5.21. While this was going on, Gildo and Maximus returned, bringing Belles, one of the chiefs of the Mazices, and Fericius, prefect of the tribe, who had aided the party of the disturber of the public peace...
5.21. Quae dum aguntur, reverterunt Gildo et Maximus, Bellen e principibus Mazicum et Fericium gentis praefectum ducentes, qui factionem iuverant quietis publicae turbatoris … producerent vinctos.
5.22. When this had been done according to order, at daybreak he himself came out, and finding the rebels surrounded by his army, he said: “What think you, my devoted comrades, ought to be done with these abominable traitors?” And acceding to the acclamation of those who asked that they should pay for it with their blood, he turned over those who served among the Constantiani to the soldiers, to be slain in the oldfashioned way. But he had the hands of the leaders of the archers cut off and punished the rest with death, following the example of that strictest of leaders Curio, who put an end by a punishment of that kind to the wildness of the Dardani, when, like the Lernaean hydra, they constantly gained new life.
5.22. Quo ita ut statutum est facto, lucis primo exortu, ipse egressus, cum invenisset eos in exercitu circumsaeptos: “Quid de istis nefariis” inquit “proditoribus fieri oportere, contubernales devoti, censetis?” Secutusque acclamationem rogantium, sanguine vindicari, eos qui inter Constantianos merebant, prisco more militibus dedidit occidendos, sagittariorum vero primoribus manus incidit, residuos supplicio capitali multavit, ad aemulationem Curionis, acerrimi illius ducis, qui Dardanorum ferociam, in modum Lernaeae serpentis aliquotiens renascentem, hoc genere poenarum extinxit.
5.23. But malevolent detractors, while praising that act of the olden time, find fault with this one as cruel and inhuman, declaring that the Dardani were murderous enemies and justly suffered the punishment which befell them, while these, on the contrary, were soldiers under the flag who had allowed themselves to commit a single fault and deserved to have been punished more leniently. But such folk we remind of what they perhaps do not know, that this cohort was harmful, not only in its action, but also in the example which it set.
5.23. Sed obtrectatores malivoli vetus factum laudantes, hoc ut dirum vituperant et asperrimum, Dardanos hostes memorantes internecivos, et iuste quae sustinuere perpessos, hos vero subsignanos milites debuisse lenius corrigi, ad unum prolapsos errorem. Quos nescientes forsitan admonemus, hanc cohortem et facto fuisse et exemplo adversam.
5.24. The aforesaid Belles and Fericius, whom Gildo had brought, and Curandius, tribune of the archers, he ordered to be put to death, the last named on the ground that he never wished either to engage with the enemy himself or to encourage his men to fight. Moreover, Theodosius did this bearing in mind the saying of Cicero: “Wholesome strength is better than a vain show of mercy.”
5.24. Ante dictos Bellen et Fericium, quos duxerat Gildo, tribunumque sagittariorum Curandium, ea re iussit occidi, quod nec ipse umquam cum hostibus congredi voluit, nec suos ut pugnarent hortari. Agebat autem haec Tullianum illud advertens, quod “salutaris vigor vincit inanem speciem clementiae.”
5.25. Setting out from there, he came to an estate called Gaionatis, surrounded by a strong wall and hence a very safe refuge for the Moors. Against this he brought up his battering-rams and destroyed it, killing all the inhabitants and levelling the walls; then advancing over the Ancorarian mountain to Castellum Tingitanum, he attacked the Mazices, who were gathered together into one body and replied with missiles which came flying like hail.
5.25. Exin profectus, fundum nomine Gaionatis, muro circumdatum valido, receptaculum Maurorum tutissimum, arietibus admotis evertit, et caesis omnibus incolis, moenibusque complanatis, ad Tingitanum castellum progressus, per Ancorarium montem, Mazicas in unum collectos invasit, iam tela reciprocantes, volitantia grandinis ritu.
5.26. And after both sides had rushed in to the attack, the Mazices, though a warlike and hardy race, could not resist the columns of our men, charging with all their strength and weapons, but involved in heavy losses at various points fled in shameful terror; and as they rushed to escape all were cut down except those who found a means of getting away, and later by abject prayers obtained the pardon which circumstances made it advisable to grant.
5.26. Et cum esset utrimque discursum, agmina viribus armisque incitata nostrorum non perferentes Mazices licet bellicosum genus et durum, diversis stragibus implicati, foedo diffluxere terrore, ruentesque in fugam, caesi sunt absque his qui reperta copia discedendi supplici prece veniam (quam dari tempus flagitaverat) impetrarunt.
5.27. Suggen, when their leader... had succeeded Romanus, was ordered to go to Mauritania Sitifensis, in order to keep guard and prevent the province from being overrun, while he himself, encouraged by past successes, marched against the tribe of the Musones, which consciousness of their deeds of plunder and blood had joined with the enterprise of Firmus, since they hoped he would soon attain greater power.
5.27. Suggen eorum ductorem duetore … Romano successerat, in Sitifensem Mauritaniam ire disposito, ad agitanda praesidia, ne provincia pervaderetur, ipse praeteritis elatior casibus, gentem petit Musonum, quam conscientia rapinarum et caedum actibus congregaverat Firmi, ut sperabatur maiora mox adepturi.
