4.13. Nevitta and Dagalaifus had charge of the mines and mantelets; the opening of the attack, and the protection of the artillery from fire or sallies was undertaken by the emperor in person. And when all the preparations for destroying the city had been completed with much painful toil, and the soldiers demanded battle, the general named Victor, who had reconnoitred the roads as far as Ctesiphon, returned and reported that he had found no obstacles.
4.13. Cumque apparatu omni excindendae urbis labore multiplici consummato, pugna flagitaretur, Victor nomine dux reversus est ad usque Ctesiphonta, itineribus exploratis, nulla obstacula nuntians offendisse.
4.14. Upon this all the soldiers were wild with joy, and aroused to greater confidence awaited under arms the signal for battle.
4.14. Quo efferati gaudio milites omnes, elatique firmioribus animis, ad certandum signum operiebantur armati.
4.15. And now, as the trumpets sounded their martial note, both sides raised a loud shout. The Romans were the first with repeated onslaughts and threatening roars to attack the foe, who were covered with plates of iron as if by a thin layer of feathers, and were full of confidence since the arrows flew back as they struck the folds of the hard iron; but at times the covering of joined shields, with which our men skilfully covered themselves as if by the protection of irregularly shaped arches, because of their continual movements yawned apart. The Persians, on the other hand, obstinately clinging to their walls, tried with every possible effort to avoid and baffle the death-dealing attacks.
4.15. Iamque clangore Martio sonantibus tubis, strepebant utrimque partes, et primi Romani hostem undique lamminis ferreis in modum tenuis plumae contectum, fidentemque, quod tela rigentis ferri lapsibus impacta resiliebant, crebris procursationibus et minaci murmure lacessebant: non numquam compage scutorum, qua velut testudine infigurabilium fornicum operiebantur aptissime, assiduis motibus laxius dehiscente. Contra Persae muris obstinatius adhaerentes, quantum facere nitique poterant, eludere et frustrari exitiales impetus conabantur.
4.16. But when the besiegers, carrying before them hurdles of wicker work, were already threatening the walls, the enemy’s slingers and archers, others even rolling down huge stones, with torches and fiery shafts tried to keep them at a distance; then ballistae adapted for wooden arrows were bent and plied with screaming sound, sending forth showers of missiles; and scorpions, hauled to various places by skilled hands, hurled round stones.
4.16. Verum ubi vimineas crates prae se ferentes, oppugnatores iam moenia perurgerent, cum sagittariis funditores, alii quin etiam saxa volventes ingentia, cum facibus et malleolis eos longius propulsabant, tum aptatae ligneis sagittis ballistae, flexus stridore torquebantur, creberrima spicula funditantes, et scorpiones quocumque manus peritae duxissent, rotundos lapides evibrabant.
4.17. But after renewed and repeated contests, as the heat increased towards the middle of the day and the sun burnt like fire, both sides, though intent upon the preparation of the siege-works and eager for battle, were forced to retire worn out and drenched with sweat.
4.17. Iterum deinde ac saepe geminatis congressibus, aestus in meridiem crescens, effervescente vaporatius sole, apparatu operum et studio proeliandi intentos, cunctos revocaverat fatigatos et sudore perfusos.
4.18. With the same fixity of purpose, the contending parties on the following day also carried on the battle persistently with contests of various kinds, and separated on equal terms and with indecisive result. But in the face of every danger, the emperor, in closest company with combatants, urged on the destruction of the city, lest by lingering too long about its walls, he should be forced to abandon his greater projects.
4.18. Eodem mentis proposito, secuto quoque die, per varia certaminum genera controversae partes dimicantes instanter, aequis manibus et pari fortuna discedunt. Verum in omne discrimen armatis proximus princeps civitatis urgebat excidium, ne circa muros diu excubans, omitteret maiora quae temptabat.
4.19. But in case of dire necessity nothing is so trifling that it may not at times, even contrary to expectation, tip the balance in some great undertaking. For when, as often, the combatants were on the point of separating and the fighting slackened, a more violent blow from a ram which had shortly before been brought up shattered a tower which was higher than all the rest and strongly built of kiln-dried brick; and in its fall it carried with it amid a tremendous crash the adjacent side of the wall.
4.19. Sed in districtis necessitatibus, nihil tam leve est quod non interdum etiam contra sperata, rerum adferat momenta magnarum. Cum enim (ut saepe) discessurae partes levius concertarent, abusive incusso ariete, qui paulo ante erat admotus, sternitur residuis omnibus altior turris, latere coctili firmissime structa, cuius ruina muri contiguum latus secum immani fragore protraxit.
4.20. Thereupon, according to changes of the situation, the vigour of the besiegers and in turn the energy of the besieged was shown by splendid deeds. For nothing seemed too hard for our soldiers, inflamed as they were with wrath and resentment, nothing was formidable or terrible in the eyes of the defenders as they joined issue for their lives. For it was not until the fight had raged for a long time without result and blood had been shed in much slaughter on both sides, that the close of the day brought it to an end and the combatants then yielded to fatigue.
4.20. Ibi tum varietate casuum obsidentium labor, obsessorumque industria vicissim facinoribus speciosis inclaruit. Nihil enim asperum ira et dolore succenso militi videbatur, nihil prohibitoribus erat pro salute concurrentibus, metuendum aut dirum. Nam cum anceps proelium diutius fervens, sanguine utrimque multis caedibus fuso, diei finisset occasus, tum fatigationi consulitur.
4.21. While this was going on in the light of day and before the eyes of all, it was reported to the emperor, who kept a watchful eye on everything, that the legionary soldiers to whom the laying of the mines had been assigned, having completed their underground passages and supported them by beams, had made their way to the bottom of the foundations of the walls, and were ready to sally out when he himself should give the word.
