the_o history_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o emperor_n justinian_n in_o viii_o book_n of_o the_o persian_a two_o vandal_n two_o gothicke_n iv_o write_v in_o greek_a by_o procopius_n of_o caesarea_n &_o english_v by_o hen_n holcroft_n kt._o the_o history_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o emperor_n justinian_n in_o eight_o book_n of_o the_o persian_a ii_o vandal_n ii_o gothicke_fw-mi iu._n write_a in_o greek_a by_o procopius_n of_o caesarea_n and_o english_v by_o henry_n holcroft_n knight_n london_n print_v for_o humphrey_n moseley_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n in_o st_n paul_n churchyard_n 1653._o the_o preface_n amid_o the_o throng_n of_o historian_n we_o have_v very_o few_o who_o be_v personal_o concern_v in_o the_o action_n they_o write_v of_o few_o have_v like_a caesar_n write_v their_o own_o commentary_n nay_o the_o great_a part_n be_v not_o then_o in_o be_v and_o so_o their_o report_n be_v but_o conjecture_n and_o their_o book_n transmit_v to_o posterity_n be_v their_o divination_n rather_o than_o their_o history_n and_o alas_o those_o few_o who_o be_v contemporary_a to_o their_o own_o story_n how_o biased_a be_v their_o tradition_n how_o be_v they_o common_o so_o factioned_a and_o side_v that_o their_o relation_n be_v but_o their_o interest_n deliver_v downward_o not_o what_o they_o know_v but_o what_o they_o incline_v to_o and_o if_o any_o one_o among_o they_o be_v so_o unbiased_a that_o he_o have_v no_o partial_a bent_n of_o his_o own_o yet_o the_o awe_n which_o prince_n or_o general_n have_v upon_o he_o make_v he_o many_o time_n fear_v that_o his_o truth_n shall_v be_v his_o gaol_n or_o exile_n all_o which_o consider_v the_o wary_a author_n write_v not_o a_o history_n but_o his_o own_o safety_n but_o procopius_n as_o every_o one_o know_v be_v not_o only_o alive_a in_o the_o time_n which_o he_o write_v of_o but_o do_v for_o many_o year_n survive_v not_o only_o the_o finish_n of_o his_o history_n but_o the_o 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let_v any_o thing_n fall_v to_o the_o discredit_n of_o justinian_n or_o the_o senator_n they_o do_v it_o with_o exceed_v great_a temper_n and_o caution_n be_v yet_o fain_o to_o conceal_v their_o commentary_n with_o mauritius_n the_o emperor_n procopius_n free_o lay_v about_o he_o sweeten_v no_o man_n vice_n cloak_n no_o man_n miscarriage_n but_o impartial_o discourse_v of_o justinian_n and_o the_o great_a one_o do_v as_o much_o arraign_v as_o relate_v they_o to_o posterity_n he_o severe_o indite_v john_n the_o praetorian_a prosect_n of_o flat_a impiety_n tribomanus_n the_o quaestor_n of_o grate_a avarice_n arethas_n the_o general_n for_o his_o deceitful_a and_o faithless_a wit_n and_o then_o he_o recount_v the_o particular_a band_n of_o soldier_n the_o several_a garrison_n and_o city_n which_o become_v either_o a_o prey_n to_o the_o enemy_n or_o be_v utter_o destroy_v by_o the_o base_a and_o unworthy_a demeanour_n of_o bessas_n acacius_n and_o the_o other_o quaestor_n he_o solemnly_z rebuke_n verus_n for_o his_o intemperance_n sergius_n for_o his_o haughty_a disdain_n and_o effeminacy_n maximinus_n for_o his_o sloth_n and_o his_o general_a ignorance_n in_o martial_a affair_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o much_o more_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o gallant_a belisarius_n who_o wise_a and_o valiant_a conduct_n to_o omit_v his_o many_o other_o glorious_a achievement_n do_v reduce_v two_o king_n and_o bring_v they_o captive_n to_o constantinople_n and_o to_o who_o fame_n and_o renown_v the_o whole_a history_n seem_v to_o be_v one_o entire_a sacrifice_n do_v but_o once_o manage_v his_o affair_n amiss_o and_o he_o hear_v sharp_o of_o it_o from_o procopius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n belisarius_n then_o return_v to_o constantinople_n with_o disrepute_n for_o during_o five_o whole_a year_n together_o he_o can_v gain_v no_o foot_n in_o italy_n but_o in_o all_o that_o time_n be_v force_v to_o waft_v himself_o by_o stealth_n from_o one_o port-town_n to_o another_o whereupon_o the_o enemy_n do_v