Ammianus: RES GESTAE A FINE CORNELI TACITI

1. Dum apud Persas, ut supra narravimus, perfidia regis motus agitat insperatos, et in eois tractibus bella rediviva consurgunt, anno sexto decimo et eo diutius post Nepotiani exitium, saeviens per urbem aeternam urebat cuncta Bellona, ex primordiis minimis ad clades excita luctuosas, quas obliterasset utinam iuge silentium! ne forte paria quandoque temptentur, plus exemplis generalibus nocitura quam delictis.

1. While among the Persians, as we have narrated above, the king’s perfidy stirs up unexpected motions, and in the eastern tracts wars renewed arise, in the sixteenth year and even longer after the death of Nepotianus, raging through the Eternal City Bellona was burning all things, roused from very minimal beginnings to mournful disasters—would that perpetual silence had obliterated them!—lest perhaps equal things be attempted someday, destined to harm more by their general examples than by the delicts.

2. ac licet ab hoc textu cruento gestorum exquisite narrando iustus me retraheret metus multa reputantem et varia, tamen praesentis temporis modestia fretus, carptim ut quaeque memoria digna sunt explanabo, nec pigebit, quid ex his, quae apud veteres acciderint, timuerim, docere succincte.

2. and although from this bloody text, by narrating the deeds exquisitely, a just fear would draw me back, as I reckon many and various things, yet, relying on the modesty of the present time, I will explain piecemeal, as each is worthy of memory, nor will it irk me to teach succinctly what, from those things which happened among the ancients, I have feared.

3. bello Medico primo cum diripuissent Asiam Persae, obsidentes Miletum molibus magnis, minantesque defensoribus cruciabiles neces, iniecere clausis necessitatem, ut omnes magnitudine malorum adflicti, peremptis caritatibus propriis, proiectoque in ignem mobili censu, arsuros se certatim congererent in communem pereuntis patriae rogum.

3. in the first Medic war, when the Persians had plundered Asia, besieging Miletus with great siege-works and threatening the defenders with torturous deaths, they imposed upon those shut within the necessity that all, afflicted by the magnitude of their woes, with their own dear ones destroyed and their movable wealth cast into the fire, should, vying with one another, heap themselves up to burn upon the common pyre of their perishing fatherland.

4. hoc argumentum paulo postea digestum tumore tragico Phrynichus in theatrum induxerat Athenarum, paulisperque iucunde auditus, cum cothurnatius stilus procederet lacrimosus, indignatione damnatus est populi arbitrati non consolandi gratia sed probrose monendi, quae pertulerat amabilis civitas, nullis auctorum adminiculis fulta, hos quoque dolores scaenicis adnumerasse fabulis insolenter. erat enim Atheniensium colonia Miletus, deducta inter Ionas alios per Nileum filium Codri, qui fertur pro patria bello se Dorico devovisse.

4. this argument, a little afterwards worked up with tragic tumidity, Phrynichus had brought into the theater of the Athenians, and for a short while he was pleasantly heard; but when a more buskined style advanced, tearful, he was condemned by the indignation of the people, who judged that it was not for the sake of consoling but of reproachfully admonishing, as to the things which the lovable city had borne, and that, supported by no supports of authors, he had insolently numbered these griefs too among scenic fables. for Miletus was a colony of the Athenians, led out among the other Ionians by Neleus, son of Codrus, who is said to have devoted himself for his fatherland in the Dorian war.

5. sed ad proposita veniamus. Maximinus regens quondam Romae vicariam praefecturam, apud Sopianas Valeriae oppidum obscurissime natus est, patre tabulario praesidialis officii, orto a posteritate Carporum, quos antiquis excitos sedibus Diocletianus transtulit in Pannoniam.

5. but let us come to the things proposed. Maximinus, formerly governing at Rome the vicariate prefecture, was born most obscurely at Sopianae, a town of Valeria, his father a tabulary of the praesidial office, sprung from the posterity of the Carpi, whom, roused from their ancient seats, Diocletian transferred into Pannonia.

6. is post mediocre studium liberalium doctrinarum defensionemque causarum ignobilem, et administratas Corsicam itidemque Sardiniam, rexit deinde Tusciam. unde morato in itinere diutius successore, progressus ad curandam urbis annonam, etiam provinciae moderamina retinebat, egitque consideratione triplici inter exordia cautius.

6. he, after a mediocre pursuit of the liberal disciplines and an ignoble defense of causes, and having administered Corsica and likewise Sardinia, then governed Tuscia. whence, with his successor delayed rather long on the journey, advancing to take care of the city's grain-supply, he was also retaining the governance of the province, and he acted at the outset with threefold consideration, more cautiously.

7. primo quod recalebat in auribus eius parentis effata, quid augurales alites vel cantus monerent oscinum adprime callentis, ad usque sublimia regimenta..., sed periturum ferro poenali: dein quod nanctus hominem Sardum, quem ipse postea per dolosas fallacias interemit, ut circumtulit rumor, eliciendi animulas noxias et praesagia sollicitare larvarum perquam gnarum: dum superesset ille, timens ne proderetur, tractabilis erat et mollior; postremo quod tamquam subterraneus serpens per humiliora reptando nondum maiores funerum excitare poterat causas.

7. first, because his parent’s utterances were still warm in his ears—what the augural birds or the songs warn, he being most of all skilled in oscine omens—up even to sublime commands..., but that he would perish by penal steel; then, because he had come upon a Sardinian man—whom he himself afterwards destroyed through crafty fallacies, as rumor circulated—very expert at eliciting noxious little souls and at soliciting the presages of phantoms: while that man survived, fearing lest he be betrayed, he was tractable and softer; finally, because, like a subterranean serpent, by crawling through the lower places he was not yet able to stir up greater causes of funerals.

8. Principium autem unde latius se funditabat, emersit ex negotio tali. Chilo ex vicario et coniux eius Maxima nomine, questi apud Olybrium ea tempestate urbi praefectum, vitamque suam venenis petitam adseverantes inpetrarunt ut hi, quos suspectati sunt, ilico rapti conpingerentur in vincula, organarius Sericus et Asbolius palaestrita et aruspex Campensis.

8. But the beginning, whence it was spreading itself more widely, emerged from such a business. Chilo, once a vicarius, and his spouse named Maxima, having complained before Olybrius, at that time prefect of the city, and asserting that their life had been assailed by poisons, obtained that those whom they had suspected, seized immediately, be thrust into chains: the organarius Sericus and Asbolius, a palaestrite, and the Campensian haruspex.

9. verum negotio tepescente propter diuturnam morborum asperitatem, qua tenebatur Olybrius, morarum inpatientes hi, qui rem detulerunt, libello petiverunt oblato, ut examinandum iurgium praefecto mandaretur annonae, idque studio celeritatis concessum est.

9. however, the business growing tepid on account of the long duration of the harshness of illnesses by which Olybrius was held, impatient of delays, those who reported the matter, upon a petition having been presented, requested that the quarrel be committed for examination to the Prefect of the Annona, and this was granted out of zeal for celerity.

10. accepta igitur nocendi materia Maximinus effudit genuinam ferociam pectori crudo adfixam, ut saepe faciunt amphitheatrales ferae, diffractis tandem solutae posticis. Cumque multiformiter quasi in proludiis negotium spectaretur, et quidam sulcatis lateribus nominassent nobiles aliquos tamquam usos artificibus laedendi per clientes aliosque humiles notos reos et indices, supra plantam, ut dicitur, evagatus tartareus cognitor relatione maligna docuit principem, non nisi suppliciis acrioribus [perniciosa facinora] scrutari posse vel vindicari, quae Romae perpetravere conplures.

10. therefore, having received the material for harming, Maximinus poured out the genuine ferocity fastened to his raw breast, as amphitheatrical beasts often do, finally loosed when the back-gates are broken apart. And while the business was being viewed in many forms, as if in the preliminaries, and certain persons, with furrowed flanks, had named some nobles as having used craftsmen of harming through clients and other lowly acquaintances—defendants and informers—the tartarean examiner, having roamed, as they say, beyond the footprint, by a malicious report instructed the emperor that not otherwise than by harsher torments could the [pernicious crimes] be searched out or avenged, which many had perpetrated at Rome.

11. his ille cognitis efferatus, ut erat vitiorum inimicus acer magis quam severus, uno proloquio in huius modi causas, quas adroganter proposito maiestatis inminutae miscebat, omnes quos iuris prisci iustitia divorumque arbitria quaestionibus exemere cruentis, si postulasset negotium, statuit tormentis adfligi.

11. these things once known, he, becoming savage, as he was an enemy of vices, keen rather than severe, with a single pronouncement, in cases of this kind—which he arrogantly would mix under the charge of majesty diminished—decreed that all those whom the justice of the ancient law and the decisions of the deified emperors had exempted from bloody questionings should be afflicted with tortures, if the matter should demand it.

12. utque congeminata potestas erectaque sublatius altiores consarcinaret aerumnas, Maximino Romae agere disposito pro praefectis sociavit ad haec cognoscenda, quae in multorum pericula struebantur, Leonem notarium, postea officiorum magistrum, bustuarium quendam latronem Pannonium, efflantem ferino rictu crudelitatem, etiam ipsum nihilo minus humani sanguinis avidissimum.

12. and so that the doubled power, raised more loftily, might patch together higher hardships, with Maximinus appointed to act at Rome, he associated, in place of the prefects, for the learning of these matters which were being piled up to the peril of many, Leo the notary—afterwards Master of the Offices—and a certain Pannonian brigand, a bustuarius, exhaling cruelty with a bestial gape; and he too was no less ravenous for human blood.

13. auxit obstinatum Maximini ingenium ad laedendum adventus collegae similis et litterarum cum ampla dignitate dulcedo. ideoque pedes huc et illuc exultando contorquens, saltare, non incedere videbatur, dum studebat inter altaria celsius gradientes, ut quidam memorant, imitari Brachmanas.

13. the arrival of a like colleague and the sweetness of letters with ample dignity increased Maximin’s obstinate disposition to harm. and so, twisting his feet here and there in exultation, he seemed to dance, not to proceed, while he strove, as some relate, to imitate the Brachmans stepping more loftily among the altars.

14. Iamque lituis cladium concrepantibus internarum, rerum atrocitate torpentibus cunctis, praeter multa cruda et inmitia, quorum nec diversitas conprehendi nec numerus potest, mors Marini causarum defensoris eminuit. quem ut ausum Hispanillae cuiusdam artibus pravis adfectasse coniugium, transeunter indiciorum fide discussa, supplicio letali damnavit.

14. And now, with the clarions of internal calamities blaring, while all were benumbed by the atrocity of affairs, besides many crude and inhumane things, whose diversity cannot be comprehended nor their number, the death of Marinus, a defender of causes, stood out. Him, on the ground that he had dared, by depraved arts, to aim at the marriage of a certain Hispanilla, with the credibility of the evidences having been cursorily examined, he condemned to a lethal punishment.

15. et quoniam existimo, forsitan aliquos haec lecturos, exquisite scrutando notare, strepentes id actum esse prius, non illud, aut ea, quae viderint praetermissa: hactenus faciendum est satis quod non omnia narratu sunt digna, quae per squalidas transiere personas, nec si fieri fuisset necesse, instructiones vel ex ipsis tabulariis suppeterent publicis, tot calentibus malis et novo furore sine retinaculis imis summa miscente, cum iustitium esse, quod timebatur, non iudicium aperte constaret

15. and since I suppose that perhaps some who will read these things, by exquisite scrutinizing, will note—clamoring that this was done earlier, not that, or that those things which they have seen were passed over: thus far it will suffice to state that not all things are worthy of narration which have passed through squalid personages; nor, even if it had been necessary, would records, even from the public archives themselves, have been forthcoming, with so many evils seething and a new fury, without reins at the very bottom, mixing the highest with the lowest, since it was openly clear that there was a iustitium (a suspension of public business), which was feared, not a iudicium (a sitting of judgment).

16. Tunc Cethegus senator adulterii reus delatus, cervice perit abscisa, et Alypius nobilis adulescens, ob levem relegatus errorem, aliique humiles publica morte oppetiverunt: in quorum miseriis velut sui quisque discriminis cernens imaginem, tortorem et vincula somniabat et diversoria tenebrarum.

16. Then Cethegus, a senator, having been denounced as a defendant for adultery, perished with his neck cut off; and Alypius, a noble youth, was relegated for a slight error; and others of low condition met a public death: in whose miseries each man, as though discerning an image of his own peril, dreamed of the torturer and of chains and of the lodging-places of darkness.

17. Eodem tempore etiam Hymetii praeclarae indolis viri negotium est actitatum, cuius hunc novimus esse textum. cum Africam pro consule regeret Carthaginiensibus victus inopia iam lassatis, ex horreis Romano populo destinatis frumentum dedit, pauloque postea cum provenisset segetum copia, integre sine ulla restituit mora.

17. At the same time the case of Hymetius also, a man of preeminent inborn character, was prosecuted, of which we know this to be the outline: when he was governing Africa as proconsul, with the Carthaginians already wearied by a shortage of victuals, he gave grain from the granaries destined for the Roman people, and a little later, when an abundance of the crops had come in, he restored it in full without any delay.

18. verum quoniam denis modiis singulis solidis indigentibus venundatis, emerat ipse tricenos, interprehi conpendium ad principis aerarium misit. ideoque Valentinianus per nundinationem suspicatus parum, quam oportuerat, missum, eum bonorum parte multavit.

18. But since, with ten modii sold to the needy for single solidi, he himself had bought at thirty each, he sent the broker’s saving to the emperor’s aerarium. And so Valentinian, suspecting from the nundination that less had been sent than was proper, fined him a portion of his goods.

19. ad cuius cladem exaggerandam id quoque isdem diebus acciderat non minus exitiale. Amantius aruspex ea tempestate prae ceteris notus, occultiore indicio proditus, quod ob prava quaedam implenda ad sacrificandum ab eodem esset adscitus Hymetio, inductusque in iudicium, quamquam incurvus sub eculeo staret, pertinaci negabat instantia.

