1.1. Now this night, which was lighted by the gleam of no stars, we passed as is usual in difficult and doubtful circumstances, as fear prevented anyone from daring to sit down or to close his eyes in sleep. But no sooner had the first light of day appeared, than the glittering coats of mail, girt with bands of steel, and the gleaming cuirasses, scen from afar, showed that the king’s forces were at hand.
1.1. Et hanc quidem noctem nullo siderum fulgore splendentem, ut solet in artis rebus et dubiis, exegimus, nec sedere quoquam auso, nec flectere in quietem lumina prae timore. Ubi vero primum dies inclaruit, radiantes loricae limbis circumdatae ferreis, et corusci thoraces, longe prospecti, adesse regis copias indicabant.
1.2. Our soldiers, inflamed by this sight, since only a small stream separated them from the enemy, were in haste to attack them, but the emperor restrained them; however, a fierce fight took place not far from our very rampart between our outposts and those of the Persians, in which Machameus, general of one of our battalions, fell. His brother Maurus, later a general in Phoenicia, tried to protect him, and after cutting down the man who had killed his brother, he terrified all who came in his way, and although he was himself partly disabled by an arrow through his shoulder, by main strength he succeeded in bringing off Machameus, already pale with approaching death, from the fray.
1.2. Hocque viso accensum, properantem congredi militem, dirimente fluvio brevi, prohibuit imperator, et non procul a vallo ipso inter excursatores nostros et Persicos, proelio acri conserto, Machameus cecidit, ductor unius agminis nostri. Cui propugnaturus Maurus frater (dux postea Phoenices) cum germani trucidasset interfectorem, obvium quemque perterrens, infirmatus et ipse umerum telo, pallescentem morte propinqua, Machameum extrahere pugna viribus valuit magnis.
1.3. And when, because of the almost unendurable heat and the repeated attacks, both sides were growing weary, finally the enemy’s troops were utterly routed and fled in all directions. As we withdrew from the spot, the Saracens followed us for some distance but were forced to retreat through fear of our infantry; a little later they joined with the main body of the Persians and attacked with greater safety, hoping to carry off the Romans’ baggage; but on seeing the emperor they returned to the cavalry held in reserve.
1.3. Et cum fatiscerent vix toleranda aestuum magnitudine, crebrisque congressibus partes, ad ultimum hostiles turmae gravi sunt repulsa discussae. Hinc recedentibus nobis, longius Saraceni secuti sunt et nostrorum metu peditum repedare compulsi, paulo post innexi Persarum multitudini tutius irruebant, Romana impedimenta rapturi, verum viso imperatore, ad alas subsidiarias reverterunt.
1.4. Leaving this region we came to an estate called Hucumbra, where contrary to our expectation we refreshed ourselves for two days, procuring everything that was useful and an abundance of grain; then we moved on after immediately burning everything except such things as time allowed us to carry off.
1.4. Qua ex regione profecti ad Hucumbra nomine villam pervenimus, ubi per biduum omnibus ad usum congruis et satietate quaesita frumenti, ultra spem recreati discessimus, et confestim absque his, quae tempus vehi permisit, reliqua flammis exusta sunt.
1.5. On the following day, as the army was advancing more quietly, the Persians unexpectedly attacked the last division, which on that day chanced to have the duty of bringing up the rear, and would have slain them with little trouble, had not our cavalry, who were near by, quickly noticed this, and, spreading widely over the open valleys, prevented so great a disaster, inflicting wounds on those who came up with them.
1.5. Postridie exercitu sedatius procedente, extremos qui eo die forte cogendorum agminum officia sustinebant, necopinantes Persae adorti, negotio levi interfecissent, ni proximus equitatus noster hoc citius intellecto, per patulas valles late diffusus, tantam molem discriminis, vulneratis qui supervenerant, reppulisset.
1.6. In this battle Adaces, a distinguished satrap, fell; he had once been sent as an envoy to the emperor Constantius and kindly received. The man who killed him brought his armour to Julian and received the reward which he deserved.
1.6. In hac cecidit pugna Adaces, nobilis satrapa, legatus quondam ad Constantium principem missus, ac benigne susceptus, cuius exuviis interfector Iuliano oblatis, remuneratus est ut decebat.
1.7. On that same day the legions made complaint of the cavalry troop of the Tertiaci, on the ground that just as they themselves were forcing their way into the opposing lines of the enemy, the Tertiaci had gradually given way and so had damped the ardour of almost the entire army.
1.7. Eodem die Tertiacorum equestris numerus a legionibus incusatus est, quod cum ipsae hostium adversas irrumperent acies, illi paulatim dilapsi, alacritatem paene totius minuissent exercitus.
