e walls by
repeated blows; and meanwhile they poured on it burning pitch, and for a
long time these engines were fixed at the point to which they had been
advanced, and exposed to all the stones and javelins which were hurled
from the walls.

16. By this time the mounds were raised to a considerable height, and
the garrison, thinking that unless they used extraordinary vigilance
their destruction must be at hand, resorted to extreme audacity; and
making an unexpected sally from the gates, they attacked our front rank,
and with all their might hurled firebrands and iron braziers loaded with
fire against the rams.

17. But after a fierce but undecided conflict, the bulk of them were
driven within the walls, without having succeeded in their attempt; and
presently the battlements were attacked from the mounds which the Romans
had raised, with arrows and slings and lighted javelins, which flew
over the roofs of the towers, but did no harm, means having been
prepared to extinguish any flames.

18. And as the ranks on both sides became thinner, and the Persians were
now reduced to extremities unless some aid could be found, they prepared
with redoubled energy a fresh sally from the camp: accordingly, they
made a sudden sally, supported by increased numbers, and among the armed
men were many bearing torches, and iron baskets full of fire, and
faggots; and all kinds of things best adapted for setting fire to the
works of the besiegers were hurled against them.

19. And because the dense clouds of smoke obscured the sight, when the
trumpet gave the signal for battle, the legions came up with quick step;
and as the eagerness of the conflict grew hotter, after they had
engaged, suddenly all the engines, except the great ram, caught fire
from the flames which were hurled at them; but the ropes which held the
chief ram were broken asunder, and that the vigorous efforts of some
gallant men saved, when it was half burnt.

20. When the darkness of night terminated the combat, only a short time
was allowed to the soldiers for rest; but when they had been refreshed
by a little food and sleep, they were awakened by their captains, and
ordered to remove their works away from the walls of the town, and
prepare to fight at closer quarters from the lofty mounds which were
untouched by the flames, and now commanded the walls. And to drive the
defenders from the walls, on the summit of the mounds they stationed two
balistae, in fear of wh