Res Gestae

A plot was made against him by Basiliscus, himself a senator of high distinction.[*](He was the brother of Varina, the widow of Leo the Great.) As soon as Zeno learned of the plot, he took some of his wealth and went to Isauria. But soon after his departure Basiliscus, who, as was said, was plotting against him, seized upon the imperial power.

Basiliscus ruled for two years. Zeno strengthened the Isaurians within the province; then he sent to the city of Nova,[*](In Moesia on the Danube.) where Theodoric, the general of the Goths and son of Walamericus, was stationed, and invited him to render him relief against Basiliscus. Then he came back[*](See § 36, note 9, where we have a sure example; sometimes, as here, the use is less obvious, though probable.) to Constantinople after two years, brought an attacking force against the city, and laid siege to it.

But because the senate and people feared Zeno, to prevent the city from suffering any harm they deserted Basiliscus, opened the gates, and all surrendered to Zeno. Basiliscus fled to a church and took refuge within the baptistery with his wife and his sons. After Zeno had given him a pledge confirmed by oath that his blood would not be shed,[*](An evasive way of pretending to spare his life, which was kept in the letter, but not in the spirit.) he came out and was shut up with his wife and children in a dry cistern,[*](According to others, in a fortress of Cappadocia.) where they all died of cold.

Zeno remembered the affection felt for him by the senate and people;

Odoacar, of whom we have made mention above,[*](8, 37.) presently deposed Augustulus from the rule and was made king; he remained on the throne for thirteen years. His father was named Edico,[*](Jordanes calls him Edeko.) and Odoacar is also mentioned in the books[*](These are still extant.) on The Life of Saint Severinus, a Pannonian monk, who gave him advice and predicted his future royal power.

In that place you find the following words: When some barbarians[*](They were Goths.) were on their way to Italy, they turned aside and went to Severinus’ abode with a view to earning his benediction; among them also came Odoacar, who afterwards ruled in Italy, a youth of tall stature, but very poorly clad; and when he bowed his head, in order that it might not touch the roof of the very low cell, he learned from the man of God that he would attain glory. And as Odoacar bade him farewell, Severinus said: Go on to Italy; go on, now clad in paltry skins, but soon to be able to give great gifts to many.

Meanwhile, as the servant of God had predicted to him, as soon as Odoacar entered Italy he received the royal power. At that same time, after becoming king, Odoacar recalled the prophecy which he had heard from the holy man, and at once addressed to him a friendly letter, wherein he respectfully offered to grant his wish, should he think there was anything worth while to ask. Accordingly the man

After that, King Odoacar made war on the Rugi,[*](Living in what was in modern times Austria and Moravia.) and in a second campaign vanquished and utterly destroyed them. Then, since he was a man of good intentions and favoured the Arian[*](The correct spelling is Arian, from Arius, but the ignotus auctor, as well as some other late writers, spelled it Arrius, after the analogy of numerous Roman gentile names (T.L.L. ii. 507, 59). It seems best to use Arrius in the text. Arius in the translation. On his sect, see note, p. 569.) sect, it happened that once, when in the presence of the holy man many nobles, as often happens, were praising and flattering the said king, as men will do, he asked what king they had extolled with such high commendations. And when they replied Odoacar, he said Odoacar is safe for between thirteen and fourteen years, thus, of course, indicating the years of his safe reign.