1.1. The king, rejoicing in the wretched imprisonment of our men that had come to pass, and anticipating like successes, set forth from there, and slowly advancing, came to Amida on the third day.
1.1. Hoc miserae nostrorum captivitatis eventu rex laetus, successusque operiens similes, egressus exinde paulatimque incedens, Amidam die tertio venit.
1.2. And when the first gleam of dawn appeared, everything so far as the eye could reach shone with glittering arms, and mail-clad cavalry filled hill and dale.
1.2. Cumque primum aurora fulgeret, universa quae videri poterant armis stellantibus coruscabant, ac ferreus equitatus campos opplevit et colles.
1.3. The king himself, mounted upon a charger and overtopping the others, rode before the whole army, wearing in place of a diadem a golden image of a ram’s head set with precious stones, distinguished too by a great retinue of men of the highest rank and of various nations. But it was clear that he would merely try the effect of a conference on the defenders of the walls, since by the advice of Antoninus he was in haste to go elsewhere.
1.3. Insidens autem equo, ante alios celsior, ipse praeibat agminibus cunctis, aureum capitis arietini figmentum, interstinctum lapillis, pro diademate gestans, multiplici vertice dignitatum, et gentium diversarum comitatu sublimis. Satisque eum constabat, colloquio tenus defensores moenium temptaturum, aliorsum Antonini consilio festinantem.
1.4. However, the power of heaven, in order to compress the miseries of the whole Roman empire within the confines of a single region, had driven the king to an enormous degree of self-confidence, and to the belief that all the besieged would be paralysed with fear at the mere sight of him, and would resort to suppliant prayers.
1.4. Verum caeleste numen ut Romanae rei totius aerumnas intra unius regionis concluderet ambitum, adegerat in immensum se extollentem, credentemque quod viso statim obsessi omnes metu exanimati, supplices venirent in preces.
1.5. So he rode up to the gates attended by his royal escort, and while with too great assurance he came so near that even his features could clearly be recognised, because of his conspicuous adornment he became the target of arrows and other missiles, and would have fallen, had not the dust hidden him from the sight of his assailants, so that after a part of his garment was torn by the stroke of a lance he escaped, to cause the death of thousands at a later time.
1.5. Portis obequitabat, comitante cohorte regali, qui dum se prope confidentius inserit, ut etiam vultus eius possit aperte cognosci, sagittis missilibusque ceteris, ob decora petitus insignia, corruisset, ni pulvere iaculantium adimente conspectum parte indumenti tragulae ictu discissa, editurus postea strages innumeras evasisset.
1.6. In consequence of this attack he raged as if against sacrilegious violators of a temple, and declaring that the lord of so many kings and nations had been outraged, he pushed on with great effort every preparation for destroying the city; but when his most distinguished generals begged that he would not under stress of anger abandon his glorious enterprises, he was appeased by their soothing plea and decided that on the following day the defenders should again be warned to surrender.
1.6. Hinc quasi in sacrilegos violati saeviens templi, temeratumque tot regum et gentium dominum praedicans, eruendae urbis apparatu nisibus magnis instabat, et orantibus potissimis ducibus ne profusus in iram a gloriosis descisceret coeptis, leni summatum petitione placatus, postridie quoque super deditione moneri decreverat defensores.
1.7. And so, at the first dawn of day, Grumbates, king of the Chionitae, wishing to render courageous service to his lord, boldly advanced to the walls with a band of active attendants; but a skilful observer caught sight of him as soon as he chanced to come within range of his weapon, and discharging a ballista, pierced both cuirass and breast of Grumbates’ son, a youth just come to manhood, who was riding at his father’s side and was conspicuous among his companions for his height and his handsome person.
1.7. Ideoque cum prima lux advenisset, rex Chionitarum Grumbates, fidenter domino suam operam navaturus, tendebat ad moenia, cum manu promptissima stipatorum, quem ubi venientem iam telo forte contiguum contemplator peritissimus advertisset, contorta ballista, filium eius primae pubis adulescentem, lateri paterno haerentem, thorace cum pectore perforato perfodit, proceritate et decore corporis aequalibus antestantem.
1.8. Upon his fall all his countrymen scattered in flight, but presently returned in well-founded fear that his body might be carried off, and with harsh outcries roused numerous tribes to arms; and on their onset weapons flew from both sides like hail and a fierce fight ensued.
1.8. Cuius occasu in fugam dilapsi populares eius omnes, moxque ne raperetur, ratione iusta regressi, numerosas gentes ad arma clamoribus dissonis concitarunt, quarum concursu ritu grandinis hinc inde convolantibus telis, atrox committitur pugna.
1.9. After a murderous contest, protracted to the very end of the day, at nightfall the body, which had with difficulty been protected amid heaps of slain and streams of blood, was dragged off under cover of darkness, as once upon a time before Troy his companions contended in a fierce struggle over the lifeless comrade of the Thessalian leader.
1.9. Et post interneciva certamina, ad usque finem diei protenta, cum iam noctis esset initium, per acervos caesorum et scaturigines sanguinis aegre defensum caligine tenebrarum extrahitur corpus, ut apud Troiam quondam super comite Thessali ducis exanimi socii Marte acerrimo conflixerunt.
1.10. By this death the palace was saddened, and all the nobles, as well as the father, were stunned by the sudden calamity; accordingly a truce was declared and the young man, honoured for his high birth and beloved, was mourned after the fashion of his own nation. Accordingly he was carried out, armed in his usual manner, and placed upon a large and lofty platform, and about him were spread ten couches bearing figures of dead men, so carefully made ready that the images were like bodies already in the tomb. For the space of seven days all men by communities and companies feasted (lamenting the young prince) with dances and the singing of certain sorrowful dirges.
