The Roman historie containing such acts and occurrents as passed under Constantius, Iulianus, Iovianus, Valentinianus, and Valens, emperours. Digested into 18. bookes, the remains of 31. and written first in Latine by Ammianus Marcellinus: now translated newly into English. Wherunto is annexed the chronologie, serving in stead of a briefe supplement of those former 13. bookes, which by the iniurie of time are lost: together with compendious annotations and coniectures upon such hard places as occurre in the said historie. Done by Philemon Holland of the citie of Coventrie, Doctor in Physicke.

THE XXXI. BOOKE. (Book 31)

CHAP. I. Praesaging signes and prodigious sights in the East, portending hurt unto Valens. The originall cause of his destruction, and of divers calamities. The nation of the Hunnes exactly described.

MEane while the swift wheele of Fortune making at all times an alternative change of prosperitie and adversitie, armed Bello∣na, together with the Furies, her * 1.1 associats continually, and brought over sorrowfull events into the East; against the comming whereof, evident praesages and strange signes gave true warning. For after many other accidents, which by way of Soothsaying the Prophets and Augures foretold, dogges leaped and frisked when the wolves howled, the night-birds also in groning wise sounded foorth a monefull and lamentable note; and the mournefull rising of the Sunne dimmed the cleare light of the morning. Likewise

at Antioch, in every brawle and tumultuous fray among the common sort, a by∣word was usually taken up, that as any thought himselfe to suffer violence or abuse, he would in licentious manner crie out, Vivus ardeat Valens, i. A light fire catch Valens quicke. Besides, the Cryers were heard continually to call and charge, That there should be wood gotten together, for to set on fire the Baine ^a Valentinum, which the prince himselfe with great desire and diligence had built: all which put together, spake out in manner and plainely shewed, That this kind of death was toward him. Over and above, the pale and dreadfull spectre representing the king of Armenia, as also the wofull ghosts of those, who a little before in the matter of Theodorus were put to death, appearing by visions in the night time, and skreaking out certaine horrible and dreadfull verses, disquieted many folke in their sleepe, and put them into terrible frights. A * 1.2 little Goat was seene after the throat thrust through to lye along dead, the death whereof shewed very great and notorious ca∣lamities of publicke funerals. To conclude, as the old walls of Chalcedon were in pulling downe, for to build up a Baine in Constantinople, when the raunge and course of the stone-worke was loosened, upon a foure square stone which lay couched in the middle of the worke, these Greeke verses following were found engraven, opening fully the future events.

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That is,

But when new wives and damsels fresh, in daunces that delight, Shall raunge along the citie-streets, with guirlands gayly dight, And when the wall with many a grone shall downe, to mound a Baine, Then shall the Hunnes by multitudes breake forth with might and maine: By force of armes the winding streame of Ister they shall crosse, To Scythicke ground and Mysian land working much teene and losse, They shall both * 1.5 Paeons horsemen brave, and furious Gaulois stay, Nor but with losse of life and breath, their fight shall ever stay.

Now the seednesse of all mischiefe, and the originall of sundrie calamities, which the furie of Mars, by making a confusion and combustion of all, after his wonted manner, first raised, we find for certaine to have risen upon this cause. The nation of the Hunnes, little or nothing knowne by any auncient records, seated along the frozen sea, beyond the marishes of Maeotis, exceedeth in felnesse and crueltie beyond all measure: where (for that their infants cheekes from their very nativitie are deepely gashed with a knife, that by reason of the rivelled and wrinc∣kled skarres, the yong haire, when it should bud forth in due season, might be chec∣ked and kept downe) they grow untill they be old all of them beardlesse, without any favour or beautie at all, like unto guelded Eunuches. Generally, their lims be well knit and strong, and by reason of their fat chuffe-necks they are monstrously deformed and * 1.6 bending in the backe, that a man would take them for two footed brute beasts; or else resembling those image-like posts, which in the borders and

sides of bridges, are ill favouredly hewed and shaped in forme of men. Sembla∣bly, in their manner of life, they seeme to be so rude and rough, that they need neither fire nor savourie and seasoned meats, but feed upon the rootes of weeds, and the flesh of any cattell halfe raw, which being thrust betweene their owne thighes and their horses backes, they keepe warme, and give a short heat unto. Never come they under any roofe, but all houses they no lesse decline than if they were sepulchres standing out of the way and apart from any common use; for there cannot be found among them so much as a cottage thatched over head with reed. But raunging here and there over the mountaines and the woods, they are enured from their verie cradle to endure both hunger and thirst. When they tra∣vel abroad into other countries they come into no house but upon exceeding great necessitie: For they do not thinke themselves secured and safe under any roofe. They are clad all over in garments made of linnen, or else patched up of wild ^b mice skinnes: neither weare they one kind of apparell at home, and another a∣broad; but come there once over their head a coat of some over-worne colour, it never goes off nor is chaunged, before that with long wearing it be over-rotten and run to ragges and tatters. They cover their heads with hats shooting out and bending forward; and goats skinnes serve for stockings and hose to cover their hai∣rie legges: And their shooes not made fit by any last, hinder them for setting their feet forward at libertie, and going at ease. For which cause they are not well ap∣pointed for service on foot in the warres: but being locked fast (as it were) to their horsebackes, which are tough and hard (I must needs say) but yet mishaped and ill favoured; and otherwhiles sitting upon them sidelong as women do, they fol∣low and performe their ordinarie businesses. The fashion is throughout this nati∣on, for everie one sitting still on horsebacke, all night and all day long to buy and sell, to eat and drinke, yea and leaning forward and couching himselfe upon the narrow necke of his horse, to fall sound asleepe untill he have had a sort of sundrie dreames. And in this manner also sit they all in counsell together, consulting deli∣beratly upon serious affaires proposed. Now, directed they are by no regall au∣thoritie, but contenting themselves with the tumultuarie conduct and leading of their principall Potentates, breake through they do whatsoever stands in their way. Sometime also they maintaine defensive warre, and fight when they be provoked, but they begin battaile by plumps and companies one after another, setting up di∣vers noyses, sounding after an hideous manner. And as they are for quicke dis∣patch of service verie light, and doing all of a sodaine, so also as sodainely for the nonce they disperse themselves and fall a wailing; and then when the battell char∣geth full upon them, they ride all abroad, with committing much slaughter: and so neither entring upon the rampier and trench, nor rifling their enemies tents, for the most part they decide the quarell. And in this respect a man may well say, they fight like most sharpe and eagre warriours: for that a farre off with casting wea∣pons, with sharpe poynted bones in stead of heads, and those fastened and fitted with wonderfull cunning, but neere at hand laid here and there with yron . . . . . . . . and whiles their enemies ward and observe the mischievous venues of their pointed weapons, they entangle and bind them fast within cords that they fling from them, to the end that when their limmes as they make resistance be thus ensnared, they might bereave them of all power either to ride or goe. There is not one among them that eareth the ground, or at any time layeth hand to the plough tayle: For all of them, without any set habitation, without house or home, with∣out

law or setled order wander here and there, like alwayes to those that are in flight, together with their wagons in which they dwell. Wherein also the wives weare garments of hairie wooll, and lye with their husbands. Aske any among them, Where he was borne, there is not one of them can directly answer, as being in one place * 1.7 begotten, borne in another farre off, and brought up yet farther. In truce-time treacherous and unfaithfull, inconstant, upon everie gale of rumor rea∣die to rise, and upon new hopes passing mutable; in one word, putting all upon the issue of most violent furie: Like unto inconsiderat and unreasonable creatures, utterly ignorant of what is honest or unhonest: doubtfull, double, and darke in their speeches. Awed at no time with reverent regard either of religion or super∣stition: burning exceedingly in greedie desire of gold. So variable and prone to anger, that in one and the same day, at severall howers they will many times revolt from their allyes, without any quarell and provocation; and in like sort be pleased, reconciled, and become friends againe without the mediation of any to mitigate their mood. This kind of men so quicke and nimble, so untamed and unreclai∣mable, burning in monstrous desire to rob and spoyle forrainers, after they had by spoyle and slaughter of the neighbour inhabitants made foule worke and havock, went on as farre as to Achaia.

CHAP. II. The Massagets, Neuri, Vidini, Geloni, Agathyrsi, Melanchlaenae, Anthropophagi, and Alani, who they were, and their manners.

NOw remaine the * 1.8 Massagetae, who whence they are descended, or what lands they doe inhabit (because the course of our storie is devolved upon them) meet it is to declare. The ambiguous Geographicall description being shewed, which a long time . . . . . . . many and sundrie . . . . . found out at length the inward secrets of the truth . . . . . Ister flowing with a bigge streame of straunge waters running into him, passeth by the * 1.9 Sauromatae, reaching as farre as to the river Tanais, which boundeth Asia from Europe. When you have crossed over it, there inhabit the desart wildes of * 1.10 Scy∣thia (stretched out an infinit way) the * 1.11 Alani (so called after the name of the moun∣tains) and having by little and little in many victories vanquished the nations bor∣dering upon them, brought them at length to be endenized and naturalized in their owne name, like as the Persians also did. Among these the Neuri possesse the mid-land places, dwelling neere unto those high topped hills, which being steepe up-right, and frozen all over, are subject to the nipping * 1.12 North-east wind. Beyond them are the Vidini and Geloni, verie fierce and savage nations: these use to flea off the skinnes of those enemies whom they have slaine, and thereof make for themselves garments, and for their horses caparisons: a warlike people I assure you. Confining with the Geloni are the Agathyrsi, the skinne of whose bodies, also their haire, is speckled all over with blew coloured spots. And verily the mea∣ner sort have markes of that kind, small and standing here and there thin: but the noble men and gentrie, broader, with a colour set upon them, and thicker one by another. Next beyond these, we have heard that the Melanchlaenae and Anthro∣pophagi dwell scattering in divers places: these use to live by eating the flesh of men and womens bodies, whom all the borderers forsooke for this abhominable

feeding, and went farre from them into the remote parts of the land. And there∣fore the whole tract that lyeth North-east untill you come unto the Seres, is be∣come inhabitable. In another quarter neere unto the place where the Amazons are seated, dwell the Alani mounting East-ward, and those be spred into mightie and great nations, bending and bearing toward the tracts of Asia: which people (as I have heard) stretch out in breadth as farre as to * 1.13 Ganges, a river that cutteth the Indian land through the mids, and carryeth his streame into the South sea. And there the Alani being divided into both parts of the world (the sundrie nati∣ons of which people it skilleth not now to reckon up) albeit they keepe a great way asunder, and wander like unto the Nomades, in those eno••me and huge cantons, yet in processe of time they grew into one name, and generally they be all tearmed Alani. In their manners, custome and meanes of savage living they be in manner all one. For they have no cottages at all, nor any care to handle the plough, but live of flesh and plentie of milke, sitting upon * 1.14 waines, which being made of the bended covers of barkes they carrie with them along the desert wil∣dernesse, that holdeth on still without end. And when they are come to any places of greene grasse, placing their carres in a round forme, they fall to their vi∣ctuals, and feed as wild beasts doe: Now when their food and forrage is spent, they carry (as one wold say) whole cities upon those carts: and above in them their males and females engender together: in these are borne their infants, in these they have their breeding and education. These and no other have they for their habitations continually, and whither soever they goe, there they take to be their native dwelling and homestall. As they drive their heards and flocks before them, they let them have their pasturage; but especially of their horses they have an ex∣traordinarie care. The fields there be evermore greene and full of grasse, with places here and there betweene set thicke with trees bearing apples and o∣ther fruit: and therefore what way soever they goe, they are at no default either for food or fodder: the reason hereof is the moist ground, and the courses of many rivers running hard by. All those therefore that for age or sex be not service∣able in the warres, keepe about the verie wagons or carts aforesaid, and are busi∣ed in easie kind of worke: but the lustie youth, that have growne up from their verie childhood in the practise of riding, thinke it a base thing to goe on foot: and they be all for militarie knowledge expert and politique warriours. Whereupon the Persians also, who by their first originall are Scythians, be most skilfull souldi∣ors. Now the Alani in manner all be tall of stature, and faire of complexion, their haire meetly yellow, with the cast of their eyes, that yeeld a temperat sterne∣nesse, terrible, and by reason of their light armour swift and nimble. Equall and sutable to the Hunnes in all respects, save that in their feeding and apparell more civile they be than they . . . . . . . in swimming and hunting, raunging over the countries as farre as to the meeres of Maeotis, the Cimmerian Bosphorus, Ar∣menia likewise and Media. And like as quiet and peaceable men take pleasure in rest and ease, so delight they in daungers and warres. Happie is that man repu∣ted there, who in battaile hath lost his life: For such as dye by age and other acci∣dentall death, they revile and reproach with bitter taunts, as base and cowardly. Neither is there any thing that they glorie and vaunt more of, than the killing of some man or other. And instead of glorious spoyles, when they have slaine any, off go their heads: the skinnes they flea and use them instead of trappings for their great horses of service. There is not a temple or chappell to be seene among them,

nor a shrine; nay, a man shall not see there so much as a cottage thatched over head with straw. But after a barbarous rite and ceremonie, there is a naked sword stick∣ing fast in the ground, and the same in lieu of Mars the President and Prelate of those countries which they raunge about, they adore with much devotion. A wonderfull device they have to presage and foreknow things by: For the wo∣men gathering the streightest wands and rods they can get, and looking wistly up∣on them, at a fore-set time (and with certaine secret charms and enchauntments) know evidently what is imported. All of them, as descended of gentle bloud, in times past knew not what servitude meant. And even at this day, they chuse those for their Iudges and Rulers, who for their long practise and experience in the warres, be of approoved worth. But now returne we to that which remaineth of our intended hystorie.