19. to exaggerate whose disaster this also befell in those same days, no less deadly: Amantius, a haruspex, at that time noted before the rest, betrayed by a more secret indication—that for the accomplishing of certain wicked things he had been summoned by that same Hymetius to sacrifice—and brought into judgment, although he stood bent under the rack, with stubborn insistence kept denying.

20. quo infitiante, secretioribus chartis ab eius domo prolatis, commonitorium repertum est manu scriptum Hymetii, petentis ut obsecrata ritu sacrorum sollemnium numina erga se imperatores delenirent, cuius extima parte quaedam invectiva legebantur in principem ut avarum et truculentum.

20. as he denied it, with more secret papers produced from his house, a memorandum was found written by the hand of Hymetius, requesting that, the numina having been besought by the rite of solemn sacrifices, they might soften the emperors toward himself; on its outer margin certain invective was read against the emperor as avaricious and truculent.

21. haec Valentinianus relatione iudicum doctus, asperius interpretantium facta, vigore nimio in negotium iussit inquiri. et quia Frontinus consiliarius ante dicti, minister fuisse conceptae precationis arguebatur, concisus virgis atque confessus ablegatus est in exilium ad Brittannos, Amantius vero damnatus postea rerum capitalium interiit.

21. These things Valentinian, taught by the relation of the judges—who were interpreting the deeds more harshly—ordered with excessive vigor that inquiry be made into the business. And because Frontinus, counselor of the aforementioned, was being accused of having been the minister of the conceived supplication, having been cut with rods and having confessed he was sent away into exile to the Britons, but Amantius, condemned afterward on capital matters, perished.

22. post hanc gestorum seriem Hymetius ad oppidum ductus Ocriculum, audiendus ab Ampelio urbi praefecto et Maximino vicario, confestimque perdendus, ut apparebat, data sibi copia erectius imperatoris praesidium appellavit, nominisque eius perfugio tectus servabatur incolumis.

22. after this series of actions, Hymetius, led to the town Ocriculum, to be heard by Ampelius, prefect of the city, and by Maximinus, the vicar, and at once to be destroyed, as it appeared, with an opportunity granted to him, more boldly appealed to the emperor’s praesidium, and sheltered by the refuge of his name he was kept unharmed.

23. super hoc princeps consultus senatui negotium dedit. qui cum rem librata iustitia conperisset, eumque ad Boas Delmatiae locum exterminasset, aegre imperatoris iracundiam tulit, perciti vehementer, quod hominem addictum, ut ipse proposuerat, morti, clementiori sententia didicerat plexurm.

23. concerning this, the emperor, when consulted, gave the business to the senate. which, when it had ascertained the matter with balanced justice, and had banished him to Boas, a place of Dalmatia, with difficulty endured the emperor’s wrath, very greatly incensed, because he had learned that a man adjudged, as he himself had proposed, to death, had been punished by a more clement sentence.

24. Ob haec et huius modi multa, quae cernebantur in paucis, omnibus timeri sunt coepta. et ne tot malis dissimulatis paulatimque serpentibus acervi crescerent aerumnarum, nobilitatis decreto legati mittuntur: Praetextatus ex urbi praefecto et ex vicario Venustus et ex consulari Minervius oraturi, ne delictis supplicia sint grandiora, neve senator quisquam inusitato et inlicito more tormentis exponeretur.

24. On account of these things and many of this kind, which were discerned in a few, all began to fear. And lest, with so many evils dissembled and creeping little by little, heaps of hardships should grow, by a decree of the nobility envoys are sent: Praetextatus, a former prefect of the city, and Venustus, a former vicar, and Minervius, a former consular, to plead that punishments not be heavier than the offenses, and that no senator be exposed to tortures in an unusual and unlawful manner.

25. qui cum intromissi in consistorium haec referrent, negantem Valentinianum se id statuisse, et calumnias perpeti clamitantem moderate redarguit quaestor Eupraxius, hacque libertate emendatum est crudele praeceptum supergressum omnia diritatis exempla.

25. and when they, admitted into the consistory, reported these things, the quaestor Eupraxius moderately rebuked Valentinian, who was denying that he had decreed this and was clamoring that he was suffering calumnies; and by this freedom the cruel precept, which had surpassed all examples of savagery, was corrected.

26. Circa hos dies Lollianus primae lanuginis adulescens, Lampadi filius ex praefecto, exploratius causam Maximino spectante, convictus codicem noxiarum artium nondum per aetatem firmato consilio descripsisse, exulque mittendus, ut sperabatur, patris inpulsu provocavit ad principem, et iussus ad eius comitatum duci, de fumo, ut aiunt, in flammam traditus Phalangio Baeticae consulari cecidit funesti carnificis manu.

26. Around these days Lollianus, an adolescent of first down, the son of Lampadius, a former prefect, with Maximinus looking more searchingly into the case, convicted of having copied out a codex of noxious arts, his counsel not yet made firm by age, and to be sent into exile, as was hoped, by his father’s prompting appealed to the emperor, and, ordered to be led to his retinue, from smoke, as they say, into flame, handed over to Phalangius, consular of Baetica, he fell by the hand of the ill-omened executioner.

27. Super his etiam Tarracius Bassus, postea urbi praefectus et frater eius Camenius et Marcianus quidam et Eusaphius, omnes clarissimi, arcessiti in crimen, quod eiusdem conscii uneficii aurigam fovere dicebantur Auchenium, documentis etiam tum ambiguis suffragante absoluti sunt Victorino, ut dispersus prodidit rumor, qui erat amicus Maximino iunctissimus.

27. Besides these matters too, Tarracius Bassus, later prefect of the city, and his brother Camenius, and a certain Marcianus, and Eusaphius, all of the most distinguished rank, summoned on a charge, because they were said to be favoring Auchenium, a charioteer, an accomplice in the same crime, were acquitted, the documents even then being ambiguous and with Victorinus giving his suffrage, as a rumor spread abroad disclosed, who was a most closely joined friend to Maximinus.

28. Nec minus feminae quoque calamitatum participes fuere similium. nam ex hoc quoque sexu peremptae sunt originis altae conplures, adulteriorum flagitiis obnoxiae vel stuprorum. inter quas notiores fuere Claritas et Flaviana, quarum altera cum duceretur ad mortem, indumento, quo vestita erat, abrepto, ne velemen quidem secreto membrorum sufficiens retinere permissa est.

28. Nor were the women less participants in similar calamities. For from this sex also several of high origin were put to death, liable to the flagitious crimes of adulteries or of defilements. Among whom more notable were Claritas and Flaviana, of whom the one, when she was being led to death, her garment, with which she was clothed, having been torn away, was not even permitted to retain a covering sufficient for the secrecy of her members.

ideoque carnifex nefas admisisse convictus inmane, vivus exustus est.

and therefore the executioner, convicted of having committed a monstrous nefarious act, was burned alive.

29. Paphius quin etiam et Cornelius senatores, ambo venenorum artibus pravis se polluisse confessi, eodem pronuntiante Maximino sunt interfecti. pari sorte etiam procurator monetae extinctus est. Sericum enim et Asbolium supra dictos, quoniam cum hortaretur passim nominare, quos vellent, adiecta religione firmarat, nullum igni vel ferro se puniri iussurum, plumbi validis ictibus interemit.

29. Paphius and likewise Cornelius, senators, both having confessed that they had defiled themselves by the depraved arts of poisons, were executed, the same Maximinus pronouncing sentence. By an equal lot the procurator of the mint also was put to death. For Sericus and Asbolius, mentioned above—since, when he was urging them to name indiscriminately whom they wished, he had affirmed with an added religious pledge that he would order no one to be punished by fire or iron—he made away with by stout blows of lead.

et post hoe flammis Campensem aruspicem dedit, in negotio eius nullo sacramento constrictus.

and after this he consigned the Campensian haruspex to the flames, in his case bound by no oath in the matter.

30. Oportunum est, ut arbitror, explanare nunc causam, quae ad exitium praecipitem Aginatium inpulit iam inde a priscis maioribus nobilem, ut locuta est pertinacior fama. nec enim super hoc ulla documentorum rata est fides.

30. it is opportune, as I judge, to explain now the cause which impelled Aginatius headlong to destruction, noble from his ancient ancestors, as the more pertinacious report has spoken. for indeed on this matter there is no ratified credibility of documents.

31. anhelans flatu superbo Maximinus, etiam tum praefectus annonae, nanctusque audaciae incitamenta non levia, tendebat ad usque Probi contemptum, viri summatum omnium maximi, iureque praefecturae praetorianae regentis provincias.

31. Maximinus, panting with a proud breath, even then prefect of the grain-supply, and having gotten not slight incitements to audacity, was aiming even to contempt of Probus, a man the greatest of all the highest-ranking, and by right of the praetorian prefecture ruling the provinces.

32. quod Aginatius indignissime ferrens dolensque in examinandis causis Maximinum ab Olybrio sibi praelatum, cum esset ipse vicarius Romae: familiari sermone docuit Probum occulte, facile vanum hominem recalcitrantem sublimibus meritis posse opprimi, si ille id fieri censuisset.

32. This, which Aginatius bore most indignantly and, grieving that in examining cases Maximinus had been preferred to him by Olybrius, though he himself was vicarius of Rome: in familiar speech he secretly informed Probus that the vain man, kicking back against exalted merits, could easily be crushed, if he should judge that to be done.

33. has litteras, ut quidam adseverabant, Probus ad Maximinum eruditiorem iam in sceleribus, conmendatumque principi pertimescens, nullo conscio praeter baiulum misit. hisque recitatis ita homo ferus exarsit, ut machinas omnes in Aginatium deinde commoveret, velut serpens vulnere noti cuiusdam adtritus.

33. these letters, as some asserted, Probus sent to Maximinus, by now more instructed in crimes, and, fearing him as commended to the emperor, with no one privy except the bearer. And when these were read out, the savage man blazed up, to such a degree that thereafter he set all engines in motion against Aginatius, like a serpent chafed by the wound from some familiar hand.

34. accessit his alia potior insidiarum materia, quae eundem Aginatium obruit. Victorinum enim defunctum insimulabat, ut Maximini actus, dum supererat, venditantem, cuius ex testamento legata ipse sumpserat non aspernanda, parique petulantia Anepsiae quoque eius uxori lites minabatur et iurgia.

34. To these there was added another, weightier matter of plots, which overwhelmed that same Aginatius. For he was accusing the defunct Victorinus, as one who, while he still survived, was peddling the acts of Maximinus, from whose testament he himself had taken legacies not to be scorned; and with equal petulance he was threatening litigations and altercations also to Anepsia, his wife.

35. quae haec metuens, ut Maximini etiam muniretur auxilio, finxit maritum in voluntate, quam condiderat nuper, argenti tria milia pondo eidem reliquisse. qui aviditate nimia flagrans — nec enim hoc quoque vitio caruit — petit hereditatis medietatem. verum etiam hoc ut parum sufficienti nequaquam contentus aliud commentus est, ut arbitrabatur, honestum et tutum, et ne amitteret amplam sibi oblatam lucrandi uberis patrimonii, Victorini privignam Anepsiae filiam petit filio coniugem, idque adsentiente muliere prompte firmatum est.

35. she, fearing these things, so that she might also be fortified by the aid of Maximinus, fabricated that her husband, in the will which he had recently drawn up, had left to the same man three thousand pounds-weight of silver. he, blazing with excessive avidity — for he did not lack this vice either — seeks the moiety of the inheritance. but not at all content with this either as too little sufficient, he contrived another plan, as he thought, honest and safe; and lest he should lose the ample opportunity offered to him of profiting by a rich patrimony, he asks for Victorinus’s stepdaughter, the daughter of Anepsia, as a spouse for his son, and this, the woman assenting, was promptly ratified.

36. Per haec et alia simili maerore deflenda, quae decolorabant speciem urbis aeternae, grassabatur per strages multiplices fortunarum homo cum gemitu nominandus, ultra forenses terminos semet extentans. namque et resticulam de fenestra praetorii quadam remota dicitur semper habuisse suspensam, cuius summitas quadam velut ansula colligaret nullis quidem indiciis fulta sed nocitura insontibus multis: et Mucianum Barbarumque apparitores aliquotiens discretim trudi iubebat, ad fallendum aptissimos.

36. Through these and other things to be bewailed with similar mourning, which decolored the appearance of the eternal city, there was rampaging through multiple slaughters of fortunes a man to be named with a groan, stretching himself beyond forensic boundaries. For he is said always to have had a little rope hanging from a certain set-back window of the praetorium, the top of which he would tie together into, as it were, a little loop—propped up indeed by no evidences, but about to harm many innocents: and he would order Mucianus and Barbarus, apparitors, to be shoved in several times, separately, most apt for deceiving.

37. hi tamquam heiulando casus, quibus se simulabant oppressos, iudicis exaggerando crudelitatem, remedium nullum aliud reis ad obtinendam vitam superesse eadem replicando saepe adseverabant, ni criminibus magnis petissent nobiles viros, quibus ad sui societatem adnexis facile eos absolvi posse firmabant.

37. these men, as if by wailing over mishaps by which they pretended themselves oppressed, by exaggerating the judge’s cruelty, often by reiterating the same things asserted that no other remedy remained for the defendants to obtain life, unless they attacked noble men with great charges; and, with these annexed to their own association, they affirmed that they could easily be absolved.

38. Ob quae inplacabilitate ultra adposita iam pergente, manus vinculis sunt artatae conplurium, ortuque nobiles inculti videbantur et anxii. nec eorum culpari quisquam debuit cum salutantes humum paene curvatis contingentibus membris, persaepe clamantem audirent spiritus ferini latronem, nullum se invito reperiri posse insontem.

38. On account of which implacability, superadded beyond measure and now pressing on, the hands of many were bound fast with chains, and men noble by birth seemed unkempt and anxious. Nor ought any of them to be blamed, since, while saluting with limbs bent almost to touching the ground, they very often heard a brigand of ferine spirit shouting that, he being unwilling, no innocent could be found.

