s was appointed commander of
the cavalry; and he being well provided and fully prepared, attacked the
fortress of Churpeigne, protecting both his wings and flanks with great
care. And at this place he fell on the barbarians unexpectedly, before
they could arm themselves, and in a very short time utterly destroyed
them.

2. Then leading on the soldiers while exulting in the glory of this easy
victory, to defeat the other divisions, and advancing slowly, he learnt
from the faithful report of his scouts that a band of ravagers, after
having plundered the villages around, were resting on the bank of the
river. And as he approached, while his army was concealed by the lowness
of the ground and the thickness of the trees, he saw some of them
bathing, some adorning their hair after their fashion, and some
carousing.

3. And seizing this favourable opportunity, he suddenly bade the trumpet
give the signal, and burst into the camp of the marauders. On the other
hand, the Germans could do nothing but pour forth useless threats and
shouts, not being allowed time to collect their scattered arms, or to
form in any strength, so vigorously were they pressed by the conquerors.
Thus numbers of them fell pierced with javelins and swords, and many
took to flight, and were saved by the winding and narrow paths.

4. After this success, which was won by valour and good fortune, Jovinus
struck his camp without delay, and led on his soldiers with increased
confidence (sending out a body of careful scouts in advance) against the
third division. And arriving at Chalons by forced marches, he there
formed the whole body ready for battle.

5. And having constructed a rampart with seasonable haste, and refreshed
his men with food and sleep as well as the time permitted, at daybreak
he arranged his army in an open plain, extending his line with admirable
skill, in order that by occupying an extensive space of ground the
Romans might appear to be equal in number to the enemy: being in fact
inferior in that respect though equal in strength.

6. Accordingly, when the trumpet gave the signal and the battle began to
rage at close quarters, the Germans stood amazed, alarmed at the
well-known appearance of the shining standards. But though they were
checked for a moment, they presently recovered themselves, and the
conflict was protracted till the close of the day, when our valorous
troops would have reaped the fruit of their gallantry without any loss