CHAP. III. Sundrie nations of the Gothes, through the puissance of the Hunnes partly vanquished and driven out of their native habitations, and partly smitten withfeare, having seized the bankes of Da∣nubius, crave ayd of Valens, and quiet habitation.

WEll then, the Hunnes after they had over-run the countries of the Alani (who confining upon the Geuthungi, are by custome cal∣led Tanaitae) and both slaine and spoyled many, upon a faithfull covenant of concord and unitie, joyned in league and confedera∣cie with the rest: and thus presuming more confidently upon their association, they boldly and with sodaine violence brake into the goodly large and plenteous territories of Ermenrichus, a most warlike king, and for his ma∣ny and sundrie valiant exploits dread unto the neighbouring inhabitants. Who being strucken with the force of this unexpected storme, although he held out a long time, as one resolved and able to abide, yet considering there went a brute commonly abroad, that made the terrour of imminent calamities more and more still, the feare of so great daungers he quieted and ended with voluntarie death: after whose decease Vithimiris created king, withstood for a while the Alani, as trusting upon the ayd of other Hunnes whom for money he had waged to side with him. But after many overthrowes and losses which he sustained, his fortune was by fine force to be vanquished in the field, and there to end his life. The charge of whose little sonne named Viderichus, Alatheus and Saphrax, experienced captaines, and for their valiant and trustie hearts well knowne, undertooke as guar∣dians and protectors. Who being prevented by the straitnesse of time, when they had cast from them all hope and confidence of resistance, departed and came to the river Danastus, which runneth a great way along the champian fields, betweene Ister and Broysthenes. Then Athanaricus the Iudge and Ruler of the Theruingi (a∣gainst whom, as hath beene sayd before, Valens a good while since had bent his forces, for sending aid unto Procopius) advertised how these occurrents fell out o∣therwise than it was hoped and looked for, assayed to make good his ground and to stand upon his guard, readie to rise up in armes, in case he also as the rest were put to it and provoked. In conclusion, when he had commodiously encamped

his forces within a rampier neere unto the bankes of the river Danastus (and the same extended along the vale Vngorius) he sent Munderichus, Lord Warden of the Marches afterward in Arabia, together with Lagarimanus, and other noble per∣sonages, twentie myles off, to lye in espiall, and to discover the enemies comming, whiles himselfe in the meane time, without the molestation of any man, raunged his armie in battaile ray. But it fell out farre otherwise than he thought it would. For the Hunni (as they are a people in their conjectures quicke and wittie) sus∣pecting there was some great multitude of enemies lying farther off, letting them alone whom they saw, and who, because no man stood in their way, betooke themselves to their quiet rest, so soone as the Moone shewed her selfe, and dispat∣ched the darkenesse of the night, passed over the river at a fourd, and chose that piece of service which made most for their behoofe. But fearing least some fore-running discoverer might skare those that kept aloofe, they made what speed they could, and directly advaunced against Athanaricus himselfe. Who being amazed at the first brunt and impression, after he had lost some of his men, was constrai∣ned by the enemies to make all the hast he could, for his succour, to the high mountaines. Vpon this strange accident, and for feare of some greater mischiefe to ensue, he was put to his trumpes: And so from the edge of the mountaine * 1.15 Gerazus unto Danubius, passing along the territories of the Taifali, he erected wals higher than ordinarie; and with speedie diligence having furnished the bat∣tlements and cope thereof, he thought thereby to provide the better for his se∣curitie and safetie. And whiles the worke went up with effectuall diligence, the Hunnes made quicke speed after him: and now had they at their suddaine com∣ming surprised him, but that loaden with the heavie burthen of their booties, they gave over their pursuit. But when the fame was spread all abroad over the rest of the Gothicke nations, That a strange and unknowne kind of people be∣fore time, now rushing in violently as a whirlewind from the high mountaines, but risen from out of a secret nouke, was readie to ruinate and destroy all before them, the greater part of the multitude, which for want of necessaries had forsaken Athanaricus, sought to plant themselves in some place far remote from the know∣ledge of the Barbarians. And deliberating a long time with themselves, What seat to chuse, they thought that Thracia was a meet countrey to receive and en∣tertaine them, and that for two reasons, both for that it is a most fruitfull soyle, and also because by the large streames of the river Ister it is severed from the lands that now lye open to the thunder-claps and flashes of forraine warre. This selfe same course also the rest, as it were, in one common consent, thought upon. And therefore under the conduct of Alavivus their leader they possessed them∣selves of the bankes of Donaw: and sending their Oratours unto Valens, craved in humble manner to be received, promising to live peaceably, and to send aid, if he would require it.

CHAP. IIII. Parts of Thracia are graunted unto infinite troupes of the Gothes to be inhabited.

WHiles things goe thus in the forraine parts, fearefull rumours ran all a∣broad over the countrey, as farre as lyeth along from the Marcoman∣ni and the Quadi unto Pontus, That the Northerne people raysed new tumults and made greater troubles than ordinarie, and namely, That a barbarous multitude of obscure and hidden nations, disseised by suddaine violence of their owne seats and habitations, wandered together with their wives and children about the river Ister. Which newes at the very first were by our men carelessely received as a matter of no importance, for this cause, That in those tracts the nations being so farre off, were not wont to heare of any warres, before they were either finished or appeased. But when the true relation of these tidings be∣came now rife, whereunto was added a rumor of the comming of those Gentile embassadours, who by prayer and humble entreatie made petition, That a people flitting from out of their native countrey, should be entertained about the river, it was thought a matter rather of mirth and joy than feare; whiles cunning and skilfull flatterers extolling the Emperours fortune very high, gave out, That from the farthest lands of the earth the Thracians offered unto him, before he looked for so much, so many yong trained souldiors, that when his owne power and for∣raine forces were gathered all together, he might have an invincible armie, and for the supplie of souldiors which was yerely levied and sent, what from one province, and what from another, there might accrue unto his coffers a great masse and heape of gold. And upon this persuasion divers were sent out, to convey over by wag∣gons this fell and cruell nation: and great diligence was used, that of them (who should another day overthrow the Roman Emperour) there might not be left be∣hind so much as one, though he were deadly sicke. And so by the Emperours per∣mission having leave graunted unto them to passe over Donaw, and to inhabite the parts of Thracia, night and day they were ferried and transported over, embarked by companies in ships, in floats and hollowed trunkes of trees. And whiles some of them, in that river of all others most dangerous, and as then grown bigger & higher by reason of much raine which had fallen, because they were so thicke pent and thrust together, strived against the current and streame of the water, and endevored to swim, a number of them were drowned. Thus in a turbulent and tumultuous heat of such as were very urgent to have the thing done, was the very bane and mis∣chiefe of the Romane world brought over. And as for this one thing, it is neither unknowne nor doubtfull, that the unfortunate ministers which holpe to transport this barbarous people, when they assayed many times to cast with counters, and comprise the full number of them, missed of their purpose, and were faine to give over.

Which number iust who faine would know, He may desire as well, The sands, while Westerne wind doth blow, In Libye sea to tell.

As sayth that most loftie and excellent * 1.16 Poet.

Now may the ancient Records and Histories at length savour of truth, reporting how the armie of the Medes was led into Greece: which long agoe taking up all Hellespont, and by a certaine artificiall * 1.17 partition made by mans hand for the sea to passe betweene, where at the hill foot the said armie was set a land; as also the survey and review of the said hoast by troupes and squadrons, taken at Doriscus, by the generall consent of all posteritie hath beene read as fabulons. For seeing that infinite multitudes of people spread throughout the provinces, and display∣ing themselves all over the large plaines and champian countries, replenished whole regions and all the mountaine tops and ridges, by so fresh a proofe and ar∣gument as this, the truth also and credit of antiquitie is confirmed and averred. Well, the first that had entertainement, were Fritigernus and Alavivus together, for whom the Emperour appointed victuals for the present, and graunt of lands to be tilled and husbanded hereafter.

CHAP. V. The avarice and most cruell pride of some Praefects or Rulers of Thracia. Also the wic∣ked trecherie and bloudie butcherie of Lupicinus, drive the Gothes to take armes, for to warre upon the Romanes.

AT the same time, when our limits lying now common and open with∣out barres (whiles a barbarous nation displayed whole troupes and hoasts of armed men as thicke as the hote sparkes that flye from the mountaine Aetna) required in these hard points and extremities of necessitie to have for the managing and direction of militarie affaires some such persons, as for their brave and noble exploits were most renowmed, there were sought out and gotten together (as if some adverse and unluckie deitie made the choice) noted men, and distained with infamie, to have the chiefe rule in campe, and manage warfare: among whom, Lupicinus and Maximus bare the greatest stroke; the one of them Lieutenant in Thracia, the other a most mis∣chievous Warden of the Marches, but both of them striving who should goe beyond the other in headie rashnesse: whose greedie covetousnesse lying ever in the wind for cheats, was the very matter and cause of all evils and miseries. For (to let all other particulars passe, wherein these said rulers themselves, or at leastwise others with their permission, by naughtie and wicked meanes trespassed against these strangers at their first comming in, who as yet were harmelesse and innocent) this one odious and unexampled fact of theirs I will not faile to tell: which if it were to be heard even before Iudges in their owne case, could not by any meanes passe cleere and bee pardoned. When this barbarous people thus brought over, was sore distressed for want of victuals, these two most hatefull Governors devised a foule and dishonest kind of commerce and marchandise. For, looke what number and store of dogs their unsatiable greedinesse could get toge∣ther from all parts, they exchanged for so many slaves, that their chiefe persons and nobles brought. In this mean while also, Victhericus king of the Greuthingi, accom∣panied with Alatheus and Aphraces, by whose direction and will he was wholly ru∣led, as also with Farnabius, approching the bankes of Ister, sent his embassadors with all speed, and besought the Emperor, That he might be received with like courtesie.

