in cases of necessity it should show itself manageable and prudent.
Now what I think best to be done, if your opinion accords with mine, and
if your just indignation will endure it, I will briefly explain.

11. "Already noon is approaching, we are weary with our march, and if we
advance we shall enter upon rugged paths where we can hardly see our
way. As the moon is waning the night will not be lighted up by any
stars. The earth is burnt up with the heat, and will afford us no
supplies of water. And even if by any contrivance we could get over
these difficulties comfortably, still, when the swarms of the enemy fall
upon us, refreshed as they will be with rest, meat, and drink, what will
become of us? What strength will there be in our weary limbs, exhausted
as we shall be with hunger, thirst, and toil, to encounter them?

12. "Therefore, since the most critical difficulties are often overcome
by skilful arrangements, and since, after good counsel has been taken in
good part, divine-looking remedies have often re-established affairs
which seemed to be tottering; I entreat you to let us here, surrounded
as we are with fosse and rampart, take our repose, after first
parcelling out our regular watches, and then, having refreshed ourselves
with sleep and food as well as the time will allow, let us, under the
protection of God, with the earliest dawn move forth our conquering
eagles and standards to reap a certain triumph."

13. The soldiers would hardly allow him to finish his speech, gnashing
their teeth, and showing their eagerness for combat by beating their
shields with their spears; and entreating at once to be led against the
enemy already in their sight, relying on the favour of the God of
heaven, and on their own valour, and on the proved courage of their
fortunate general. And, as the result proved, it was a certain kind
genius that was present with them thus prompting them to fight while
still under his inspiration.

14. And this eagerness of theirs was further stimulated by the full
approval of the officers of high rank, and especially of Florentius the
prefect of the praetorian guard, who openly gave his opinion for fighting
at once, while the enemy were in the solid mass in which they were now
arranged; admitting the danger indeed, but still thinking it the wisest
plan, because, if the enemy once dispersed, it would be impossible to
restrain the soldiers, at all times inclined by their natural vehemence
of di