subdue_v both_o rome_n herself_o &_o all_o other_o place_n with_o great_a security_n and_o as_o for_o perusia_n a_o chief_a city_n in_o tuscany_n he_o leave_v it_o strait_o besiege_v and_o it_o be_v afterward_o take_v by_o the_o enemy_n whilst_o he_o march_v for_o constantinople_n nor_o do_v justinian_n himself_o escape_v his_o chastisement_n for_o he_o often_o inculcate_n his_o unworthy_a detain_v the_o soldier_n pay_v his_o sleepy_a neglect_n of_o military_a preparation_n and_o his_o profuse_a reception_n of_o the_o vile_a barbarian_a isdigunas_n the_o persian_a ambassador_n how_o he_o handle_v his_o vice_n elsewhere_o concern_v not_o our_o present_a purpose_n but_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o countenance_n and_o indulgence_n all_o the_o promotion_n and_o advancement_n hereafter_o mention_v bestow_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o emperor_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o procopius_n as_o encouragement_n to_o serve_v not_o slatter_v his_o prince_n and_o as_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o loyalty_n not_o the_o bribe_n of_o his_o secrecy_n and_o all_o this_o do_v procopius_n publish_v the_o party_n themselves_o be_v then_o alive_a which_o severity_n of_o he_o as_o it_o can_v choose_v but_o reconcile_v a_o great_a opinion_n and_o commendation_n of_o his_o veracity_n so_o be_v it_o no_o emergency_n of_o hatred_n or_o calumny_n but_o of_o clear_a deal_n and_o integrity_n not_o his_o satyr_n against_o the_o person_n but_o his_o just_a remorse_n for_o the_o vice_n but_o though_o procopius_n do_v publish_v this_o history_n in_o his_o own_o life_n time_n yet_o it_o have_v since_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o this_o as_o nicolaus_n alemannus_n observe_v not_o of_o this_o only_a but_o of_o all_o the_o other_o writing_n of_o this_o worthy_a author_n to_o be_v expose_v maim_n and_o mangle_v to_o the_o world_n for_o though_o it_o be_v at_o first_o present_v to_o justinian_n the_o roman_a emperor_n by_o procopius_n himself_o and_o by_o he_o also_o disperse_v in_o its_o native_a integrity_n whereby_o it_o become_v the_o delight_n and_o darling_n of_o the_o whole_a empire_n yet_o this_o happiness_n befall_v it_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o printing_n be_v know_v for_o the_o first_o man_n that_o commit_v it_o to_o the_o press_n be_v leonardus_n aretinus_n who_o publish_v that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o gothick_n war_n and_o in_o that_o also_o he_o put_v a_o trick_n upon_o the_o world_n much_o misbeseem_v so_o learned_a a_o man_n for_o he_o quite_o suppress_v the_o greek_a copy_n and_o conceal_v the_o right_a author_n name_n set_v forth_o a_o latin_a translation_n of_o his_o own_o pretend_v it_o to_o be_v a_o collection_n compile_v by_o himself_o out_o of_o several_a writer_n and_o still_v it_o de_fw-fr bello_fw-la italico_n a_o tract_n concern_v the_o war_n of_o italy_n now_o the_o greek_a copy_n of_o this_o translation_n of_o aretinus_n do_v blondus_n flavius_n recount_v to_o have_v be_v by_o his_o industry_n first_o bring_v into_o italy_n but_o he_o for_o his_o part_n since_o his_o copy_n want_v some_o passage_n of_o which_o we_o be_v now_o provide_v and_o see_v he_o inveigh_v against_o some_o thing_n which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v currante_a and_o justifiable_a in_o those_o edition_n which_o be_v abroad_o be_v either_o delude_v by_o the_o old_a manuscript_n which_o he_o have_v by_o he_o or_o else_o by_o the_o person_n who_o translate_v it_o for_o he_o for_o he_o may_v very_o well_o have_v forbear_v his_o censure_n see_v he_o confess_v himself_o to_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n christophorus_n persona_fw-la resent_v the_o injury_n do_v to_o procopius_n by_o that_o addition_n of_o leonardus_n do_v indeed_o restore_v he_o to_o his_o right_n again_o call_v the_o book_n by_o his_o name_n and_o translate_n it_o out_o of_o the_o original_a greek_a and_o yet_o his_o edition_n also_o be_v lame_a and_o
