And he pledged his own life that the Caesar would, as long as
he lived, be faithful to the author of his greatness.

4. The opportunity reminds me here to mention a few facts concerning
this same Eutherius, which perhaps will hardly be believed; because if
Numa Pompilius or Socrates were to say anything good of a eunuch, and
were to confirm what they said by an oath, they would be accused of
having departed from the truth. But roses grow up among thorns, and
among wild beasts some are of gentle disposition. And therefore I will
briefly mention a few of his most important acts which are well
ascertained.

5. He was born in Armenia, of a respectable family, and having while a
very little child been taken prisoner by the enemies on the border, he
was castrated and sold to some Roman merchants, and by them conducted to
the palace of Constantine, where, while growing up to manhood, he began
to display good principles and good talents, becoming accomplished in
literature to a degree quite sufficient for his fortune, displaying
extraordinary acuteness in discovering matters of a doubtful and
difficult complexion; being remarkable also for a marvellous memory,
always eager to do good, and full of wise and honest counsel. A man, in
short, who, if the Emperor Constantius had listened to his advice,
which, whether he gave it in youth or manhood, was always honourable and
upright, would have been prevented from committing any errors, or at
least any that were not pardonable.

6. When he became high chamberlain he sometimes also found fault even
with Julian, who, as being tainted with Asiatic manners, was apt to be
capricious. Finally, when he quitted office for private life, and again
when he was recalled to court, he was always sober and consistent,
cultivating those excellent virtues of good faith and constancy to such
a degree that he never betrayed any secret, except for the purpose of
securing another's safety; nor was he ever accused of covetous or
grasping conduct, as the other courtiers were.

7. From which it arose that, when at a late period he retired to Rome,
and fixed there the abode of his old age, bearing with him the company
of a good conscience, he was loved and respected by men of all ranks,
though men of that class generally, after having amassed riches by
iniquity, love to seek secret places of retirement, just as owls or
moths, and avoid the sight of the multitude whom they have injured.

8. Though I have