eror
as he was quietly taking his dinner, that the Surena, the Persian
general, had surprised three squadrons of our advanced guard, and slain
a few, among whom was one tribune; and had also taken a standard.

2. Immediately Julian became violently exasperated, and flew to the spot
with an armed band, placing much hope of success in the rapidity of his
movements: he routed the assailants disgracefully, cashiered the other
two tribunes as blunderers and cowards, and in imitation of the ancient
laws of Rome disbanded ten of the soldiers who had fled, and then
condemned them to death.

3. Then, having burnt the city as I have already mentioned, he mounted a
tribunal which he had caused to be erected, and having convoked his
army, he thanked them, and counted upon their achieving other similar
exploits. He also promised them each a hundred pieces of silver; but
seeing that they were inclined to murmur, as being disappointed at the
smallness of the sum, he became most indignant and said:--

4. "Behold the Persians who abound in wealth of every kind; their riches
may enrich you if we only behave gallantly with one unanimous spirit of
resolution. But after having been very rich, I assure you that the
republic is at this moment in great want, through the conduct of those
men who, to increase their own wealth, taught former emperors to return
home after buying peace of the barbarians with gold.

5. "The treasury is empty, the cities are exhausted, the finances are
stripped bare. I myself have neither treasures, nor, noble as I am by
birth, do I inherit anything from my family but a heart free from all
fear. Nor shall I be ashamed to place all my happiness in the
cultivation of my mind, while preferring an honourable poverty. For the
Fabricii also conducted great wars while poor in estate and rich only in
glory.

6. "Of all these things you may have plenty, if, discarding all fear,
you act with moderation, obeying the cautious guidance of God and
myself, as far as human reason can lead you safely; but if you disobey,
and choose to return to your former shameful mutinies, proceed.

7. "As an emperor should do, I by myself, having performed the important
duties which belong to me, will die standing, despising a life which any
fever may take from me: or else I will abdicate my power, for I have not
lived so as to be unable to descend to a private station. I rejoice in,
and feel proud of the fact that there are with me many lea