THE DECLINE AND FALL

164

chap, the Alps into the provinces of Gaul. The de-tachments, however, which were ordered eitherto press or to intercept the flight of Magnen-tius, conducted themselves with the usual im-prudence of success ; and allowed him, in theplains of Pavia, an opportunity of turning onhis pursuers, and of gratifying his despair, bythe carnage of a useless victory.*

Last de- The pride of Magnentius was reduced, bydeath'of repeated misfortunes, to sue, and to sue in vain,f or peace. He first dispatched a senator, ina. d. 353 , whose abilities he confided, and afterwards se-August 10 . vera j ij] s j 10 p 9) whose holy character might ob-tain a more favourable audience, with the offerof resigning the purple, and the promise of de-voting the remainder of his life to the serviceof the emperor. But Constantius , though hegranted fair terms of pardon and reconciliationto all who abandoned the standard of rebellion, 4avowed his inflexible resolution to inflict a justpunishment on the crimes of an assassin, whomhe prepared to overwhelm on every side by theeffort of his victorious arms. An imperial fleetacquired the easy possession of Africa andSpain ; confirmed the wavering faith of theMoorish nations; and landed a considerableforce, which passed the Pyrenees , and advan-ced towards Lyons, the last and fatal stationof Magnentius. * The temper of the tyrant,

a Zosim. 1. ii, p. 133. Victor in Epitome. The panegyrists of Con-stantins, with their usual candour, forget to mention this accidentaldefeat.

*> Zonaras , tom. ii, 1. xiii, p. 17. Julian, in several places of the twoorations, expatiates on the clemency of Constantins to the rebels.

c Zosim. i. ii, p. 133. Julian, Orat. i, p. 40; ii, p. 74.