OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE.
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signature; and the faithful picture of the pub-lic misery, by which he had been obliged tojustify his refusal, olFended the court of Con-stautius. We may enjoy the pleasure of read-ing the sentiments of Julian, as he expressesthem with warmth and freedom in a letter toone of his most intimate friends. After statinghis own conduct, he proceeds in the followingterms: “ Was it possible for the disciple of“ Plato and Aristotle to act otherwise than I“ have done? Could I abandon the unhappy“ subjects entrusted to my care? Was I not“ called upon to defend them from the repeated“ injuries of these unfeeling robbers? A tribune“ who deserts his post is punished with death,“ and deprived of the honours of burial. With“ what justice could I pronounce his sentence,“ if, in the hour of danger, I myself neglected a“ duty far more sacred and far more important?“ God has placed me in this elevated post;“ his providence will guard and support me.“ Should I be condemned to suffer, I shall de-“ rive comfort from the testimony of a pure and“ upright conscience. Would to heaven that I“ still possessed a counsellor like Sallust ! If“ they think proper to send me a successor, I“ shall submit without reluctance ; and had“ much rather improve the short opportunity“ of doing good, than enjoy a long and lasting“ impunity of evil.” 1 The precarious and de-
CHAP.
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