Chapter 10

[202]et rigidae sedere comae, non distulit atroxiussa deae; sociis, quae viderat, ordine pandit235inritatque sequi. Coniurat barbara pubesnacta ducem Latiisque palam descivit ab armis.Pars Phrygiae, Scythicis quaecumque Trionibus algetproxima, Bithynos, solem quae condit, Ionas,quae levat, attingit Galatas. utrimque propinqui240finibus obliquis Lydi Pisidaeque ferocescontinuant australe latus. gens una fueretot quondam populi, priscum cognomen et unumappellata Phryges; sed (quid non longa valebitpermutare dies?) dicti post Maeona regem245Maeones. Aegaeos insedit Graecia portus;Thyni Thraces arant quae nunc Bithynia fertur;nuper ab Oceano Gallorum exercitus ingensillis ante vagus tandem regionibus haesitgaesaque deposuit, Graio iam mitis amictu,250pro Rheno poturus Halyn. dat cuncta vetustasprincipium Phrygibus; nec rex Aegyptius ultrarestitit, humani postquam puer uberis expersin Phrygiam primum laxavit murmura vocem.Hie cecidit Libycis iactata paludibus olim255tibia, foedatam cum reddidit umbra Minervam,hic et Apollinea victus testudine pastorsuspensa memores inlustrat pelle Celaenas.[203]heart, and his stiffened hair sank down again, he made all haste to carry out the commands of the goddess. He told his followers all that he had seen and urged them to follow him. Rebellious Barbary had found a champion and openly threw off the Latin yoke.That part of Phrygia which lies towards the north beneath the cold constellation of the Wain borders on Bithynia; that towards the sunset on Ionia, and that towards the sunrise on Galatia. On two sides runs the transverse boundary of Lydia while the fierce Pisidians hem it in to the south. All these peoples once formed one nation and had one name: they were of old called the Phrygians, but (what changes does time not bring about?) after the reign of a king Maeon, were known as Maeones. Then the Greeks settled on the shores of the Aegean, and the Thyni from Thrace cultivated the region now called Bithynia. Not long since a vast army of Gauls, nomad hitherto, came at last to rest in the district; these laid by their spears, clothed them in the civilized robe of Greece and drank no longer from Rhine’s, but from Halys’, waters. All antiquity gives priority to the Phrygian, even Egypt’s king had perforce to recognize it when the babe, nourished at no human breast, first opened his lips to lisp the Phrygian tongue.[112]Here fell the pipe once hurled into the marshes of Libya, what time the stream reflected Minerva’s disfigured countenance.[113]Here, too, there perished, conquered by Apollo’s lyre, the shepherd Marsyas whose flayed skin brought renown to the city of[112]The reference is to Herodotus ii. 2. Psammetichus, King of Egypt, wishing to find out which was the most ancient nation, had two children reared in complete silence. As the first word they uttered was “Becos,” the Phrygian word for “bread,” Phrygia was accorded the honour.[113]Minerva is said to have thrown her pipe into the river when she observed in the reflection the facial contortions apparently necessary to play it;cf.Ovid,Fasti, vi. 699.

[202]

et rigidae sedere comae, non distulit atroxiussa deae; sociis, quae viderat, ordine pandit235inritatque sequi. Coniurat barbara pubesnacta ducem Latiisque palam descivit ab armis.Pars Phrygiae, Scythicis quaecumque Trionibus algetproxima, Bithynos, solem quae condit, Ionas,quae levat, attingit Galatas. utrimque propinqui240finibus obliquis Lydi Pisidaeque ferocescontinuant australe latus. gens una fueretot quondam populi, priscum cognomen et unumappellata Phryges; sed (quid non longa valebitpermutare dies?) dicti post Maeona regem245Maeones. Aegaeos insedit Graecia portus;Thyni Thraces arant quae nunc Bithynia fertur;nuper ab Oceano Gallorum exercitus ingensillis ante vagus tandem regionibus haesitgaesaque deposuit, Graio iam mitis amictu,250pro Rheno poturus Halyn. dat cuncta vetustasprincipium Phrygibus; nec rex Aegyptius ultrarestitit, humani postquam puer uberis expersin Phrygiam primum laxavit murmura vocem.Hie cecidit Libycis iactata paludibus olim255tibia, foedatam cum reddidit umbra Minervam,hic et Apollinea victus testudine pastorsuspensa memores inlustrat pelle Celaenas.

et rigidae sedere comae, non distulit atrox

iussa deae; sociis, quae viderat, ordine pandit235

inritatque sequi. Coniurat barbara pubes

nacta ducem Latiisque palam descivit ab armis.

Pars Phrygiae, Scythicis quaecumque Trionibus alget

proxima, Bithynos, solem quae condit, Ionas,

quae levat, attingit Galatas. utrimque propinqui240

finibus obliquis Lydi Pisidaeque feroces

continuant australe latus. gens una fuere

tot quondam populi, priscum cognomen et unum

appellata Phryges; sed (quid non longa valebit

permutare dies?) dicti post Maeona regem245

Maeones. Aegaeos insedit Graecia portus;

Thyni Thraces arant quae nunc Bithynia fertur;

nuper ab Oceano Gallorum exercitus ingens

illis ante vagus tandem regionibus haesit

gaesaque deposuit, Graio iam mitis amictu,250

pro Rheno poturus Halyn. dat cuncta vetustas

principium Phrygibus; nec rex Aegyptius ultra

restitit, humani postquam puer uberis expers

in Phrygiam primum laxavit murmura vocem.

Hie cecidit Libycis iactata paludibus olim255

tibia, foedatam cum reddidit umbra Minervam,

hic et Apollinea victus testudine pastor

suspensa memores inlustrat pelle Celaenas.

[203]heart, and his stiffened hair sank down again, he made all haste to carry out the commands of the goddess. He told his followers all that he had seen and urged them to follow him. Rebellious Barbary had found a champion and openly threw off the Latin yoke.That part of Phrygia which lies towards the north beneath the cold constellation of the Wain borders on Bithynia; that towards the sunset on Ionia, and that towards the sunrise on Galatia. On two sides runs the transverse boundary of Lydia while the fierce Pisidians hem it in to the south. All these peoples once formed one nation and had one name: they were of old called the Phrygians, but (what changes does time not bring about?) after the reign of a king Maeon, were known as Maeones. Then the Greeks settled on the shores of the Aegean, and the Thyni from Thrace cultivated the region now called Bithynia. Not long since a vast army of Gauls, nomad hitherto, came at last to rest in the district; these laid by their spears, clothed them in the civilized robe of Greece and drank no longer from Rhine’s, but from Halys’, waters. All antiquity gives priority to the Phrygian, even Egypt’s king had perforce to recognize it when the babe, nourished at no human breast, first opened his lips to lisp the Phrygian tongue.[112]Here fell the pipe once hurled into the marshes of Libya, what time the stream reflected Minerva’s disfigured countenance.[113]Here, too, there perished, conquered by Apollo’s lyre, the shepherd Marsyas whose flayed skin brought renown to the city of[112]The reference is to Herodotus ii. 2. Psammetichus, King of Egypt, wishing to find out which was the most ancient nation, had two children reared in complete silence. As the first word they uttered was “Becos,” the Phrygian word for “bread,” Phrygia was accorded the honour.[113]Minerva is said to have thrown her pipe into the river when she observed in the reflection the facial contortions apparently necessary to play it;cf.Ovid,Fasti, vi. 699.

[203]

heart, and his stiffened hair sank down again, he made all haste to carry out the commands of the goddess. He told his followers all that he had seen and urged them to follow him. Rebellious Barbary had found a champion and openly threw off the Latin yoke.

That part of Phrygia which lies towards the north beneath the cold constellation of the Wain borders on Bithynia; that towards the sunset on Ionia, and that towards the sunrise on Galatia. On two sides runs the transverse boundary of Lydia while the fierce Pisidians hem it in to the south. All these peoples once formed one nation and had one name: they were of old called the Phrygians, but (what changes does time not bring about?) after the reign of a king Maeon, were known as Maeones. Then the Greeks settled on the shores of the Aegean, and the Thyni from Thrace cultivated the region now called Bithynia. Not long since a vast army of Gauls, nomad hitherto, came at last to rest in the district; these laid by their spears, clothed them in the civilized robe of Greece and drank no longer from Rhine’s, but from Halys’, waters. All antiquity gives priority to the Phrygian, even Egypt’s king had perforce to recognize it when the babe, nourished at no human breast, first opened his lips to lisp the Phrygian tongue.[112]

Here fell the pipe once hurled into the marshes of Libya, what time the stream reflected Minerva’s disfigured countenance.[113]Here, too, there perished, conquered by Apollo’s lyre, the shepherd Marsyas whose flayed skin brought renown to the city of

[112]The reference is to Herodotus ii. 2. Psammetichus, King of Egypt, wishing to find out which was the most ancient nation, had two children reared in complete silence. As the first word they uttered was “Becos,” the Phrygian word for “bread,” Phrygia was accorded the honour.

[113]Minerva is said to have thrown her pipe into the river when she observed in the reflection the facial contortions apparently necessary to play it;cf.Ovid,Fasti, vi. 699.

[204]quattuor hinc magnis procedunt fontibus amnesauriferi; nec miror aquas radiare metallo,260quae totiens lavere Midan. diversus ad Austrumcursus et Arctoum fluviis mare. Dindyma funduntSangarium, vitrei puro qui gurgite Galliauctus Amazonii defertur ad ostia Ponti.Icarium pelagus Mycalaeaque litora iuncti265Marsya Maeanderque petunt; sed Marsya velox,dum suus est, flexuque carens iam flumine mixtusmollitur, Maeandre, tuo; contraria passus,quam Rhodano stimulatus Arar: quos inter apricaplanities Cererique favet densisque ligatur270vitibus et glaucae fructus attollit olivae,dives equis, felix pecori pretiosaque pictomarmore purpureis, caedit quod Synnada, venis.Talem tum Phrygiam Geticis populatibus uripermisere dei. securas barbarus urbes275inrupit facilesque capi. spes nulla salutis,nulla fugae: putribus iam propugnacula saxislongo corruerant aevo pacisque senecta.Interea gelidae secretis rupibus Idaedum sedet et thiasos spectat de more Cybebe280Curetumque alacres ad tympana suscitat enses,aurea sanctarum decus inmortale comarumdefluxit capiti turris summoque volutusvertice crinalis violatur pulvere murus.obstipuere truces omen Corybantes et uno285fixa metu tacitas presserunt orgia buxos.indoluit genetrix, tum sic commota profatur:[205]Celaenae. Hence flow four broad auriferous rivers. Small wonder that the waters in which King Midas bathed so often glitter with the rare metal. Two flow north, two southwards. Dindymus gives birth to the river Sangarius, which, swollen by the clear stream of the Gallus, hastens on to the Euxine, the sea of the Amazon. The conjoined streams of Marsyas and Meander make for the Icarian main and Mycale’s strand. Marsyas flows fast and straight while his course is his own; mingled with thy waters, Meander, he goes slowly—unlike the Saône whose waters are hastened by the Rhone’s inflowing. Between these rivers is a sun-kissed plain; kindly is it to the corn, thick-set with vines and displaying the fruit of the grey-green olive; rich, too, in horses, fertile in flocks, and wealthy with the purple-veined marble that Synnada quarries.Such was Phrygia then when the gods allowed it to be ravaged by Getic brigands. The barbarian burst in upon those cities so peaceful, so easy of capture. There was no hope of safety, no chance of escape. Long and peaceful ages had made the crumbling stones of their battlements to fall.Meanwhile Cybele was seated amid the hallowed rocks of cold Ida, watching, as is her wont, the dance, and inciting the joyous Curetes to brandish their swords at the sound of the drum, when, lo, the golden-turreted crown, the eternal glory of her blessèd hair, fell from off her head and, rolling from her brow, the castellated diadem is profaned in the dust. The Corybantes stopped in amazement at this omen; general alarm checked their orgies and silenced their pipes. The mother of the gods wept; then spake thus in sorrow.

