Thus did the emperour Gratian finish his life in the 29 yéere of his
[Sidenote: 383.]
age, on the 25 of August, in the yéere of Christ 383, and then
died. Maximus succéeded him (making his sonne Flauius Victor
[Sidenote: This Flauius Victor he begat of his wife Helen the daughter
of Eudes. _H. Lhoyd_.]
Nobilissimus his assistant in the empire) reigning fiue yéeres and two
daies. In the beginning of his reigne Valentinian the yoonger made
great suit to him to haue his fathers bodie, but it would not be
granted. Afterwards also Maximus was earnestlie requested to come to
an enteruiew with the same Valentinian, who promised him not onelie
a safe conduct, but also manie other beneficiall good turnes beside.
Howbeit Maximus durst not put himselfe in anie such hazard, but rather
ment to pursue Valentinian as an vsurper, and so at length chased him
into Slauonie, where he was driuen to such a streight, that if
[Sidenote: Valentinian put in danger by Maximus.]
Theodosius had not come to releeue him, Maximus had driuen him thence
also, or else by slaughter rid him out of the waie.

But when Maximus thought himselfe most assured, and so established in
the empire, as he doubted no perils, he liued carelesse of his owne
safegard, and therfore dismissed his British souldiers, who retiring
into the northwest parts of Gallia, placed themselues there
among their countriemen, which were brought ouer by the emperour
[Sidenote: _Eutropius_. 388.]
Constantius, whilest Maximus passing the residue of his time
in delights and pleasures, was surprised in the end and slaine by
Theodosius néere vnto Aquilia, the 27 of August, in the yéere of Grace
388, and in the beginning of the sixt yéere of his reigne, or rather