ng the foot of the mountain chain, should surprise and plunder
Chiliocomum near Corduena; but neither of these plans was conformable to
the omens presented by an inspection of the sacrifices.

5. However it was decided, that since there was no better prospect
before us, to seize on Corduena; and on the 16th June we struck our
camp, and at daybreak the emperor set forth, when suddenly was seen
either smoke or a great cloud of dust; so that many thought it was
caused by herds of wild asses, of which there are countless numbers in
those regions, and who were now moving in a troop, in order by their
compactness to ward off the ferocious attacks of lions.

6. Some, however, fancied that it was caused by the approach of the
Saracen chieftains, our allies, who had heard that the emperor was
besieging Ctesiphon in great force: some again affirmed that the
Persians were lying in wait for us on our march.

7. Therefore amid all these doubtful opinions, the trumpets sounded a
halt, in order to guard against any reverse, and we halted in a grassy
valley near a stream, where, packing our shields in close order and in a
circular figure, we pitched our camp and rested in safety. Nor, so dark
did it continue till evening, could we distinguish what it was that had
so long obscured the view.

[149] Small boats made of wicker and covered with hide; still used in
Wales, where they are also called thorricle, truckle, or cobble.

[150] See Il. iv. 297:--

+Ippeas men propa syn hippoisin kai ochesphin
pezous d' exopithen stesen poleas te kai esthlous
erkos emen polemoio, kakous d' eis messon elassen.+

Thus translated by Pope:--

"The horse and chariots to the front assigned,
The foot (the strength of war) he placed behind;
The middle space suspected troops supply,
Enclosed by both, nor left the power to fly."

BOOK XXV.

ARGUMENT.

I. The Persians attack the Romans on their march, but are gallantly
repelled.--II. The army is distressed by want of corn and forage;
Julian is alarmed by prodigies.--III. The emperor, while, in order
to repulse the Persians, who pressed him on all quarters, he rashly
rushes into battle without his breastplate, is wounded by a spear,
and is borne back to his tent, where he addresses those around him,
and, after drinking some cold water, dies.--IV. His virtues and
vices; his personal appearance.--V. Jovian, the captain[151] of the
imp