Ammianus: RES GESTAE A FINE CORNELI TACITI

1. Post exploratam alacritatem exercitus, uno parique ardore inpetrabilem principem superari non posse, deum usitato clamore testati, Iulianus summae rei finem inponendum maturius credens, extracta quiete nocturna itinerarium sonare lituos iubet, praestructisque omnibus, quae difficultates arduae belli poscebant, candente iam luce Assyrios fines ingressus celso praeter alios spiritu obequitans ordinibus aemulatione sui cunctos ad officia fortitudinis incendebat.

1. After the army’s proved alacrity, and with one and equal ardor they attested to God by the accustomed shout that the impregnable prince could not be overcome, Iulianus, believing the end of the supreme matter should be imposed more swiftly, ordered the lituus to sound the march after the nocturnal rest was taken away; and with everything prearranged that the hardships of the arduous war demanded, with light now kindling he entered the Assyrian frontiers, lofty in spirit beyond the others, conspicuous in the ranks and by the emulation of himself kindling all to the duties of fortitude.

2. utque ductor usu et docilitate firmatus metuens, ne per locorum insolentiam insidiis caperetur occultis, agminibus incedere quadratis exorsus est. excursatores quidem quingentos et mille sensim praeire disposuit, qui cautius gradientes ex utroque latere itidemque a fronte, nequis repentinus inrueret, prospectabant. ipse vero medios pedites regens, quod erat totius roboris firmamentum, dextra legiones aliquas cum Nevitta supercilia fluminis praestringere iussit Euphratis.

2. And when the commander, strengthened by experience and docility, fearing that through the unfamiliarity of the places he might be seized by hidden ambushes, began to march his columns in squares. He arranged that five hundred and one thousand scouts should go forward gradually, who, advancing more cautiously both from each flank and likewise from the front, kept watch lest anyone rush upon them suddenly. He himself, however, governing the infantry in the middle, which was the buttress of all his strength, ordered some legions on the right with Nevitta to press tight along the bank of the Euphrates.

cornu vero laevum cum equitum copiis Arintheo tradidit et Ormizdae ducendum confertius per plana camporum et mollia. agmina vero postrema Dagalaifus cogebat et Victor, ultimusque omnium Osdruenae dux Secundinus.

He entrusted the left wing with the cavalry to Arintheus and ordered Ormizdas to be led more closely across the plains of the fields and the soft ground. Dagalaifus and Victor were assembling the rearmost columns, and the last of all was Secundinus, duke of the Osdruenae.

3. deinde ut hostibus, si erupissent usquam, vel conspicantibus procul timorem multitudinis maioris incuteret, laxatis cuneis iumenta dilatavit et homines, ut decimo paene lapide postremi dispararentur a signiferis primis, quod arte mira saepe fecisse Pyrrhus ille rex dicitur Epirotes, oportunis in locis castra metandi armorumque speciem diffundendi ex industria vel attenuandi perquam scientissimus, ut ubi usu venisset plures aestimarentur aut pauci.

3. then, so that he might strike into the enemies — if they should have sallied forth anywhere, or perceiving from afar — a fear of a greater multitude, he dilated the beasts of burden by loosening the wedges and dispersed the men, so that at almost the tenth pace the rearmost would be separated from the foremost standard-bearers, which that king Pyrrhus of the Epirotes is said often to have done by wondrous craft; most very skilled in choosing suitable places for encamping and in either deliberately diffusing the appearance of arms or attenuating it, so that where use had come men might reckon them more numerous or fewer.

4. Sarcinas vero et calones et apparationem inbellem inpedimentorumque genus omne inter utrumque latus instituit procedentium ordinatim, nequa vi subita raperentur, ut saepe contigit, inprotecta. classis autem licet per flumen ferebatur adsiduis flexibus tortuosum, nec residere nec praecurrere sinebatur.

4. He placed the baggage, camp-servants, and unmilitary apparatus and every kind of impediment in orderly fashion between each flank of those advancing, lest they be snatched away by sudden force, as often happened, unprotected. But although the fleet was borne along the river, winding with continual bends, it was permitted neither to fall back nor to press ahead.

5. Emenso itaque itinere bidui prope civitatem venimus Duram desertam, marginibus amnis inpositam. in quo loco greges cervorum plures inventi sunt, quorum alii confixi missilibus, alii ponderibus elisi remorum ad satietatem omnes paverunt; pars maxima natatu adsueta veloci alveo penetrato incohibili cursu evasit ad solitudines notas.

5. Having completed a two‑day march we came near the city Dura, deserted, set upon the river’s banks. In that place several herds of stags were found, some pierced with missiles, others struck down by the weights of oars, all supplying food to satiety; the great majority, accustomed to swimming, having crossed the swift channel with an irresistible course, escaped to their familiar solitudes.

6. Exin dierum quattuor itinere levi peracto vespera incedente cum expeditis mille inpositis navibus Lucillianus comes imperio principis mittitur Anathan munimentum expugnaturus, quod ut pleraque alia circumluitur fluentis Euphratis. et navibus, ut praeceptum est, per oportuna dispersis obsidebatur insula, nebulosa nocte obumbrante impetum clandestinum.

6. Then, after a light journey of four days was completed and evening was coming on, with a thousand light ships laden with the expeditionaries, Lucillianus, comes, was sent by the prince’s command to assault Anatha’s fortification, which, like many others, is surrounded by the flowing Euphrates. And the island, as ordered, was blockaded by the ships, dispersed at suitable stations, a misty night overshadowing a clandestine attack.

7. sed postquam advenit lux certa, aquatum quidam egressus visis subito hostibus ululabili clamore sublato excitos tumultuosis vocibus propugnatores armavit. et mox a specula quadam altissima explorato situ castrorum, quam ocissime cum duarum praesidio navium amnem supermeat imperator, pone sequentibus navigiis multis, quae obsidionales machinas advehebant.

7. but after certain light arrived, a certain water-carrier having gone out, the enemies suddenly seen and with a shrill shout raised, roused defenders and armed them with tumultuous voices. and soon, from a certain very high watch-tower having scouted the situation of the camp — which the emperor most swiftly crossed the river with the protection of two ships, many vessels following behind — which were transporting siege-machines.

8. iamque muris propinquans cum non absque discriminibus multis consideraret esse certandums sermone cum leni tum aspero et minaci hortabatur ad deditionem defensores, qui ad conloquium petito Ormizda promissi, eius et iuramentis inlecti multa sibi de lenitudine Romana spondebant.

8. and now drawing near the walls, and not without many perils, he judged that there was need to contend; with speech sometimes mild, then harsh and menacing, he urged the defenders to surrender, who, when a parley was requested, having given pledges to Ormizda and beguiled by his oaths, promised themselves many things concerning Roman lenity.

9. denique prae se bovem coronatum agentes, quod est apud eos susceptae pacis indicium, descendere suppliciter, et statim munimento omni incenso Pusaeus eius praefectus, dux Aegypti postea, honore tribunatus adfectus est. reliqui vero cum caritatibus suis et supellectile humaniore cultu ad Syriacam civitatem Chalcida transmissi sunt.

9. finally, leading before them a bull crowned, which among them is a token of accepted peace, they descended suppliant; and immediately, the fortifications all having been burned, Pusaeus, his prefect, later duke of Egypt, was bestowed with the honor of the tribunate. The rest, however, were sent on to the Syrian city Chalcis with their charities and household furnishings in a more refined habit.

10. inter hos miles quidam, cum Maximianus perrupisset quondam Persicos fines in his locis aeger relictus, prima etiam tum lanugine iuvenis, ut aiebat, uxores sortitus gentis ritu conplures cum numerosa subole tunc senex incurvus exultans proditionisque auctor ducebatur ad nostra testibus adfirmans et praescisse se olim et praedixisse, quod centenario iam contiguus sepelietur in solo Romano. post quae Saraceni procursatores quosdam partis hostium obtulere laetissimo principi et munerati ad agenda similia sunt remissi.

10. among these a certain soldier, when Maximianus had once broken through the Persian frontiers and was left sick in these regions, then a youth likewise with the first down of hair, as he said, having taken wives according to the custom of the people — several with a numerous offspring — was then led to us, an old man bent over yet exulting and held the author of the treachery, affirming before witnesses that he had long foreseen and predicted that he would be buried in Roman soil already near his hundredth year. After these things the Saracen scouts offered certain parts of the enemy to the most joyful prince, and, having been munificently rewarded for such deeds, were sent back to perform like services.

11. Acciderat aliud postridie dirum. ventorum enim turbo exortus pluresque vertigines concitans ita confuderat omnia tecta, ut tabernacula multa conscinderentur et supini plerique milites sternerentur vel proni, spiritu stabilitatem vestigii subvertente. nec minus eodem die aliud periculosum evenit.

11. Another dire thing befell the next day. For a whirlwind of winds having arisen and stirring many vortices had so confused all the coverings, that many tents were rent and most soldiers were cast down, either supine or prostrate, the gust overturning the stability of their footing. Nor less on that same day did another dangerous event occur.

amne enim repente extra margines evagato mersae sunt quaedam frumentariae naves cataractis avulsis, ad defundendas reprimendasque aquas rigare suetas opere saxeo structis: quod utrum per insidias an magnitudine acciderit fluentorum sciri non potuit.

for when the river suddenly ran beyond its margins, certain grain-ships were swept away and submerged, their cataracts torn off, these vessels accustomed to water and to pour forth and restrain the waters by works built of stone: whether this occurred by ambush or by the great magnitude of the floods could not be discerned.

12. Post perruptam incensamque urbem omnium primam et captivos transmissos certiore iam spe provectus exercitus ad fiduciam elatis vocibus in favores principis consurgebat, adfore sibi etiam deinde caelestem existimans curam.

12. After the city had been breached and burned, the army—first of all, and with the captives sent away—advanced with a now more certain hope and, with voices raised, rose into confidence and into the favors of the prince, thinking that thereafter a heavenly care would be present for itself.

13. Et quia per regiones ignotas de obscuris erat suspectior cura, astus gentis et ludificandi varietas timebatur. ideoque imperator nunc antesignanus, nunc agminibus cogendis insistens cum expeditis velitibus, nequid lateret abstrusum, frutecta squalida vallesque scrutabatur, licentiores militum per longinqua discursus adfabilitate nativa prohibendo vel minis.

13. And because through unknown regions the care was the more suspected from dark quarters, the guile of the people and the variety of deceiving were feared. Therefore the emperor, now as vanguard, now insisting on the mustering of columns, pressing forward with light-armed velites, lest aught hidden remain unseen, searched the scrubby thickets and squalid valleys, restraining the more licentious soldiers’ long-range excursions by native affability or by threats.

14 . hostiles tamen agros omni frugum genere divites cum segetibus et tuguriis inflammari permisit ita demum cum usui necessaria abunde sibi quisque collegisset, et hoc modo sauciabatur salus hostium nesciorum.

14 . nevertheless he permitted the hostile fields, rich with every kind of grain, together with their harvests and hovels, to be set on fire; so at last, when each had gathered in plenty what was needful for use, and thus the safety of the unknown enemies was wounded.

