The execution of this splendid design was in some degree reserved for Justinian.

During the five first years of his reign, he reluctantly waged a costly and unprofitable war against the Persians; till his pride submitted to his ambition, and he purchased at the price of four hundred and forty thousand pounds sterling, the benefit of a precarious truce, which, in the language of both nations, was dignified with the appellation of the endless peace.

The safety of the East enabled the emperor to employ his forces against the Vandals; and the internal state of Africa afforded an honorable motive, and promised a powerful support, to the Roman arms.
[1] [Footnote 1: The complete series of the Vandal war is related by Procopius in a regular and elegant narrative, (l.i.c.

9--25, l.ii.

c.
1--13,) and happy would be my lot, could I always tread in the footsteps of such a guide.