5.28. Having advanced some distance, near the 373 f. municipal town of Adda Theodosius learned that a great number of tribes, differing in civilization and in variety of language, but united in their purpose, were stirring up the beginnings of cruel wars, instigated and abetted through very great hope of rewards by a sister of Firmus named Cyria, who, abounding in wealth and in feminine persistence, had resolved to make great efforts to aid her brother.
5.28. Progressusque aliquantum, iuxta Addense municipium comperit, dissonas cultu et sermonum varietate, nationes plurimas unum spirantibus animis, immanium exordia concitare bellorum, adigente hortanteque maxima spe praemiorum, sorore Firmi nomine Cyria, quae abundans divitiis, et destinatione feminea, nisibus magnis instituit iuvare germanum.
5.29. Therefore Theodosius, fearing lest he should involve himself in an unequal contest, and if he confronted a vast horde with only a few troops—for he had under his command only 3500 armed men—might lose them all, wavered between the shame of retreat and the desire for battle; but at last he gradually withdrew and made off, with the horde pressing at his heels.
5.29. Quocirca Theodosius veritus, ne Marti sese committeret impari, congressusque multitudini immensae cum paucis—tria enim armatorum milia ductabat atque quingentos—amitteret universos, inter pudorem cedendi, pugnandique ardorem, gradiens retro paulatim, trudente pondere plebis abscessit.
5.30. The foe, tremendously elated by this success, followed persistently... so that he found it necessary to fight; but he himself would have been killed and his army utterly annihilated, had not the enemy, attacking in disorder, seen afar off the auxiliaries of the Mazices, in the van of which were some Romans; so thinking that they were attacked by many columns, they turned in flight and opened to our men ways of escape which before had been blocked.
5.30. Hocque eventu barbari nimium quantum elati, sequentesque pertinaciter … certare necessitate compulsus semet ipsum et ad internecionem perdiderat cunctos, ni gentium turbulenta concussio, procul Mazicum visis auxiliis, quos anteibant quidam Romani, arbitrata in se impetum agminum ferri complurium, versa in pedes aperuisset nostris exitus antehac intersaeptos.
5.31. From there, leading his army safe and sound, Theodosius came to an estate called Mazucanus, where he burned a few deserters alive and mutilated the rest as he had the archers whose hands were cut off; and in the month of February he reached Tipasa.
5.31. Exinde cum militem ducens incolumem Theodosius ad fundum venisset nomine Mazucanum, exustis desertoribus paucis, aliisque ad sagittariorum exemplum, quibus manus ademptae sunt, contruncatis, Tipasam mense Februario venit.
5.32. There he made a long halt, and after the manner of the famous Lingerer of old took counsel with himself as the circumstances demanded, planning, if chance gave the opportunity, rather through strategy and discretion than by the danger of battle, to overthrow an enemy who was pugnacious and effective in the use of missiles.
5.32. Ubi diutius agens, ut antiquus ille Cunctator pro negotio consultabat, commentis potius et prudentia quam periculosis congressibus, hostem pugnacem et impetrabilem iactu telorum, si fors copiam dederit, oppressurus.
5.33. Nevertheless he constantly sent men experienced in persuasion to the surrounding tribes, the Baiurae, Cantauriani, Avastomates, Cafaves, Bavares, and other neighbours, to entice them to an alliance, now by fear, now by bribes, and sometimes by promising pardon for their impudence with... intending by subterfuges and delays to overcome an enemy who foiled his attacks, as Pompey once vanquished Mithridates.
5.33. Mittebat tamen assidue suadendi quosdam peritos, ad gentes circumsitas, Baiuras Cantaurianos Avastomates Cafaves Davaresque Bavaresque et finitimos alios, nunc timore nunc praemiis eos ad societatem alliciens, veniamque petulantiae interdum promittendo cum … t ulterius per ambages et moras hostem frangentem suos impetus oppressurus, ut quondam Pompeius Mithridatem.
5.34. Therefore Firmus, to avoid imminent destruction, although he was protected by a strong body of troops, abandoned the army which he had got together at great expense; and when the quiet of night gave him the opportunity of concealment, he made his way into the far distant Caprariensian mountains, which are inaccessible because of their steep crags.
5.34. Qua causa declinans perniciem proximam Firmus, licet praesidiorum magnitudine communitus, relicta plebe, quam coegerat magna mercede, quoniam latendi copiam nocturna quies dedit, Caprarienses montes longe remotos penetravit, et diruptis rupibus inaccessos.
5.35. In consequence of his secret departure his army scattered and roamed about in small bands without a leader, thus giving our men the opportunity of invading their camp. After this was plundered and those who resisted were killed or received in surrender, the greater part of the country was devastated and our prudent leader put prefects of tried fidelity in charge of the peoples through whose country he was marching.
5.35. Cuius abitu clandestine multitudo dispersa sine rectore particulatimque diffluens, invadendi eius castra nostris copiam dedit. Hisque direptis, et interfectis qui resistebant, vel in deditionem acceptis, regionum maxima parte vastata, gentibus per quas transibat dux consultissimus apposuit fidei compertae praefectos.
