increased, and building such
hopes on Fortune, which had not yet proved unfavourable to him, that he
often pushed his boldness to the verge of temerity, unloaded some of the
strongest of the vessels which were carrying provisions and warlike
engines, and put on board of them eight hundred armed men; and keeping
the main part of the fleet with him, which he divided into three
squadrons, he settled that one under the command of Count Victor should
start at nightfall, in order to cross the river with speed, and so seize
on the bank in possession of the enemy.

5. The generals were greatly alarmed at this plan, and unanimously
entreated him to forego it; but as they could not prevail, the signal
for sailing was raised, as he commanded, and at once five ships hastened
onwards out of sight; and when they drew near to the bank they were
attacked with an incessant storm of fire-pots and every kind of
contrivance to handle flames, and they would have been burnt soldiers
and all if the emperor, being roused, had not with great energy hastened
to the spot, shouting out that our men, as they were ordered, had made
him a signal that they were now masters of the bank of the river, and
ordering the whole fleet to hasten forward with all speed.

6. In consequence of which vigour the ships were saved, and the
soldiers, though harassed by the enemy from their commanding ground with
stones and every kind of missile, nevertheless after a fierce conflict
made good their footing on the high bank of the river, and established
themselves immovably.

7. History marvels that Sertorius swam across the Rhone with his arms
and his breastplate; but on this occasion, some soldiers, though
disordered, fearing to remain behind after the signal for battle was
raised, clinging firmly to their shields, which are broad and concave,
and guiding them, though without much skill, kept pace with the speed of
the vessels through a river full of currents.

8. The Persians resisted this attack with squadrons of cuirassier
cavalry in such close order that their bodies dazzled the eye, fitting
together, as it seemed, with their brilliant armour; while their horses
were all protected with a covering of stout leather. As a reserve to
support them several maniples of infantry were stationed, protected by
crooked, oblong shields, made of wicker-work and raw hides, behind which
they moved in compact order. Behind them were elephants, like so many
walking hills, which