Which embassadors, according as it was thought expedient for the Common∣wealth, being rejected, and standing doubtfull what course to take, Athanaricus beginning somewhat to feare, departed; remembring well, how a good while since, at a treatie of concord upon covenants to be concluded, he had despised Valens, and avouched, That he was obliged in conscience, never to tread upon Romane ground, and for this cause compelled the said Emperour to make that peace in the middest of the river: which notwithstanding he fearing withall, as standing yet in force, he declined aside with all his people to Caucalandensis, a place by reason of high woods and woulds inaccessible, out of which the Sar∣matians had beene thrust. But the Theruingi, permitted long before to passe o∣ver, wandered even then neere unto the bankes, impeached with a two-fold in∣cumbrance, for that through the wicked dissimulation of the said rulers, they were not succoured with necessaries meet for their living, and of set purpose tied to an entercourse of commerce and traffique, which was horrible and wicked. Which being well and deepely considered, they dissimuled their turning to tre∣cherie, which was the helpe of their urgent miseries neere at hand: and Lupicinus fearing also very much, least shortly they would revolt and rebell, advanced close unto them with his forces, and constrained them quickly to take their journey and be gone. The Greuthungi having gotten this good opportunitie, when they perceived, that whiles our souldiors were elsewhere employed, the ships which used for the hinderance of their passage to skud up and downe the river, were quiet and at rest, by the meanes of certaine flotes and punts ill favouredly made and set together, made shift to be transported, and encamped themselves a great way from Fritigernus. But he in a wittie forecast, which naturally he had, pre∣venting what future chaunces might betide, to the end that he might both obey the soveraigne commandements, and also combine with puissant kings, marching very slowly, came by easie journeyes at length (late though it was) to Martiano∣polis: where, to helpe the matter, there was practised another more horrible de∣signment, which kindled and set on a light fire the torches of the Furies, readie to burne out, even to the mischiefe and destruction of the State. Lupicinus having entreated Alavivus and Fritigernus unto a feast, upon intelligence given by a secret messenger, with a regiment of souldiors repelled farre from the towne walls the barbarous multitude, who as subjects to our dominion, and continuing in peace and unitie with us, by way of request continually from time to time desired to en∣ter in, for to provide themselves of victuals and other necessaries. Now, after grea∣ter broyles and quarrels risen betweene the inhabitants within, and those that were thus debarred, they grew at length to this, that of necessitie they must make a fray and fight. The Barbarians perceiving their friends and kinsfolke in hostile manner to be spoyled, grew more enraged herewith, fell upon the said souldiors, slew and rifled them. Which occurrents the said Lupicinus by a privie messenger being advertised of, whiles sitting long at a riotous table, amid many sports and pastimes, wherewith the roome resounded, with much drinking wine, he grew heavie headed and drowsie, and guessing what the future issue would be, slew all them of the guard, who before the Praetorium or Palace-gate, as well for honour as safetie, waited and attended upon their leaders. Which the people without, who now besieged the walls, taking grievously, growing by little and little to a greater head, in revenge of their princes, whom they supposed to be detained, threatened to doe I wot not how many shrewd displeasures. And Fritigernus, as

he was a prince politique and of quicke conceit, fearing least he with the rest should be kept still as hostages, cryed out, That there would be another conflict with grea∣ter mischiefe and slaughter, unlesse himselfe together with his associats might be suffered to goe forth, for to appease the common sort, which imagining that un∣der a pretense of courtesie their leaders were slaine, grew verie fierce and readie to make a tumult. This being graunted, they all went out, and being received with applause and great joy, mounted on horsebacke and galloped away, minding to set on foot many and sundrie instigations to warre.

CHAP. VI. Lupicinus in arash braid encountring the Gothes, after the losse of his Tribunes and many souldiors, flyeth. An hystoricall narration of Marcellinus, as touching these forraine and new upstart nations, which in former ages grievously afflicted sundrie parts of the world.

WHen Fame the shrewd nource of rumors, had dispersed these news abroad, the whole nation of the Thuringi was enflamed with an hot desire to fight; and so among many fearefull overtures and fore-running presumptions of the greater daungers, when the ba∣ners after their manner were set up on high, and the dolefull sound of trumpets heard, out went in rodes streightwayes whole troups of robbers and brigands, spoyling and firing villages, wasting also and making havocke of what∣soever they could meet. Against whom Lupicinus, having in tumultuarie hast as∣sembled his souldiors, more rashly than advisedly, went forth, and nine miles from the citie stood readie to trye it out by battaile. The Barbarians also when they per∣ceived so much, brake violently upon the companies of our men at unwares, and with their targuets before their bodies, pressing hard upon them, as many as stood in their way with their speares and swords they ran through. And in this bloudie rage both Tribunes and the most part also of the armed souldiors were slaine and lost their ensignes: onely the unfortunat Generall, who minding nothing else but this, that whiles others were fighting, he might save himselfe by flying, hyed as fast as he could to the citie. After this, the enemies clad in the Romans armor, made foule worke in sundrie places, and no man gave them the checke. And for as much, as after manifold and divers acts, we are come to these parts, our heartie desire is to those (if ever there will be any) who shall read this storie, that none of them would precisely require at our hands every thing in particular that was done, nor the just number of such as were slaine, which indeed could in no sort be comprised. For it shall be sufficient, without masking the truth under any lye, to digest and set in order the verie principall points onely of all occurrents, conside∣ring that to the unfolding and laying abroad the records of each thing, requisit it is there should be in everie place a faithfull and sincere relation. Those that be igno∣rant in auncient records deny, that the Commonwealth was ever at any time over∣cast with so great mists of calamities: but astonied as they be now with the behol∣ding of late and fresh miseries, they are deceived. For, if they revolve either the former, or these late fore-going ages, they plainely shew, that the like and as wofull troubles of the State have oftentimes happened. The * 1.18 Teutons together

with the * 1.19 Cimbri sodainely from out of the hidden parts of the Ocean overflow∣ed Italie. But after exceeding and infinit mischiefes inflicted upon the Roman State, in the last battaile vanquished by our most noble and renowmed captaines, and quite rooted out, they learned with their uttermost perils, what martiall valour proceeding from the habite of wisedome and policie is able to doe. Semblably in the dayes of Marcus the Emperour, a raging rabble of sundrie and different nati∣ons banding themselves together, after exceeding great frights of horrible warres, after many a citie won, sacked and rased downe to the ground . . . . . . . . . . . had like to have left but small parcels of them untouched and whole. But within a while, after these wofull losses and calamities, the State was set upright againe, by reason onely of this, that the sober auncient world in those dayes, not yet in∣fected with loose riot and wantonnesse, gaped neither after sumptuous and costly fare, nor wicked and detestable gaines, but in an uniforme and joynt affection, the highest and lowest agreeing together in defence of Commonweale, hastened as it were, unto some calme haven and quiet harbour, to dye a glorious and honoura∣ble death. With a fleet of two thousand sayle the Scythian nations in great num∣bers, having with breaking through Bosphorus and the coasts of Propontus pas∣sed over, made great havocke, and wrought much mischiefe, I must needs say, both by sea and land: but yet when they had lost the greatest part of their people, returned backe. There dyed in fight with the Barbarians, the Emperours Decij, both the father and the sonne. The cities of Pamphylia were besieged, many islands harried and wasted, Macedonia set on a flaming fire, and the whole multi∣tude of them beleagured a long time * 1.20 Thessalonica, and Cyzicum likewise. * 1.21 An∣chialos was won, and at the same time * 1.22 Nicopolis, which the Emperour Traian in token of victorie against the Daci, built. After many and cruell overthrowes given and taken riciprocally, * 1.23 Philippopolis was destroyed, and (unlesse the An∣nales doelye) an hundred thousand men were put to the sword within the walles thereof. Also forraine enemies raunged at their pleasure throughout * 1.24 Epirus, Thessalie, and all * 1.25 Greece. But after that ^a Claudius, that noble and renowmed lea∣der, was assumed to be Emperour, and the selfe same Prince untimely taken away by an honourable death, discomfited & expelled they were by Aurelianus a valiant man, and a most severe revenger of harmes and damages done: whereby they be∣came quiet and stirred not for a long time, unlesse it were, that afterward certaine routs of robbing brigands made hot incursions (but to their owne destruction) in∣to the territories neere adjoyning. But now go forward I will in that traine of hy∣storie from which I have digressed.

CHAP. VII. Other petie Princes and nations of the Gothes, commaunded to passe over into Helle∣spontus, and wrongfully misused, ioyne with others that were alreadie ar∣med, and afterwards west and spoyle Thracia.

THe whole course of these acts being carryed all abroad and divulged, by messengers comming thicke one after another, Sueridus and Colias, Princes of the Gothes, who with their people long before were enter∣tained and set to looke unto the wintering harbours at * 1.26 Hadrianopo∣lis, regarding their owne lives and safetie above all things in the world, beheld all

with quiet and peaceable minds. But upon the Emperours letters which sodain∣ly were brought unto them, whereby they were commaunded to passe over into Hellespontus, they required without any swelling humour of pride, to have their warfare money, meat, and two dayes respite allowed them [of the citie.] Which the head magistrat of the citie, taking not well, and picking a quarell thereat (for displeased he was and angrie with them about some spoyle and wast made in a countrey house of his not farre from the citie) made no more adoe, but brought forth all the commons together with the artizans and craftsmen, of whom there is a mightie multitude there, and them he armed to their utter confusion: and so commaunding the trumpets to sound the battaile, unlesse they went their wayes the sooner (as it was decreed) he threatned them all with the utmost perill of death. The Gothes sore troubled with this unexpected adversitie, and affrighted with the citizens, more hastie ywis than considerat) pressing upon them, stood still and mooved not. But at length when they had beene rayled at, reviled and cursed at their hands, yea and assailed otherwhiles with some few casting dartes launced at them, they brake forth into open defiance, and professed rebellion. And thus, when they had slaine a great number of the citizens, whom their over-malapert violence had deceived, and put the rest to rout, and wounded them with sundrie kinds of weapons, after they had difarmed and spoyled the dead bodies, and put them∣selves into Roman armour, they espyed Fritigernus neere at hand, and joyned themselves unto him, as duetiful and obeisant allyes, and so distressed the citie, now shut up, with those troubles and miseries that follow siege. In which difficultie of daungerous service, being a long time employed, they ran on head everie where, and without all respect. Some of them, who were more bold and ad∣venturous than their fellowes, perished without revenge, yea and many with shot of arrowes and discharging of stones out of slings, lost their lives. Then Fritiger∣nus, considering that men unskilfull in sieges and assaults, wrestled in vaine with so many misfortunes and losses, leaving there a sufficient power, advised them to depart and leave their businesse undone, saying, That he was at peace with bare walls, and persuading them that they would set in hand without endangering their lives, to spoyle the rich and plentifull countries, as wherein as yet there were no garrisons to empeach them. Then they commending highly the kings counsell, whom they knew would be an effectuall partaker with them in these projects and designes, dispersing themselves into everie quarter and coast of Thracia, marched warily, having those that either yeelded or were taken prisoners, to shew them plenteous townes, and such especially, wherein, by their saying, might bee found great store of victuals: and beside an inbred courage and boldnesse of their owne, which set them on, this principall helpe they had to put them forward, in that there conflowed daily unto them a multitude out of the same nation, such as of late had beene sold by marchants, with a number of others flocking stil unto them, whom at their first comming over, those that were pined and starved for hunger, had exchaunged for some course or small wine, and peeces of broken bread. There came also unto them for to encrease their companie, many that were expert in fol∣lowing after the veines of gold in mynes, not able any longer to endure the heavie burdens and taxations laid upon them of impost and customes. And being with the willing consent of all gladly received, they stood them in verie good stead as they passed through unknowne places, shewing unto them where were the hid∣den garners of corne, the privie lurking places and secret receits of the people, and

by the guidance and direction of the same men there remained not untouched and unassailed any thing, unlesse it were inaccessable and unpassable. For with∣out difference made of age or sex, with fire and sword all went to wracke: the yong babes sucking at the breast, were pulled away and killed; their mothers were ravi∣shed, and wives likewise made widowes, and bereft of their husbands, slaine before their faces: the striplings and well growne boyes were haled and trailed along the dead carkasses of their parents: in summe, many old folke crying out that they had lived their fill, after losse of their goods, together with beautifull women, with their hands writhed and pinioned behind their backs, when they had bewayled the embers and ashes of their native habitations, were led away perforce out of their owne countrey.

CHAP. VIII. Valens distracted with manifold cares, sendeth an armie into Thracia. The Gothes and the Romans strike a battaile. The victorie not without sweat, bloud, and teares, falleth to the Romans.