5.36. The public enemy, terrified by this unexpected confidence of the pursuit, quickly departed, accompanied by a few slaves, in order to provide for his safety; and to prevent being impeded by any hindrance, he threw away packs containing valuable articles which he had carried off with him. For his wife, worn out by continual hardships and by dangers... Theodosius, sparing none of the enemy who came near, after refreshing his soldiers with better food and their pay, as well as disposing of the Caprarienses and their neighbours the Abanni in a slight skirmish, hastened to the municipal town of Audia. But having learned from trustworthy sources that the savages had already taken possession of hills which extended upwards in all directions in winding masses, and could be penetrated by no one except natives who were thoroughly acquainted with the locality, he retreated and thereby during the cessation of hostilities, brief though it was, gave the enemy an opportunity of being strengthened by very numerous auxiliaries from the Aethiopians who dwelt near by.
5.36. Hac inopina sequendi confidentia territus perduellis, servis comitantibus paucis, digressu celeri consulturus saluti, nequo praepediretur obstaculo, abiecit pretiosarum sarcinas specierum, quas avexerat secum. Uxorem namque fessam labore continuo et per ancipitis di … Theodosius nullique adeuntium parcens, mundiore victu stipendioque milite recreato, Caprariensibus Abannisque eorum vicinis proelio levi sublatis, ad municipium properavit … ense: sed veris nuntiis doctus, barbaros occupasse iam tumulos, per anfracta undique spatia in sublime porrectos, nullique pervios nisi indigenis locorum perquam gnaris, repedando dedit hostibus facultatem, per indutias (licet breves) Aethiopum iuxta agentium adminiculis augeri vel maximis.
5.38. When the foe, with united forces and threatening uproar, taking no thought for their own lives, rushed to battle, they drove off Theodosius in great terror at the fearful sight of their countless throngs. But he took courage and at once returned, bringing an abundance of provisions, and with his men in close order and brandishing their shields in a terrifying posture, met the enemy hand to hand.
5.38. Qui concatervatis copiis fremituque minaci, sine sui respectu ruentes in pugnam, averterunt eum inaestimabilium turmarum specie dira perterrefactum, statimque redintegratis animis, commeatus vehens abunde, revertit, et conglobatis suis scutaque in formidabilem moventibus gestum, controversas eisdem opposuit manus.
5.39. Then, although the bands of raging savages, blaring some ferocious tune on their barbaric trumpets and also clashing their bucklers against their knees, were close upon him, nevertheless, like a careful and discreet warrior, though distrusting the small number of his men, he formed a hollow square and then advanced boldly. Then he fearlessly turned aside to a city called Conta, where Firmus, since it was a concealed and lofty fortress, had placed those of our men whom he had captured. But Theodosius recovered them all, and severely punished the traitors and the attendants of Firmus, as was his custom.
5.39. Quamquam igitur immite quiddam barbaricis concrepantibus tubis, manipuli furentium imminebant, ipsi quoque parmas genibus illidentes, tamen ut pugnator ille cautus et prudens, militis paucitate diffisus, audacter agmine quadrato incedens, ad civitatem nomine Contensem flexit iter intrepidus, ubi captivos nostros Firmus ut in munimento abstruso locarat et celso; cunctisque receptis, in proditores satellitesque memorati animadvertit acriter (ut solebat).
5.40. While he was thus most successful, with the aid of the mighty godhead, a trustworthy scout informed him that Firmus had fled to the Isaflenses; whereupon he invaded their lands, to demand the traitor as well as his brother Mazuca and the rest of his kinsfolk; and when his demand was refused, he declared war upon that race.
5.40. Hoc ei magni numinis adiumento gerenti prosperrime, verus indicat explorator confugisse ad Isaflensium populum Firmum: ad quem reposcendum una cum fratre Mazuca, ceterisque necessitudinibus illuc ingressus, cum adipisci non posset, genti bellum indixit.
5.41. A fierce battle followed, since the savages were uncommonly ferocious; but he opposed his army to them in circular formation and the Isaflenses were so overcome by the weight of the onrushing troops that many of them were slain. Firmus himself, after fighting bravely and often risking his life, was carried off in headlong flight by his horse, which was accustomed to run swiftly over rocks and crags; but his brother Mazuca was fatally wounded and taken prisoner.
5.41. Et proelio atroci commisso, ferocientibus barbaris ultra modum, aciem rotundo habitu figuratam opponit, adeoque Isaflenses pondere catervarum urgentium inclinati sunt, ut plurimi caderent, et ipse Firmus ferox et saepe in suam perniciem praeceps equo auferretur in fugam, per saxa et rupes discurrere citius assueto, Mazuca vero frater eius caperetur letaliter saucius.
5.42. Theodosius gave orders to send Mazuca to Caesarea, a city on which the Moor had branded the savage marks of his evil deeds; but he tore open his wound and died. However, his head was torn off, leaving the rest of his body intact, and to the great joy of all who saw it was brought into the aforesaid city.
5.42. Qui Caesaream mitti dispositus, ubi saeva inusserat monumenta facinorum pessimorum, dilatato vulneris hiatu discessit. Caput tamen eius avulsum residue integro corpore, cum magno visentium gaudio urbi illatum est ante dictae.
5.43. After this our famous general overcame the race of the Isaflenses, who still resisted, and, as justice demanded, inflicted many vexatious penalties upon them. There Evasius, an important citizen, Florus his son, and some others, who were clearly convicted of having aided the violator of peace by secret counsel, were burned alive.
5.43. Post haec Isaflensium gentem, quae obstitit, superatam dux nobilis incommodis multis (ut aequitas poscebat) afflixit. Ibi Evasium potentem municipem, Florumque eius filium, et quosdam alios per secretiora consilia temeratorem quietis iuvisse confutatos aperte, flammis absumpsit.