1.8. At this the emperor was roused to righteous indignation, had their standards taken from them and their lances broken, and forced all those who were charged with running away to march with the packs, baggage, and prisoners; but their leader, who alone had fought bravely, was given the command of another troop, whose tribune was found guilty of having shamefully left the field.
1.8. Unde ad indignationem iustam imperator erectus, ademptis signis hastisque diffractis, omnes eos qui fugisse arguebantur, inter impedimenta et sarcinas et captivos agere iter imposuit, ductore eorum, qui solus fortiter decertarat, aliae turmae apposito, cuius tribunus turpiter proelium deservisse convincebatur.
1.9. Also four other tribunes of the cavalry were dismissed for similar disgraceful conduct; for in view of the impending difficulties the emperor contented himself with this mild form of punishment.
1.9. Abiecti sunt autem sacramento etiam alii quattuor ob flagitium simile vexillationum tribuni: hoc enim correctionis moderamine leniori, impendentium consideratione difficultatum, contentus est imperator.
1.10. We then advanced for seventy stadia, while every kind of supplies grew less, since the grass and grain had been burned and every man had to snatch from the very flames whatever produce and fodder he could carry.
1.10. Progressi itaque stadia septuaginta, attenuata rerum omnium copia, herbis frumentisque crematis, ex flammis ipsis raptas fruges et pabula, ut quisque vehere potuit, conservavit.
1.11. Leaving this place as well, the whole army had come to a district called Maranga, when near daybreak a huge force of Persians appeared with Merena, general of their cavalry, two sons of the king, and many other magnates.
1.11. Hoc etiam loco relicto, cum ad tractum Maranga appellatum, omnis venisset exercitus, prope lucis confinia immensa Persarum apparuit multitudo multitude, cum Merene Merena equestris magistro militiae, filiisque regis duobus, et optimatibus plurimis.
1.12. Moreover, all the companies were clad in iron, and all parts of their bodies were covered with thick plates, so fitted that the stiff joints conformed with those of their limbs; and the forms of human faces were so skilfully fitted to their heads, that, since their entire bodies were plated with metal, arrows that fell upon them could lodge only where they could see a little through tiny openings fitted to the circle of the eye, or where through the tips of their noses they were able to get a little breath.
1.12. Erant autem omnes catervae ferratae, ita per singula membra densis lamminis tectae, ut iuncturae rigentes compagibus artuum convenirent, humanorumque vultuum simulacra, ita capitibus diligenter apta aptita, ut inbracteatis inbratteatis corporibus solidis, ibi tantum incidentia tela possint haerere, qua per cavernas minutas, et orbibus oculorum affixas, parcius visitur, vel per supremitates narium angusti spiritus emittuntur.
1.13. Of these some, who were armed with pikes, stood so motionless that you would think them held fast by clamps of bronze. Hard by, the archers (for that nation has especially trusted in this art from the very cradle) were bending their flexible bows with such wide-stretched arms that the strings touched their right breasts, while the arrow-points were close to their left hands; and by a highly skilful stroke of the fingers the arrows flew hissing forth and brought with them deadly wounds.
1.13. Quorum pars contis dimicatura, stabat immobilis, ut retinaculis aereis fixam existimares, iuxtaque sagittarii, cuius artis fiducia ab incunabulis ipsis gens praevaluit maxima, tendebant divaricatis brachiis flexiles arcus, ut nervi mammas praestringerent dexteras, spicula sinistris manibus cohaererent, summaque peritia digitorum pulsibus argutum sonantes, harundines evolabant, vulnera perniciosa portantes.
1.14. Behind them the gleaming elephants, with their awful figures and savage, gaping mouths could scarcely be endured by the faint-hearted; and their trumpeting, their odour, and their strange aspect alarmed the horses still more.
1.14. Post hos elephantorum fulgentium formidandam speciem et truculentos hiatus, vix mentes pavidae perferebant, ad quorum stridorem odoremque et insuetum aspectum magis equi terrebantur.
1.15. Seated upon these, their drivers carried knives with handles bound to their right hands, remembering the disaster suffered at Nisibis; and if the strength of the driver proved no match for the excited brute, that he might not turn upon his own people (as happened then) and crush masses of them to the ground, he would with a mighty stroke cut through the vertebra which separates the head from the neck. For long ago Hasdrubal, brother of Hannibal, discovered that in that way brutes of this kind could quickly be killed.
