preserving the dignity
of the imperial authority, he proudly and magnanimously disdained
popularity. In conferring the higher dignities he was very sparing, and
allowed very few changes to be made in the administration of the
finances. Nor did he ever encourage the arrogance of the soldiers.

2. Nor under him was any general promoted to the title of most
illustrious.[119] For there was also, as we have already mentioned, the
title of most perfect.[120] Nor had the governor of a province occasion
to court a commander of cavalry; as Constantius never allowed those
officers to meddle with civil affairs. But all officers, both military
and civil, were according to the respectful usages of old, inferior to
that of the prefect of the praetorium, which was the most honourable of
all.

3. In taking care of the soldiers he was very cautious: an examiner into
their merits, sometimes over-scrupulous, giving dignities about the
palace as if with scales. Under him no one who was not well known to
him, or who was favoured merely by some sudden impulse, ever received
any high appointment in the palace. But only such as had served ten
years in some capacity or other could look for such appointments as
master of the ceremonies or treasurer. The successful candidates could
always be known beforehand; and it very seldom happened that any
military officer was transferred to a civil office; while on the other
hand none but veteran soldiers were appointed to command troops.

4. He was a diligent cultivator of learning, but, as his blunted talent
was not suited to rhetoric, he devoted himself to versification; in
which, however, he did nothing worth speaking of.

5. In his way of life he was economical and temperate, and by moderation
in eating and drinking he preserved such robust health that he was
rarely ill, though when ill dangerously so. For repeated experience and
proof has shown that this is the case with persons who avoid
licentiousness and luxury.

6. He was contented with very little sleep, which he took when time and
season allowed; and throughout his long life he was so extremely chaste
that no suspicion was ever cast on him in this respect, though it is a
charge which, even when it can find no ground, malignity is apt to
fasten on princes.

7. In riding and throwing the javelin, in shooting with the bow, and in
all the accomplishments of military exercises, he was admirably skilful.
That he never blew his nose in public,