A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

to whom some authorities give the additional appellation of Modestus, was born, in all probability, at Lyons, about the year A. D. 431. His father and grandfather both bore the name Apollinaris, and both filled the office of praetorian prefect in the Gaulish provinces. Gifted by nature with great quickness, Sidonius devoted himself with ardour to literary pursuits, and by assiduous application rapidly acquired such high fame, that while still very young he was ranked among the most learned and eloquent of his contemporaries. At an early age he married Papianilla, the child of Flavius Avitus, and upon the elevation of his father-in-law to the imperial dignity (A. D. 456), accompanied him to Rome, and celebrated his consulship in a poetical effusion still extant. The grateful prince raised the husband of his daughter to the rank of a senator, nominated him prefect of the city, and caused his statue to be placed among the effigies which graced the library of Trajan. The downfal of Avitus threw a cloud over the fortunes of the courtly bard, who having been shut up in Lyons, and having endured the hardships and perils of the siege, resolved, after the capture of the city by Egidius, to purchase pardon for the past and security for the future by a complimentary address to the victorious Majorian, whose exploits and virtues were extolled in strains still more hyperbolical than those inscribed to his predecessor. The propitiatory offering was graciously accepted ; the author was not only forgiven, but was rewarded with a laurelled bust, and with the title of count. After having passed some years in retirement during the reign of Severus, Sidonius was despatched to Rome (A. D. 467) in the character of ambassador from the Arverni to Anthemius, and on this occasion delivered a third panegyric in honour of a third prince, which proved not less successful than his former efforts, for he was now raised to the rank of a patrician, again appointed prefect of the city, and once more honoured with a statue. But a still more remarkable tribute was soon afterwards rendered to his talents; for although in no way connected with the clerical profession, the vacant see of Clermont in Auvergne was forced upon his reluctant acceptance (A. D. 472) at the death of the bishop Eparchius. The task at first undertaken unwillingly, was faithfully performed. During the remainder of his life he devoted himself conscientiously to the duties of his sacred office, and especially resisted with energy the progress of Arianism, which was rapidly extending its influence. Although generally respected and beloved, his career was by no means tranquil ; for when the Goths became masters of his diocese, he was compelled to withdraw for a season, and at a subsequent period, after his restoration, in consequence of the calumnious representations of two factious priests, he was for a time suspended from the exercise of his episcopal functions. The malice of his enemies, however, having been speedily exposed, he was triumphantly reinstated, and died not long afterwards on the 21st of August, A. D. 482, or, according to others, A. D. 484.

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