We shall take from Eutropius the general idea of the war
(x. 10 [6]) . A Persis enim multa et gravia perpessus, saepe
captis oppidis, obsessis urbibus, caesis exercitibus,
nullumque ei contra Saporem prosperum proelium fuit, nisi
quod apud Singaram, etc.
This honest account is confirmed by the hints of Ammianus, Rufus, and Jerom. The two first orations of Julian, and the third oration of Libanius, exhibit a more flattering picture; but the recantation of both those orators after the death of Constantius, while it restores us to the possession of the truth, degrades their own character and that of the emperor. The commentary of Spanheim on the first oration of Julian is profusely learned. See likewise the judicious observations of Tillemont, Hist. des Empereurs, tom. iv. p. 656.