1.10. Quo funere regia maesta, et optimatibus universis cum parente subita clade perculsis, indicto iustitio, iuvenis nobilitate commendabilis et dilectus ritu nationis propriae lugebatur. Itaque ut armari solebat elatus, in amplo quodam suggestu locatur et celso, circaque eum lectuli decem sternuntur, figmenta vehentes hominum mortuorum, ita curate pollincta, ut imagines essent corporibus similes iam sepultis, ac per dierum spatium septem, viri quidem omnes per contubernia et manipulos epulis indulgebant, saltando, et cantando tristia quaedam genera naeniarum, regium iuvenem lamentantes.
1.11. The women for their part, woefully beating their breasts and weeping after their wonted manner, loudly bewailed the hope of their nation cut off in the bloom of youth, just as the priestesses of Venus are often seen to weep at the annual festival of Adonis, which, as the mystic lore of religion tells us, is a kind of symbol of the ripened grain.
1.11. Feminae vero miserabili planctu, in primaevo flore succisam spem gentis solitis fletibus conclamabant, ut lacrimare cultrices Veneris saepe spectantur, in sollemnibus Adonidis sacris, quod simulacrum aliquod esse frugum adultarum religiones mysticae docent.
2.1. After the body had been burned and the ashes collected and placed in a silver urn, since the father had decided that they should be taken to his native land to be consigned to the earth, they debated what it was best to do; and it was resolved to propitiate the spirit of the slain youth by burning and destroying the city; for Grumbates would not allow them to go farther while the shade of his only son was unavenged.
2.1. Post incensum corpus ossaque in argenteam urnam collecta, quae ad gentem humo mandanda portari statuerat pater, agitata summa consiliorum, placuerat busto urbis subversae expiare perempti iuvenis manes; nec enim Grumbates, inulta unici pignoris umbra, ire ultra patiebatur.
2.2. Accordingly, after two days had been given to rest, a large force was sent to devastate the rich, cultivated fields, which were unprotected as in time of peace; then the city was begirt by a fivefold line of shields, and on the morning of the third day gleaming bands of horsemen filled all places which the eye could reach, and the ranks, advancing at a quiet pace, took the places assigned them by lot.
2.2. Biduoque ad otium dato, ac missis abunde qui pacis modo patentes agros pingues cultosque vastarent, quinquiens ordine multiplicato scutorum, cingitur civitas ac tertiae principio lucis, corusci globi turmarum impleverunt cuncta quae prospectus humanus potuit undique contueri, et sorte loca divisa, clementi gradu incedentes ordines occuparunt.
2.3. The Persians beset the whole circuit of the walls. The part which faced the east fell to the lot of the Chionitae, the place where the youth so fatal to us was slain, whose shade was destined to be appeased by the destruction of the city. The Gelani were assigned to the southern side, the Albani guarded the quarter to the north, and to the western gate were opposed the Segestani, the bravest warriors of all. With them, making a lofty show, slowly marched the lines of elephants, frightful with their wrinkled bodies and loaded with armed men, a hideous spectacle, dreadful beyond every form of horror, as I have often declared.
2.3. Persae omnes murorum ambitus obsidebant. Pars, quae orientem spectabat, Chionitis evenit, qua funestus nobis ceciderat adulescens, cuius manibus excidio urbis parentari debebat, Gelani meridiano lateri sunt destinati, tractum servabant septentrionis Albani, occidentali portae oppositi sunt Segestani, acerrimi omnium bellatores, cum quibus elata in arduum specie elephantorum agmina rugosis horrenda corporibus, leniter incedebant, armatis onusta, ultra omnem diritatem taetri spectaculi formidanda, ut rettulimus saepe.
2.4. Beholding such innumerable peoples, long got together to set fire to the Roman world and bent upon our destruction, we despaired of any hope of safety and henceforth strove to end our lives gloriously, which was now our sole desire.
2.4. Cernentes populos tam indimensos, ad orbis Romani incendium diu quaesitos, in nostrum conversos exitium, salutis rata desperatione, gloriosos vitae exitus deinde curabamus, iamque omnibus nobis optatos.
2.5. And so from sunrise until the day’s end the battle lines stood fast. as though rooted in the same spot; no sound was heard, no neighing of horses; and they withdrew in the same order in which they had come, and then refreshed with food and sleep, when only a small part of the night remained, led by the trumpeters’ blast they surrounded the city with the same awful ring, as if it were soon to fall.
2.5. A sole itaque orto usque diei ultimum, acies immobiles stabant, ut fixae nullo variato vestigio, nec sonitu vel equorum audito hinnitu, eademque figura digressi qua venerant, cibo recreati et somno, cum superesset exiguum noctis, aeneatorum clangore ductante, urbem ut mox casuram terribili corona cinxerunt.
2.6. And hardly had Grumbates hurled a bloodstained spear, following the usage of his country and the custom of our fetial priest, than the army with clashing weapons flew to the walls, and at once the lamentable tempest of war grew fiercer, the cavalry advancing at full speed as they hurried to the fight with general eagerness, while our men resisted with courage and determination.
2.6. Vixque ubi Grumbates hastam infectam sanguine ritu patrio nostrique more coniecerat fetialis, armis exercitus concrepans, involat muros, confestimque lacrimabilis belli turbo crudescit, rapido turmarum processu, in procinctum alacritate omni tendentium, et contra acri intentaque occursatione nostrorum.
2.7. Then heads were shattered, as masses of stone, hurled from the scorpions, crushed many of the enemy; others were pierced by arrows, some were struck down by spears and the ground strewn with their bodies, while others that were only wounded retreated in headlong flight to their companions.
2.7. Proinde diffractis capitibus, multos hostium scorpionum iactu moles saxeae colliserunt, alii traiecti sagittis, pars confixi tragulis humum corporibus obstruebant, vulnerati alii socios fuga praecipiti repetebant.