39. quae verba effectui propere iuncta terruissent profecto Numae Pompilii similis et Catonem. prorsus enim sic agebatur, ut nec in alienis malis quorumdam exarescerent lacrimae: quod in variis et confragosis actibus vitae plerumque contingit.

39. words which, swiftly joined to effect, would surely have terrified even a man like Numa Pompilius and Cato. For indeed it was conducted in such a way that, even at others’ misfortunes, the tears of certain men did not dry up: which, in the various and rugged, broken acts of life, for the most part happens.

40. a iure tamen iustitiaque crebro discedens ferreus cognitor, erat uno quasi praecipuo tolerabilis. interdum enim exoratus parcebat aliquibus, quod prope vitium esse in hoc loco legitur apud Tullium "nam si inplacabiles iracundiae sunt, summa est acerbitas: sin autem exorabiles, summa levitas: quae tamen, ut in malis, acerbitati anteponenda est".

40. yet, often departing from law and justice, the iron inquisitor was tolerable by one, as it were, almost preeminent point. for sometimes, when entreated, he spared some, which is read in Tullius to be almost a fault in this matter: "for if angers are implacable, the highest acerbity; but if appeasable, the highest levity; which, however, as among evils, is to be preferred to acerbity".

41. Post haec praegresso Leone acceptoque successore ad principis comitatum Maximinus accitus, auctusque praefectura praetoriana, nillilo lenior fuit etiam longius nocens ut basilisci serpentes.

41. After these things, with Leo having gone on ahead and a successor having been received, Maximinus was summoned to the emperor’s retinue, and, having been augmented with the praetorian prefecture, was by no means gentler, doing harm even from farther off like basilisk serpents.

42. in id tempus aut non multo prius scopae florere sunt visae, quibus nobilitatis curia mundabatur, idque portendebat extollendos quosdam despicatissimae sortis ad gradus postestatum excelsos.

42. at that time, or not much earlier, brooms were seen to bloom, with which the curia of the nobility was being cleansed, and this portended that certain men of a most despicable sort would be extolled to lofty grades of powers.

43. Et quamlibet tempestivum est ad ordinem redire coeptorum, tamen nihil impedituri temporum cursus inmorabimur paucis, quae per iniquitatem curantium vicariam praefecturam in urbe contra quam oportuerat gesta sunt, quia ad nutum Maximini et voluntatem isdem ministris velut apparitoribus gerebantur.

43. And although it is timely to return to the order of the things begun, nevertheless, so that we impede nothing of the course of the times, we will linger a little over a few things which, through the inequity of those managing the vicarian prefecture in the City, were done contrary to what was proper, because they were carried on at the nod and will of Maximinus by the same ministers, as though by apparitors.

44. post hunc venit Vrsicinus ad mitiora propensior, qui quoniam cautus esse voluit et civilis, rettulerat Esaiam cum aliis, ob commissum adulterium in Rufinam detentis, Marcellum maritum eius ex agente in rebus, reum inminutae maiestatis deferre conatis: ideoque ut cunctator contemptus et ad haec fortiter exsequenda parum conveniens e vicaria potestate discessit.

44. after him came Ursicinus, more inclined to milder measures, who, since he wished to be cautious and civil, had reported that Esaias, together with others detained for the adultery committed with Rufina, were attempting to denounce Marcellus, her husband, formerly an agente in rebus, as a defendant for diminished majesty: and so, as a delayer, contemned and little suited to carry these things through vigorously, he departed from the vicarian power.

45. huic successit Hemonensis Simplicius, Maximini consiliarius ex grammatico, post administratam nec erectus nec tumidus sed obliquo aspectu terribilis, qui conpositis ad modestiam verbis acerba meditabatur in multos. et primo Rufinam cum universis auctoribus adulterii commissi vel consciis interfecit, super quibus Vrsicinum rettulisse praediximus, alios deinde conplures nullo noxiorum discrimine vel insontium.

45. To him there succeeded Simplicius the Hemonensian, a counselor of Maximinus, from a grammarian; after the administration was assumed, neither upright nor puffed up, but terrible with a sidelong look, who, with words composed toward modesty, was meditating bitter things against many. And first he killed Rufina with all the authors of the committed adultery or those privy to it, concerning which we have already said that Ursicinus reported; then many others besides, with no distinction between the guilty and the innocent.

46. in cruento enim certamine cum Maximino velut antepilano suo contendens, superare eum in succidendis familiarum nobilium nervis studebat, Busirim veterem et Antaeum imitatus et Phalarim, ut taurus ei solus deesse videretur Agrigentinus.

46. for in a blood-soaked contest, contending with Maximinus as though with his own front-rank champion, he strove to surpass him in cutting the sinews of noble households, imitating old Busiris and Antaeus and Phalaris, so that the Agrigentine bull alone seemed to be lacking to him.

47. His in hunc modum ac talibus actitatis, Hesychia quaedam matrona ob intentatum crimen in domo apparitoris, cui custodienda est tradita, multa pertimescens et saeva, fulcro plumeo vultu contracto incubuit, et animam occluso narium spiramento effudit.

47. With these things in this manner and suchlike having been transacted, a certain matron Hesychia, on account of an untried charge, in the house of an apparitor, to whom she had been handed over to be kept, greatly fearing many and savage things, lay upon a feathered bolster with her countenance contracted, and, the breathing of her nostrils shut, poured out her life.

48. Adiunctum est his aliud haut mitius malum. Eumenius enim et Abienus ambo ex coetu amplissimo infamati sub Maximino in Fausianam feminam non obscuram, post Victorini obitum, quo iuvante vixere securius, Simplicii adventu perterrefacti, non secus volentis magna cum minis, ad secreta receptacula se contulerunt.

48. To these another evil, by no means milder, was adjoined. For Eumenius and Abienus, both from the most ample assembly, having been denounced under Maximinus in the matter of Fausiana, a woman not obscure, after the death of Victorinus—by whose aid they lived more securely—terrified at the advent of Simplicius, he being no less willing, with great menaces, betook themselves to secret refuges.

49. sed Fausiana damnata inter reos recepti, vocatique edictis, semet abstrusius amendarunt: quorum Abienus apud Anepsiam diu delitescebat. sed ut solent insperati casus adgravare miserabilis clades, Apaudulus nomine servus Anepsiae, verberatae coniugis dolore perculsus, negotium ad Simplicium detulit nocte progressus, missique apparitores indicatos e latebris abstraxerunt.

49. but with Fausiana condemned, they were taken in among the accused, and, summoned by edicts, they removed themselves more secretively: of whom Abienus for a long time was hiding with Anepsia. But, as unexpected chances are wont to aggravate pitiable calamities, a slave of Anepsia by the name Apaudulus, struck by the grief for his flogged wife, went forth by night and reported the matter to Simplicius, and apparitors sent [by him] dragged those indicated from their hiding-places.

50. et Abienus quidem exaggerato crimine stupri, quod intulisse dicebatur Anepsiae, morte multatus est. mulier vero ut continendae vitae spem firmam dilato posset habere supplicio, adpetitam se nefariis artibus, vim in domo Aginati perpessam adseveravit.

50. and Abienus indeed, with the charge of stupration exaggerated, which he was said to have inflicted upon Anepsia, was punished with death. But the woman, in order that, with the penalty deferred, she might be able to have a firm hope of preserving life, asserted that she had been assailed by nefarious arts, and that she had suffered violence in the house of Aginatus.

51. haec, ut gesta sunt, auctius ad principem Simplicius rettulit, agensque ibi Maximinus infestus ob causam, quam supra docuimus, Aginatio, simultate una cum potestate in maius accensa, oravit inpense ut rescriberetur eum occidi: et inpetravit facile male sanus incitator et potens.

51. these things, as they were done, Simplicius reported more copiously to the princeps, and there Maximinus, hostile to Aginatius on account of the cause which we have shown above, prosecuting him, with enmity together with power inflamed to a greater height, earnestly begged that a rescript be written that he be killed: and, unsound, an instigator and powerful, he easily obtained it.

52. metuensque gravioris invidae pondus, ne pronuntiante Simplicio et consiliario suo et amico, periret homo patriciae stirpis, retinuit apud se paulisper imperiale praeceptum, haerens et ambigens, quemnam potissimum exsecutorem atrocis rei fidum inveniret et efficacem.

52. and fearing the weight of heavier envy, lest, with Simplicius—both his counselor and his friend—pronouncing, a man of patrician stock should perish, he retained with himself for a little while the imperial precept, halting and wavering as to whom, most of all, he might find as executor of the atrocious affair, trustworthy and efficacious.

53. tandemque, ut solent pares facile congregari cum paribus, Doryphorianus quidam repertus est Gallus, audax ad usque insaniam, cui hanc operam implere brevi pollicito deferri providit vicariam, et commonitorium cum Augusti litteris tradidit, instruens hominem saevum quidem et rudem, qua celeritate Aginatium sine ullo deleret obstaculo, dilatione qualibet inventa, forsitan evasurum.

53. and at last, as equals are wont easily to congregate with equals, Doryphorianus, a certain Gaul, was found, bold up to madness; for whom, upon his promising to complete this work shortly, he provided that a vicariate be conferred, and he handed over a memorandum together with the letters of the Augustus, instructing the man, savage indeed and rude, with what swiftness he should obliterate Aginatius without any obstacle, since, if any delay whatever were found, he might perhaps escape.

54. festinavit, ut mandatum est, Doryphorianus magnis itineribus Romam, et inter administrandi initia magna quaeritabat industria, qua vi senatorem perspicui generis interficeret iuvantibus nullis. cognitoque eum iam pridem repertum in villa propria custodiri, ipse tamquam caput sontium pariterque Anepsiam horrore medio tenebrarum audire disposuit, quo tempore hebetari solent obstrictae terroribus mentes: ut inter innumera multa Aiax quoque Homericus docet optans perire potius luce, quam pati formidinis augmenta nocturnae.

54. Doryphorianus hurried, as it was commanded, by forced marches to Rome, and, amid the beginnings of administering, with great industry kept seeking by what force he might slay a senator of conspicuous lineage, with no helpers aiding. And when it was learned that he, long since discovered, was being kept in custody in his own villa, he himself arranged to hear him, as the chief of the guilty, and Anepsia likewise, in the mid-horror of the darkness, at which time minds bound fast by terrors are wont to grow dull: as, among innumerable many, the Homeric Ajax also teaches, choosing rather to perish in the light than to suffer the augmentations of nocturnal fear.

55. et quoniam iudex, quin immo praedo nefandus ad id solum, quod promisit, intentus cuncta extollebat in maius, iusso Aginatio statui, agmina fecit introire carnificum, catenisque sonantibus triste, mancipia squalore diuturno marcentia in domini caput ad usque ultimum lacerabat exitium, quod in stupri questione fieri vetuere clementissimae leges.

55. and since the judge—nay rather an unspeakable brigand—intent upon that alone which he had promised, was magnifying everything to a greater pitch, Aginatius having been ordered to be set in place, he caused bands of executioners to enter, and, with chains clanking a grim sound, he was mangling the slaves, languishing from long squalor, to the very last ruin against their master’s head—a thing which the most clement laws had forbidden to be done in an inquiry on stuprum.

56. denique cum iam contigua morti tormenta ancillae voces expressissent obliquas, indicii fide parum plene discussa, Aginatius ad supplicium duci pronuntiatus abrupte, nec auditus, cum magnis clamoribus appellaret nomina principum, sublimis raptus occiditur, pari sententia Anepsia interfecta. haec agitante, cum adesset, perque emissarios cum procul ageret, Maximino funera urbs deploravit aeterna.

56. finally, when torments contiguous to death had forced out the maidservant’s oblique voices, the faith of the evidence having been too little fully examined, Aginatius, pronounced to be led to punishment abruptly, and not heard, though with great outcries he appealed to the names of the princes, was snatched up aloft and slain, Anepsia being killed by an equal sentence. With him agitating these things, both when he was present and, through emissaries, when he acted from afar, under Maximinus the Eternal City bewailed funerals everlasting.

57. Sed accelerarunt ultimae dirae caesorum. namque ut postea tempestive dicetur, et idem Maximinus sub Gratiano intoleranter se efferens damnatorio iugulatus est ferro, et Simplicius in Illyrico trucidatus, et Doryphorianum pronuntiatum capitis reum trusumque in carcerem Tullianum, matris consilio princeps exinde rapuit, reversumque ad lares per cruciatus oppressit inmensos. Ut unde huc fleximus revertamur, is urbanarum rerum status, ut ita dixerim, fuit.

57. But the final dire dooms of the slaughtered hastened on. For, as will be said in due season later, that same Maximinus, exalting himself intolerably under Gratian, was cut the throat under sentence by steel, and Simplicius was butchered in Illyricum, and Doryphorianus, pronounced guilty on a capital charge and thrust into the Tullian prison, the princeps, by his mother’s counsel, thereafter snatched away, and, once returned to his hearth, crushed him by immense torments. So that we may return whence we have turned aside hither, such—so to speak—was the state of urban affairs.

1. At Valentinianus magna animo concipiens et utilia, Rhenum omnem a Raetiarum exordio ad usque fretalem Oceanum magnis molibus conmuniebat, castra extollens altius et castella turresque adsiduas per habiles locos et oportunos, qua Galliarum extenditur longitudo: non numquam etiam ultra flumen aedificiis positis subradens barbaros fines.

1. But Valentinian, conceiving great and useful things in mind, was fortifying the whole Rhine from the beginning of Raetia up to the fretal Ocean with great works, raising the camps higher and (setting) little forts and constant towers through suitable and opportune places where the length of Gaul stretches: now and then even, with structures placed beyond the river, shaving away the barbarian frontiers.

2. denique cum reputaret munimentum celsum et tutum, quod ipse a primis fundarat auspiciis, praeterlabente Nicro nomine fluvio, paulatim subverti posse undarum pulsu inmani, meatum ipsurr aliorsum vertere cogitavit et quaesitis artificibus peritis aquariae rei, copiosaque militis manu arduum est opus adgressus.