15. bellatores enim libenter quaesitis dextris propriis utebantur, alia virtutis suae horrea repperisse existimantes, et laeti quod vitae quoque subsidiis adfluentes alimenta servabant quae navigiis vehebantur.

15. for the warriors readily employed their own right hands when called upon, thinking they had discovered other granaries of their virtue, and gladly, since they were also brimming with supplies for life, preserved the provisions that were borne by ships.

16. hic vino gravis quidam temerarius miles ad ulteriorem ripam nullo urgente transgressus in conspectu nostro ab hostibus captus occisus est.

16. here a certain temerarious soldier, heavy with wine, having crossed to the farther bank with no one urging him, was seized and slain by the enemies in our sight.

1. Quibus tali casu patratis ad castra pervenimus nomine Thilutha in medio fluminis sita, locum inmenso quodam vertice tumescentem et potestate naturae velut manu circumsaeptum humana, cuius ad deditionem incolae temptati mollius, ut decebat, quoniam asperitas edita vim superabat armorum, intempestivam tunc defectionem esse firmabant. sed hactenus responderunt, quod cum interiora occupaverint protinus gradientes Romani, se quoque utpote regnorum sequelas victoribus accessuros.

1. With such an event accomplished we came to the camp called Thilutha, set in the midst of the river, a place swelling with a certain immense summit and as if circled by the power of nature with a human hand; the inhabitants, tested as to surrender, maintained that it was proper to yield more gently, since the harshness shown exceeded the force of arms, and that a defection then would be untimely. But they answered thus far, that when the Romans shall have at once occupied the interior and begun to advance, they themselves also, as it were the successors of kingdoms, would approach the victors.

2. et post haec praetermeantes moenia ipsa naves nostras verecunda quiete spectabant inmobiles. quo transito cum ad munimentum aliud Achaiachalam nomine venissemus fluminis circumitione vallatum arduumque transcensu, refutati pari responso discessimus. alia postridie castra ob muros invalidos derelicta praetereuntur incensa.

2. and after these things, passing by the very walls themselves, they gazed at our ships with modest quiet, motionless. When we had passed that spot and come to another fortification called Achaiachala, walled by the circuit of the river and crossed by a steep ascent, we were repelled and departed with like a reply. The next day other camps, abandoned because their walls were weak, were passed by and burned.

3. postera igitur et insequenti die stadiis ducentis emensis ventum est ad locum Baraxmalcha. unde amne transito miliario septimo disparata Diacira invaditur civitas habitatoribus vacua, frumento et salibus nitidis plena, in qua templum alti culminis arci vidimus superpositum, qua incensa caesisque mulieribus paucis, quae repertae sunt, traiecto fonte scatenti bitumine Ozogardana occupavimus oppidum, quod formidine advenientis exercitus itidem deseruere cultores. in quo principis Traiani tribunal ostendebatur.

3. therefore on the next and following day, after two hundred stadia had been measured, we came to the place Baraxmalcha. From there, the river having been crossed, at the seventh mile the separated city Diacira was attacked — empty of inhabitants, and full of grain and of shining salts — in which we saw a temple set upon the high summit of the citadel; which, being burned and with a few women killed who were found, and the fountain spouting bitumen having been pierced, we seized the town Ozogardana, which its tillers likewise deserted in fear of the approaching army. In it the tribunal of Prince Trajan was shown.

4. hac quoque exusta, biduo ad refectio nem corporum dato prope extremum noctis, quae secundum diem secuta est, Surena post regem apud Persas promeritae dignitatis, et Malechus Podosacis nomine, phylarchus Saracenorum Assanitarum, famosi nominis latro, omni saevitia per nostros limites diu grassatus, structis Ormizdae insidiis, quem ad speculandum exiturum - incertum unde - praesenserant, ideo sunt temptamento frustrati quod angusta fluminis interluvies et praealta transiri vado non potuit.

4. this also having been burned, after two days given for the refreshment of our bodies, near the close of the night which followed the second day, Surena, second in dignity after the king among the Persians, and Malechus by name Podosacis, phylarch of the Saracens Assanitari, a brigand of famed name who for a long time ravaged our frontiers with all savagery, having laid ambushes for Ormizdas — whom they had fore-sensed would go out to reconnoitre, from where uncertain — were thus frustrated in their attempt because the narrow interfluve of the river and the too-high ford could not be crossed by wading.

5. et primo lucis exordio cum essent hostes iam in contuitu, visi tunc primitus corusci galeis et horrentes indutibus rigidis, milites in procinctum impetu veloci tendentes eos involavere fortissime. et quamvis arcus validis viribus flecterentur et splendor ferri intermicans Romanorum metum augeret, ira tamen acuente virtutem clipeorum densitate contecti, ne possint emittere coegerunt.

5. and at the first dawning of light, when the foes were already in sight, then first seen gleaming in helmets and bristling in rigid cuirasses, the soldiers, making a swift onset in battle‑order, rushing upon them flew very bravely. and although bows were bent with mighty force and the flashing of iron mingling increased the Romans’ fear, yet anger sharpening valour, covered by the density of shields, forced them so that they could not discharge (their shafts).

6. animatus his vincendi primitiis miles ad vicum Macepracta pervenit, in quo semiruta murorum vestigia videbantur, qui priscis temporibus in spatia longa protenti tueri ab externis incursibus Assyriam dicebantur.

6. encouraged by these first fruits of victory the soldier reached the village Macepracta, in which the half‑ruined traces of walls could be seen, which in ancient times were said to have stretched out in long reaches to guard Assyria from external incursions.

7. hinc pars fluminis scinditur largis aquarum agminibus ducens ad tractus Babylonios interiores usui agris futura et civitatibus circumiectis, alia Naarmalcha nomine, quod fluvius regum interpretatur, Ctesiphonta praetermeat, cuius in exordio turris in modum Phari celsior surgit.

7. from here a part of the river is cleft off, leading with wide courses of water to the interior Babylonian tracts, destined for the use of the fields and the cities round about; another, by the name Naarmalcha — which is interpreted as the river of kings — passes by Ctesiphon, at whose beginning a tower rises loftier in the manner of the Pharos.

8. hanc peditatus omnis pontibus caute digestis transivit. equites vero cum iumentis armati clementiores gurgites fluminis obliquati transnarunt, alii multitudine subita petiti telorum hostilium, quos egressi auxiliares ad cursuram levissimi, fugientiumque cervicibus insistentes, laniatu avium prostraverunt.

8. the whole infantry crossed this by bridges carefully arranged. The horsemen, however, armed and with beasts of burden, forded the gentler gulfs of the river obliquely; others, attacked by a sudden multitude of hostile missiles, whom the auxiliaries, having disembarked, to the charge very lightly armed, pressing upon the necks of the fleeing, with the tearing of birds laid low.

9. Quo negotio itidem gloriose perfecto ad civitatem Pirisaboram ventum est amplam et populosam, ambitu insulari circumvallatam. cuius obequitans moenia imperator et situm, obsidium omni cautela coeptabat quasi sola formidine oppidanos a propugnandi studio submoturus. quibus per conloquia saepe temptatis cum nec promissis quisquam flecteretur nec minis, suscipitur oppugnandi exordium et armatorum triplici corona circumdatis muris die primo ad usque noctis initium missilibus certabatur.

9. With that business likewise gloriously accomplished they came to the city Pirisabora, broad and populous, encompassed by a ringlike insular enceinte. The emperor, riding along its walls and situation, began the siege with every precaution, as if about to remove the townsfolk from the very zeal of defending. Often, after testing them by parleys, since no one was turned by promises nor by threats, the undertaking of assault was undertaken; and with the walls girded by a triple crown of armed men, on the first day until the beginning of night it was contested with missiles.

10. tum defensores animo praestantes et viribus per propugnacula ciliciis undique laxius pansis, quae telorum impetus cohiberent, obtecti scutis vimine firmissimo textis et crudorum tergorum densitate vestitis validissime resistebant, ferrea nimirum facie omni: quia lamminae singulis membrorum lineamentis cohaerenter aptatae fido operimento totam hominis speciem contegebant.

10. then the defenders, outstanding in spirit and in strength, and along the parapets with cilices spread more loosely on all sides, which might check the onslaught of missiles, covered with shields woven of very strong wicker and clad with a thickness of raw hides on their backs, resisted most stoutly, indeed with an ironlike aspect throughout: for the laminae, fitted coherently to the every contour of the limbs, with a faithful covering concealed the whole semblance of the man.

11. et aliquotiens Ormizdae et indigenae et regalis conloquia petentes obnixe propinquantem probris atque conviciis ut male fidum incessebant et desertorem. hac lenta cavillatione diei maxima parte exempta tenebrarum silentio primo multiformes admotae sunt machinae coeptaque altitudo conplanari fossarum.

11. and at times the Ormizdae and the natives, and those of the royal household, earnestly seeking parley, assailed the approaching man with reproaches and taunts, treating him as unfaithful and a deserter. With this slow cavilling, for the greater part of the day—save for the silence of the nights—many-shaped engines were at first brought near, and the raising (or heaping) of earth for levelling the trenches was begun.

12. quae vixdum ambigua luce defensores intentius contemplati, eo accedente quod angularem turrim ictus foravit arietis violentior, relictis civitatis duplicibus muris continentem occupant arcem, asperi montis interrupta planitie superpositam, cuius medietas in sublime consurgens tereti ambitu Argolici scuti speciem ostendebat, nisi quod a septemtrione id, quod rotunditati deerat, in Euphratis fluenta proiectae cautes eminentius tuebantur, in qua excellebant minae murorum bitumine et coctilibus laterculis fabricatae, quo aedificii genere nihil esse tutius constat.

12. which, scarcely yet clear in the ambiguous light, the defenders having surveyed more intently — a circumstance made worse by the fact that the more violent stroke of the battering‑ram had breached the angular tower — abandoned the city's double walls that enclosed it and took possession of the citadel, set upon the broken plain of the rugged mountain, whose half, rising aloft, presented the aspect of a rounded circumference like an Argolic shield, except that on the north that which the roundness lacked was more eminently defended by rocks projected into the streams of the Euphrates, in which the bastions of the walls, built with bitumen and fired bricks, excelled; by this kind of building it is held that nothing is safer.

13. iamque ferocior miles pervasa urbe, quam viderat vacuam, adversus oppidanos ab arce multimoda tela fundentes acri contentione pugnabat. cum enim idem prohibitores catapultis nostrorum urgerentur atque ballistis, ipsi quoque ex edito arcus erigebant fortiter tensos, quibus panda utrimque surgentia cornua ita lentius flectebantur ut nervi digitorum acti pulsibus violentis harundines ferratas emitterent, quae corporibus inlisae contrariis letaliter figebantur.

13. and now the soldier, fiercer after passing through the city which he had seen empty, fought from the citadel against the townsmen, casting manifold missiles with keen contention. For when the same defenders were pressed by the catapults and ballistae of our men, they also from the elevated place raised their bows, strongly drawn, by which the projecting horns were bent more slowly on either side so that the strings, stretched by the fingers and struck with violent pulls, discharged iron-barbed shafts, which, having struck against opposing bodies, were fixed lethally.