1.15. Quibus insidentes magistri, manubriatos cultros dexteris manibus illigatos gestabant, acceptae apud Nisibin memores cladis, et si ferociens animal, vires exsuperasset regentis, ne reversum per suos (ut tunc tune acciderat) collisam sterneret plebem, venam quae caput a cervice disterminat, ictu maximo terebrabant. Exploratum est enim aliquando ab Hasdrubale Hannibalis fratre, ita citius vitam huius modi adimi beluarum.
1.16. Although these sights caused no little fear, the emperor, guarded by troops of armed men and with his trustworthy generals, full of confidence, as the great and dangerous power of the enemy demanded, drew up his soldiers in the form of a crescent with curving wings to meet the enemy.
1.16. Quibus non sine magno terrore perspectis, stipatus armatarum cohortium globis, cum primatibus fidentissimus imperator, ut flagitabat maior vis et atrocior, lunari acie sinuatisque lateribus, occursuros hosti manipulos instruebat.
1.17. And in order that the onset of the bowmen might not throw our ranks into confusion, he advanced at a swift pace, and so ruined the effectiveness of the arrows. Then the usual signal for battle was given, and the Roman infantry in close order with mighty effort drove the serried ranks of the enemy before them.
1.17. Et ne sagittariorum procursus nostrorum cuneos disiectaret, illatis concitatius signis, spiculorum impetum fregit, datoque ad decernendum sollemniter signo, denseti Romani pedites confertas hostium frontes, nisu protruserunt acerrimo.
1.18. And in the heat of the combat that followed, the clash of shields, the shouts of the men, and the doleful sound of the whirring arrows continued without intermission. The plains were covered with blood and dead bodies, but the Persian losses were greater; for they often lacked endurance in battle and could with difficulty maintain a close contest man to man, since they were accustomed to fight bravely at long range, but if they perceived that their forces were giving way, as they retreated they would shoot their arrows back like a shower of rain and keep the enemy from a bold pursuit. So by the weight of great strength the Parthians were driven back, and when the signal for retreat was given in the usual manner, our soldiers, long wearied by the fiery course of the sun, returned to their tents, encouraged to dare greater deeds of valour in the future.
1.18. Et fervente certaminum mole, clipeorum sonitus et virorum, armorumque lugubre sibilantium fragor, nihil perpetiens iam remissum, campos cruore et corporum strage contexit, effusius cadentibus Persis, quibus saepe languidis in conflictu, artius pes pede collatus, graviter obsistebat, pugnare fortiter eminus consuetis, et si inclinatas suorum copias senserint, cedendo in modum imbrium pone versus directis sagittis, hostes a persequendi fiducia deterrere. Pulsis igitur pondere magnarum virium Parthis, miles solis cursu flammeo diu lassatus, signo in receptum dato ex more, in tentoria repedat ad audenda deinceps maiora sublatus.
1.19. In this battle (as was said) the loss of the Persians was clearly the greater, while that of our men was very slight. But noteworthy among the various calamities of the combats was the death of Vetranio, a valiant fighter, who commanded the legion of the Zianni.
1.19. In hoc proelio Persarum maior, ut dictum est, apparuit strages, nostrorum admodum levis. Eminuit tamen inter varies certaminum casus Vetranionis mors viri pugnacis, qui legionem Ziannorum regebat.
2.1. After this three days were devoted to a truce, while each man gave attention to his own wound or his neighbour’s, but since we were without supplies we were tormented by hunger that was already unendurable; and because grain and fodder had everywhere been burned, and both men and animals experienced extreme danger, a great part of the food which the pack-animals of the tribunes and generals carried was distributed even to the lowest soldiers, who were in dire want.
2.1. Post quae triduo indutiis destinato, dum suo quisque vulneri medetur vel proximi, commeatibus nos destitutos inedia cruciabat iam non ferenda: et quoniam frugibus exustis et pabulis, homines in discrimen ultimum venerant et iumenta, ex eo cibo, quem animalia tribunorum vehebant et comitum, imae quoque militum plebi penitus indigenti, pars distributa est magna.
2.2. And the emperor, who had no dainties awaiting him, after the manner of princes, but a scant portion of porridge under the low poles of a humble tent—a meal which would have been scorned even by one who served as a common soldier- regardless of himself distributed through the tents of the poorer of his men whatever was demanded for his own needs.
2.2. Et imperator, cui non cuppediae ciborum, ex regio more, sed sub columellis tabernaculi parvis cenaturo, pultis portio parabatur exigua, etiam munifici fastidienda gregario quicquid ad ministeria postulabatur, per contubernia paupertina sui securus egessit.