2.8. No less was the grief and no fewer the deaths in the city, since a thick cloud of arrows in compact mass darkened the air, while the artillery which the Persians had acquired from the plunder of Singara inflicted still more wounds.
2.8. Nec minores in civitate luctus aut mortes, sagittarum creberrima nube auras spissa multitudine obumbrante, tormentorumque machinis, quae direpta Singara possederant Persae, vulnera inferentibus plura.
2.9. For the defenders, recovering their strength and returning in relays to the contest they had abandoned, when wounded in their great ardour for defence fell with destructive results; or if only mangled, they overturned in their writhing those who stood next to them, or at any rate, so long as they remained alive kept calling for those who had the skill to pull out the arrows implanted in their bodies.
2.9. Namque viribus collectis propugnatores, omissa vicissim certamina repetentes, in maximo defendendi ardore saucii perniciose cadebant, aut laniati volvendo stantes proxime subvertebant, aut certe spicula membris infixa, viventes adhuc vellendi peritos quaeritabant.
2.10. Thus slaughter was piled upon slaughter and prolonged to the very end of the day, nor was it lessened even by the darkness of evening, with such great determination did both sides fight.
2.10. Ita strages stragibus implicatas, et ad extremum usque diei productas, ne vespertinae quidem hebetaverunt tenebrae, ea re quod obstinatione utrimque magna decernebatur.
2.11. And so the night watches were passed under the burden of arms, while the hills re-echoed from the shouts rising from both sides, as our men praised the power of Constantius Caesar as lord of the world and the universe, and the Persians called Sapor “saansaan” and “pirosen,” which being interpreted is “king of kings” and “victor in wars.”
2.11. Agitatis itaque sub onere armorum vigiliis, resultabant altrinsecus exortis clamoribus colles, nostris virtutes Constanti Caesaris extollentibus, ut domini rerum et mundi, Persis Saporem saansaan appellantibus et pirosen, quod rex regibus imperans, et bellorum victor interpretatur.
2.12. And before the dawn of the fifth day the signal was given on the trumpets and the countless forces were aroused anew from all sides to battles of equal heat, rushing to the strife like birds of prey; and the plains and dales as far and as wide as the eye could reach revealed nothing save the flashing arms of savage nations.
2.12. Ac priusquam lux quinta occiperet, signo per lituos dato, ad fervorem similium proeliorum excitae undique inaestimabiles copiae in modum alituum ferebantur, unde longe ac late prospici poterat, campis et convallibus nihil praeter arma micantia ferarum gentium demonstrantibus.
2.13. Presently a shout was raised and all rushed blindly forward, a vast shower of weapons flew from the walls, and as might be supposed, not one that fell among that dense throng of men was discharged in vain. For since so many ills hedged us about, we burned, not with the desire of saving our lives, but, as I have said, of dying bravely; and from the beginning of the day until the light was dim we fought with more fury than discretion, without a turn of the battle to either side. For the shouts of those who would terrify and of those who feared constantly rang out, and such was the heat of battle that scarcely anyone could stand his ground without a wound.
2.13. Moxque clamore sublato, cunctis temere prorumpentibus, telorum vis ingens volabat e muris, utque opinari dabatur, nulla frustra mittebantur inter hominum cadentia densitatem. Tot enim nos circumstantibus malis, non obtinendae causa salutis, (ut dixi) sed fortiter moriendi studio flagrabamus, et a diei principio ad usque lucem obscuram, neutrubi proelio inclinato, ferocius quam consultius pugnabatur. Exsurgebant enim terrentium paventiumque clamores, ut prae alacritate consistere sine vulnere vix quisquam possit.
2.14. At length night put an end to the bloodshed and satiety of woes had brought both sides a longer rest from fighting; for even when time for rest was given us, constant toil and sleeplessness sapped the little strength that remained, and we were terrified by the blood and the pale faces of the dying, to whom not even the last consolation of burial could be given because of the confined space; for within the limits of a city that was none too large there were shut seven legions, a promiscuous throng of strangers and citizens of both sexes, and a few other soldiers, to the number of 120,000 in all.
2.14. Tandemque nox finem caedibus fecit, et satias aerumnarum indutias partibus dederat longiores. Ubi enim quiescendi nobis tempus est datum, exiguas quae supererant vires, continuus cum insomnia labor absumpsit, sanguine et pallente exspirantium facie perterrente, quibus ne suprema quidem humandi solacia tribui sinebant angustiae spatiorum, intra civitatis ambitum non nimium amplae, legionibus septem et promiscua advenarum civiumque sexus utriusque plebe, et militibus aliis paucis, ad usque numerum milium centum viginti cunctis inclusis.
2.15. Therefore each cured his wounds according to his ability or the supply of helpers; some, who were severely hurt, gave up the ghost slowly from loss of blood; others, pierced through by arrows, after vain attempts to relieve them, breathed out their lives, and were cast out when death came; others, whose limbs were gashed everywhere, the physicians forbade to be treated, lest their sufferings should be increased by useless infliction of pain; still others plucked out the arrows and through this doubtful remedy endured torments worse than death.
2.15. Medebatur ergo suis quisque vulneribus pro possibilitate vel curantium copia, cum quidam graviter saucii, cruore exhausto, spiritus reluctantes efflarent, alii confossi mucronibus frustraque curati, animis in ventum solutis, proiciebantur exstincti, aliquorum foratis undique membris mederi periti vetabant, ne offensionibus cassis animae vexarentur afflictae, non nulli vellendis sagittis in ancipiti curatione graviora morte supplicia perferebant.