14. dimicabatur nihilo minus utrubique saxorum manualium nimbis et neutrubi inclinato momento proelium atrox a lucis ortu ad initium noctis destinatione magna protractum pari sorte diremptum est. proinde die secuto cum certaretur asperrime multique funderentur altrinsecus et aeque vires gesta librarent, imperator omnes aleae casus inter mutuas clades experiri festinans cuneatim stipatus densetisque clipeis ab ictu sagittarum defensus, veloci saltu comitantibus promptis prope portam venit hostilem crasso ferro crustatam.

14. nevertheless the battle was fought all the same on both sides with showers of hand-thrown stones, and at each tilted moment the dreadful fight, prolonged by a great postponement from sunrise to the beginning of night, was in like manner severed. Then on the following day, when they contended most fiercely and many were hurled from the one side and likewise the borne-out forces made a balance, the emperor, hasting to try all the chances of the die amid mutual disasters, packed in wedge-formation and defended by dense shields from the stroke of arrows, with a swift leap and companions ready came up near the hostile gate plated with thick iron.

15. et licet saxis et glande ceterisque telis cum periculo salutis premeretur, fodicare tamen paratos valvarum latera ut aditum patefacerent, vocibus increpans crebris non ante discessit quam telorum congerie, quae superiaciebantur, se iam cerneret obruendum.

15. and although he was pressed by stones and sling-stones and other missiles with peril to his safety, yet he kept digging at the ready sides of the gates so that they might open the approach, rebuking with frequent cries; he did not withdraw until he perceived that the heap of missiles which lay above was now about to overwhelm him.

16. evasit cum omnibus tamen, paucis levius vulneratis, ipse innoxius verecundo rubore suffusus. legerat enim Aemilianum Scipionem cum historiarum conditore Polybio Megalopolitano Arcade et triginta militibus portam Carthaginis impetu simili subfodisse. sed fides recepta scriptorum veterum recens factum defendit.

16. he escaped, however, with everyone, a few lightly wounded; he himself unharmed, suffused with a modest blush. For he had read that Aemilianus Scipio, together with the historian Polybius of Megalopolis, an Arcadian, and thirty soldiers, had undermined the gate of Carthage by a similar assault. Yet the authority of received ancient writers defends the reported deed.

17. Aemilianus enim testudine lapidea tectus successerat portam, sub qua tutus et latens dum moles saxeas detegunt hostes urbem nudatam inrupit, Iulianus vero locum patentem adgressus obumbrata caeli facie fragmentis montium et missilibus aegre repulsus abscessit.

17. For Aemilianus, covered by a stone testudo, had come up to the gate, under which, safe and hidden, he burst into the city laid bare while the enemies, uncovering the rocky bulks, exposed it; but Iulianus, having attacked an open place, with the sky’s face overcast, was scarcely repulsed by fragments of the mountains and by missiles, and withdrew.

18. His raptim ac tumultuarie agitatis cum operositas vinearum et aggerum inpeditissima a ceteris urgentibus cerneretur, machinam quae cognominatur Helepolis iussit expeditius fabricari, qua ut supra docuimus rex usus Demetrius superatis oppidis pluribus Poliorcetes appellatus est.

18. When these things had been driven on rapidly and tumultuously, and the extreme laboriousness of the vineyards and ramparts was perceived by the others pressing forward as most obstructive, he ordered a machine called Helepolis to be constructed more speedily, by which, as we have shown above, the king Demetrius, with several towns having been overcome, was called Poliorcetes.

19. ad hanc molem ingentem superaturam celsarum turrium minas prohibitores oculorum aciem intentius conferentes itidemque instantiam obsidentium perpensantes subito vertuntur ad preces circumfusique per turres ac moenium minas, et fidem Romanam pansis manibus protestantes vitam cum venia postulabant.

19. to this huge mound, about to be overcome, the defenders of the lofty towers, concentrating the keen sight of their eyes more intently on the threats and likewise weighing the urgency of the besiegers, were suddenly turned to prayers, and, having poured themselves about the towers and the walls' approaches, professing the Roman faith with outstretched hands, they begged for life together with pardon.

20. cumque cessasse opera et munitores nihil temptare viderent ulterius, quod quietis erat indicium certum, copiam sibi dari conferendi sermonis cum Ormizda poscebant.

20. and when they saw that the works had ceased and that the defenders attempted nothing further, which was a certain token of quiet, they demanded that an opportunity be given them to confer in speech with Ormizda.

21. hocque inpetrato Mamersidis praesidiorum praefectus demissus per funem ductusque ad imperatorem, ut obsecravit, vita cum inpunitate sibi consortibusque suis firmiter pacta, redire permissus est. gestisque nuntiatis plebs omnis utriusque sexus ad sententiam suam cunetis acceptis, pace foederata cum religionum consecrationibus fidis patefactis egreditur portis, salutarem genium adfulsisse sibi clamitans Caesarem magnum et lenem.

21. and this having been granted, Mamersidis, prefect of the presidia, lowered and led by rope to the emperor, as he besought, with life and impunity firmly pledged to him and his comrades, was permitted to return. And with the gestures signalled and the message announced, all the common people of both sexes, their sentence accepted by all, with peace allied and the faithful consecrations of the religions laid open, depart through the opened gates, crying that a salutary genius had shone upon them and that Caesar was great and gentle.

22. numerata sunt autem dediticiorum duo milia et quingenti. nam cetera multitudo obsidium ante suspectans navigiis parvis permeato amne discessit. in hac arce armorum alimentorumque copia reperta est maxima, unde necessariis sumptis reliqua cum loco ipso exussere victores.

22. it was counted, moreover, that there were 2,500 of the dediticii. for the rest of the multitude of hostages, suspecting beforehand, departed after crossing the river by small boats. in this citadel a very great abundance of arms and provisions was found, whence, the necessities having been taken, the victors burned the rest together with the place itself.

III

1. Postera die quam haec acta erant, perfertur ad imperatorem cibos per otium capientem nuntius gravis Surenam Persicum ducem procursatorum partis nostrae tres turmas inopinum adgressum paucissimos trucidasse, inter quos strato tribuno unum rapuisse vexillum.

1. On the following day after these things had been done, a grave message was brought to the emperor, who was taking food at leisure, that Surena, the Persian leader of the scouts of our side, with three squadrons had made an unexpected attack, had slaughtered very many, among whom he had seized the standard of one tribune, Stratus.

2. statimque concitus ira inmani cum armigera manu festinatione ipsa tutissimus pervolavit et grassatoribus foeda consternatione depulsis residuos duos tribunos sacramento solvit ut desides et ignavos: decem vero milites ex his qui fugerant exauctoratos capitali addixit supplicio secutus veteres leges.

2. and immediately, roused by a monstrous anger, he, with an armed hand, in that very haste most secure, flew forth; and, the marauders having been driven off in a foul rout, he dismissed the remaining two tribunes by oath as idlers and cowards: but he adjudged ten soldiers of those who had fled, having been stripped of rank, to capital punishment, following the ancient laws.

3. Incensa de nique urbe, ut memoratum est, constructo tribunali insistens actis gratiis, exercitui convocato cunctos ad paria facienda deinceps hortabatur et argenteos nummos centenos viritim pollicitus cum eos parvitate promissi percitos tumultuari sensisset, ad indignationem plenam gravitatis erectus:

3. The city finally set on fire, as has been mentioned, standing upon the raised tribunal and giving thanks for the deeds, having summoned the army he exhorted all to make equal shares thereafter and, promising a hundred silver coins to each man, when he perceived them struck by the smallness of the promised sum, he rose in full gravity and indignation:

4. �En� inquit �Persae circumfluentes rerum omnium copiis: ditare vos poterit opimitas gentis, si unum spirantibus animis fortiter fecerimus. ex inmensis opibus egentissima est tandem, credite, Romana res publica per eos, qui, ut augerent divitias, docuerunt principes auro quiete a barbaris redempta redire.

4. "Behold," he said, "the Persians, flowing round with all the copiousness of things: the opulence of a people will be able to enrich you, if with one spirit breathing bravely we accomplish it. From immense resources the Roman res publica has at last become most needy, believe me, through those who, to augment their riches, taught the princes to return with gold quietly redeemed from the barbarians.

5. impetitum aerarium est, urbes exinanitae, populatae provinciae: mihi nec facultates nec propinquitas generis suppetit, quamvis ortus sim nobilis, praeter pectus omni liberum metu: nec pudebit imperatorem cuncta bona in animi cultu ponentem profiteri paupertatem honestam. nam et Fabricii familiari re pauperes rexere bella gravissima, gloria locupletes.

5. the treasury has been assailed, cities emptied, provinces plundered: I possess neither resources nor the nearness of kin by birth, although I am of noble origin, save that my breast is wholly free from fear: nor will it shame the emperor, placing all goods in the cultivation of the mind, to profess an honest poverty. For even Fabricius, poor in familial estate, waged very grave wars, rich in glory.

6. haec vobis cuncta poterunt abundare si inperterriti deo meque, quantum humana ratio patitur, caute ductante mitius egeritis : sin resistitis ad seditionum revoluti dedecora pristinarum, pergite.

6. all these things will be able to abound for you if, undaunted, to God and to me, as much as human reason permits, with caution guiding, you shall have acted more mildly: but if you resist, turned back to the disgraces of former seditions, proceed.

7. ut imperatorem decet, ego solus confecto tantorum munerum cursu moriar stando contempturus animam quam mihi febricula eripiet una. aut certe discedam, nec enim ita vixi ut non possim aliquando esse privatus. praeque me fero et laetor ductores spectatissimos esse nobiscum perfectos bellicarum omni genere doctrinarum�.

7. as befits an emperor, I alone, my course of so great duties completed, will die standing, scorning the life which a little fever will snatch from me. Or certainly I will withdraw, for I have not lived so that I cannot at some time be a private man. And already I reckon myself and rejoice that the most eminent commanders, perfected in every kind of military doctrine, are with us�.

8. Hac modesta imperatoris oratione inter secunda et aspera medii miles pro tempore delenitus adsumpta cum meliorum exspectatione fiducia regibilem se fore pollicitus et morigerum, cunctorum adspirante consensu auctoritatem eius sublimitatemque cordis extollebat in caelum, quod cum vere atque ex animo dicitur, solet armorum crepitu leni monstrari.

8. With this modest speech of the emperor, between the favorable and the harsh of the middle, the soldier, soothed for the time and, his confidence taken up with an expectation of better things, promised that he would be governable and disciplined; and, with the approving consent of all breathing toward him, he exalted his authority and the loftiness of his heart into the heavens, which, when truly and from the soul it is spoken, is wont to be shown by the gentle crepitus of arms.

9. repetitis post haec tentoriis pro copia rei praesentis victu se recreavit et quiete nocturna. animabat autem Iulianus exercitum cum non per caritates, sed per inchoatas negotiorum magnitudines deieraret adsidue: �sic sub iugum mitteret Persas, ita quassatum recrearet orbem Romanum�: ut Traianus fertur aliquotiens iurando dicta consuesse firmare �sic in provinciarum speciem redactam videam Daciam: sic pontibus Histrum et Euphratem superem� et similia plurima.