THese newes out of Thracia, Valens the Emperour hearing with much griefe and sorrow of heart was distracted into divers and sundrie cares. And immediatly sending Victor Generall of the Cavallerie into Persia, there to compound and conclude as tou∣ching the state of Armenia, according as these imminent occasi∣ons and troubles did require, himselfe readie forthwith to depart out of Antioch, that he might in the meane time goe to Constantinople, sent Pro∣futurus and Traianus before. Both of them were great Rulers and Cammaunders, who verily reached at brave and noble exploits, but were unskilful in feats of arms. Who when they were come to the places where this multitude of enemies should have beene cut off and diminished by peecemele, by way of stealth and robberie rather than otherwise, wholly before it was full time, bending themselves to that course which was dangerous and pernitious, oppose against the Barbarians whiles they were yet in their hot bloud and furious mood, the legion brought out of Ar∣menia, which verily in martiall services had oftentimes beene well tryed and ap∣prooved; but not able to match so infinit a number of people that overspread both high hills and deepe dales. These companies and bands, I say, having not as yet ex∣perience what untamed rage, joyned with desperatnesse, is able to doe, when they had driven the enemie beyond the cloven and broken cliffes of the mountaine He∣mus, bestowed themselves in the steepe passages and gullets, partly that the Barba∣rians enclosed within those places without end, might with long famine be consu∣med; and partly that themselves might attend Frigeridus Warden of the Marches, who with the aids of the Pannonian and Transalpine souldiors was comming: and whom at the request of Valens, Gratianus appointed to go into the field for to suc∣cour and helpe those that were sore distressed and driven to extremities. After whom, Richomeres then captaine of the ^b Domestici, by commaundement of the said Gratian removing out of Gaule, hastened into Thracia, having in name onely the conduct of certaine cohorts: of whom the most part forsooke their colours and went from him (as some gave it out) through the persuasion of Merchandes, who feared least Gaule being left destitute of the meanes of defence, should be wasted, now that the enemies at their pleasure had broken through the barre of Rhene. But by occasion that Frigeridus was stayed with the gout, or else (as some malicious

backbiters falsely devised) fained himselfe sick, because he would not be at any hot service and dangerous skirmishes, Rhicomeres by a generall consent having the regi∣ment of all the forces, joyned with Profuturus and Traianus as they were marching along neere unto the towne Salices. From whence not farre off, an inestimable number of the Barbarians having orderly placed a multitude of waines and carts round in manner of a circle, enclosed apart, as it were, within a circuit of wals, tooke their ease and solaced themselves with the rich booties they had taken. The Roman captaines then by the good guidance of better hopes (in case fortune affoorded thē oportunitie) meaning to adventure upon some glorious exploit, wittily observed, what the Gothes intended to do, forecasting this especially, That if they dislodged and removed their campe to another place (which they used very often) they might with confidence set upon the backs of the hinmost, gore a number of thē through, and turne away a great part of their spoiles. The enemies perceiving this, or else ha∣ving intelligence given thereof by the fugitives (by whose meanes nothing was so secretly done, but they knew of it) abode in the same place a long time. But struckē with feare of the armie that was abroad, and of other forces which they feared were at hand to joyne with them, by vertue of a watchword given after their countrey maner, they sent for their wast-making companies, which were spred in divers parts neere by, and of every great captaine and commander among them well accepted: and so forthwith having made light fires at the Carrago ^c (for so they tearme it thē∣selves) returning with passing great celeritie, they incensed and incited still their countreymen to attempt greater matters. After this, there was no intermission be∣tweene both sides, more than short truce. For when those were returned, whom up∣on necessitie they had called forth, the whole multitude thrust togither still within the compasse of the inclosure aforesaid, keeping an horrible noyse, and set upon a furious and mad mood, hastened in a fell and cruell gare to trie the utmost hazard of battaile; neither were the princes of their nation there present against it. And for that these matters thus passed, when the Sun was going downe, and the night so fast drawing on, stayed them against their wils and with heavie hearts to go to rest, after they had taken their meat as their leisure would serve, they remained without sleep. On the other side, the Romanes having intelligence hereof, continuing also watch∣full themselves, feared the enemies and their brain sicke leaders, as if they had bin so many enraged wild beasts; howbeit, with undaunted hearts they expected, that the event, although doubtful and dangerous (by reason they were in number much in∣ferior) would yet prove fortunat on their side, in regard of their more just and righ∣teous cause. So, at the very later end of the day, upon the signall of the alarme soun∣ded by the trumpets on both parts, the Barbarians after they had, as their manner is, sworne one unto another, assayed to gain the hillie places, to the end, that frō thence downe the hill they might with greater violence like wheeles over run and tumble downe before them all that were in their way. Our souldiors seeing this made hast every man to his own colours and companies, and so standing their ground neither raunged abroad, nor leaving their rankes, ran out of the array for to skirmish. When as therfore the armies thus embattailed on both sides, marched on warily, and came at length to stand still, the warriors with grim lookes and traverse cast of eye beheld wistly one another. And the Romanes verily setting up a martiall note on all sides, which useth to begin low, and so rise higher and higher, a noyse that by a peculiar tearme they call Barritus, plucked up their valiant hearts and strength together: but the Barbarians with untunable cries and shouts creaked forth the praises of their an∣cestors:

and thus among sundry words passing betweene of dissonant noyse, began the lighter skirmishes. And now, whē they had aloofe assailed one another on both sides with louped darts and such like casting-weapons, they came togither in mena∣cing wise to close fight and hand strokes, and couching their shields in forme of a roufe over their heads, they set foot to foot and maintained the medley. The Barba∣rians, as who were alwaies repaired with fresh supplies and nimble withall, hurling at our men huge clubs, parched and hardened in the fire, and fiercely foining with point of sword full upon the breasts of those that stood against them, brake through the left wing; which being readie to recule and go down, a right strong and hardie regiment which lay for supply, rising valiantly from a side hard by, when as the * 1.27 co∣hort now was hard at their neckes, succoured and supported againe. When as the fight therefore grew exceeding sharpe and hot, with much slaughter & bloudshed, every one who was more readie to rush upon the thickest of the enemies, whiles on all sides swords swashed and darts flew as thicke as haile, lost his life: and the horse∣men followed both on the one side and the other, with strong arme slashing those that fled in the necke & backe: likewise on both parts the footmen hewed the houx or hamstrings of as many as slipped away or lagged behind for feare. And whereas every place was full of slaine bodies, some there were that lay among them halfe dead and halfe alive, feeding themselves with a vaine hope of life. Some were shot with bullets throwne out of slings, others with reeds or arrowes headed with yron: the heads of some cloven with the sword through the middest of the forehead and crowne, hung down with great horror on both shoulders. And both sides not wea∣ried as yet with tough fighting, plagued one another indifferently, and sped alike: neither was there one that slacked one jot his owne naturall vigor of bodie, so long as his courageous heart served him to stirre up his strength. Howbeit, as bloudie & mortall as this conflict was, it ended with the day: and when as many as could any waies make shift departed in disorder, the rest every one recovered their tents again, heavily appayed. To conclude, when as some honourable personages among the dead were enterred as place and time would give leave, the bodies of the slain that remained, the cursed fowles of the ayre devoured, such as were wont at that time to feed upon carkasses, as appeareth by the fields, all over white with bones, at this day. Howbeit for certaine it is knowne, That the Romanes, fewer farre in number, having encountred with that huge multitude, and abidden many deadly dangers, yet not without wofull & lamentable calamities foiled the barbarous people. These chances of battaile thus piteously ended, our men went to the next retiring places of Martianopolis, and the Gothes thrust & pent of their owne accord within the fore∣said circuit & precinct of their wagons, never durst for seven daies together go forth or be seene: and therefore our souldiors taking the advantage of this opportunitie, inclosed an infinit sort of other Barbarians within the straits of Haemimontum, bar∣red with high hils against them, building (as one would say) upon this hope, That this mischievous multitude of enemies hemmed in betweene Ister and the desarts, and finding no way out, would perish by famine, considering that all necessaries of this life were carried into the strong cities; of which, they never went about to be∣siege any one, as yet being altogether ignorant in these and such like machinations. After this Richomeres returned into Gaule, minding to bring other helps and means from thence, in regard of greater and more troublous warres which were feared.

CHAP. IX. The Gothes having taken in the Hunnes and Alanes to the societie of their bootie, with horrible slaughter and spoile wast Thracia, and in vaine lay siege to the towne Dibal∣tum. As they pursue Frigeridus, a most puissant warriour and leader, they are terrified with a new overthrow: and Frigeridus having taken many of them, confineth them about Mutina, Rhegium, and Parma, there to till the grounds.

THese things were done in the yeare that Gratianus was the fourth time Consull, together with Merobaudes, toward the Autumne sea∣son: in which time, when Valens heard the dolefull events of warres and spoyles, after he had committed the charge of the Cavallerie for the time unto Saturninus, he sent out Traianus and Profuturus, bringing aid and helpe with them. And it fortuned in those dayes, that when throughout the regions of Scythia and Moesia, all things comestible were spent, the Barbarians, what upon a cruell fiercenesse of their owne, and what for meere want that set them forward, were exceeding hot and eagre to worke mightie mat∣ters. But having many a time given the attempt, and seeing themselves overweigh∣ed with the vigorous valour of our men, manfully resisting them, notwithstanding all rough and stonie difficulties, driven at length upon extreame necessity, they pro∣cured (upon hope of exceeding great booties) to combine with them, certaine of the Chuni and Alani. Which when Saturninus knew (for by this time was he come and had placed the fore-fences and out-standing guards abroad in the fields) gathe∣ring by little and little his forces together, he prepared to depart (and that in good policie) least the suddaine multitude, like to a violent streame of water, breaking the bankes and gushing forth, should with little adoe disranke and discomfit all those that diligently watched the suspected places. Then, after the straits were layd open, and our souldiors (in good time for the enemies) departed, those aforesaid that were * 1.28 enclosed, every one what way he could find, after a disorderly manner, bent his whole power and set his mind (seeing no man to impeach him) for to set all in a gar∣boyle; and throughout Thracia, as wide as it is, spred themselves, spoiling and wa∣sting without controlment, beginning at those very coasts which Ister runneth by, and so going on as farre as Rhodope and that tract which severeth the maine and huge seas, making foule worke and havocke of all in most shamefull manner, what with spoyling, robbing, and bloudie murthering, and what with firing and abu∣sing the bodies of free borne persons. Then might a man have beheld with gro∣ning griefe of heart, facts horrible to be said and seene: women massacred and a∣mazed with feare, coursed all about with scourges that rung againe, even great bel∣lied wives with babes in them, yet unperfect and untimely, before they came into the world enduring many impieties. Other little infants also clinging to their mo∣thers armes, you might have heard piteously crying; as also the lamentable mones of young springals and damosels nobly borne, with their hands strait bound, whiles themselves were haled into cruell captivitie. And after them, virgines of ripe yeares and chast wedded wives, with blubbered faces weeping and bewayling their ex∣treame miseries, were led away, wishing by death, though dolorous and painefull, to prevent the abusing and defiling of their bodies shortly after. Among which calamities, when a gentleman, rich and free but a little before, was dragged

and haled like a beast, he complained of thee, ô Fortune, as unmercifull and blind withall, that didst in the turning of an hand appoint and betake him, violently wrung out and sequestred from his beloved wife, deere children, and sweet house and home, which he saw before his face turned into ashes, and altogether ruinat, either to be mangled and dismembred lim after lim, or under whips and torments to serve as a slave the cruell and bloudie conqueror. The Barbarians yet, like un∣to so many savage beasts broken out of their cages, when they had overrun a great way in that large countrey, went to a towne named * 1.29 Dibaltum, where finding Barzymeres, a Tribune of the Scutarij, with those souldiors of his owne, with the ^d Cornuti also and other companies of footmen pitching their tents, him they set upon, being an approved and well experienced warrior: who presently, as the ne∣cessitie of so imminent a danger required, commaunded, That the trumpet should sound the battaile; and after he had strengthened the flankes, brake through before with as many as were readie appointed, to battaile, & by valiant resistance had made his part good, & departed out of the field on even hand, but that a troupe of horse∣men running violently upon him, when he was very much out of breath & wearie, beset him round about. And thus with the slaughter of many Barbarians, whose overthrow was not seene in so great a multitude, he was slaine. This exploit after this manner performed, the Gothes doubtfull what they should doe afterward, sought for Frigeridus, intending where ever they could find him, to overthrow and beat him downe, as the onely strong barre that stood in their way. And therefore, after they had taken more liberall and finer food, as also slept a little, him they fol∣lowed like a sort of savage beasts, as being given to understand, That by direction from Gratianus he was returned into Thracia, and encamped neere unto Beroea, where he lay in espiall to discover the doubtfull events of things. And verily the Gothes for their parts rode up and downe, and made hast to put their designes in execution. But Frigeridus, that knew well ynough how both to governe and also to preserve his souldiors, either suspecting what their intent was, or plainely infor∣med thereof by relation of those discoverers whom he had sent out, returned through the high mountains and thicke growne woods into Illyricum, much em∣boldened by a passing good hand that Fortune, unlooked for, presented unto him. For in his returne, as he marched softly on with his souldiors, marshalled in good array into squadrons, he prevented Farnobius, a great lord of the Gothes, as he with his troupes of robbers and spoyle-makers raunged up and downe the countrey at his pleasure, and leading with him the Taifali, drawne but lately into his societie: who (if it be worth the telling) whiles our souldiors were dispersed upon the feare∣full invasion of strange and unknowne nations, had passed over the river, with full purpose to ransacke and spoyle the places, void of defendants. Vpon the suddaine discoverie of their companies, this most politicke captaine prepared to joyne bat∣taile with them: and so charging upon all the sort of those nations, discomfited these bold brigands, who still stucke not to give out many threats: and put them he had every mothers sonne to the sword, but that after Farnobius, a terrible trou∣ble-maker before time, was with many others slaine, he was importuned very much and intreated to spare as many as remained alive: and all those he sent away with life to occupie and husband the lands about * 1.30 Mutina, * 1.31 Rhegium, and Parma, townes in Italie. This nation of the Taifali, I have heard say, was filthily given, and so much abandoned to the horrible sinnes of beastly living, that with them it was an usuall matter to have boyes and men companie together in that foule and

abhominable act of wantonnesse which is not to be named, spending the prime and flower of their youth in such uncleane and unnaturall abuse. Furthermore, if any one of them growne now to riper yeares, could alone by himselfe, either take a wildboare, or kill a savage and cruell beare, freed he was from this stinking puddle and sinke of pollution.

