Firmly and sincerely he believed that Vetranio was so satisfied with his readiness in pandering to his profligate designs, and so dazzled by the prospect of the glory which would attend success in the great enterprise, that he would gladly hold to the performance of his promise whenever it should be required of him.

In the meantime the work was begun.

Numerian was already, through his agency, watched by the spies of a jealous and unscrupulous Church.

Feuds, schisms, treacheries, and dissensions marched bravely onward through the Christian ranks.

All things combined to make it certain that the time was near at hand when, through his exertions and the friendly senator's help, the restoration of Paganism might be assured.
With the widest diversity of pursuit and difference of design, there was still a strange and mysterious analogy between the temporary positions of Ulpius and Numerian.