4.21. Dumque haec luce agerentur ac palam, nuntiatur imperatori, pervigili cura distento, legionarios milites, quibus cuniculorum erant fodinae mandatae, cavatis tramitibus subterraneis, sublicibusque suspensis, ima penetrasse fundamentorum, iam (si ipse disposuerit) evasuros.
4.22. Therefore, although the night was far advanced, the trumpets sounded, and at the given signal for entering battle they rushed to arms. And, as had been planned, the fronts of the wall were attacked on two sides in order that while the defenders were rushing here and there to avert the danger, the clink of the iron tools digging at the parts close by might not be heard, and that with no hindrance from within, the band of sappers might suddenly make its appearance.
4.22. Cum itaque noctis plerumque processisset, aeneatorum accentu, signo dato progrediendi ad pugnam, ad arma concursum est: et consulto murorum invaduntur utrimque frontes, ut dum propulsaturi pericula, defensores ultro citroque discurrunt, nec proxima fodientis audiretur ferri tinnitus, nec quoquam intrinsecus obsistente, cuniculariorum subito manus emergat.
4.23. When these matters were arranged as had been determined, and the defenders were fully occupied, the mines were opened and Exsuperius, a soldier of a cohort of the Victores, leaped out; next came Magnus, a tribune and Jovianus, a notary, followed by the whole daring band. They first slew those who were found in the room through which they had come into daylight; then advancing on tiptoe they cut down all the watch, who, according to the custom of the race, were loudly praising in song the justice and good fortune of their king.
4.23. Quibus ita (ut convenerat) ordinatis, et occupatis prohibitoribus, patefactisque latebris, evolat Exsuperius, de Victorum numero miles, post quem Magnus tribunus, et Iovianus notarius, quos audax multitudo secuta, his prius confossis, quos in aede per quam in lucem prodierant, invenerunt, suspensis gradibus procedentes obtruncarunt vigiles omnes, ex usu moris gentici iustitiam felicitatemque regis sui canoris vocibus extollentes.
4.24. It was thought that Mars himself (if it is lawful for the majesty of the gods to mingle with mortals) had been with Luscinus, when he stormed the camp of the Lucanians; and this was believed because in the heat of battle an armed warrior of formidable size was seen carrying scaling-ladders, and on the following day, when the army was reviewed, could not be found, although he was sought for with particular care; whereas, if he had been a soldier, from consciousness of a memorable exploit he would have presented himself of his own accord. But although then the doer of that noble deed was wholly unknown, on the present occasion those who had fought valiantly were made conspicuous by gifts of siege-crowns, and according to the ancient custom were commended in the presence of the assembled army.
4.24. Existimabatur Mars ipse (si misceri hominibus numina maiestatis iura permittunt), adfuisse castra Lucanorum invadenti Luscino. Hocque ideo creditum est quod in congressu flagranti, scalas vehens visus formidandae vastitatis armatus, postridie cum recenseretur exercitus, praecipuo studio quaesitus, reperiri non potuit, cum se ultro offerret, si miles fuisset, memorabilis conscius facti. Sed ut tunc tune qui esset pulchri facinoris auctor penitus est ignoratum, ita nunc enituerunt hi qui fecere fortissime, obsidionalibus coronis donati, et pro contione laudati, veterum more.
4.25. At last the city, stripped of its defenders, laid open with many breaches and on the point of falling, was entered, and the violence of the enraged soldiers destroyed whatever they found in their way, without distinction of age or sex; others, in fear of imminent death, being threatened on one side by fire, on the other by the sword, shedding their last tears voluntarily hurled themselves headlong from the walls, and with all their limbs shattered endured for a time a life more awful than death, until they were put out of their misery.
4.25. Tandem nudata, reseratis aditibus multis, lapsura invaditur civitas, et sine sexus discrimine vel aetatis, quicquid impetus repperit, potestas iratorum absumpsit, alii exitii imminentis timore, cum hinc ignis inde mucrones urgerent, ultimum flentes, e muris acti sua sponte praecipites, membrisque omnibus infirmati, vitam morte funestiorem paulisper, dum caederentur egerunt.
4.26. Nabdates, however, the commandant of the garrison, with eighty followers, was dragged out alive, and when he was brought before the emperor, who was happy and inclined to mercy, orders were given that he be spared unharmed with the others and kept in custody. Then when the booty was divided according to the estimate of merit and hard service, the emperor, being content with little, took only a dumb boy who was offered to him, who was acquainted with sign- language and explained many things in which he was skilled by most graceful gestures, and was valued at three pieces of gold; and this he considered a reward for the victory that he had won that was both agreeable and deserving of gratitude.
4.26. Extractus est autem vivus cum satellitibus octoginta Nabdates, praesidiorum magister, quem oblatum sibi cum aliis servari iussit intactum, serenus imperator et clemens. Divisa itaque perpensis meritis et laboribus praeda, ipse (ut erat parvo contentus), mutum puerum oblatum sibi suscepit gesticularium, multa quae callebat, nutibus venustissimis explicantem, e tribus aureis nummis, partae victoriae praemium iucundum (ut existimabat) et gratum.
4.27. But as to the maidens who were taken prisoners (and they were beautiful, as is usual in Persia, where the women excel in that respect) he refused to touch a single one or even to look on her, following the example of Alexander and Africanus, who avoided such conduct, lest those who showed themselves unwearied by hardships should be unnerved by passion.
4.27. Ex virginibus autem, quae speciosae sunt captae ut in Perside, ubi feminarum pulcritudo excellit, nec contrectare aliquam voluit nec videre, Alexandrum imitatus et Africanum, qui haec declinabant, ne frangerentur cupiditate, qui se invictos a laboribus ubique praestiterunt.
4.28. In the course of these contests a builder on our side, whose name I do not recall, happened to be standing behind a scorpion, when a stone which one of the gunners had fitted insecurely to the sling was hurled backward. The unfortunate man was thrown on his back with his breast crushed, and killed; and his limbs were so torn asunder that not even parts of his whole body could be identified.