CHAP. X. The Lentienses, a people of Alemaine, with a mightie armie break into the Roman Seigni∣ories. In this battaile Gratian hath the upper hand, and few remained alive, such as escaped by flight, who being coursed in the mountaines, make hum∣ble supplication and obtaine peace, and are suffered without any harme to goe into their na∣tive countries.

THese were the calamities that in the later end of Autumne, when Winter drew fast on, the cruell whirlewindes of troubles swou∣ped and hudled together throughout Thracia: Which rage of the time, as if the Furies were disposed to raise tumults in all places, going on still to countries also farre off, spred it selfe all a∣broad. And now the * 1.32 Lentienses, a people of Alemaine, bor∣dering upon the coasts of Rhetia, by way of craftie and treacherous rodes having broken the league lately made, invaded and assayled our marches. Which cala∣mitie began first upon such a mischievous occasion as this: One of this nation ser∣ving under the Emperor in qualitie of a * 1.33 Squier of the bodie, by occasion of some weightie businesse, was rerurned home into his owne countrey; and, as hee was over lavish and a blab of his tongue, when many of his countrey-men asked him, What newes in Court? he telleth them, That Gratianus sent for by his uncle Va∣lens, was shortly to make a warlike expedition toward the East, to the end that they with their joynt and double forces, might repell the inhabitants upon the borders, conspired to destroy and root out the Romanes. Which intelligence when the Lentienses had with great affection received, being also themselves (as it were) bordering neighbours, and seeing how these matters went, as they are swift and quicke of dispatch, gathered themselve into thicke plumpes for to rob and spoyle: and so, as the * 1.34 Celtae and Petulantes together, were marching neere the Rhene in the moneth of Februarie, when by reason of hard frosts it was all of an yce and pas∣sable on foot, after they had sore distressed them, not without some losse of their owne, with maine strength forced them to turne backe. But these Germans being constrained thus to retire, and knowing that the most part of our armie was gone into Illyricum before the Emperour, who shortly would be there, grew more hotely incensed. And conceiving greater projects, assembled all the inhabitants of their townes and villages together; and so having raised an armie of fortie thou∣sand armed men, or threescore and ten thousand (as some have given out, who love to extoll the Emperours prayses) being growne to an exceeding height of pride, brake more boldly into our territories. Which when Gratianus with great feare had true intelligence of, he called backe the cohorts which he had sent before into Pannonia, as also assembled others, that in wise and circumspect policie he had kept still in Gaule, and committed the managing of this service unto Nannienus,

a valiant and discreet captaine. And to him he joyned as Colleague in equall com∣mission and power, Mallobaudes Lieutenant or captaine of the band Domestici, and king of the Franks beside; a man expert in warfare, and hardie withall. When as Nannienus therefore duely considered the variable chances of fortune, and ther∣fore thought it good to hold off and linger the time, Mallobaudes carried away with desire of fight (as his manner was) and impatient of delay, was much troubled thinking it long untill he might advance his standerd against the enemie. And ther∣fore when on the adverse part they came forward with an horrible noyse to give a valiant charge, after the signall given by blowing of the horne, they began first to encounter before * 1.35 Argentuaria; and with shot as well of arrowes as casting jave∣lins, downe they went thicke both on the one side and the other. But in the verie heat of battaile, our men seeing an infinit number of the enemie to avoid open and manifest daunger dispersed themselves everie man as he could among the narrow lanes beset with trees, howbeit within a while after they stood their ground more confidently: and carrying the like resplendant shew, and glittering afarre off with their bright armour, did put the Barbarians in a mightie feare that the Emperour was come. Who sodainely turning their backes, yet betweene whiles making head againe (because they would omit no meanes even in extremitie unattemp∣ted) they were so beaten downe and hewed in peeces, that of the number aforesaid there escaped, as it was esteemed, not above five thousand, and those shrowded within the thick woods: and among many other bold & hardie knights, Priarus al∣so the king was slaine, even he that was the inciter and setter of all these mischie∣vous and deadly troubles. Gratianus much encouraged with the confidence of this fortunat successe, and now marching toward the East parts, and turning his way on the left hand, closely passed over the Rhene; and upon a good hope that set him ward, determined (if fortune had favoured his enterprise) generally to root out the whole nation, so treacherous and desirous of rebellion. Which purpose of his be∣ing knowne by messengers arriving thicke one after another, the Lentienses struc∣ken into their dumps, what with the miseries of their own nation consumed in ma∣ner all, and what with the sodaine comming of the Emperour, doubtfull what way to take, considering they could not find any breathing time (were it but short) to bethinke themselves either to make resistance, or what else to doe or goe about, with all the speed and force they possibly could, made toward the hils beset on eve∣rie side with unpassable cliffes. And taking up their standing upon the craggie rockes and ragges round about, with all their might and maine defended their goods, together with their wives and children which they had brought with them. Which difficultie when it was weighed and considered, there were chosen through everie legion five hundred armed souldiors of approoved experience and politique skill in warre, to be opposed against them same, as if they had beene so many walled fences: Who the more emboldened and encouraged hereupon, for that the Emperour in person was seen to beare himselfe manfully with the formost in the vaward, they assailed to climbe the said hills, minding immediatly without any fight at all, if they might once get the higher ground under their feet, to carrie them all away as hunters preyes. So the skirmish beginning when it was well to∣ward noone, continued untill darke night: for why, they fought with great slaughter on both sides. Our men fell to kill and were killed themselves not a few, and withall the armour of those in the Emperours traine about him shining againe with gold and bright colours, were with the flinging thicke of heavie and massie

[stones] all to brused and broken. And then, upon consultation had a good while betweene Gratian and the principall officers of the armie, it seemed evidently to be a most dangerous service, & to no effect, thus all in hast to strive without intermissi∣on against such rough bankes and mounts bearing out against them. And after much debating, and sundrie opinions passed to and fro (as in such a businesse) con∣sidering the barbarous enemies had for their defences such places as were disad∣vantageous unto us, concluded it was, That they shold by our soldiors sitting still, and doing nothing else, be round about beleagured and wearied out with famine. But when the Germans strove againe for their parts with the like obstinat resoluti∣on, & knowing the country verie wel, went unto other mountains higher thā those which before they had kept, the Emperour with his armie turning thither, with the like fortitude as before sought for the pathes and tracts that led up to those high places. The Lentienses then perceiving him to be so fully bent to have their lives, and never giving over his earnest pursuit, after they had yeelded themselves to his mercie (the thing that by their humble request they obtained) upon the tendring of their lustie able young men (as they were commaunded) to bee entermingled with our new trained souldiors, were suffered without any more harme received, to go into their native countries.

CHAP. XI. The commendation of Gratian. Frigeridus a most excellent Captaine, and the terrour of the Gothes, is unseasonably called backe by Valens, who lea∣deth a strong armie against the Gothes, who neere unto the ri∣ver Hebrus were grievously discomfited and de∣feated by Sebastian Colonell of the Infanterie.

THis victorie of such importance and consequence, that it daunted the Westerne nations, by the gracious pleasure of the eternall God, incredible it is with how great vigour and effectuall celeri∣tie Gratian hastening another way, dispatched. And in truth a young Prince he was of singular towardnesse, well spoken, tem∣perat, warlike and martiall, yet mild and mercifull: In which vertues he had proceeded with emulation to excell the best Emperors, even when as yet the lovely downe began to grow upon his cheekes, but that his owne nature (enclined to toyish and ridiculous actions, especially when his favourites and mini∣ons let him have the reines at libertie) turned him to the vaine delights and sports of Commodus Caesar; although this Prince was nothing bloudie and cruell. For, like as Commodus because he was wont in the peoples sight to kill a number of wild beasts with darts, and when an hundred lyons were let out at once in the Shew∣place of the Amphitheatre, slew them with divers kinds of shot, and never strucke one of them twice: even so this Prince also, among those empaled enclosures which they tearme Vivaria, i. Parkes, whiles with the stroke of many an arrow hee killed wild boares, made small reckoning the while of many and those serious oc∣currents; at such a time especially, when as if Marcus Antoninus himselfe had sitten at the helme of the Commonweale, he could hardly have beene able to remedie the lamentable calamitie of the State, without Colleagues like to himselfe, and

much sage counsell beside, when Gratianus therefore had disposed of his affairs ac∣cording to the time, and as the occasions in Gaule, and the nations there did re∣quire, and punished withall that traitour, the Squier or Scutarius aforesaid, who had told the Barbarians, that the Emperour made hast into Illyricum, he departed from thence by a castle bearing the name of * 1.36 Foelix arbor, and by the way of Inau∣reatum sped him apace with stretched out journeyes, to helpe the part that went downe the wind. And about the same time, to succeed Frigeridus (who most po∣litikely devised many profitable meanes for the common securitie, and made hast to fortifie the streits of Succi) for feare least the enemies (nimble as they were and used to make rodes) breaking also violently forth like unto some swelling streames, should raunge and over-run at their pleasure the Northerne Provinces, there was sent a Lieutenant named Maurus, a man under a shew of stout courage, altogether made for money, and at all assayes mutable and uncertaine. This is he, of whom in a former part of our hystorie we wrot thus much, That when Caesar Iulianus made some question about the setting of a crowne upon his head, whiles he served among his Squiers, and attended upon the palace, tooke the coller that he wore a∣bout his owne necke, and presented it unto him for a diademe: and being a warie and diligent captaine, was remooved from his service at the verie time when all things lay a bleeding: whereas, though he had long before departed and betaken himselfe unto a privat life at home, he ought, considering the great affaires of state so required, to have beene brought againe into the field. About this time it hap∣pened, that Valens now at length roused out of Antiochia, after a long way travai∣led, came to Constantinople, where when he had stayed verie few dayes, and been disquieted with a light mutinie of the people, and committed unto Sebastian a vi∣gilant leader knowne (who a little before was sent from Italie, as himselfe desired) the conduct of the Infanterie, which Traianus had the charge of before, himselfe went to * 1.37 Melantias a village, belonging to the Caesars, where he refreshed the soul∣diors hearts with money, with food, and many faire and affable speeches. From whence, when, upon a new journey by a solemne watchword proclaimed, he was come to Nice, a station so named, he understood by the relation of the spyes and discoverers, that the Barbarians full of rich pillage, were returned from the tracts of Rhodope neere to Hadrianopolis. Who taking knowledge that the Emperour with a great power of souldiors was in his march, make hast to joyne with their countrey-men, having planted guards for the defence of the people about Berora and Nicopolis: and streightwayes, as the present occasion of necessitie required, Sebastian with three hundred choyce souldiors drawne out of everie band, was appointed to make speed, minding to doe some service as he promised for the good of the Commonwealth: Who upon great hast in his journey made, being disco∣vered nigh unto Hadrianopolis had the gates shut and locked against him and was prohibited to come neerer: for the * 1.38 ^e Magistrats of the citie feared, that being ta∣ken prisoner by the enemie, he was come as one suborned, and so might worke somewhat to the cities undoing; the like as had happened by another Lieutenant, whom the souldiors of Magnentius by a wile had caught, by whose meanes the strong gates of the Iulian Alpes were laid open. At length, though late, Sebastian being knowne what he was, and permitted to enter into the citie, after he had che∣rished with victuals and sleep (according to the store that the place affoorded) those whom he had under his conduct, the morrow following hee secretly brake forth and went his way. Now, by that time that the evening drew on, when he had up∣on

a suddaine descried neere unto the river Hebrus the companies of the Gothes, well appointed to wast and spoyle, hiding himselfe for a while within the bankes and shrubs, in the darke night he marched softly for being heard, and set upon them disordered as they were and out of array; and performing also this piece of service, that beside some few, who by their good footmanship escaped death, all the rest fel upon the edge of the sword: and so he fetched backe againe infinit booties and spoyles, which neither the citie nor the wide plaine fields were able to receive. For which cause, Fritigernus being throughly rowsed, and fearing greatly least he, a for∣tunat and victorious captaine, as he had often heard, should defeat and bring to nought the bands of his men, dispersed here and there at their pleasure, and wholly minding their prey, by setting upon them at unawares, after he had called them all backe neere unto the towne Cabyle, he quickly departed, to the end, that making their abode in the open countries, they might neither be distressed with famin, nor endangered by secret ambushments.