[204]

quattuor hinc magnis procedunt fontibus amnesauriferi; nec miror aquas radiare metallo,260quae totiens lavere Midan. diversus ad Austrumcursus et Arctoum fluviis mare. Dindyma funduntSangarium, vitrei puro qui gurgite Galliauctus Amazonii defertur ad ostia Ponti.Icarium pelagus Mycalaeaque litora iuncti265Marsya Maeanderque petunt; sed Marsya velox,dum suus est, flexuque carens iam flumine mixtusmollitur, Maeandre, tuo; contraria passus,quam Rhodano stimulatus Arar: quos inter apricaplanities Cererique favet densisque ligatur270vitibus et glaucae fructus attollit olivae,dives equis, felix pecori pretiosaque pictomarmore purpureis, caedit quod Synnada, venis.Talem tum Phrygiam Geticis populatibus uripermisere dei. securas barbarus urbes275inrupit facilesque capi. spes nulla salutis,nulla fugae: putribus iam propugnacula saxislongo corruerant aevo pacisque senecta.Interea gelidae secretis rupibus Idaedum sedet et thiasos spectat de more Cybebe280Curetumque alacres ad tympana suscitat enses,aurea sanctarum decus inmortale comarumdefluxit capiti turris summoque volutusvertice crinalis violatur pulvere murus.obstipuere truces omen Corybantes et uno285fixa metu tacitas presserunt orgia buxos.indoluit genetrix, tum sic commota profatur:

quattuor hinc magnis procedunt fontibus amnes

auriferi; nec miror aquas radiare metallo,260

quae totiens lavere Midan. diversus ad Austrum

cursus et Arctoum fluviis mare. Dindyma fundunt

Sangarium, vitrei puro qui gurgite Galli

auctus Amazonii defertur ad ostia Ponti.

Icarium pelagus Mycalaeaque litora iuncti265

Marsya Maeanderque petunt; sed Marsya velox,

dum suus est, flexuque carens iam flumine mixtus

mollitur, Maeandre, tuo; contraria passus,

quam Rhodano stimulatus Arar: quos inter aprica

planities Cererique favet densisque ligatur270

vitibus et glaucae fructus attollit olivae,

dives equis, felix pecori pretiosaque picto

marmore purpureis, caedit quod Synnada, venis.

Talem tum Phrygiam Geticis populatibus uri

permisere dei. securas barbarus urbes275

inrupit facilesque capi. spes nulla salutis,

nulla fugae: putribus iam propugnacula saxis

longo corruerant aevo pacisque senecta.

Interea gelidae secretis rupibus Idae

dum sedet et thiasos spectat de more Cybebe280

Curetumque alacres ad tympana suscitat enses,

aurea sanctarum decus inmortale comarum

defluxit capiti turris summoque volutus

vertice crinalis violatur pulvere murus.

obstipuere truces omen Corybantes et uno285

fixa metu tacitas presserunt orgia buxos.

indoluit genetrix, tum sic commota profatur:

[205]Celaenae. Hence flow four broad auriferous rivers. Small wonder that the waters in which King Midas bathed so often glitter with the rare metal. Two flow north, two southwards. Dindymus gives birth to the river Sangarius, which, swollen by the clear stream of the Gallus, hastens on to the Euxine, the sea of the Amazon. The conjoined streams of Marsyas and Meander make for the Icarian main and Mycale’s strand. Marsyas flows fast and straight while his course is his own; mingled with thy waters, Meander, he goes slowly—unlike the Saône whose waters are hastened by the Rhone’s inflowing. Between these rivers is a sun-kissed plain; kindly is it to the corn, thick-set with vines and displaying the fruit of the grey-green olive; rich, too, in horses, fertile in flocks, and wealthy with the purple-veined marble that Synnada quarries.Such was Phrygia then when the gods allowed it to be ravaged by Getic brigands. The barbarian burst in upon those cities so peaceful, so easy of capture. There was no hope of safety, no chance of escape. Long and peaceful ages had made the crumbling stones of their battlements to fall.Meanwhile Cybele was seated amid the hallowed rocks of cold Ida, watching, as is her wont, the dance, and inciting the joyous Curetes to brandish their swords at the sound of the drum, when, lo, the golden-turreted crown, the eternal glory of her blessèd hair, fell from off her head and, rolling from her brow, the castellated diadem is profaned in the dust. The Corybantes stopped in amazement at this omen; general alarm checked their orgies and silenced their pipes. The mother of the gods wept; then spake thus in sorrow.

[205]

Celaenae. Hence flow four broad auriferous rivers. Small wonder that the waters in which King Midas bathed so often glitter with the rare metal. Two flow north, two southwards. Dindymus gives birth to the river Sangarius, which, swollen by the clear stream of the Gallus, hastens on to the Euxine, the sea of the Amazon. The conjoined streams of Marsyas and Meander make for the Icarian main and Mycale’s strand. Marsyas flows fast and straight while his course is his own; mingled with thy waters, Meander, he goes slowly—unlike the Saône whose waters are hastened by the Rhone’s inflowing. Between these rivers is a sun-kissed plain; kindly is it to the corn, thick-set with vines and displaying the fruit of the grey-green olive; rich, too, in horses, fertile in flocks, and wealthy with the purple-veined marble that Synnada quarries.

Such was Phrygia then when the gods allowed it to be ravaged by Getic brigands. The barbarian burst in upon those cities so peaceful, so easy of capture. There was no hope of safety, no chance of escape. Long and peaceful ages had made the crumbling stones of their battlements to fall.

Meanwhile Cybele was seated amid the hallowed rocks of cold Ida, watching, as is her wont, the dance, and inciting the joyous Curetes to brandish their swords at the sound of the drum, when, lo, the golden-turreted crown, the eternal glory of her blessèd hair, fell from off her head and, rolling from her brow, the castellated diadem is profaned in the dust. The Corybantes stopped in amazement at this omen; general alarm checked their orgies and silenced their pipes. The mother of the gods wept; then spake thus in sorrow.

[206]“Hoc mihi iam pridem Lachesis grandaeva canebataugurium: Phrygiae casus venisse supremosdelapsus testatur apex, heu sanguine qualis290ibit Sangarius quantasque cadavera lentiMaeandri passura moras! inmobilis haeretterminus, haec dudum nato placuere Tonanti.par et finitimis luctus, frustraque Lyaeinon defensuros implorat Lydia thyrsos.295iamque vale Phrygiae tellus perituraque flammismoenia, conspicuas quae nunc attollitis arces,mox campi nudumque solum! dilecta valeteflumina! non vestris ultra bacchabor in antrisnec iuga sulcabit noster Berecynthia currus.”300dixit et ad tristes convertit tympana planctus.labentem patriam sacris ululatibus Attispersonat et torvi lacrimis maduere leones.Eutropius, nequeat quamvis metuenda tacericlades et trepidus vulgaverit omnia rumor,305ignorare tamen fingit regnique ruinasdissimulat: parvam latronum errare catervam,ad sontes tormenta magis quam tela pararinec duce frangendas iactat, sed iudice vires:vasta velut Libyae venantum vocibus ales310cum premitur calidas cursu transmittit harenasinque modum veli sinuatis flamine pennispulverulenta volat; si iam vestigia retroclara sonent, oblita fugae stat lumine clauso(ridendum!) revoluta caput creditque latere,315quem non ipsa videt. furtim tamen ardua mittit[207]“This is the portent that agèd Lachesis foretold long years ago. My fallen crown assures me that Phrygia’s final crisis is upon her. Alas for the blood that shall redden Sangarius’ waves; for all the corpses that shall retard Meander’s slow stream. The hour is fixed irrevocably; such, long since, was my son’s, the Thunderer’s, will. A like disaster awaits the neighbouring peoples; in vain does Lydia invoke the thyrsus of Bacchus in her defence. Now fare thee well, land of Phrygia, farewell, walls doomed to the flames, walls that now rear aloft proud towers but will soon be levelled with the ground and the bare earth. Farewell, dear rivers: never more shall I hold my inspired revels in your grottoes; no more shall my chariot leave the traces of its wheels on Berecynthus’ heights.” So spake she, and turned her drums to strains of mourning. Attis filled his devoted country with holy lamentations and Cybele’s tawny lions burst into tears.Eutropius, although this terrible revolt could not be hid and although rumour had spread everywhere the dread news, none the less affects to ignore it and shuts his eyes to the empire’s peril. ’Twas some poor troop of wandering brigands; such wretches call for punishment not war; a judge—so he brags—not a general should crush their strength. Even so the great Libyan bird, hard pressed by the cries of its pursuers, runs o’er the burning sands and flies through the dust, curving its wings like sails to catch the breeze; but when it clearly hears the footsteps close behind it, it forgets its flight, standing with closed eyes and hiding its head, believing, poor fool, it cannot be seen by those whom itself cannot see. None the less Eutropius

[206]

“Hoc mihi iam pridem Lachesis grandaeva canebataugurium: Phrygiae casus venisse supremosdelapsus testatur apex, heu sanguine qualis290ibit Sangarius quantasque cadavera lentiMaeandri passura moras! inmobilis haeretterminus, haec dudum nato placuere Tonanti.par et finitimis luctus, frustraque Lyaeinon defensuros implorat Lydia thyrsos.295iamque vale Phrygiae tellus perituraque flammismoenia, conspicuas quae nunc attollitis arces,mox campi nudumque solum! dilecta valeteflumina! non vestris ultra bacchabor in antrisnec iuga sulcabit noster Berecynthia currus.”300dixit et ad tristes convertit tympana planctus.labentem patriam sacris ululatibus Attispersonat et torvi lacrimis maduere leones.Eutropius, nequeat quamvis metuenda tacericlades et trepidus vulgaverit omnia rumor,305ignorare tamen fingit regnique ruinasdissimulat: parvam latronum errare catervam,ad sontes tormenta magis quam tela pararinec duce frangendas iactat, sed iudice vires:vasta velut Libyae venantum vocibus ales310cum premitur calidas cursu transmittit harenasinque modum veli sinuatis flamine pennispulverulenta volat; si iam vestigia retroclara sonent, oblita fugae stat lumine clauso(ridendum!) revoluta caput creditque latere,315quem non ipsa videt. furtim tamen ardua mittit

“Hoc mihi iam pridem Lachesis grandaeva canebat

augurium: Phrygiae casus venisse supremos

delapsus testatur apex, heu sanguine qualis290

ibit Sangarius quantasque cadavera lenti

Maeandri passura moras! inmobilis haeret

terminus, haec dudum nato placuere Tonanti.

par et finitimis luctus, frustraque Lyaei

non defensuros implorat Lydia thyrsos.295

iamque vale Phrygiae tellus perituraque flammis

moenia, conspicuas quae nunc attollitis arces,

mox campi nudumque solum! dilecta valete

flumina! non vestris ultra bacchabor in antris

nec iuga sulcabit noster Berecynthia currus.”300

dixit et ad tristes convertit tympana planctus.

labentem patriam sacris ululatibus Attis

personat et torvi lacrimis maduere leones.

Eutropius, nequeat quamvis metuenda taceri

clades et trepidus vulgaverit omnia rumor,305

ignorare tamen fingit regnique ruinas

dissimulat: parvam latronum errare catervam,

ad sontes tormenta magis quam tela parari

nec duce frangendas iactat, sed iudice vires:

vasta velut Libyae venantum vocibus ales310

cum premitur calidas cursu transmittit harenas

inque modum veli sinuatis flamine pennis

pulverulenta volat; si iam vestigia retro

clara sonent, oblita fugae stat lumine clauso

(ridendum!) revoluta caput creditque latere,315

quem non ipsa videt. furtim tamen ardua mittit

[207]“This is the portent that agèd Lachesis foretold long years ago. My fallen crown assures me that Phrygia’s final crisis is upon her. Alas for the blood that shall redden Sangarius’ waves; for all the corpses that shall retard Meander’s slow stream. The hour is fixed irrevocably; such, long since, was my son’s, the Thunderer’s, will. A like disaster awaits the neighbouring peoples; in vain does Lydia invoke the thyrsus of Bacchus in her defence. Now fare thee well, land of Phrygia, farewell, walls doomed to the flames, walls that now rear aloft proud towers but will soon be levelled with the ground and the bare earth. Farewell, dear rivers: never more shall I hold my inspired revels in your grottoes; no more shall my chariot leave the traces of its wheels on Berecynthus’ heights.” So spake she, and turned her drums to strains of mourning. Attis filled his devoted country with holy lamentations and Cybele’s tawny lions burst into tears.Eutropius, although this terrible revolt could not be hid and although rumour had spread everywhere the dread news, none the less affects to ignore it and shuts his eyes to the empire’s peril. ’Twas some poor troop of wandering brigands; such wretches call for punishment not war; a judge—so he brags—not a general should crush their strength. Even so the great Libyan bird, hard pressed by the cries of its pursuers, runs o’er the burning sands and flies through the dust, curving its wings like sails to catch the breeze; but when it clearly hears the footsteps close behind it, it forgets its flight, standing with closed eyes and hiding its head, believing, poor fool, it cannot be seen by those whom itself cannot see. None the less Eutropius

[207]

“This is the portent that agèd Lachesis foretold long years ago. My fallen crown assures me that Phrygia’s final crisis is upon her. Alas for the blood that shall redden Sangarius’ waves; for all the corpses that shall retard Meander’s slow stream. The hour is fixed irrevocably; such, long since, was my son’s, the Thunderer’s, will. A like disaster awaits the neighbouring peoples; in vain does Lydia invoke the thyrsus of Bacchus in her defence. Now fare thee well, land of Phrygia, farewell, walls doomed to the flames, walls that now rear aloft proud towers but will soon be levelled with the ground and the bare earth. Farewell, dear rivers: never more shall I hold my inspired revels in your grottoes; no more shall my chariot leave the traces of its wheels on Berecynthus’ heights.” So spake she, and turned her drums to strains of mourning. Attis filled his devoted country with holy lamentations and Cybele’s tawny lions burst into tears.

