hidden
ambush, where he stood without the power of moving, being bewildered by
the suddenness of his disaster.

8. In the mean time the enemy, showing themselves, sprang forth from
their hiding-places and spared not one who came in their way, but
overwhelmed them with every kind of weapon. For none of our men could
offer the smallest resistance, nor was there any hope of any of them
being able to save their lives except by a speedy flight. Therefore,
being intent only on avoiding wounds, our soldiers, losing all order,
ran almost at random in every direction, exposing their backs to the
blows of the enemy. Nevertheless the greater part of them, scattering
themselves among narrow paths, were saved from danger by the protecting
darkness of the night, and at the return of day recovered their courage
and rejoined their different legions. But still by this sad and
unexpected disaster a vast number of common soldiers and ten tribunes
were slain.

9. The Allemanni were greatly elated at this event, and advanced with
increased boldness, every day coming up to the fortifications of the
Romans while the morning mists obscured the light; and drawing their
swords roamed about in every direction, gnashing their teeth, and
threatening us with haughty shouts. Then with a sudden sally our
Scutarii would rush forth, and after being stopped for a moment by the
resistance of the hostile squadrons, would call out all their comrades
to join them in the engagement.

10. But the greater part of our men were alarmed by the recollection of
their recent disaster, and Arbetio hesitated, thinking everything
pregnant with danger. Upon this three tribunes at once sallied forth,
Arintheus who was a lieutenant commander of the heavy troops, Seniauchus
who commanded the cavalry of the Comites,[38] and Bappo who had the
command of the Promoti[39] and of those troops who had been particularly
intrusted to his charge by the emperor.

11. These men, looking on the common cause as their own, resolved to
repel the violence of the enemy according to the example of their
ancient comrades. And pouring down upon the foe like a torrent, not in a
regular line of battle, but in desultory attacks like those of banditti,
they put them all to flight in a disgraceful manner. Since they, being
in loose order and straggling, and hampered by their endeavours to
escape, exposed their unprotected bodies to our weapons, and were slain
by repeated blows of sword and spea