CHAP. XII. Valens who envied the vertues of Gratian, bringing with him many bands of old expe∣rienced and select souldiors, without expecting any aid, but in his owne pride pricked forward by the foolish words of flatterers, and a certaine mis∣chievous destinie, hasteneth to encounter the Gothes: and when their embassadours treated about conditions of peace, sent them away without effect.

WHiles these affaires went thus in Thracia, Gratianus having certified his * 1.39 unckle by letters, with what industrie he had overcome the Alemans, sent all his cariages with bag and baggage before by land, and himselfe with those forces, which were more lightly appointed, passing along the river Danubius, arrived at * 1.40 Bononia, and entred Sirmium. And when he had remained there foure daies, by the same river he went downe to * 1.41 Martis Castra, troubled sore by the way with fits of an intermittent ague: in which tract he was suddainely set upon by the Alanes, and lost some of his followers. And at the very same time. Valens troubled sore in two respects, both for that he understood for cer∣taine, that the Lentienses were vanquished, and also because Sebastianus by letters, eftsoones with words amplified his own deeds, dislodged from Melanthias in war∣like manner, hastening by some doutie and notable exploit to equall the young prince his brothers sonne, for whose vertues he was vexed at the heart: and under his conduct he had a great army, and the same right puissant and of couragious sto∣macke: for unto it he had joyned also the strength of the old beaten souldiors: a∣mong whom there were readie in the field likewise those of more honorable place, and by name Traianus, late Generall of the horsemen. And for as much as by care∣full espiall intelligence was given, That the enemies intended with strong guards to stop the passages, by which necessarie provision of victuals was conveyed; to meet with this project and designe of theirs in some competent manner, there were sent betimes archers on foot and a troupe of horsemen to keepe the opportunities of the straits, which were hard by. And when for three daies next ensuing the Barbarians marched gently, & for feare of a sallie keeping the by-waies fifteene miles from the citie, held on their journey to the station called Nice, by reason that the fore-riders

and discoverers (upon what error I wot not) affirmed, That all the said parcell of the maine multitude which they had seene were not past ten thousand, the Empe∣rour in a certain gare and violent heat made hast to encounter them. And therefore marching in a foure square battaile, he came to the very suburbs of Hadrianopolis: where having encamped himselfe within a rampier, fenced with a pallisado and a ditch, waiting impatiently for the comming of Gratianus, he received Richomeres the lieutenant and captaine of the Domestici, sent before from the Emperour with letters importing thus much, That himselfe also would soone after be there. Accor∣ding to the tenour and contents of which letters, being requested to attend a little while for his comming, who should be partaker with him of al perils, and not rashly to commit himselfe alone to the doubtfull hazard of darts, he called to counsell di∣vers great officers of the field, and consulted what was needfull to be done. And when some, moved and set on by Sebastian, were very instant forthwith to give bat∣taile, the Generall of the horsemen named Victor, a warrior, but yet a warie delayer of time for a vantage, gave his opinion (and many more were of the same mind) That he should expect his fellow Emperour, to the end that by augmenting his power with the forces out of Gaule, the swelling pride of the Barbarians, now in the flaming heat, might more easily be suppressed. Yet for all this the mischievous resolution of the prince, together with the opinion of the courtiers, altogether set upon flatterie, who advised him to make all speed and hast possible, for feare that Gratian should have part of that victorie, which (as they thought) was in man∣ner woon alreadie to his hand, tooke place and prevailed. Now, whiles prepa∣ration was made of all things necessarie for to strike a battaile, a Christian Elder or Presbyter (as themselves tearme him) sent in embassage with other meane persons from Fritigernus, came unto the Emperours campe: and being mildly re∣ceived, in the end presented the said Fritigernus his letters, requesting in plaine tearmes, That unto him and his people (whom the violent rodes of savage nati∣ons had driven as banished folke out of their native habitations) there might be graunted Thracia and no more to be inhabited, together with all the cattell and corne, promising (if he might obtaine so much) perpetuall peace and concord. Moreover, the said Christian, as being privie unto his secrets, and a trustie coun∣sellour, tendered unto him other private missives of credence from the same king, who, in craft and sundrie wylie casts being exceeding politicke, informed Valens, as one shortly to be a friend and confederate, That otherwise it was not in his power to assuage the cruell mood of his countreymen, or to draw them to any conditions for the good of the Roman State, unlesse he otherwhiles would shew unto them neere at hand his hoast in armes, and so by the dread of his imperiall name reclaime them from their pernitious desire to fight. And thus verily the em∣bassadours nothing at all regarded, in doubtfull tearmes what would be the issue of their embassage, departed.

CHAP. XIII. Fritigernus the principall leader of the Gothes, requireth to have host ages given on both sides, that with more safetie there might be a treatie of peace, but by the unrea∣sonable and hurtfull endevour of some Romanes they betake them∣selves againe to armes.

BVt betimes in the morning, on that day which in the yearely Ka∣lender appeareth to be the fifth of the * 1.42 Ides of Augustus, the banners in great hast were advaunced, and the carriages with all bag and baggage bestowed neere unto the wals of Hadriano∣polis, together with a sufficient defence of the legions. For all the treasure and other princely ensignes & imperiall ornaments, together with the * 1.43 Praefect and the * 1.44 Consistorians, were inclosed within the com∣passe of the wals. At the length therefore, upon the eight day after, the enemies carts and carriages having dispatched a great way of rough and stonie ground, what time as it drew on apace to the parching heat of noone, were discovered, which by the relation that he had of the discoverers, were couched and set in order round in forme of a circle. And while the barbarous people, as their manner is, kept an hideous, cruell, and fearefull howling, the Romane captaines marshalled their souldiors in order of battaile: and when the right wing of the horsemen was placed before, the greatest part of the footmen lay behind, and beset the wayes. But the left wing of the horsemen (considering a great number of them were yet disparkled asunder) being with much difficultie brought together, marched a main pace. And whiles the same wing was in displaying and stretching out, there being none as yet to trouble the same, behold the Barbarians were terrified with the hor∣rible noyse that the armour counterfeited, and the clattering which in threatening wise the shields made; and for that part of them abiding farre off with Alatheus and Safrages, being sent for, were not yet come, they dispatched embassadours, to covenant and conclude peace. Whiles the Emperour contemned the basenesse and meane condition of these embassadours, requiring, That the better sort of them, as sufficient persons, should be sent to ratifie and confirme, what articles were to be agreed upon; they in the meane while of purpose held off and trifled out the time, to the end, that during these fraudulent cessations of armes their horsemen might returne, who they hoped would shortly become; and that our souldiors, enchafed with the heat of Summer, with drie chawes might become faint & heart∣lesse; considering that the fields all over, as wide and large as they were, shone again with fire, which the same enemies set a burning with wood and other drie fuell put under for that very purpose. And here was not all: for beside this, there fell out a∣nother mischiefe also, namely, that both men and beasts were grievously distressed for hunger. In this mean time, to helpe the matter well, Fritigernus, as one who wise∣ly could guesse and cast what might be, and fearing the doubtfull fortune of warre, sent upon his owne head one of the common sort, as an herault, to treat of peace, craving, That certain of the nobilitie and elect persons should forthwith be sent un∣to him as hostages; being himselfe resolved without all feare to abide the violence of the souldiors & the necessarie consequents therof. This project and motion of so dread a prince & commander being commended & approved, Equitius a Tribune,

who then had the charge committed unto him of the palace, and a kinsman of Va∣lens, with the assent of every man is appointed with all speed to go as a pledge. But when he denied to goe, because being once taken prisoner by the enemies, he had broken from them and made an escape out of Dibaltum, in regard whereof he fea∣red their unreasonable passions, Richomeres of his owne accord offered to goe: who willingly had promised as much, thinking this also to be a brave act and beseeming a valiant man: and forward he went, minding to shew good tokens of his dignitie and noble parentage. Now, as he was going toward the enemies fort, the archers and targuetiers, whom one Baturius an Iberian then had in charge, together with Cassio, in a violent heat adventured to engage themselves forward too farre, and be∣ing now to joyne skirmish with their adversaries, as they brake out over soone be∣fore their time, so by their cowardly reculing dishonored the beginning of the bat∣taile. And thus by this impeachment, occasioned by an unseasonable attempt, both the cheerefull and forward service of Richomeres was abated, considering he was not permitted to go: and the Gothes horsemen by this time returned with Alatheus and Safrages, together with the power of the Alemans, intermingled among them; who being sent out like a lightening or thunderbolt shot from the high moun∣taines, whomsoever they could with swift rodes meet with, quickly discomfi∣ted and slew.

CHAP. XIIII. The armies of the Gothes and Romanes embattailed, and their most sharpe conflict: At length the Romanes are put to flight. As touching the death of Valens a two∣fold opinion: while some thinke he was killed with an arrow, and ne∣ver after seene: others, that he was consumed with fire.

NOw, when as on every side they fell to shake both armor and weapons, and Bellona blew the dolefull and lamentable blast of trumpets, our men, who began to give ground at the crying out of many unto them, made head and resisted. And verily the fight in manner of flashing flames affrighted even the stout hearts of our souldiors, when they wistly beheld some thrust through with the whirling shot of darts and arrowes. And then the ar∣mies buckling and dashing one against another, like unto ships pointed in the beak∣head with pikes of brasse, and thrusting one at another by turnes, were with reci∣procall and alternative motions as waves of the sea driven to and fro. And because the best wing of the Romanes horsemen was come as farre as to the verie wagons, readie to advance farther if any had seconded and succoured them, being forsaken of all the Cavallerie beside (the enemies in such numbers pressed upon them) like as if some great rampier or fortification had fallen, was borne downe and disrayed. The footmen then, wanting defence on their flankes, stood in plumps with their companies so thrust and thronged together, that as if they had beene clunged, not one of them could either draw his sword or bring backe his hand. And by this time such a dust was raised, that no man was able to see the sky before him, resounding as it did with horrible cries and shouts: which was the reason, that the casting∣weapons discharged everie way missed not, but where ever they fell gave a deadly stroke, and did mischiefe, because their venues could neither be fore-seene nor avoi∣ded. But when as the Barbarians rushing on still with huge multitudes, overthrew

horse and man together, and considering the rankes [of our men] stood so close together, that there could in no place be roome made for to retire, and the enemies likewise were so thicke thrust together, that there was no meanes to make way through them and escape: then our souldiors also setting light by the utmost ex∣tremitie of death, tooke againe their swords, and with full butt running upon them hewed them in peeces, and withall such maine blowes were dealt to and fro with axes, that both head-peeces and habergeons were slat and dashed a peeces. There might a man have seene the stout stomacked Barbarian, when his teeth gnashed and were set in his head, for all his hamme-strings were cut, or his right hand smit∣ten off with a sword, or his side thrust through, even when he was readie to give his last gaspe, yet in menacing wise to looke round about him with a sterne and terry∣ble eye. Thus, by reason that the bodies on both sides as they fought pell mell, were laid along on the ground, the fields were covered all over with the slaine, and with great horrour were heard the grievous grones of men either dying or else shot into the bodie with deepe wounds. In this so great and so confused a tumult, were the footmen with toyle and daungers cleane spent: but afterwards when their strength failed, and their wits would not serve to devise some counsell, now that most of their javelins with continuall thrusting and knocking together, were bro∣ken asunder, contenting themselves with drawne swords, they engaged them∣selves into the thickest troupes of the enemies, as men unmindfull any more of sa∣ving themselves, and seeing how all about them there was no means left of escape and refuge; and because the ground standing all over with lakes of bloud, was so slipperie under-foot, that it overturned them as they went, they endevoured all they could to sell their lives deere, and not to dye unrevenged, with so great cou∣rage and stoutnesse opposing themselves against those which preased hard upon them, that some of them dyed even upon their owne weapons: when as now at length all was over-spred with a confused shew of nothing but blacke bloud, and what way soever one turned his eyes, there lay heapes of men slaine, then without any spare at all they trampled over the dead carkasses. And withall, the heat of the Sunne mounted a great height, as having passed through Leo, and now in his course to the house of the celestiall signe Virgo, overcame the Romans: who be∣sides that they were more weakened with hunger, and undone for verie thirst, had their heavie armour also, to weigh them downe. To conclude, the Barbarians char∣ged them still with so maine force, that our battailons being discomfited in great disorder, tooke them to their heeles (the onely helpe they had in this desperat extre∣mitie) and fled every man what way he could. Now, whiles they all thus dispersed in blind lanes make shift to be gone, the Emperour beset, as one would say, round about with horrible and fearfull sights, by little and little mounting over the heaps of dead bodies, betooke himselfe to the ^f Lancearij and ^g Mattiarij; who all this while that the violent numbers of the enemies were abidden, had stood their ground still, with their bodies sound and unshaken. Whom when Traianus saw, he crieth out, That all hope was for ever past and gone, unlesse the Emperour, thus forsaken of his owne guard and Squires, might at length be protected by the aid of strangers: Which when a captaine named Victor heard, hastening with all speed to assemble the ^h Batavi, who were bestowed not farre off, to succour and helpe at a pinch, for the defence and guard of the Emperours person; when he could meet with none of them, he retyred backe and departed. In like manner Richomeres and Saturninus made shift for themselves, and escaped out of the danger. The Barba∣rians