Eutropius, although this terrible revolt could not be hid and although rumour had spread everywhere the dread news, none the less affects to ignore it and shuts his eyes to the empire’s peril. ’Twas some poor troop of wandering brigands; such wretches call for punishment not war; a judge—so he brags—not a general should crush their strength. Even so the great Libyan bird, hard pressed by the cries of its pursuers, runs o’er the burning sands and flies through the dust, curving its wings like sails to catch the breeze; but when it clearly hears the footsteps close behind it, it forgets its flight, standing with closed eyes and hiding its head, believing, poor fool, it cannot be seen by those whom itself cannot see. None the less Eutropius

[208]cum donis promissa novis, si forte rogatusdesinat. ille semel nota dulcedine praedaese famulo servire negat, nec grata timentummunera; militiam nullam nec prima superbus320cingula dignari; nam quis non consule talivilis honos?Postquam precibus mitescere nullis,non auro cessisse videt creberque recurritnuntius incassum nec spes iam foederis extat:tandem consilium belli confessus agendi325ad sua tecta vocat. iuvenes venere protervilascivique senes, quibus est insignis edendigloria corruptasque dapes variasse decorum,qui ventrem invitant pretio traduntque palatosidereas Iunonis aves et si qua loquendi330gnara coloratis viridis defertur ab Indis,quaesitos trans regna cibos, quorumque profundamingluviem non Aegaeus, non alta Propontis,non freta longinquis Maeotia piscibus explent.vestis odoratae studium; laus maxima risum335per vanos movisse sales minimeque virilesmunditiae; compti vultus; onerique vel ipsaserica. si Chunus feriat, si Sarmata portas,solliciti scaenae; Romam contemnere suetimirarique suas, quas Bosphorus obruat! aedes;340saltandi dociles aurigarumque periti.Pars humili de plebe duces; pars compede suras[209]sends towering promises with new gifts, if haply his foe may pause at his entreaty. But the barbarian, in whose heart was once waked the old love of plunder, refuses to submit to a slave; for him the gifts of fear have no charm; haughtily he disdains any rank,[114]even the highest, for under such a consul what honour would not be disgrace?When Eutropius saw that no prayers could move him nor any gold win him over; when messenger after messenger returned, his mission unfulfilled, and all hopes of an alliance were at an end, he at last recognized the necessity for war and summoned the council to his palace. Thither they came—wanton lads and debauched greybeards whose greatest glory was gluttony, and whose pride it was to diversify the outraged banquet. Their hunger is only aroused by costly meats, and they tickle their palates with foods imported from overseas, the flesh of the many-eyed fowl of Juno,[115]or of that coloured bird brought from farthest Ind that knows how to speak. Not the Aegean, not deep Propontis, not Maeotis’ lake afar can sate their appetites with fish. Perfumed garments are their care, their pride to move foolish laughter with their silly jests. On their adornment and toilette they bestow a woman’s care and find even the silk they wear too heavy a burden. Should the Hun, the Sarmatian, strike at the city’s gates yet trouble they for nought but the theatre. Rome they despise and reserve their admiration for their own houses—may Bosporus’ waters overwhelm them! Skilful dancers they and clever judges of charioteers.Some sprung from the dregs of the people are generals; some magistrates—though their legs and[114]Claudian uses the wordcingulum(= a soldier’s belt) as = military service—a not uncommon late use,cf.Serv.Aen.viii. 724 and (frequently)cingi= to serve, in the Digests.[115]i.e.the peacock.

[208]

cum donis promissa novis, si forte rogatusdesinat. ille semel nota dulcedine praedaese famulo servire negat, nec grata timentummunera; militiam nullam nec prima superbus320cingula dignari; nam quis non consule talivilis honos?Postquam precibus mitescere nullis,non auro cessisse videt creberque recurritnuntius incassum nec spes iam foederis extat:tandem consilium belli confessus agendi325ad sua tecta vocat. iuvenes venere protervilascivique senes, quibus est insignis edendigloria corruptasque dapes variasse decorum,qui ventrem invitant pretio traduntque palatosidereas Iunonis aves et si qua loquendi330gnara coloratis viridis defertur ab Indis,quaesitos trans regna cibos, quorumque profundamingluviem non Aegaeus, non alta Propontis,non freta longinquis Maeotia piscibus explent.vestis odoratae studium; laus maxima risum335per vanos movisse sales minimeque virilesmunditiae; compti vultus; onerique vel ipsaserica. si Chunus feriat, si Sarmata portas,solliciti scaenae; Romam contemnere suetimirarique suas, quas Bosphorus obruat! aedes;340saltandi dociles aurigarumque periti.Pars humili de plebe duces; pars compede suras

cum donis promissa novis, si forte rogatus

desinat. ille semel nota dulcedine praedae

se famulo servire negat, nec grata timentum

munera; militiam nullam nec prima superbus320

cingula dignari; nam quis non consule tali

vilis honos?

Postquam precibus mitescere nullis,

non auro cessisse videt creberque recurrit

nuntius incassum nec spes iam foederis extat:

tandem consilium belli confessus agendi325

ad sua tecta vocat. iuvenes venere protervi

lascivique senes, quibus est insignis edendi

gloria corruptasque dapes variasse decorum,

qui ventrem invitant pretio traduntque palato

sidereas Iunonis aves et si qua loquendi330

gnara coloratis viridis defertur ab Indis,

quaesitos trans regna cibos, quorumque profundam

ingluviem non Aegaeus, non alta Propontis,

non freta longinquis Maeotia piscibus explent.

vestis odoratae studium; laus maxima risum335

per vanos movisse sales minimeque viriles

munditiae; compti vultus; onerique vel ipsa

serica. si Chunus feriat, si Sarmata portas,

solliciti scaenae; Romam contemnere sueti

mirarique suas, quas Bosphorus obruat! aedes;340

saltandi dociles aurigarumque periti.

Pars humili de plebe duces; pars compede suras

[209]sends towering promises with new gifts, if haply his foe may pause at his entreaty. But the barbarian, in whose heart was once waked the old love of plunder, refuses to submit to a slave; for him the gifts of fear have no charm; haughtily he disdains any rank,[114]even the highest, for under such a consul what honour would not be disgrace?When Eutropius saw that no prayers could move him nor any gold win him over; when messenger after messenger returned, his mission unfulfilled, and all hopes of an alliance were at an end, he at last recognized the necessity for war and summoned the council to his palace. Thither they came—wanton lads and debauched greybeards whose greatest glory was gluttony, and whose pride it was to diversify the outraged banquet. Their hunger is only aroused by costly meats, and they tickle their palates with foods imported from overseas, the flesh of the many-eyed fowl of Juno,[115]or of that coloured bird brought from farthest Ind that knows how to speak. Not the Aegean, not deep Propontis, not Maeotis’ lake afar can sate their appetites with fish. Perfumed garments are their care, their pride to move foolish laughter with their silly jests. On their adornment and toilette they bestow a woman’s care and find even the silk they wear too heavy a burden. Should the Hun, the Sarmatian, strike at the city’s gates yet trouble they for nought but the theatre. Rome they despise and reserve their admiration for their own houses—may Bosporus’ waters overwhelm them! Skilful dancers they and clever judges of charioteers.Some sprung from the dregs of the people are generals; some magistrates—though their legs and[114]Claudian uses the wordcingulum(= a soldier’s belt) as = military service—a not uncommon late use,cf.Serv.Aen.viii. 724 and (frequently)cingi= to serve, in the Digests.[115]i.e.the peacock.

[209]

sends towering promises with new gifts, if haply his foe may pause at his entreaty. But the barbarian, in whose heart was once waked the old love of plunder, refuses to submit to a slave; for him the gifts of fear have no charm; haughtily he disdains any rank,[114]even the highest, for under such a consul what honour would not be disgrace?

When Eutropius saw that no prayers could move him nor any gold win him over; when messenger after messenger returned, his mission unfulfilled, and all hopes of an alliance were at an end, he at last recognized the necessity for war and summoned the council to his palace. Thither they came—wanton lads and debauched greybeards whose greatest glory was gluttony, and whose pride it was to diversify the outraged banquet. Their hunger is only aroused by costly meats, and they tickle their palates with foods imported from overseas, the flesh of the many-eyed fowl of Juno,[115]or of that coloured bird brought from farthest Ind that knows how to speak. Not the Aegean, not deep Propontis, not Maeotis’ lake afar can sate their appetites with fish. Perfumed garments are their care, their pride to move foolish laughter with their silly jests. On their adornment and toilette they bestow a woman’s care and find even the silk they wear too heavy a burden. Should the Hun, the Sarmatian, strike at the city’s gates yet trouble they for nought but the theatre. Rome they despise and reserve their admiration for their own houses—may Bosporus’ waters overwhelm them! Skilful dancers they and clever judges of charioteers.

Some sprung from the dregs of the people are generals; some magistrates—though their legs and

[114]Claudian uses the wordcingulum(= a soldier’s belt) as = military service—a not uncommon late use,cf.Serv.Aen.viii. 724 and (frequently)cingi= to serve, in the Digests.

[115]i.e.the peacock.

[210]cruraque signati nigro liventia ferroiura regunt, facies quamvis inscripta repugnetseque suo prodat titulo. sed prima potestas345Eutropium praefert Hosio subnixa secundo.dulcior hic sane cunctis prudensque movendiiuris et admoto qui temperet omnia fumo,fervidus, accensam sed qui bene decoquat iram.considunt apices gemini dicionis Eoae,350hic cocus, hic leno, defossi verbere terga,servitio, non arte pares, hic saepius emptus,alter ad Hispanos nutritus verna penates.Ergo ubi collecti proceres, qui rebus in artisconsulerent tantisque darent solacia morbis,355obliti subito Phrygiae bellisque relictisad solitos coepere iocos et iurgia circitendere. nequiquam magna confligitur ira,quis melius vibrata puer vertigine mollimembra rotet, verrat quis marmora crine supino?360quis magis enodes laterum detorqueat arcus,[116]quis voci digitos, oculos quis moribus aptet?hi tragicos meminere modos; his fabula Tereus,his necdum commissa choro cantatur Agave.Increpat Eutropius: non haec spectacula tempusposcere; nunc alias armorum incumbere curas;366se satis Armenio fessum pro limite cingi[116]Birtartus; I return to the vulg.arcus.[211]ankles are still scarred and livid with their wearing of the fetters of servitude and though their branded foreheads deny their owners’ right to office and disclose their true title. Among them Eutropius holds the first place; Hosius, on whom he relies, comes next. He of a truth is more popular, a cunning artificer of justice who knows well how to steam his cases; at times boiling with anger, yet well able to render down that anger when aroused.[117]These sit enthroned, joint rulers of the eastern empire, the one a cook the other a pander. The backs of both are scarred with the whip, each was a slave though of a different kind. The one had been bought and sold a hundred times, the other brought up a dependant in a Spanish household.When, therefore, the chief men were gathered together for consultation in this strait and to comfort the sickness of the state, forthwith they forget Phrygia and, setting aside the question of war, start their accustomed fooling and engage in disputes about the Circus. With heat as fierce as it is pointless they wrangle what boy can best whirl quivering limbs in an easy somersault or sweep the marble floor with his drooping locks; who can most twist his flanks into a boneless arch; who can best suit his gestures to his words and his eyes to his character. Some recite speeches from tragedy, others chant the play of Tereus, others again that of Agave, never before staged.Eutropius chides them; the present moment, says he, demands other spectacles than these; it is war which now should claim all their care. For his part (for he is an old man and a weary) it is enough to defend the frontiers of Armenia; single-handed[117]Hosius, by birth a Spaniard, had been a slave and a cook—whence these various double meanings. He rose to bemagister officiorumat the court of Arcadius (circa396-8).

