Continuant superi pleno Romana favore gaudia successusque novis successibus augent: conubii necdum festivos regia cantus sopierat, cecinit fuso Gildone triumphos, et calidis thalami successit laurea sertis, 5 sumeret ut pariter princeps nomenque mariti victorisque decus; Libyae post proelia crimen concidit Eoum, rursusque Oriente subacto consule defensae surgunt Stilichone secures. ordine vota meant. equidem si carmen in unum 10 tantarum sperem cumulos advolvere rerum, promptius imponam glaciali Pelion Ossae. si partem tacuisse velim, quodcumque relinquam maius erit. veteres actus primamque iuventam prosequar? ad sese mentem praesentia ducunt. 15 narrem iustitiam? resplendet gloria Martis. armati referam vires? plus egit inermis. quod floret Latium, Latio quod reddita servit Africa, vicinum quod nescit Hiberia Maurum, * * * * * Page 365 ON STILICHIO’S CONSULSHIP (A.D. 400) BOOK I (XXI.) Ceaseless are the blessings the gods shower with full bounty upon Rome, crowning success with new successes. Scarce had the happy songs of marriage ceased to echo in the palace when the defeat of Gildo brought material for a hymn of triumph. Hard upon the garlands of passionate love followed the crown of laurel, so that the emperor won alike the name of husband and the fame of conqueror. After the war in Africa eastern sedition waned; the Orient once more was laid low and, guarded by the consul Stilicho, the axes rose in triumph. In due order are vows fulfilled. Should I hope to roll into one poem all my lofty themes, more easily should I pile Pelion on frozen Ossa. Were I silent anent a part, what I leave unsung will prove the greater. Am I to recall his deeds of old and earliest manhood? His present deeds lure away my mind. Am I to tell of his justice? His military glory outshines it. Shall I mention his prowess in war? He has done more in peace. Shall I relate how Latium flourishes, how Africa has returned to her allegiance and service, how Spain knows no more * * * * * Page 366