ged by this example of our clemency, other chieftains
came with all their tribe, by name Araharius and Usafer, men of
distinction among the nobles, and at the head of a great force of their
countrymen; one of them being chief of a portion of the Quadi who dwelt
beyond the mountains, and the other of a division of the Sarmatians: the
two being united by the proximity of their territories, and their
natural ferocity. But the emperor, fearing the number of their
followers, lest, while pretending to make a treaty, they should suddenly
rise up in arms, separated them; ordering those who were acting for the
Sarmatians to retire for a while, while he was examining into the
affairs of Araharius and the Quadi.

13. And when they presented themselves before him, bowing according to
their national custom, as they were not able to clear themselves of
heavy charges, so, fearing extreme punishment, they gave the hostages
which were demanded, though they had never before been compelled to give
pledges for their fidelity.

14. These matters being thus equitably and successfully settled, Usafer
was admitted to offer his petition, though Araharius loudly protested
against this, and maintained that the peace ratified with him ought to
comprehend Usafer also, as an ally of his though of inferior rank, and
subject to his command.

15. But when the question was discussed, the Sarmatians were pronounced
independent of any other power, as having been always vassals of the
Roman empire; and they willingly embraced the proposal of giving
hostages as a pledge of the maintenance of tranquillity.

16. After this there came a vast number of nations and princes, flocking
in crowds, when they heard that Araharius had been allowed to depart in
safety, imploring us to withdraw the sword which was at their throats;
and they also obtained the peace which they requested on similar terms,
and without any delay gave as hostages the sons of their nobles whom
they brought from the interior of the country; and they also
surrendered, as we insisted, all their prisoners, from whom they parted
as unwillingly as from their own relations.

17. When these arrangements were completed, the emperor's anxiety was
transferred to the Sarmatians, who were objects of pity rather than of
anger. It is incredible how much prosperity our connection with their
affairs had brought them, so as to give grounds for really believing,
what some persons do imagine, that Fate may be