CHAP. XV.
THus was the whole fight about one man, wherein fell at least 1000 Goths, and such as fought in the first rancks. Many of the best of Belisarius his Retinue were slaine, and Maxentius, one of his Lanciers, after he had performed bravely: Himselfe was neither wounded that day nor shot, though the fight was about him alone. In conclusion, the Romans routed the Enemy; multitudes flying, till they re∣covered their campe: where their foot being fresh, received the Romans, and easi∣ly repulsed them. Who seeing another supply of Horse coming, fled up to a Hill, where they made a stand; and encounter'd the Barbarian horse overtaking them. Where Valentinus, Gentleman of the horse to Photius, Antonina's sonne, shewed ex∣traordinary valour, gallopping into the thickest of the enemy, and stopping their course, and bringing off his company; and thus they escaped to the Walls of Rome, with the Barbarians at their heels up to the gate, now called Belisaria. The Ro∣mans within, fearing the Enemy might enter pell mell, would not open the gate, not∣withstanding Belisarius's earnest commands, loud cries, and threats, who could not be discerned from the Turret (it being after Sun set) having his face covered with bloud and dust, and they did not think the Generall to be alive; those that ran away at the first defeat having reported him to be slain, fighting bravely in the head of his troopes. The Enemy therefore coming with multitudes, and much Fury, thought to get over the ditch, and charged the retirers, who near the Walls stood thick and close body to body in a small roome. And they within being no Souldi∣ers, nor prepared at all, and afraide of their city, could not succour them; when a sudden bold resolution of Belisarius saved all, who encouraging his company, char∣ged the Enemy: and they being disordered, as in the dark, and upon a chase, and see∣ing those that fled unexpectedly coming on, suspected succours to be come from the city, and in a fear run all away. Belisarius pursued them not, but turned about to the walls; whom the Romans, taking heart, received in, and his company. In so great pe∣rill was Belisarius, and the Emperours affaires. The fight beginning in the mor∣ning ended at night; wherein Belisarius did best of the Romans, and of the Goths Visandus the standard bearer, who with the rest charged Belisarius; and went not off, before hee fel to the ground after 13 wounds received, and neglected by his com∣panions (though they had the victory) he was left among the dead. Three dayes after, the Goths being encamped neer Rome, sent out to bury the dead men, and to performe their funerall rites: these searching the bodies, found Visandus with breath in him, but he could not speak; his inward parts with famin and drouth being ex∣treamly inflamed, they put water in his mouth, and so having drunk and got life, they carried him to the campe; and for this he was in great reputation with the Goths, and he lived long after. Belisarius being in safety, assembled his souldiers to the walls, and most of the common people; commanding them to light fires, and to watch all night. He went the round himself, set all in order, and appointed com∣manders to every gate. Bessas, who guarded Porta Praenestina, sent him word, that the town was entred by the Enemy at a gate bearing the name from Saint Pancra∣tius. The company advised Belisarius to escape out at some other gate; but hee misliked the motion, sent horsemen down to the Tiber, who upon the view brought word, that there was no Enemy thereabout appearing. Wherefore he sent directi∣on to the Commanders of every gate, if they heard that the Enemie was entred at any other part, not to succour, but to continue upon their guards; least they should be