infirm_a be_v deprive_v of_o many_o part_n after_o all_o these_o raphael_n volateranus_fw-la do_v publish_v in_o latin_a the_o remain_a book_n namely_o of_o the_o vandal_n and_o persian_a war_n but_o he_o also_o make_v use_n of_o as_o imperfect_a a_o copy_n as_o persona_fw-la do_v so_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o though_o they_o be_v both_o library-keeper_n of_o the_o vatican_n in_o rome_n do_v translate_v out_o of_o the_o vatican_n copy_n and_o now_o reader_n since_o the_o imposture_n of_o some_o and_o the_o ignorance_n or_o misfortune_n of_o other_o have_v till_o of_o late_o deliver_v this_o author_n to_o posterity_n either_o as_o a_o spurious_a issue_n or_o at_o best_a a_o cripple_n consider_v how_o much_o thou_o be_v indebt_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o decease_a knight_n the_o learned_a translator_n who_o have_v be_v so_o careful_a to_o hand_n it_o over_o to_o thou_o not_o only_o render_v in_o thy_o own_o language_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v it_o but_o also_o confer_v and_o examine_v by_o the_o most_o authentic_a copy_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v the_o safe_o credit_v it_o the_o greek_a edition_n which_o he_o have_v translate_v for_o thou_o be_v that_o of_o david_n hoeschelius_n who_o be_v about_o to_o set_v forth_o this_o history_n do_v first_o furnish_v himself_o with_o three_o several_a manuscript_n of_o the_o same_o book_n one_o out_o of_o the_o duke_n of_o bavaria_n library_n the_o other_o two_o send_v he_o by_o joseph_n scaliger_n and_o isaac_n casaubon_n both_o which_o have_v undergo_v their_o judicious_a master_n castigation_n before_o hoeschelius_n make_v choice_n of_o the_o bavarian_a copy_n find_v it_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o entire_a of_o the_o three_o but_o so_o as_o where_o ever_o he_o meet_v with_o any_o various_a readins_n in_o the_o other_o two_o he_o have_v place_v they_o in_o the_o margin_n in_o the_o translation_n of_o these_o book_n of_o procopius_n into_o english_a sir_n henry_n holcroft_n do_v exercise_v the_o same_o judicious_a liberty_n which_o alemannus_n take_v to_o himself_o in_o render_v the_o arcana_fw-la historia_fw-la write_v by_o the_o same_o author_n into_o latin_a not_o confine_v himself_o to_o the_o strict_a word_n of_o the_o author_n a_o course_n take_v even_o by_o st._n jerom_n himself_o but_o give_v faithful_o his_o sense_n and_o meaning_n well_o know_v that_o all_o language_n have_v their_o peculiar_a idiom_n which_o be_v render_v word_n by_o word_n will_v make_v a_o strange_a confusion_n and_o impropriety_n in_o that_o language_n into_o which_o they_o be_v cast_v and_o though_o the_o learned_a knight_n be_v not_o as_o i_o have_v say_v so_o impertinent_o punctual_a to_o match_v the_o author_n word_n by_o word_n yet_o the_o reader_n may_v be_v assure_v that_o he_o have_v most_o severe_o pursue_v his_o intention_n so_o that_o if_o procopius_n be_v now_o alive_a and_o skill_v in_o our_o language_n it_o will_v never_o repent_v he_o that_o his_o book_n speak_v english_a and_o though_o i_o shall_v not_o with_o alemannus_n charge_n procopius_n himself_o with_o the_o imputation_n of_o tautology_n and_o too_o prodigal_a periphrasis_n allow_v much_o to_o the_o luxuriance_n of_o the_o greek_a tongue_n yet_o i_o can_v safe_o ascertain_v the_o reader_n he_o shall_v find_v this_o discourse_n far_o more_o contract_n and_o close_v than_o in_o the_o author_n himself_o and_o so_o his_o expectation_n shall_v not_o linger_v so_o long_o ere_o it_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o event_n and_o that_o nevertheless_o he_o shall_v perceive_v no_o material_a nor_o circumstance_n omit_v as_o the_o logician_n confine_v fist_n do_v strike_v as_o smart_v and_o as_o through_o a_o blow_n as_o the_o diffuse_a orator_n expanded_a palm_n where_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n or_o neglect_v of_o transcriber_n have_v leave_v any_o breach_n or_o chasm_n in_o the_o greek_a copy_n which_o in_o several_a place_n of_o this_o history_n do_v unhappy_o befall_v the_o know_a translator_n have_v supply_v the_o defect_n out_o of_o the_o latin_a copy_n and_o where_o the_o translator_n himself_o have_v suffer_v any_o