9. after these things, with tents once more spread out for the abundance of present needs he refreshed himself with food and nocturnal rest. Julianus animated the army not by largesses, but by proclaiming constantly the beginnings of great enterprises: "thus would he send the Persians under the yoke, thus would he restore the shaken Roman orb": as Trajan is said often to have confirmed his words by oath, "thus may I see Dacia reduced to the form of provinces; thus may I surmount the Ister and the Euphrates by bridges," and very many similar sayings.

10. Post haec decursis milibus passuum quattuordecim ad locum quendam est ventum arva aquis abundantibus fecundan tem, quo itinere nos ituros Persae praedocti sublatis cataractis undas evagari fusius permiserunt.

10. After this, having run fourteen miles, we came to a certain place, fields fertile and abounding in waters, by which route the Persians, practiced plunderers, having raised the sluices/dams, allowed the waves to range and spread more widely.

11. itaque humo late stagnante altero die militi requie data imperator ipse praegressus constratis ponticulis multis ex utribus et coriaceis navibus itidemque consectis palmarum trabibus exercitum non sine difficultate traduxit.

11. and so, the ground lying broadly flooded, on the second day, rest having been given to the soldiery, the emperor himself going ahead, with many little bridges laid down from skiffs and leather ships and likewise with beams of palms joined, led the army across, not without difficulty.

12. In his regionibus agri sunt plures consiti vineis varioque pomorum genere: ubi oriri arbores adsuetae palmarum per spatia ampla ad usque Mesenen et mare pertinent magnum instar ingentium nemorum. et quaqua incesserit quisquam, termites et spadica cernit adsidua, quorum ex fructu mellis et vini conficitur abundantia, et maritari palmae ipsae dicuntur facileque sexus posse discerni.

12. In these regions the fields are many, planted with vineyards and with a varied kind of orchards: where trees, accustomed like palms, rise through wide spaces even as far as Mesenus and the great sea, like vast groves. And wherever anyone treads, he beholds constant bunches and spadices, from whose fruit an abundance of honey and wine is made; and the palms themselves are said to be able to be mated, and the sexes easily distinguished.

13. additur etiam generare feminas seminibus inlitas marium, feruntque eas amore mutuo delectari, hocque inde clarere, quod contra se vicissim nutantes ne turgidis quidem flatibus avertuntur. et si ex more femina maris non inlita fuerit semine, abortus vitio fetus amittit intempestuosos. et siqua femina, cuius arboris amore perculsa sit ignoretur, unguento ipsius inficitur truncus, et arbor alia naturaliter odoris dulcedinem concipit, hisque indiciis velut coeundi quaedam proditur fides.

13. It is further added that they generate females anointed with the seeds of mares, and they report that these delight in mutual love; and this is made clear from the fact that, swaying toward one another in turn, they are not turned aside even by swelling blasts. And if, by custom, a female has not been anointed with the mare’s seed, the foetus aborts through defect and the birth is lost untimely. And if any female whose tree has been smitten by love is unknown, the trunk is anointed with its ointment, and another tree naturally takes on the sweetness of the scent; by these signs a sort of proof of their coupling is revealed.

14. Qua cibi copia satur exercitus plures praetergressus est insulas et, ubi formidabatur inopia, ibi timor saginae gravis incessit. sagittariorum denique hostilium impetu latenti temptatus neque inultus, prope locum venit ubi pars maior Euphratis in rivos dividitur multifidos.

14. The army, sated by a plentiful supply of food, passed by several islands and, where want was feared, there a heavy dread of provision set upon them. Lastly, tried by an assault of hostile archers while lying in ambush and not without revenge, he came near the place where the greater part of the Euphrates is divided into many-cleft channels.

1. In hoc tractu civitas ob muros humiles ab incolis Iudaeis deserta iratorum manu militum conflagravit. quibus actis pergebat ulterius imperator placida ope numinis, ut arbitrabatur, erectior.

1. In this tract the city, deserted by its Judean inhabitants because of its low walls, was set on fire by the angry hand of soldiers. With these deeds done the emperor proceeded further, more uplifted by the placid aid of the divine power, as he supposed.

2. cumque Maiozamalcham venisset urbem magnam et validis circumdatam moenibus, tentoriis fixis providit sollicite, ne castra repentino equitatus Persici turbarentur adcursu, cuius fortitudo in locis patentibus inmane quantum gentibus est formidata.

2. and when he had come to Maiozamalcham, a great city girded with strong walls, he anxiously had tents fixed, lest the camps be thrown into disorder by a sudden onrush of Persian cavalry, whose fortitude in open places is immense and as formidable to the peoples as it is great.

3. et hoc disposito stipatus velitibus paucis ipse quoque pedes civitatis situm diligenti inquisitione exploraturus in perniciosas praecipitatus insidias ex ipso vitae discrimine tandem emersit.

3. and with this arranged, surrounded by a few velites, he himself also, on foot and about to explore by a diligent inquisition the situation of the city, was plunged into pernicious ambushes and at last emerged from the very crisis of life.

4. namque per latentem oppidi portam Persae decem armati degressi, imaque clivorum pervadentes poplitibus subsidendo, repentino impetu nostros adgressi sunt. e quibus duo conspectiorem habitu principem gladiis petiere districtis, sed occurrit ictibus erectum altius scutum, quo contectus magna elataque fiducia unius lateri ferrum infixit, alterum stipatores multiplicatis ictibus occiderunt. residuis, e quibus vulnerati sunt aliqui, disiectis in fugam spoliatisque ambobus reducens incolumes socios cum exuviis remeavit ad castra omnium laetitia magna susceptus.

4. for through the town’s hidden gate ten armed Persians dismounted, and passing down the lower slopes by bending at the knees they attacked our men with a sudden onset. Of these two, a leader the more conspicuous in appearance, sought the swords drawn, but a shield raised higher met the blows; covered by it, with great and intrepid confidence one thrust his blade into a side, the other the attendants slew with repeated blows. The rest, some of whom were wounded, being put to flight and stripped of both, he bringing back the unharmed companions with the spoils returned to the camp, and was received with great joy by all.

5. sustulit in hoste prostrato aureum colli monile Torquatus, fudit confidentissimum Gallum alitis propugnatione Valerius postea cognomento Corvinus, hacque gloria posteritati sunt commendati: non invidemus: accedat hoc quoque monumentis veteribus facinus pulchrum.

5. Torquatus took up the golden neck‑torque from the fallen enemy; Valerius, afterwards surnamed Corvinus, routed the most confident Gaul by the assault of the wing, and by this glory they were commended to posterity: we do not envy; let this handsome deed also be added to the ancient monuments.

6. Constratis postridie pontibus exercituque travecto et metatis alibi salubrius castris vallo duplici circumductis, quoniam ut diximus timebantur solitudines planae, oppidi suscepit obsidium, periculosum fore existimans si gradiens prorsus a tergo relinqueret quos timeret.

6. With bridges thrown across the next day and the army transported over, and with healthier camps laid out elsewhere and enclosed by a double rampart, since, as we said, the level solitudes were feared, he undertook the siege of the town, deeming it would be dangerous if, advancing onward, he entirely left behind at his rear those whom he feared.

7. Haec dum magno molimine conparantur, Surena hostium dux iumenta adortus, quae in lucis palmaribus vescebantur, a cohortibus nostris repulsoriis cum paucorum exitio habitus frustra discessit.

7. While these things were being prepared with great exertion, Surena, leader of the enemy, having attacked the beasts which fed in the palm-groves, was repulsed by our repelling cohorts, with the loss of a few, and withdrew in vain.

8. et duarum incolae civitatum, quas amnes amplexi faciunt insulas, parva sui fiducia trepidi ad Ctesiphontis moenia se contulerunt, pars per silvarum densa, alii per paludes vicinas alveis arborum cavatarum invecti ad unicum auxilium et potissimum itineris longi, quod supererat, dilabuntur ulteriora petituri terrarum.

8. and the inhabitants of two cities, which the rivers embracing make into islands, with small confidence of themselves, trembling, betook themselves to the walls of Ctesiphon; some through dense woods, others borne through the neighboring marshes in the hollows of felled trees, dispersed to seek the sole succor and above all the long route that remained, to seek farther lands.

9. e quibus resistentes aliquos nostri milites trucidabant, ipsi quoque lintribus et cymbis per varia discurrentes captivos alios subinde perducebant. id enim erat librata ratione dispositum ut, dum copiae pedestres muros oppugnant, equestres turmae divisae per globos abigendis insisterent praedis: hocque proviso nullo provincialium damno miles visceribus hostium pascebatur.

9. from whom, those resisting, some our soldiers slaughtered; they themselves likewise, running about through various places in lighters and skiffs, continually brought other captives along. For this had been disposed by a measured plan, that while the foot forces attacked the walls, the mounted turmae, divided into ranks, should press in to drive off the plunderers: and this proviso made that, without harm to the provincials, the soldier fed upon the entrails of the enemies.

10. Iamque imperator muris duplicibus oppidum ordine circumdatum trino scutorum, spe patrandi incepti maximis viribus oppugnabat. sed ut erat necessarius adpetitus, ita effectu res difficillima. nam accessus undique rupibus anfractu celsiore discissis flexuosisque excessibus ob periculum anceps adeundi copiam denegabat maxime cum turres crebritate et altitudine formidandae montem saxeum arcis naturaliter editum aequabant et proclivis planicies flumini inminens propugnaculorum firmitate muniebatur.

10. And now the emperor was assaulting the town, encircled in order by double walls and a triple line of shields, with the greatest forces in the hope of winning the enterprise. But as the attack was necessary, so in effect the matter proved most difficult. For approaches on every side, the rocks, cleft into higher ruggednesses and winding projections, denied a hazardous opportunity of access, especially since the towers, in their frequency and height to be feared, equalled the rocky mountain naturally rising of the citadel, and the sloping plains, looming toward the river, were fortified by the firmness of the bulwarks.

11 . accedebat his haut levius malum, quod lecta manus et copiosa, quae obsidebatur, nullis ad deditionem inlecebris flectebatur, sed tamquam superatura vel devota cineribus patriae resistebat adversis. iam aegre retentabatur inferens se protervius miles et pugnam vel aequo campo iustoque proelio poscens, cumque receptui caneretur, adsidue animosis hostem urgendi conatibus urebatur.

11. To these things there was added no less grievous an evil: that the chosen and copious force which was besieged was not swayed by any enticements toward surrender, but, as if to outlive or devoted to the ashes of the fatherland, resisted the adversities. Now the soldier, pressing himself forward more boldly, was with difficulty restrained, and demanding battle either on level ground or in a fair engagement; and when retreat was sounded, he was continually inflamed by spirited attempts to impel the enemy.

12. Vicit tamen nostrorum consilium contentionem virium maximam, divisisque operibus officia quisque distributa capessit ocissime. hinc enim ardui suggestus erigebantur, inde fossarum altitudines alii conplanabant, terrarum latibula concava oblongis tramitibus alibi struebantur, locabant etiam artifices tormenta muralia in funestos sonitus proruptura

12. Yet the counsel of our men prevailed over the contest of greatest strength, and with tasks divided and duties apportioned each seized his work most swiftly. From here high platforms were raised, from there others evened out the depths of the ditches, hollows of the earth were formed elsewhere by oblong trenches, and they placed also wall-siege engines to utter deadly sounds when hurled forth.

