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achievements.

5. "But now since, constrained both by the authority of your judgment,
and also by the necessity of the case, I have been raised to the rank of
emperor, under the favour of God and of you, I aim at still greater
things, if fortune should smile on my undertakings. Boasting at least
that I have secured to the army, whose equity and mighty exploits are so
renowned, a moderate and merciful chief in time of peace, and in war a
prudent and wary leader against the combined forces of the barbarians.

6. "In order therefore that by the cordial unanimity of our opinions we
may prevent ill fortune by anticipating it, I beg you to follow my
counsel, salutary, as I think it, since the state of our affairs
corresponds to the purity of my intentions and wishes. And while the
legions of Illyricum are occupied by no greater force than usual, let us
occupy the further frontier of Dacia; and then take counsel from our
success what is to be done next.

7. "But as brave generals, I entreat you to promise with an oath that
you will adhere to me with unanimity and fidelity; while I will give my
customary careful attention to prevent anything from being done rashly
or carelessly; and if any one requires it, will pledge my own unsullied
honour that I will never attempt nor think of anything but what is for
the common good.

8 "This especially I request and beseech you to observe, that none of
you let any impulse of sudden ardour lead you to inflict injury on any
private individual; recollecting that our greatest renown is not derived
so much from the numberless defeats of the enemy as from the safety of
the provinces, and their freedom from injury, which is celebrated as an
eminent example of our virtue."

9. The emperor's speech was approved as though it had been the voice of
an oracle, and the whole assembly was greatly excited, and being eager
for a change, they all with one consent raised a tremendous shout, and
beat their shields with a violent crash, calling him a great and noble
general, and, as had been proved, a fortunate conqueror and king.

10. And being all ordered solemnly to swear fidelity to him, they put
their swords to their throats with terrible curses, and took the oath in
the prescribed form, that for him they would undergo every kind of
suffering, and even death itself, if necessity should require it; and
their officers and all the friends of the prince gave a similar pledge
with the same forms.

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