impair_n or_o casual_o commit_v some_o mistake_n they_o be_v both_o relieve_v by_o the_o able_a pen_n of_o mr._n edmund_n chilmead_n by_o his_o exact_a compare_v of_o the_o english_a with_o the_o greek_a i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n with_o some_o far_a account_n of_o the_o author_n and_o this_o history_n procopius_n be_v bear_v in_o caesarea_n a_o city_n of_o palestine_n and_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o anastasius_n the_o emperor_n come_v to_o constaminople_n where_o approve_v himself_o a_o person_n of_o excellent_a part_n general_a learning_n and_o exceed_v great_a prudence_n he_o soon_o turn_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o chief_a roman_n upon_o he_o insomuch_o that_o justine_n the_o elder_a when_o his_o empire_n be_v in_o very_o great_a strait_n the_o persian_n be_v then_o victor_n over_o the_o roman_n in_o war_n do_v prefer_v procopius_n to_o belisarius_n the_o general_n to_o be_v of_o his_o counsel_n suidas_n style_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d secretary_n to_o belisarius_n but_o he_o himself_o who_o best_o know_v his_o own_o employment_n tell_v we_o about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o persian_a history_n that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d belisarius_n his_o assessor_n what_o profession_n he_o be_v of_o before_o he_o arrive_v at_o this_o and_o other_o place_n of_o trust_n and_o honour_n be_v various_o deliver_v by_o several_a author_n evagrius_n and_o agathias_n call_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d oratorem_fw-la suidas_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o explain_v which_o word_n say_v hoeschelius_n ille_fw-la est_fw-la orator_n qui_fw-la causas_fw-la in_o concione_fw-la in_fw-la foro_fw-la in_fw-la senatu_fw-la agit_fw-fr hic_fw-la latinis_fw-la rhetor_n qui_fw-la in_o scholis_fw-la docet_fw-la artem_fw-la oratoriam_fw-la he_o the_o latin_n call_v a_o orator_n who_o plead_v at_o the_o bar_n and_o he_o a_o rhetorician_n who_o teach_v the_o art_n of_o rhetoric_n in_o the_o school_n blondus_fw-la and_o sabellicus_n conceit_n he_o be_v a_o physician_n but_o the_o three_o former_a be_v doubtless_o so_o far_o in_o the_o right_n as_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o orator_n or_o lawyer_n and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o employment_n under_o belisarius_n for_o as_o alemannus_n judicious_o observe_v exit_fw-la eo_fw-la ordine_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d consiliarii_fw-la &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d assessores_fw-la exercitus_fw-la ducibus_fw-la summisque_fw-la magistratibus_fw-la dabantur_fw-la counsellor_n and_o assessor_n be_v prefer_v to_o the_o general_n of_o army_n and_o chief_a magistrate_n out_o of_o that_o profession_n the_o reason_n why_o some_o author_n be_v of_o so_o different_a judgement_n in_o their_o opinion_n concern_v the_o profession_n of_o procopius_n may_v possible_o be_v because_o there_o be_v three_o of_o that_o name_n procopius_n gazaeus_n procopius_n sophista_fw-la and_o our_o procopius_n caesariensis_n now_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o two_o former_a be_v both_o call_v sophistae_fw-la rhetorician_n and_o gazaei_n too_o be_v both_o of_o gaza_n and_o all_o three_o be_v likewise_o countryman_n both_o gaza_n and_o caesarea_n be_v in_o palestine_n the_o first_o of_o these_o and_o we_o live_v both_o in_o justinian_o time_n by_o who_o procopius_n our_o author_n be_v not_o only_o continue_v in_o his_o employment_n under_o belisarius_n be_v never_o permit_v upon_o any_o term_n either_o in_o the_o expedition_n into_o italy_n or_o africa_n to_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o general_n but_o be_v prize_v at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n that_o justinian_n do_v conceive_v the_o roman_a territory_n be_v as_o much_o establish_v and_o propagate_v by_o the_o integrity_n and_o advise_v of_o procopius_n as_o by_o the_o valour_n and_o prowess_n of_o belisarius_n and_o no_o soon_o be_v belisarius_n call_v out_o of_o africa_n upon_o