13. et cuniculos quidem cum vineis Nevitta et Dagalaifus curabant, ineundis autem conflictibus et defendendis ab incendio vel eruptionibus machinis praeerat imperator. Cumque apparatu omni excindendae urbis labore multiplici consummato pugna flagitaretur, Victor nomine dux reversus est ad usque Ctesiphonta itineribus exploratis, nulla obstacula nuntians offendisse.

13. and Nevitta and Dagalaifus indeed tended the cuniculi and vineae, while the emperor presided over entering the conflicts and defending against fire or eruptions by machines. And when, with every apparatus and the manifold toil of razing the city consummated, battle was demanded, a duke named Victor returned as far as Ctesiphon, the routes having been explored, announcing that he had met no obstacles.

14. quo efferati gaudio milites omnes elatique firmioribus animis ad certandum signum operiebantur armati.

14. with that furious joy all the soldiers, uplifted and with firmer spirits, covered themselves with arms and prepared to fight at the signal.

15. Iamque clangore Martio sonantibus tubis strepebant utrimque partes, et primi Romani hostem undique lamminis ferreis in modum tenuis plumae conseptum fidentemque, quod tela rigentis ferri lapsibus inpacta resiliebant, crebris procursationibus et minaci murmure lacessebant: non numquam compage scutorum, qua velut testudine infigurabilium fornicum operiebantur aptissime, adsiduis motibus laxius dehiscente. contra Persae muris obstinatius adhaerentes, quantum facere nitique poterant, eludere et frustrari exitiales impetus conabantur.

15. And now, with the March trumpets sounding, both sides were clashing, and the foremost Romans, trusting the enemy everywhere clad in iron laminae fashioned like a thin plume, and confident because missiles struck the rigid iron and rebounded, with frequent forward-rushes and a menacing murmur provoked; not infrequently the joints of the shields, which most fitly covered them like a tortoise of unbreakable arches, gaped more loosely from continuous motion. Against them the Persians, clinging with firmer resolve to their walls, strove as much as they could to evade and frustrate the deadly onsets.

16. verum ubi vimineas crates prae se ferentes oppugnatores iam moenia perurgerent, cum sagittariis funditores, alii quin etiam saxa volventes ingentia cum facibus et malleolis eos longius propulsabant, tum aptatae ligneis sagittis ballistae flexu stridoreque torquebantur, creberrima spicula funditantes, et scorpiones quocumque manus peritae duxissent, rotundos lapides evibrabant.

16. but when the assailants, bearing wicker crates before them, were already setting the walls on fire, archers and slingers, others even rolling huge stones with torches and malleols, drove them back farther; then ballistae fitted with wooden arrows were twisted by bending and creaking, pouring forth very numerous spicula, and scorpiones, wherever skilled hands had guided them, hurled round stones.

17. iterum deinde ac saepe geminatis congressibus aestus in meridiem crescens, effervescente vaporatius sole, apparatu operum et studio proeliandi intentos cunctos revocaverat fatigatos et sudore perfusos.

17. again then, and often, with engagements doubled, the heat growing toward midday, the sun more vaporous and seething, had recalled all — intent upon the apparatus of works and the zeal for fighting — who were fatigued and drenched in sweat.

18. Eodem mentis proposito secuto quoque die per varia certaminum genera controversae partes dimicantes instanter aequis manibus et pari fortuna discedunt. verum in omne discrimen armatis proximus princeps civitatis urgebat excidium, ne circa muros diu excubans omitteret maiora quae temptabat.

18. With the same purpose of mind followed also on the next day, the contending parties, fighting through various kinds of contests, promptly parted with equal hands and with equal fortune. But the nearest princeps of the city urged destruction upon the armed into every crisis, lest, keeping watch about the walls for a long time, he should neglect the greater things which he was attempting.

19. sed in districtis necessitatibus nihil tam leve est, quod non interdum etiam contra sperata rerum adferat momenta magnarum. cum enim ut saepe discessurae partes levius concertarent, abusive incusso ariete, qui paulo ante erat admotus, sternitur residuis omnibus altior turris latere coctili firmissime structa, cuius ruina muri contiguum latus secum inmani fragore protraxit.

19. but in pressing necessities nothing is so slight that it does not sometimes, even contrary to the hopes of things, bring moments of great consequence. for when, as often, the parties about to withdraw skirmished more lightly, and—after the battering‑ram, which had been put to it a little before, was abusively struck—the taller tower, very firmly built with fired‑brick masonry on its side, was laid low upon all the rest, the ruin of which dragged with it the contiguous face of the wall with a monstrous crash.

20. ibi tum varietate casuum obsidentium labor obsessorumque industria vicissim facinoribus speciosis inclaruit. nihil enim asperum ira et dolore succenso militi videbatur, nihil munitoribus erat pro salute currentibus metuendum aut dirum. nam cum anceps pugna diutius fervens, sanguine utrimque multis caedibus fuso, diei finisset occasu, tandem fatigationi consulitur.

20. there then, by reason of the variety of cases, the toil of those besieging and the industry of the besieged in turn shone forth in specious villainies. for nothing harsh, with anger and grief kindled, seemed beyond the soldier’s bearing, nothing was to be feared by the fortifiers running for their safety or any dire thing. for when the doubtful battle, raging long and with much slaughter and blood poured forth on both sides, had ended at the close of day, at last they gave way to fatigue.

21. Dumque haec luce agerentur ac palam, nuntiatur imperatori pervigili cura distento, legionarios milites, quibus cuniculorum erant fodinae mandatae, cavatis tramitibus subterraneis sublicibusque suspensis ima penetrasse fundamentorum, iam, si ipse disposuerit, evasuros.

21. And while these things were being done and in the open light, it was reported to the emperor, his vigilant care strained, that the legionary soldiers, to whom the diggings of the tunnels had been entrusted, having hollowed subterranean passages and, with suspended cross-beams, penetrated to the lowest foundations, were now, if he himself should order it, about to escape.

22. cum itaque noctis plerumque processisset, aeneatorum accentu signo dato progrediendi ad pugnam, ad arma concursum est: et consulto murorum invaduntur utrimque frontes, ut, dum propulsaturi pericula defensores ultro citroque discurrunt, nec proxima fodientis audiretur ferri tinnitus nec quoquam intrinsecus obsistente cuniculariorum subito manus emergat.

22. and when most of the night had therefore passed, at the blast of the trumpeters and the signal given there was a rush to advance to the fight, to arms: and deliberately the fronts of the walls were assailed on both sides, so that, while the defenders, about to repel the dangers, ran here and there, neither was the clank of iron heard from the nearest digger nor could any sudden band emerge from within, hindered by the sappers.

23. quibus ita, ut convenerat, ordinatis et occupatis prohibitoribus patefactisque latebris evolat Exsuperius de Victorum numero miles, post quem Magnus tribunus et Iovianus notarius, quos audax multitudo secuta, his prius confossis, quos in aede, per quam in lucem prodierant, invenerunt, suspensis gradibus procedentes obtruncarunt vigiles omnes, ex usu moris gentici iustitiam felicitatemque regis sui canoris vocibus extollentes.

23. with these arranged as had been agreed and the sentinels occupied and the hiding-places exposed, Exsuperius, a soldier of the Victors' number, sprang forth; after him Magnus the tribune and Iovianus the notary, whom the bold multitude had followed, — having first stabbed those whom they found in the temple through which they had come into the light — proceeding down the suspended steps they slaughtered all the watchmen, extolling, in the accustomed practice of their pagan rite, the justice and good fortune of their king with melodious voices.

24. existimabatur Mars ipse - si misceri hominibus numina maiestatis iura permittunt - adfuisse castra Lucanorum invadenti Luscino. hocque ideo creditum est, quod in congressu flagranti scalas vehens visus formidandae vastitatis armatus postridie, cum recenseretur exercitus, praecipuo studio quaesitus reperiri non potuit, cum se ultro offerret, si miles fuisset memorabilis conscius facti. sed ut tunc qui esset pulcri facinoris auctor penitus est ignoratum, ita nunc enituerunt hi, qui fecere fortissime, obsidionalibus coronis donati et pro contione laudati veterum more.

24. It was thought that Mars himself — if the numina of majesty permit their laws to be mingled with men — had been present at the camp of the Lucani when Luscinius attacked. And this was believed for this reason: because in the blazing engagement a man bearing scaling-ladders was seen armed with a terrifying force of destruction; on the next day, when the army was mustered, he could not be found despite careful search, although he would have presented himself if he had been a memorable soldier, conscious of the deed. But just as then who was the author of that glorious outrage remained wholly unknown, so now these men, who did it most bravely, strove and were crowned with siege-coronets and praised before the assembly, after the custom of the ancients, for their valor.

25. Tandem nudata reseratis aditibus multis, lapsura invaditur civitas et sine sexus discrimine vel aetatis quicquid impetus repperit potestas iratorum absumpsit, alii exitii imminentis timore, cum hinc ignis, inde mucrones urgerent, ultimum flentes e muris acti sua sponte praecipites, membrisque omnibus infirmati, vitam morte funestiorem paulisper dum caederentur egerunt.

25. At last, stripped and with many passages unfastened, the city, about to fall, is invaded; and without discrimination of sex or even of age whatever the onslaught found the power of the enraged consumed. Others, in fear of imminent destruction, with fire on one side and blades pressing from the other, driven from the walls and weeping their last, cast themselves headlong of their own accord, weakened in every limb, and for a little while—while they were being cut down—led a life more dreadful than death.

26. extractus est autem vivus cum satellitibus octoginta Nabdates praesidiorum magister, quem oblatum sibi cum aliis servari iussit intactum serenus imperator et clemens. Divisa itaque perpensis meritis et laboribus praeda ipse, ut erat parvo contentus, mutum puerum oblatum sibi suscepit gesticularium, multa, quae callebat, nutibus venustissimis explicantem, et tris aureos nummos, partae victoriae praemium iucundum ut existimabat et gratum.

26. moreover Nabdates, commander of the garrisons, was brought out alive with eighty satellites, whom the serene and merciful emperor, having been offered him with others, ordered to be kept intact. And so the booty, after merits and labors had been weighed, he himself, being content with little, received a mute boy offered to him of the gesturing-players, explaining many things that he knew by most charming gestures, and three golden coins, a pleasant reward of the victory won, as he thought, and agreeable.

27. ex virginibus autem, quae speciosae sunt captae ut in Perside, ubi feminarum pulcritudo excellit, nec contrectare aliquam voluit nec videre, Alexandrum imitatus et Africanum, qui haec declinabant ne frangerentur cupiditate, qui se invictos a laboribus ubique praestiterunt.

27. of the virgins, however, those who were comely were taken as in Persis, where the beauty of women excels; and, imitating Alexander and Africanus, who shunned these things lest they be broken by desire, he neither wished to touch any nor to see them, those men having shown themselves everywhere unconquered by labors.

