the citizens of Antioch.--XV. A description of Egypt;
mention of the Nile, the crocodile, the ibis, and the
pyramids.--XVI. Description of the five provinces of Egypt, and of
their famous cities.

I.

A.D. 361.

Sec. 1. While the variable events of fortune were bringing to pass these
events in different parts of the world, Julian, amid the many plans
which he was revolving while in Illyricum, was continually consulting
the entrails of victims and watching the flight of birds in his
eagerness to know the result of what was about to happen.

2. Aprunculus Gallus, an orator and a man of skill as a soothsayer, who
was afterwards promoted to be governor of Narbonne, announced these
results to him, being taught beforehand by the inspection of a liver, as
he affirmed, which he had seen covered with a double skin. And while
Julian was fearing that he was inventing stories to correspond with his
desires, and was on that account out of humour, he himself beheld a far
more favourable omen, which clearly predicted the death of Constantius.
For at the same moment that that prince died in Cilicia, the soldier
who, as he was going to mount his horse, had supported him with his
right hand, fell down, on which Julian at once exclaimed, in the hearing
of many persons, that he who had raised him to the summit had fallen.

3. But he did not change his plans, but remained within the border of
Dacia, still being harassed with many fears. Nor did he think it prudent
to trust to conjectures, which might perhaps turn out contrary to his
expectations.

II.

Sec. 1. But while he was thus in suspense, the ambassadors, Theolaiphus and
Aligildus, who had been despatched to him to announce the death of
Constantius, suddenly arrived, adding that that prince with his last
words had named him as his successor in his dignity.

2. As soon as he learnt this, being delighted at his deliverance from
the turmoils of war and its consequent disorders, and fully relying on
the prophecies he had received, having besides often experienced the
advantages of celerity of action, he issued orders to march to Thrace.
Therefore speedily advancing his standards, he passed over the high
ground occupied by the Succi, and marched towards the ancient city of
Eumolpias, now called Philippopolis, all his army following him with
alacrity.

3. For they now saw that the imperial power which they were on their way
to seize, in the face of imminent d