therefore in a furious rage, which sparkled even out of their verie eyes, fol∣lowed hard in chace upon our men, who now for verie heat of their veines were readie to melt and faint againe. Some of them fell and knew not who smoat them, others againe were overwhelmed with the prease onely of such as coursed them: and there were who dyed upon their owne fellowes hands: For neither was there lightly any yeelding to those that strove againe, nor any one spared those that yeel∣ded. Over and besides all this, many lying halfe dead, not able to endure the smart and torment of their wounds, stopped up the verie wayes; with whom also the corps slain & hudled on heaps together, filled the fields with carkasses. Wel, of these losses, that never amends can be made for, and which cost the Romanes so deere, the night without all moone-light made an end of: And when it began once to be darke, the Emperour among the common souldiours, as it is probably to be thought (for no man ever directly said, that he saw the thing or was by) mor∣tally wounded with an arrow, fell with it, and presently thereupon yeelded his vitall breath, and departed: neither was he ever after found. For by occasion that some few of the enemies tooke up their lodgings there about, for love that they would spoile the dead, none either of our men that were put to flight, or of the inhabitants hard by, durst goe unto the place. The like wofull case befell, as we have heard say, unto Decius Caesar, who manfully fighting with the Barbarians, chaunced to fall from his horse, whom being full of spirit and courage, he could not hold in; and so being flung by him into a bog or moore, could neither ryse againe, nor be ever found. Others say, that Valens yeelded up his ghost not pre∣sently, but with some few of his gallants and guelded Eunuches was brought back to a countrey cottage hard by, made workmanly and strong, with two * 1.45 stories, where whiles he was dressed by unskilfull hands, the enemies beset him, not know∣ing who he was, and delivered him from the shame and dishonour of captivitie: For, when they that followed in chase, who went about to breake open the doores surely bolted, were evidently from the high built house assailed with arrowes, least by cumbersome delayes they should loose their opportunitie of harrying and ma∣king spoyle, they gathered together bundels of stubble and faggots of wood, which they kindled with fire put under them, and so burnt the house with all that were in it: From whence one of the foresaid gallants, or followers of his, having gotten out at a window, and being taken prisoner by the Barbarians, bewrayed and revealed the deed, and put them to much griefe and sorrow of mind, for that they were disappointed of great glorie and honour, in that they tooke not the So∣veraigne Ruler of the Roman Empire alive. And even this young gentleman, when he was afterward returned unto our companies, made relation unto them of this accident in manner and forme abovesaid. Such was the unfortunat hap of one of the ^k Scipioes, whom after he had recovered Spaine, we find to have beene by the enemie consumed to ashes in a tower which they set on fire and burnt, whereunto he was fled: And yet this is for certaine knowne, that neither Scipio nor Valens had the fortune to be buried, which is the last honourable duetie conferred after death. In this manifold calamitie and losse of brave men, the death of Traia∣nus and Sebastian was remarkable, with whom there lost their lives five and twen∣tie Tribunes all Vacantes, and having charge of regiments under them, together with Valerianus and Equitius, the one great Master of the stable, the other Grand Se∣neschall of the Palace. Among these, Potentius also Tribune of the Promoti was slaine in the verie prime and flower of his youth; a knight of everie good man be∣loved

and commended, as well in regard of the approved vertues of his father Vrsi∣cinas sometime Generall of the horsemen, as of his owne good parts. And most true it is, that hardly the third part of the armie escaped. Neither read we in our Annales and Chronicles, of any battel so fought out to the outrace, unlesse it were the field at ^m Cannę: albeit the Romans otherwhiles at the turning back of fortunes wheele, being overtaken with deceitfull sleights and stratagemes, gave way for the time to disadvantageous battailes: and the Fabulous sonets of the Greeks so high∣ly commended, have in lamentable manner bewayled many conflicts . . . . . .

CHAP. XV. The vertues and vices of Valens. The end of his life, and the place where he pe∣rished fore-signified by the Oracle.

THis was the end of Valens, when he grew fast upon fiftie yeares of his age, having raigned Emperour fourtene yeares, or somewhat under: whose good parts and vices, so farre as we know, we will put downe. A fast friend he was, and a faithfull or sharpe punisher and revenger of all ambitious courses. A severe reformer as well of militarie as civile discipline: Passing vigilant at all times and carefull, that no man under the pretence and co∣lour of kinred with him should beare himselfe over high: A right just protector and defender of the Provinces; everie one of them he preserved no lesse than his owne house from hurt and domage: mitigating, with a singular regard and affecti∣on their heavie tributes, and admitting no augmentation of tolls and imposts. In calling for the debts and arrerages of the rest, nothing hastie and importunat: A sore enemie and a bitter to theeves, and Iudges detected for robbing the common treasure. Neither can the East Empire remember, that they were in such busines∣ses better dealt with under any Emperour beside him. Over and above all these parts, he carryed with him a liberall mind, yet with moderation. Whereof albe∣it there are many examples, yet it shall suffice to set downe but one. If any person, as divers there be in Princes Courts, greedie of other mens goods, had begged, as the usuall manner is, a thing fallen in escheat, or ought else, he would with great respect of justice and reservation of libertie for him that could gainesay the suit, passe a graunt unto him that had made the petition: but joyning divers times three or foure others that were absent to share with him in those things by him obtained: to the end, that such busie and restlesse suiters, seeing the gaines where at they ga∣ped, by this devise to proove so much the lesse, might deale more sparily in this kind. As touching edifices, which in sundrie cities and townes he either repaired or built from the verie first foundation, for brevitie sake I say nothing, giving leave unto greater persons themselves, to shew that more at large. Well, these were ver∣tues I suppose, that all good men are to follow. Now let us as briefly run over his vices. Most covetous he was and greedily set to gather great wealth: Impatient of all travell and paines taking, and rather affecting exceeding great hardnesse: given over much to crueltie: of nature somewhat rude and rusticall, furnished neither with martiall arts, nor liberall studies: Willingly hunting after gaines and commo∣dities, though it were with the grievous grones of others. And then was he most intollerable, when drawing such trespasses as happened, either to a contempt of the Princes dignitie, or to high treason, he cruelly fought the bloud and undoing of

rich persons. Neither was this in him tollerable, that whereas he would seeme to commit the examination and enquirie of all causes unto the lawes, yea and give or∣der that such businesses and controversies should be tryed and decided by certaine Commissioners appointed, as especiall and chosen Iudges, yet he suffered nothing to passe contrarie to his owne will and pleasure. Otherwise also a doer of wrong he was and wrathfull, lying verie open to entertaine all promoters and accusers without respect of truth or falsitie: a foule fault, and which even in these pivat and daily dealings betwene man and man, is exceeding greatly to bee feared. In one word, an idle loyterer, and a slow-backe. For colout and complexion blacke: The apple or sight of the one eye quite closed up, yet so, as a farre off the blemish appea∣red not. For feature of bodie, his limmes well made and trust together, his stature neither over tall, nor yet too low: bow legged, and carrying a good graund paunch before him. Thus much may serve the turne to have spoken of Valens: and that all this is true, I report me to the ful testimonie of the time wherin both he and I lived together. Moreover, this also would not be passed over in silence, That whereas in the Oracle delivered from •• three-footed table that Hilarius and Patricius, as I have shewed, practised with, he found those three Propheticall verses, of which the last goeth thus:

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉:

That is,

In Mimas fields, where their heads burnt shall be:

At the first as hee was altogether unpolished and rude, he contemned the same; but in the processe of those most lamentable accidents that befell unto him, so fear∣full he was, that upon the verie calling to remembrance of the said Oracle, he qua∣ked and trembled at the name of Asia: where, over a towne called Erythraeum, he heard say, by the relation of learned men, that both Homer and Tully wrot, there stood a mountaine named * 1.46 Mimas. But at the last, after he was dead, and the ene∣mies departed out of the countrey, neere unto the verie place wherein it is thought he caught his deadly wound, there was found, by report, a tombe or monument of stone raised above the ground: upon which one stone there was fast laid, which in Greeke letters engraven, shewed, that one Mimas a noble man in old time was there enterred. Well, after this mortall field fought, when as now the darke night had over-spred the earth, of those that remained alive, some tooke the right hand, others the left, and everie one as feare carried him any way, went seeking for his next fellowes and friends: when as indeed never a one of them could see any but themselves alone, supposing the enemies sword was hard at their heads behind them: Yet, heare they might, though it were a great way off, the piteous cryes of those that were left behind, the dolefull gaspes and yexes of such as lay a dying, and the dolourous plaints and weeping of as many as lay wounded.

CHAP. XVI. The Gothes after this victorie besiege Hadrianopolis, but take the repulse, and many of them in the assault were slaine.

NOw, no sooner began it to be day light, but the Conquerours like savage beasts, more fell and enraged with the tast of bloud that fleshed them and whetted their stomackes, moved with the alluring inducements of vaine hope, marched with their troupes strongly embattailed toward Hadrianopolis, with a full pur∣pose to race and destroy it, though it were with much hazard and danger: as having intelligence given them by traiterous fugitives, That the greatest personages and officers of highest place, the regall ensignes also belon∣ging to the imperiall dignitie, together with all the treasure of Valens, were there bestowed as in a strong place of defence. And least ••y long delayes and respite betweene, their heat should coole, at the * 1.47 fourth houre of the day, after they had encircled the walls, there began a most cruell fight, whiles the assaylants of an in-bred stoutnesse hastened headlong to present perill, and the defendants on the other side were not behind to shew their vigour with might and maine: and for that a great number of our souldiors and campe-drudges, together with their horses, not suffered to enter, standing close unto the walls, and the dwelling houses joyning thicke, fought valiantly (as they might for the low ground,) and their rage that preassed upon them, gat the upper hand unto the * 1.48 ninth houre of the day, suddainely three hundred of our footmen, who stood hard unto the very parapet of the wals, casting themselves into a thicke squadron, revolted un∣to the Barbarians, whom they greedily caught within their clutches, and pre∣sently (upon what policie I know not) put them all to the sword. But from that time forward observed it was, That not one of them (in what danger and desperat estate soever they stood) ever so much as thought to doe the like againe. In these so many calamities comming thus hotly and so hudled upon the besieged, all on a suddaine, with mightie crackes of thunder, there poured out of blacke clouds such violent showers of raine, that they scattered the cōpanies of this raging multitude: and after they were returned to their * 1.49 hold, set out and cast into a round forme of their carts and waines, breathing out still more and more their cruell minds and stomackes, they fell to commaund and summon our men by minatorie letters, and an embassadour sent unto them, upon securitie received to have his life saved. But when as he durst not enter in who was sent, by a certaine Christian the let∣ters were carried and read, which being throughly (as he said) skanned upon, the rest of that day and the whole night following, was spent in preparing of for∣tifications: For within-forth the gates were immured and dammed up with mightie huge flints, the weake and undefensible parts of the wall strengthened, and for the discharging from all sides of casting weapons, darts, and stones, were engines planted in meet and convenient places, yea and there was conveyed neere at hand sufficient store of water. For, the day before some of them that fought, for verie thirst were endaungered as much as their lives were worth. Con∣trariwise the Gothes casting with themselves how difficile and daungerous were

