s made master of the
offices, both being Gauls, and men of known accomplishments and good
character. The government of the camp was intrusted to Gomoarius and
Agilo, who were recalled to military service with that object--a very
ill-judged appointment, as was seen by the result.

5. Now because Count Julius, who was commanding the forces in Thrace,
was feared as likely to employ the troops at the nearest stations to
crush the rebels if he received information of what was being done, a
vigorous measure was adopted; and he was summoned to Constantinople by
letter, which Nebridius, while still in prison, was compelled to write,
as if he had been appointed by Valens to conduct some serious measures
in connection with the movements of the barbarians; and as soon as he
arrived he was seized and kept in close custody. By this cunning
artifice the warlike tribes of Thrace were brought over without
bloodshed, and proved a great assistance to this disorderly enterprise.

6. After this success, Araxius, by a court intrigue, was made prefect of
the praetorium, as if at the recommendation of Agilo, his son-in-law.
Many others were admitted to various posts in the palace, and to the
government of provinces; some against their will, others voluntarily,
and even giving bribes for their promotion.

7. And, as often happens in times of intestine commotion, some men, from
the very dregs of the populace, rose to a high position, led by
desperate boldness and insane expectations; while, on the contrary,
others of noble birth fell from the highest elevation down to exile and
death.

8. When by these and similar acts the party of Procopius seemed firmly
established, the next thing was to assemble a sufficient military force;
and that was easily managed, though sometimes, in times of public
disorder, a failure here has hindered great enterprises, and even some
which had a lawful origin.

9. The divisions of cavalry and infantry which were passing through
Thrace were easily gained over, and being kindly and liberally treated,
were collected into one body, and at once presented the appearance of an
army; and being excited by magnificent promises, they swore with solemn
oaths fidelity to Procopius, promising to defend him with unswerving
loyalty.

10. For a most seasonable opportunity of gaining them over was found;
because he carried in his arms the little daughter of Constantius, whose
memory was still held in reverence, himself also cla