[210]

cruraque signati nigro liventia ferroiura regunt, facies quamvis inscripta repugnetseque suo prodat titulo. sed prima potestas345Eutropium praefert Hosio subnixa secundo.dulcior hic sane cunctis prudensque movendiiuris et admoto qui temperet omnia fumo,fervidus, accensam sed qui bene decoquat iram.considunt apices gemini dicionis Eoae,350hic cocus, hic leno, defossi verbere terga,servitio, non arte pares, hic saepius emptus,alter ad Hispanos nutritus verna penates.Ergo ubi collecti proceres, qui rebus in artisconsulerent tantisque darent solacia morbis,355obliti subito Phrygiae bellisque relictisad solitos coepere iocos et iurgia circitendere. nequiquam magna confligitur ira,quis melius vibrata puer vertigine mollimembra rotet, verrat quis marmora crine supino?360quis magis enodes laterum detorqueat arcus,[116]quis voci digitos, oculos quis moribus aptet?hi tragicos meminere modos; his fabula Tereus,his necdum commissa choro cantatur Agave.Increpat Eutropius: non haec spectacula tempusposcere; nunc alias armorum incumbere curas;366se satis Armenio fessum pro limite cingi

cruraque signati nigro liventia ferro

iura regunt, facies quamvis inscripta repugnet

seque suo prodat titulo. sed prima potestas345

Eutropium praefert Hosio subnixa secundo.

dulcior hic sane cunctis prudensque movendi

iuris et admoto qui temperet omnia fumo,

fervidus, accensam sed qui bene decoquat iram.

considunt apices gemini dicionis Eoae,350

hic cocus, hic leno, defossi verbere terga,

servitio, non arte pares, hic saepius emptus,

alter ad Hispanos nutritus verna penates.

Ergo ubi collecti proceres, qui rebus in artis

consulerent tantisque darent solacia morbis,355

obliti subito Phrygiae bellisque relictis

ad solitos coepere iocos et iurgia circi

tendere. nequiquam magna confligitur ira,

quis melius vibrata puer vertigine molli

membra rotet, verrat quis marmora crine supino?360

quis magis enodes laterum detorqueat arcus,[116]

quis voci digitos, oculos quis moribus aptet?

hi tragicos meminere modos; his fabula Tereus,

his necdum commissa choro cantatur Agave.

Increpat Eutropius: non haec spectacula tempus

poscere; nunc alias armorum incumbere curas;366

se satis Armenio fessum pro limite cingi

[116]Birtartus; I return to the vulg.arcus.

[211]ankles are still scarred and livid with their wearing of the fetters of servitude and though their branded foreheads deny their owners’ right to office and disclose their true title. Among them Eutropius holds the first place; Hosius, on whom he relies, comes next. He of a truth is more popular, a cunning artificer of justice who knows well how to steam his cases; at times boiling with anger, yet well able to render down that anger when aroused.[117]These sit enthroned, joint rulers of the eastern empire, the one a cook the other a pander. The backs of both are scarred with the whip, each was a slave though of a different kind. The one had been bought and sold a hundred times, the other brought up a dependant in a Spanish household.When, therefore, the chief men were gathered together for consultation in this strait and to comfort the sickness of the state, forthwith they forget Phrygia and, setting aside the question of war, start their accustomed fooling and engage in disputes about the Circus. With heat as fierce as it is pointless they wrangle what boy can best whirl quivering limbs in an easy somersault or sweep the marble floor with his drooping locks; who can most twist his flanks into a boneless arch; who can best suit his gestures to his words and his eyes to his character. Some recite speeches from tragedy, others chant the play of Tereus, others again that of Agave, never before staged.Eutropius chides them; the present moment, says he, demands other spectacles than these; it is war which now should claim all their care. For his part (for he is an old man and a weary) it is enough to defend the frontiers of Armenia; single-handed[117]Hosius, by birth a Spaniard, had been a slave and a cook—whence these various double meanings. He rose to bemagister officiorumat the court of Arcadius (circa396-8).

[211]

ankles are still scarred and livid with their wearing of the fetters of servitude and though their branded foreheads deny their owners’ right to office and disclose their true title. Among them Eutropius holds the first place; Hosius, on whom he relies, comes next. He of a truth is more popular, a cunning artificer of justice who knows well how to steam his cases; at times boiling with anger, yet well able to render down that anger when aroused.[117]These sit enthroned, joint rulers of the eastern empire, the one a cook the other a pander. The backs of both are scarred with the whip, each was a slave though of a different kind. The one had been bought and sold a hundred times, the other brought up a dependant in a Spanish household.

When, therefore, the chief men were gathered together for consultation in this strait and to comfort the sickness of the state, forthwith they forget Phrygia and, setting aside the question of war, start their accustomed fooling and engage in disputes about the Circus. With heat as fierce as it is pointless they wrangle what boy can best whirl quivering limbs in an easy somersault or sweep the marble floor with his drooping locks; who can most twist his flanks into a boneless arch; who can best suit his gestures to his words and his eyes to his character. Some recite speeches from tragedy, others chant the play of Tereus, others again that of Agave, never before staged.

Eutropius chides them; the present moment, says he, demands other spectacles than these; it is war which now should claim all their care. For his part (for he is an old man and a weary) it is enough to defend the frontiers of Armenia; single-handed

[117]Hosius, by birth a Spaniard, had been a slave and a cook—whence these various double meanings. He rose to bemagister officiorumat the court of Arcadius (circa396-8).

[212]nec tantis unum subsistere posse periclis;ignoscant senio, iuvenes ad proelia mittant:—qualis pauperibus nutrix invisa puellis370adsidet et tela communem quaerere victumrauca monet; festis illae lusisse diebusorant et positis aequaevas visere pensis,irataeque operi iam lasso pollice filaturbant et teneros detergent stamine fletus.375Emicat extemplo cunctis trepidantibus audaxcrassa mole Leo, quem vix Cyclopia solumaequatura fames, quem non ieiuna Celaenovinceret; hinc nomen fertur meruisse Leonis.acer in absentes linguae iactator, abundans380corporis exiguusque animi, doctissimus artisquondam lanificae, moderator pectinis unci.non alius lanam purgatis sordibus aequepraebuerit calathis, similis nec pinguia quisquamvellera per tenues ferri producere rimas.385tunc Aiax erat Eutropii lateque fremebat,non septem vasto quatiens umbone iuvencos,sed, quam perpetuis dapibus pigroque sediliinter anus interque colos oneraverat, alvum.adsurgit tandem vocemque expromit anhelam:390“Quis novus hic torpor, socii? quonam usque sedemusfemineis clausi thalamis patimurque periclumgliscere desidia? graviorum turba malorumtexitur, ignavis trahimus dum tempora votis.me petit hic sudor. numquam mea dextera segnisad ferrum. faveat tantum Tritonia coeptis,396[213]he cannot cope with all these perils. They must pardon his age and send younger men to the war:—it is as though a hated forewoman were sitting among a crowd of poor working-girls and bidding them in her raucous voice ply the loom and gain their livelihood, while they beg to be allowed the enjoyment of a holiday, to lay aside their tasks and visit their friends; angered at her refusal and wearied of their work they crush the threads in their hands and wipe away their gentle tears with the cloth.Sudden from out that trembling throng upleaps bold Leo[118]with his vast bulk, he whose single prowess Cyclopean hunger could scarce match, whom starving Celaeno could not outvie. ’Tis to this fact that he is said to have owed his name. Bold (when his foe was absent), brave (as a speaker), great in bulk but small of heart, once a highly skilled spinner of thread and a cunning carder, none other could so well cleanse the dirt from out the fleece and fill the baskets, none other pull the thick wool over the iron teeth of the comb as could he. He was then Eutropius’ Ajax and far and near he raged, shaking not a huge shield compact of seven layers of ox-hide, but that belly of his, laden with continuous feastings, as he sat lazily among old dames and distaffs. At length he arose and, panting, said, “What unwonted sluggishness is this, my friends? How long must we sit closeted in the women’s apartments and suffer our perils to increase by reason of our sloth? Fate weaves for us a network of ill while we waste our time in useless vows. This difficult task demands my action; never was my hand slow to use iron. Let but Minerva favour[118]Gainas and Leo were sent by Eutropius to put down the revolt of Tarbigilus. Gainas, however, never left the Hellespont and Leo, advancing into Pamphylia, there met, and was defeated by, Tarbigilus (Zosim. v. 16. 5). We gather from Claudian that he had once been a weaver.

[212]

nec tantis unum subsistere posse periclis;ignoscant senio, iuvenes ad proelia mittant:—qualis pauperibus nutrix invisa puellis370adsidet et tela communem quaerere victumrauca monet; festis illae lusisse diebusorant et positis aequaevas visere pensis,irataeque operi iam lasso pollice filaturbant et teneros detergent stamine fletus.375Emicat extemplo cunctis trepidantibus audaxcrassa mole Leo, quem vix Cyclopia solumaequatura fames, quem non ieiuna Celaenovinceret; hinc nomen fertur meruisse Leonis.acer in absentes linguae iactator, abundans380corporis exiguusque animi, doctissimus artisquondam lanificae, moderator pectinis unci.non alius lanam purgatis sordibus aequepraebuerit calathis, similis nec pinguia quisquamvellera per tenues ferri producere rimas.385tunc Aiax erat Eutropii lateque fremebat,non septem vasto quatiens umbone iuvencos,sed, quam perpetuis dapibus pigroque sediliinter anus interque colos oneraverat, alvum.adsurgit tandem vocemque expromit anhelam:390“Quis novus hic torpor, socii? quonam usque sedemusfemineis clausi thalamis patimurque periclumgliscere desidia? graviorum turba malorumtexitur, ignavis trahimus dum tempora votis.me petit hic sudor. numquam mea dextera segnisad ferrum. faveat tantum Tritonia coeptis,396

nec tantis unum subsistere posse periclis;

ignoscant senio, iuvenes ad proelia mittant:—

qualis pauperibus nutrix invisa puellis370

adsidet et tela communem quaerere victum

rauca monet; festis illae lusisse diebus

orant et positis aequaevas visere pensis,

irataeque operi iam lasso pollice fila

turbant et teneros detergent stamine fletus.375

Emicat extemplo cunctis trepidantibus audax

crassa mole Leo, quem vix Cyclopia solum

aequatura fames, quem non ieiuna Celaeno

vinceret; hinc nomen fertur meruisse Leonis.

acer in absentes linguae iactator, abundans380

corporis exiguusque animi, doctissimus artis

quondam lanificae, moderator pectinis unci.

non alius lanam purgatis sordibus aeque

praebuerit calathis, similis nec pinguia quisquam

vellera per tenues ferri producere rimas.385

tunc Aiax erat Eutropii lateque fremebat,

non septem vasto quatiens umbone iuvencos,

sed, quam perpetuis dapibus pigroque sedili

inter anus interque colos oneraverat, alvum.

adsurgit tandem vocemque expromit anhelam:390

“Quis novus hic torpor, socii? quonam usque sedemus

femineis clausi thalamis patimurque periclum

gliscere desidia? graviorum turba malorum

texitur, ignavis trahimus dum tempora votis.

me petit hic sudor. numquam mea dextera segnis

ad ferrum. faveat tantum Tritonia coeptis,396

[213]he cannot cope with all these perils. They must pardon his age and send younger men to the war:—it is as though a hated forewoman were sitting among a crowd of poor working-girls and bidding them in her raucous voice ply the loom and gain their livelihood, while they beg to be allowed the enjoyment of a holiday, to lay aside their tasks and visit their friends; angered at her refusal and wearied of their work they crush the threads in their hands and wipe away their gentle tears with the cloth.Sudden from out that trembling throng upleaps bold Leo[118]with his vast bulk, he whose single prowess Cyclopean hunger could scarce match, whom starving Celaeno could not outvie. ’Tis to this fact that he is said to have owed his name. Bold (when his foe was absent), brave (as a speaker), great in bulk but small of heart, once a highly skilled spinner of thread and a cunning carder, none other could so well cleanse the dirt from out the fleece and fill the baskets, none other pull the thick wool over the iron teeth of the comb as could he. He was then Eutropius’ Ajax and far and near he raged, shaking not a huge shield compact of seven layers of ox-hide, but that belly of his, laden with continuous feastings, as he sat lazily among old dames and distaffs. At length he arose and, panting, said, “What unwonted sluggishness is this, my friends? How long must we sit closeted in the women’s apartments and suffer our perils to increase by reason of our sloth? Fate weaves for us a network of ill while we waste our time in useless vows. This difficult task demands my action; never was my hand slow to use iron. Let but Minerva favour[118]Gainas and Leo were sent by Eutropius to put down the revolt of Tarbigilus. Gainas, however, never left the Hellespont and Leo, advancing into Pamphylia, there met, and was defeated by, Tarbigilus (Zosim. v. 16. 5). We gather from Claudian that he had once been a weaver.

[213]

he cannot cope with all these perils. They must pardon his age and send younger men to the war:—it is as though a hated forewoman were sitting among a crowd of poor working-girls and bidding them in her raucous voice ply the loom and gain their livelihood, while they beg to be allowed the enjoyment of a holiday, to lay aside their tasks and visit their friends; angered at her refusal and wearied of their work they crush the threads in their hands and wipe away their gentle tears with the cloth.