5.44. Then Theodosius marched farther into the country, and with great courage attacked the tribe of the Iubaleni, to which he had learned that Nubel, the father of Firmus, belonged; but he was brought to a halt by the high mountains and the circuitous passes; and although he attacked the enemy and after killing many of them opened a way, yet dreading the high hills, so well adapted to ambuscades, he led his men back in safety to the fortress of Audia. There the wild race of the Iesalenses voluntarily surrendered, promising to furnish aid and provisions.
5.44. Exindeque pergens interius, nationem Iubalenam spiritu aggressus ingenti, ubi natum Nubelem patrem didicerat Firmi, repulsus altitudine montium et flexuosis angustiis, stetit. Et quamlibet facto in hostem impetu pluribusque peremptis aperuerit viam, formidans tamen sublimia collium ad insidiandum aptissima, ducens suos incolumes, revertit ad Audiense castellum: ubi Iesalensium gens fera semet dedidit voluntaria, auxilia praestare spondens et commeatus.
5.45. The mighty leader, exulting in these and similar glorious actions, then went in quest of the disturber of peace himself with a mighty effort of strength. To that end he made a long halt near the castle of Medianum, hoping that through many carefully devised plans Firmus might be betrayed into his hands.
5.45. His et eius modi gloriosis actibus exsultans amplissimus ductor, ipsum otii turbatorem petebat valido virium nisu, ideoque prope munimentum nomine Medianum diu consistens, per multas prudentesque sententiarum vias eundem sibi prodi posse sperabat.
5.46. While he was looking forward to this with perplexed thoughts and deep care, he found that his enemy had returned to the Isaflenses; whereupon he did not delay, as before, but attacked them with all the speed he could. Their king, Igmazen by name, who was highly regarded in those parts and notable for his resources, boldly came forward to meet him. “What is your rank,” said he, “or what have you come here to do? Tell me.” Theodosius, with stern glance and resolute mind, replied: “I am the general of Valentinian, lord of the world, sent to destroy a murderous robber. Unless you give him up at once, as the invincible emperor has ordered, you will perish utterly with the race over which you rule.” On hearing this, Igmazen, after heaping a flood of abuse upon the general, departed, full of wrath and resentment.
5.46. Haecque cogitationibus anxiis, altioreque prospiciens cura, rursus ad Isaflenses hostem comperit revertisse; quos nihil moratus, ut antea, agminibus adoritur incitatis. Cui rex Igmazen nomine spectatus per eos tractus opibusque insignis, progressus obviam confidenter: “Cuius loci es tu” inquit “vel quid acturus huc venisti? responde.” Quem Theodosius fundata mente intuens torvum: “Comes,” ait, “Valentiniani sum (orbis terrarum domini) ad opprimendum latronem funereum missus; quem nisi statim reddideris, ut invictus statuit imperator, peribis funditus cum gente quam regis.” Quo audito Igmazen post convicia multa, quae congessit in ducem, ira doloreque perculsus abscessit.
5.47. At the first appearance of the following daylight both armies, with threatening mien, advanced to meet each other in battle. Nearly 20,000 savages were stationed in the very van, with bands of reserves concealed behind them, in order that they might gradually rise up and surround our men with their unexpected numbers. Besides these there were a great many auxiliaries from the Iesalenses, who, as we have pointed out, had promised help and provisions to our side.
5.47. Et secutae principio lucis, utrimque occursurae sibi ad confligendum processerunt acies minacissimae, et barbarorum viginti paene milia in ipsis locata sunt frontibus, occultatis pone terga subsidialibus globis, ut assurgentes paulatim nostros multitudine clauderent insperata: hisque Iesalenses auxiliares accessere quam plures, quos adiumenta et commeatus nostris docuimus promisisse.
5.48. On the other hand, the Romans, although very few in number, nevertheless brave in spirit and encouraged by their former victories, pressed side to side in close order and with shields closely held together in the tortoise-formation, stood fast and resisted them; and the battle was continued from sunrise to the end of the day. A little before evening Firmus was seen, mounted on a tall horse, his purple cloak trailing out and spreading wide, urging our soldiers with loud shouts to take advantage of the opportunity and give up Theodosius, if they wished to be saved from the dangers to which they were exposed, calling him a fierce savage and a cruel deviser of inhuman punishments.
5.48. Contra Romani, quamvis admodum pauci, tamen fortibus animis, victoriisque antegressis elati, densetis lateribus, scutisque in testudinis formam cohaerenter aptatis, restiterunt gradibus fixis, et a sole orto usque ad diei extimum pugna protenta, paulo ante vesperam visus est Firmus, equo celsiori insidens, sago puniceo porrectius panso, milites clamoribus magnis hortari, ut dedant Theodosium opportune, truculentum eum appellans et dirum, et suppliciorum saevum repertorem, si discriminibus eximi vellent, quae perferebant.
5.49. These unexpected words roused some to fight more fiercely but induced others to abandon the battle. Accordingly, when the first quiet of night came, and the landscape was wrapped in fear-inspiring darkness, the general returned to the stronghold of Duodia, and, reviewing his soldiers, rid himself by various forms of punishment of those whom panic and the words of Firmus had turned from their duty in the battle; some had their right hands cut off, others were burned alive.