3.1. While the fight was going on at Amida with such determination on both sides, Ursicinus, grieving because he was dependent upon the will of another, who was then of greater authority in the command of the soldiers, frequently admonished Sabinianus, who was still clinging to his graves, that, getting together all his skirmishers, he should hasten by secret paths along the foot of the mountains, so that with the help of these light-armed troops (if fortune was at all favourable) he might surprise the pickets and attack the night-watches of the enemy, who had surrounded the walls in wide extent, or by repeated assaults distract the attention of those who were stoutly persisting in the siege.
3.1. Dum apud Amidam hac partium destinatione pugnatur, Ursicinus maerens, quod ex alterius pendebat arbitrio, auctoritatis tune in regendo milite potioris, Sabinianum etiam tum sepulcris haerentem, crebro monebat, ut compositis velitaribus cunctis, per imos pedes montium occultis itineribus properarent, quo levium armorum auxilio, siqua fors iuvisset, stationibus interceptis, nocturnas hostium aggrederentur excubias, quae ingenti circumitu vallaverant muros, aut lacessitionibus crebris occuparent obsidioni fortiter adhaerentes.
3.2. These proposals Sabinianus opposed as dangerous, publicly offering as a pretext letters of the emperor, which expressly directed that whatever could be done should be effected without injury to the soldiers anywhere, but secretly in his inmost heart keeping in mind that he had often been instructed at court to cut off from his predecessor, because of his burning desire for glory, every means of gaining honour, even though it promised to turn out to the advantage of the state.
3.2. Quibus Sabinianus renitebatur ut noxiis, palam quidem litteras imperiales praetendens, intacto ubique milite, quicquid geri potuisset impleri debere aperte iubentes, clam vero corde altissimo retinens, saepe in comitatu sibi mandatum, ut amplam omnem adipiscendae laudis decessori suo ardenti studio gloriae circumcideret, etiam ex re publica processuram.
3.3. Such great haste was made, even though attended with the destruction of the provinces, that this valiant warrior should not receive mention as author of, or participant in, any noteworthy action. Therefore, alarmed by this unhappy situation, Ursicinus often sent us scouts, although because of the strict guard no one could easily enter the town, and attempted many helpful things; but he obviously could accomplish nothing, being like a lion of huge size and terrible fierceness which did not dare to go to save from danger his whelps that were caught in a net, because he had been robbed of his claws and teeth.
3.3. Adeo vel cum exitio provinciarum festinabatur, ne bellicosus homo memorabilis alicuius facinoris auctor nuntiaretur aut socius. Ideoque his attonitus malis, exploratores ad nos saepe mittendo, licet ob custodias artas nullus facile oppidum poterat introire, et utilia agitando complura, nihil proficiens visebatur, ut leo magnitudine corporis et torvitate terribilis, inclusos intra retia catulos periculo ereptum ire non audens, unguibus ademptis et dentibus.
4.1. But within the city, where the quantity of corpses scattered through the streets was too great to admit of burial, a plague was added to so many ills, fostered by the contagious infection of maggotin-fested bodies, the steaming heat, and the weakness of the populace from various causes. The origin of diseases of this kind I shall briefly set forth.
4.1. Sed in civitate, ubi sparsorum per vias cadaverum multitude humandi officia superaret, pestilentia tot malis accessit, verminantium corporum lue tabifica, vaporatis aestibus varioque plebis languore nutrita, quae genera morborum unde oriri solent breviter explicabo.
4.2. Philosophers and eminent physicians have told us that an excess of cold or heat, or of moisture or dryness, produces plagues. Hence those who dwell in marshy or damp places suffer from coughs, from affections of the eyes, and from similar complaints; on the other hand, the inhabitants of hot climates dry up with the heat of fever. But by as much as the substance of fire is fiercer and more effective than the other elements, by so much is drought the swifter to kill.
4.2. Nimietatem frigoris aut caloris, vel umoris vel siccitatis, pestilentias gignere philosophi et illustres medici tradiderunt. Unde accolentes loca palustria vel umecta tusses et oculares casus et similia perferunt, contra confines caloribus tepore febrium arescunt. Sed quanto ignis materies ceteris est efficacior, tanto ad perimendum celerior siccitas.
4.3. Therefore when Greece was toiling in a ten years’ war in order that a foreigner might not evade the penalty for separating a royal pair, a scourge of this kind raged and many men perished by the darts of Apollo, who is regarded as the sun.
4.3. Hinc cum decennali bello Graecia desudaret, ne peregrinus poenas dissociati regalis matrimonii lucraretur, huius modi grassante pernicie, telis Apollinis periere complures (qui sol aestimatur).
4.4. And, as Thucydides shows, that calamity which, at the beginning of the Peloponnesian war, harassed the Athenians with a grievous kind of sickness, gradually crept all the way from the torrid region of Africa and laid hold upon Attica.
4.4. Atque ut Thucydides exponit, clades illa, quae in Peloponnesiaci belli principiis Athenienses acerbo genere morbi vexavit, ab usque ferventi Aethiopiae plaga paulatim proserpens, Atticam occupavit.
4.5. Others believe that when the air, as often happens, and the waters are polluted by the stench of corpses or the like, the greater part of their healthfulness is spoiled, or at any rate that a sudden change of air causes minor ailments.
4.5. Aliis placet auras (ut solent) aquasque vitiatas faetore cadaverum, vel similibus, salubritatis violare maximam partem, vel certe aeris permutationem subitam aegritudines parere leviores.
4.6. Some also assert that when the air is made heavy by grosser exhalations from the earth, it checks the secretions that should be expelled from the body, and is fatal to some; and it is for that reason, as we know on the authority of Homer as well as from many later experiences, that when such a pestilence has appeared, the other animals besides man, which constantly look downward, are the first to perish.
