactions; but Valentinian, as if his ears had been stopped
with wax, was ignorant of the report, being eager to acquire money
indiscriminately, even from the most trivial sources, and thinking only
of what was presented to him; though he would perhaps have spared the
Pannonian provinces, if he had earlier known of these melancholy sources
of gain with which he became acquainted when it was too late, owing to
the following occurrence:--

8. Following the example of the inhabitants of other provinces, the
people of Epirus were compelled by the prefect to send envoys to thank
him, and a certain philosopher named Iphicles, a man of tried courage
and magnanimity (who was very unwilling to undertake the commission),
was elected to discharge that duty.

9. And when he saw the emperor, having been recognized by him and
questioned as to the cause of his arrival, he answered in Greek; and,
like a philosopher who professed himself a votary of truth, when the
prince inquired more precisely, if those who had sent him did really
think well of the prefect, he replied, that they had sent him against
their will, and with bitter groans.

10. The emperor, stricken by