ational habit, when it cannot be
doubted that it is not from inactivity, but from moderation, that we
have at times endured attacks instead of being the assailants ourselves:
and know that, whenever we are attacked, we defend our own with bravery
and good will: being assured both by thy reading and thy personal
experience that in battle it has been rare for Romans to meet with
disaster; and that in the final issue of a war we have never come off
the worst."

15. The embassy was therefore dismissed without gaining any of its
objects; and indeed no other reply could be given to the unbridled
covetousness of the king. And a few days afterwards, Count Prosper
followed, and Spectatus the tribune and secretary; and also, by the
suggestion of Musonianus, Eustathius the philosopher, as one skilful in
persuading, bearing a letter from the emperor, and presents, with a view
to induce Sapor to suspend his preparations, so that all our attention
might be turned to fortifying the northern provinces in the most
effective manner.

VI.

Sec. 1. Now while these affairs, of so doubtful a complexion, were
proceeding, that portion of the Allemanni which borders on the regions
of Italy, forgetful of the peace and of the treaties which they only
obtained by abject entreaty, laid waste the Tyrol with such fury that
they even went beyond their usual habit in undertaking the siege of some
walled towns.

2. And when a strong force had been sent to repel them under the command
of Barbatio, who had been promoted to the command of the infantry in the
room of Silvanus, a man of not much activity, but a fluent talker, he,
as his troops were in a high state of indignation at the invaders, gave
them so terrible a defeat, that only a very few, who took to flight in
their panic, escaped to carry back their tears and lamentations to their
homes.

3. In this battle Nevitta, who afterwards became consul, was present as
commander of a squadron of cavalry, and displayed great gallantry.

VII.

Sec. 1. This year also some terrible earthquakes took place in Macedonia,
Asia Minor, and Pontus, and their repeated shocks overthrew many towns,
and even mountains. But the most remarkable of all the manifold
disasters which they caused was the entire ruin of Nicomedia, the
metropolis of Bithynia; which I will here relate with truth and brevity.

2. On the 23rd of August, at daybreak, some heavy black clouds suddenly
obscured the sky, which just before w