4.6. Affirmant etiam aliqui, terrarum halitu densiore crassatum aera, emittendis corporis spiraminibus resistentem, necare non nullos, qua causa animalia praeter homines cetera iugiter prona, Homero auctore, et experimentis deinceps multis, cum talis incesserit labes, ante novimus interire.
4.7. Now the first kind of plague is called endemic, and causes those who live in places that are too dry to be cut off by frequent fevers. The second is epidemic, which breaks out at certain seasons of the year, dimming the sight of the eyes and causing a dangerous flow of moisture. The third is loemodes, which is also periodic, but deadly from its winged speed.
4.7. Et prima species luis pandemus appellatur, quae efficit in aridioribus locis agentes, caloribus crebris interpellari, secunda epidemus, quae tempore ingruens, acies hebetat luminum, et concitat periculosos umores, tertia loemodes, quae itidem temporaria est, sed volucri velocitate letabilis.
4.8. After we had been exhausted by this destructive plague and a few had succumbed to the excessive heat and still more from the crowded conditions, at last on the night following the tenth day the thick and gross exhalations were dispelled by light showers, and sound health of body was regained.
4.8. Hac exitiali peste quassatis, paucis intemperantia aestuum consumptis, quos multitude augebat, tandem nocte quae diem consecuta est decimum, exiguis imbribus disiecto concreto spiritu et crassato, sospitas retenta est corporum firma.
5.1. But meanwhile the restless Persian was surrounding the city with sheds and mantlets, and mounds began to be raised and towers were constructed; these last were lofty, with ironclad fronts, and on the top of each a ballista was placed, for the purpose of driving the defenders from the ramparts; yet not even for a moment did the skirmishing by the slingers and archers slacken.
5.1. Verum inter haec inquies Persa vineis civitatem pluteisque circumdabat, et erigi aggeres coepti, turresque fabricabantur, frontibus ferratis excelsae, quarum fastigiis ballistae locatae sunt singulae, ut a propugnaculis propellerent defensores, levia tamen per funditores et sagittarios proelia ne puncto quidem brevi cessabant.
5.2. There were with us two Magnentian legions, recently brought from Gaul (as I have said) and composed of brave, active men, experienced in battle in the open field, but to the sort of warfare to which we were constrained they were not merely unsuited, but actually a great hindrance; for whereas they were of no help with the artillery or in the construction of fortifications, they would sometimes make reckless sallies and after fighting with the greatest confidence return with diminished numbers, accomplishing just as much as would the pouring of a single handful of water (as the saying is) upon a general conflagration.
5.2. Erant nobiscum duae legiones Magnentiacae recens e Galliis ductae (ut praediximus) virorum fortium et pernicium, ad planarios conflictus aptorum, ad eas vero belli artes quibus stringebamur, non modo inhabiles, sed contra nimii turbatores, qui cum neque in machinis neque in operum constructione iuvarent, aliquotiens stolidius erumpentes, dimicantesque fidentissime minuto numero revertebant, tantum proficientes, quantum in publico (ut aiunt) incendio, aqua unius hominis manu adgesta.
5.3. Finally, when the gates were very carefully barred, and their officers forbade them to go forth, they gnashed their teeth like wild beasts. But in the days that followed (as I shall show) their efficiency was conspicuous.
5.3. Postremo obseratis portis praecaute vetantibusque tribunis, egredi nequeuntes, frendebant ut bestiae. Verum secutis diebus efficacia eorum eminuit (ut docebimus).
5.4. In a remote part of the walls on the southern side, which looks down on the river Tigris, there was a tower rising to a lofty height, beneath which yawned rocks so precipitous that one could not look down without shuddering dizziness. From these rocks subterranean arches had been hollowed out, and skilfully made steps led through the roots of the mountain as far as the plateau on which the city stood, in order that water might be brought secretly from the channel of the river, a device which I have seen in all the fortifications in those regions which border on streams.
5.4. In summoto loco partis meridianae murorum, quae despectat fluvium Tigrim, turris fuit in sublimitatem exsurgens, sub qua hiabant rupes abscisae, ut despici sine vertigine horrenda non posset, unde cavatis fornicibus subterraneis, per radices montis scalae ad usque civitatis ducebant planitiem, quo ex amnis alveo haurirentur aquae furtim, ut in omnibus per eas regiones munimentis quae contingunt flumina vidimus, fabre politae.
5.5. Through these dark passages, left unguarded because of their steepness, led by a deserter in the city who had gone over to the opposite side, seventy Persian bowmen from the king’s bodyguard who excelled in skill and bravery, protected by the silence of the remote spot, suddenly one by one in the middle of the night mounted to the third story of the tower and there concealed themselves; in the morning they displayed a cloak of red hue, which was the signal for beginning battle, and when they saw the city surrounded on all sides with the floods of their forces, emptying their quivers, and throwing them at their feet, with a conflagration of shouts and yells they sent their shafts in all directions with the utmost skill. And presently all the Persian forces in dense array attacked the city with far greater fury than before.
5.5. Per has tenebras ob derupta neglectas, oppidano transfuga quodam ductante, qui ad diversam partem desciverat, septuaginta sagittarii Persae ex agmine regio arte fiduciaque praestantes, silentio summoti loci defensi, subito singuli noctis medio ad contignationem turris tertiam ascenderunt, ibique occultati, mane sago punici coloris elato, quod erat subeundae indicium pugnae, cum ex omni parte circumveniri urbem suis copiis inundantibus advertissent, exinanitis proiectisque ante pedes pharetris, clamoris ululabilis incendio tela summa peritia dispergebant. Moxque acies omnes densae petebant multo infestius quam antea civitatem.