28. Inter haec certamina nostrae partis architectus, cuius nomen non suppetit, post machinam scorpionis forte adsistens, reverberato lapide, quem artifex titubanter aptaverat fundae, obliso pectore supinatus profudit animam, disiecta conpage membrorum adeo ut ne signa quidem totius corporis noscerentur.

28. Meanwhile, amid these combats our side’s architect, whose name is wanting, after standing by the scorpion machine by chance, with a stone having rebounded — which the artificer had shakily fitted to the sling — struck upon the chest, and, laid on his back, poured out his life, his limb-joints disjointed so that not even the marks of the whole body could be recognized.

29. Exin profecto imperatori index nuntiaverat certus circa muros subversi oppidi fallaces foveas et obscuras, quales in tractibus illis sunt plurimae, subsedisse manum insidiatricem latenter, ut inproviso inde exorta agminis nostri terga feriret extrema.

29. Then indeed a certain informer had reported to the emperor that treacherous and obscure pits around the walls of the ruined town, such as are very many in those tracts, had secretly lain in ambush—an insidiatory hand—so that, rising up unexpectedly from there, it might strike the extreme rear of our column.

30. confestimque ad extrahendam eam missi sunt conpertae fortitudinis pedites. qui cum neque pervadere foraminum aditus nec amendatos intus prolicere possent ad decernendum, collectam stipulam et sarmenta specuum faUClbus adgesserunt. unde fumus angustias penetrans ideoque spissior quosdam vitalibus obstructis necavit, alios ignium adflatus immissus prodire in perniciem coegit abruptam, et ita omnibus ferro incendioque consumptis ad signa repedavit ocius miles.

30. and immediately were dispatched footsoldiers of proven fortitude to draw it out. But since they could neither traverse the approaches of the openings nor thrust repaired engines within for the deciding contest, they heaped together straw and brush and carried them to the throats of the pits. Whence smoke, penetrating the narrownesses and therefore the denser, choked some by blocking the vital passages and slew them; it drove others, by a blast of fire let in, to rush forth into sudden ruin; and thus, with all consumed by iron and flame, the soldier swiftly fell back to the standards.

hoc modo civitas ampla et populosa virtute roboris excisa Romani in pulverem concidit et ruinas.

In this way the large and populous city, cut down by the strength of its valor, was reduced by the Romans to dust and ruins.

31. Post quae tam gloriosa transitis pontibus multorum amnium concursu continvatis, ad munimenta gemina venimus aedificiis cavatis exstructa, ubi Victorem comitem exercitus praevium a transitu fluminis regis filius, progressus a Ctesiphonte cum optimatibus et multitudine armata, prohibere conatus, catervis sequentium militum visis abscessit.

31. After which, having crossed over by bridges of many streams with the concourse of a gathered multitude, we came to twin fortifications built up of hollowed buildings, where Victor, companion of the army and the king’s son, who had gone ahead of the river–crossing, having advanced from Ctesiphon with the leading men and an armed multitude, endeavoured to oppose (us); but, the bands of following soldiers being seen, he withdrew.

1. Pergentes itaque protinus ad lucos venimus agrosque pube variorum seminum laetos, ubi reperta regia Romano more aedificata, quoniam id placuerat, mansit intacta.

1. Therefore proceeding straightaway we came to groves and to fields, glad with the youth of various seeds, where the palace, discovered and built in the Roman manner—since this had pleased—remained intact.

2. erat etiam in hac eadem regione extentum spatium et rotundum, loricae ambitu circumclausum, destinatas regiis voluptatibus continens feras, cervicibus iubatis leones armisque hispidos apros et ursos, ut sunt Persici, ultra omnem rabiem saevientes et alia lecta immania corpora bestiarum: quas omnes diffractis portarum obicibus equites nostri venatoriis lanceis et missilium multitudine confoderunt.

2. there was also in this same region an extensive and round space, enclosed by the circuit of a lorica, containing beasts destined for royal voluptates: lions with manes about their necks and boars bristling with arms and bears, as are Persian, raging beyond all fury, and other chosen immense bodies of beasts; all of which, the gates’ barriers having been broken, our horsemen pierced with hunting lances and a multitude of missiles.

3. quae loca pingui situ et cultu, quibus Coche, quam Seleuciam nominant, haut longius disparatur, ubi vallatis opere tumultuario castris, et exercitu omni per aquarum et pabuli oportuna biduo recreato, antegressus cum procursatoribus princeps et civitatem desertam conlustrans, a Severo principe quondam excisam, in qua perpetuus fons stagnum ingens eiectat, in Tigridem defluens, corpora vidit suffixa patibulis multa necessitudinum eius, quem prodidisse civitatem Pirisaboram rettulimus supra.

3. which places, rich in fertility and cultivation, not far distant from that Coche which they call Seleucia, where, with camps enclosed by a makeshift rampart, and with the whole army after being refreshed for two days by waters and fodder fit for need, the prince having advanced with scouts and surveying the deserted city, once destroyed by the prince Severus, in which a perpetual spring throws up a huge pool that flows into the Tigris, saw many bodies affixed to gibbets—of the relations of him whom we above reported to have betrayed the city Pirisabora.

4. hic et Nabdates vivus exustus est, quem extractum cum octoginta latebris expugnatae docui civitatis, eo quod inter exordia obsidii coepti clam pollicitus prodere, dimicavit acerrime adeptusque veniam insperatam ad id proruperat insolentiae, ut Ormizdam laceraret omnibus probris.

4. here Nabdates was also burned alive, whom, dragged forth with eighty from the hiding-places of the stormed city, I reported, because at the outset of the siege, having secretly promised to betray, he fought most fiercely, and having gained an unexpected pardon he rushed into such insolence that he assailed Ormizdam with every reproach.

5. Itaque aliquantum progressi tristi percellimur facto. dum enim tres procursatorum cohortes expeditae cum cuneo Persico decertarent, quem patefactis subito portis profuderat civitas, proruptores alii ex contraria fluminis ripa iumenta nos sequentia cum pabulatoribus paucis licenter palantibus intercipiunt et obtruncant.

5. And so, having advanced somewhat, we were overwhelmed by a grievous event. For while three cohorts of procursators, light-armed, were fighting with a Persian wedge — which the city had suddenly poured forth through the opened gates — other assailants from the opposite river bank intercepted and slaughtered the beasts of burden following us, together with a few foragers loitering freely.

6. unde profectus imperator iratus et frendens iamque regionibus Ctesiphontis propinquans, celsum castellum offendit et munitissimum, ad quod explorandum ausus accedere obscurior, ut ipse rebatur, cum paucis obequitans muros, pauloque avidius intra ictum telorum repertus, latere non potuit: statimque diversorum missilium nube exagitatus oppetisset tormento murali, ni vulnerato armigero, qui lateri eius haerebat, ipse scutorum densitate contectus, evitato magno discrimine discessisset.

6. from there the emperor set out, angry and gnashing his teeth, and now drawing near the regions of Ctesiphon, he struck against a lofty and very well‑fortified castle; to reconnoiter it he dared to approach more obscurely, as he thought, attending the walls with a few men, and, found a little too eagerly within the reach of missiles, could not hide: and immediately, driven into a cloud by a shower of diverse missiles, he would have met destruction by a wall‑siege engine, had not an armiger, who clung to his side, been wounded; he himself, covered by the density of shields, withdrew with the great danger avoided.

7. Qua causa concitus inmane, munimentum disposuit obsidere, prohibitoribus acriter ad resistendum intentis, quod loco fidebant propemodum inaccesso, quodque rex cum ambitiosis copiis passibus citis incedens propediem adfore credebatur. iamque vineis et residuis omnibus, quae poscebat obsidium, paratis, vigilia secunda praecipiti, cum nox casu tunc lunari splendore nitens his, qui propugnaculis insistebant, aperte cuncta monstraret, repente in unum pondus coacta multitudo patefactis subito portis erupit, cohortemque nec opinantem adorta nostrorum cecidit conplures, inter quos etiam tribunus peremptus est periculum propulsare conatus.

7. For this cause, wildly moved, he arranged to besiege the fortification, fiercely intent on forbidding those set to resist,—which they trusted as almost inaccessible by reason of its situation, and which the king, with ambitious troops advancing in swift steps, was believed to be about to appear at any moment. And now, with the vineae and all the remaining implements that a siege demands prepared, at the second watch and in haste, when night then by chance, shining with lunar splendor, openly showed all things to those who stood on the battlements, suddenly the multitude, driven together into one weight, burst out through the gates thrown open, and many fell upon our men, assailing an unsuspecting cohort, among whom even a tribune was slain as he strove to repel the danger.

9. quae dum ita aguntur, pari modo ut antea Persae ex adversa fluminis ripa partem adorti nostrorum, interfectis quibusdam vivos cepere non nullos. et timore simul quia venisse in maiorem numerum copiae putabantur hostiles, egere nostri tunc segnius, sed ubi animis in audaciam restitutis armisque raptis inter tumultum exercitus cantu concitus bucinarum cum minaci murmure festinaret, eruptores perterriti reverterunt intacti.

9. while these things were being done, in the same manner as before the Persians from the opposite bank of the river had attacked a part of our men, killing some and taking several alive. And because at once they supposed that hostile forces had come in greater number, our men then acted more slowly; but when, with their spirits restored to daring and with arms snatched up, they hastened amid the tumult of the army aroused by the chant of the trumpets and a menacing murmur, the would‑be assailants, terrified, retired intact.

10. et imperator ira gravi permotus reliquos ex ea cohorte, qui abiecte sustinuerant impetum grassatorum, ad pedestrem conpegit militiam, quae onerosior est, dignitatibus inminutis.

10. and the emperor, deeply moved by grievous anger, compelled the rest of that cohort, who had shamefully borne the assault of the marauders, to the foot soldiery, which is more burdensome, their dignities diminished.

11. flagrans post haec ad eruendum castellum, ubi periclitatus est, operam convertit et curam, nusquam ab antesignanis ipse digrediens, ut inter primos dimicans militi ad fortiter faciendum esset exemplo spectator probatorque gestorum. quo inter discriminum vertices diu multumque versato varietate munitionum atque telorum et conspiratione oppugnatorum idem castellum incenditur captum.

11. burning thereafter with zeal to storm the fortress where he had been endangered, he turned his labour and care thither, nowhere departing from the vanguard himself, so that, fighting among the first, he might be to the soldier an example for brave action, a witness and approver of deeds. Where, amid the turning points of danger long and often pondered by the variety of fortifications and of missiles and by the conspiracy of the assailants, the same fortress was set afire and captured.

12. post quae consideratis asperitatibus ante gestarum rerum et inpendentium requievit exercitus, labore nimio quassatus, multis victui congruis adfatim distributis. vallum tamen sudibus densis et fossarum altitudine cautius deinde struebatur, cum a vicina iam Ctesiphonte repentini excursus et alia formidarentur occulta.

12. after which the army, the asperities of things done before and of those impending having been considered, rested, shaken by excessive labour, with many provisions suitable for victuals sufficiently distributed. the rampart, however, was then more cautiously built with dense stakes and by the depth of the ditches, since sudden sorties and other hidden dangers were already feared from nearby Ctesiphon.

