his moderate ambition within the narrow limits of Britain. He boldly
and wisely resolved to prevent the designs of Gratian; the youth of
the island crowded to his standard, and he invaded Gaul with a fleet
and army, which were long afterwards remembered, as the emigration of
a considerable part of the British nation. The emperor, in his
peaceful residence of Paris, was alarmed by their hostile approach;
and the darts which he idly wasted on lions and bears, might have been
employed more honorably against the rebels. But his feeble efforts
announced his degenerate spirit and desperate situation; and deprived
him of the resources, which he still might have found, in the support
of his subjects and allies. The armies of Gaul, instead of opposing
the march of Maximus, received him with joyful and loyal acclamations;
and the shame of the desertion was transferred from the people to the
prince. The troops, whose station more immediately attached them to
the service of the palace, abandoned the standard of Gratian the first
time that it was displayed in the neighborhood of Paris. The emperor
of the West fled towards Lyons, with a train of only three hundred
horse; and, in the cities along the road, where he hoped to find
refuge, or at least a passage, he was taught, by cruel experience,
that every gate is shut against the unfortunate. Yet he might still
have reached, in safety, the dominions of his brother; and soon have
returned with the forces of Italy and the East; if he had not suffered
himself to be fatally deceived by the perfidious governor of the
Lyonnese province. Gratian was amused by protestations of doubtful
fidelity, and the hopes of a support, which could not be effectual;
till the arrival of Andragathius, the general of the cavalry of
Maximus, put an end to his suspense. That resolute officer executed,
without remorse, the orders or the intention of the usurper. Gratian,
as he rose from supper, was delivered into the hands of the assassin:
and his body was denied to the pious and pressing entreaties of his