Sudden from out that trembling throng upleaps bold Leo[118]with his vast bulk, he whose single prowess Cyclopean hunger could scarce match, whom starving Celaeno could not outvie. ’Tis to this fact that he is said to have owed his name. Bold (when his foe was absent), brave (as a speaker), great in bulk but small of heart, once a highly skilled spinner of thread and a cunning carder, none other could so well cleanse the dirt from out the fleece and fill the baskets, none other pull the thick wool over the iron teeth of the comb as could he. He was then Eutropius’ Ajax and far and near he raged, shaking not a huge shield compact of seven layers of ox-hide, but that belly of his, laden with continuous feastings, as he sat lazily among old dames and distaffs. At length he arose and, panting, said, “What unwonted sluggishness is this, my friends? How long must we sit closeted in the women’s apartments and suffer our perils to increase by reason of our sloth? Fate weaves for us a network of ill while we waste our time in useless vows. This difficult task demands my action; never was my hand slow to use iron. Let but Minerva favour

[118]Gainas and Leo were sent by Eutropius to put down the revolt of Tarbigilus. Gainas, however, never left the Hellespont and Leo, advancing into Pamphylia, there met, and was defeated by, Tarbigilus (Zosim. v. 16. 5). We gather from Claudian that he had once been a weaver.

[214]inceptum peragetur opus. iam cuncta furoremqui gravat, efficiam leviorem pondere lanaeTarbigilum tumidum, desertoresque Gruthungosut miseras populabor oves et pace relata400pristina restituam Phrygias ad stamina matres.”His dictis iterum sedit; fit plausus et ingensconcilii clamor, qualis resonantibus olimexoritur caveis, quotiens crinitus ephebusaut rigidam Nioben aut flentem Troada fingit.405protinus excitis iter inremeabile signisadripit infaustoque iubet bubone moveriagmina Mygdonias mox impletura volucres.Pulcher et urbanae cupiens exercitus umbrae,adsiduus ludis, avidus splendere lavacris410nec soles imbresve pati, multumque prioridispar, sub clipeo Thracum qui ferre pruinas,dum Stilicho regeret, nudoque hiemare sub axesueverat et duris haurire bipennibus Hebrum.cum duce mutatae vires. Byzantia robur415fregit luxuries Ancyranique triumphi.non peditem praecedit eques; non commoda castriseligitur regio; vicibus custodia nullisadvigilat vallo; non explorantur eundaevitandaeque viae; nullo se cornua flectunt420ordine: confusi passim per opaca vaganturlustra, per ignotas angusto tramite valles.[215]mine attempts and the work begun will be the work completed. Now will I render proud Tarbigilus, whose madness has caused all this turmoil, of less weight than a ball of wool, the faithless Gruthungi I will drive before me like a flock of wretched sheep; and when I have restored peace I will set the women of Phrygia once more beside their ancient spinning.”So saying he sat down again. Great clamour and applause filled the council-chamber, applause such as rises from the rows of spectators in the theatre when some curled youth impersonates Niobe turned to stone, or Hecuba in tears. Straightway Leo unfolds his banners and starts on the journey whence there is to be no return. To the accompaniment of the screech-owl’s ill-omened cry he bids march the host destined so soon to feed the vultures of Mygdonia.’Tis a well-favoured army, enamoured of the city’s shade, ever present at the games, anxious to shine in the baths, not to bear sun-scorch and rain, and oh! how different to that former army who, ’neath the leadership of Stilicho, endured under arms the frosts of Thrace and were wont to winter in the open air and break with their axes the frozen waters of Hebrus for a draught. Changed is the leader and changed their character. Byzantium’s luxury and Ancyra’s pomp[119]have destroyed their vigour. No longer does the cavalry ride ahead of the foot; suitable ground is not chosen for camps; no constant change of sentries safeguards the ramparts, no scouts are sent forward to discover which roads to take or which to avoid; their evolutions are performed without drill or discipline, in confusion they stray hither and thither amid dark forests, along narrow[119]Triumphiis ironical. Claudian refers to Eutropius’ pleasure journey to Ancyra;cf.l. 98 of this poem.

[214]

inceptum peragetur opus. iam cuncta furoremqui gravat, efficiam leviorem pondere lanaeTarbigilum tumidum, desertoresque Gruthungosut miseras populabor oves et pace relata400pristina restituam Phrygias ad stamina matres.”His dictis iterum sedit; fit plausus et ingensconcilii clamor, qualis resonantibus olimexoritur caveis, quotiens crinitus ephebusaut rigidam Nioben aut flentem Troada fingit.405protinus excitis iter inremeabile signisadripit infaustoque iubet bubone moveriagmina Mygdonias mox impletura volucres.Pulcher et urbanae cupiens exercitus umbrae,adsiduus ludis, avidus splendere lavacris410nec soles imbresve pati, multumque prioridispar, sub clipeo Thracum qui ferre pruinas,dum Stilicho regeret, nudoque hiemare sub axesueverat et duris haurire bipennibus Hebrum.cum duce mutatae vires. Byzantia robur415fregit luxuries Ancyranique triumphi.non peditem praecedit eques; non commoda castriseligitur regio; vicibus custodia nullisadvigilat vallo; non explorantur eundaevitandaeque viae; nullo se cornua flectunt420ordine: confusi passim per opaca vaganturlustra, per ignotas angusto tramite valles.

inceptum peragetur opus. iam cuncta furorem

qui gravat, efficiam leviorem pondere lanae

Tarbigilum tumidum, desertoresque Gruthungos

ut miseras populabor oves et pace relata400

pristina restituam Phrygias ad stamina matres.”

His dictis iterum sedit; fit plausus et ingens

concilii clamor, qualis resonantibus olim

exoritur caveis, quotiens crinitus ephebus

aut rigidam Nioben aut flentem Troada fingit.405

protinus excitis iter inremeabile signis

adripit infaustoque iubet bubone moveri

agmina Mygdonias mox impletura volucres.

Pulcher et urbanae cupiens exercitus umbrae,

adsiduus ludis, avidus splendere lavacris410

nec soles imbresve pati, multumque priori

dispar, sub clipeo Thracum qui ferre pruinas,

dum Stilicho regeret, nudoque hiemare sub axe

sueverat et duris haurire bipennibus Hebrum.

cum duce mutatae vires. Byzantia robur415

fregit luxuries Ancyranique triumphi.

non peditem praecedit eques; non commoda castris

eligitur regio; vicibus custodia nullis

advigilat vallo; non explorantur eundae

vitandaeque viae; nullo se cornua flectunt420

ordine: confusi passim per opaca vagantur

lustra, per ignotas angusto tramite valles.

[215]mine attempts and the work begun will be the work completed. Now will I render proud Tarbigilus, whose madness has caused all this turmoil, of less weight than a ball of wool, the faithless Gruthungi I will drive before me like a flock of wretched sheep; and when I have restored peace I will set the women of Phrygia once more beside their ancient spinning.”So saying he sat down again. Great clamour and applause filled the council-chamber, applause such as rises from the rows of spectators in the theatre when some curled youth impersonates Niobe turned to stone, or Hecuba in tears. Straightway Leo unfolds his banners and starts on the journey whence there is to be no return. To the accompaniment of the screech-owl’s ill-omened cry he bids march the host destined so soon to feed the vultures of Mygdonia.’Tis a well-favoured army, enamoured of the city’s shade, ever present at the games, anxious to shine in the baths, not to bear sun-scorch and rain, and oh! how different to that former army who, ’neath the leadership of Stilicho, endured under arms the frosts of Thrace and were wont to winter in the open air and break with their axes the frozen waters of Hebrus for a draught. Changed is the leader and changed their character. Byzantium’s luxury and Ancyra’s pomp[119]have destroyed their vigour. No longer does the cavalry ride ahead of the foot; suitable ground is not chosen for camps; no constant change of sentries safeguards the ramparts, no scouts are sent forward to discover which roads to take or which to avoid; their evolutions are performed without drill or discipline, in confusion they stray hither and thither amid dark forests, along narrow[119]Triumphiis ironical. Claudian refers to Eutropius’ pleasure journey to Ancyra;cf.l. 98 of this poem.

[215]

mine attempts and the work begun will be the work completed. Now will I render proud Tarbigilus, whose madness has caused all this turmoil, of less weight than a ball of wool, the faithless Gruthungi I will drive before me like a flock of wretched sheep; and when I have restored peace I will set the women of Phrygia once more beside their ancient spinning.”

So saying he sat down again. Great clamour and applause filled the council-chamber, applause such as rises from the rows of spectators in the theatre when some curled youth impersonates Niobe turned to stone, or Hecuba in tears. Straightway Leo unfolds his banners and starts on the journey whence there is to be no return. To the accompaniment of the screech-owl’s ill-omened cry he bids march the host destined so soon to feed the vultures of Mygdonia.

’Tis a well-favoured army, enamoured of the city’s shade, ever present at the games, anxious to shine in the baths, not to bear sun-scorch and rain, and oh! how different to that former army who, ’neath the leadership of Stilicho, endured under arms the frosts of Thrace and were wont to winter in the open air and break with their axes the frozen waters of Hebrus for a draught. Changed is the leader and changed their character. Byzantium’s luxury and Ancyra’s pomp[119]have destroyed their vigour. No longer does the cavalry ride ahead of the foot; suitable ground is not chosen for camps; no constant change of sentries safeguards the ramparts, no scouts are sent forward to discover which roads to take or which to avoid; their evolutions are performed without drill or discipline, in confusion they stray hither and thither amid dark forests, along narrow

[119]Triumphiis ironical. Claudian refers to Eutropius’ pleasure journey to Ancyra;cf.l. 98 of this poem.

[216]sic vacui rectoris equi, sic orba magistrofertur in abruptum casu, non sidere, puppis;sic ruit in rupes amisso pisce sodali425belua, sulcandas qui praevius edocet undasinmensumque pecus parvae moderamine caudaetemperat et tanto coniungit foedera monstro;illa natat rationis inops et caeca profundi;iam brevibus deprensa vadis ignara reverti430palpitat et vanos scopulis inlidit hiatus.Tarbigilus simulare fugam flatusque Leonisspe nutrire leves improvisusque repente,dum gravibus marcent epulis hostique catenasinter vina erepant, largo sopita Lyaeo435castra subit. pereunt alii, dum membra cubilitarda levant; alii leto iunxere soporem;ast alios vicina palus sine more ruentesexcipit et cumulis inmanibus aggerat undas.ipse Leo damma cervoque fugacior ibat440sudanti tremebundus equo: qui pondere postquamdecidit, implicitus limo cunctantia pronusper vada reptabat. caeno subnixa tenacimergitur et pingui suspirat corpore molesmore suis, dapibus quae iam devota futuris445turpe gemit, quotiens Hosius mucrone coruscoarmatur cingitque sinus secumque volutat,quas figat verubus partes, quae frusta calenti[217]paths in unexplored valleys. So goes a horse that has lost his rider, thus a ship whose helmsman has been drowned is swept to the abyss, chance guiding her and not the stars. So too the sea monster[120]is dashed to pieces against the rocks when it has lost the comrade fish that swam before it and guided its course through the waves, piloting the great beast with the motion of its tiny tail according to the compact which is between it and its huge companion. Aimlessly the monster swims all unguided through the deep; then, surprised in the shallow water and knowing not how to return to the sea, pants and to no purpose dashes its gaping jaws against the rocks.Tarbigilus feigns retreat and raises the presumptuous hopes of Leo, then suddenly he bursts all unexpected upon the wine-sodden army, as, overcome by the heavy feast, they brag over their cups of leading the foe in chains. Some are slain as they lift their sluggish limbs from the couch, others know not any break between sleep and death. Others rush pell-mell into a neighbouring swamp and heap the marsh high with their dead bodies. Leo himself, swifter than deer or antelope, fled trembling on his foam-flecked horse, and it falling under his weight Leo sank in the mire and on all fours fought his way through the clinging slime. Held up at first by the thick mud, his fat body gradually settles down panting like a common pig, which, destined to grace the coming feast, squeals when Hosius arms him with flashing knife, and gathers up his garments, pondering the while what portions he will transfix with spits, which pieces of the flesh he will boil and how much sea-urchin[120]Thebalaenaor whale. According to ancient naturalists thebalaenaentered into an alliance with themusculusor sea-mouse which, in Pliny’s words, “vada praenatans demonstrat oculorumque vice fungitur” (Pliny,H.N.ix. 186).

[216]

sic vacui rectoris equi, sic orba magistrofertur in abruptum casu, non sidere, puppis;sic ruit in rupes amisso pisce sodali425belua, sulcandas qui praevius edocet undasinmensumque pecus parvae moderamine caudaetemperat et tanto coniungit foedera monstro;illa natat rationis inops et caeca profundi;iam brevibus deprensa vadis ignara reverti430palpitat et vanos scopulis inlidit hiatus.Tarbigilus simulare fugam flatusque Leonisspe nutrire leves improvisusque repente,dum gravibus marcent epulis hostique catenasinter vina erepant, largo sopita Lyaeo435castra subit. pereunt alii, dum membra cubilitarda levant; alii leto iunxere soporem;ast alios vicina palus sine more ruentesexcipit et cumulis inmanibus aggerat undas.ipse Leo damma cervoque fugacior ibat440sudanti tremebundus equo: qui pondere postquamdecidit, implicitus limo cunctantia pronusper vada reptabat. caeno subnixa tenacimergitur et pingui suspirat corpore molesmore suis, dapibus quae iam devota futuris445turpe gemit, quotiens Hosius mucrone coruscoarmatur cingitque sinus secumque volutat,quas figat verubus partes, quae frusta calenti

sic vacui rectoris equi, sic orba magistro

fertur in abruptum casu, non sidere, puppis;

sic ruit in rupes amisso pisce sodali425

belua, sulcandas qui praevius edocet undas

inmensumque pecus parvae moderamine caudae

temperat et tanto coniungit foedera monstro;

illa natat rationis inops et caeca profundi;

iam brevibus deprensa vadis ignara reverti430

palpitat et vanos scopulis inlidit hiatus.

