by
Salmaces, its owner, a brother of Firmus, in such a manner as to
resemble a town, was especially remarkable. The conqueror was elated at
this success, and with incredible speed proceeded to occupy the town of
Lamforctense, which was situated among the tribes already mentioned;
here he caused large stores of provisions to be accumulated, in order
that if, in his advance into the inland districts, he should find a
scarcity of supplies, he might order them to be brought from this town,
which would be at no great distance.

14. In the mean time Mascizel, having recruited his forces by
auxiliaries which he had procured from the tribes on the borders,
ventured on a pitched battle with our army, in which his men were
routed, and a great portion of them slain, while he himself was with
difficulty saved from death by the speed of his horse.

15. Firmus, being weakened by the losses he had sustained in two
battles, and in great perplexity, in order to leave no expedient
untried, sent some priests of the Christian religion with the hostages,
as ambassadors to implore peace. They were received kindly, and having
promised supplies of food for our soldiers, as they were commissioned to
do, they brought back a propitious answer. And then, sending before him
a present, Firmus himself went with confidence to meet the Roman
general, mounted on a horse fitted for any emergency. When he came near
Theodosius, he was awe-struck at the brilliancy of the standards, and
the terrible countenance of the general himself; and leapt from his
horse, and with neck bowed down almost to the ground, he, with tears,
laid all the blame on his own rashness, and entreated pardon and peace.

16. He was received with a kiss, since such treatment of him appeared
advantageous to the republic; and being now full of joyful hope, he
supplied the army with provisions in abundance; and having left some of
his own relations as hostages, he departed in order, as he promised, to
restore those prisoners whom he had taken at the first beginning of
these disturbances. And two days afterwards, without any delay, he
restored the town of Icosium (of the founders of which we have already
spoken), also the military standards, the crown belonging to the priest,
and all the other things which he had taken, as he had been commanded to
do.

17. Leaving this place, our general, advancing by long marches, reached
Tiposa, where, with great elation, he gave answers to the envoy