2. finally, when he was considering that the lofty and secure fortification, which he himself had founded from the first auspices, with the river by name Nicer flowing past, could little by little be overthrown by the immense beating of the waves, he conceived to turn its channel elsewhere; and, craftsmen skilled in the hydraulic art having been sought out, and with a copious band of soldiers, he undertook the arduous work.

3. per multos enim dies conpaginatae formae e roboribus, coniectaeque in alveum, fixis refixisque aliquotiens prope ingentibus stilis, fluctibus erectis confundebantur, avulsaeque vi gurgitis interibant.

3. for over many days the joined frames of oaken timbers, cast into the channel, with enormous piles fastened and refastened several times nearby, with the waves upreared, were being thrown into confusion, and, torn away by the force of the whirlpool, were perishing.

4. vicit tamen imperatoris vehementior cura et morigeri militis labor, mento tenus, dum operaretur, saepe demersi: tandem non sine quorundam discrimine castra praesidiaria, inquietudine urgentis amnis exempta, nunc valida sunt.

4. nevertheless the more vehement care of the emperor and the labor of the obedient soldier prevailed, often submerged up to the chin while the work was being done: at length, not without the peril of some, the garrison camp, exempted from the inquietude of the pressing river, now stands strong.

5. Ac talibus laetus exsultansque, pro anni et temporis statu dilapsos conducens, rei publicae curam habuit, ut officio principis congruebat. ratusque aptissimum ad id, quod deliberabat, inplendum, trans Rhenum in monte Piri, qui barbaricus locus est, munimentum extruere disposuit raptim. utque celeritas effectum negotii faceret tutum, per Syagrium tunc notarium, postea praefectum et consulem, Aratorem monuit ducem, ut, dum undique altum esset silentium, id arripere conaretur.

5. And with such things happy and exultant, in view of the condition of the year and season gathering those who had slipped away, he had care for the commonwealth, as befitted the office of the prince. And thinking it most apt for accomplishing that which he was deliberating, beyond the Rhine on Mount Piri, which is a barbarian place, he resolved to erect a muniment swiftly. And that speed might make the outcome of the business secure, through Syagrius, then a notary, later prefect and consul, he advised Arator, the general, that, while on all sides there was deep silence, he should try to seize upon that.

6. transiit cum notario dux, ut iussum est, statim fodereque per militem, quem duxit, fundamenta exorsus, Hermogenen susceperat successorem, eodemque puncto quidam optimates Alamanni venere obsidum patres, quos lege foederis mansuraeque diutius pacis haut aspernanda pignora tenebamus.

6. the duke crossed with the notary, as it was ordered, and at once, through the soldiery he led, having begun to dig the foundations, he had accepted Hermogenes as successor; and at that same instant certain optimates of the Alamanni came, fathers of hostages—whom, by the law of the treaty and of a peace to endure longer, we were holding as pledges not to be spurned.

7. qui flexis poplitibus supplicabant, ne Romani securitatis inprovidi, quorum fortunam sempiterna fides caelo contiguam fecit, pravo deciperentur errore, pactisque calcatis rem adorerentur indignam.

7. who, with knees flexed, were supplicating, lest the Romans, improvident of security, whose fortune sempiternal faith has made contiguous to heaven, be deceived by a perverse error, and, the pacts trampled underfoot, court a thing unworthy.

8. verum haec et similia loquentes in cassum, cum nec audirentur, nec quietum aliquid vel mite referri sentirent, filiorum flentes exitium discesserunt, isdemque digressis, ex abdito collis propinqui barbaricus prosiluit, globus optimatibus tum danda responsa, ut intellegi dabatur, opperiens: adortusque milites seminudos, humum etiam tum gestantes, expeditis agiliter gladiis obtruncabant, inter quos etiam duces ambo sunt caesi.

8. but speaking these things and the like in vain, since they were neither being heard, nor did they perceive anything quiet or mild being reported back, weeping for the destruction of their sons they departed, and when these same had gone away, from a hidden place of a nearby hill a barbarian mass sprang forth, awaiting, as could be understood, the answers then to be given to the nobles: and having assailed the semi-nude soldiers, still carrying earth, with swords made ready they were swiftly cutting them down, among whom even both leaders were slain.

9. nec indicaturus gesta superfuit quisquam praeter Syagrium, qui deletis omnibus ad comitatum reversus, irati sententia principis sacramento exutus abiit ad lares, id conmeruisse saevo iudicatus arbitrio, quod evaserit solus.

9. and no one survived to indicate the deeds except Syagrius, who, with all destroyed, having returned to the comitatus, by the sentence of an irate emperor, stripped of the oath, went away to his household hearths, judged by a savage decision to have deserved this, because he had escaped alone.

10. Haec inter per Gallias, latrociniorum rabies saeva scatebat in perniciem multorum, observans celebres vias, fundensque indubitanter quidquid inciderat fructuosum. denique praeter conplures alios, quos absumpserunt insidiae tales, Constantianus tribunus stabuli, impetu est clandestino exceptus moxque interfectus, Valentiniani adfinis, Cerealis et Iustinae germanus.

10. Meanwhile, throughout the Gauls, the savage frenzy of banditries welled up to the ruin of many, watching the celebrated roads, and indubitably despoiling whatever had fallen in their way as fruitful. finally, besides several others, whom such ambushes consumed, Constantianus, tribune of the stables, was caught by a clandestine onset and soon slain, a relation by marriage of Valentinian, the brother of Cerealis and Justina.

11. At procul, tamquam horum similia agitantibus furiis per omne latus, Maratocupreni grassatores acerrimi vagabantur, vici huius nominis incolae in Syria prope Apamiam positi, nimium quantum numero et exquisitis fallaciis abundantes, ideoque formidati quod mercatorum militumque honoratorum specie sine strepitu ullo diffusi, opimas domos et villas et oppida pervadebant.

11. But far away, as if with furies driving deeds like these on every side, the Maratocupreni, most fierce brigands, were roaming, inhabitants of a village of this name, situated in Syria near Apamea, abounding exceedingly in number and in exquisite deceits, and therefore feared because, dispersed without any noise under the guise of merchants and of honored soldiers, they were pervading rich houses and villas and towns.

12. nec quisquam adventum eorum cavere poterat inopinum, non destinata sed varia petentium et longinqua, et quoquo ventus duxerat, inrumpentium: quam ob causam prae ceteris hostibus Saxones timentur ut repentini. et quamlibet coniurati multorum opes attriverint, oestroque concepti furosis exagitati caedes edidere luctificas, sanguinis nihilo minus avidi quam praedarum, sed ne per minutias gesta narrando ............operis inpediam cursum, id unum sufficiet eorum exitiale poni commentum.

12. and no one could beware their unforeseen arrival, as they aimed not at appointed but at varied and far-off objectives, and, wherever the wind had led, burst in: for which reason before the rest of the enemies the Saxons are feared as sudden. and although, sworn together, they have worn down the resources of many, and, seized by a gadfly and harried by furious goads, they produced mournful slaughters, no less greedy for blood than for spoils, yet lest by narrating the deeds in minutiae ............I impede the course of the work, it will suffice that one deadly contrivance of theirs be set forth.

13. quaesitus in unum impiorum [hominum] globus, imitatus rationalis officium ipsumque iudicem, vespertinis tenebris lugubre clamante praecone civitatem ingressi, ambitiosam domum cuiusdam primatis ut proscripti iussique interfici cum gladiis obsederunt, raptaque suppellectili pretiosa, quia subito perculsi familiares hebetatis sensibus non defenderant dominum, caesis pluribus ante revolutam lucem gressu discessere veloci.

13. a band of impious [men], gathered into one and imitating the office of the rationalis and the judge himself, having entered the city in vespertine darkness with a herald crying mournfully, they beset with swords, as if proscribed and ordered to be killed, the ambitious mansion of a certain primate; and, the precious household-furnishings seized—because the household, suddenly smitten and with senses dulled, had not defended their master—several having been cut down, before the light returned they departed with a swift step.

14. verum cum exuviis referti multorum, rapiendi dulcedine nihil praetermitterent, intercepti imperiali motu, oppressi interiere omnes ad unum, eorumque suboles parva etiam tum, ne ad parentum exempla subcresceret, pari sorte deleta est, et lares versi, quos ambitiose luctuosis aliorum dispendiis construxerunt. et haec quidem textu processere narrato.

14. but when, laden with the spoils of many, in the sweetness of plundering they omitted nothing, intercepted by an imperial movement, overpowered, they perished all to a man, and their small offspring even then, lest it should grow up to the examples of their parents, was destroyed by an equal lot, and the Lares overturned, which they had ambitiously constructed at the mournful losses of others. and these things indeed have proceeded in the narrated text.

III

1. Theodosius vero dux nominis inclyti, animi vigore collecto ab Augusta profectus, quam veteres appellavere Lundinium, cum milite industria conparato sollerti, versis turbatisque Brittannorum fortunis opem maximam tulit, oportuna ubique ad insidiandum barbaris praeveniens loca, nihilque gregariis imperans, cuius non ipse primitias alacri capesseret mente.

1. But Theodosius, a duke of illustrious name, having collected vigor of spirit, set out from Augusta, which the ancients called Londinium; with soldiery assembled by skillful industry, he brought the greatest aid, the fortunes of the Britons having been turned and thrown into turmoil, anticipating everywhere the places opportune for laying ambushes for the barbarians, and enjoining nothing upon the common soldiers of which he himself did not with eager mind seize the first-fruits.

2. hocque genere cum strenui militis munia et praeclari ducis curas expleret, fusis variis gentibus et fugatis, quas insolentia nutriente securitate adgredi Romanas res inflammabat, in integrum restituit civitates et castra multiplicibus quidem damnis adflicta, sed ad quietem temporis longi fundata.

2. and by this method, while he was fulfilling the duties of a strenuous soldier and the cares of a preeminent leader, with diverse nations routed and put to flight, whom an insolence nourished by security was inflaming to attack the Roman state, he restored to wholeness the cities and the camps, though afflicted by manifold losses, but founded for the quiet of a long time.

3. Evenerat autem eodem haec agente facinus dirum, erupturum in periculum grave, ni inter ipsa conatus principia fuisset extinctum.

3. Moreover, while this same man was managing these things, a dire deed had come about, which would have erupted into grave peril, if it had not been extinguished in the very beginnings of the attempt.

4. Valentinus quidam in Valeria Pannoniae superbi spiritus homo, Maximini illius exitialis vicarii, postea praefecti coniugis frater, ob grave crimen actus in Brittannias exsul, quietis inpatiens malefica bestia ad res perniciosas consurgebat et novas, in Theodosium tumore quodam, quem solum resistere posse nefandis cogitationibus advertebat

4. A certain Valentinus, a man of proud spirit in Valeria of Pannonia, the brother of the wife of that deadly Maximinus, vicarius, afterwards prefect, driven into the Britains as an exile on account of a grave crime, a malefic beast impatient of quiet, was rising up to pernicious and novel measures, with a certain swell of arrogance against Theodosius, whom he perceived alone to be able to resist his nefarious cogitations

5. multa tamen clam palamque circumspiciens, crescente flatu cupiditatis inmensae exules sollicitabat et milites, pro temporis captu ausorum inlecebras pollicendo mercedes

5. nevertheless, surveying many things both secretly and openly, as the gust of immense cupidity swelled, he was soliciting exiles and soldiers, promising rewards, as the opportunity of the time allowed, as allurements for acts of daring

6. iamque propinquante temptatorum effectu, doctus haec, unde convenerat dux alacrior ad audendum, et corde celso ad vindictam conpertorum erectus, Valentinum quidem cum paucis arta societate iunctissimis letali poena plectendos Dulcitio dediderat duci: militari scientia vero, qua superabat praesentes, futura coniciens, de coniuratis quaestionis agitari prohibuit, ne formidine sparsa per multos reviviscerent provinciarum turbines con positi.

6. and now, with the accomplishment of the plotters approaching, the general, having learned these things, from the place where he had convened, more eager to venture, and with a lofty heart raised to the vengeance of what had been ascertained, had handed over Valentinus, indeed, with a few most closely bound by tight fellowship, to the dux Dulcitius to be punished with the lethal penalty: by military science, however, in which he surpassed those present, forecasting the things to come, he forbade that, concerning the conspirators, an inquisition be conducted, lest, with fear scattered through many, the provinces’ whirlwinds, once composed, should revive.

7. Hinc ad corrigenda plura conversus et necessaria, periculo penitus dempto, cum aperte constaret nulla eius proposita deseruisse fortunam, instaurabat urbes et praesidiaria, ut diximus, castra, limitesque vigiliis tuebatur et praetenturis, recuperatamque provinciam, quae in dicionem concesserat hostium, ita reddiderat statui pristino, ut eodem referente e rectorem haberet legitimum, et Valentia deinde vocaretur arbitrio principis velut ovantis.

7. Hence, turned to correcting more and necessary matters, with danger entirely removed, since it was openly evident that Fortune had deserted none of his proposals, he was restoring the cities and, as we have said, the garrison camps, and he was guarding the frontiers with watches and with praetentures; and the recovered province, which had passed into the dominion of the enemy, he had so restored to its former condition that, as the same man reported, it had a lawful governor, and thereafter it was called Valentia by the judgment of the prince, as if in ovation.

8. ............haec etiam praecipua. Arcanos genus hominum a veteribus institutum, super quibus aliqua in actibus Constantis rettulimus, paulatim prolapsos in vitia a stationibus suis removit: aperte convictos, acceptarum promissarumque magnitudine praedarum allectos, quae apud nos agebantur, aliquotiens barbaris prodidisse. id enim illis erat officium, ut ultro citroque [per longa spatia] discurrentes, vicinarum gentium strepitus nostris ducibus intimarent.

8. ............these things also among the chief. The Arcani, a genus of men instituted by the ancients, about whom we have reported some matters in the acts of Constans, having gradually slipped into vices, he removed from their stations: openly convicted, lured by the magnitude of the spoils received and promised, of having several times betrayed to the barbarians the things which were being transacted among us. For this was their office: that, running to and fro [through long stretches], they should intimate to our leaders the stirrings of neighboring nations.