Tarbigilus simulare fugam flatusque Leonis

spe nutrire leves improvisusque repente,

dum gravibus marcent epulis hostique catenas

inter vina erepant, largo sopita Lyaeo435

castra subit. pereunt alii, dum membra cubili

tarda levant; alii leto iunxere soporem;

ast alios vicina palus sine more ruentes

excipit et cumulis inmanibus aggerat undas.

ipse Leo damma cervoque fugacior ibat440

sudanti tremebundus equo: qui pondere postquam

decidit, implicitus limo cunctantia pronus

per vada reptabat. caeno subnixa tenaci

mergitur et pingui suspirat corpore moles

more suis, dapibus quae iam devota futuris445

turpe gemit, quotiens Hosius mucrone corusco

armatur cingitque sinus secumque volutat,

quas figat verubus partes, quae frusta calenti

[217]paths in unexplored valleys. So goes a horse that has lost his rider, thus a ship whose helmsman has been drowned is swept to the abyss, chance guiding her and not the stars. So too the sea monster[120]is dashed to pieces against the rocks when it has lost the comrade fish that swam before it and guided its course through the waves, piloting the great beast with the motion of its tiny tail according to the compact which is between it and its huge companion. Aimlessly the monster swims all unguided through the deep; then, surprised in the shallow water and knowing not how to return to the sea, pants and to no purpose dashes its gaping jaws against the rocks.Tarbigilus feigns retreat and raises the presumptuous hopes of Leo, then suddenly he bursts all unexpected upon the wine-sodden army, as, overcome by the heavy feast, they brag over their cups of leading the foe in chains. Some are slain as they lift their sluggish limbs from the couch, others know not any break between sleep and death. Others rush pell-mell into a neighbouring swamp and heap the marsh high with their dead bodies. Leo himself, swifter than deer or antelope, fled trembling on his foam-flecked horse, and it falling under his weight Leo sank in the mire and on all fours fought his way through the clinging slime. Held up at first by the thick mud, his fat body gradually settles down panting like a common pig, which, destined to grace the coming feast, squeals when Hosius arms him with flashing knife, and gathers up his garments, pondering the while what portions he will transfix with spits, which pieces of the flesh he will boil and how much sea-urchin[120]Thebalaenaor whale. According to ancient naturalists thebalaenaentered into an alliance with themusculusor sea-mouse which, in Pliny’s words, “vada praenatans demonstrat oculorumque vice fungitur” (Pliny,H.N.ix. 186).

[217]

paths in unexplored valleys. So goes a horse that has lost his rider, thus a ship whose helmsman has been drowned is swept to the abyss, chance guiding her and not the stars. So too the sea monster[120]is dashed to pieces against the rocks when it has lost the comrade fish that swam before it and guided its course through the waves, piloting the great beast with the motion of its tiny tail according to the compact which is between it and its huge companion. Aimlessly the monster swims all unguided through the deep; then, surprised in the shallow water and knowing not how to return to the sea, pants and to no purpose dashes its gaping jaws against the rocks.

Tarbigilus feigns retreat and raises the presumptuous hopes of Leo, then suddenly he bursts all unexpected upon the wine-sodden army, as, overcome by the heavy feast, they brag over their cups of leading the foe in chains. Some are slain as they lift their sluggish limbs from the couch, others know not any break between sleep and death. Others rush pell-mell into a neighbouring swamp and heap the marsh high with their dead bodies. Leo himself, swifter than deer or antelope, fled trembling on his foam-flecked horse, and it falling under his weight Leo sank in the mire and on all fours fought his way through the clinging slime. Held up at first by the thick mud, his fat body gradually settles down panting like a common pig, which, destined to grace the coming feast, squeals when Hosius arms him with flashing knife, and gathers up his garments, pondering the while what portions he will transfix with spits, which pieces of the flesh he will boil and how much sea-urchin

[120]Thebalaenaor whale. According to ancient naturalists thebalaenaentered into an alliance with themusculusor sea-mouse which, in Pliny’s words, “vada praenatans demonstrat oculorumque vice fungitur” (Pliny,H.N.ix. 186).

[218]mandet aquae quantoque cutem distendat echino.flagrat opus; crebro pulsatus perstrepit ictu;[121]450contexit varius penetrans Calchedona nidor.Ecce levis frondes a tergo concutit aura:credit tela Leo; valuit pro vulnere terrorimplevitque vicem iaculi, vitamque nocenteminteger et sola formidine saucius efflat.455quis tibi tractandos pro pectine, degener, enses,quis solio campum praeponere suasit avito?quam bene texentum laudabas carmina tutuset matutinis pellebas frigora mensis!hic miserande iaces; hic, dum tua vellera vitas,460tandem fila tibi neverunt ultima Parcae.Iam vaga pallentem densis terroribus aulamfama quatit; stratas acies, deleta canebatagmina, Maeonios foedari caedibus agros,Pamphylos Pisidasque rapi. metuendus ab omni465Tarbigilus regione tonat; modo tendere cursumin Galatas, modo Bithynis incumbere fertur.sunt qui per Cilicas rupto descendere Tauro,sunt qui correptis ratibus terraque mariqueadventare ferant; geminantur vera pavoris470ingenio: longe spectari puppibus urbesaccensas, lucere fretum ventoque citatasomnibus in pelago velis haerere favillas.Hos inter strepitus funestior advolat alter[121]I print Birt’s text; but unlesspulsatusbe taken as a substantive (Baehrens’ suggestion, cf. P. Lat. Min. v. p. 120 l. 169) it is untranslatable. Emendations proposed arepulsu Cos … ictaBarthius;pulsatus aper strepitBuecheler;cultri susorpulpae iusBirt. The sense demands, however, some such word asBosporusto make a parallelism withCalchedona. Possibly the line endedpulsatur Bosporus ictu, perstrepitbeing a gloss onpulsaturand eventually oustingBosporus.[219]stuffing will be needed to fill the empty skin. The work of preparation goes on apace, Bosporus echoes to many a blow and the savoury smell envelops Chalcedon.Suddenly a gentle breeze stirs the foliage behind Leo’s back. He thinks it an arrow, and terror, taking a missile’s place, does duty for a wound. Untouched and stricken only by fear he breathes his last. Degenerate Roman, by whose advice didst thou exchange the comb for the sword, thine ancestral calling for the field of battle? How much better to praise in safety the work of the weavers at their looms and keep out the cold by means of morning feasts. Here thou hast suffered a wretched death; here, while thou soughtest to shirk thy spinning, the Fates have at last spun for thee the final thread.Now spreading rumour shakes the palace, pale with terror upon terror. It told how that the army was destroyed, the troops butchered, the plain of Maeonia red with slaughter, Pamphylia and Pisidia o’errun by the enemy. On all sides rings the dread name of Tarbigilus. He is now said to be bearing down upon Galatia, now to be meditating an attack on Bithynia. Some say he has crossed the Taurus and is descending upon Cilicia, others that he has possessed himself of a fleet and is advancing both by land and sea. Truth is doubled by panic’s fancy; they say that from the ships far cities are seen ablaze, that the straits are aglow and that ashes driven by the wind catch in the sails of every ship at sea.Amid all this confusion comes a yet more terrible

[218]

mandet aquae quantoque cutem distendat echino.flagrat opus; crebro pulsatus perstrepit ictu;[121]450contexit varius penetrans Calchedona nidor.Ecce levis frondes a tergo concutit aura:credit tela Leo; valuit pro vulnere terrorimplevitque vicem iaculi, vitamque nocenteminteger et sola formidine saucius efflat.455quis tibi tractandos pro pectine, degener, enses,quis solio campum praeponere suasit avito?quam bene texentum laudabas carmina tutuset matutinis pellebas frigora mensis!hic miserande iaces; hic, dum tua vellera vitas,460tandem fila tibi neverunt ultima Parcae.Iam vaga pallentem densis terroribus aulamfama quatit; stratas acies, deleta canebatagmina, Maeonios foedari caedibus agros,Pamphylos Pisidasque rapi. metuendus ab omni465Tarbigilus regione tonat; modo tendere cursumin Galatas, modo Bithynis incumbere fertur.sunt qui per Cilicas rupto descendere Tauro,sunt qui correptis ratibus terraque mariqueadventare ferant; geminantur vera pavoris470ingenio: longe spectari puppibus urbesaccensas, lucere fretum ventoque citatasomnibus in pelago velis haerere favillas.Hos inter strepitus funestior advolat alter

mandet aquae quantoque cutem distendat echino.

flagrat opus; crebro pulsatus perstrepit ictu;[121]450

contexit varius penetrans Calchedona nidor.

Ecce levis frondes a tergo concutit aura:

credit tela Leo; valuit pro vulnere terror

implevitque vicem iaculi, vitamque nocentem

integer et sola formidine saucius efflat.455

quis tibi tractandos pro pectine, degener, enses,

quis solio campum praeponere suasit avito?

quam bene texentum laudabas carmina tutus

et matutinis pellebas frigora mensis!

hic miserande iaces; hic, dum tua vellera vitas,460

tandem fila tibi neverunt ultima Parcae.

Iam vaga pallentem densis terroribus aulam

fama quatit; stratas acies, deleta canebat

agmina, Maeonios foedari caedibus agros,

Pamphylos Pisidasque rapi. metuendus ab omni465

Tarbigilus regione tonat; modo tendere cursum

in Galatas, modo Bithynis incumbere fertur.

sunt qui per Cilicas rupto descendere Tauro,

sunt qui correptis ratibus terraque marique

adventare ferant; geminantur vera pavoris470

ingenio: longe spectari puppibus urbes

accensas, lucere fretum ventoque citatas

omnibus in pelago velis haerere favillas.

Hos inter strepitus funestior advolat alter

[121]I print Birt’s text; but unlesspulsatusbe taken as a substantive (Baehrens’ suggestion, cf. P. Lat. Min. v. p. 120 l. 169) it is untranslatable. Emendations proposed arepulsu Cos … ictaBarthius;pulsatus aper strepitBuecheler;cultri susorpulpae iusBirt. The sense demands, however, some such word asBosporusto make a parallelism withCalchedona. Possibly the line endedpulsatur Bosporus ictu, perstrepitbeing a gloss onpulsaturand eventually oustingBosporus.

[219]stuffing will be needed to fill the empty skin. The work of preparation goes on apace, Bosporus echoes to many a blow and the savoury smell envelops Chalcedon.Suddenly a gentle breeze stirs the foliage behind Leo’s back. He thinks it an arrow, and terror, taking a missile’s place, does duty for a wound. Untouched and stricken only by fear he breathes his last. Degenerate Roman, by whose advice didst thou exchange the comb for the sword, thine ancestral calling for the field of battle? How much better to praise in safety the work of the weavers at their looms and keep out the cold by means of morning feasts. Here thou hast suffered a wretched death; here, while thou soughtest to shirk thy spinning, the Fates have at last spun for thee the final thread.Now spreading rumour shakes the palace, pale with terror upon terror. It told how that the army was destroyed, the troops butchered, the plain of Maeonia red with slaughter, Pamphylia and Pisidia o’errun by the enemy. On all sides rings the dread name of Tarbigilus. He is now said to be bearing down upon Galatia, now to be meditating an attack on Bithynia. Some say he has crossed the Taurus and is descending upon Cilicia, others that he has possessed himself of a fleet and is advancing both by land and sea. Truth is doubled by panic’s fancy; they say that from the ships far cities are seen ablaze, that the straits are aglow and that ashes driven by the wind catch in the sails of every ship at sea.Amid all this confusion comes a yet more terrible

[219]

stuffing will be needed to fill the empty skin. The work of preparation goes on apace, Bosporus echoes to many a blow and the savoury smell envelops Chalcedon.

Suddenly a gentle breeze stirs the foliage behind Leo’s back. He thinks it an arrow, and terror, taking a missile’s place, does duty for a wound. Untouched and stricken only by fear he breathes his last. Degenerate Roman, by whose advice didst thou exchange the comb for the sword, thine ancestral calling for the field of battle? How much better to praise in safety the work of the weavers at their looms and keep out the cold by means of morning feasts. Here thou hast suffered a wretched death; here, while thou soughtest to shirk thy spinning, the Fates have at last spun for thee the final thread.