5.49. Hae insperatae voces ad dimicandum quosdam acrius incitarunt, alios deserere proelium illexerunt. Proinde ubi noctis advenit quies prima, partibus tenebrarum obvolutis horrore, dux reversus ad Duodiense castellum, militesque recognoscens, eos quos a pugnandi proposito pavor et verba detorserant Firmi, diverso genere poenarum exstinxit: alios ademptis dexteris quosdam vivos combustos.
5.50. And keeping watch by night with most vigilant care, he repulsed some of the barbarians who ventured to make an attempt on his camp after the setting of the moon, when they thought they could not be seen, or took prisoners those who rushed in too boldly. Then departing by quick marches and following by-paths, he attacked the Iesalenses from a quarter where they could least expect it, believing them to be of doubtful loyalty, and so devastated their lands that they were reduced to dire need; then he returned by way of the towns of Mauritania Caesariensis to Sitifis, where he tortured to the verge of death and then burned alive Castor and Martinianus, as sharers in the robberies and atrocities of Romanus.
5.50. Excubiasque agens cura pervigili, barbarorum aliquos ausos, cum apparere non possent, post occasum lunae castra sua temptare effudit, vel irruentes audentius capit. Digressus exinde passibus citis, Iesalenses ut ambiguae fidei per tramites adortus obliquos undere parum sperari potuit) ad penuriam vastavit extremam, perque Caesariensis Mauritaniae oppida reversus Sitifim, Castorem et Martinianum rapinarum flagitiorumque Romani participes, ad interitum tortos incendit.
5.51. After this the war with the Isaflenses was renewed; and when in the first engagement great numbers of the savages were put to flight or killed, their king Igmazen, who had before been accustomed to victory, wavering through fear of the present danger, and thinking that because of his unlawful associations no hope of life was left him if be made obstinate resistance, rushed forth alone and with all possible caution and secrecy from the scene of the battle. When he came into the presence of Theodosius, he humbly begged that the general would order Masilla, a chief of the Mazices, to appear before him.
5.51. Redintegratur post haec cum Isaflensibus bellum, primoque conflictu barbarorum pluribus pulsis et interfectis, rex eorum Igmazen, vincere antehac assuetus, terrore fluctuans mali praesentis, nihilque commerciis vetitis ad vitam spei sibi restare, si obstinatius egerit, arbitratus, quantum caute fieri potuit et occulte, prorupit ex acie solus, visumque Theodosium suppliciter petit, ut Masillam Mazicum optimatem ad se venire iuberet.
5.52. When Masilla had been sent to Theodosius, as he had asked, the king through him, in a secret interview, urged the general, who by his own nature was inclined to resolution, that in order to provide himself with the means of accomplishing his desires, he should vigorously assail his fellow-countrymen, and by constant fighting reduce them to fear; he said that they were indeed inclined to favour the public enemy, but were wearied by their many losses.
5.52. Per quem (ut rogaverat) missum, clandestinis colloquiis monuit, ducem suopte ingenio pertinacem, ut ad praebendam sibi copiam agendi quae vellet, popularibus suis acriter immineret, eosque assiduitate pugnandi mutaret in metum, promptos quidem ad perduellis favorem sed iacturis multiplicibus fessos.
5.53. Theodosius did as he was advised, and so wore out the Isaflenses by frequent contests, that they were falling like cattle; and Firmus himself secretly escaped, intending to hide in remote and lasting retreats; but while he was there planning flight, he was taken prisoner by Igmazen and kept in custody.
5.53. Paruit Theodosius dictis, et crebritate certaminum Isaflenses ita protrivit, ut eisdem labentibus pecudum ritu, Firmus ipse latenter evaderet, et aviis et diuturnis latebris amendandus, inibi dum de fuga consultat, tentus ab Igmazene custodiretur.
5.54. And since he had learned through Masilla of the secret negotiations, he saw that in his extremity only one remedy was left, and decided by a voluntary death to spurn with his foot the desire to live. Accordingly, having purposely filled his guards with wine and made them drunk, and in the silence of the night they were buried in sound sleep, he himself, kept awake by fear of the trouble which hung over him, with noiseless steps left his bed, by creeping on hands and knees got himself some distance off, and finding a rope which he had procured for the calamity of ending his life, he hung it from a nail fastened in the wall, and putting his neck in it breathed his last without the torments of a painful death.
5.54. Et quoniam obscurius gesta didicerat per Masillam, in extremis rebus unum remedium superesse contemplans, calcare vivendi cupiditatem voluntaria statuit morte: vinoque consulto distentis et crapulatis, silenti nocte oppressis altiore somno custodibus, pervigil ipse impendentis aerumnae terrore, insonis gradibus relicto cubili, manibus repens et pedibus, longius sese discrevit, repertumque funiculum, quem ad finiendae vitae paraverat casus, de clavo parieti affixo suspendit, ubi collo inserto, animam absque mortis cruciabilibus exhalavit.
5.55. This event troubled Igmazen, who lamented that he had been robbed of glory, in not having had the good fortune of bringing the usurper alive to the Roman camp. Therefore, after gaining a public pledge of safety through Masilla he placed the corpse of the dead man on his camel to bring it in; and on reaching the tents of the army, which were pitched near the fortress of Subicara, he transferred the body to a pack-animal and himself offered it to the exultant Theodosius.
