The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus: During the Reigns of the Emperors Constantius, Julian, Jovianus, Valentinian, and ValensAmmianus Marcellinus
History
The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus: During the Reigns of the Emperors Constantius, Julian, Jovianus, Valentinian, and Valens
Ammianus Marcellinus
Rome -- History -- Empire, 284-476
2. Therefore, when he departed, Eutherius, the chief chamberlain, was
immediately sent after him, that he might convict him before the emperor
if he propagated any falsehoods. But Marcellus, unaware of this, as soon
as he arrived at Milan, began talking loudly, and seeking to create
alarm, like a vain chatterer half mad as he was. And when he was
admitted into the council-chamber, he began to accuse Julian of being
insolent, and of preparing for himself stronger wings in order to soar
to a greater height. For this was his expression, agitating his body
violently as he uttered it.
3. While he was thus uttering his imaginary charges with great freedom,
Eutherius being, at his own request, introduced into the presence, and
being commanded to say what he wished, speaking with great respect and
moderation showed the emperor that the truth was being overlaid with
falsehood. For that, while the commander of the heavy-armed troops had,
as it was believed, held back on purpose, the Cæsar having been long
besieged at Sens, had by his vigilance and energy repelled the
barbarians. And he pledged his own life that the Cæsar would, as long as
he lived, be faithful to the author of his greatness.
4. The opportunity reminds me here to mention a few facts concerning
this same Eutherius, which perhaps will hardly be believed; because if
Numa Pompilius or Socrates were to say anything good of a eunuch, and
were to confirm what they said by an oath, they would be accused of
having departed from the truth. But roses grow up among thorns, and
among wild beasts some are of gentle disposition. And therefore I will
briefly mention a few of his most important acts which are well
ascertained.
5. He was born in Armenia, of a respectable family, and having while a
very little child been taken prisoner by the enemies on the border, he
was castrated and sold to some Roman merchants, and by them conducted to
the palace of Constantine, where, while growing up to manhood, he began
to display good principles and good talents, becoming accomplished in
literature to a degree quite sufficient for his fortune, displaying
extraordinary acuteness in discovering matters of a doubtful and
difficult complexion; being remarkable also for a marvellous memory,
always eager to do good, and full of wise and honest counsel. A man, in
short, who, if the Emperor Constantius had listened to his advice,
which, whether he gave it in youth or manhood, was always honourable and
upright, would have been prevented from committing any errors, or at
least any that were not pardonable.
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