Another circumstance which renders this probable is that he does not say in any of his works that he had been a Christian. He never asks pardon for it of the pontiffs of the ancient religion. He addresses them in his letters as if he had always been attached to the worship of the senate. It is not even proved that he practised the ceremonies of the Taurobolium, which might be regarded as a sort of expiation, and that he desired to wash out with bull's blood that which he so unfortunately called the stain of his baptism. However, this was a pagan form of devotion, which is no more a proof than the assembling at the mysteries of Ceres. In short, neither his friends nor his enemies relate any fact, any words which can prove that he ever believed in Christianity, and that he passed from that sincere belief to the worship of the gods of the empire. If such be the case they who do not speak of him as an apostate appear very excusable. Sound criticism being brought to perfection, all the world now acknowledges that the Emperor Julian was a hero and a wise man--a stoic, equal to Marcus Aurelius. His errors are condemned, but his virtues are admitted. He is now regarded, as he was by his contemporary, Prudentius, author of the hymn _"Salvete flores martyrum"_. He says of Julian: _Ductor fortissimus armis,_ _Conditor et legum celeberrimus; ore manuque_ _Consultor patriæ; sed non consultor habendus_ _Religionis; amans tercentum millia divum_ _Perfidus ille Deo, sed non est perfidus orbi_. Though great in arms, in virtues, and in laws,-- Though ably zealous in his country's cause, He spurned religion in his lofty plan, Rejecting God while benefiting man. His detractors are reduced to the miserable expedient of striving to make him appear ridiculous. One historian, on the authority of St. Gregory Nazianzen, reproaches him with having worn too large a beard. But, my friend, if nature gave him a long beard why should he wear it short? He used to shake his head. Carry thy own better. His step was hurried. Bear in mind that the Abbé d'Aubignac, the king's preacher, having been hissed at the play, laughs at the air and gait of the great Corneille. Could you hope to turn Marshal de Luxembourg into ridicule because he walked ill and his figure was singular? He could march very well against the enemy. Let us leave it to the ex-Jesuit Patouillet, the ex-Jesuit Nonotte, etc., to call the Emperor Julian--_the Apostate_. Poor creatures! His Christian successor, Jovian, called him _Divus_ Julianus.