ssed the Danube, reached Bononia, and
afterwards Sirmium, where he halted four days. He then descended the
river to the Camp of Mars, where he was laid up by an intermittent
fever, and, being suddenly assailed by the Alani, lost a few of his
followers.

XII.

Sec. 1. At this time Valens was disturbed by a twofold anxiety, having
learned that the people of Lintz had been defeated, and also because
Sebastian, in the letters which he sent from time to time, exaggerated
what had taken place by his pompous language. Therefore he advanced from
Melanthias, being eager by some glorious exploit to equal his youthful
nephew, by whose virtue he was greatly excited. He was at the head of a
numerous force, neither unwarlike nor contemptible, and had united with
them many veteran bands, among whom were several officers of high rank,
especially Trajan, who a little while before had been commander of the
forces.

2. And as by means of spies and observation it was ascertained that the
enemy were intending to blockade the different roads by which the
necessary supplies must come, with strong divisions, he sent a
sufficient force to prevent this, despatching a body of the archers of
the infantry and a squadron of cavalry, with all speed, to occupy the
narrow passes in the neighbourhood.

3. Three days afterwards, when the barbarians, who were advancing
slowly, because they feared an attack in the unfavourable ground which
they were traversing, arrived within fifteen miles from the station of
Nice, which was the aim of their march, the emperor, with wanton
impetuosity, resolved on attacking them instantly, because those who had
been sent forward to reconnoitre (what led to such a mistake is unknown)
affirmed that their entire body did not exceed ten thousand men.

4. Marching on with his army in battle array, he came near the suburb
of Hadrianople, where he pitched his camp, strengthening it with a
rampart of palisades, and then impatiently waited for Gratian. While
here, Richomeres, Count of the Domestici, arrived, who had been sent on
by that emperor with letters announcing his immediate approach.

5. And imploring Valens to wait a little while for him that he might
share his danger, and not rashly face the danger before him single
handed, he took counsel with his officers as to what was best to be
done.

6. Some, following the advice of Sebastian, recommended with urgency
that he should at once go forth to battle; while Victo