2.3. Moreover, when he was forced for a time to indulge in an anxious and restless sleep, he threw it off in his usual manner, and, following the example of Julius Caesar, did some writing in his tent. Once when in the darkness of night he was intent upon the lofty thought of some philosopher, he saw somewhat dimly, as he admitted to his intimates, that form of the protecting deity of the state which he had seen in Gaul when he was rising to Augustan dignity, but now with veil over both head and horn of plenty, sorrowfully passing out through the curtains of his tent.
2.3. Ipse autem ad sollicitam suspensamque quietem paulisper protractus, cum somno ut solebat depulso, ad aemulationem Caesaris Iulii quaedam sub pellibus scribens, obscuro noctis altitudine sensus cuiusdam philosophi teneretur, vidit squalidius, ut confessus est proximis, speciem illam Genii publici, quam cum ad Augustum surgeret culmen, conspexit in Galliis, velata cum capite Cornucopia per aulaea tristius discedentem.
2.4. And although for a moment he remained sunk in stupefaction, yet rising above all fear, he commended his future fate to the decrees of heaven, and now fully awake, the night being now far advanced, he left his bed, which was spread on the ground, and prayed to the gods with rites designed to avert their displeasure. Then he thought he saw a blazing torch of fire, like a falling star, which furrowed part of the air and disappeared. And he was filled with fear lest the threatening star of Mars had thus visibly shown itself.
2.4. Et quamquam ad momentum haesit stupore defixus, omni tamen superior metu, ventura decretis caelestibus commendabat, relictoque humi strato cubili, adulta iam excitus nocte, et numinibus per sacra depulsoria supplicans, flagrantissimam facem cadenti similem visam, aeris parte sulcata, evanuisse existimavit, horroreque perfusus est, ne ita aperte minax Martis apparuerit sidus.
2.5. That fiery brilliance was of the kind that we call διάσσων, which never falls anywhere or touches the earth; for anyone who believes that bodies can fall from heaven is rightly considered a layman, or a fool. But this sort of thing happens in many ways, and it will be enough to explain a few of them.
2.5. Erat autem nitor igneus iste, quem διαίσσοντα nos appellamus, nec cadens umquam nec terram contingens. Corpora enim qui credit caelitus posse labi, profanus merito iudicatur, et demens. Fit autem hic habitus modis compluribus, e quibus sufficiet pauca monstrare.
2.6. Some believe that sparks glowing from the ethereal force, are not strong enough to go very far and then are extinguished; or at least that beams of light are forced into thick clouds, and because of the heavy clash throw out sparks, or when some light has come in contact with a cloud. For this takes the form of a star, and falls downward, so long as it is sustained by the strength of the fire; but, exhausted by the greatness of the space which it traverses, it loses itself in the air, passing back into the substance whose friction gave it all that heat.
2.6. Scintillas quidam putant ab aetherio candentes vigore, parumque porrectius tendere sufficientes, exstingui, vel certe radiorum flammas iniectas nubibus densis, acri scintillare contactu, aut cum lumen aliquod cohaeserit nubi. Id enim in stellae speciem figuratum, decurrit quidem, dum viribus ignium sustentatur: amplitudine vero spatiorum exinanitum in aerium solvitur corpus, ad substantiam migrans, cuius attritu incaluit nimio.
2.7. Accordingly, before dawn the Etruscan soothsayers were hastily summoned, and asked what this unusual kind of star portended. Their reply was, that any undertaking at that time must be most carefully avoided, pointing out that in the Tarquitian books, under the rubric “On signs from heaven” it was written, that when a meteor was seen in the sky, battle ought not to be joined, or anything similar attempted.
2.7. Confestim itaque ante lucis primitias, Etrusci haruspices accersiti, consultique quid astri species portenderet nova, vitandum esse cautissime responderunt nequid tunc temptaretur: ex Tarquitianis libris in titulo de rebus divinis, id relatum esse monstrantes, quod face in caelo visa committi proelium vel simile quicquam non oportebit.
2.8. When the emperor scorned this also, as well as many other signs, the soothsayers begged that at least he would put off his departure for some hours; but even this they could not gain, since the emperor was opposed to the whole science of divination, but since day had now dawned, camp was broken.
2.8. Quo etiam id inter alia multa spernente, orabant haruspices, saltem aliquot horis profectionem differri, et ne hoc quidem sunt adepti, imperatore omni vaticinandi scientia reluctante, sed exorto iam die promota sunt castra.
3.1. When we marched on from this place, the Persians, since their frequent losses made them dread regular battles with the infantry, laid ambuscades, and secretly attended us, from the high hills on both sides watching our companies as they marched, so that the soldiers, suspicious of this, all day long neither raised a palisade nor fortified themselves with stakes.
