ps went as they
were commanded, in the lightest marching order. But the next day, while
he was finally arranging these matters, he received intelligence that
Sapor, with his whole army, had returned to his own country, because the
auspices were unfavourable. So, his fears being removed, he called in
all the troops except those who as usual were assigned for the
protection of Mesopotamia, and returned to Hierapolis.

9. And still doubting what would be the final result of all his
difficulties, when he had collected his army together he convened all
the centuries and companies and squadrons by sound of trumpet; and the
whole plain being filled with the host, he, standing on a lofty tribune,
in order to encourage them the more readily to execute what he should
direct, and being surrounded by a numerous retinue, spoke thus with
great appearance of calmness and a studied look of confidence.

10. "Being always anxious never to do or say anything inconsistent with
incorruptible honour, like a cautious pilot, who turns his helm this way
or that way according to the movement of the waves, I am now
constrained, my most affectionate subjects, to confess my errors to you,
or rather, if I were to say the plain truth, my humanity, which I did
think would be beneficial to our common interests. So now that you may
the better understand what is the object of convoking this assembly,
listen, I pray you, with impartiality and kindness.

11. "At the time when Magnentius, whom your bravery overcome, was
obstinately labouring to throw all things into confusion, I sent Gallus
my cousin, who had been lately raised to the rank of Caesar, to guard the
East. But he, having by many wicked and shameful arts departed from
justice, was punished by a legal sentence.

12. "Would that Envy had then been contented, that most bitter exciter
of troubles! And that we had nothing to grieve us but the single
recollection of past sorrows, unaccompanied by any idea of present
danger! But now a new circumstance, more grievous than any former one I
will venture to say, has taken place, which the gods who aid us will put
an end to by means of your innate valour.

13. "Julian, whom, while you were combating the nations which threaten
Illyricum on all sides, I appointed to protect Gaul, presuming on the
issue of some trifling battles which he has fought against the
half-armed Germans, and full of silly elation, has taken a few auxiliary
battalions into his nobl