41-60,) to whom religious enthusiasm has dictated some elegant and forcible lines.

Stilicho likewise stripped the gold plates from the doors of the Capitol, and read a prophetic sentence which was engraven under them, (Zosimus, l.v.p.

352.) These are foolish stories: yet the charge of impiety adds weight and credit to the praise which Zosimus reluctantly bestows on his virtues.

Note: One particular in the extorted praise of Zosimus, deserved the notice of the historian, as strongly opposed to the former imputations of Zosimus himself, and indicative of he corrupt practices of a declining age.

"He had never bartered promotion in the army for bribes, nor peculated in the supplies of provisions for the army." l.v.c.