he heavy oars,
so that soldiers and sailors all had plenty of food; though the greater
part of the animals, being used to swimming, plunged into the rapid
stream and could not be stopped till they had reached their well known
haunts.

6. Then after an easy march of four days, as evening came on, he
embarked a thousand light-armed troops on board his boats, and sent the
Count Lucillianus to storm the fortress of Anatha, which, like many
other forts in that country, is surrounded by the waters of the
Euphrates; Lucillianus having, as he was ordered, placed his ships in
suitable places, besieged the island, a cloudy night favouring a secret
assault.

7. But as soon as it became light, one of the garrison going out to get
water, saw the enemy, and immediately raised an outcry, which roused the
awakened garrison to arm in their defence. And presently, from a high
watch-tower, the emperor examined the situation of the fort, and came up
with all speed escorted by two vessels, and followed by a considerable
squadron laden with engines for the siege.

8. And as he approached the walls, and considered that the contest could
not be carried on without great risk, he tried both by conciliatory and
threatening language to induce the garrison to surrender; and they,
having invited Hormisdas to a conference, were won over by his promises
and oaths to rely on the mercy of the Romans.

9. At last, driving before them a crowned ox, which among them is a sign
of peace, they descended from the fort as suppliants; the fort was
burnt, and Pusaeus, its commander, who was afterwards Duke of Egypt, was
appointed to the rank of tribune. The rest of the garrison with their
families and property were conducted with all kindness to the Syrian
city of Chalcis.

10. Among them was found a certain soldier, who formerly, when Maximian
invaded Persia, had been left in this district as an invalid, though a
very young man, but who was now bent with age, and according to his own
account had several wives, as is the custom of that country, and a
numerous offspring. He now full of joy, professing to have been a
principal cause of the surrender, was led to our camp, calling many of
his comrades to witness that he had long foreseen and often foretold
that, though nearly a hundred years' old, he should be buried in Roman
ground. After this event, the Saracens brought in some skirmishers of
the enemy whom they had taken; these were received with joy by the