1. Ventum est hinc ad fossile flumen Naarmalcha nomine, quod amnis regum interpretatur, tunc aridum. id antehac Traianus posteaque Severus egesto solo fodiri in modum canalis amplissimi studio curaverat summo, ut aquis illuc ab Euphrate transfusis naves ad Tigridem conmigrarent.

1. We came to a fossile river called Naarmalcha, which is interpreted “river of kings,” then dry. Trajan before, and afterwards Severus, with the soil having been removed, had with the utmost zeal caused it to be dug out in the manner of a very wide canal, so that with waters transferred there from the Euphrates ships might be conveyed to the Tigris.

2. tutissimumque ad omnia visum est eadem loca purgari, quae quondam similia Persae timentes mole saxorum obruere multorum. hacque valle purgata, avulsis cataractis undarum magnitudine classis secura stadiis triginta decursis in alveum eiecta est Tigridis, et contextis ilico pontibus transgressus exercitus iter Cochen versus promovit.

2. and it seemed safest in every respect that the same places be cleared which once, fearing the Persians, similar masses of rocks had overwhelmed many. And with this valley cleansed, the cataracts torn away by the magnitude of the waves, the fleet, secure, after running thirty stadia, was cast into the bed of the Tigris, and, with bridges immediately woven and crossed, the army pushed forward its march toward Cochen.

3. utque lassitudini succederet quies oportuna, in agro consedimus opulento, arbustis et vitibus et cupressorum viriditate laetissimo, cuius in medio diversorium opacum est et amoenum, gentiles picturas per omnes aedium parietes ostendens regis bestias venatione multiplici trucidantis; nec enim apud eos pingitur vel fingitur aliud praeter varias caedes et bella.

3. and that a timely rest might succeed our lassitude, we seated ourselves in a wealthy field, most delighted with the greenery of shrubs and vines and of cypresses, in the middle of which a shady and pleasant diversorium stands, displaying gentile picturas over all the walls of the aedium, showing the king’s beasts slaughtering in multifold venationes; for among them nothing else is painted or fashioned save various caedes and wars.

4. Proinde cunctis ex sententia terminatis Augustus altius iam contra difficultates omnes incedens, tantumque a fortuna sperans nondum adflicta, ut propius temeritatem multa crebro auderet, validiores naves ex his, quae alimenta portabant et machinas, deoneratas octogenis implevit armatis, retentoque secum classis robore firmiore, quam in tres diviserat partes, unam cum Victore comite quiete prima noctis emitti disposuit, ut flumine raptim transmisso ripae occuparentur hostiles.

4. Therefore, with all matters decided by common consent, Augustus, now advancing more boldly against all difficulties and trusting in fortune not yet afflicted, so that he more often dared proximate temerity, filled the sturdiest ships from those that had carried provisions and machines, once unloaded, with eighty armed men, and, having retained with him a firmer strength of the fleet which he had divided into three parts, arranged that one, with Victor as his comrade, be quietly sent forth at the first watch of night, so that, the river having been swiftly crossed, the hostile banks might be occupied.

5. quod cum acri metu territi duces concordi precatu fieri prohibere temptarent, neque destinationem flecterent principis, sublato vexillo, ut iussum est, evolant e conspectu quinque subito naves, sed cum ripas iam adventarent, facibus et omni materia, qua alitur ignis, petitae adsiduis iactibus cum militibus iam conflagrassent, ni veloci vigore pectoris excitus imperator signum sibi datum nostros, quod margines iam tenerent, ut mandatum est, erexisse proclamans, classem omnem properare citis remigiis adegisset.

5. when, terrified by keen fear, the leaders in concord tried by united prayer to prevent it from being done, and could not bend the prince’s determination, with the standard raised, as had been ordered, five ships suddenly darted out of sight; but when they were already nearing the banks, attacked with torches and every material by which fire is fed, with continuous hurlings together with the soldiers they were already ablaze, unless, roused by swift vigor of heart, the emperor—having had the signal given to him and proclaiming that our men, as had been commanded, already held the margins—had urged the whole fleet to hasten with quick oars.

6 quo facto et naves incolumes sunt receptae et residuus miles quamquam saxis et varietate telorum ex edito vexaretur, post concertationem acerrimam praealtas ripas et arduas supergressus stabat immobilis.

6. whereupon, the ships having been received uninjured, and the remaining soldier, although harassed from above by rocks and a variety of missiles, after a most fierce engagement, having crossed the very high and steep banks, stood immovable.

7. et miratur historia Rhodanum arma et loricam retinente Sertorio transnatatum, cum eo momento turbati quidam milites, veritique ne remanerent, post signum erectum, scutis, quae patula sunt et incurva, proni firmius adhaerentes, eaque licet inperite regendo per voraginosum amnem velocitatem comitati sunt navium.

7. and the historian marvels that the Rhone was crossed with arms and lorica retained by Sertorius; at that moment some soldiers, troubled and fearing that they would be left behind after the signal was raised, more firmly clinging forward to their shields, which are broad and curved, and though unskilled in steering them, kept pace with the swiftness of the ships through the voraginous current.

8. Contra haec Persae obiecerunt instructas cataphractorum equitum turmas sic confertas, ut lamminis coaptati corporum flexus splendore praestringerent occursantes obtutus, operimentis scorteis equorum multitudine omni defensa, quorum in subsidiis manipuli locati sunt peditum, contecti scutis oblongis et curvis, quae texta vimine et coriis crudis gestantes densius se commovebant. post hos elephanti gradientium collium specie motuque inmanium corporum propinquantibus exitium intentabant documentis praeteritis formidati.

8. Against these the Persians opposed squadrons of cataphracted horse, so closely packed that, their bodies joined with plates, the bends of their forms flashed with splendour and dazzled the gaze of those running to meet them; the horses defended by every multitude of leathern coverings, behind whom in reserve manipuli of infantry were placed, covered with oblong and curved shields, which, bearing woven wickerwork and raw hides, stirred themselves more densely. After these, elephants, by the aspect and motion of their advancing necks and the movement of their immense bodies, approached, threatening destruction and feared on account of examples past.

9. Hinc imperator catervis peditum infirmis medium inter acies spatium secundum Homericam dispositionem praestituit, ne locati priores cedentesque deformiter, cunctos averterent secum, aut postsignani pone omnes reiecti centurias, nullo retinente licentius verterent terga, ipse cum levis armaturae auxiliis per prima postremaque discurrens.

9. From there the commander assigned a middle space between the lines for the bands of infantry who were weak, according to the Homeric disposition, so that those placed earlier and those yielding, turning away deformly, would not carry all off with them, nor would the rear‑guards — all cast back behind as centuries — with no one restraining them, more freely turn their backs; he himself, with auxiliaries of light armour, running about through the first and the last ranks.

10. Ergo ubi vicissim contiguae se cernerent partes, cristatis galeis corusci Romani vibrantesque clipeos velut pedis anapaesti praecinentibus modulis lenius procedebant, et praepilatis missilibus per procursatores principiis pugnae temptatis excita undique humus rapido turbine portabatur.

10. Therefore when, in turn, the adjoining ranks saw one another, the Romans with crested helmets and flashing, quivering shields, like the foot of an anapaest beating out measures, advanced the more gently; and with missiles cast forward and the openings of the battle probed by the skirmishers, the earth, roused on all sides, was borne along by a swift whirlwind.

11. et cum undique solito more conclamaretur, virorumque alacritatem sonantia classica iam iuvarent, hastis et mucronibus strictis hinc inde comminus pugnabatur: sagittarum periculis miles erat inmunis, quantum interiora festinatius occupabat. inter quae Iulianus pulsos fulcire subsidiis incitareque tardantes quasi conturmalis strenuus properabat et rector.

11. and when on every side a shout was raised in the usual manner, and the trumpets sounding the men's alacrity already assisted, with spears and points drawn there was close, hand-to-hand fighting here and there: the soldier was immune to the dangers of arrows insofar as he more swiftly occupied the interior. Among these things Iulianus, brisk and directing, hurried like a conturmal leader to support the routed with auxiliaries and to urge on the laggard.

12. laxata itaque acies prima Persarum leni ante, dein concito gradu calefactis armis retrorsus gradiens propinquam urbem petebat, quam sequebatur miles itidem fessus in campis torridis ad usque diei finem a lucis ortu decernens, eiusque occipitiis pertinacius haerens omnem cum Pigrane et Surena et Narseo potissimis ducibus ad usque Ctesiphontis muros egit praecipitem adversorum feriens suras et terga.

12. Thus the first line of the Persians, having been loosened, advanced gently at first, then with quickened step and arms heated, moving back, made for the nearby city; which the soldier likewise, weary in the parched fields, resolving from the rising of the light to the very end of the day, followed, and clinging more pertinaciously to its occiputs, with Pigrane and Surena and Narseo as his chief commanders drove everyone headlong to the walls of Ctesiphon, striking the shins and backs of the adversaries.

13. perrupissetque civitatis aditus lapsorum agminibus mixtus, ni dux Victor nomine manibus erectis prohibuisset et vocibus, ipse umerum et sagitta praestrictus et timens ne intra moenium ambitus rapidus miles inconsulte repertus nullosque inveniens exitus multitudinis pondere circumveniretur.

13. and the approaches of the city would have been broken through, mingled with the ranks of the fallen, had not the commander Victor by name, with hands uplifted and by his shouts, forbade it; he himself, stricken in the shoulder and pierced by an arrow, and fearing that a swift soldier, rashly found within the circuit of the walls and finding no exits, would be overwhelmed by the weight of the multitude.

14. Sonent Hectoreas poetae veteres pugnas, fortitudinem Thessali ducis extollant, longae loquantur aetates Sophanem et Aminiam et Callimachum et Cynaegirum, Medicorum in Graecia fulmina illa bellorum: non minus illo die quorundam ex nostris inclaruisse virtutem omnium confessione monstratur.

14. Let ancient poets sound the Hectorian battles, let them extol the fortitude of the Thessalian leader, let long ages speak of Sophanes and Aminias and Callimachus and Cynaegirus, those thunderbolts of the Medes in Greece: no less on that day is the virtue of certain of our men shown to have shone, by the confession of all.

15. Post timorem depositum calcatasque ruinas hostilium corporum, iusto sanguine miles etiam tum cruentus, ad impe ratoris tentoria congregatus laudes ei perhibebat et gratias, quod ignoratus ubique dux esset an miles magis, tum ita rem prospere gesserat ut caesis Persarum plus minusve duobus milibus et quingentis, septuaginta caderent soli nostrorum. qui appellans plerosque nominatim, quos stabili mente aliquid clarum fecisse ipse arbiter perspexit, navalibus donavit coronis et civicis et castrensibus.

15. After fear was laid aside and the ruined bodies of the host trodden down, the soldier, even then bloody with just blood, gathered to the emperor’s tents offered him praises and thanks, because everywhere he had been unknown whether leader or soldier, and had so conducted the affair prosperously that with the Persians slain more or less two thousand five hundred and seventy, only seventy of our men fell. He, calling many by name whom his own judgment perceived to have done something illustrious with steady mind, bestowed upon them naval crowns and civic and camp crowns.