4.28. Inter haec certamina nostrae partis architectus, cuius nomen non suppetit, post machinam scorpionis forte assistens, reverberate lapide quem artifex titubanter aptaverat fundae, obliso pectore supinatus, profudit animam disiecta compage membrorum, adeo ut ne signa quidem totius corporis noscerentur.
4.29. The emperor was on the point of leaving the spot, when a trustworthy informant reported that in some dark and hidden pits near the walls of the destroyed city, such as are numerous in those parts, a band of the enemy was treacherously lying in wait, intending to rush out unexpectedly and attack the rear of our army.
4.29. Exin profecturo imperatori, index nuntiaverat certus, circa muros subversi oppidi fallaces foveas et obscuras, quales in tractibus illis sunt plurimae, subsedisse manum insidiatricem latenter, ut inproviso improvise inde exorta, agminis nostri terga feriret extrema.
4.30. At once a band of foot soldiers of tried valour was sent to dislodge them, and when they could neither force an entrance through the openings nor lure to battle those hidden within,.they gathered straw and faggots and piled them before the entrances of the caves. The smoke from this, becoming thicker the narrower the space which it penetrated, killed some by suffocation; others scorched by the blast of fires, were forced to come out and met a swift death; and so, when all had fallen victims to steel or flame, our men quickly returned to their standards. Thus a great and populous city, destroyed by Roman strength and valour, was reduced to dust and ruins.
4.30. Confestimque ad extrahendam eam missi sunt compertae fortitudinis pedites. Qui cum neque pervadere foraminum aditus, nec amendatos intus prolicere possent ad decernendum, collectam stipulam et sarmenta specuum faucibus aggesserunt. Unde fumus angustius penetrans, ideoque spissior, quosdam vitalibus obstructis necavit, alios ignium afflatu semustos, prodire in perniciem coegit abruptam, et ita omnibus ferro incendioque consumptis, ad signa repedavit ocius miles. Hoc modo civitas ampla et populosa virtute roboris excisa Romani, in pulverem concidit et ruinas.
4.31. After these glorious deeds we passed over a series of bridges, made necessary by the union of many streams, and came to two fortresses built with special care. Here a son of the Persian king, who had come from Ctesiphon with some magnates and an armed force, tried to prevent Count Victor, who was leading our van, from crossing the river; but on seeing the throng of soldiers that followed, he retreated.
4.31. Post quae tam gloriosa, transitis pontibus multorum amnium concursu continuatis, ad munimenta gemina venimus, aedificiis cautis exstructa, ubi Victorem comitem exercitus praevium, a transitu fluminis regis filius progressus a Ctesiphonte, cum optimatibus et multitudine armata, prohibere conatus, catervis sequentium militum visis, abscessit.
5.1. Then going on, we came to groves and fields rich with the bloom of many kinds of fruits; there we found a palace built in Roman style, with which we were so pleased that we left it untouched.
5.1. Pergentes itaque protinus, ad lucos venimus, agrosque pube variorum seminum laetos, ubi reperta regia Romano more aedificata, quoniam id placuerat, mansit intacta.
5.2. There was also in that same region an extensive round tract, enclosed by a strong fence and containing the wild beasts that were kept for the king’s entertainment: lions with flowing manes, boars with bristling shoulders, and bears savage beyond all manner of madness (as they usually are in Persia), and other choice animals of enormous size; our cavalry burst the fastenings of the gates and butchered them all with hunting-spears and showers of missiles.
5.2. Erat etiam in hac eadem regione extentum spatium et rotundum, loricae ambitu circumclausum, destinatas regiis voluptatibus continens feras, cervicibus iubatis leones, armisque hispidos apros, et ursos (ut sunt Persici) ultra omnem rabiem saevientes, et alia lecta immania corpora bestiarum: quas omnes diffractis portarum obicibus, equites nostri venatoriis lanceis et missilium multitudine confoderunt.
5.3. This district is fruitful in fields of grain and in cultivation. Not far from it is Coche, which they call Seleucia; there a camp was hastily fortified, and the entire army because of the convenience of water and fodder rested for two days. But the emperor went on ahead with some light-armed skirmishers, in order to visit a deserted city destroyed in former days by the emperor Carus; in this there is an ever flowing spring forming a great pool which empties into the Tigris. There he saw the impaled bodies of many kinsmen of the man who (as I have already said) had surrendered the city of Pirisabora.
5.3. Quae loca pinguia satis et cultu, quibus Coche (quam Seleuciam nominant) haut longius disparatur, ubi vallatis opere tumultuario castris, et exercitu omni per aquarum et pabuli opportuna biduo recreato, antegressus cum procursatoribus princeps, et civitatem desertam collustrans, a Caro principe quondam excisam, in qua perpetuus fons stagnum ingens eiectat, in Tigridem defluens, corpora vidit suffixa patibulis multa necessitudinum eius, quem prodidisse civitatem Pirisaboram rettulimus supra.
5.4. Here too Nabdates, who (as I have said) was dragged with eighty men from a hiding-place in a captured city, was burned alive, because early in the beginning of the siege he had secretly promised to betray the town, but had fought most vigorously, and after obtaining an unhoped-for pardon had gone to such a pitch of insolence as to assail Ormisda with every kind of insult.
5.4. Hic et Nabdates vivus exustus est, quem extractum cum octoginta e latebris expugnatae docui civitatis, eo quod inter exordia obsidii coepti, clam pollicitus prodere, dimicavit acerrime, adeptusque veniam insperatam, ad id proruperat insolentiae, ut Ormizdam Ormisdam laceraret omnibus probris.
