The Works of the Emperor Julian, Vol. 2Julian, Emperor of Rome
Philosophy
The Works of the Emperor Julian, Vol. 2
Julian, Emperor of Rome
Speeches, addresses, etc., Greek -- Translations into English
(But further, how did I behave to Constantius after this? Even to this day
I have not yet used in my letters to him the title which was bestowed on
me by the gods, but I have always signed myself Caesar, and I have
persuaded the soldiers to demand nothing more if only he would allow us to
dwell peaceably in Gaul and would ratify what has been already done. All
the legions with me sent letters to him praying that there might be
harmony between us. But instead of this he let loose against us the
barbarians, and among them proclaimed me his foe and paid them bribes so
that the people of the Gauls might be laid waste; moreover he wrote to the
forces in Italy and bade them be on their guard against any who should
come from Gaul; and on the frontiers of Gaul in the cities near by he
ordered to be got ready three million bushels of wheat which had been
ground at Brigantia,(488) and the same amount near the Cottian Alps, with
the intention of marching to oppose me. These are not mere words but deeds
that speak plain. In fact the letters that he wrote I obtained from the
barbarians who brought them to me; and I seized the provisions that had
been made ready, and the letters of Taurus. Besides, even now in his
letters he addresses me as “Caesar” and declares that he will never make
terms with me: but he sent one Epictetus, a bishop of Gaul,(489) to offer
a guarantee for my personal safety; and throughout his letters he keeps
repeating that he will not take my life, but about my honour he says not a
word. As for his oaths, for my part I think they should, as the proverb
says, be written in ashes,(490) so little do they inspire belief. But my
honour I will not give up, partly out of regard for what is seemly and
fitting, but also to secure the safety of my friends. And I have not yet
described the cruelty that he is practising over the whole earth.)
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