5.6. We were perplexed and uncertain where first to offer resistance, whether to those who stood above us or to the throng mounting on scaling-ladders and already laying hold of the very battlements; so the work was divided among us and five of the lighter ballistae were moved and placed over against the tower, rapidly pouring forth wooden shafts, which sometimes pierced even two men at a time. Some of the enemy fell, severely wounded; others, through fear of the clanging engines, leaped off headlong and were dashed to pieces.
5.6. Inter incertos nos et ancipites, quibus occurri deberet, instantibus supra, an multitudini transcensu scalarum iam propugnacula ipsa prensanti, dividitur opera, et translatae leviores quinque ballistae, contra turrim locantur, quae ocius lignea tela fundentes, non numquam et binos forabant, e quibus pars graviter vulnerati ruebant, alii machinarum metu stridentium praecipites acti, laniatis corporibus interibant.
5.7. This being so quickly accomplished and the engines restored to their usual places, with a little greater confidence all ran together to defend the walls.
5.7. Quibus hac celeritate confectis, relatisque ad loca sueta tormentis, paulo securius moenia omnium concursu defendebantur.
5.8. And since the wicked deed of the deserter increased the soldiers’ wrath, as if they were entering a level ground in a sham fight they used such strength of arm as they hurled their various weapons, that as the day inclined towards noon the enemy were scattered in bitter defeat, and lamenting the death of many of their number, retreated to their tents through fear of wounds.
5.8. Et quoniam augebat iras militum scelestum facinus perfugae, quasi decurrentes in planum, ita iaculantes diversa missilia lacertis fortibus incumbebant, ut vergente in meridiem die, gentes acri repulsa disiectae, lacrimantes complurium mortes, tentoria repeterent vulnerum metu.
6.1. Fortune thus breathed upon us some hope of safety, since a day had passed without harm to us and with disaster to the enemy; so the remainder of that day was devoted to rest, for refreshing our bodies. But at the arrival of the following dawn we saw from the citadel a countless throng which after the capture of the fortress of Ziata was being taken to the enemy’s camp; for in that stronghold, which was both capacious and well fortified (it has a circuit of ten stadia) a multitude of people of all sorts had taken refuge.
6.1. Adspiravit auram quandam salutis fortuna, innoxio die cum hostili clade emenso, cuius reliquo tempore ad quietem reficiendis corporibus dato, posterae lucis initio ex arce innumeram cernimus plebem, quae Ziata capto castello, ad hosticum ducebatur, quem in locum ut capacissimum et munitum—spatio quippe decem stadiorum ambitur —promiscua confugerat multitudo.
6.2. For other fortifications also were seized and burned during those same days, and from them many thousands of men had been dragged, and were following into slavery, among them many feeble old men, and women already advanced in years, who, when they gave out for various reasons, discouraged by the long march and abandoning the desire to live, were left behind with their calves or hams cut out.
6.2. Nam etiam alia munimenta eisdem diebus rapta sunt et incensa, unde hominum milia extracta complura, servituri sequebantur, inter quos multi senecta infirmi, et mulieres iam grandaevae, cum ex variis deficerent causis, itineris longinquitate offensae, abiecta vivendi cupiditate, suris vel suffraginibus relinquebantur exsectis.
6.3. The Gallic soldiers, seeing these throngs of wretches, with a reasonable, but untimely, impulse demanded that the opportunity be given them of encountering the enemy, threatening death to the tribunes who forbade them, and to the higher officers, if they in their turn prevented them.
6.3. Has miserabiles turmas Galli milites contuentes, rationabili quidem sed intempestivo motu, conferendae cum hostibus manus copiam sibi dari poscebant, mortem tribunis vetantibus, primisque ordinibus minitantes, si deinceps prohiberent.
6.4. And just as ravening beasts in cages, roused to greater fierceness by the odour of carrion, in hope of getting out dash against the revolving bars, so did they hew with swords at the gates, which (as I said above) were locked, being exceedingly anxious lest, if the city should be destroyed, they also might perish without any glorious action, or if it were saved from peril, they should be said to have done nothing worth while, as Gallic greatness of heart demanded; and yet before this they had made frequent sallies and attempted to interfere with the builders of mounds, had killed some, and had suffered the like themselves.
6.4. Utque dentatae in caveis bestiae, taetro paedore acerbius efferatae, evadendi spe repagulis versabilibus illiduntur, ita gladiis portas caedebant, quas supra diximus obseratas, admodum anxii, ne urbe excisa ipsi quoque sine ullo specioso facinore deleantur, aut exuta periculis, nihil egisse operae pretium pro magnanimitate Gallica memorentur, licet antea saepe egressi, structoresque aggerum confossis quibusdam impedire conati, paria pertulerunt.
6.5. We, at our wit’s end and in doubt what opposition ought to be made to the raging Gauls, at last chose this course as the best, to which they reluctantly consented: that since they could no longer be restrained, they should wait for a while and then be allowed to attack the enemy’s outposts, which were stationed not much farther than a bowshot away, with the understanding that if they broke through them, they might keep right on. For it was apparent that, if their request were granted, they would deal immense slaughter.
6.5. Inopes nos consilii, et quid opponi deberet saevientibus ambigentes, id potissimum aegre eisdem assentientibus, tandem elegimus, ut quoniam ultra ferri non poterant, paulisper morati, custodias aggredi permitterentur hostiles, quae non procul erant a coniectu locatae telorum, ut eis perruptis, pergerent prorsus. Apparebat enim eos (si impetrassent) strages maximas edituros.
6.6. While preparations for this were going on, the walls were being vigorously defended by various kinds of effort: by toil and watchfulness and by placing engines so as to scatter stones and darts in all directions. However, two lofty mounds were constructed by a troop of Persian infantry, and the storming of the city was being prepared with slowly built siege-works; and in opposition to these troops our soldiers also with extreme care were rearing earthworks of great height, equal in elevation to those of the enemy and capable of supporting the greatest possible weight of fighting men.