17. Abunde ratus post haec prosperitates similis adventare, conplures hostias Marti parabat ultori, et ex tauris pulcherrimis decem ad hoc perductis, nondum aris admoti voluntate sua novem procubuere tristissimi, decimus vero, qui diffractis vinculis lapsus aegre reductus est, mactatus ominosa signa monstravit. quibus visis exclamavit indignatus acriter Iulianus Iovemque testatus est, nulla Marti iam sacra facturum: nec resecravit celeri morte praereptus.

17. Thinking amply that like prosperity would follow thereafter, he prepared many victims to Mars the Avenger, and of ten very beautiful bulls brought up for this purpose, nine, not yet led to the altars, of their own will fell prostrate most sadly; the tenth, however, who, having broken his bonds, slipped and was scarcely brought back, when sacrificed displayed ominous signs. Seeing these, Julianus cried out sharply in indignation and, invoking Jupiter, declared that he would perform no more rites to Mars: nor did he retract this, being snatched off by a swift death.

VII

1. Digesto itaque consilio cum primatibus super Ctesiphontis obsidio, itum est in voluntatem quorundam, facinus audax et inportunum esse noscentium id adgredi, quod et civitas situ ipso inexpugnabilis defendebatur et cum metuenda multitudine protinus rex adfore credebatur.

1. With the plan thus arranged, when the chiefs were deliberating concerning the siege of Ctesiphon, it came into the mind of some that it would be a daring and inopportune deed for those who knew to attempt that thing, since the city was defended as inexpugnable by its very situation and the king was believed to be immediately to be present with a fearsome multitude.

2. vicit sententia melior, cuius utilitate princeps sollertissimus adprobata, Arintheum cum manu peditum expedita ad populandas regiones circumsitas misit, armentis laetas et frugibus, hostes pari persecuturum industria, quos dispalatos nuper densi tramites et latebrae texere notissimae; hinc opulenta ...

2. the better counsel prevailed, its advantage having been approved by the most astute prince; he sent Arintheus with a body of light infantry to depopulate the beset regions, rich in herds and harvests, to pursue the enemies with like industry, those whom, lately scattered, dense tracks and well-known lairs had covered; hence opulent ...

3. sed ille avidae semper ad ulteriora cupiditatis, parvi habitis vetantium dictis et increpitis optimatibus, quod ob inertiam otiique desiderium amitti suaderent prope iam parta regna Persidis, flumine laeva relicto, infaustis ductoribus a praeviis, mediterraneas vias arripere citato proposuit gradu.

3. but he, ever greedy for further cupidity, deeming the words of those forbidding and the rebukes of the optimates of little account, because by sloth and a longing for leisure the nearly won kingdoms of the Persians would be lost, the left-hand river left behind, with ill-omened commanders driven from the vanguard, resolved to seize the Mediterranean ways with a swift step.

4. et tamquam funesta face Bellonae subiectis ignibus exuri cunctas iusserat naves

4. and as if by Bellona's fatal torch she had commanded all the ships to be burned by fires applied beneath them

4 praeter minores duodecim, quas profuturas pangendis pontibus disposuit vehi carpentis, idque putabat utiliter ordinasse, ne relicta classis usui hostibus foret, aut certe, ut ab expeditionis primordio factum est, armatorum fere viginti milia in trahendis occuparentur isdem navibus et regendis.

4. besides twelve smaller ones, which he arranged to be carried on carriages by means of bridges to be made, and he thought he had ordered this usefully, lest the fleet left behind be of use to the enemies, or at least, as was done from the beginning of the expedition, nearly twenty thousand of the armed men should be occupied in hauling and in crewing the same ships.

5. Dein cum metuens sibi quisque mussaret monstraretque perspicua veritas, quod repulsus forsitan ariditate vel altitudine montium, ad aquas redire non poterit miles, tortique perfugae aperte faterentur se fefellisse, concursu maximo extingui iussae sunt flammae. et quoniam ignis auctus inmaniter plerasque consumpsit, duodecim tantum modo naves potuerunt intactae servari, quae ut possint custodiri discretae sunt.

5. Then, when each, fearing, whispered and the perspicuous truth was shown — that, repulsed perhaps by aridity or by the altitude of the mountains, the soldier would not be able to return to the waters — and the tortured perfugae openly confessed that they had deceived themselves, by a very great concursus the flammae were ordered to be extinguished. And since the fire, having grown, monstrously consumed very many things, only twelve ships could be preserved intact, which, that they might be able to be guarded, were set apart.

6. hoc casu classe cum non oporteret abolita, Iulianus consociato fretus exercitu, cum armatorum nulli per diversa distringerentur, numero potior ad interiora tendebat, alimenta adfatim opulentis suggerentibus locis.

6. In this case, since the fleet ought not to have been broken up, Iulianus, relying on the allied army, and with none of the shipmasters being dispatched to different places, preferring his superiority in number, pressed on toward the interior, to places amply supplying alimenta to the opulent.

7. Quo cognito hostes, ut inedia nos cruciarent, herbas cum adultis segetibus incenderunt, et conflagratione procedere vetiti stativis castris dum flammae senescerent tenebamur. insultantesque nobis longius Persae nunc de industria se diffundebant, aliquotiens confertius resistentes, ut procul conspicantibus viderentur advenisse iam regis auxilia, ideoque eos aestimaremus erupisse ad audaces excursus et insolita tempta menta.

7. When this was learned the enemies, that they might torment us with starvation, set fire to the grasses along with the grown crops, and, forbidden to advance by the conflagration, we were detained in the stationary camp while the flames waned. And the Persians, harrying us, now of set purpose spread themselves farther, sometimes resisting more closely, so that to those who looked from afar they seemed already to have arrived as the king’s auxiliaries, and therefore we judged that they had sallied forth for bold excursions and unusual assaults.

8. maerebat tamen ob haec imperator et miles, quod nec contabulandi pontis erat facultas amissis navibus temere, nec occurri poterat hostis adventicii motibus, quem adesse coruscus nitor indicabat armorum arte pro singulis membris inflexus. hisque accedebat aliud haut exiguum malum, quod nec adminicula, quae praestolabamur cum Arsace et nostris ducibus, adparebant ob causas inpedita praedictas.

8. yet the emperor and the soldier were grieving on account of these things, because there was neither the facility for decking a bridge with the ships having been rashly lost, nor could the arriving enemy be met by maneuvers, whose presence a coruscant sheen signified, bent by the art of arms for each individual troop. And to these was added another not small evil, namely that the supports we were expecting with Arsaces and our commanders did not appear on account of the aforesaid impeded causes.

VIII

CHAPTER 8.

1. Has ob res ut solaretur anxios milites princeps, captivos graciles suapte natura, ut omnes paene sunt Persae, et macie iam confectos iussit in medium duci, nostrosque respiciens �en� inquit �quos Martia ista pectora viros existimant, deformes inluvie capellas et taetras, utque crebri docuerunt eventus, antequam manus conferant abiectis armis vertentes semet in fugam�.

1. For these reasons, that the anxious soldiers might be comforted, the princeps ordered the captives, slender by their own nature, as almost all Persians are, and already spent by leanness, to be led into the middle; and looking at our men he said, “behold whom those martial chests count as men—deformed by filth, like she‑goats and foul ones, and as frequent events have shown, before they join hands, they fling away their arms and turn themselves to flight.”

2. quibus dictis remotisque captivis super rerum summa consultabatur. et multis ultro citroque dictitatis cum reverti debere per loca, qua venimus, plebs vociferaretur inprudens, resistebat intentius princeps, multis cum eo nequaquam fieri posse monstrantibus per effusam planitiem pabulo absumpto et frugibus, vicorumque reliquiis exustorum inopia squalentibus ultima: quodque liquentibus iam brumae pruinis omne inmaduerat solum et ruptis riparum terminis aucti inhorruere torrentes.

2. with these words and the captives removed, deliberation was held upon the chief matters. and though, often told on both sides that they ought to return by the places through which we had come, the unwise populace clamored, the prince resisted all the more intently, many with him showing that it could by no means be done because across the wide plain the fodder had been consumed and the crops, and the remnants of the villages burned lay squalid from want: and because, with the winter frosts now melting, all the soil had become soaked, and with the banks’ bounds broken the swollen torrents bristled.

3. eo etiam ad difficultatem accedente negotii, quod per eas terras vapore sideris calescentes muscarum et culicum multitudine referta sunt omnia, earumque volatu dies et astrorum noctu micantium facies obumbratur.

3. with this also adding to the difficulty of the business, because through those lands all things were filled with a vapor, heating from the star, and with a multitude of flies and gnats, and by their flight the day is shadowed and the faces of the stars shining by night are obscured.

4. et cum nihil humani proficerent sensus diu fluctuantes et dubii, exstructis aris caesisque hostiis consulta numinum scitabamur, utrum nos per Assyriam reverti censerent, an praeter radices montium lenius gradientes Chiliocomum prope Corduenam sitam ex inproviso vastare: quorum neutrum extis inspectis confore dicebatur.

4. and when for a long time the senses of men, wavering and doubtful, profited nothing, with altars built and victims slain we consulted the counsels of the gods, whether they judged that we should return through Assyria, or, beyond the roots of the mountains, unexpectedly ravage Chiliocomum, situated near Corduenam, whose slopes descend more gently: of neither, when the entrails had been inspected, was it said to be favourable.

5. sedit tamen sententia, ut omni spe meliorum succisa Corduenam arriperemus, et sextum decimum Kalendas Iulias promotis iam signis, progresso imperatore cum lucis exordio fumus vel vis quaedam turbinata pulveris apparebat, ut opinari daretur asinorum esse greges agrestium, quorum multitudo in tractibus est illis innumera, ideo simul incedens ut constipatione densa feroces leonum frustrentur adsultus.

5. yet the resolution stood that, all hope of better things cut off, we should seize Corduena; and on the 16th day before the Kalends of July (June 16), the standards having already been advanced, with the emperor having gone forward, at the dawn of day a smoke or some force of whirling dust appeared, so that one was led to suppose them to be herds of rural asses, whose multitude in those tracts is countless, and thus advancing together they were, by dense thronging, deprived of the fierce assaults of lions.

6. quidam arbitrabantur Arsacen ac duces adventare iam nostros rumoribus percitos, quod imperator Ctesiphonta magnis viribus oppugnaret, non nulli Persae nobis viantibus incubuisse firmabant.

6. Some supposed that Arsacen and the leaders had already come upon ours, stirred by rumors, because the emperor was assaulting Ctesiphon with great forces; not a few Persians affirmed that they had fallen upon us while we were on the roads.

7. ideo inter haec ita ambigua, nequid adversum accideret revocantibus agmina classicis, in valle graminea prope rivum multiplicato scutorum ordine in orbiculatam figuram metatis tutius quievimus castris. nec enim ad usque vesperam aere concreto discerni potuit quidnam esset, quod diu squalidius videbatur.

7. therefore amid these ambiguous things, lest anything adverse happen while the columns were being recalled by the signal-classica, we took safer rest with camp in a grassy valley near a stream, our shields in a multiplied order arranged into an orbiculate form. For indeed even until evening, with the air congealed, it could not be discerned what it was that for a long time seemed more squalid.