The history of the warres of the Emperour Justinian in eight books : of the Persian, II, Vandall, II, Gothicke, IV / written in Greek by Procopivs of Caesarea ; and Englished by Henry Holcroft, Knight.

CHAP. XVIII.

BElisarius heard nothing of these Occurrents in Liguria, but the Winter be∣ing ended, he marcht with his Army into Picenia: In which Journey he un∣derstood to his great griefe what was become of Millan. Ʋliaris he suffered not to come into his sight, and wrote the whole matter to the Emperour, who punisht no man; but hearing of the differences between Belisarius and Narses, he sent for Narses home, and appointed Belisarius absolutely to command all the Army. Narses went to Constantinople with some few Souldiers; And being gone, the Herulians would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stay in Italy, though Belisarius in his own name and the Emperours made them large promises. They first went into Liguria; where meeting with Ʋraeas his Army, they sold their Slaves, and Cattell they had, and for a Sum of money given them, sware never to take Armes against the Goths, and so peaceably they came into Venetia; where having speech with Vitalius, they re∣pented of their Errour against the Emperour, and to expiate the same, left Visan∣dus there, and his Troops. The rest came to Constantinople, conducted by Alu••th, and Philimuth, who was chiefe; Phanotheus being dead in his Tent.

But Vitigis hearing that in the beginning of the Spring Belisarius would come against him, and the Goths in Ravenna, they were all affraid, and consulted what to do; and finding upon debate themselves alone not able to match the Enemy, they resolved to draw in the aid of other Barbarians. Of the Germans they were shy, having already had experience of their unfaithfulnesse, being contented they should continue neutrall, not joyning with Belisarius. But to Vacis King of the Lom∣bards they sent Ambassadours and large Sums for aide; but he being a Friend, and Auxiliary of the Emperour, they returned without doing any thing. So that Vitigis, in much perplexity, demanded the advise of ancient men, what was to be done to repaire his Affaires. After many Opinions of his Counsell, some unsea∣sonable, some worthy of consideration, it was said;

That the Roman Empe∣rour could not invade the Barbarians of the West, before he had made truce with the Persians. Then the Vandales, and Moores were ruined, and these

things now befell the Goths. If the King of Persia might be put into a quarrell with Justinian, the Romans in war with that Nation could maintain none else∣where. Vitigis liked the Counsell, & resolved to send Ambassadours, who were not Goths, to set Chosroes, King of Persia, at variance with Justinian (for feare of discovering, and spoyling of the negotiation.) But they perswaded two Priests of Liguria with money to undertake the Service.

One of them taking upon him the shew and name of a Bishop, was the Ambassadour, and the other went as his attendant. To these Vitigis gave his Letters to Chosroes, who being there∣with moved, did those mischiefes to the Romans during the Truce I formerly, re∣lated. And the Emperour, so soon as he found the Persians plotting those mis∣chiefes, thought good to end the War in the West: He sent therefore for Belisari∣us to go against the Persian, and he dispatcht Vitigis Ambassadours, (who yet were at Constantinople) with promise to send some to Ravenna, to conclude a Truce with the Goths, as should be expedient for both parts. But Belisarius made stay of the Enemies Ambassadours, untill they also sent home Athanasius and Peter, who went to Constantinople, and were highly rewarded.* 1.1 Athanasius the Emperour made Praefect of the Palace in Italy, and Peter, Captain of the Emperours Guard. And thus the Winter ended, and the fourth yeare of this War, written by Proc••∣pius.

Belisarius resolved first to get Auximum and Faesulae, and then no Enemy be∣ing in his way, nor to be at his back, to set upon Vitigis and Ravenna. Unto Faesu∣lae he sent Cyprian and Jastinus with their own Troops, and some Isaurians, and 500. Foot under D••metrius; these beseiged the Goths in that Castle. Towards the Poe he sent Martinus and John Phagas with their own Troops, and other For∣ces, commanded by that John; whom he directed, in case Ʋraeas with his Forces came towards them out of Millan, by any meanes to get the Reare of them, and to follow at their backs. These taking Dorthon, a Town unwalled upon the River, there encamped.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Incipit. Annus 5. belli Goth. 13. Reg. Justiniani & Ann. Dom. 540.