his_o late_a victory_n complete_v there_o but_o procopius_n be_v send_v to_o carthage_n to_o solomon_n the_o then_o general_n to_o secure_v those_o part_n which_o be_v but_o new_o subdue_v be_v therefore_o capable_a of_o revolt_n and_o rebellion_n against_o the_o roman_a subjection_n what_o employment_n he_o have_v in_o persia_n italy_n rome_n naples_n and_o syracuse_n himself_z discovers_z in_o this_o history_n which_o several_a action_n of_o he_o though_o he_o mention_n very_o modest_o and_o by_o the_o by_o only_a as_o if_o he_o repute_v they_o scarce_o worthy_a the_o relation_n yet_o sure_o we_o be_v they_o purchase_v for_o he_o so_o great_a renown_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n that_o justinian_n do_v thereupon_o advance_v he_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o those_o person_n who_o the_o roman_n do_v call_v illustres_fw-la &_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o suidas_n begin_v his_o account_n of_o procopius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n procopius_n illustris_fw-la of_o caesarea_n in_o palestine_n after_o this_o he_o
tauri_n chap._n xiii_o this_o invasion_n by_o comagena_n be_v by_o the_o counsel_n of_o alamundarus_n a_o saracen_n king_n who_o persuade_v to_o set_v upon_o syria_n and_o antioch_n the_o description_n of_o alamundarus_n chap._n fourteen_o belisarius_n in_o comagena_n be_v overthrow_v by_o azarethe_n the_o persian_a general_n cabades_n revile_v azarethe_n for_o his_o victory_n the_o persian_a custom_n to_o know_v their_o lose_a man_n by_o arrow_n in_o basket_n chap._n xv._o justinian_n will_v associate_v the_o homerite_n and_o ethiopian_n against_o the_o persian_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n country_n of_o palmtree_n the_o auxomite_n blemmye_n nobates_n ethiopian_a nation_n chap._n xvi_o a_o digression_n of_o some_o war_n between_o the_o ethiopian_n christian_n and_o the_o homerit_n aspevede_n and_o mermeroes_n invade_v the_o roman_n sittas_n defend_v they_o besiege_v martyropolis_n chap._n xvi_o cabades_n die_v chosroes_n his_o young_a son_n succeed_v by_o the_o help_n of_o mebode_n the_o siege_n of_o martyropolis_n be_v raise_v the_o perpetual_a peace_n be_v make_v anno_fw-la 6._o justiniani_n for_o which_o justinian_n give_v 110._o centenaries_n of_o gold_n chap._n xviii_o a_o conspiracy_n against_o chosroes_n by_o his_o brother_n zames_n withone_v eye_n who_o perish_v in_o the_o plot_n the_o save_n of_o young_a cabades_n by_o adergudunbades_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o ruin_n mebode_n by_o chosroes_n send_v to_o the_o tripos_n and_o after_o slay_v chap._n xix_o the_o mutiny_n in_o constantinople_n of_o the_o veneti_n and_o prasini_n call_v nica_n suppress_v by_o belisarius_n the_o character_n of_o john_n the_o cappadocian_n perfect_a of_o the_o palace_n and_o tribonianus_n the_o quaestor_n chap._n xx._n john_n the_o cappadocian_n be_v ruin_v by_o the_o plot_n of_o antonina_n in_o the_o ten_o year_n of_o his_o office_n be_v banish_v to_o cyzicum_n make_v priest_n they_o absolute_o undo_v and_o send_v to_o antinoë_n in_o egypt_n and_o about_o this_o time_n another_o john_n usurp_v at_o daras_n be_v slay_v by_o the_o soldier_n the_o history_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o emperor_n justinian_n write_v by_o procopius_n of_o caesarea_n of_o the_o persian_a war_n the_o first_o book_n chap._n i._n procopius_n of_o caesarea_n write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o war_n that_o the_o emperor_n justinian_n have_v with_o the_o barbarian_n both_o eastern_a and_o western_a and_o what_o the_o issue_n of_o they_o be_v that_o the_o memory_n of_o so_o great_a action_n may_v not_o through_o tract_n of_o time_n be_v bury_v in_o oblivion_n and_o lose_v to_o the_o word_n the_o preservation_n whereof_o he_o conceive_v may_v be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n both_o to_o those_o that_o be_v now_o live_v and_o to_o those_o that_o shall_v come_v after_o in_o case_n that_o time_n shall_v again_o bring_v about_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o like_a