OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE.

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to the succession of his brother. He displayed,with some complacency, the glories of his im-perial race; and recalled to the memory of thetroops, the valour, the triumphs, the liberalityof the great Constantine, to whose sons theyhad engaged their allegiance by an oath of fide-lity, which the ingratitude of his most favouredservants had tempted them to violate. The of-ficers, who surrounded the tribunal, and wereinstructed to act their parts in this extraordi-nary scene, confessed the irresistible power ofreason and eloquence, by saluting the emperorConstantins as their lawful sovereign. Thecontagion of loyalty and repentance was com-municated from rank to rank; till the plain ofSardica resounded with the universal acclama-tion of “ Away witii these upstart usurpers!“ Long life and victory to the son of Constan-“ tine! Under his banners alone we will fight“ and conquer.” The shout of thousands, theirmenacing gestures, the fierce clashing of theirarms, astonished and subdued the courage ofYetranio, who stood, amidst the defection of hisfollowers, in anxious and silent suspense. In-stead of embracing the last refuge of generousdespair, he tamely submitted to his fate; andtaking the diadem from his head, in the view ofboth armies, fell prostrate at the feet of his con-queror. Constantins used his victory with pru-dence and moderation; and raising from theground the aged suppliant, whom he affected tostyle by the endearing name of father, he gavehim his hand to descend from the throne. The

CHAP.

XVIII.