From the reign of Constantine, a popular and even legal distinction was admitted between the Palatines [128] and the Borderers; the troops of the court, as they were improperly styled, and the troops of the frontier.

The former, elevated by the superiority of their pay and privileges, were permitted, except in the extraordinary emergencies of war, to occupy their tranquil stations in the heart of the provinces.
The most flourishing cities were oppressed by the intolerable weight of quarters.

The soldiers insensibly forgot the virtues of their profession, and contracted only the vices of civil life.

They were either degraded by the industry of mechanic trades, or enervated by the luxury of baths and theatres.

They soon became careless of their martial exercises, curious in their diet and apparel; and while they inspired terror to the subjects of the empire, they trembled at the hostile approach of the Barbarians.