9. Ita spectatissime ante dictis rebus aliisque administratis similibus, ad comitatum accitus tripudiantesque relinquens provincias ut Furius Camillus vel Cursor Papirius victoriis crebris et salutaribus erat insignis. et favore omnium ad usque fretum deductus, leni vento transgressus, venit ad conmilitium principis, cumque gaudio susceptus et laudibus, in locum Valentis Iovini successit, qui equorum copias tuebatur.

9. Thus, most conspicuously with the aforesaid matters and other similar ones administered, summoned to the comitatus and leaving the provinces capering with joy, like Furius Camillus or Papirius Cursor he was distinguished by frequent and salutary victories. and escorted by the favor of all as far as the strait, having crossed with a gentle wind, he came to the emperor’s fellow-soldiery, and, received with joy and with praises, he succeeded to the place of Valens Jovinus, who was commanding the cavalry forces.

1. Diu multumque a negotiis discussus urbanis, adigente cumulo foris gestorum, ad ea strictim exequenda regrediar, exorsus ab Olybrii praefectura tranquilla nimis et leni, qui numquam ab humanitatis statu deiectus, sollicitus erat et anxius, nequid usquam factum eius asperum inveniretur aut dictum, calumniarum acerrimus insectator, fisci lucra, unde poterat, circumcidens, iustorum iniustorumque distinctor et arbiter plenus, in subiectos admodum temperatus.

1. Long and much driven off from urban affairs, the heap of deeds done abroad compelling me, I will return to execute those matters summarily, beginning from the prefecture of Olybrius, excessively tranquil and mild, who, never cast down from the state of humanity, was solicitous and anxious lest anywhere anything harsh in his deed or word be found; a most keen pursuer of calumnies, cutting back the profits of the fisc wherever he could, a distinguisher of the just and the unjust and a full arbiter, very temperate toward his subordinates.

2. Sed obnubilabat haec omnia vitium parum quidem nocens [rei communi], sed in alto iudice maculosum, quod citeriorem vitam paene omnem vergentem in luxum per argumenta scaenica amoresque peregerat nec vetitos nec incestos.

2. But all these things were overshadowed by a vice indeed little harmful [to the common interest], but in a high judge blotchy: that he had passed nearly all his earlier life, inclining into luxury, through theatrical plots and amours—neither forbidden nor incestuous.

3. Post hunc urbem rexit Ampelius, cupidus ipse quoque voluptatum, Antiochiae genitus, ex magistro officiorum ad proconsulatum geminum, indeque multo postea ad praefecturae culmen evectus, alias ad populi favorem adipiscendum aptissimus, non numquam tamen rigidus atque utinam in proposito perseverans. correxisset enim ex parte licet exigua inritamenta gulae et ganeas taetras, ni flexus in molliora amisisset gloriam diu victuram.

3. After him the city was ruled by Ampelius, himself also desirous of pleasures, born at Antioch, from Master of the Offices to a double proconsulship, and from there much later elevated to the summit of the Prefecture, otherwise most apt for acquiring the favor of the people, yet sometimes rigid, and would that he had persevered in his purpose. for he would have corrected, albeit in a small part, the irritants of the gullet and foul eating-houses, if, bent toward softer things, he had not lost a glory destined to live long.

4. namque statuerat, ne taberna vinaria ante horam quartam aperiretur, neve aquam vulgarium calefaceret quisquam, vel usque ad praestitutum diei spatium lixae coctam proponerent carnem, vel honestus quidam mandens videretur in publico.

4. for he had decreed that no wine-shop be opened before the fourth hour, nor that anyone heat water for the common folk, or that the sutlers set out boiled meat before the preappointed span of the day, or that any respectable person be seen chewing in public.

5. quae probra aliaque his maiora dissimulatione iugi neglecta ita effrenatius exarserunt, ut nec Epimenides ille Cretensis, si fabularum ritu ab inferis excitatus redisset ad nostra, solus purgare sufficeret Romam: tanta plerosque labes insanabilium flagitiorum oppressit.

5. which disgraces and others greater than these, neglected through continual dissimulation, flared up so the more unbridled, that not even Epimenides the Cretan, if, in the manner of fables, summoned from the underworld had returned to our affairs, would alone have sufficed to purge Rome: so great a stain of insanable flagitious acts has overwhelmed the majority.

6. Et primo nobilitatis, ut aliquotiens pro locorum copia fecimus, dein plebis digeremus errata, incidentia veloci constringentes excessu.

6. And first the errata of the nobility—as we have at times done according to the abundance of space—then of the plebs, we would digest, compressing the incidents with a rapid passing-over.

7. praenominum claritudine conspicui quidam, ut putant, in inmensum semet extollunt, cum Reburri et Elabunii et Pagonii Gereonesque appellentur ac Dalii cum Tarraciis et Perrasiis, aliisque ita decens sonantibus originum insignibus multis.

7. certain men, conspicuous for the luster of their praenomina, as they suppose, exalt themselves to the immense, since they are appellated Reburri and Elabunii and Pagonii and Gereones, and Dalii together with the Tarracii and Perrasii, and many others with insignia of origins sounding thus decorous.

8. non nullos fulgentes sericis indumentis, ut ducendos ad mortem, vel ut sine diritate ominis loquamur, praegresso exercitu arma cogentes, manipulatim concitato fragore sequitur multitudo servorum.

8. not a few, gleaming in silken garments, as if to be led to death, or—to speak without the savagery of an omen—with the army having gone on ahead, gathering arms, the multitude of slaves follows, maniple-wise, with a roused clatter.

9. tales ubi comitantibus singulos quinquaginta ministris tholos introierint balnearum, "ubi sunt nostri?" minaciter clamant: si apparuisse subito ignotam conpererint meretricem, aut oppidanae quondam prostibulum plebis, vel meritorii corporis veterem lupam, certatim concurrunt, palpantesque advenam deformitate magna blanditiarum ita extollunt, ut Samiramim Parthi vel Cleopatras Aegyptus aut Artemisiam Cares vel Zenobiam Palmyreni. et haec admittunt hi, quorum apud maiores censoria nota senator adflictus est, ausus, dum adhuc non deceret praesente communi filia, coniugem osculari.

9. such men, when with fifty attendants accompanying each they have entered the domes of the baths, "where are our people?" they shout menacingly: if they learn that suddenly there has appeared an unknown prostitute, or a former townspeople’s public streetwalker of the plebs, or an old she‑wolf of a for‑hire body, they run together in rivalry, and, fondling the newcomer, exalt her with a monstrous excess of blandishments to such a degree as the Parthians [did] Semiramis, or Egypt the Cleopatras, or the Carians Artemisia, or the Palmyrenes Zenobia. And these things are admitted by those whose ancestors saw a senator stricken with a censorial mark, because he dared, while it was still not fitting, with their common daughter present, to kiss his wife.

10. Ex his quidam cum salutari pectoribus oppositis coeperunt, osculanda capita in modum taurorum minacium obliquantes, adulatoribus offerunt genua suavianda vel manus, id illis sufficere ad beate vivendum existimantes, et abundare omni cultu humanitatis peregrinum [putantes], cuius forte etiam gratia sunt obligati, interrogatum, quibus thermis utatur aut aquis, aut ad quam successerit domum.

10. Of these, certain, when in greeting, with breasts set opposite, began, tilting their heads to be kissed after the manner of threatening bulls, to offer to the adulators knees for kissing or hands, thinking that to suffice for living blessedly, and [putting] that the foreigner abounds in every cultivation of humanity, to whose favor by chance they are even bound, asking him which thermae he uses or waters, or to what house he has succeeded.

11. Et cum ita graves sint et cultores virtutum, ut putant, si venturos undelibet equos aut aurigas quendam didicerint nuntiasse, ita velociter imminent, vident et percunctantur, ut Tyndaridas fratres eorum suspexere maiores, cum priscis illis victoriis indicatis gaudio cuncta complessent.

11. And although they are thus grave and cultivators of virtues, as they think, if they have learned that some person has announced that horses or charioteers are about to come from anywhere, so swiftly they press up, look, and inquire, as their elders looked up to the Tyndarid brothers, when, those ancient victories having been indicated, they had filled all things with joy.

12. Horum domus otiosi quidam garruli frequentant, variis adsentandi figmentis ad singula ulterioris fortunae verba plaudentes, parasitorum in comoediis adsentationes facetas adfectando. ut enim illi sufflant milites gloriosos, obsidiones urbium et pugnas et milia hostium isdem ut heroicis aemulis adsignantes, ita hi quoque columnarum constructiones alta fronte suspensas mirando, atque parietes lapidum circumspectis coloribus nitidos, ultra mortalitatem nobiles viros extollunt.

12. The houses of these men certain idle chatterers frequent, applauding with various figments of assentation at each and every word of further fortune, aiming at the facetious assentations of parasites in comedies. as indeed those fellows puff up vainglorious soldiers, assigning to the same men, as if heroic rivals, sieges of cities and battles and thousands of enemies, so these too, by marveling at constructions of columns suspended with a lofty front, and at walls of stone gleaming with circumspect colors, exalt noble men beyond mortality.

3. poscuntur etiam in conviviis aliquotiens trutinae, ut adpositi pisces et volucres ponderentur et glires, quorum magnitudo saepius praedicata non sine taedio praesentium, ut antehac inusitata laudatur adsidue, maxime cum haec eadem numerantes notarii triginta prope adsistant cum thecis et pugillaribus tabulis, ut deesse solus magister ludi litterarii videretur.

3. balances are also demanded at banquets rather often, so that the fishes and birds set on the table and the dormice may be weighed, whose magnitude, often vaunted, not without the tedium of those present, is assiduously praised as unprecedented hitherto, especially when thirty notaries, counting these same things, stand nearby with cases and notebook tablets, so that the only person to seem lacking would be the schoolmaster of the school of letters.

14. Quidam detestantes ut venena doctrinas, Iuvenalem et Marium Maximum curatiore studio legunt, nulla volumina praeter haec in profundo otio contrectantes, quam ob causam non iudicioli est nostri.

14. Certain men, detesting doctrines as if poisons, read Juvenal and Marius Maximus with more painstaking zeal, handling no volumes besides these in profound leisure, for the reason of which it is not for our little judgment to determine.

15. cum multa et varia pro amplitudine gloriarum et generum lectitare deberent, audientes destinatum poenae Socratem, coniectumque in carcerem, rogasse quendam scite lyrici carmen Stesichori modulantem, ut doceretur id agere, dum liceret : interroganteque musico quid ei poterit hoc prodesse morituro postridie, respondisse 'ut aliquid sciens amplius e vita discedam".

15. although they ought to be reading much and various things, in proportion to the amplitude of glories and genres, hearing that Socrates, destined for punishment and thrown into prison, had asked a certain man, cleverly modulating the lyric song of Stesichorus, that he be taught to do that, while it was permitted : and when the musician asked what this could profit him, who was to die on the next day, he replied 'that I may depart from life knowing something more".

16. Ita autem pauci sunt inter eos severi vindices delictorum ut, si aquam calidam tardius attulerit servus, trecentis adfligi verberibus iubeatur : si hominem sponte occiderit propria, instantibus plurimis ut damnetur reus, dominus hactenus exclamet "quid faciat maniosus et nequam? et siquis aliud eius modi deinceps ausus fuerit, corrigetur".

16. So, however, so few among them are severe avengers of crimes that, if a slave should bring hot water too slowly, he is ordered to be scourged with three hundred lashes : if he has of his own accord killed a man, with very many pressing that the defendant be condemned, the master only exclaims "what is a maniac and wicked fellow to do? and if anyone else hereafter shall have dared anything of that sort, he will be corrected".

17. Civilitatis autem hoc apud eos est nunc summum, quod expedit peregrino fratrem interficere cuiuslibet, quam cum rogatur ad convivium excusare: defectum enim patrimonii se oppido perpeti senator existimat, si is defuerit, quem aliquotiens libratis sententiis invitaverit semel.

17. But this among them is now the supreme point of civility: that it is expedient for a peregrine to kill anyone’s brother, rather than, when he is asked to a banquet, to excuse himself: for a senator esteems that he quite suffers a defect of patrimony, if that man is lacking, whom, with opinions balanced several times, he has invited once.

18. Pars eorum, si agros visuri processerunt longius, aut alienis laboribus venaturi, Alexandri Magni itinera se putant aequiperasse vel Caesaris: aut si a lacu Averni lembis invecti sunt pictis Puteolos, velleris certamen, maxime cum id vaporato audeant tempore. ubi si inter aurata flabella laciniis sericis insederint muscae, vel per foramen umbracul pensilis radiolus inruperit solis, queruntur quod non sunt apuc Cimmerios nati.

18. A portion of them, if they have gone farther afield to see the fields, or to hunt after profit from others’ labors, think that they have equaled the journeys of Alexander the Great or of Caesar: or if, borne from Lake Avernus to Puteoli in painted skiffs, they reckon it the contest for the Fleece, especially when they dare it in the steaming season. There, if among golden little fans flies have settled on silken lappets, or through a hole of the hanging parasol a tiny raylet of the sun has burst in, they complain that they were not born among the Cimmerians.

19. dein cum a Silvani lavacro vel Mamaeae aquis ventitant sospitalibus, ut quisquam eorum egressus tenuissimis se terserit linteis, solutis pressoriis vestes luce nitentes ambigua diligenter explorat, quae una portantur sufficientes ad induendos homines undecim: tandemque electis aliquot involutus, receptis anulis, quos, ne violentur humoribus, famulo tradiderat, digitis ut metatis abit.

19. then, when they come and go from Silvanus’s bath or from Mamaea’s health-giving waters, as soon as any one of them, having come out, has wiped himself with the thinnest linens, with the pressure-bands loosened, he carefully inspects garments gleaming with an ambiguous light, which together are carried, sufficient to clothe eleven men: and at last, wrapped in several chosen ones, having recovered the rings which, lest they be harmed by humors, he had handed over to a servant, he goes away with his fingers, as it were, meted out.