5.55. Quod dolenter ferens Igmazen, ereptamque sibi gloriam gemens, quia non contigerat ad castra Romana vivum ducere perduellem, interposita fide publica per Masillam, ipse camelo necati cadaver impositum ferens, cum tentoria exercitus adventaret, ad Subicarense castellum locata, in iumentum transtulit sarcinale, et Theodosio obtulit exultanti.
5.56. The latter called together his soldiers and with them the populace, and asked them whether they recognized the features; and when he bad learned beyond any doubt that it was the face of Firmus, after a brief stay there he returned to Sitifis in the guise of a triumphing general, where he was received with applause and commendation by all, of every age and rank.
5.56. Qui convocatis armatis simul atque plebeiis, interrogatisque an agnoscerent vultum, cum eiusdem esse sine ulla didicisset ambage, ibi paulisper moratus, Sitifim triumphanti similis redit, aetatum ordinumque omnium celebrabili favore susceptus.
6.1. While the said general was panting through this dust of Mars throughout Mauritania and Africa, the Quadi, who had long been quiet, were suddenly aroused to an outbreak; they are a nation now not greatly to be feared, but were formerly immensely warlike and powerful, as is shown by their swift and sudden swoops in former times, their siege of Aquileia in company with the Marcomanni, the destruction of Opitergium, and many other bloody deeds performed in rapid campaigns; so that when they broke through the Julian Alps, the emperor Marcus Pius, of whom we have previously written, could with difficulty check them. And, for savages, they had a just cause of complaint.
6.1. Dum hoc pulvere per Mauritaniam dux ante dictus anhelat et Africam, Quadorum natio mota est diu inexcita repentino, parum nunc formidanda, sed immensum quantum antehac bellatrix et potens, ut indicant properata quondam raptim proclivia, obsessaque ab eisdem Marcomannisque Aquileia, Opitergiumque excisum, et cruenta complura perceleri acta procinctu, vix resistente perruptis Alpibus Iuliis principe Pio, quem ante docuimus, Marco. Et erat (ut barbaris) ratio iusta querellarum.
6.2. For Valentinian from the very beginning of his reign burned with a desire of protecting his frontiers, which was indeed praiseworthy, but carried too far; for he ordered the building of a garrison-camp across the Danube in the very territories of the Quadi, as if they were already claimed for Roman rule. The natives, being indignant at this and cautious for their own interests, tried to prevent them for a time merely by a deputation and by whispered complaints.
6.2. Valentinianus enim studio muniendorum limitum glorioso quidem sed nimio, ab ipso principatus initio flagrans, trans flumen Histrum in ipsis Quadorum terris quasi Romano iuri iam vindicatis, aedificari praesidiaria castra mandavit: quod accolae ferentes indigne, suique cautiores, legatione tenus interim et susurris arcebant.
6.3. But Maximinus, being prone to every kind of wickedness and unable to control his native arrogance, which was swollen still more by his prefecture, upbraided Aequitius, who was at the time commander of the cavalry in Illyricum, as rebellious and slothful in not yet having finished the work the earlier construction of which had been arranged; and he added, as if having regard for the general welfare, that if the rank of general in Valeria were given to his own son Marcellianus, the fortification would rise without any excuses.
6.3. Sed Maximinus in omne avidus nefas, et genuinos mitigare nequiens flatus, quibus praefecturae accesserat tumor, increpabat Aequitium, per Illyricum eo tempore magistrum armorum, ut pervicacem et desidem, necdum opere, quod maturari dispositum est, consummate: addebatque ut consulens in commune, quod, si parvo suo Marcelliano deferretur potestas per Valeriam ducis, munimentum absque ulla causatione consurgeret.
6.4. Both objects were presently attained. When the newly appointed general had set out and had reached the spot, with unreasonable arrogance, as was to be expected of the son of such a father, without any words to soothe those whom the dreams of a design never actually carried out was driving from their country, he took up the work which had been begun a short time before, but was suspended because of the opportunity given for protesting.
6.4. Utrumque mox est impetratum. Qui promotus profectusque cum venisset ad loca, intempestive turgens ut filius, nullis affatibus delenitis his quos numquam temptatae cupiditatis figmenta regionum suarum faciebant extorres, opus paulo ante inchoatum aggreditur, admissa copia refragandi suspensum.
6.5. Finally, when king Gabinius mildly asked that no new step should be taken, he pretended that he would assent, and with feigned kindness invited the king with others to a banquet. But as Gabinius was departing after the feast and suspected no treachery, Marcellianus, with abominable violation of the sacred duties of hospitality, had him murdered.
6.5. Denique Gabinium regem, nequid novaretur modeste poscentem, ut assensurus humanitate simulata cum aliis ad convivium corrogavit, quem digredientem post epulas, hospitalis officii sanctitate nefarie violata, trucidari securum fecit.
6.6. The report of so atrocious a deed at once spread abroad on all sides and roused the Quadi and the tribes round about them to madness. Weeping for the death of the king, they mustered and sent out devastating bands, which crossed the Danube while no hostility was anticipated, and fell upon the country people, who were busy with their harvest; most of them they killed, the survivors they led home as prisoners, along with a quantity of all kinds of domestic animals.
6.6. Cuius rei tam atrocis disseminatus rumor ilico per diversa et Quados et gentes circumsitas efferavit, regisque flentes interitum, in unum unuln coactas misere vastatorias manus, quae Danubium transgressae, cum nihil exspectaretur hostile, occupatam circa messem agrestem, adortae sunt plebem, maioreque parte truncata, quicquid superfuit, domum cum multitudine varii pecoris abduxerunt.
