Iam post edomitas Alpes defensaque regna Hesperiae merita complexus sede parentem auctior adiecto fulgebat sidere mundus, iamque tuis, Stilicho, Romana potentia curis et rerum commissus apex, tibi credita fratrum 5 utraque maiestas geminaeque exercitus aulae. Rufinus (neque enim patiuntur saeva quietem crimina pollutaeque negant arescere fauces) infandis iterum terras accendere bellis incohat et solito pacem vexare tumultu. 10 haec etiam secum: “quanam ratione tuebor spem vitae fragilem? qua tot depellere fluctus arte queam? premor hinc odiis, hinc milite cingor. heu quid agam? non arma mihi, non principis ullus auxiliatur amor. matura pericula surgunt 15 undique et impositi radiant cervicibus enses. quid restat, nisi cuncta novo confundere luctu insontesque meae populos miscere ruinae? everso iuvat orbe mori; solacia leto * * * * * Page 59 BOOK II (V.) After the subjugation of the Alpine tribes and the salvation of the kingdoms of Italy the heavens welcomed the Emperor Theodosius[56] to the place of honour due to his worth, and so shone the brighter by the addition of another star. Then was the power of Rome entrusted to thy care, Stilicho; in thy hands was placed the governance of the world. The brothers’ twin majesty and the armies of either royal court were given into thy charge. But Rufinus (for cruelty and crime brook not peace, and a tainted mouth will not forgo its draughts of blood), Rufinus, I say, began once more to inflame the world with wicked wars and to disturb peace with accustomed sedition. Thus to himself: “How shall I assure my slender hopes of survival? By what means beat back the rising storm? On all sides are hate and the threat of arms. What am I to do? No help can I find in soldier’s weapon or emperor’s favour. Instant dangers ring me round and a gleaming sword hangs above my head. What is left but to plunge the world into fresh troubles and draw down innocent peoples in my ruin? Gladly will I perish if the world does too; general destruction shall console me for [56] Theodosius died in January 395, not long after his defeat of Eugenius at the Frigidus River (near Aquileia), September 5-6, 394 (see Introduction, p. ix). * * * * * Page 60