action_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o like_a history_n suit_v with_o that_o of_o any_o other_o age_n be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v have_v to_o do_v with_o any_o war_n in_o that_o it_o inform_v what_o the_o success_n in_o the_o like_o former_a action_n have_v be_v and_o intimate_v withal_o what_o issue_n the_o present_a suppose_v the_o best_a counsel_n be_v take_v in_o all_o probability_n shall_v have_v he_o be_v conscious_a also_o to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v the_o best_a able_a to_o write_v this_o history_n though_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n yet_o because_o he_o be_v choose_v to_o be_v assessor_n to_o belisarius_n the_o emperor_n general_n and_o so_o be_v present_a in_o a_o manner_n at_o all_o that_o be_v do_v in_o these_o war_n he_o conceive_v further_o that_o as_o eloquence_n become_v a_o orator_n &_o fable_n be_v proper_a for_o poet_n so_o truth_n be_v that_o a_o historiographer_n ought_v chief_o to_o look_v at_o therefore_o he_o spare_v not_o to_o note_v the_o fail_n even_o of_o his_o near_a friend_n but_o give_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o all_o their_o action_n whether_o they_o be_v well_o or_o ill_o do_v neither_o will_v the_o action_n of_o any_o other_o age_n appear_v either_o of_o more_o use_n or_o more_o gallant_a to_o he_o that_o shall_v but_o due_o consider_v they_o than_o those_o that_o have_v pass_v in_o these_o war_n for_o in_o most_o of_o they_o as_o we_o have_v be_v inform_v almost_o miracle_n have_v be_v do_v unless_o a_o man_n will_v needs_o give_v the_o preeminence_n to_o former_a age_n and_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o allow_v his_o own_o to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o as_o in_o our_o army_n now_o we_o have_v some_o archer_n other_o sword_n and_o bucklerman_n and_o the_o like_a name_n of_o soldier_n that_o the_o ancient_n have_v yet_o will_v not_o some_o allow_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a prowess_n and_o valour_n to_o have_v descend_v down_o to_o our_o age_n show_v herein_o how_o pitiful_o ignorant_a they_o be_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o time_n for_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o consider_v that_o the_o archer_n in_o homer_n time_n who_o profession_n grow_v to_o be_v a_o term_n of_o reproach_n have_v neither_o horse_n nor_o javelin_n nor_o buckler_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o to_o defend_v themselves_o but_o go_v on_o foot_n into_o the_o field_n and_o be_v force_v to_o find_v shelter_n for_o themselves_o some_o other_o way_n shelter_v themselves_o instead_o of_o a_o buckler_n either_o behind_o some_o tombstone_n or_o pillar_n where_o neither_o if_o they_o be_v put_v to_o flight_n they_o can_v be_v safe_a nor_o if_o their_o enemy_n flee_v can_v they_o do_v they_o any_o harm_n neither_o do_v they_o ever_o fight_v in_o open_a field_n but_o always_o as_o it_o be_v by_o stealth_n do_v what_o ever_o they_o do_v beside_o the_o way_n of_o their_o archery_n be_v so_o lamentable_a as_o that_o draw_v their_o bowstring_n to_o their_o breast_n they_o so_o let_v their_o arrow_n fly_v which_o in_o all_o probability_n can_v not_o do_v any_o execution_n at_o all_o wheresoever_o it_o fall_v and_o this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o ancient_a archery_n but_o our_o archer_n now_o adays_o go_v into_o the_o field_n arm_v with_o habergeon_n and_o greaves_n that_o come_v up_o as_o high_a as_o their_o knee_n they_o have_v beside_o their_o quiver_n of_o arrow_n on_o their_o right_a side_n and_o a_o sword_n on_o their_o left_a and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v a_o javelin_n also_o fasten_v about_o they_o and_o a_o kind_n of_o short_a buckler_n as_o it_o be_v but_o without_o any_o handle_n make_v fast_o to_o their_o shoulder_n which_o serve_v to_o defend_v their_o head_n and_o neck_n they_o be_v also_o excellent_o well_o horse_v and_o though_o their_o horse_n run_v never_o so_o fast_o they_o can_v with_o case_n shoot_v either_o way_n and_o annoy_v their_o enemy_n either_o pursue_v they_o or_o