Jim’s Reviews > Italy and Her Invaders. 376-476. Volume 1. Book I. The Visigothic Invasion > Status Update

Through the streets [of Rome] walked these great nobles, ruffling it in brilliant tunics adorned with the figures of animals, and over these a multitude of thin gauzy mantles to which they were forever calling attention by waving their left hands backwards and forwards and by all sorts of affected gestures.

An eminent advocate, named Africanus, desired to be removed from one province, the affairs of which he had administered, to another, and Theodosius, the master of the horse, had favored his suit. The petition happened to be presented to the emperor when he was in one of his surliest moods. 'Go,' said he, 'Count Theodosius, and change his stature by a head, who wants to change his province.'

To an accurate and impartial observer it must be clear that at any rate from the Gothic race no danger need be feared by the mighty Empire of Rome. But the iron nature of that race had not yet been passed through the fire.