5.5. We had gone on some distance, when we were shocked by a sad misfortune. For while three cohorts of light-armed skirmishers were fighting with a band of Persians which had burst forth from the suddenly opened gates of a town, others who had sallied forth from the opposite side of the river, cut off and butchered the pack-animals that followed us, along with a few foragers who were carelessly roaming about.
5.5. Itaque aliquantum progressi, tristi percellimur facto. Dum enim tres procursatorum cohortes expeditae cum cuneo Persico decertarent, quem patefactis subito portis, profuderat civitas, proruptores alii ex contraria fluminis ripa, iumenta nos sequentia cum pabulatoribus paucis, licenter palantibus, intercipiunt et obtruncant.
5.6. The emperor left the spot in a rage, grinding his teeth, and was already nearing the vicinity of Ctesiphon, when he came upon a lofty, well-fortified stronghold. He ventured to approach and examine the place, riding up to the walls with a few followers and thinking that he was not recognized; but when with somewhat too great rashness he appeared within arrow-shot, he could not escape recognition, and was at once exposed to a rain of various missiles and all but met death from a mural engine. But only his armour-bearer, who was close at his side, was wounded; he himself was protected by a close array of shields, and so escaped the great danger and went his way.
5.6. Unde profectus imperator iratus et frendens, iamque regionibus Ctesiphontis propinquans, celsum castellum offendit et munitissimum, ad quod explorandum ausus accedere, obscurior (ut ipse rebatur) cum paucis obequitans muros, pauloque avidius intra ictum telorum repertus, latere non potuit: statimque diversorum missilium nube exagitatus oppetisset tormento murali, ni vulnerato armigero aimigero, qui lateri lateii eius haerebat, ipse scutorum densitate contectus, evitato magno discrimine, discessisset.
5.7. Fearfully enraged because of this, he resolved to besiege the fortress, and its garrison was intent upon a vigorous resistance, trusting to their position, which was all but inaccessible, and believing that the king, who was rapidly advancing with an impressive force, would shortly make his appearance.
5.7. Qua causa concitus ira immani, munimentum disposuit obsidere, prohibitoribus acriter ad resistendum intentis, quod loco fidebant, propemodum inaccesso, quodque rex cum ambitiosis copiis passibus citis incedens, propediem affore credebatur.
5.8. Already the mantlets and all the other equipment required for a siege were being made ready, when, as the night chanced to be clear and the bright moonlight clearly revealed everything to those who stood upon the battlements, near the end of the second watch a throng quickly gathered and burst from the suddenly opened gates, and falling unawares on one of our cohorts, killed a great number, including also a tribune who tried to avert the danger.
5.8. Iamque vineis et residuis omnibus, quae poscebat obsidium, paratis, vigilia secunda praecipiti, cum nox casu tunc tune lunari nitens splendore, his qui propugnaculis insistebant, aperte cuncta monstraret, repente in unum pondus coacta, multitudo patefactis subito portis erupit, cohortemque nec opinantem adorta nostrorum, cecidit complures, inter quos etiam tribunus peremptus est, periculum propulsare conatus.
5.9. While this was going on, the Persians, in the same way as before, attacked a part of our men from the opposite side of the river, killed some, and took a few alive. And from fear, and at the same time because they thought that the enemy had gained greater numbers, our men for a time were held irresolute; but when they had recovered their courage, had armed themselves as well as they could in the confusion, and our army, aroused by the trumpets’ blast, was hastening to the spot with threatening cries, the attacking force retreated in terror, though without loss.
5.9. Quae dum ita aguntur, pari modo ut antea, Persae ex adversa fluminis ripa, partem adorti nostrorum, interfectis quibusdam vivos cepere non nullos. Et timore simul quia venisse in maiorem numerum copiae putabantur hostiles, egere nostri tune segnius, sed ubi animis in audaciam restitutis, armisque raptis inter tumultum, exercitus cantu concitus bucinarum, cum minaci murmure festinaret, eruptores perterriti reverterunt intacti.
5.10. The emperor, roused to bitter anger, reduced the surviving members of the cohort, who had shown no spirit in resisting the marauders’ attack, to the infantry service (which is more burdensome) with loss of rank.
5.10. Et imperator ira gravi permotus, reliquos ex ea cohorte, qui abiecte sustinuerant impetum grassatorum, ad pedestrem compegit militiam (quae onerosior est) dignitatibus imminutis.
5.11. This set him afire to destroy the fortress before which he had been so endangered, and he devoted his energies and thoughts to that end, never himself leaving the van, in order that by fighting among the foremost he might by his personal example rouse the soldiers to deeds of valour, as the witness and judge of their conduct. And so when he had exposed himself valiantly and long to extreme peril, after using every kind of attack and weapons, through the unanimous valour of the besiegers that same fortress was at last taken and destroyed by fire.
5.11. Flagrans post haec ad eruendum castellum, ubi periclitatus est, operam convertit et curam, nusquam ab antesignanis ipse digrediens, ut inter primos dimicans militi ad fortiter faciendum esset exemplo, spectator probatorque gestorum. Quo inter discriminum vertices diu multumque versato, varietate munitionum atque telorum, et conspiratione oppugnatorum, idem castellum incenditur captum.
5.12. After this, in consideration of the difficult tasks already performed and those which impended, the army, exhausted by excessive toil, was given a rest and many kinds of provisions were distributed in abundance. However, after that time the palisade of the camp was more carefully constructed with a close array of stakes and a deep moat, since there was fear of sudden sallies and other secret attempts from Ctesiphon, which was now not far distant.
5.12. Post quae consideratis asperitatibus ante gestarum rerum et impendentium, requievit exercitus, labore nimio quassatus, multis victui congruis adfatim distributis. Vallum tamen sudibus densis et fossarum altitudine cautius deinde struebatur, cum a vicina iam Ctesiphonte, repentini excursus et alia formidarentur occulta.
