umes a convex shape, a sort of hump appearing from each side. And
when she is exactly opposite the sun, she shines with a full light,
having arrived at the seventh sign; and even while she is there, having
advanced but a very little further, she begins to diminish, which we
call waning; and as she gets older, she resumes the same shapes that she
had while increasing. But it is established by unanimous consent that
she is never seen to be eclipsed except in the middle of her course.

12. But when we said that the sun moves sometimes in the ether,
sometimes in the lower-world, it must be understood that the starry
bodies, considered in relation to the universe, neither set nor rise;
but only appear to do so to our sight on earth, which is suspended by
the motion of some interior spirit, and compared with the immensity of
things is but a little point, which causes the stars in their eternal
order to appear sometimes fixed in heaven, and at others, from the
imperfection of human vision, moving from their places. Let us now
return to our original subject.

IV.

Sec. 1. Even while he was hastening to lead succours to the East, which, as
the concurrent testimony of both spies and deserters assured him, was on
the point of being invaded by the Persians, Constantius was greatly
disturbed by the virtues of Julian, which were now becoming renowned
among all nations, so highly did fame extol his great labours,
achievements, and victories, in having conquered several kingdoms of the
Allemanni, and recovered several towns in Gaul which had been plundered
and destroyed by the barbarians, and having compelled the barbarians
themselves to become subjects and tributaries of the empire.

2. Influenced by these considerations, and fearing lest Julian's
influence should become greater, at the instigation, as it is said, of
the prefect Florentius, he sent Decentius, the tribune and secretary, to
bring away at once the auxiliary troops of the Heruli and Batavi, and
the Celtae, and the legion called Petulantes,[110] and three hundred
picked men from the other forces; enjoining him to make all speed on the
plea that their presence was required with the army which it was
intended to march at the beginning of spring against the Parthians.

3. Also, Lupicinus was directed to come as commander of these auxiliary
troops with the three hundred picked men and to lose no time, as it was
not known that he had crossed over to Britain; and Sintula,