is
modern attempt; for AEmilianus approached a gate protected by a
stone-covered testudo, under which he safely forced his way into the
city while the garrison was occupied in demolishing this stone roof. But
Julian attacked a place completely exposed, while the whole face of
heaven was darkened by the fragments of rock and weapons which were
showered upon him, and was even then with great difficulty repulsed and
forced to retire.

18. After this hasty and tumultuous assault, as the vast preparations of
sheds and mounds which were carried on were attended with much
difficulty, through the hindrances offered by the garrison, Julian
ordered an engine called helepolis to be constructed with all speed;
which, as we have already mentioned, King Demetrius used, and earned the
title of Poliorcetes by the number of cities which he took.

19. The garrison, anxiously viewing this engine, which was to exceed the
height of their lofty towers, and considering at the same time the
determination of the besiegers, suddenly betook themselves to
supplications, and spreading over the towers and walls, imploring the
pardon and protection of the Romans with outstretched hands.

20. And when they saw that the works of the Romans were suspended, and
that those who were constructing them were doing nothing, which seemed a
sure token of peace, they requested an opportunity of conferring with
Hormisdas.

21. And when this was granted, Mamersides, the commander of the
garrison, was let down by a rope, and conducted to the emperor as he
desired; and having received a promise of his own life, and of impunity
to all his comrades he was allowed to return to the city. And when he
related what had been done, the citizens unanimously agreed to follow
his advice and accept the terms; and peace was solemnly made with all
the sanctions of religion, the gates were thrown open, and the whole
population went forth proclaiming that a protecting genius had shone
upon them in the person of the great and merciful Caesar.

22. The number of those who surrendered was two thousand five hundred,
for the rest of the citizens, expecting the siege beforehand, had
crossed the river in small boats and abandoned the city. In the citadel
a great store of arms and provisions was found; and after they had taken
what they required, the conquerors burnt the rest as well as the place
itself.

III.

Sec. 1. The day after these transactions, serious news reached the emp