Kitap 27
7.6
Later, in the affair of a certain Maxentius of Pannonia, when the judge had rightly commanded a speedy execution, the emperor ordered the death of the decurions of three towns; but Eupraxius, who was then quaestor, intervened, saying: Act more mercifully, most dutiful emperor, for these men whom you order to be put to death as criminals the Christian religion will honour as martyrs (that is to say, as beloved of God).An incorrect definition of martyres, which is correctly defined by Ammianus in xxii. 11, 10; id est . . . acceptos is probably a gloss, as Valesius and Wagner thought.
7.7
Eupraxius’ helpful self-confidence was imitated by the prefect FlorentiusPraetorian prefect in Gaul. when he heard that, because of some pardonable offence, the emperor had flown into a passion and ordered the execution likewise of three decurions in each of a number of cities; for he said: What is to be done, then, if any town does not have so many decurions?For the reluctance of citizens to serve as decurions see xxii. 9, 8, note 5. To the rest this also should be added,I.e., this provision should be added to the law; suspendi seems to mean posted (hung up), cf. legem figere. that they shall be killed, when the town has them.