fly_v beside_o they_o draw_v their_o bowstring_n towards_o their_o forehead_n up_o to_o the_o right_a ear_n which_o give_v such_o force_n to_o the_o arrow_n that_o where_o it_o light_v it_o kill_v no_o shield_n nor_o corslet_n be_v able_a to_o resist_v the_o violence_n some_o consider_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n only_a reverence_n and_o admire_v the_o old_a time_n not_o allow_v any_o advantage_n to_o succeed_a invention_n but_o all_o can_v be_v no_o impediment_n but_o that_o in_o these_o war_n great_a exploit_n and_o most_o famous_a have_v be_v do_v first_o therefore_o begin_v a_o little_a high_o shall_v be_v declare_v what_o happen_v between_o the_o roman_n and_o persian_n in_o reference_n both_o to_o their_o victory_n and_o loss_n in_o these_o war_n chap._n ii_o when_o the_o roman_a emperor_n arcadius_n draw_v near_o his_o decease_n in_o constantinople_n have_v a_o son_n theodosius_n not_o yet_o wean_v from_o the_o breast_n he_o be_v trouble_v both_o for_o he_o and_o his_o empire_n how_o to_o provide_v for_o both_o if_o he_o shall_v give_v theodosius_n a_o companion_n in_o the_o empire_n he_o fear_v in_o effect_n he_o may_v prove_v his_o son_n murderer_n set_v a_o enemy_n upon_o he_o arm_v with_o sovereign_a power_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v leave_v he_o alone_o in_o it_o it_o be_v likely_a some_o take_a advantage_n of_o his_o desolate_a condition_n may_v usurp_v the_o empire_n and_o destroy_v he_o in_o constantinople_n he_o have_v none_o of_o his_o blood_n to_o be_v his_o protector_n and_o in_o honorius_n the_o uncle_n he_o have_v no_o hope_n he_o can_v suffice_v for_o it_o the_o affair_n of_o italy_n be_v in_o so_o ill_a term_n the_o persian_n no_o less_o trouble_v he_o lest_o despise_v the_o emperor_n childhood_n they_o shall_v ruin_v the_o roman_a province_n arcadius_n in_o this_o perplexity_n though_o none_o of_o the_o quick_a wit_n yet_o light_v upon_o a_o counsel_n which_o preserve_v he_o and_o his_o state_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o communication_n with_o wiseman_n which_o a_o emperor_n
town_n in_o picenia_n where_o be_v a_o ancient_a bridge_n over_o the_o river_n the_o garrison_n supply_v they_o and_o let_v they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n pass_v the_o poe._n but_o the_o franc_n be_v master_n of_o the_o bridge_n such_o woman_n and_o child_n as_o they_o find_v they_o sacrifice_v and_o throw_v into_o the_o river_n as_o the_o first_o spoil_n of_o the_o war_n 3._o war_n it_o seem_v they_o have_v almain_n with_o they_o yet_o heathen_a see_v agathias_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o retain_v yet_o though_o christian_n much_o of_o the_o old_a religion_n &_o use_v sacrifice_n and_o other_o ungodly_a rite_n in_o make_v their_o prediction_n the_o goth_n see_v it_o in_o a_o great_a fear_n flee_v into_o the_o town_n and_o the_o franc_n be_v past_a march_v towards_o the_o goth_n camp_n who_o at_o first_o see_v they_o in_o small_a troop_n be_v glad_a of_o their_o come_n think_v it_o to_o be_v to_o aid_v they_o but_o when_o number_n come_v on_o and_o fall_v to_o the_o business_n and_o dart_v their_o battle_n axe_n hurt_v many_o they_o turn_v about_o and_o run_v away_o by_o the_o roman_n camp_n into_o ravenna_n the_o roman_n see_v they_o fly_v think_v that_o belisarius_n have_v vanquish_v they_o in_o fight_n and_o take_v their_o camp_n from_o they_o and_o they_o take_v arm_n think_v to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o the_o pursuit_n but_o they_o find_v a_o enemy_n unlooked_a for_o and_o unwilling_o they_o fight_v till_o be_v beat_v and_o not_o able_a to_o return_v to_o their_o camp_n they_o flee_v into_o tuscany_n and_o send_v news_n of_o the_o accident_n to_o belisarius_n the_o franc_n have_v conquer_v both_o part_n and_o take_v their_o camp_n without_o any_o man_n in_o they_o there_o than_o find_v their_o provision_n but_o in_o a_o while_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o feed_v on_o in_o a_o waste_a country_n but_o ox_n and_o water_n of_o the_o po_n no_o bread_n at_o all_o and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o