6.7. Surely at that time an irreparable crime would have been committed, to be numbered among the shameful disasters of Roman history; for the daughter of Constantius, when being conducted to marry Gratianus, was very nearly captured while she was taking food in a public villa called Pristensis, but (by the favour of the propitious godhead) Messalla, the governor of the province, was at hand and placed her in a state-carriage and took her in all haste back to Sirmium, twenty-six miles away.
6.7. Evenisset profecto tunc inexpiabile scelus, numerandum inter probrosas rei Romanae iacturas; paulo enim afuit, quin filia caperetur Constanti, cibum sumens in publica villa, quam appellant Pistrensem Pristensem, cum duceretur Gratiano nuptura, ni favore propitii numinis, praesens Messalla, provinciae rector, eam ear iudiciali carpento impositam, ad Sirmium vicensimo sexto lapide disparatam, cursu reduxisset effuso.
6.8. After the princess was saved by this fortunate chance from the danger of wretched slavery, which, if it had been impossible to ransom the captive, would have branded the state with the greatest disaster, the Quadi, in company with the Sarmatians, ranged more widely; and being peoples most skilled in rapine and brigandage, they drove off as booty human beings of both sexes as well as cattle, exulting in the ashes of burned farmhouses and the sufferings of the slain inhabitants, whom they took by surprise and destroyed without any mercy.
6.8. Hoc casu prospero regia virgine periculo miserae servitutis exempta, cuius cuis ni potuisset impetrari redemptio captae, magnas inussisset rei publicae clades, latius se cum Sarmatis Quadi pandentes, ad raptus et latrocinia gentes aptissimae, praedas hominum virile et muliebre secus agebant et pecorum, villarum cineribus exustarum, caesorumque incolentium exsultantes aerumnis, quos necopinantes sine ulla parsimonia deleverunt.
6.9. So, when the dread of similar evils spread over the whole. neighbouring country, Probus, the praetorian prefect, then at Sirmium, being accustomed to no horrors of war and so overcome by the sorrowful and unusual sights that he barely raised his eyes, hesitated for a long time in doubt what action to take. And after he had equipped swift horses and determined on flight the next night, he thought of a safer plan and remained where he was.
6.9. Per omnia itaque propinqua malorum similium dispersa formidine, praefectus praetorio agens tunc tune apud Sirmium Probus, nullis bellorum terroribus assuetus, rerum novarum lugubri visu praestrictus, oculosque vix attollens, haerebat, diu quid capesseret ambigens: et cum, paratis velocibus equis, noctem proximam destinasset in fugam, monitus tutiore consilio, mansit immobilis.
6.10. For he had learnt that all those who were shut up within the walls would at once follow him, in order to take refuge in convenient hiding-places; and that if this should happen, the city, being without defenders, would fall into the hands of the enemy.
6.10. Didicerat enim omnes secuturos confestim, qui moenibus claudebantur, tegendos latebris opportunis: quod si contigisset, impropugnata civitas venisset in manus hostiles.
6.11. Therefore, soon calming his fear, he roused himself with vigorous effort to meet the urgent situation. He cleared out the moats, which were choked with rubbish, and being naturally inclined to building, since the walls through long-continued peace had in great part been neglected and had fallen, he raised them even to the completion of pinnacles of lofty towers. And the work was quickly finished, because he found that the materials which had long since been collected for the purpose of building a theatre were sufficient for what he was hastening to accomplish. Also to this excellent plan he added another equally useful by summoning a cohort of bowmen from the nearest station, to aid them in a siege, if one should come.
6.11. Proinde parumper lenito pavore, ad arripienda quae urgebant acri nisu adsurgens, retersit obrutas ruderibus fossas, murorumque maximam partem, pacis diuturnitate contemptam et subversam, ad usque celsarum turrium minas expediit, studio aedificandi coalitus: hac ratione opere velociter absolute, quod impensas aedificandi causa theatri, dudum congestas, sufficientis ad id quod efficere maturabat, invenit. Atque huic spectato consilio salutare addidit aliud, et sagittariorum cohortem e statione proxima, adfuturam obsidio (si venisset), accivit.
6.12. By these stumbling-blocks (so to speak) the barbarians were turned from attacking the city, having little skill in such refinements of warfare as well as being impeded by their packs of booty, and turned to the pursuit of Aequitins. And when they learned from the information of prisoners that he had gone to the remote spaces of Valeria, they quickly made their way thither, grinding their teeth and bent upon cutting his throat for this reason—that they believed that it was he who had brought their guiltless king to destruction.
6.12. His velut obicibus, barbari ab oppugnanda urbe depulsi, parum ad has calliditates dimicandi sollertes, sarcinisque impediti praedarum, ad Aequitii vertuntur indaginem. Et cum ad Valeriae spatia longe remota secessisse raptorum didicissent indiciis, illuc properato petierant gradu, frendentes, hacque ex causa iugulo eius intenti, quod per ipsum circumventum regem existimabant insontem.
6.13. When this became known, at headlong speed two legions were sent to meet them in battle, the Pannonica and the Moesiaca, a strong combination for fighting, which, if they had acted in harmony, would undoubtedly have come off victorious. But while they were hastening to attack the bands of plunderers separately, they were made ineffective by quarrels that broke out between them, and contended for honour and prestige.
