CHAPTER XIV

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN MAXIMUS THE EMPEROR AND VALENTINIAN THE YOUNGER

AFTER this contest had continued for some time, Maximus, hearing of the violent persecution raised against the great defender of the truth, wrote to Valentinian, beseeching him to terminate the war which he was waging against religion, and exhorting him not to abandon the faith of his father. He also threatened him with war if he refused to comply with his entreaties; and immediately confirmed his words by his actions, for he collected an army and marched towards Milan, where Valentinian was then residing. Being apprised of his approach, Valentinian fled to Illyria, and learnt by experience the baneful tendency of his mother’s counsels.