CHAPTER XI

FLIGHT, AND MAGIC ARTS OF LICINIUS

IN these circumstances their commander, finding himself bereft of the aid of his followers, having lost his lately numerous array, both of regular and allied forces, having proved too, by experience, how vain his confidence had been in false gods, was fain to submit to the disgrace of an ignominious flight, by which he effected his escape, and secured his personal safety. For the pious emperor had forbidden his soldiers to follow him too closely, and thus allowed him an opportunity for escape. And this he did in the hope that he might hereafter, on conviction of the desperate state of his affairs, be induced to abandon his insane and presumptuous ambition, and assume a more reasonable tone of temper and conduct. Such were the thoughts which Constantine’s extreme humanity prompted, and such his willingness patiently to bear past injuries, and extend his forgiveness to one who so ill deserved it. Licinius, however, far from renouncing his evil practices, still added crime to crime, and ventured on more daring atrocities than ever. Nay, he once more attempted to raise his courage by tampering with the detestable arts of magic: so that it might well be said of him, as it was of the Egyptian tyrant of old, that God had hardened his heart.