tion of the victories in
which he repeatedly defeated the barbarians, and the vigilance with
which he protected his army from all harm, the benefits which he
conferred on the Galli, previously exhausted by extreme want, are most
especially evident from this fact, that when he first entered the
country he found that four-and-twenty pieces of gold were exacted, under
the name of tribute, in the way of poll-tax, from each individual. But
when he quitted the country seven pieces only were required, which made
up all the payments due from them to the state. On which account they
rejoiced with festivals and dances, looking upon him as a serene sun
which had shone upon them after melancholy darkness.

15. Moreover we know that up to the very end of his reign and of his
life, he carefully and with great benefit observed this rule, not to
remit the arrears of tribute by edicts which they call indulgences. For
he knew that by such conduct he should be giving something to the rich,
whilst it is notorious everywhere that, the moment that taxes are
imposed, the poor are compelled to pay them all at once without any
relief.

16. But while he was thus regulating and governing the country in a
manner deserving the imitation of all virtuous princes, the rage of the
barbarians again broke out more violently than ever.

17. And as wild beasts, which, owing to the carelessness of the
shepherds, have been wont to plunder their flocks, even when these
careless keepers are exchanged for more watchful ones, still cling to
their habit, and being furious with hunger, will, without any regard for
their own safety, again attack the flocks and herds; so also the
barbarians, having consumed all their plunder, continued, under the
pressure of hunger, repeatedly to make inroads for the sake of booty,
though sometimes they died of want before they could obtain any.

VI.

Sec. 1. These were the events which took place in Gaul during this year; at
first of doubtful issue, but in the end successful. Meanwhile in the
emperor's court envy constantly assailed Arbetio, accusing him of having
already assumed the ensigns of imperial rank, as if designing soon to
attain the supreme dignity itself. And especially was he attacked by a
count named Verissimus, who with great vehemence brought forth terrible
charges against him, openly alleging that although he had been raised
from the rank of a common soldier to high military office, he was not
contented, th