iving that the soldiers were rusting in
luxury and inactivity, he took with him a few light-armed troops, called
Diogmitae, and resolved to attack the first body of plunderers he could
find. His way led through a narrow and most difficult defile, and thus
he fell into an ambuscade, which he had no chance of escaping, and was
slain, with all the men under his command.

7. The robber bands became elated at this advantage, and roamed over the
whole country with increased boldness, slaying many, till at last our
army was aroused, and drove them to take refuge amid the recesses of the
rocks and mountains they inhabit. And then, as they were not allowed to
rest, and were cut off from all means of obtaining necessary supplies,
they at last begged for a truce, as a prelude to peace, being led to
this step by the advice of the people of Germanicopolis, whose opinions
always had as much weight with them as standard-bearers have with an
army. And after giving hostages as they were desired, they remained for
a long time quiet, without venturing on any hostilities.

8. While these events were taking place, Praetextatus was administering
the prefecture of the city in a noble manner, exhibiting numerous
instances of integrity and probity, virtues for which he had been
eminent from his earliest youth; and thus he obtained what rarely
happens to any one, that while he was feared, he did not at the same
time lose the affection of his fellow-citizens, which is seldom strongly
felt for those whom they fear as judges.

9. By his authority, impartiality, and just decisions, a tumult was
appeased, which the quarrels of the Christians had excited, and after
Ursinus was expelled complete tranquillity was restored, which best
corresponded to the wishes of the Roman people; while the glory of their
illustrious governor, who performed so many useful actions, continually
increased.

10. For he also removed all the balconies, which the ancient laws of
Rome had forbidden to be constructed, and separated from the sacred
temples the walls of private houses which had been improperly joined to
them; and established one uniform and proper weight in every quarter,
for by no other means could he check the covetousness of those who made
their scales after their own pleasure. And in the adjudication of
lawsuits he exceeded all men in obtaining that praise which Cicero
mentions in his panegyric of Brutus, that while he did nothing with a
view to please any