3.1. Hinc nos egressos, Persae cum saepe afflicti, peditum stabiles pugnas horrerent, structis insidiis, occulte comitabantur, altrinsecus viantes catervas a celsis collibus explorando, ut id suspicans miles, ad usque perpetuum diem nec vallum erigeret nec sudibus se communiret.
3.2. And while the flanks were strongly protected and the army, as the nature of the ground made necessary, advanced in square formation, but with the battalions in open order, it was reported to the emperor, who even then unarmed had gone forward to reconnoitre, that the rear guard had suddenly been attacked from behind.
3.2. Dumque teguntur firmiter latera, et exercitus pro locorum situ quadratis quidem sed laxis incedit agminibus, invasa subito terga pone versus arma cogentium principi indicatur, etiam tum inermi ad speculanda anteriora progresso.
3.3. Excited by the misfortune, he forgot his coatof- mail, and merely caught up a shield in the confusion; but as he was hastening to bring aid to those in the rear, he was recalled by another danger— the news that the van, which he had just left, was just as badly off.
3.3. Qua concitus clade, oblitus loricae, scuto inter tumultum adrepto, properans ultimis ferre suppetias, revocatur alio metu, qui etiam antesignanos, unde discesserat, paria perpeti nuntiabat.
3.4. While he was hastening to restore order there without regard to his own peril, a Parthian band of mailed cavalry on another side attacked the centre companies, and quickly overflowed the left wing, which gave way, since our men could hardly endure the smell and trumpeting of the elephants, they were trying to end the battle with pikes and volleys of arrows.
3.4. Quae dum sine respectu periculi sui, redintegrare festinat, ex alia parte cataphractorum Parthicus globus centurias adoritur medias, ac sinistro cornu inclinato acriter superfusus, faetorem stridoremque elephantorum impatienter tolerantibus nostris, contis et multiplicatis missilibus decernebat.
3.5. But while the emperor rushed hither and thither amid the foremost ranks of the combatants, our light-armed forces leaped forth upon them, and as the Persians turned in flight, they hacked at their legs and backs, and those of the elehants.
3.5. Verum principe volitante inter prima discrimina proeliorum, exilivit exsilivit nostra succinctior armatura, aversorumque Persarum et beluarum, suffragines concidebat et dorsa.
3.6. Julian, careless of his own safety, shouting and raising his hands tried to make it clear to his men that the enemy had fled in disorder, and, to rouse them to a still more furious pursuit, rushed boldly into the fight. His guards, who had scattered in their alarm, were crying to him from all sides to get clear of the mass of fugitives, as dangerous as the fall of a badly built roof, when suddenly—no one knows whence —a cavalryman’s spear grazed the skin of his arm, pierced his ribs, and lodged in the lower lobe of his liver.
3.6. Quos cum Iulianus cavendi immemor, diffluxisse trepidos elatis vociferando manibus aperte demonstrans, irasque sequentium excitans, audenter effunderet semet in pugnam, clamabant hinc inde candidati (quos disiecerat terror) ut fugientium molem tamquam ruinam male compositi culminis declinaret, et (incertum unde ) subita equestris hasta, cute brachii eius praestricta, costis perfossis, haesit in ima iecoris fibra.
3.7. While he was trying to pluck this out with his right hand, he felt that the sinews of his fingers were cut through on both sides by the sharp steel. Then he fell from his horse, all present hastened to the spot, he was taken to camp and given medical treatment.
3.7. Quam dum avellere dextra manu conatur, acuto utrimque ferro digitorum nervos sensit excisos, et provolutus iumento, praesentiumque veloci concursu, relatus in castra, medicinae ministeriis fovebatur.
3.8. And soon, as the pain diminished somewhat, he ceased to fear, and fighting with great spirit against death, he called for his arms and his horse in order by his return to the fight to restore the confidence of his men, and troubling nothing about himself, to show that he was filled with great anxiety for the safety of the others; with the same vigour, though under different conditions, with which the famous leader Epaminondas, when mortally wounded at Mantinia and carried from the field, took particular care to ask for his shield. And when he saw it near him, he died of his terrible wound, happy; for he who gave up his life without fear dreaded the loss of his shield.
3.8. Moxque ubi lenito paulisper dolore, timere desiit, magno spiritu contra exitium certans, arma poscebat et equum, ut reviso proelio suorum fiduciam repararet, ac videretur sui securus, alienae salutis sollicitudine vehementer adstringi: eo vigore, licet in negotio dispari, quo Epaminondas ille dux inclitus letaliter apud Mantiniam saucius et revectus ex acie cura quaerebat sollicita scutum. Quod cum vidisset propius laetior, vi vulneris interiit, et qui animam intrepidus amittebat, iacturam clipei formidavit.