20. Enim vero siquis e militia principis recens digressus abierit in larem, aut provectibus, tali praesente .....irio ....lenii praesul existimatur: ceteri taciturni audiunt dicta ...... solus pater familias tectus narrans aliena et placentia referens et utile pleraque fallendo.

20. Indeed, if anyone, having recently departed from the military service of the emperor, has gone away to his hearth, or with advancements, with such a man present .....irio ....lenii is thought the presiding leader: the rest, taciturn, listen to the sayings ...... the paterfamilias alone, cloaked, recounting others’ affairs and reporting what is pleasing, and for the most part securing the useful by deceiving.

21. Quidam ex his licet rari aleatorum vocabulum declinantes ideoque se cupientes appellari tesserarios: inter quos tantum differt, quantum inter fures et latrones. hoc tamen fatendum est quod, cum omnes amicitiae Romae tepescant, aleariae solae, quasi gloriosis quaesitae sudoribus, sociales sunt et adfectu nimio firmitate plena conexae : unde quidam ex his gregibus inveniuntur ita concordes ut Quintilios

21. Some of these, though few, shun the name of “aleators” (gamblers) and therefore desire to be called “tesserarii”: between whom there is as much difference as between thieves and robbers. this, however, must be confessed: that, while all friendships at Rome grow tepid, the aleatory ones alone, as if sought by glorious sweats, are social and, with excessive affection, are bound full of firmness, connected : whence some from these bands are found so concordant as the Quintilii

13 esse existimes fratres. ideoque videre licet ignobilem artis tesserariae callentem arcana, ut Catonem Porcium ob repulsam praeturae nec suspectam antea nec speratam, incedere gravitate conposita maestiorem, quod ei in maiore convivio vel consessu proconsularis quidam est antelatus.

13 you would think them brothers. and therefore one may see an ignoble man, versed in the arcana of the tesserary art, like Porcius Cato, on account of a repulse from the praetorship neither previously suspected nor looked-for, going about with composed gravity, more downcast, because in a larger banquet or assembly a certain man of proconsular rank has been given precedence over him.

22. Subsident aliqui copiosos homines senes aut iuvenes, orbos vel caelibes, aut etiam uxores habentes et liberos — nec enim hoc titulo discrimen aliquod observatur — ad voluntates condendas allicientes eos praestigiis miris: qui cum supremis iudiciis ordinatis, quae habebant, reliquerint his, quibus morem gerendo testati sunt, ilico pereunt, ut id impleri sorte fatorum opperiente [nec] putes, nec facili potest aegritudo testamen ............comitatu est his quisquam.

22. Some plant themselves upon wealthy men, old or young, bereaved or celibate, or even those having wives and children — for under this title no distinction at all is observed — enticing them to compose wills by marvelous jugglers’ prestiges: who, when their final judgments have been ordained, have left what they had to those to whom, by yielding compliance, they have testified, perish straightway, so that you would not think that this is being brought to fulfillment with the lot of the fates waiting [nor], nor can an easy sickness of the testamen ............is anyone in attendance with them.

23. Alius cum dignitate licet mediocri, cervice tumida gradiens notos antea obliquato contuetur aspectu, ut post captas Syracusas existimes reverti M. Marcellum.

23. Another, though with dignity indeed mediocre, striding with a tumid neck, gazes upon those formerly known with an oblique aspect, so that you would suppose M. Marcellus to be returning after Syracuse had been captured.

24. Multi apud eos negantes esse superas potestates in caelo, nec in publicum prodeunt nec prandent nec lavari arbitrantur se cautius posse, antequam ephemeride scrupulose sciscitata didicerint, ubi sit verbi gratia signum Mercurii vel quotam cancri sideris partem polum discurrens obtineat luna.

24. Many among them, denying that there are supernal powers in heaven, neither go forth into public nor take lunch nor do they think they can bathe more safely, before they have learned, the ephemeris having been scrupulously consulted, where, for example, the sign of Mercury is, or what part of the star-sign Cancer the moon, coursing across the pole, holds.

25. Alius si creditorem suum flagitare molestius adverterit debitum, ad aurigam confugit audentem omnia praelicenter, eumque ut veneficum curat urgeri: unde non nisi reddita cautione dispendioque adflictus gravi discedit. et additur huic, debitorem voluntarium includit ut proprium, nec ante eius professionem absolvit.

25. Another, if he notices his creditor pressing the debt too annoyingly, flees to a charioteer who dares everything quite openly, and takes care that he be prosecuted as a poisoner, from which he departs only after security has been posted and, afflicted with a heavy loss, he withdraws. and added to this, he imprisons a voluntary debtor as if his own property, nor does he release him before his profession.

26. Parte alia uxor, ut proverbium loquitur vetus, eandem incudem diu noctuque tundendo maritum testari conpellit, hocque idem ut faciat uxor urget maritus instanter: et periti iuris altrinsecus adsciscuntur, unus in cubiculo, alter eius aemulus in triclinio, repugnantia tractaturi: isdemque subseruntur genitalium extorum interpretes controversi, hinc praefecturas profusius largientes et sepulturas divitum matro narum; inde ad exequias virorum iam iam adventantes necessaria parari oportere iubentes: et testatura ... .. ancillas suapte natura pallidi aspirati pridie consumpta defuncta ...... um Romaque, ut Tullius ait: "nec in rebus humanis quicquam bonum norunt nisi quod fructuosum sit: amicos tamquam pecudes eos potissimum diligunt, ex quibus se sperant maximum fructum esse capturos".

26. On another side the wife, as the old proverb says, by pounding the same anvil day and night compels her husband to make a will, and the husband urgently presses the wife to do this same thing: and skilled men of law are enlisted on either side, one in the bedchamber, the other his rival in the dining room, to handle opposing points: and to these are subjoined contentious interpreters of the genital entrails, on this side lavishing more profusely prefectures and the burials of wealthy matro ns; on that side bidding that the necessary things be prepared for the funerals of men now at any moment arriving: and a woman about to make a will ... .. handmaids by their own nature pale, the one having breathed her last the day before consumed, the deceased ...... um and Rome, as Tullius says: "nor in human affairs do they know anything good except what is fruitful: they love friends like cattle, those especially from whom they hope they will seize the greatest fruit (profit)."

27. Cumque mutuum illi quid petunt, soccos et Miconas videbis et Lachetas: cum adiguntur ut reddant, ita cothurnatos et turgidos ut Heraclidas illos Cresphontem et Temenum putes. hactenus de senatu.

27. And when they ask him for a loan, you will see socci and Micons and Lachetes: when they are driven to pay it back, so buskined and turgid that you would think them those Heraclids, Cresphontes and Temenus. thus far concerning the senate.

28. Nunc ad otiosam plebem veniamus et desidem. in qua nitent ut nominibus cultis et quidam calceorum expertes, Cimessores Statarii Semicupae et Serapini et Cicimbricus cum Gluturino et Trulla, et Lucanicus cum Pordaca et Salsula similesque innumeri.

28. Now let us come to the idle and slothful plebs. in which they strive to shine as if by cultivated names, even certain people devoid of shoes, the Cimessores, the Statarii, the Semicupae and the Serapini, and Cicimbricus with Gluturinus and Trulla, and Lucanicus with Pordaca and Salsula, and countless of like sort.

29. hi omne, quod vivunt, vino et tesseris inpendunt et lustris et voluptatibus et spectaculis: eisque templum et habitaculum et contio et cupitorum spes omnis Circus est maximus: et videre licet per fora et compita et plateas et conventicula circulos multos collectos in se controversis iurgiis ferri, aliis aliud, ut fit, defendentibus.

29. these men expend all that they live on on wine and dice and brothels and pleasures and spectacles: and for them the Circus Maximus is temple and habitation and assembly and the entire hope of desires: and one can see through the forums and the crossroads and the streets and the conventicles many circles gathered in upon themselves being borne along by contentious wrangles, different people, as happens, defending different things.

30. inter quos hi qui ad satietatem vixerunt, potiores auctoritate longaeva, per canos et rugas clamitant saepe, rem publicam stare non posse, si futura concertatione, quem quisque vindicat, carceribus non exiluerit princeps, et funalibus equis parum cohaerenter circumflexerit metam.

30. among whom those who have lived to satiety, superior by long-aged authority, through gray hairs and wrinkles often keep shouting that the republic cannot stand, if, in the coming concertation, the one whom each man claims does not leap from the starting-gates as leader, and with the trace-horses not very coherently rounds the meta.

31. et ubi neglegentiae tanta est caries, exoptato die equestrium ludorum inlucescente, nondum solis puro iubare, effusius omnes festinant praecipites ut velocitate currus ipsos anteeant certaturos: super quorum eventu discissi votorum studiis anxii plurimi agunt pervigiles noctes.

31. and where the rot of negligence is so great, with the longed-for day of the equestrian games dawning, the pure beam of the sun not yet risen, all the more outpoured they hurry headlong, so that by speed they may outstrip the chariots themselves that are about to compete: over whose outcome, torn apart by zeal for their vows, very many, anxious, spend wakeful nights.

32. Vnde si ad theatralem ventum fuerit vilitatem, artifices scaenarii per sibilos exploduntur, siquis sibi aere humiliorem non conciliaverit plebem. qui si defuerit strepitus, ad imitationem Tauricae gentis peregrinos vociferantur pelli debere — quorum subsidiis semper nisi sunt ac steterunt — et taetris vocibus et absurdis; quae longe abhorrent a studiis et voluntate veteris illius plebis, cuius multa facete dicta memoria loquitur et venusta.

32. Whence, if it has come to theatrical cheapness, the stage artificers are exploded with hisses, if anyone has not conciliated to himself with bronze the plebs more humble. Who, if that din is lacking, in imitation of the Tauric nation, foreigners they vociferate, ought to be expelled — by whose subsidies they have always both arisen and stood — and with foul voices and absurd ones; which are far removed from the pursuits and the will of that old plebs, whose many facetious and charming sayings memory recounts.

33. Id enim nunc repertum est pro sonitu laudum inpensiore per applicatos homines ad plodendum, ut in omni spectaculo, exodiario, venatori, aurigae et histrionum generi omni et iudicibus celsis itidemque minoribus, nec non etiam matronis clametur adsidue "per te ille discat" quid autem debeat disci nemo sufficit explanare.

33. For this now has been devised in place of a more lavish sound of praises through men attached for applauding, that in every spectacle, for the exodiarius, the beast-hunter, the charioteer and the whole class of actors, and for judges lofty and likewise lesser, and also indeed even for matrons, it is shouted continually "through you let that fellow learn"; but what, moreover, ought to be learned no one is sufficient to explain.

34. In his plerique distentioribus saginis addicti, praeeunte nidoris indagine acutisque vocibus feminarum, a galliciniis ipsis in modum pavonum ieiunitate clangentium humum summis pedum unguibus contingentes aulis adsistunt, digitos praerodentes dum patinae defervescunt: alii nauseam horridae carnis, dum excoquitur, intentius despectantes, ut discissarum pecudum exta rimari cum anatomicis Democritum putes, docentem quibus modis posteritas mederi doloribus possit internis.

34. Among these, very many, addicted to more distending fattenings, with the scent-trail of roasting leading the way and the shrill voices of women, from the very cockcrows in the manner of peacocks blaring from fasting, barely touching the ground with the very tips of their toes’ nails, stand by the halls, pre-gnawing their fingers while the dishes subside from boiling: others, more intently looking down upon the nausea of the grisly flesh while it is being cooked down, so that you would think Democritus with anatomists to be prying into the entrails of beasts torn apart, teaching by what ways posterity might be able to remedy internal pains.

35. Sit satis interim haec digessisse super rebus urbanis. nunc redeamus ad cetera, quae per provincias agitavere multiplices casus.

35. Let it be enough meanwhile to have digested these matters about urban affairs. now let us return to the rest, which manifold vicissitudes have agitated throughout the provinces.

1. Erupit Augustis ter consulibus Saxonum multitudo et Oceani difficultatibus permeatis Romanum limitem gradu petebat intento, saepe nostrorum funeribus pasta: cuius eruptionis primae procellam Nannenus sustinuit comes, regionibus isdem adpositus, dux diuturno bellorum labore conpertus.

1. A multitude of Saxons broke out, and, the difficulties of the Ocean having been passed through, was making for the Roman limit with intent step, often fed on the funerals of our men: the storm of this first eruption Nannenus, a count, sustained, posted in the same regions, a commander proven by long toil of wars.

2. Sed tunc ad mortem destinatae plebi congressus, cum milites quosdam ruisse et se vulneratum inparem fore certaminibus adverteret crebris, docto imperatore quid agi deberet, id est adeptus, ut peditum magister Severus opitulatum rebus dubiis adveniret.

2. But then, in an engagement with the common multitude destined for death, when he noticed that some soldiers had fallen and that he, wounded, would be unequal to frequent combats, with the emperor instructed as to what ought to be done, he achieved this: that Severus, Master of Foot, should arrive to give succor to the doubtful situation.

3. qui ducens militem rei sufficientem cum venisset ad loca, discriminatis ordinibus barbaros ante conluctationem adeo terruit et turbavit, ut nec controversas opponerent manus sed signorum aquilarumque fulgore praestricti venialem poscerent pacem.

3. who, leading soldiers sufficient for the affair, when he had come to the places, with the ranks drawn up, so terrified and disturbed the barbarians before the engagement that they did not raise opposing hands, but, dazzled by the brilliance of the standards and eagles, asked for a pardonable peace.

4. diuque variatis consiliis, cum id rei publicae conducere videretur, pactis indutiis et datis ex condicione proposita iuvenibus multis habilibus ad militiam, discedere permissi sunt Saxones, sine inpedimento, unde venerant, reversuri.

4. and for a long time, with counsels varied, since it seemed to conduce to the Republic, a truce having been agreed and, according to the proposed condition, many youths fit for soldiery having been given, the Saxons were permitted to depart, without impediment, to return whence they had come.

5. quibus omni iam formidine vacuis, reditumque parantibus, occulte pedites missi insidias in abdita quadam valle struxerunt, unde praetereuntes adgredi negotio poterant levi. sed longe secus accidit quam sperabatur.

