action, and one becoming a brave man; and so he set
out, bearing vouchers of his rank and high birth.

16. And as he was on his way towards the enemy's camp, the accompanying
archers and Scutarii, who on that occasion were under the command of
Bacurius, a native of Iberia, and of Cassio, yielded, while on their
march, to an indiscreet impetuosity, and on approaching the enemy, first
attacked them rashly, and then by a cowardly flight disgraced the
beginning of the campaign.

17. This ill-timed attack frustrated the willing services of Richomeres,
as he was not permitted to proceed; in the mean time the cavalry of the
Goths had returned with Alatheus and Saphrax, and with them a battalion
of Alani; these descending from the mountains like a thunderbolt, spread
confusion and slaughter among all whom in their rapid charge they came
across.

XIII.

Sec. 1. And while arms and missiles of all kinds were meeting in fierce
conflict, and Bellona, blowing her mournful trumpet, was raging more
fiercely than usual, to inflict disaster on the Romans, our men began to
retreat; but presently, roused by the reproaches of their officers, they
made a fresh stand, and the battle increased like a conflagration,
terrifying our soldiers, numbers of whom were pierced by strokes from
the javelins hurled at them, and from arrows.

2. Then the two lines of battle dashed against each other, like the
beaks (or rams) of ships, and thrusting with all their might, were
tossed to and fro, like the waves of the sea. Our left wing had advanced
actually up to the waggons, with the intent to push on still further if
they were properly supported; but they were deserted by the rest of the
cavalry, and so pressed upon by the superior numbers of the enemy, that
they were overwhelmed and beaten down, like the ruin of a vast rampart.
Presently our infantry also was left unsupported, while the different
companies became so huddled together that a soldier could hardly draw
his sword, or withdraw his hand after he had once stretched it out. And
by this time such clouds of dust arose that it was scarcely possible to
see the sky, which resounded with horrible cries; and in consequence,
the darts, which were bearing death on every side, reached their mark,
and fell with deadly effect, because no one could see them beforehand so
as to guard against them.

3. But when the barbarians, rushing on with their enormous host, beat
down our horses and men, and left n