3.9. But since Julian’s strength was not equal to his will, and he was weakened by great loss of blood, he lay still, having lost all hope for his life because, on inquiry, he learned that the place where he had fallen was called Phrygia. For he had heard that it was fate’s decree that he should die there.
3.9. Sed cum vires parum sufficerent voluntati, sanguinisque profluvio vexaretur, mansit immobilis, ideo spe deinceps vivendi absumpta, quod percunctando, Phrygiam appellari locum ubi ceciderat comperit. Hic enim obiturum se praescripta audierat sorte.
3.10. But when the emperor had been taken to his tent, the soldiers, burning with wrath and grief, with incredible vigour rushed to avenge him, clashing their spears against their shields, resolved even to die if it should be the will of fate. And although the high clouds of dust blinded the eyes, and the burning heat weakened the activity of their limbs, yet as though discharged by the loss of their leader, without sparing themselves, they rushed upon the swords of the enemy.
3.10. Sed reducto ad tentoria principe, incredibile dictu est, quo quantoque ardore, miles ad vindictam ira et dolore ferventior involabat, hastis ad scuta concrepans, etiam mori (si tulisset fors) obstinatus. Et quamvis offundebatur oculis altitudo pulveris et aestus calescens officeret alacritati membrorum, tamen velut exauctoratus, amisso ductore, sine parsimonia ruebat in ferrum.
3.11. On the other hand, the exulting Persians sent forth such a shower of arrows that they prevented their opponents from seeing the bowmen. Before them slowly marched the elephants, which with their huge size of body and horrifying crests, struck terror into horses and men. Further off, the trampling of the combatants, the groans of the falling, the panting of the horses, and the ring of arms were heard, until finally both parties were weary of inflicting wounds and the darkness of night ended the battle.
3.11. Contra animosius Persae sagittarum volantium crebritate, conspectum sui rapiebant oppositis, quos elephanti tardius praecedentes, magnitudine corporum, cristarumque a horrore, pavorem iumentis incutiebant et viris. Concursus itaque armatorum, et cadentium gemitus, equorum flatus et tinnitus ferri procul audiebatur, quamdiu satietate vulnerum partibus fessis, nox diremit certamina iam tenebrosa.
3.13. On that day fifty Persian grandees and satraps fell, besides a great number of common soldiers, and among them the distinguished generals Merena and Nohodares were slain. The boastfulness of antiquity may view with amazement the twenty battles of Marcellus in various places; it may add Sicinius Dentatus, honoured with a multitude of military crowns; it may besides admire Sergius, who (they say) was wounded twenty-three times in different battles, and whose last descendant Catiline tarnished the glorious renown of these victories with an indelible stain. Yet the joy in our success was marred by sorrow.
3.13. Quinquaginta tum Persarum optimates et satrapae cum plebe maxima ceciderunt, inter has turbas Merena et Nohodare potissimis ducibus interfectis. Obstupescat magniloquentia vetustatis diversis in locis proelia viginti Marcelli: Sicinium Dentatum adiciat ornatum militarium multitudine coronarum: miretur super his Sergium, qui viciens et ter vulneratus est in variis pugnis (ut fertur), cuius posteritatis ultimus Catilina claras gloriarum adoreas, sempiternis maculis obumbravit. Deformabat tamen tristitia laetiores eventus.
3.14. For while the fight went on everywhere after the withdrawal of the leader, the right wing of the army was exhausted, and Anatolius, at that time chief marshal of the court, was killed. Salutius, the prefect, was in extreme danger, but was saved by the help of his adjutant, and by a fortunate chance escaped death, while Phosphorius, a councillor who chanced to be at his side, was lost. Some of the court officials and soldiers, amid many dangers, took refuge in a neighbouring fortress, and were able to rejoin the army only after three days.
3.14. Dum haec enim post discessum ducis ubique aguntur, exercitus cornu dextro defatigato, et Anatolio interfecto, qui tunc tune erat officiorum magister, Sallustius Salutius praefectus, actus in exitium praeceps, et opera sui apparitoris ereptus, Phosphorio amisso consiliario, qui ei aderat casu, evasit; palatini quidam militesque per multa discrimina, occupato castelli vicini praesidio, post diem denique tertium, iungi exercitui potuerunt.
