nd withdrew, some to Philippopolis, and from thence to Serdica, others
to Macedonia; with all the wealth which they had saved undiminished, and
pressing on with the greatest exertion and celerity, as if they were
likely to find Valens in those regions, since they were wholly ignorant
that he had perished in battle, or else certainly (as is rather
believed) burnt to death in the cottage.

3. Meanwhile the Goths, combining with the Huns and Alani, both brave
and warlike tribes, and inured to toil and hardship, whom Fritigern had
with great ability won over to his side by the temptation of great
rewards--fixed their camp near Perinthus; but recollecting their
previous losses, they did not venture to come close to the city, or make
any attempt to take it; they, however, devastated and entirely stripped
the fertile territory surrounding it, slaying or making prisoners of the
inhabitants.

4. From hence they marched with speed to Constantinople in battle array,
from fear of ambuscades; being eager to make themselves masters of its
ample riches, and resolved to try every means to take that illustrious
city. But while giving way to extravagant pride, and beating almost
against the barriers of the gates, they were repulsed in this instance
by the Deity.

5. A body of Saracens (a nation of whose origin and manners we have
already given a full account in several places), being more suited for
sallies and skirmishes than for pitched battles, had been lately
introduced into the city; and, as soon as they saw the barbarian host,
they sallied out boldly from the city to attack it. There was a stubborn
fight for some time; and at last both armies parted on equal terms.

6. But a strange and unprecedented incident gave the final advantage to
the eastern warriors; for one of them with long hair, naked--with the
exception of a covering round his waist--shouting a hoarse and
melancholy cry, drew his dagger and plunged into the middle of the
Gothic host, and after he had slain an enemy, put his lips to his
throat, and sucked his blood. The barbarians were terrified at this
marvellous prodigy, and from that time forth, when they proceeded on any
enterprise, displayed none of their former and usual ferocity, but
advanced with hesitating steps.

7. As time went on their ardour damped, and they began to take into
consideration the vast circuit of the walls (which was the greater on
account of the large space occupied by mansions with garde