6.1. Then we came to an artificial river, by name Naarmalcha, meaning “the kings’ river,” which at that time was dried up. Here in days gone by Trajan, and after him Severus, had with immense effort caused the accumulated earth to be dug out, and had made a great canal, in order to let in the water from the Euphrates and give boats and ships access to the Tigris.
6.1. Ventum est hinc ad fossile flumen, Naarmalcha nomine (quod amnis regum interpretatur), tunc tune aridum. Id antehac Traianus, posteaque Severus, egesto solo fodiri in modum canalis amplissimi, studio curaverat summo, ut aquis illuc ab Euphrate transfusis, naves ad Tigridem commigrarent.
6.2. It seemed to Julian in all respects safest to clean out that same canal, which formerly the Persians, when in fear of a similar invasion, had blocked with a huge dam of stones. As soon as the canal was cleared, the dams were swept away by the great flow of water, and the fleet in safety covered thirty stadia and was carried into the channel of the Tigris. Thereupon bridges were at once made, and the army crossed and pushed on towards Coche.
6.2. Tutissimumque ad omnia visum est, eadem loca purgari, quae quondam similia Persae timentes, mole saxorum obruere multorum. Hacque valle purgata, avulsis cataractis undarum magnitudine classis secura, stadiis triginta decursis, in alveum eiecta est Tigridis, et contextis ilico pontibus transgressus exercitus iter Cochen versus promovit.
6.3. Then, so that a timely rest might follow the wearisome toil, we encamped in a rich territory, abounding in orchards, vineyards, and green cypress groves. In its midst is a pleasant and shady dwelling, displaying in every part of the house, after the custom of that nation, paintings representing the king killing wild beasts in various kinds of hunting; for nothing in their country is painted or sculptured except slaughter in divers forms and scenes of war.
6.3. Utque lassitudini succederet quies opportuna, in agro consedimus opulento, arbustis et vitibus et cupressorum viriditate laetissimo, cuius in medio diversorium opacum opaeum est et amoenum, gentiles picturas per omnes aedium partes ostendens, regis bestias venatione multiplici trucidantis; nec nee enim apud eos pingitur vel fingitur aliud, praeter varias caedes et bella.
6.4. Since thus far everything had resulted as he desired, the Augustus now with greater confidence strode on to meet all dangers, hoping for so much from a fortune which had never failed him that he often dared many enterprises bordering upon rashness. He unloaded the stronger ships of those which carried provisions and artillery, and manned them each with eight hundred armed soldiers; then keeping by him the stronger part of the fleet, which he had formed into three divisions, in the first quiet of night he sent one part under Count Victor with orders speedily to cross the river and take possession of the enemy’s side of the stream.
6.4. Proinde cunctis ex sententia terminatis, Augustus altius iam contra difficultates omnes incedens, tantumque a fortuna sperans nondum afflicta, ut propius temeritatem multa crebro auderet, validiores naves ex his quae alimenta portabant et machinas, deoneratas octogenis implevit armatis, retentoque secum classis robore firmiore, quam in tres diviserat partes, unam cum Victore comite quiete prima noctis emitti disposuit, ut flumine raptim transmisso, ripae occuparentur hostiles.
6.5. His generals in great alarm with unanimous entreaties tried to prevent him from taking this step, but could not shake the emperor’s determination. The flag was raised according to his orders, and five ships immediately vanished from sight. But no sooner had they reached the opposite bank than they were assailed so persistently with firebrands and every kind of inflammable material, that ships and soldiers would have been consumed, had not the emperor, carried away by the keen vigour of his spirit, cried out that our soldiers had, as directed, raised the signal that they were already in possession of the shore, and ordered the entire fleet to hasten to the spot with all the speed of their oars.
6.5. Quod cum acri metu territi duces, concordi precatu fieri prohibere temptarent, neque destinationem flecterent principis, sublato vexillo, ut iussum est, evolant e conspectu quinque subito naves, et cum ripas iam adventarent, facibus et omni materia, qua alitur ignis, petitae assiduis iactibus, cum militibus iam conflagrassent, ni veloci vigore pectoris excitus imperator, signum sibi datum nostros quod margines iam tenerent (ut mandatum est), erexisse proclamans, classem omnem properare citis remigiis adegisset.
6.6. The result was that the ships were saved uninjured, and the surviving soldiers, although assailed from above with stones and every kind of missiles, after a fierce struggle scaled the high, precipitous banks and held their position unyieldingly.
6.6. Quo facto et naves incolumes sunt receptae, et residuus miles, quamquam saxis et varietate telorum ex edito vexaretur, post concertationem acerrimam, praealtas ripas et arduas supergressus, stabat immobilis.
6.7. History acclaims Sertorius for swimming across the Rhone with arms and cuirass; but on this occasion some panic-stricken soldiers, fearing to remain behind after the signal had been given, lying on their shields, which are broad and curved, and clinging fast to them, though they showed little skill in guiding them, kept up with the swift ships across the eddying stream.
6.7. Et miratur historia, Rhodanum arma et loricam retinente Sertorio, transnatatum, cum eo momento turbati quidam milites, veritique ne remanerent, post signum erectum, scutis, quae patula sunt et incurva, proni firmius adhaerentes, eaque licet imperite regendo, per voraginosum amnem velocitatem comitati sunt navium.
6.8. The Persians opposed to us serried bands of mail-clad horsemen in such close order that the gleam of moving bodies covered with closely fitting plates of iron dazzled the eyes of those who looked upon them, while the whole throng of horses was protected by coverings of leather. The calvalry was backed up by companies of infantry, who, protected by oblong, curved shields covered with wickerwork and raw hides, advanced in very close order. Behind these were elephants, looking like walking hills, and, by the movements of their enormous bodies, they threatened destruction to all who came near them, dreaded as they were from past experience.