3.15. While all this was going on, Julian, lying in his tent, addressed his disconsolate and sorrowful companions as follows: “Most opportunely, friends, has the time now come for me to leave this life, which I rejoice to return to Nature, at her demand, like an honourable debtor, not (as some might think) bowed down with sorrow, but having learned from the general conviction of philosophers how much happier the soul is than the body, and bearing in mind that whenever a better condition is severed from a worse, one should rather rejoice than grieve. Thinking also of this, that the gods of heaven themselves have given death to some men of the greatest virtue as their supreme reward.”
3.15. Quae dum ita aguntur, Iulianus in tabernaculo iacens, circumstantes allocutus est demissos et tristes: “Advenit, o socii, nunc abeundi tempus e vita impendio tempestivum, quam reposcenti naturae, ut debitor bonae fidei redditurus, exulto, non (ut quidam opinantur) afflictus et maerens, philosophorum sententia generali perdoctus, quantum corpore sit beatior animus, et contemplans, quotiens condicio melior a deteriore secernitur, laetandum esse potius quam dolendum. Illud quoque advertens, quod etiam dii caelestes quibusdam piissimis mortem tamquam summum praemium persolverunt.”
3.16. “But this gift, I know well, was given to me, that I might not yield to great difficulties, nor ever bow down and humiliate myself; for experience teaches me that all sorrows overcome only weaklings, but yield to the steadfast.”
3.16. “Munus autem id mihi delatum optime scio, ne difficultatibus subcumberem arduis, neve me proiciam umquam, aut prosternam, expertus quod dolores omnes ut insultant ignavis, ita persistentibus cedunt.”
3.17. “I do not regret what I have done, nor does the recollection of any grave misdeed torment me; either when I was consigned to the shade and obscurity, or after I attained the principate, I have preserved my soul, as taking its origin from relationship with the gods, stainless (in my opinion), conducting civil affairs with moderation, and making and repelling wars only after mature deliberation. And yet success and well-laid plans do not always go hand in hand, since higher powers claim for themselves the outcome of all enterprises.”
3.17. “Nec me gestorum paenitet aut gravis flagitii recordatio stringit, vel cum in umbram et angustias amendarer, vel post principatum susceptum, animum tamquam a cognatione caelitum defluentem, immaculatum (ut existimo) conservavi et civilia moderatius regens, et examinatis rationibus, bella inferens et repellens, tametsi prosperitas simul utilitasque consultorum non ubique concordent, quoniam coeptorum eventus superae sibi vindicant potestates.”
3.18. “Considering, then, that the aim of a just rule is the welfare and security of its subjects, I was always, as you know, more inclined to peaceful measures, excluding from my conduct all license, the corrupter of deeds and of character. On the other hand, I depart rejoicing that, so often as the state, like an imperious parent, has exposed me deliberately to dangers, I have stood four-square, accustomed as I am to tread under foot the storms of fate.”
3.18. “Reputans autem iusti esse finem imperii, oboedientium commodum et salutem, ad tranquilliora semper (ut nostis) propensior fui, licentiam omnem actibus meis exterminans, rerum corruptricem et morum, gaudensque abeo, sciens quod ubicumque me velut imperiosa parens consideratis periculis obiecit res publica, steti fundatus, turbines calcare fortuitorum assuefactus.”
3.19. “And I shall not be ashamed to admit, that I learned long ago through the words of a trustworthy prophecy, that I should perish by the sword. And therefore I thank the eternal power that I meet my end, not from secret plots, nor from the pain of a tedious illness, nor by the fate of a criminal, but that in the mid-career of glorious renown I have been found worthy of so noble a departure from this world. For he is justly regarded as equally weak and cowardly who desires to die when he ought not, or he who seeks to avoid death when his time has come.”
3.19. “Nec fateri pudebit, interiturum me ferro, dudum didici fide fatidica praecinente. Ideoque sempiternum veneror numen, quod non clandestinis insidiis, nec longa morborum asperitate, vel damnatorum fine decedo, sed in medio cursu florentium gloriarum, hunc merui clarum ex mundo digressum. Aequo enim iudicio iuxta timidus est et ignavus, qui cum non oportet, mori desiderat, et qui refugiat cum sit opportunum.”
3.20. “So much it will be enough to say, since my vital strength is failing. But as to the choice of an emperor, I am prudently silent, lest I pass over some worthy person through ignorance, or if I name someone whom I consider suitable, and perhaps another is preferred, I may expose him to extreme danger. But as an honourable foster-child of our country, I wish that a good ruler may be found to succeed me.”
