Sighing, the father made answer: “Was it for this? Is a Moor become a cause of discord between two brothers? Does the empire and court of the [72] Theodosius the younger is, of course, Theodosius I., the Emperor (see Introduction, p. vii). Theodosius the elder was his father. He was an able and trusted general of Valentinian I., who restored quiet in Britain (368-370), defeated the Alamanni (370), and crushed the revolt of Firmus, Gildo’s brother (see line 333 of this poem) in Africa (? 372-374). His death was brought about by Merobaudes, Gratian’s minister (_cf._ viii. 26-9). * * * * * Page 116 Gildonisne salus tanti sit palma furoris? scilicet egregius morum magnoque tuendus et cuius meritis pietas in fratre recedat! 240 invito[73] genitore, vide, civile calebat discidium; dubio stabant Romana sub ictu; quis procul Armenius vel quis Maeotide ripa rex ignotus agit, qui me non iuvit euntem auxilio? fovere Getae, venere Geloni. 245 solus at hic non puppe data, non milite misso subsedit fluitante fide. si signa petisset obvia, detecto summissius hoste dolerem: restitit in speculis fati turbaque reductus libravit geminas eventu iudice vires 250 ad rerum momenta cliens seseque daturus victori; fortuna simul cum mente pependit. o si non cupidis essem praereptus ab astris, exemplum sequerer Tulli laniandaque dumis impia diversis aptarem membra quadrigis. 255 germani nunc usque tui responsa colebat: en iterum calcat. tali te credere monstro post patrem fratremque paras? sed magna rependit inque tuam sortem numerosas transtulit urbes! ergo fas pretio cedet? mercede placebit 260 proditio? taceo, laesi quod transfuga fratris, quod levis ingenio. quamvis discrimine summo proditor adportet suspensa morte salutem numquam gratus erit. damnamus luce reperta [73] MSS. _in primo_; Birt suggests _invito_, Koch _infirmo_. * * * * * Page 117