6.8. Contra haec Persae obiecerunt instructas cataphractorum equitum turmas, ita confertas, ut lamminis cohaerenter aptati corporum flexus, splendore praestringerent occursantes obtutus, operimentis scorteis equorum multitudine omni defensa, quorum in subsidiis manipuli locati sunt peditum, contecti scutis oblongis et curvis, quae texta vimine et coriis crudis gestantes densius se commovebant. Post hos elephanti gradientium collium specie, motuque immanium corporum, propinquantibus exitium intentabant, documentis praeteritis formidati.
6.9. Hereupon the emperor, following Homeric tactics, filled the space between the lines with the weakest of the infantry, fearing that if they formed part of the van and shamefully gave way, they might carry off the rest with them; or if they were posted in the rear behind the centuries, they might run off at will with no one to check them. He himself with the light-armed auxiliaries hastened now to the front, and now to the rear.
6.9. Hinc imperator catervis peditum infirmis medium inter acies spatium secundum Homericam dispositionem praestituit, ne locati priores, cedentesque deformiter, cunctos averterent secum, aut postsignani pone omnes reiecti centurias, nullo retinente licentius verterent terga, ipse cum levis armaturae auxiliis, per prima postremaque discurrens.
6.10. So, when both sides were near enough to look each other in the face, the Romans, gleaming in their crested helmets and swinging their shields as if to the rhythm of the anapaestic foot, advanced slowly; and the light-armed skirmishers opened the battle by hurling their javelins, while the earth everywhere was turned to dust and swept away in a swift whirlwind.
6.10. Ergo ubi vicissim contiguae se cernerent partes, cristatis galeis corusci Romani, vibrantesque clipeos, velut pedis anapaesti praecinentibus modulis, lenius procedebant, et praepilatis missilibus per procursatores principiis pugnae temptatis, excita undique humus rapido turbine portabatur.
6.11. And when the battle-cry was raised in the usual manner by both sides and the trumpets’ blare increased the ardour of the men, here and there they fought hand-to-hand with spears and drawn swords; and the soldiers were freer from the danger of the arrows the more quickly they forced their way into the enemy’s ranks. Meanwhile Julian was busily engaged in giving support to those who gave way and in spurring on the laggards, playing the part both of a valiant fellow-soldier and of a commander.
6.11. Et cum undique solito more conclamaretur, virorumque alacritatem sonans classicum iuvaret, hastis et mucronibus strictis, hinc inde comminus pugnabatur: sagittarum periculo miles erat immunis, quantum interiora festinatius occupabat. Inter quae Iulianus pulsos fulcire subsidiis, incitareque tardantes, quasi conturmalis strenuus properabat et rector.
6.12. Finally, the first battle-line of the Persians began to waver, and at first slowly, then at quick step, turned back and made for the neighbouring city with their armour well heated up. Our soldiers pursued them, wearied though they also were after fighting on the scorching plains from sunrise to the end of the day, and following close at their heels and hacking at their legs and backs, drove the whole force with Pigranes, the Surena, and Narseus, their most distinguished generals, in headlong flight to the very walls of Ctesiphon.
6.12. Laxata itaque acies prima Persarum, leni ante, dein concito gradu, calefactis armis retrorsus gradiens propinquam urbem petebat, quam sequebatur miles itidem fessus in campis torridis ad usque diei finem a lucis ortu decernens, eiusque occipitiis pertinacius haerens, omnem cum Pigrane et Surena et Narseo, potissimis ducibus, ad usque Ctesiphontis muros egit praecipitem, adversorum feriens suras et terga.
6.13. And they would have pressed in through the gates of the city, mingled with the throng of fugitives, had not the general called Victor, who had himself received a flesh-wound in the shoulder from an arrow, raising his hand and shouting, restrained them; for he feared that the excited soldiers, if they rashly entered the circuit of the walls and could find no way out, might be overcome by weight of numbers.
6.13. Perrupissetque civitatis aditus lapsorum agminibus mixtus, ni dux Victor nomine manibus erectis prohibuisset et vocibus, et ipse umerum sagitta praestrictus, et timens ne intra moenium ambitus rapidus miles inconsulte repertus nullosque inveniens exitus, multitudinis pondere circumveniretur.
6.14. Let the poets of old sing of Hector’s battles and extol the valour of the Thessalian leader; let long ages tell of Sophanes, Aminias, Callimachus, Cynaegirus, those glorious high lights of the Medic wars: but not less distinguished was the valour of some of our soldiers on that day, as is shown by the admission of all men.
6.14. Sonent Hectoreas poetae veteres pugnas, fortitudinem Thessali ducis extollant, longae loquantur aetates Sophanem et Aminiam et Callimachum et Cynaegirum, Medicorum egregia culmina illa bellorum: non minus illo die quorundam ex nostris inclaruisse virtutem, omnium confessione monstratur.
6.15. After their fear was past, trampling on the overthrown bodies of their foes, our soldiers, still dripping with blood righteously shed, gathered at their emperor’s tent, rendering him praise and thanks because he had won so glorious a victory, everywhere without recognition whether he was leader or soldier, and considering the welfare of others rather than his own. For as many as 2500 Persians had been slain, with the loss of only seventy of our men.
6.15. Post timorem depositum, calcatasque ruinas hostilium corporum, iusto sanguine miles etiam tum cruentus, ad imperatoris tentoria congregatus, laudes ei perhibebat et gratias, quod ignoratus ubique dux esset an miles, magis aliorum quam suum respiciens commodum, ita rem prospere gesserat ut caesis Persarum plus minusve duobus milibus et quingentis, septuaginta caderent soli nostrorum.
6.16. Julian addressed many of them by name, whose heroic deeds performed with unshaken courage he himself had witnessed, and rewarded them with naval, civic, and camp crowns.
