eat and the repeated conflicts, but at last the hostile battalions were
driven back in great disorder. Then while we fell back to a greater
distance, the Saracens were also compelled to retreat from fear of our
infantry, but presently afterwards joining themselves to the Persian
host, they attacked us again, with more safety to themselves for the
purpose of carrying off the Roman baggage. But when they saw the emperor
they again retreated upon their reserve.

4. After leaving this district we reached a village called Hucumbra,
where we rested two days, procuring all kinds of provisions and
abundance of corn, so that we moved on again after being refreshed
beyond our hopes; all that the time would not allow us to take away we
burnt.

5. The next day the army was advancing more quietly, when the Persians
unexpectedly fell upon our last division, to whom that day the duty fell
of bringing up the rear, and would easily have slain all the men, had
not our cavalry, which happened to be at hand, the moment that they
heard what was going on, hastened up, though scattered over the wide
valley, and repulsed this dangerous attack, wounding all who had thus
surprised them.

6. In this skirmish fell Adaces, a noble satrap, who had formerly been
sent as ambassador to the emperor Constantius, and had been kindly
received by him. The soldier who slew him brought his arms to Julian,
and received the reward he deserved.

7. The same day one of our corps of cavalry, known as the third legion,
was accused of having gradually given way, so that when the legions were
on the point of breaking the enemy's line, they nearly broke the spirit
of the whole army.

8. And Julian, being justly indignant at this, deprived them of their
standards, broke their spears, and condemned all those who were
convicted of having misbehaved of marching among the baggage and
prisoners; while their captain, the only one of their number who had
behaved well, was appointed to the command of another squadron, the
tribune of which was convicted of having shamefully left the field.

9. And four other tribunes of companies were also cashiered for similar
misconduct; for the emperor was contented with this moderate degree of
punishment out of consideration for his impending difficulties.

10. Accordingly, having advanced seventy furlongs with very scanty
supplies, the herbage and the corn being all burnt, each man saved for
himself just as much of the grain or for