5. with them now wholly free from all fear, and preparing a return, secretly foot-soldiers, having been sent, set up ambushes in a certain hidden valley, whence they could attack passers-by with slight effort. but it turned out far otherwise than was hoped.

6. sonitu enim adventantium perciti exsiluere quidam intempestive, visique subito, dum se firmare festinant, ululantibus lugubre barbaris, vertuntur in pedes. stetere tamen mox eonglobati, extremaque sorte vires licet non integras suggerente confligere cogebantur, multaque caede perculsi concidissent nullo relicto, ni cataphractorum equitum cuneus ad inferendum periculum transeuntibus barbaris ex alio latere prope divortium itineris pari modo locatus, clamore percitus tristi, agiliter subvenisset.

6. for at the sound of those arriving, some, roused, sprang up untimely; and, seen suddenly, while they hasten to steady themselves, with the barbarians ululating mournfully, they take to their heels. nevertheless they soon stood, massed together, and, with their lot at the extreme supplying strength, albeit not entire, they were compelled to engage; and, stricken with much slaughter, they would have fallen with no one left, had not a wedge of cataphract horsemen, to bring peril upon the passing barbarians, stationed in like manner on the other side near the fork of the road, roused by a grim clamor, nimbly come to the rescue.

7. exin concursum infestius, firmatisque pectoribus hinc inde incumbentes Romani clausos hostes eductis gladiis obtruncabant: nec quisquam eorum genitales revisere potuit lares, ne uno quidem caedibus concorporalium superesse permisso. ac licet iustus quidam arbiter rerum factum incusabit perfidum et leforme, pensato tamen negotio non feret indigne manum latronum exitialem tandem copia data captam.

7. then the engagement was pressed more hostilely, and with chests made firm the Romans, leaning in from this side and that, were cutting down the enclosed enemies with drawn swords: and none of them was able to revisit his native Lares, with not even one being allowed to survive the slaughter of their comrades. And although a certain just arbiter of affairs will accuse the deed as perfidious and shameful, yet, the matter weighed, he will not take it amiss that the deadly band of brigands was at last, opportunity being given, seized.

8. Post haec ita prospere consummata, Valentinianus versando sententias multiformes, anxia sollicitudine stringebatur, reputans multa et circumspiciens quibus commentis Alamannorum et Macriani regis frangeret fastus, sine fine vel modo rem Romanam inrequietis motibus confundentes.

8. After these things thus prosperously consummated, Valentinian, turning over multiform sentiments, was constrained with anxious solicitude, considering many things and looking around by what contrivances he might break the haughtiness of the Alamanni and of King Macrianus, who, without end or measure, by unquiet movements were confounding the Roman commonwealth.

9. inmanis enim natio, iam inde ab incunabulis primis varietate casuum inminuta, ita saepius adulescit, ut fuisse longis saeculis aestimetur intacta. seditque consilio alia post alia imperatori probanti, Burgundios in eorum excitari perniciem, bellicosos et pubis inmensae viribus adfluentes, ideoque metuendos finitimis universis.

9. for the immense nation, already from its very cradle diminished by a variety of mishaps, so often renews its youth, that it is reckoned to have been intact through long ages. and it was decided in council, as the emperor approved one plan after another, that the Burgundians be stirred up for their destruction, warlike and abounding in the strength of an immense youth, and therefore to be feared by all the neighbors.

10. scribebatque frequenter ad eorum reges per taciturnos quosdam et fidos, ut isdem tempore praestituto supervenirent, pollicitus ipse quoque transito cum Romanis agminibus Rheno occurrere pavidis, pondus armorum vitantibus insperatum .

10. and he wrote frequently to their kings through certain taciturn and faithful agents, that these same should come upon them at the preappointed time, having promised that he himself also, the Rhine having been crossed with the Roman columns, would meet the fearful, an unexpected weight of arms to those shunning it .

11 . Gratanter ratione gemina principis acceptae sunt litterae: prima quod iam inde a temporibus priscis subolem se esse Romanam Burgundii sciunt, dein quod salinarum finiumque causa Alamannis saepe iurgabant. et catervas misere lectissimas, quae, antequam milites congregarentur in unum, ad usque ripas Rheni progressae, imperatore ad struenda munimenta districto, terrori nostris fuere vel maximo.

11 . The letters of the princeps were gratefully accepted for a twofold reason: first, because from earliest times the Burgundians know themselves to be Roman offspring, then because on account of salt-works and boundaries they were often wrangling with the Alamanni. And they sent most select cohorts, which, before the soldiers were congregated into one, having progressed right up to the banks of the Rhine, with the emperor occupied in constructing muniments, were a terror to our men, and that of the greatest.

12. igitur paulisper morati cum neque Valentinianus, ut spoponderat, die praedicto venisset, nec promissorum aliquid adverterent factum, ad comitatum misere legatos poscentes adminicula sibi dari, redituris ad sua, ne nuda hostibus exponerent terga. I

12. therefore, having delayed for a little while, since neither had Valentinian, as he had solemnly pledged, come on the appointed day, nor did they notice anything of the promises accomplished, they sent legates to the comitatus (imperial court) asking that supports be given to them, as they would return to their own, lest they expose their backs bare to the enemies. 1

3. quod ubi negari per ambages sentirent et moras, maesti exinde discesserunt et indignati. hocque conperto reges ut ludibrio habiti saevientes, captivis omnibus interfectis genitales repetunt terras.

3. When they perceived that it was being denied through circumlocutions and delays, they departed from there sad and indignant. And when this was learned, the kings, treated as a laughingstock, raging, with all the captives slain, return to their native lands.

14. Apud hos generali nomine rex appellatur Hendinos, et ritu veteri potestate deposita removetur, si sub eo fortuna titubaverit belli vel segetum copiam negaverit terra, ut solent Aegyptii casus eius modi suis adsignare rectoribus. nam sacerdos apud Burgundios omnium maximus vocatur Sinistus, et est perpetuus, obnoxius discriminibus nullis, ut reges.

14. Among them, by a generic name, the king is appellated Hendinos, and by an ancient rite, with his power laid down, he is removed, if under him fortune has stumbled in war or the earth has denied a copiousness of crops, as the Egyptians are wont to assign mishaps of this sort to their rectors. for the priest among the Burgundians, the greatest of all, is called Sinistus, and he is perpetual, subject to no crises, as the kings are.

15. Per hanc occasionem inpendio tempestivam Alamannos gentis ante dictae metu dispersos adgressus per Raetias Theodosius, ea tempestate magister equitum, pluribus caesis, quoscumque cepit ad Italiam iussu principis misit, ubi fertilibus pagis acceptis iam tributarii circumcolunt Padum.

15. By this occasion exceedingly seasonable, Theodosius, having assailed the Alemanni of the afore‑said nation, scattered by fear, through the Raetias, at that time master of horse, with many slain, whomever he captured he sent to Italy by order of the emperor, where, fertile country‑districts received, now as tributaries they dwell around the Po.

1. Hinc tamquam in orbem migrantes alium, ad Tripoleos Africanae provinciae veniamus aerumnas, quas, ut arbitror, Iustitia quoque ipsa deflevit, quae unde instar exarsere flammarum, textus aperiet absolutus.

1. From here, as though migrating into another circle, let us come to the miseries of the Tripolitana of the African province, which, as I reckon, even Justice herself wept over; and from what source, in the likeness of flames, there blazed forth, the completed fabric of the text will disclose.

2. Austoriani his contermini partibus barbari, in discursus semper expediti veloces, vivereque adsueti rapinis et caedibus, paulisper pacati, in genuinos turbines revoluti sunt hanc causam praetendentes ut seriam.

2. The Austoriani, barbarians conterminous with these parts, in forays always unencumbered swift, and accustomed to live by rapine and slaughters, after being pacified for a little while, were rolled back into their native whirlwinds, putting forward this cause as serious.

3. Stachao quidam nomine popularis eorum, ut in otio nostra peragrando licentius, agebat quaedam vetita legibus, inter quae illud potius eminebat, quod provinciam omni fallaciarum via prodere conabatur, ut indicia docuere verissima: quocirca supplicio flammarum absumptus est.

3. A certain compatriot of theirs named Stachao, in order to traverse our regions more licentiously in a time of quiet, was doing certain things forbidden by the laws, among which that rather stood out, that he was trying to betray the province by every road of fallacies, as the most truthful indications taught: wherefore he was consumed by the punishment of flames.

4. Huius necem ulcisci, ut propinqui damnatique iniuste causantes, ferarum similes rabie concitarum exsiluere sedibus suis, Ioviano etiam tum imperante, veritique prope Leptim accedere, civitatem muris et populo validam, suburbano eius uberrimo insedere per triduum, mactatisque agrestibus, quos inopinus hebetaverat pavor, vel confugere coegerat ad speluncas, incensa suppellectili multa, quae vehi non poterat, referti rapinis reverterunt ingentibus, trahentes captivum Silvam quoque casu cum caritatibus in agro inventum, ordinis sui primatem.

4. To avenge his slaughter—alleging, as kinsmen, that he had been unjustly condemned—they, like beasts stirred by rabid fury, sprang forth from their seats, with Jovian still then reigning, and, fearing to approach near Leptis, a city strong in walls and people, they settled in its most fertile suburb for three days; and, after slaughtering the countryfolk, whom unexpected dread had dulled or had forced to take refuge in caves, with much household gear set on fire which could not be carried, stuffed with immense rapines they returned, dragging as captive also Silva, by chance found in the field with his dear ones, the chief man of his order.

5. Hac subita clade Leptitani perterriti, ante incrementa malorum, quae intentabat barbaricus tumor, praesidium inploravere Romani comitis per Africam recens provecti. qui cum venisset militaris copias ducens, ferreque opem rebus rogaretur adflietis, non nisi abundanti commeatu adgesto, et camelorum quattuor milibus apparatis, castra firmabat esse moturum.

5. Terrified by this sudden disaster, the Leptitanians, before the increase of evils which the barbarian arrogance was threatening, implored a garrison from the Roman Count for Africa, recently advanced. When he had come, leading military forces, and was asked to bring help to afflicted affairs, he kept maintaining that he would not move the camp unless abundant provisions had been brought in, and with 4 thousand camels made ready.

6. hocque responso miserandis civibus stupefactis, atque negantibus sufficere se posse post vastationes et incendia ita enormibus instrumentis remedia quaerere damnorum inmanium, dissimulanter diebus ibi quadraginta consumptis, nullo temptato inde discesserat comes.

6. and by this reply the pitiable citizens being stupefied, and declaring that they were not able, after the devastations and burnings, to seek remedies for such enormous losses by such gigantic instruments, dissembling, after forty days had been consumed there, with nothing attempted, the count had departed from there.

7. Qua spe Tripolitani frustrati formidantesque extrema, adlapso legitimo die concilii, quod apud eos est annuum, Severum et Flaccianum creavere legatos, Victoriarum aurea simulacra Valentiniano ob imperii primitias oblaturos, utque lacrimosas provinciae ruinas docerent intrepide.

7. The Tripolitanians, disappointed in this hope and fearing the worst, when the lawful day of the council—which among them is annual—had come around, created Severus and Flaccianus as legates, to present to Valentinian golden images of the Victories in honor of the first-fruits of his rule, and to set forth fearlessly the tearful ruins of the province.

8. quibus conpertis Romanus, misso equite velocissimo magistrum officiorum petit Remigium, adfinem suum vel rapinarmn participem, ut provideret imperatoris arbitrio cognitionem huius negotii vicario sibique deferri.

8. on learning which, Romanus, having sent a very swift horseman, seeks Remigius, the Master of the Offices, his kinsman and partner in rapine, so that, by the emperor’s arbitrament, the cognition of this business be referred to the Vicarius and to himself.

9. venerunt in comitatum legati, aditoque principe, verbis, quae perpessi sunt, ostenderunt: obtulerunt decreta, textum continentia rei totius. quibus lectis cum neque relationi officiorum magistri faventis Romani flagitiis, nec contraria referentibus crederetur, promissa disceptatio plena dilata est eo more, quo solent inter potiorum occupationes ludi potestates excelsae.

9. the legates came into the comitatus, and having approached the princeps, they showed in words what they had endured: they presented the decrees, containing the text of the whole matter. When these had been read, since neither was credence given to the report of the Master of the Offices favoring Romanus’s flagitia, nor to those reporting the contrary, the promised full disceptation was deferred, in the manner in which exalted potestates are wont to play games amid the occupations of their betters.

10. Dum remedia quaedam a conmilitio principis exspectantur, suspensis Tripolitanis diuque anxiis, rursus globi supervenere barbarici, fiducia sublati praeteritorum, Leptitanoque agro et Oeensi interneciva populatione transcursis, expleti praedarum acervis ingentibus abscesserunt, occisis decurionibus multis, inter quos Rusticianus sacerdotalis et Nicasius enitebat aedilis.

10. While certain remedies were being awaited from the emperor’s comrade-in-arms, with the Tripolitans kept in suspense and long anxious, again barbarian masses came upon them, their confidence lifted by what had gone before; and, the Leptitan and Oean countryside traversed with internecive depredation, gorged with huge heaps of booty they withdrew, many decurions having been slain, among whom Rusticianus, of the sacerdotal order, and Nicasius, the aedile, were conspicuous.

11. haec autem eruptio ideo arceri non potuit, quod ad legatorum preces negotiorum quoque militarium cura praesidi delata Ruricio, mox translata est ad Romanum.

11. however, this eruption could not be warded off for this reason, that at the entreaties of the envoys the care of military affairs also was handed over to the governor Ruricius, and soon was transferred to Romanus.

12. et iam recens inflitcae cladis nuntius missus ad Gallias, excitavit acrius principem. ideoque tribunus et notarius Palladius mittitur, ut et militi disperso per Africam praeberet stipendium debitum, et gesta per Tripolim fide congrua scrutaretur.