the events of warre, and driven into their dumpes to see that the valianter sort of them were slaine and hurt, and how by peecemeale still their forces were decayed, devised a wily and craftie stratageme, which the goddesse Iustice her selfe bewai∣led and divulged abroad. For, certaine Gallants of our side, who the day be∣fore had revolted unto them they enticed, that under a colour of running away, as if they meant to returne home to their owne countrey, they should endevour to be received within the wals; and being entred in, closely set on fire some one part of the citie: to the end, that by a signall hereof secretly erected, whiles the whole multitude of the besieged were busily occupied about quenching the fire, the enemies might breake violently into the citie void of defendants upon the wals. These gallant youths abovesaid went forward, as it was appointed, and when they were come under the ditches, stretching forth their hands they prayed and besought, That themselves being Romanes might be let in. And thus received (because there was no suspition to the contrarie) upon interrogatories, as touching the designes and purposes of the enemies, they varied and disagreed in their tales. Whereupon it came to passe, that after they had beene by bloudie torture far∣ther examined upon the point, and confessed plainely, what they came for, they had their heads chopt off for their labour. Now, when all warlike engines and fabrickes were in readinesse, toward the third * 1.50 watch, the Barbarians forgetting quite all feare of wounds past, with many rankes one seconding another, con∣flowed like so many billowes and waves of the sea, to the gates of the citie, which were made fast against them, and that with much greater resolution of their mightie men and rulers among them: but together with the armed souldiors, both the Provinciall and the Palatine bands rose up and bestirred themselves ve∣ry quicke to overthrow and beare them downe: And such were their darts and casting-weapons, that being once discharged, though at a very venture, yet among so great a multitude they could not light without doing some harme. And then our men perceived, that the barbarous enemies made use of the same wea∣pons and darts which were flung or shot at them: And therefore commaunde∣ment was given, That the arrowes, by guelding or cutting the strings and sinewes which knit the yron heads and the wooden steiles together, before they were flung, they then should be shot out of the bowes; which all the whiles they flew in the ayre, kept still their strength sound; yea, and if they stucke in the bodies, lost not their efficacie; or verily if they fell to the ground, streightwaies knapped a∣sunder and fell in pieces. In this fervent heat of skirmishing one unexpected ac∣cident there was, of great moment and importance. A Scorpion, which is a kind of Instrument or Engine, that the common people tearme Onager, planted just over-against a thicke battaillon of the enemies, discharged from it a migh∣tie stone. Which although it tooke no effect, but violently grazed upon the ground, yet upon the sight thereof, the enemies were so daunted and ama∣zed with feare, that wondering as astonied men at this so new and strange a sight, they reculed out of the way, and made an offer to bee gone: But up∣on the fresh sound of the trumpets, as the chiefe Officers and Captaines gave order, the assault was renewed againe: And in like manner, the Romanes for their part got the better hand, as having flung, in manner, no other wea∣pon, or shot, were it but out of the slings-loupe, in vaine. For the rest of the enemies behind, who followed hard after the companies of those their Lea∣ders

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that were inflamed with a greedie desire, to have the rifling of that wealth which had beene gotten together by the bad endevours and studies night and day of Valens, vaunted and gave it out with open mouth, That they had endured as many dangers as their betters and superiors. And thus some of them halfe dead, as being squashed with huge weightie stones, or shot into the breast with darts and arrowes, lay tumbling upon the ground: others carrying ladders, and go∣ing about on every side to skale and climbe up the walls in an infinite number of places, were under their very burthens overwhelmed with stones, fragments of pillars, and with * 1.51 ⁿ Cylinders, borne downe the steepe descent. Neither was there any one of these furious enemies, whom the sight of so horrible carnage and bloudshed could (untill it was very late in the evening) turne away from their courageous mind, to fight manfully, and doe some noble service. Which cou∣rage of theirs was so much the more quickened, for that seeing a farre off a num∣ber also of the defendants, with sundrie sorts of shot overthrowne and fallen downe dead, they joyed thereat. Thus without any rest or stint, fighting there was right courageously both for and against the walls: And because now they fought not in any order, but skirmished by starts and severall companies, as they could sallie one upon another (which was a signe they grew to the utmost point of despaire) at the shutting in of the evening they all withdrew themselves, and returned to their tents evill appayed and heavie, blaming one another for their inconsiderate follie, in that (as Fritigernus gave them counsell before) they had not in all places declined the toyles and sorrowes that use to follow sieges.

CHAP. XVII. Having left Hadrianopolis, they gave the attempt of Perinthus and Constantinople: but by sundrie calamities daunted, they invade the Northerne Provinces. They that seized upon Thracia, by the meanes of Iulius, Colonell of the Footmen, in one and the selfe same day, as if a sig∣nall haa beene given, were all murthered: and so the Provinces of the East are deli∣vered from dangers.

AFter this, all the night, which was not long, as being in the mid∣dest of Summer, they betooke themselves to the care of their wounds, and to use the meanes both to dresse and heale them, after the manner of their owne nation: and upon the returne of day light they fell to consultation, and were divided into sun∣drie opinions, doubting which way to take their journey. After much deba∣ting and dispute pro & contra, they determine to take in Perinthus, and from thence to seize all places stored with riches: as knowing which they were by the relation of fugitives (who told them all the secrets, not of cities onely, but of every house also.) Following therefore this resolution, forward they went (for none there was to withstand them) making havocke still, by robbing spoyling, and fiering all the way. But after their departure, those that were besieged within Hadrianopolis, when discoverers of approoved truth and fidelitie had reported unto them, That all the quarters next adjoyning were cleared from the enemie,

went forth at midnight, avoiding the common high wayes, ran over the woods and wields beyond Philippopolis, and from thence to Serdica, another citie of Macedonia, together with all the goods which they had yet whole and untou∣ched, making all the speed and hast they could devise to find out Valens (forsooth) as if he had beene in those countries, not knowing one whit, that he was slaine in the very tempestuous stormes of the battaile, or at leastwise fled to a countrey cottage, where he was thought to have beene burnt to death and consumed. But the Gothes intermingled with the Hunnes and Alanes, nations exceeding war∣like and valiant, yea, and hardened in many adventurous and dangerous services, whom Fritigernus in his wit and policie had by wonderfull allurements of rewards associated unto himselfe, having encamped hard by Perinthus, durst not in re∣membrance of their former foyles and calamities either come unto or assault the citie it selfe, but forrayed the fertile fields and territories about it, that reached farre and wide, even to extreame penurie killing or taking prisoners the inhabi∣tants therein. From whence they made great hast, marching for feare of wait∣laying and ambushments in foure square battailons to Constantinople, gaping after the exceeding wealth and riches there, minding to make many attempts for to force and destroy the said citie: whom thus unmeasurably advauncing them∣selves, and at the point almost to doe violence upon the port-cluses of the gates, the heavenly power of God repulsed by such an accident as this. A regiment of the Saracenes (as touching whose originall and manners I have in divers places related much) a people meet rather for the service of quicke expeditions, than for any encounter and conflict in battaile, being newly sent for thither, no soo∣ner espied the troupe of Barbarians, but with a mind to joyne battaile, all on a suddaine boldly issued foorth of the citie, and after a stiffe bickering betweene them, maintained a long time, both parts left the field on even hand. Howbeit, by a certaine strange event, and never seene before, the foresaid regiment of Ea∣sterlings got the upper hand. For out of it a certaine shag-haired fellow, naked in all parts save the groine and privie parts, making a rustie, hoarse, and dolefull noyse, drawing out his skeine or short cuttleaxe, thrust himselfe into the middest of the Gothes: and after he had slaine an enemie, by cutting his throat, set it lips close unto the wound, and sucked out the bloud that gushed forth. At which monstrous and wonderfull sight the Barbarians affrighted, marched afterwards not in any outrageous and prowd sort, when they went about any exploit, but paced their ground in warie and doubtfull manner. And so in processe of time, when their boldnesse was well abated and taken downe, considering well the compasse of the wals, which by reason of huge and spacious * 1.52 Islands lay out in length, beholding also the beautifull fortifications of the citie, how inaccessible they were, and withall, the infinite number of the inhabitants, yea, and hard by it a Frith or narrow cut of the sea, which divideth Pontus from Aegeum: after the worke-houses of warlike engines were cast downe which they prepared, and more deadly blowes taken than given, departed thence in dissolute manner as fast as they could by the Northern provinces, which they over-ran licentiously at their pleasure, even as farre as to the foot of the Iulian Alpes, which in old time they tearmed Venetian. In these dayes remarkable above the rest was the profi∣table and expedite service of Iulius, colonell of the Footmen on the farther side of Taurus: for by the direction and appointment of the Destinies he gave com∣mandement,

That all the Gothes entertained before time in Thracia, and now dis∣persed into many cities and castles, by sending secret letters unto their generals and captaines all Romans (a thing at this time that seldome happeneth) should in one and the same day, as if a banner had beene erected for that purpose, be killed in a ge∣nerall massacre, even when they feared no such thing, but in expectation of wages promised unto them, were drawne forth into the villages neere the citie side: By which prudent policie put in execution without any noise made thereof or further delay, the East Provinces were delivered from great perils and dangers.

Thus have I, as a souldior sometime, and a Grecian borne, according to the measure of my abilitie, drawne out an hystorie, beginning at the raigne of the Emperour Nerva, and continuing it unto the death of Valens: A worke professing truth, and which I never wit∣tingly (as Ithinke) durst corrupt either with silence or leasing. Let other men, for age more sufficient, and for their learning better knowne, write the rest: Whom, if it shall please them to enter thereupon, I advise to frame their * 1.53 tongues unto an higher stile.

FINIS.

[illustration]

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.2

  Tragula: or un∣derstand some∣thing left out in the text, and take [Tragula] for a weapon, to this sence, That some woman or living creature of the fe∣male sexe having the throat thrust through with a ca∣sting-dart called Tragula, was seene &c. And this is the conceit of Marcell. Donatus.
• * 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 poti••s,
• * 1.4

  fort. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.5

  I suppose by Paeons in this place, are meant Pannonians, whō we now tearme Hungarians, who are thought to have taken this name of the Huns. As for Paeonia, which is part of Macedonie, it was farre out of their walke, & not neere the river Domw or ••ster. And I find in Authors. Paeonia and Pan∣nonia confusedly put, one for the other.
• * 1.6

  hog-backs.
• * 1.7

  or conceived.
• * 1.8

  Chata••dae, Leoni. Ahinadal. Thevet.
• * 1.9

  Russians and Tartarians, Ortel.
• * 1.10

  Cathay and Ta••∣taria, Ortel.
• * 1.11

  Those of Lico••∣••o, VVillich.
• * 1.12

  Aqui lones, or Northerne.
• * 1.13

  Ganga, Castald. Cantan, Mereat. Gualgas, Thovet.
• * 1.14

  or carts.
• * 1.15

  Pruth. Mercator. Pruthes. Gortechto
• * 1.16

  Ʋirgil.
• * 1.17

  through the mountaine Athos.
• * 1.18

  Osterlings, or Dutchmen.
• * 1.19

  Iuitlanders.
• * 1.20

  Salonichi.
• * 1.21

  Anchialo, Sophia. Kenkis, Mereat.
• * 1.22

  Nicopoli, or Nigeboli.
• * 1.23

  Philippopoli.
• * 1.24

  Albania, Leandr.
• * 1.25

  Rumelia, or Ro∣m••chi.
• * 1.26

  Hadrianopoli••.
• * 1.27

  of horsemen.
• * 1.28

  within the Car∣••ago.
• * 1.29

  Develto. Soph.
• * 1.30

  Modem.
• * 1.31

  Rexxo,
• * 1.32

  Lintzgoewer.
• * 1.33

  Armiger, or Scutarius.
• * 1.34

  Companies ser∣ving under the Romans.
• * 1.35

  Horburg, Rhenano, Colmer, Lrenicho.
• * 1.36

  A••bon, Rhenano. A••bor, Netit.
• * 1.37

  Melitiat.
• * 1.38

  Defensoribus.
• * 1.39

  Val••us.
• * 1.40

  Bo••monster. Simler.
• * 1.41

  a towne named Marotha. Lazius.
• * 1.42

  9. of August.
• * 1.43

  or Profectus.
• * 1.44

  Counsellors of State, or Courtiers.
• * 1.45

  or lo••ts.
• * 1.46

  Cabo Stillari, Nigr.
• * 1.47

  ten of the clocke.
• * 1.48

  three of the clock after noone.
• * 1.49

  or campe.
• * 1.50

  midnight.
• * 1.51

  or Rollers.
• * 1.52

  or houses stan∣ding by them∣selves.
• * 1.53

  or penus.