s, with the exception of a few, who, in spite of the difficult
ground over which their flight lay, escaped by their swiftness of foot.
At last, when the contest had been protracted till evening, the usual
signal for retreat was given, and the combatants parted to pass the
night with very different feelings.

12. The losses of the besiegers, who had suffered greatly, encouraged
the defenders of the town with hopes of victory, though they also had to
mourn the deaths of some few of their number. Nevertheless, the
preparations went on rapidly. Rest and food refreshed their bodies
during the night; and at dawn of day the conflict was renewed at the
trumpet's signal.

13. Some, holding their shields over their heads, in order to fight with
more activity; others, in front, bore ladders on their shoulders, and
rushed on with eager vehemence, exposing their breasts to wounds from
every kind of weapon. Some endeavoured to break down the iron bars of
the gates; but were attacked with fire, or crushed under stones hurled
from the walls. Some boldly strove to cross the fosses, but fell beneath
the sudden sallies of soldiers rushing out from postern gates, or were
driven back with severe wounds. For those who sallied forth had an easy
retreat within the walls, and the rampart in front of the walls,
strengthened with turf, saved those who lay in wait behind it from all
danger.

14. Although the garrison excelled in endurance and in the arts of war,
without any other aid than that of their walls, still our soldiers,
being attacked as they were from a more numerous force, became impatient
of the long delay, and moved round and round the suburbs, seeking
diligently to discover by what force or what engines they could make
their way out of the city.

15. But as, through the greatness of the difficulties in their way, they
could not accomplish this, they began to slacken their exertions as to
the siege itself, and leaving a few watches and outposts, ravaged the
adjacent country, and thus obtained all kinds of supplies, dividing
their booty with their comrades. The consequence was, that excessive
eating and drinking proved injurious to their health.

16. When, however, Immo and his colleagues reported this to Julian, who
was passing the winter at Constantinople, he applied a wise remedy to
such a disorder, and sent thither Agilo, the commander of his infantry,
an officer in great esteem, that when a man of his rank and reputation
app