That
very night he solemnly laid open the first volume at the first page,
propping it on a couple of meaner books, and, after glancing through
the short Preface, began to read with a mind as devoutly disposed as
that of any pious believer poring upon his Bible. "In the second
century of the Christian AEra, the empire of Rome comprehended
the fairest part of the earth, and the most civilised portion of
mankind. The frontiers of that extensive monarchy were guarded by
ancient renown and disciplined valour." With what a grand epic roll,
with what anticipations of solemn music, did the noble history
begin! Far, far into the night Julian turned over page after page,
thoughtless of sleep and the commonplace duties of the morrow.
Since then he had mastered his Gibbon, knew him from end to end, and
joyed in him more than ever. Whenever he had a chance of obtaining
any of the writers, ancient or modern, to whom Gibbon refers, he
read them and added to his knowledge. About a year ago, he had
picked up an old Claudian, and the reading of the poet had settled
him to a task which he had before that doubtfully sought. He wanted
to write either a poem or a drama on some subject taken from the
"Decline and Fall," and now, with Claudian's help, he fixed upon
Stilicho for his hero.
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