be, if he had not, after the
death of Constantius, continued to distinguish himself equally by
splendid exploits.

II.

Sec. 1. Now when everything was settled in that country as fairly as the
case permitted, Julian, returning to his winter quarters, found some
trouble still left for him. Severus, the master of the horse, being on
the way to Rheims through Cologne and Juliers, fell in with some strong
battalions of Franks, consisting of six hundred light-armed soldiers,
who were laying waste those places which were not defended by garrisons.
They had been encouraged to this audacious wickedness by the opportunity
afforded them when the Caesar was occupied in the remote districts of the
Allemanni, thinking to obtain a rich booty without any hindrance. But in
fear of the army which had now returned, they occupied two fortresses
which had been abandoned for some time, and defended themselves there as
long as they could.

2. Julian, amazed at the novelty of such an attempt, and thinking it
impossible to say how far such a spirit would spread if he allowed it to
pass without a check, halted his soldiers, and gave orders to blockade
the forts.... The Meuse passes beneath them; and the blockade was
protracted for fifty-four days, through nearly the entire months of
December and January, the barbarians resisting with incredible obstinacy
and courage.

3. Then the Caesar, like an experienced general, fearing that the
barbarians might take advantage of some moonless night to cross over the
river, which was now thoroughly frozen, ordered soldiers to go up and
down the stream every day in light boats, from sunset till daybreak, so
as to break the crust of ice and prevent any one from escaping in that
manner. Owing to this manoeuvre, the barbarians were so exhausted by
hunger, watching, and the extremity of despair, that at last they
voluntarily surrendered, and were immediately sent to the court of the
emperor.

4. And a vast multitude of Franks, who had come to their assistance,
hearing that they were taken prisoners and sent off, would not venture
on any further enterprise, but returned to their own country. And when
this affair was finished, the Caesar retired to Paris to pass the winter
there.

III.

Sec. 1. It was now expected that a number of tribes would unite in greater
force, and therefore the prudent Julian, bearing in mind the
uncertainties of war, became very anxious and full of care. And as he
thought th