6.6. Quae dum parantur, per varia certaminum genera defensabantur acriter muri, laboribus et vigiliis, et tormentis, ad emittenda undique saxa telaque dispositis. Duo tamen aggeres celsi Persarum peditum manu, e regione et ex pugnaculo civitatis, struebantur operibus lentis, contra quos nostrorum quoque impensiore cura moles excitabantur altissimae, fastigio adversae celsitudinis aequatae, propugnatorum vel nimia pondera duraturae.
6.7. Meanwhile the Gauls, impatient of delay, armed with axes and swords rushed out through an opened postem gate, taking advantage of a gloomy, moonless night and praying for the protection of heaven, that it might propitiously and willingly aid them. And holding their very breath when they had come near the enemy, they rushed violently upon them in close order, and having slain some of the outposts, they butchered the outer guards of the camp in their sleep (since they feared nothing of the kind), and secretly thought of a surprise attack even on the king’s quarters, if a favourable fortune smiled on them.
6.7. Inter haec Galli morarum impatientes, securibus gladiisque succincti, patefacta sunt egressi postica, observata nocte squalida et inluni, orantes caeleste praesidium, ut propitium adesset et libens. Atque ipsum spiritum reprimentes, cum prope venissent, conferti valido cursu, quibusdam stationariis interfectis, exteriores castrorum vigiles (ut in nullo tali metu) sopitos obtruncant, et supervenire ipsi regiae (si prosperior iuvisset eventus) occulte meditabantur.
6.8. But the sound of their cautious advance, slight though it was, and the groans of the dying were heard, and many of the enemy were roused from sleep and sprang up, while each for himself raised the call to arms. Our soldiers stood rooted to the spot, not daring to advance farther; for it no longer seemed prudent, when those against whom the surprise was directed were aroused, to rush into open danger, since now throngs of raging Persians were coming to battle from every side, fired with fury.
6.8. Verum audito licet levi reptantium sonitu, gemituque caesorum, discusso somno excitatis multis et ad arma pro se quoque clamitante, steterunt milites vestigiis fixis, progredi ultra non ausi; nec enim cautum deinde videbatur, expergefactis quos petebant insidiae, in apertum properare discrimen, cum iam undique frendentium catervae Persarum in proelia venirent accensae.
6.9. But the Gauls faced them, relying on their strength of body and keeping their courage unshaken as long as they could, cut down their opponents with the sword, while a part of their own number were slain or wounded by the cloud of arrows flying from every side. But when they saw that the whole weight of peril and all the troops of the enemy were turned against one spot, although not one of them turned his back, they made haste to get away; and as if retreating to music, they were gradually forced out beyond the rampart, and being now unable to withstand the bands of foemen rushing upon them in close order, and excited by the blare of trumpets from the camp, they withdrew.
6.9. Contra Galli corporum robore, audaciaque quoad poterant inconcussi, gladiis secantes adversos, parte suorum strata vel sagittarum undique volantium crebritate confixa, cum unum in locum totam periculi molem conversam, et concurrentium hostium agmina advertissent, nullo terga vertente, evadere festinabant, et velut repedantes sub modulis, sensim extra vallum protrusi, cum manipulos confertius invadentes sustinere non possent, tubarum perciti clangore castrensium, discedebant.
6.10. And while many clarions sounded from the city, the gates were thrown open to admit our men, if they could succeed in getting so far, and the hurling-engines roared constantly, but without discharging any missiles, in order that since those in command of the outposts, after the death of their comrades were unaware of what was going on behind them, the men stationed before the walls of the city might abandon their unsafe position, and the brave men might be admitted through the gate without harm.
6.10. Et resultantibus e civitate lituis multis, portae panduntur, recepturae nostros si pervenire illuc usque valuissent, tormentorumque machinae stridebant sine iaculatione ulla telorum, ut stationibus praesidentes, post interemptos socios, quae pone agerentur ignari, urbis oppositi moenibus nudarent intuta et porta viri fortes susciperentur innoxii.
6.11. By this device the Gauls entered the gate about daybreak in diminished numbers, a part severely others slightly wounded (the losses of that night were four hundred); and if a mightier fate had not prevented, they would have slain, not Rhesus nor the Thracians encamped before the walls of Troy, but the king of the Persians in his own tent, protected by a hundred thousand armed men.
6.11. Hacque arte Galli portam prope confinia lucis introiere minuto, numero quidam perniciose, pars leviter vulnerati, quadringentis ea nocte desideratis, qui non Rhesum nec cubitantes pro muris Iliacis Thracas, sed Persarum regem armatorum centum milibus circumsaeptum, ni obstitisset violentior casus, in ipsis tentoriis obtruncarant.
6.12. In honour of their officers, as leaders in these brave deeds, after the destruction of the city the emperor ordered statues in full armour to be made and set up in a frequented spot at Edessa, and they are preserved intact to the present time.
6.12. Horum campiductoribus, ut fortium factorum antesignanis, post civitatis excidium, armatas statuas apud Edessam in regione celebri locari iusserat imperator, quae ad praesens servantur intactae.
6.13. When on the following day the slaughter was revealed, and among the corpses of the slain there were found grandees and satraps, and dissonant ories and tears bore witness to the disasters in this or that place, everywhere mourning was heard and the indignation of the kings at the thought that the Romans had forced their way in through the guards posted before the walls. And as because of this event a truce of three days was granted by common consent, we also gained time to take breath.
6.13. Retectis sequenti luce funeribus, cum inter caesorum cadavera optimates invenirentur, et satrapae, clamoresque dissoni fortunam aliam alibi cum lacrimis indicabant, luctus ubique et indignatio regum audiebatur, arbitrantium per stationes muris obiectas irrupisse Romanos indutiisque ob haec tridui datis assensu communi, nos quoque spatium ad respirandum accepimus.
