linen jackets, so that the layers of horn are
like the feathers of a bird. Their horses are chiefly geldings, lest at
the sight of mares they should be excited and run away, or, when held
back in reserve, should betray their riders by their fierce neighing.

3. They cover vast spaces in their movements, whether in pursuit or in
retreat, their horses being swift and very manageable; and they lead
with them one or sometimes two spare chargers apiece, in order that the
change may keep up the strength of their cattle, and that their vigour
may be preserved by alternations of rest.

4. Therefore, after the vernal equinox was past, the emperor, having
collected a strong body of soldiers, marched forth under the guidance of
propitious fortune. Having arrived at a suitable place, he crossed the
Danube, which was now flooded from the melting of the snow, by a bridge
of boats, and descended on the lands of the barbarians, which he began
to lay waste. They, being taken by surprise through the rapidity of his
march, and seeing that the battalions of his warlike army were at their
throats, when they had not supposed it possible that such a force could
be collected for a year, had no courage to make a stand, but, as the
only means of escaping unexpected destruction, took to flight.

5. When many had been slain, fear fettering their steps, those whose
speed had saved them from death hid themselves among the secret defiles
of the mountains, and from thence beheld their country destroyed by the
sword, which they might have delivered if they had resisted with as much
vigour as they fled.

6. These events took place in that part of Sarmatia which looks towards
the second Pannonia. Another military expedition, conducted with equal
courage, routed the troops of the barbarians in Valeria, who were
plundering and destroying everything within their reach.

7. Terrified at the greatness of this disaster, the Sarmatians, under
pretext of imploring peace, planned to divide their force into three
bodies, and to attack our army while in a state of fancied security; so
that they should neither be able to prepare their weapons, nor avoid
wounds, nor (which is the last resource in a desperate case) take to
flight.

8. There were with the Sarmatians likewise on this occasion, as
partners in their danger, the Quadi,[83] who had often before taken part
in the injuries inflicted on us; but their prompt boldness did not help
them on this occasion, ru