6.13. Quibus cognitis, cursu ruenti, infestius obviam legiones motae sunt duae, Pannonica et Moesiaca, valida proeliis manus: quae si conspirasset, abierat procul dubio victrix. Sed dum discretim grassatores adoriri festinant, ortis inter se discordiis impediti, de honore certabant et dignitate.
6.14. When the Sarmatians, who were very keen-witted, learned of this, without waiting for the usual signal for battle, they attacked the Moesiaca first; and while the soldiers were somewhat slow in getting their arms ready because of the confusion, they killed a great number of them, and then with increased confidence broke through the line of the Pannonica. They thus threw the whole army into disorder, and with repeated attacks would almost have annihilated it, had not speedy flight saved some from the danger of death.
6.14. Quo intellecto, Sarmatae sagacissimi, non exspectato certandi signo sollemni, Moesiacam primam incessunt, dumque militias arma tardius per tumultum expediuntur, interfectis plurimis, aucti fiducia aciem perrupere Pannonicam, disiectaque agminis mole, geminatis ictibus omnem paene delessent, ni periculo mortis aliquos citum extraxisset effugium.
6.15. At the time of these losses due to a harsher fortune, Theodosius the younger, general in Moesia, a young man whose beard was then only just beginning to appear, afterwards a most glorious emperor, wore out by frequent engagements, drove back and defeated the Free Sarmatians (so called to distinguish them from their rebellious slaves ) who were invading our territories from the other side, crushing them in densely packed conflicts; and so thoroughly did he overwhelm the hordes which converged in floods and resisted most bravely, that he sated the birds and beasts of prey with a veritable feast of many slain.
6.15. Inter haec fortunae dispendia tristioris, dux Moesiae Theodosius iunior, prima etiam tum turn lanugine iuvenis, princeps postea perspectissimus, Sarmatas Liberos ad discretionem servorum rebellium appellatos, collimitia nostra, ex alio latere invadentes, aliquotiens expulit et afflixit, congressibus densis attritos, adeoque obsistentes fortissime turbas confluentes oppressit, ut caesorum plurium alites iusta sagina satiaret et feras.
6.16. Therefore, the remainder, their arrogance now cooling down, feared lest the same leader, a man of ready valour (as was evident), on his first entrance into their territories should lay low or put to flight the invading hordes, or should lay ambuscades for them in the dark woods; so, after making many vain attempts from time to time to break through, they lost their confidence for battle and begged for indulgence and pardon for the past. And after being thus conquered for the time, they did nothing in violation of the conditions of the peace that was granted them, being especially struck with fear because a strong force of Gallic troops had been added to the defence of Illyricum.
6.16. Unde residui, tumore iam deflagrante, metuentes ne idem dux virtutis (ut apparuit) expeditae, in primo finium aditu, incursantes cuneos sterneret aut fugaret, vel insidias per silvarum locaret occulta, post multos perrumpendi conatus subinde temptatos in cassum, abiecta pugnandi fiducia, concessionem petivere praeteritorum et veniam, victique ad tempus, indultae foederibus pacis nihil egere contrarium, eo maxime timore perculsi, quod ad tutelam Illyrici Gallicani militis validum accesserat robur.
6.17. At the time when these storms, so many and so terrible, were causing constant disturbances, while Claudius was governing the Eternal City, the Tiber, which cuts through the midst of our walled town and, with many drains and streams pouring into it, mingles with the Tyrrenian Sea, was swollen by an excessive rainfall, and extending beyond the appearance of a river, covered almost the whole place.
6.17. Dum haec tot ac talia per turbines agitantur assiduos, Claudio regente urbem aeternam, Tiberis qui media intersecans moenia, cloacis et fluviis abundantibus multis, Tyrreno mari miscetur, effusione imbrium exuberans nimia, et supra amnis speciem pansus, omnia paene contexit.
6.18. While all the remaining quarters of the city, which extend down to a gentler level, were under water, the mountains alone, and such buildings as were especially high, were protected from present danger. And since the height of the waters prevented movement anywhere on foot, a supply of food was furnished in abundance by boats and skiffs, for fear that many people might starve to death. But, in fact, when the stormy weather moderated, and the river, which had broken its bonds, returned to its usual course, all fear was dispelled and no further trouble was looked for.
6.18. Et stagnantibus civitatis residuis membris, quae tenduntur in planitiem molliorem, montes soli et quicquid insularum celsius eminebat, a praesenti metu defendebatur: et ne multi inedia contabescerent, undarum magnitudine nusquam progredi permittente, lembis et scaphis copia suggerebatur abunde ciborum. At vero ubi tempestas mollivit, et flumen retinaculis ruptis redit ad solitum cursum, absterso metu nihil postea molestius exspectabatur.
6.19. This prefect himself passed his term of office in complete quiet, allowing no public discord over and above reasonable remonstrance; and he restored many old buildings. Among others he built a huge colonnade near the Baths of Agrippa and called it the Portico of Good Outcome, because there is a temple to that deity to be seen near by.
6.19. Hic ipse praefectus egit admodum quiete, nullam seditionem super querella iusta perpessus, et instauravit vetera plurima. Inter quae porticum excitavit ingentem, lavacro Agrippae contiguam, Eventus Boni cognominatam ea re quod huius numinis prope visitur templum.