The troops made no stir. Julian in a clear and solemn voice addressed them—
"Comrades, our work is finished. Now we will go to Constantinople! Give thanks to the Olympians, who have given us the victory!"
These words were only heard by the first ranks, but there were numerous Christians among them. These were roused by the last startling expression.
"Lord have mercy on us! what is it he says?" cried one.
"Do you see that old man with the white beard?" said another to his comrade.
"Yes."
"That's the Devil, who, in the body of Maximus the enchanter, is tempting Cæsar!"
But the more distant ranks, who had not heard Julian's words, cried—
"Glory to Augustus Julian! Glory! Glory!" and louder and louder yet from outskirts of the hill, as far as they were covered by the legions, arose a cry repeated by thousands of voices—
"Glory!... Glory!..."