Now spreading rumour shakes the palace, pale with terror upon terror. It told how that the army was destroyed, the troops butchered, the plain of Maeonia red with slaughter, Pamphylia and Pisidia o’errun by the enemy. On all sides rings the dread name of Tarbigilus. He is now said to be bearing down upon Galatia, now to be meditating an attack on Bithynia. Some say he has crossed the Taurus and is descending upon Cilicia, others that he has possessed himself of a fleet and is advancing both by land and sea. Truth is doubled by panic’s fancy; they say that from the ships far cities are seen ablaze, that the straits are aglow and that ashes driven by the wind catch in the sails of every ship at sea.

Amid all this confusion comes a yet more terrible

[220]nuntius: armatam rursus Babylona minari475rege novo; resides Parthos ignava perososotia Romanae finem iam quaerere paci.rarus apud Medos regum cruor; unaque cunctopoena manet generi: quamvis crudelibus aequeparetur dominis. sed quid non audeat annus480Eutropii? socium nobis fidumque Saporemperculit et Persas in regia vulnera movitrupturasque fidem, leto pars ne qua vacaret,Eumenidum taedas trans flumina Tigridis egit.Tum vero cecidere animi tantisque procellis485deficiunt. saepti latrantibus undique bellisinfensos tandem superos et consulis omenagnovere sui, nec iam revocabile damnumeventu stolido serum didicere magistro.namque ferunt geminos uno de semine fratres490Iapetionidas generis primordia nostridissimili finxisse manu: quoscumque Prometheusexcoluit multumque innexuit aethera limo,hi longe ventura notant dubiisque paraticasibus occurrunt fabro meliore politi.495deteriore luto pravus quos edidit auctor,quem merito Grai perhibent Epimethea vates,et nihil aetherii sparsit per membra vigoris,hi pecudum ritu non impendentia vitantnec res ante vident; accepta clade queruntur500et seri transacta gemunt.[221]rumour—that Babylon is again in arms and, under a new monarch,[122]threatens our Empire; the Parthians, long inactive, and now scorning slothful ease, seek to put an end to the peace imposed by Rome. Rare among the Medes is the murder of a king, for punishment falls on the regicide’s whole family. Thus equal obedience is offered to their overlords, cruel as well as kind. But what would not the year of Eutropius’ consulship dare? ’Tis that has stricken down our faithful ally Sapor and roused the Persians’ swords against their own king; that has cast the torch of the Furies across the Euphrates, there to kindle rebellion, that no quarter of the globe may escape carnage.Then indeed men’s hearts failed them, their courage ebbed away amid all these storms; surrounded as they were on every side by the din of war, at last they recognized the wrath of heaven and their consul’s evil omen, learning too late—schooled by the stubborn issue—their now irrevocable doom. They say that the twin sons of Iapetus formed our first parents of the same materials but with unequal skill. Those whom Prometheus fashioned, and with whose clay he mingled abundant ether, foresee the distant future and, thanks to their more careful making by a better workman, are thus prepared to meet what fate has in store for them. Those framed of baser clay by the sorry artificer the Greek poets so well call Epimetheus, men through whose limbs no ethereal vigour spreads—these, like sheep, cannot avoid the dangers that o’erhang them, nor foresee aught. Not till the blow has fallen do they protest and weep too late the accomplished deed.[122]Varanes IV., who, like his three predecessors, Artaxerxes, Sapor III., and Varanes III., had observed a truce with Rome, died in 399 and was succeeded by Isdigerdes. For all Claudian’s real or simulated anxiety this monarch was as peaceably disposed as the previous ones (see Oros. vii. 34). Claudian seems to have made an error in calling him Sapor (l. 481).

[220]

nuntius: armatam rursus Babylona minari475rege novo; resides Parthos ignava perososotia Romanae finem iam quaerere paci.rarus apud Medos regum cruor; unaque cunctopoena manet generi: quamvis crudelibus aequeparetur dominis. sed quid non audeat annus480Eutropii? socium nobis fidumque Saporemperculit et Persas in regia vulnera movitrupturasque fidem, leto pars ne qua vacaret,Eumenidum taedas trans flumina Tigridis egit.Tum vero cecidere animi tantisque procellis485deficiunt. saepti latrantibus undique bellisinfensos tandem superos et consulis omenagnovere sui, nec iam revocabile damnumeventu stolido serum didicere magistro.namque ferunt geminos uno de semine fratres490Iapetionidas generis primordia nostridissimili finxisse manu: quoscumque Prometheusexcoluit multumque innexuit aethera limo,hi longe ventura notant dubiisque paraticasibus occurrunt fabro meliore politi.495deteriore luto pravus quos edidit auctor,quem merito Grai perhibent Epimethea vates,et nihil aetherii sparsit per membra vigoris,hi pecudum ritu non impendentia vitantnec res ante vident; accepta clade queruntur500et seri transacta gemunt.

nuntius: armatam rursus Babylona minari475

rege novo; resides Parthos ignava perosos

otia Romanae finem iam quaerere paci.

rarus apud Medos regum cruor; unaque cuncto

poena manet generi: quamvis crudelibus aeque

paretur dominis. sed quid non audeat annus480

Eutropii? socium nobis fidumque Saporem

perculit et Persas in regia vulnera movit

rupturasque fidem, leto pars ne qua vacaret,

Eumenidum taedas trans flumina Tigridis egit.

Tum vero cecidere animi tantisque procellis485

deficiunt. saepti latrantibus undique bellis

infensos tandem superos et consulis omen

agnovere sui, nec iam revocabile damnum

eventu stolido serum didicere magistro.

namque ferunt geminos uno de semine fratres490

Iapetionidas generis primordia nostri

dissimili finxisse manu: quoscumque Prometheus

excoluit multumque innexuit aethera limo,

hi longe ventura notant dubiisque parati

casibus occurrunt fabro meliore politi.495

deteriore luto pravus quos edidit auctor,

quem merito Grai perhibent Epimethea vates,

et nihil aetherii sparsit per membra vigoris,

hi pecudum ritu non impendentia vitant

nec res ante vident; accepta clade queruntur500

et seri transacta gemunt.

[221]rumour—that Babylon is again in arms and, under a new monarch,[122]threatens our Empire; the Parthians, long inactive, and now scorning slothful ease, seek to put an end to the peace imposed by Rome. Rare among the Medes is the murder of a king, for punishment falls on the regicide’s whole family. Thus equal obedience is offered to their overlords, cruel as well as kind. But what would not the year of Eutropius’ consulship dare? ’Tis that has stricken down our faithful ally Sapor and roused the Persians’ swords against their own king; that has cast the torch of the Furies across the Euphrates, there to kindle rebellion, that no quarter of the globe may escape carnage.Then indeed men’s hearts failed them, their courage ebbed away amid all these storms; surrounded as they were on every side by the din of war, at last they recognized the wrath of heaven and their consul’s evil omen, learning too late—schooled by the stubborn issue—their now irrevocable doom. They say that the twin sons of Iapetus formed our first parents of the same materials but with unequal skill. Those whom Prometheus fashioned, and with whose clay he mingled abundant ether, foresee the distant future and, thanks to their more careful making by a better workman, are thus prepared to meet what fate has in store for them. Those framed of baser clay by the sorry artificer the Greek poets so well call Epimetheus, men through whose limbs no ethereal vigour spreads—these, like sheep, cannot avoid the dangers that o’erhang them, nor foresee aught. Not till the blow has fallen do they protest and weep too late the accomplished deed.[122]Varanes IV., who, like his three predecessors, Artaxerxes, Sapor III., and Varanes III., had observed a truce with Rome, died in 399 and was succeeded by Isdigerdes. For all Claudian’s real or simulated anxiety this monarch was as peaceably disposed as the previous ones (see Oros. vii. 34). Claudian seems to have made an error in calling him Sapor (l. 481).

[221]

rumour—that Babylon is again in arms and, under a new monarch,[122]threatens our Empire; the Parthians, long inactive, and now scorning slothful ease, seek to put an end to the peace imposed by Rome. Rare among the Medes is the murder of a king, for punishment falls on the regicide’s whole family. Thus equal obedience is offered to their overlords, cruel as well as kind. But what would not the year of Eutropius’ consulship dare? ’Tis that has stricken down our faithful ally Sapor and roused the Persians’ swords against their own king; that has cast the torch of the Furies across the Euphrates, there to kindle rebellion, that no quarter of the globe may escape carnage.

Then indeed men’s hearts failed them, their courage ebbed away amid all these storms; surrounded as they were on every side by the din of war, at last they recognized the wrath of heaven and their consul’s evil omen, learning too late—schooled by the stubborn issue—their now irrevocable doom. They say that the twin sons of Iapetus formed our first parents of the same materials but with unequal skill. Those whom Prometheus fashioned, and with whose clay he mingled abundant ether, foresee the distant future and, thanks to their more careful making by a better workman, are thus prepared to meet what fate has in store for them. Those framed of baser clay by the sorry artificer the Greek poets so well call Epimetheus, men through whose limbs no ethereal vigour spreads—these, like sheep, cannot avoid the dangers that o’erhang them, nor foresee aught. Not till the blow has fallen do they protest and weep too late the accomplished deed.

[122]Varanes IV., who, like his three predecessors, Artaxerxes, Sapor III., and Varanes III., had observed a truce with Rome, died in 399 and was succeeded by Isdigerdes. For all Claudian’s real or simulated anxiety this monarch was as peaceably disposed as the previous ones (see Oros. vii. 34). Claudian seems to have made an error in calling him Sapor (l. 481).

[222]Iam sola renidetin Stilichone salus, et cuius semper acerbumingratumque sibi factorum conscius horrorcredidit adventum, quem si procedere tantumAlpibus audissent, mortem poenasque tremebant,iam cuncti venisse volunt, scelerumque priorum506paenitet; hoc tantis bellorum sidus in undissperant, hoc pariter iusti sontesque precantur:ceu pueri, quibus alta pater trans aequora mercesdevehit, intenti ludo studiisque soluti510latius amoto passim custode vagantur;si gravis auxilio vacuas invaserit aedesvicinus laribusque suis proturbet inultos,tum demum patrem implorant et nomen inanivoce cient frustraque oculos ad litora tendunt.515Omnes supplicio dignos letoque fatentur,qui se tradiderint famulis Stilichone relicto.mutati stupuere diu sensuque reductopaulatim proprii mirantur monstra furorisavertuntque oculos: proiectis fascibus horret520lictor et infames labuntur sponte secures:quales Aonio Thebas de monte reversaeMaenades infectis Pentheo sanguine thyrsis,cum patuit venatus atrox matrique rotatumconspexere caput, gressus caligine figunt525et rabiem desisse dolent. quin protinus ipsatendit ad Italiam supplex Aurora potentem[223]There now shone forth but one hope of salvation—Stilicho. Him the expectation of whose visits the consciousness of deeds ill-done had ever rendered bitter and unpleasant, him whose approach even as far as the Alps afflicted the Byzantines with fear of death and punishment, all now wish to come, repentant of their former wrongdoing. To him they look as to a star amid this universal shipwreck of war; to him innocent and guilty alike address their prayers. So children whose sire carries merchandise across the sea, wrapt up in their amusements and heedless of their studies, wander afield more joyfully now that their guardian is absent, yet, should a dangerous neighbour invade their defenceless home and seek to drive them forth unprotected as they are from their fireside,thenthey beg their father’s help, call upon his name with useless cries and all to no purpose direct their gaze towards the shore.All admit that they deserve punishment and death for deserting Stilicho and entrusting themselves to the governance of slaves. Long they stood dazed with altered thoughts, and as their senses slowly return they marvel at the results of their own madness and turn away their eyes; flinging down his rods the lictor shudders, and the dishonoured axes fall of their own accord. Even so the Maenads returning to Thebes from the Aonian mount, their thyrses dripping with Pentheus’ blood, learning the true character of their dreadful hunting and seeing the head cast by the mother herself, hide them in the darkness and lament the end of their madness. Thereupon suppliant Aurora turned her flight towards powerful Italy, her hair no

[222]

Iam sola renidetin Stilichone salus, et cuius semper acerbumingratumque sibi factorum conscius horrorcredidit adventum, quem si procedere tantumAlpibus audissent, mortem poenasque tremebant,iam cuncti venisse volunt, scelerumque priorum506paenitet; hoc tantis bellorum sidus in undissperant, hoc pariter iusti sontesque precantur:ceu pueri, quibus alta pater trans aequora mercesdevehit, intenti ludo studiisque soluti510latius amoto passim custode vagantur;si gravis auxilio vacuas invaserit aedesvicinus laribusque suis proturbet inultos,tum demum patrem implorant et nomen inanivoce cient frustraque oculos ad litora tendunt.515Omnes supplicio dignos letoque fatentur,qui se tradiderint famulis Stilichone relicto.mutati stupuere diu sensuque reductopaulatim proprii mirantur monstra furorisavertuntque oculos: proiectis fascibus horret520lictor et infames labuntur sponte secures:quales Aonio Thebas de monte reversaeMaenades infectis Pentheo sanguine thyrsis,cum patuit venatus atrox matrique rotatumconspexere caput, gressus caligine figunt525et rabiem desisse dolent. quin protinus ipsatendit ad Italiam supplex Aurora potentem

