The son of Aspar; noble in spirit, [he who] often strongly repulsed the barbarians overrunning Thrace. To him therefore, as rewards for excellence, the Emperor Marcianus[1] offered command of the eastern infantry army. But after accepting this [position] in peacetime he turned to relaxation and effeminate luxuriance. For he used to rejoice in mimes and charlatans and all theatrical pastimes,[2] and passing his days in such shameful things he paid no regard whatsoever to those things which tended toward good repute. And after the emperor Marcianus had become "good", but had soon died, Aspar of his own will prepared Leon to be his successor.[3]