6.16. Qui appellans plerosque nominatim, quos stabili mente aliquid clarum fecisse, ipse arbiter perspexit, navalibus donavit coronis et civicis et castrensibus.
6.17. Fully convinced that similar successes would follow these, he prepared to offer many victims to Mars the Avenger; but of ten fine bulls that were brought for this purpose nine, even before they were brought to the altar, of their own accord sank in sadness to the ground; but the tenth broke his bonds and escaped, and after he had been with difficulty brought back and sacrificed, showed ominous signs. Upon seeing these, Julian in deep indignation cried out, and called Jove to witness, that he would make no more offerings to Mars; and he did not sacrifice again, since he was carried off by a speedy death.
6.17. Abunde ratus post haec prosperitates similis adventare, complures hostias Marti parabat ultori, et ex tauris pulcherrimis decem ad hoc perductis, nondum aris admoti, voluntate sua novem procubuere tristissimi, decimus vero, qui diffractis vinculis lapsus aegre reductus est, mactatus ominosa signa monstravit. Quibus visis, exclamavit indignatus acriter Iulianus Iovemque testatus est, nulla Marti iam sacra facturum: nec resecravit, celeri morte praereptus.
7.1. Having held council with his most distinguished generals about the siege of Ctesiphon, the opinion of some was adopted, who felt sure that the undertaking was rash and untimely, since the city, impregnable by its situation alone, was well defended; and, besides, it was believed that the king would soon appear with a formidable force.
7.1. Digesto itaque consilio cum primatibus super Ctesiphontis obsidio, itum est in voluntatem quorundam, facinus audax et importunum esse noscentium id aggredi, quod et civitas situ ipso inexpugnabilis defendebatur, et cum metuenda multitudine protinus rex adfore credebatur.
7.2. So the better opinion prevailed, and the most careful of emperors, recognizing its advantage, sent Arintheus with a band of light-armed infantry, to lay waste the surrounding country, which was rich in herds and crops; Arintheus was also bidden, with equal energy to pursue the enemy, who had been lately scattered and concealed by impenetrable by-paths and their familiar hiding-places.
7.2. Vicit sententia melior, cuius utilitate princeps sollertissimus approbata, Arintheum cum manu peditum expedita, ad populandas regiones circumsitas misit, armentis laetas et frugibus, hostes pari persecuturum industria, quos dispalatos nuper densi tramites et latebrae texere notissimae.
7.3. But Julian, ever driven on by his eager ambitions, made light of words of warning, and upbraiding his generals for urging him through cowardice and love of ease to loose his hold on the Persian kingdom, which he had already all but won; with the river on his left and with ill-omened guides leading the way, resolved to march rapidly into the interior.
7.3. Sed ille avidae semper ad ulteriora cupiditatis, parvi habitis vetantium dictis, et increpitis optimatibus, quod ob inertiam otiique desiderium, amitti suaderent prope iam parta regna Persidis, flumine laeva relicto, infaustis ductoribus praeviis, mediterraneas vias arripere citato proposuit gradu.
7.4. And it seemed as if Bellona herself lighted the fire with fatal torch, when he gave orders that all the ships should be burned, with the exception of twelve of the smaller ones, which he decided to transport on wagons as helpful for making bridges. And he thought that this plan had the advantage that the fleet, if abandoned, could not be used by the enemy, or at any rate, that nearly 20,000 soldiers would not be employed in transporting and guiding the ships, as had been the case since the beginning of the campaign.
7.4. Et tamquam funesta face Bellonae subiectis ignibus exuri cunctas iusserat naves, praeter minores duodecim, quas profuturas pangendis pontibus disposuit vehi carpentis, idque putabat utiliter ordinasse, ne relicta classis usui hostibus foret, aut certe (ut ab expeditionis primordio factum est), armatorum fere viginti milia in trahendis occuparentur eisdem navibus et regendis.
7.5. Then, as every man murmured, in fear for his life, and manifest truth made clear, that if the dryness of the country or high mountains made it necessary to retreat, they could not return to the waters; and as the deserters, on being put to the torture, openly confessed that they had used deceit, orders were given to use the greatest efforts of the army to put out the flames. But the frightful spread of the fire had already consumed the greater number of the ships, and only the twelve could be saved unharmed which had been set aside to be kept.
7.5. Dein cum metuens sibi quisque mussaret, monstraretque perspicua veritas, quod repulsus forsitan ariditate vel altitudine montium, ad aquas redire non poterit miles, tortique perfugae aperte faterentur se fefellisse, concursu maximo exstingui iussae sunt flammae. Et quoniam ignis auctus immaniter plerasque consumpsit, duodecim tantum modo naves potuerunt intactae servari, quae ut possint custodiri discretae sunt.
7.6. By this disaster the fleet was needlessly lost, but Julian, trusting to his united army, since none of the soldiers was distracted by other duties, and now stronger in numbers, advanced into the interior, where the fruitful country furnished an abundance of supplies.
7.6. Hoc casu classe cum non oporteret abolita, Iulianus consociato fretus exercitu, cum armatorum nulli per diversa distringerentur, numero potior ad interiora tendebat, alimenta adfatim opulentis suggerentibus locis.
7.7. On learning this the enemy, in order to torment us with hunger, set fire to the plants and the ripe grain; and we, being prevented from advancing by the conflagration, were forced to stay in a permanent camp until the flames should die down. The Persians, too, began to harass us at long range, now purposely spreading out, sometimes opposing us in close order, so that from a distance it seemed as if the king’s aid had already arrived; and we were led to think that it was for that reason that they had made such bold attacks and unusual attempts.
7.7. Quo cognito hostes, ut inedia nos cruciarent, herbas cum adultis segetibus incenderunt, et conflagratione procedere vetiti, stativis castris dum flammae senescerent tenebamur. Insultantesque nobis longius Persae, nunc de industria se diffundebant, aliquotiens confertius resistentes, ut procul conspicantibus viderentur advenisse iam regis auxilia, ideoque eos aestimaremus erupisse ad audaces excursus, et insolita temptamenta.