Iam sola renidet

in Stilichone salus, et cuius semper acerbum

ingratumque sibi factorum conscius horror

credidit adventum, quem si procedere tantum

Alpibus audissent, mortem poenasque tremebant,

iam cuncti venisse volunt, scelerumque priorum506

paenitet; hoc tantis bellorum sidus in undis

sperant, hoc pariter iusti sontesque precantur:

ceu pueri, quibus alta pater trans aequora merces

devehit, intenti ludo studiisque soluti510

latius amoto passim custode vagantur;

si gravis auxilio vacuas invaserit aedes

vicinus laribusque suis proturbet inultos,

tum demum patrem implorant et nomen inani

voce cient frustraque oculos ad litora tendunt.515

Omnes supplicio dignos letoque fatentur,

qui se tradiderint famulis Stilichone relicto.

mutati stupuere diu sensuque reducto

paulatim proprii mirantur monstra furoris

avertuntque oculos: proiectis fascibus horret520

lictor et infames labuntur sponte secures:

quales Aonio Thebas de monte reversae

Maenades infectis Pentheo sanguine thyrsis,

cum patuit venatus atrox matrique rotatum

conspexere caput, gressus caligine figunt525

et rabiem desisse dolent. quin protinus ipsa

tendit ad Italiam supplex Aurora potentem

[223]There now shone forth but one hope of salvation—Stilicho. Him the expectation of whose visits the consciousness of deeds ill-done had ever rendered bitter and unpleasant, him whose approach even as far as the Alps afflicted the Byzantines with fear of death and punishment, all now wish to come, repentant of their former wrongdoing. To him they look as to a star amid this universal shipwreck of war; to him innocent and guilty alike address their prayers. So children whose sire carries merchandise across the sea, wrapt up in their amusements and heedless of their studies, wander afield more joyfully now that their guardian is absent, yet, should a dangerous neighbour invade their defenceless home and seek to drive them forth unprotected as they are from their fireside,thenthey beg their father’s help, call upon his name with useless cries and all to no purpose direct their gaze towards the shore.All admit that they deserve punishment and death for deserting Stilicho and entrusting themselves to the governance of slaves. Long they stood dazed with altered thoughts, and as their senses slowly return they marvel at the results of their own madness and turn away their eyes; flinging down his rods the lictor shudders, and the dishonoured axes fall of their own accord. Even so the Maenads returning to Thebes from the Aonian mount, their thyrses dripping with Pentheus’ blood, learning the true character of their dreadful hunting and seeing the head cast by the mother herself, hide them in the darkness and lament the end of their madness. Thereupon suppliant Aurora turned her flight towards powerful Italy, her hair no

[223]

There now shone forth but one hope of salvation—Stilicho. Him the expectation of whose visits the consciousness of deeds ill-done had ever rendered bitter and unpleasant, him whose approach even as far as the Alps afflicted the Byzantines with fear of death and punishment, all now wish to come, repentant of their former wrongdoing. To him they look as to a star amid this universal shipwreck of war; to him innocent and guilty alike address their prayers. So children whose sire carries merchandise across the sea, wrapt up in their amusements and heedless of their studies, wander afield more joyfully now that their guardian is absent, yet, should a dangerous neighbour invade their defenceless home and seek to drive them forth unprotected as they are from their fireside,thenthey beg their father’s help, call upon his name with useless cries and all to no purpose direct their gaze towards the shore.

All admit that they deserve punishment and death for deserting Stilicho and entrusting themselves to the governance of slaves. Long they stood dazed with altered thoughts, and as their senses slowly return they marvel at the results of their own madness and turn away their eyes; flinging down his rods the lictor shudders, and the dishonoured axes fall of their own accord. Even so the Maenads returning to Thebes from the Aonian mount, their thyrses dripping with Pentheus’ blood, learning the true character of their dreadful hunting and seeing the head cast by the mother herself, hide them in the darkness and lament the end of their madness. Thereupon suppliant Aurora turned her flight towards powerful Italy, her hair no

[224]non radiis redimita comam, non flammea vultunec croceum vestita diem; stat livida luctu,qualis erat Phrygio tegeret cum Memnona busto.quam simul agnovit Stilicho nec causa latebat,531restitit; illa manum victricem amplexa moraturaltaque vix lacrimans inter suspiria fatur:“Tantanc te nostri ceperunt taedia mundi?sic me ludibrium famulis risumque relinquis535dux quondam rectorque meus? solamque tuerisHesperiam? domiti nec te post bella tyrannicernere iam licuit? sic te victoria nobiseripuit Gallisque dedit? Rufinus origoprima mali: geminas inter discordia partes540hoc auctore fuit. sed iam maiora moventioccurrit iusta rediens exercitus ira,fortis adhuc ferrique memor. brevis inde reluxitfalsaque libertas; rursum Stilichonis habenissperabam me posse regi. pro caeca futuri545gaudia! fraterno coniungi coeperat orbisimperio (quis enim tanto terrore recentisexempli paribus sese committeret ausis?),cum subito (monstrosa mihi turpisque relatufabula) Rufini castratus prosilit heres,550et similes iterum luctus Fortuna reduxit,ut solum domini sexum mutasse viderer.“Hic primum thalami claustris delicta tegebatclam timideque iubens; erat invidiosa potestas,sed tamen eunuchi, necdum sibi publica iura555[225]longer aureole-crowned and she no more bright of countenance nor clothed with the saffron of the dawn. She stands wan with woe, even as when she buried Memnon in his Phrygian grave. Stilicho recognized her and stayed, well knowing the reason of her visit. Long time she clasped his victorious hand and at length amid tears and sighs addressed him.“Why art thou so wearied of the world whereon I shine? Leavest thou me thus to be the sport and laughing-stock of slaves and carest only for Italy, thou that wert once my guide and my leader? Since thy victory over the tyrant Eugenius I have not seen thee. Has victory thus robbed me of thee and given thee to Gaul? Rufinus was the prime cause of the trouble; ’twas he who wrought disunion between the two empires. But when he aimed at more there met him an army returning in righteous wrath, an army still strong, still mindful of its former prowess. For a moment I was dazzled by the mirage of liberty: I hoped that Stilicho would once more hold the reins of our empire. Alas for my short-sighted happiness! The world had begun to form one single empire under the rule of the two brothers (for who, with the awful example[123]so fresh in his mind, would dare embark upon a like venture?) when suddenly (it is a monstrous story which scarce bears the telling) a eunuch came forward as Rufinus’ heir. Thus fortune brought back my former miseries with this one difference—that of changing my master’s sex.At first he kept his crimes hidden behind the doors of his chamber, an unseen and timid ruler; power was his that all envied, yet only a eunuch’s, nor dared he yet arrogate to himself the right of[123]i.e.that of Rufinus.

[224]

non radiis redimita comam, non flammea vultunec croceum vestita diem; stat livida luctu,qualis erat Phrygio tegeret cum Memnona busto.quam simul agnovit Stilicho nec causa latebat,531restitit; illa manum victricem amplexa moraturaltaque vix lacrimans inter suspiria fatur:“Tantanc te nostri ceperunt taedia mundi?sic me ludibrium famulis risumque relinquis535dux quondam rectorque meus? solamque tuerisHesperiam? domiti nec te post bella tyrannicernere iam licuit? sic te victoria nobiseripuit Gallisque dedit? Rufinus origoprima mali: geminas inter discordia partes540hoc auctore fuit. sed iam maiora moventioccurrit iusta rediens exercitus ira,fortis adhuc ferrique memor. brevis inde reluxitfalsaque libertas; rursum Stilichonis habenissperabam me posse regi. pro caeca futuri545gaudia! fraterno coniungi coeperat orbisimperio (quis enim tanto terrore recentisexempli paribus sese committeret ausis?),cum subito (monstrosa mihi turpisque relatufabula) Rufini castratus prosilit heres,550et similes iterum luctus Fortuna reduxit,ut solum domini sexum mutasse viderer.“Hic primum thalami claustris delicta tegebatclam timideque iubens; erat invidiosa potestas,sed tamen eunuchi, necdum sibi publica iura555

non radiis redimita comam, non flammea vultu

nec croceum vestita diem; stat livida luctu,

qualis erat Phrygio tegeret cum Memnona busto.

quam simul agnovit Stilicho nec causa latebat,531

restitit; illa manum victricem amplexa moratur

altaque vix lacrimans inter suspiria fatur:

“Tantanc te nostri ceperunt taedia mundi?

sic me ludibrium famulis risumque relinquis535

dux quondam rectorque meus? solamque tueris

Hesperiam? domiti nec te post bella tyranni

cernere iam licuit? sic te victoria nobis

eripuit Gallisque dedit? Rufinus origo

prima mali: geminas inter discordia partes540

hoc auctore fuit. sed iam maiora moventi

occurrit iusta rediens exercitus ira,

fortis adhuc ferrique memor. brevis inde reluxit

falsaque libertas; rursum Stilichonis habenis

sperabam me posse regi. pro caeca futuri545

gaudia! fraterno coniungi coeperat orbis

imperio (quis enim tanto terrore recentis

exempli paribus sese committeret ausis?),

cum subito (monstrosa mihi turpisque relatu

fabula) Rufini castratus prosilit heres,550

et similes iterum luctus Fortuna reduxit,

ut solum domini sexum mutasse viderer.

“Hic primum thalami claustris delicta tegebat

clam timideque iubens; erat invidiosa potestas,

sed tamen eunuchi, necdum sibi publica iura555

[225]longer aureole-crowned and she no more bright of countenance nor clothed with the saffron of the dawn. She stands wan with woe, even as when she buried Memnon in his Phrygian grave. Stilicho recognized her and stayed, well knowing the reason of her visit. Long time she clasped his victorious hand and at length amid tears and sighs addressed him.“Why art thou so wearied of the world whereon I shine? Leavest thou me thus to be the sport and laughing-stock of slaves and carest only for Italy, thou that wert once my guide and my leader? Since thy victory over the tyrant Eugenius I have not seen thee. Has victory thus robbed me of thee and given thee to Gaul? Rufinus was the prime cause of the trouble; ’twas he who wrought disunion between the two empires. But when he aimed at more there met him an army returning in righteous wrath, an army still strong, still mindful of its former prowess. For a moment I was dazzled by the mirage of liberty: I hoped that Stilicho would once more hold the reins of our empire. Alas for my short-sighted happiness! The world had begun to form one single empire under the rule of the two brothers (for who, with the awful example[123]so fresh in his mind, would dare embark upon a like venture?) when suddenly (it is a monstrous story which scarce bears the telling) a eunuch came forward as Rufinus’ heir. Thus fortune brought back my former miseries with this one difference—that of changing my master’s sex.At first he kept his crimes hidden behind the doors of his chamber, an unseen and timid ruler; power was his that all envied, yet only a eunuch’s, nor dared he yet arrogate to himself the right of[123]i.e.that of Rufinus.

[225]

longer aureole-crowned and she no more bright of countenance nor clothed with the saffron of the dawn. She stands wan with woe, even as when she buried Memnon in his Phrygian grave. Stilicho recognized her and stayed, well knowing the reason of her visit. Long time she clasped his victorious hand and at length amid tears and sighs addressed him.

“Why art thou so wearied of the world whereon I shine? Leavest thou me thus to be the sport and laughing-stock of slaves and carest only for Italy, thou that wert once my guide and my leader? Since thy victory over the tyrant Eugenius I have not seen thee. Has victory thus robbed me of thee and given thee to Gaul? Rufinus was the prime cause of the trouble; ’twas he who wrought disunion between the two empires. But when he aimed at more there met him an army returning in righteous wrath, an army still strong, still mindful of its former prowess. For a moment I was dazzled by the mirage of liberty: I hoped that Stilicho would once more hold the reins of our empire. Alas for my short-sighted happiness! The world had begun to form one single empire under the rule of the two brothers (for who, with the awful example[123]so fresh in his mind, would dare embark upon a like venture?) when suddenly (it is a monstrous story which scarce bears the telling) a eunuch came forward as Rufinus’ heir. Thus fortune brought back my former miseries with this one difference—that of changing my master’s sex.

At first he kept his crimes hidden behind the doors of his chamber, an unseen and timid ruler; power was his that all envied, yet only a eunuch’s, nor dared he yet arrogate to himself the right of

[123]i.e.that of Rufinus.

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