"Have pity on us; be our Augustus!"
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.