7.8. Yet the emperor and the soldiers were troubled for this reason—that since the ships had been rashly destroyed, there was no means of making a bridge; and the movements of the advancing enemy could not be halted, whose approach was shown by the bright gleam of their armour, which skilfully fitted every limb. And there was also another great evil, in that the reinforcements that were awaited under Arsaces and our other generals did not appear, being hindered by the reasons already mentioned.
7.8. Maerebat tamen ob haec imperator et miles, quod nec contabulandi pontis erat facultas, amissis navibus temere, nec occurri poterat hostis adventicii motibus, quem adesse coruscus nitor indicabat armorum, arte pro singulis membris inflexus. Hisque accedebat aliud haud exiguum malum, quod nec adminicula quae praestolabamur cum Arsace et nostris ducibus apparebant, ob causas impedita praedictas.
8.1. Under these conditions, in order to reassure the anxious soldiers, the emperor gave orders that some of the prisoners, who were naturally slender, as almost all the Persians are, besides being now thin from exhaustion, should be placed before them; then, looking towards our men, he said: “Behold those whom your heroic hearts think to be men, mere ugly she-goats disfigured with filth, who, as abundant experience has shown, throw away their arms and take to flight before they come to grips.”
8.1. Has ob res ut solaretur anxios milites princeps, captives graciles suapte natura, ut omnes paene sunt Persae, et macie iam confectos, iussit in medium duci, nostrosque respiciens, “En” inquit “quos Martia ista pectora viros existimant, deformes illuvie capellas et taetras, utque crebri docuerunt eventus, antequam manus conferant abiectis armis vertentes semet in fugam.”
8.2. After these words the prisoners were led away, and a council was held to discuss the situation. And after much interchange of opinion, the inexperienced mob crying that we must return by the way we had come, and the emperor steadfastly opposing them, while he and many others pointed out that it was out of the question to go back through a flat country of wide extent where all the fodder and crops had been destroyed, and where what remained of the burnt villages was hideous from the utmost destitution; moreover, since the frosts of winter were now melting the whole soil was soaked, and the streams had passed the bounds of their banks and become raging torrents.
8.2. Quibus dictis remotisque captivis, super rerum summa consultabatur. Et multis ultro citroque dictitatis, cum reverti debere per loca qua venimus, plebs vociferaretur imprudens, resistebat intentius princeps, multis cum eo id nequaquam fieri posse monstrantibus, per effusam planitiem pabulo absumpto et frugibus, vicorumque reliquiis exustorum inopia squalentibus ultima: quodque liquentibus iam brumae pruinis, omne immaduerat solum, et ruptis riparum terminis aucti, inhorruere torrentes.
8.3. Still another difficulty faced the undertaking, in that in those lands heated by the sun’s rays, every place is filled with such swarms of flies and gnats that their flight hides the light of day and the sight of the stars that twinkle at night.
8.3. Eo etiam ad difficultatem accedente negotii, quod per eas terras vapore sideris calescentes, muscarum et culicum multitudine referta sunt omnia, earumque volatu dies et astrorum noctu micantium facies obumbratur.
8.4. And since human wisdom availed nothing, after long wavering and hesitation we built altars and slew victims, in order to learn the purpose of the gods, whether they advised us to return through Assyria, or to march slowly along the foot of the mountains and unexpectedly lay waste Chiliocomum, situated near Corduena; but on inspection of the organs it was announced that neither course would suit the signs.
8.4. Et cum nihil humani proficerent sensus, diu fluctuantes et dubii, exstructis aris caesisque hostiis, consulta numinum scitabamur, utrum nos per Assyriam reverti censerent, an praeter radices montium lenius gradientes, Chiliocomum prope Corduenam sitam ex improviso vastare: quorum neutrum extis inspectis, confore dicebatur.
8.5. Nevertheless it was decided, since all hope of anything better was cut off, to seize upon Corduena. Accordingly, on the sixteenth day of June, camp was broken, and the emperor was on his way at break of day, when smoke or a great whirling cloud of dust was seen; so that one was led to think that it was herds of wild asses, of which there is a countless number in those regions, and that they were travelling together so that pressed body to body they might foil the fierce attacks of lions.
8.5. Sedit tamen sententia, ut omni spe meliorum succisa, Corduenam arriperemus, et sextum decimum Kalendas Iulias promotis iam signis, progresso imperatore cum lucis exordio, fumus vel vis quaedam turbinata pulveris apparebat, ut opinari daretur asinorum esse greges agrestium, quorum multitudo in tractibus est illis innumera, ideo simul incedens, ut constipatione densa feroces leonum frustrentur assultus.
8.6. Some believed that Arsaces and our generals were coming at last, aroused by the reports that the emperor was besieging Ctesiphon with great forces; and some declared that the Persians had waylaid us.
8.6. Quidam arbitrabantur, Arsacen ac duces adventare iam nostros, rumoribus percitos, quod imperator Ctesiphonta magnis viribus oppugnaret, non nulli Persas nobis viantibus incubuisse firmabant.
8.7. Under such uncertain conditions, in order that no disaster might befall, the trumpets called the ranks together and we encamped in a grassy valley near a stream; and after measuring off a camp we rested in safety behind a multiple row of shields arranged in a circle. For, not until evening, because of the thick dust, could we make out what it was that we saw so dimly.
8.7. Ideo inter haec ita ambigua, nequid adversum accideret, revocantibus agmina classicis, in valle graminea prope rivum, multiplicato scutorum ordine in orbiculatam figuram metatis tutius quievimus castris. Nec enim ad usque vesperam, aere concreto, discerni potuit quidnam esset, quod squalidius videbatur.