7.1. Then the enemy, horrified and maddened by the unexpected mishap, set aside all delay, and since force was having little effect, now planned to decide the contest by siege-works; and all of them, fired with the greatest eagerness for battle, now hastened to meet a glorious death or with the downfall of the city to make offering to the spirits of the slain.
7.1. Perculsae deinde novitate rei efferataeque gentes, omissa omni cunctatione, operibus (quoniam vis minime procedebat) decernere iam censebant, et concito extremo belli ardore, omnes oppetere gloriose iam properabant, aut ruina urbis animis litasse caesorum.
7.2. And now through the zeal of all the preparations were completed, and as the morning star shone forth various kinds of siege-works were brought up, along with ironclad towers, on the high tops of which ballistae were placed, and drove off the defenders who were busy lower down.
7.2. Iamque apparatu cunctorum alacritate perfecto, exsiliente lucifero, operum variae species cum turribus ferratis admovebantur, quorum in verticibus celsis aptatae ballistae propugnatores agitantes humilius disiectabant.
7.3. And day was now dawning, when mail-clad soldiers underspread the entire heaven, and the dense forces moved forward, not as before in disorder, but led by the slow notes of the trumpets and with no one running forward, protected too by pent-houses and holding before them wicker hurdles.
7.3. Et albescente iam die, ferrea munimenta membrorum caelum omne subtexunt, densetaeque acies non inordinatim ut antea, sed tubarum sonitu leni ductante, nullis procursantibus incedebant, machinarum operti tegminibus, cratesque vimineas praetendentes.
7.4. But when their approach brought them within bowshot, though holding their shields before them the Persian infantry found it hard to avoid the arrows shot from the walls by the artillery, and took open order, and almost no kind of dart failed to find its mark; even the mail-clad horsemen were checked and gave ground, and thus increased the courage of our men.
7.4. Cumque propinquantes ad coniectum venere telorum, oppositis scutis, Persae pedites sagittas tormentis excussas e muris aegrius evitantes laxaverant aciem, nullo paene iaculi genere in vanum cadente; etiam cataphracti hebetati et cedentes animos auxere nostrorum.
7.5. However, because the enemy’s ballistae, mounted as they were upon iron-clad towers, were effective from their higher place against those lower down, on account of their different position they had a different result and caused terrible carnage on our side; and when evening was already coming on and both sides rested, the greater part of the night was spent in trying to devise a remedy for this awful slaughter.
7.5. Tamen quia hostiles ballistae ferratis impositae turribus, in humiliora ex supernis valentes, ut loco dispari ita eventu dissimili, nostra multo cruore foedabant, ingruente iam vespera, cum requiescerent partes, noctis spatium maius consumptum est, ut excogitari possit quid exitio ita atroci obiectaretur.
7.6. And at last, after turning over many plans, we resolved upon a plan which speedy action made the safer, namely, to oppose four scorpions to those same ballistae; but while they were being moved exactly opposite and cautiously put in place (an act calling for the greatest skill) the most sorrowful of days dawned upon us, showing as it did formidable bands of Persians along with troops of elephants, than whose noise and huge bodies the human mind can conceive nothing more terrible.
7.6. Et tandem multa versantibus nobis, sedit consilium quod tutius celeritas fecit, quattuor eisdem ballistis scorpiones opponi, qui dum translati e regione, caute (quod artis est difficillimae) collocantur, lux nobis advenit maestissima, Persarum manipulos formidatos ostentans, adiectis elephantorum agminibus, quorum stridore immanitateque corporum nihil humanae mentes terribilius cernunt.
7.7. And while we were hard pressed on every side by weight of armed men, siege-works, and monsters, round stones hurled at intervals from the battlements by the iron arms of our scorpions shattered the joints of the towers, and threw down the ballistae and those who worked them in such headlong fashion, that some perished without injury from wounds, others were crushed to death by the great weight of debris. The elephants, too, were driven back with great violence, for they were surrounded by firebrands thrown at them from every side, and as soon as these touched their bodies, they turned tail and their drivers were unable to control them. But though after that the siege-works were burned up, there was no cessation from strife.
7.7. Cumque omni ex latere armorum et operum beluarumque molibus urgeremur, per scorpionum ferreas fundas e propugnaculis subinde rotundi lapides iacti, dissolutis turrium coagmentis, ballistas earumque tortores ita fudere praecipites, ut quidam citra vulnerum noxas, alii obtriti magnitudine ponderum interirent, elephantis vi magna propulsis, quos flammis coniectis undique circumnexos, iam corporibus tactis, gradientesque retrosus regere magistri non poterant, postque exustis operibus, nulla quies certaminibus data.
7.8. For even the king of the Persians himself, who is never compelled to take part in battles, aroused by these storms of ill-fortune, rushed into the thick of the fight like a common soldier (a new thing, never before heard of) and because he was more conspicuous even to those who looked on from a distance because of the throng of his body-guard, he was the mark of many a missile; and when many of his attendants had been slain he withdrew, interchanging the tasks of his tractable forces, and at the end of the day, though terrified by the grim spectacle neither of the dead nor of the wounded he at last allowed a brief time to be given to rest.
7.8. Rex enim ipse Persarum, qui numquam adesse certaminibus cogitur, his turbinum infortuniis percitus, novo et nusquam antea cognito more, proeliatoris militis ritu prosiluit in confertos, et quia conspectior tegentium multitudine procul speculantibus visebatur, petitus crebritate telorum, multis stipatoribus stratis, abscessit, alternans regibilis acies, et ad extremum diei, nec mortium truci visu nec vulnerum territus, tandem tempus exiguum tribui quieti permisit.