Then another adds, jesting with a more wanton wit: “Dost thou wonder? Nothing great is there that Eutropius does not conceive in his heart. He ever loves novelty, ever size, and is quick to taste everything in turn. He fears no assault from the rear; night and day he is ready with watchful care; soft, easily moved by entreaty, and, even in the midst of his passion, tenderest of men, he never says ‘no,’ and is ever at the disposal even of * * * * * Page 166 quod libet ingenio, subigit traditque fruendum; quidquid amas, dabit ilia manus; communiter omni fungitur officio gaudetque potentia flecti. hoc quoque conciliis peperit meritoque laborum, accipit et trabeas argutae praemia dextrae.” 370 Postquam vera fides facinus vulgavit Eoum gentibus et Romae iam certius impulit aures, “Eutropiumne etiam nostra dignabimur ira? hic quoque Romani meruit pars esse doloris?” sic effata rapit caeli per inania cursum 375 diva potens unoque Padum translapsa volatu castra sui rectoris adit. tum forte decorus cum Stilichone gener pacem implorantibus ultro Germanis responsa dabat, legesque Caucis arduus et flavis signabat iura Suebis. 380 his tribuit reges, his obside foedera sancit indicto; bellorum alios transcribit in usus, militet ut nostris detonsa Sygambria signis. laeta subit Romam pietas et gaudia paene moverunt lacrimas tantoque exultat alumno: 385 sic armenta suo iam defensante iuvenco celsius adsurgunt erectae cornua matri, sic iam terribilem stabulis dominumque ferarum crescere miratur genetrix Massyla leonem. dimovit nebulam iuvenique adparuit ingens. 390 tum sic orsa loqui: * * * * * Page 167 those that solicit him not. Whatever the senses desire he cultivates and offers for another’s enjoyment. That hand will give whatever thou wouldest have. He performs the functions of all alike; his dignity loves to unbend. His meetings[95] and his deserving labours have won him this reward,[96] and he receives the consul’s robe in recompense for the work of his skilful hand.”