3.20. “Hactenus loqui, vigore virium labente sufficiet. Super imperatore vero creando, caute reticeo, ne per imprudentiam dignum praeteream, aut nominatum quem habilem reor, anteposito forsitan alio, ad discrimen ultimum trudam. Ut alumnus autem rei publicae frugi, opto bonum post me reperiri rectorem.”
3.21. After having spoken these words in a calm tone, wishing to distribute his private property to his closer friends, as if with the last stroke of his pen, he called for Anatolius, his chief court-marshal. And when the prefect Salutius replied “He has been happy,” he understood that he had been slain, and he who recently with such courage had been indifferent to his own fate, grieved deeply over that of a friend.
3.21. Post haec placide dicta, familiares opes iunctioribus velut supremo distribuens stilo, Anatolium quaesivit, officiorum magistrum, quem cum beatum fuisse Salutius respondisset praefectus, intellexit occisum, acriterque amici casum ingemuit, qui data mente contempserat suum.
3.22. Meanwhile, all who were present wept, where- upon even then maintaining his authority, he chided them, saying that it was unworthy to mourn for a prince who was called to union with heaven and the stars.
3.22. Et flentes inter haec omnes qui aderant, auctoritate integra etiam tum increpabat, humile esse, caelo sideribusque conciliatum lugeri principem dicens.
3.23. As this made them all silent, he himself engaged with the philosophers Maximus and Priscus in an intricate discussion about the nobility of the soul. Suddenly the wound in his pierced side opened wide, the pressure of the blood checked his breath, and after a draught of cold water for which he had asked, in the gloom of midnight he passed quietly away in the thirty-second year of his age. Born in Constantinople, he was left alone in childhood by the death both of his father Constantius (who, after the decease of his brother Constantinus, met his end with many others in the strife for the succession to the throne) and of his mother Basilina, who came from an old and noble family.
3.23. Quibus ideo iam silentibus, ipse cum Maximo et Prisco philosophis super animorum sublimitate perplexius disputans, hiante latius suffossi lateris vulnere, et spiritum tumore cohibente venarum, epota gelida aqua quam petiit, medio noctis horrore, vita facilius est absolutus, anno aetatis altero et tricensimo, natus apud Constantinopolim, a pueritia usque parentis obitu destitutus Constanti, quem post fratris Constantini excessum, inter complures alios turba consumpsit imperii successorum, et Basilina matre iam inde a maioribus nobili.
4.1. He was a man truly to be numbered with the heroic spirits, distinguished for his illustrious deeds and his inborn majesty. For since there are, in the opinion of the philosophers, four principal virtues, moderation, wisdom, justice, and courage and corresponding to these also some external characteristics, such as knowledge of the art of war, authority, good fortune, and liberality, these as a whole and separately Julian cultivated with constant zeal.
4.1. Vir profecto heroicis connumerandus ingeniis, claritudine rerum et coalita maiestate conspicuus. Cum enim sint (ut sapientes definiunt), virtutes quattuor praecipuae, temperantia, prudentia, iustitia, fortitudo, eisque accedentes extrinsecus aliae, scientia rei militaris, auctoritas felicitas atque liberalitas, intento studio coluit omnes ut singulas.
4.2. In the first place, he was so conspicuous for inviolate chastity that after the loss of his wife it is well known that he never gave a thought to love: bearing in mind what we read in Plato, that Sophocles, the tragic poet, when he was asked, at a great age, whether he still had congress with women, said no, adding that he was glad that he had escaped from this passion as from some mad and cruel master.
4.2. Et primum ita inviolata castitate enituit, ut post amissam coniugem nihil umquam venereum attigisse eum constaret; illud advertens, quod apud Platonem legitur, Sophoclem tragoediarum scriptorem, aetate grandaevum, interrogatum ecquid adhuc feminis misceretur, negantem, id adiecisse, quod gauderet harum rerum amorem ut rabiosum quendam effugisse dominum et crudelem.
4.3. Also, to give greater strength to this principle, Julian often repeated the saying of the lyric poet Bacchylides, whom he delighted to read, who declares that as a skilful painter gives a face beauty, just so chastity gives charm to a life of high aims. This blemish in the mature strength of manhood he avoided with such care, that even his most confidential attendants never (as often happens) accused him even of a suspicion of any lustfulness.
4.3. Item ut hoc propositum validius confirmaret, recolebat saepe dictum lyrici Bacchylidis, quem legebat iucunde, id asserentis, quod ut egregius pictor vultum speciosum effingit, ita pudicitia celsius consurgentem vitam exornat. Quam labem in adulto robore iuventutis, ita caute vitavit, ut ne suspicione quidem tenus libidinis ullius, vel citerioris vitae ministris incusaretur, ut saepe contingit.