The heart of Julian was thrilled. He loved these rough faces, the barrack-atmosphere, and the unrivalled enthusiasm in which he felt his own power.
He saw that the mutiny was dangerous and in earnest, observing that the legionaries did not interrupt each other, but shouted unanimously, and became suddenly hushed, as if their action had been concerted beforehand.
There was either a deafening hubbub, or absolute silence.
Finally, Julian, with an effort that might well have been thought sincere—
"My children! my dear comrades! behold me ... I am yours in life and in death. I can refuse you nothing!"
"Crown him! The diadem!" they cried, triumphantly.
But no diadem was to be found.
Strombix proposed—
"Let Augustus order that his wife's necklet of pearls be brought here!"
Julian answered that a woman's ornament would be unfitting, and an ill presage with which to inaugurate a reign.