12. and now a messenger of the recently inflicted disaster, sent to Gaul, aroused the emperor more sharply. And therefore the tribune and notary Palladius is sent, so that he might both furnish the due stipend to the soldiery scattered through Africa, and to scrutinize, with fitting fidelity, the acts done through Tripolis.

13. Inter tales tamen consulendi moras exspectandique responsa, Austoriani successu gemino insolentes, ut rapaces alites aduolarunt inritamento sanguinis atrocius efferatae; cunctisque, nisi quos fuga discriminibus eximeret, interemptis, praedas, quas antehac reliquerant, avexerunt arboribus exsectis et vitibus.

13. Amid such delays of taking counsel and of awaiting responses, the Austoriani, insolent through a twofold success, flew in like rapacious birds, rendered more savagely wild by the incitement of blood; and with all slain, except those whom flight removed from the perils, they carried off the spoils which previously they had left behind, with the trees and the vines cut down.

14. tunc Mychon quidam nobilis oppidanus et potens, captus in suburbano lapsusque, antequam vinciretur, quia pedibus aeger evadere penitus vetabatur, in puteum aquis vacuum sese coniecit, unde costa diffracta levatus a barbaris, ductusque prope portas, coniugis miseratione redemptus est, et ad pinnas muri fune sublatus post biduum interiit.

14. then a certain Mychon, a noble and powerful townsman, captured at his suburban estate and having stumbled, before he could be bound, because he was infirm in his feet and was utterly prevented from escaping, hurled himself into a well void of waters; whence, with a rib shattered, lifted out by the barbarians and led near the gates, he was redeemed by the pity of his wife, and, raised by a rope to the battlements of the wall, after two days he died.

15. unde elati in pertinaciam saevissimi grassatores, ipsa pulsavere moenia Leptitana, funestis plangoribus resonantia feminarum, quas numquam antea hostiliter clausas pavor exanimabat insolitus, obsessaque urbe per octo continuos dies, cum quidam oppugnatores sine ullo vulnerarentur effectu, redierunt ad propria tristiores.

15. whence, lifted into pertinacity, the most savage marauders, they themselves battered the Leptitan walls, resounding with the funereal wailings of the women, whom an unaccustomed fear, never before shut up under hostile conditions, was making faint, and with the city besieged for eight continuous days, although certain assailants, with no effect, were being wounded, they returned to their own places more downcast.

16, Ob quae super salute dubii cives, ultimaque temptantes, profectis ante legatis, nondum reversis, Iovinum mittunt atque Pancratium, quae viderint, quae ipsi perpessi sint, imperatorem fida relatione docturos. qui Severum apud Carthaginem inventum et Flaccianum superiores illos legatos percontando quid egerint, cognoverunt eos audiri a vicario iussos et comite. e quibus Severus ilico perit vexatus acerbitate morborum: nihilo minus tamen properarunt ad comitatum magnis itineribus ante dicti.

16, On account of which things, the citizens, doubtful about their safety and attempting ultimate measures, with legates sent ahead and not yet returned, send Jovinus and Pancratius, to inform the emperor by a faithful report of what they have seen and what they themselves have endured. Finding at Carthage Severus and Flaccianus, those earlier legates, and by inquiring what they had done, they learned that they had been ordered to be heard by the vicarius and the comes. Of whom Severus straightway perished, harassed by the bitterness of diseases; nonetheless the aforesaid hastened to the comitatus by great journeys.

17. Ingresso post haec Palladio Africam, Romanus, quas ob res venerat, ante praestructurus, ut securitatem suam in tuto locaret, numerorum principiis per quosdam secretorum mandaverat conscios, ut ei tamquam potenti et palatii summatibus proximo, stipendii, quod pertulerat, praestarent maximam partem: et ita est factum.

17. After these things, with Palladius having entered Africa, Romanus, intending beforehand to forestall the reasons on account of which he had come, so that he might place his own security in safety, had through certain men privy to his secrets given commands to the chiefs of the numeri, that to him—as to a powerful man and one next to the topmost of the palace—they should pay the greatest part of the stipend which he had brought: and so it was done.

18. confestimque ille ditatus perrexit ad Leptim, utque ad veritatis perveniret indaginem, Erechthium et Aristomenem facundos municipes et insignes, libere suas civiumque et finitimorum retexentes aerumnas, ad loca vastata secum eduxit.

18. and immediately he, enriched, proceeded to Leptis, and in order to arrive at an investigation of the truth, he led with him to the devastated places Erechthius and Aristomenes, eloquent and distinguished townsmen, freely unravelling their own hardships and those of the citizens and the neighbors.

19. quibus aperte cuncta monstrantibus, luctuosis provinciae cineribus visis revertit, Romanumque ut desidem increpans, relaturum se cuncta verissime, quae viderat, minabatur ad principem. atque ille ira percitus et dolore, se quoque mox referre firmavit, quod missus ut notarius incorruptus, donativum militis omne in quaestus averterit proprios.

19. as they were openly showing everything, and when the mournful ashes of the province had been seen, he returned, and, rebuking Romanus as slothful, he was threatening that he would report to the emperor most truthfully all the things he had seen. And he, stung with anger and grief, asserted that he too would soon report, that the other, though sent as an incorrupt notary, had diverted the whole soldiers’ donative into his own profits.

20. qua gratia flagitiorum arbitra conscientia, cum Romano deinde Palladius concordabat, reversusque ad comitatum, arte mendaciorum impia Valentinianum fefellerat, Tripolitanos frustra queri commemorans. ideoque rursus ad Africam cum Iovino postremo omnium legatorum remittitur — Pancratius enim decesserat apud Treveros — ut cum vicario ipse rmerita legationis quoque secundae spectaret: praeter haec linguas Erechthi et Aristomenis praecidi iusserat imperator, quos invidiosa quaedam locutos idem Palladius intimarat.

20. for which reason, his conscience, arbiter of his outrages, Palladius then was in concord with Romanus, and, having returned to the court, by an impious art of mendacities he had deceived Valentinian, recounting that the Tripolitans complained in vain. and therefore he is again sent back to Africa with Jovinus, the last of all the legates — for Pancratius had died at Trier — so that he himself together with the vicar might inspect the merits of the second legation as well: besides these things the emperor had ordered the tongues of Erechthius and Aristomenes to be cut out, whom that same Palladius had intimated to have spoken certain invidious things.

21. Secutus, ut statutum est, vicarium notarius venit ad Tripolim. hocque conperto Romanus domesticum suum illuc volucriter misit, et Caecilium consiliarium in ea provincia genitum, per quos — incertum pretio an fallaciis — circumventi municipes omnes gravabant Iovinum, destinatius adserentes nihil eorum mandasse, quas docuerat principem: eo usque iniquitate grassante ut ipse quoque Iovinus ad salutis suae discrimen confiteretur se imperatori mentitum.

21. Following, as it was decreed, the notary came to Tripoli after the vicarius. And, this learned, Romanus swiftly sent his domestic (household officer) there, and Caecilius, a counselor born in that province, through whom — uncertain whether by price (bribery) or by deceits — the municipals, once circumvented, were burdening Jovinus, more resolutely asserting that they had mandated none of those things which he had informed the emperor: with iniquity advancing to such a point that Jovinus himself also, to the peril of his own safety, confessed that he had lied to the emperor.

22. Quibus per Palladium regressum cognitis, Valentinianus ad acerbitatem proclivior Iovinum quidem ut auctorem, Caelestinum vero Concordiumque et Lucium ut falsi conscios et participes puniri supplicio capitali praecepit, Ruricium autem praesidem ut mendacem morte multari, hoc quoque accedente quod in relatione eius verba quaedam, ut visum est, inmodica legebantur.

22. With these things learned through Palladius’s return, Valentinian, more inclined to acerbity, ordered that Jovinus indeed, as the author, and Caelestinus, Concordius, and Lucius, as privy to and participants in the falsehood, be punished with capital punishment, Ruricius, however, the governor, as a liar, to be punished with death, with this also added, that in his relation certain words, as it seemed, immoderate, were being read.

23. ac Ruricius quidem apud Sitifim caesus, reliqui apud Vticam sententia vicarii Crescentis addicti. Flaccianus tamen ante legatorum interitum cum a vicario audiretur et comite, constanter saluti suae propugnans, adclamationibus iratorum militum impetuque cum conviciis paene confossus est, obicientium ideo Tripolitanos non potuisse defendi, quod ipsi ad expeditionalis usus praebere necessaria detrectarunt.

23. and Ruricius indeed was slain at Sitifis, the rest at Utica were consigned by the sentence of the vicarius Crescentis. Yet Flaccianus, before the death of the legates, when he was being heard by the vicarius and the comes, steadfastly championing his own safety, was almost run through by the acclamations of the angry soldiers and by their onrush with invectives, of those objecting that therefore the Tripolitanians could not be defended, because they themselves refused to furnish the necessities for expeditionary use.

24. et ob haec trusus in carcerem, dum consultus super eo, quid conveniret agi, decerneret imperator, sollicitatis, ut dabatur opinari, custodibus, in urbem Romam abierat profugus, ibique delitescens fatali lege decessit.

24. and on account of these things thrust into prison, while the emperor, having been consulted about him as to what it was proper to do, was deciding, the guards, as it was given to suppose, having been tampered with, he had gone away as a fugitive to the city of Rome, and there, hiding, he died by the law of fate.

25. Hoc memorando fine externis domesticisque cladibus vexata conticuit Tripolis non indefensa, quia vigilavit Iustitiae oculus sempiternus ultimaeque legatorum et praesidis dirae. diu enim postea huius modi casus emersit. solutus sacramento Palladius destitutusque fastu, quo tumebat, discessit ad otium.

25. With this memorable end, Tripolis, harassed by external and domestic calamities, fell silent, not undefended, because the eternal eye of Justice kept watch, and the final dire dooms of the envoys and the governor followed. For long thereafter a case of this kind emerged. Released from the oath, Palladius, and stripped of the pomp with which he had been swelling, withdrew to leisure.

26. et cum Theodosius ductor exercituum ille magnificus, oppressurus Firmum perniciosa coeptantem, venisset in Africam, et praescripti Romani rem mobilem, ut iussum est, scrutaretur, inter chartas eius inventa est Meteri cuiusdam epistula, id continens "domino patrono Romano Meterius" et in fine post multa nihil ad rem pertinentia "salutat te Palladius proiecticius, qui non aliam ob causam dicit se esse proiectum, nisi quod in causa Tripolitanorum apud aures sacras mentitus est".

26. and when Theodosius, that magnificent leader of armies, about to crush Firmus attempting pernicious things, had come into Africa, and, as it was ordered, he was examining the movable property of the aforesaid Romanus, among his papers a letter of a certain Meterius was found, containing this "to lord patron Romanus, Meterius" and at the end, after many things not pertaining to the matter, "Palladius the cast-off greets you, who says that he has been cast out for no other cause, except that in the case of the Tripolitans before the sacred ears he lied".

27. his litteris ad comitatum missis et lectis, Valentiniani iussu Meterius raptus suam esse confitetur epistulam, ideoque Palladius exhiberi praeceptus, cogitans quas criminum coxerit moles, in statione primis tenebris observata custodum absentia, qui festo die Christiani ritus in ecclesia pernoctabant, innodato gutture laquei nexibus interiit.

27. these letters having been sent to the court and read, by Valentinian’s order Meterius, seized, confesses that the letter was his, and therefore Palladius was ordered to be produced, thinking what a mass of crimes he had concocted, at his station, at the first darkness, with the absence of the guards observed, who on a feast day of the Christian rite were spending the night in the church, with his throat knotted in the coils of a noose, he perished.

28. hoc fortunae secundioris iudicio plene conperto, deletoque tristium concitore turbarum, exsiluerunt Erechthius et Aristomenes e latebris, qui cum sibi iussas abscidi linguas didicissent ut prodigas, ad longe remota declinarunt et abdita, doctoque super nefanda fraude gratiano imperatore fidentius — Valentinianus enim obierat — ad Hesperium proconsulem et Flavianum vicarium audiendi sunt missi, quorum aequitas auctoritate nixa iustissima, torto Caecilio, aperta confessione cognovit, ipsum suasisse civibus, gravarent mentiendo legatos. haec acta secuta est relatio, gestorum pandens plenissimam fidem; ad quam nihil responsum est.

28. this judgment of more favorable fortune fully ascertained, and the inciter of sad disturbances destroyed, Erechthius and Aristomenes leapt forth from their hiding places, who, when they had learned that their tongues had been ordered to be cut off as prodigal, had turned aside to far-removed and hidden places; and, the Emperor Gratian being more confidently informed about the unspeakable fraud — for Valentinian had died — they were sent to Hesperius the proconsul and to Flavianus, the vicar, to be heard, whose equity, leaning on authority, was most just; and, with Caecilius tortured, by his open confession it learned that he himself had urged the citizens to burden the legates by lying. This action was followed by a report, laying open the fullest faith of the proceedings; to which nothing was answered.

29. Et nequid cothurni terribilis fabulae relinquerent intemptatum, hoc quoque post depositum accessit aulaeum. Romanus ad comitatum profectus secum Caecilium duxit, cognitores accusaturum ut inclinatos in provinciae partem : isque Merobaudis favore susceptus, necessarios sibi plures petierat exhiberi.

29. And lest they leave anything unattempted of a terrible tragic cothurnus, this too, after the curtain had been lowered, was added. Romanus, having set out to the court, led Caecilius with him, to accuse the judges as inclined to the province’s side : and he, received with the favor of Merobaudes, had requested that several of his intimates be produced.

30. qui cum Mediolanum venissent, frustraque se tractos obsimulatis documentis probabilibus ostendissent, absoluti redierunt ad lares. Valentiniano tamen superstite, post superiora, quae narravimus, Remigius quoque digressus ad otium, laqueo vitam elisit, ut congruo docebimus loco.

30. when they had come to Milan, and had shown with counterfeited plausible documents that they had been treated in vain, absolved they returned to their homes. However, with Valentinian still surviving, after the foregoing which we have related, Remigius also, having withdrawn to leisure, struck off his life by a noose, as we shall show in the fitting place.