digest_v the_o flesh_n and_o abundance_n of_o water_n they_o fall_v into_o flux_n and_o dysentery_n which_o they_o can_v not_o get_v cure_v for_o want_n of_o thing_n convenient_a so_o that_o a_o three_o part_n of_o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v so_o perish_v and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o march_v on_o they_o stay_v there_o belisarius_n hear_v of_o this_o army_n of_o franc_n and_o how_o the_o troop_n of_o john_n and_o martinus_n be_v rout_v he_o be_v afraid_a of_o his_o army_n especial_o of_o those_o before_o faesulae_n who_o be_v near_o the_o barbarian_n and_o he_o write_v this_o letter_n to_o theodebert_n noble_a theodebert_n for_o one_o pretend_v to_o virtue_n and_o especial_o be_v a_o king_n of_o so_o great_a a_o nation_n not_o to_o be_v true_a of_o his_o word_n be_v not_o princely_a but_o to_o violate_v oath_n and_o accord_n reduce_v into_o writing_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o mean_a man_n herein_o you_o know_v yourself_o a_o transgressor_n have_v late_o agree_v to_o join_v with_o we_o against_o the_o goth_n &_o now_o not_o so_o much_o as_o continue_v neutral_a but_o advise_o have_v take_v arm_n and_o set_v upon_o we_o put_v not_o this_o affront_n upon_o the_o emperor_n good_a sr._n who_o will_v revenge_v it_o in_o the_o high_a kind_n it_o be_v better_a for_o a_o man_n to_o hold_v his_o own_o secure_o then_o by_o meddle_v with_o what_o belong_v not_o to_o he_o to_o run_v a_o danger_n in_o that_o which_o most_o concern_v he_o theodebert_n upon_o this_o letter_n and_o be_v trouble_v with_o his_o present_a estate_n and_o revile_v by_o the_o german_n for_o let_v they_o die_v thus_o in_o a_o desert_a country_n to_o no_o purpose_n rise_v with_o the_o franc_n survive_v and_o make_v haste_n home_o chap._n xxi_o nevertheless_o martinus_n and_o john_n come_v back_o with_o their_o troop_n lest_o the_o enemy_n shall_v set_v upon_o the_o army_n before_o auximum_n where_o the_o goth_n hear_v nothing_o of_o the_o frank_n retreat_n but_o despair_v at_o the_o delay_n from_o ravenna_n think_v once_o more_o to_o importune_v vitigis_fw-la but_o can_v not_o get_v by_o the_o enemy_n see_v at_o noon_n one_o burcensius_n a_o bessian_a by_o birth_n and_o a_o soldier_n of_o narses_n the_o armenian_a stand_v sentinel_n to_o keep_v off_o the_o town_n from_o cut_v grass_n some_o come_v to_o parley_v with_o he_o and_o agree_v to_o give_v he_o a_o great_a sum_n in_o hand_n to_o carry_v a_o letter_n to_o ravenna_n and_o more_o at_o his_o return_n with_o letter_n from_o vitigis_fw-la the_o man_n for_o the_o money_n undertake_v the_o service_n and_o present_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n he_o bring_v the_o letter_n seal_v up_o to_o vitigis_fw-la with_o all_o speed_n which_o be_v thus_o you_o will_v perceive_v our_o estate_n by_o inquire_v who_o be_v the_o bearer_n of_o this_o letter_n there_o be_v no_o mean_n for_o a_o goth_n to_o get_v out_o of_o the_o town_n wall_n and_o our_o best_a supply_n of_o victual_v be_v the_o grass_n that_o grow_v about_o they_o which_o we_o can_v touch_v without_o fight_v and_o loss_n of_o man_n to_o what_o conclusion_n this_o will_v bring_v we_o you_o and_o the_o goth_n in_o ravenna_n be_v serious_o to_o consider_v vitigis_fw-la return_v this_o answer_n my_o best_a friend_n in_o the_o world_n think_v not_o i_o be_o so_o deject_v nor_o come_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o baseness_n as_o through_o sloth_n to_o abandon_v the_o goth_n affair_n my_o own_o journey_n be_v in_o readiness_n and_o vraeas_n by_o my_o direction_n be_v come_v from_o milan_n with_o his_o army_n but_o a_o unexpected_a invasion_n of_o frank_n stop_v our_o preparation_n whereof_o i_o be_o not_o to_o bear_v the_o blame_n for_o thing_n above_o humane_a power_n bestow_v this_o favour_n on_o the_o unfortunate_a to_o make_v he_o unblameable_a fortune_n take_v the_o whole_a imputation_n upon_o herself_o but_o theodebert_n be_v now_o go_v as_o we_o hear_v we_o will_v short_o god_n willing_a be_v with_o you_o with_o our_o whole_a army_n and_o you_o must_v bear_v your_o fortune_n valiant_o and_o suitable_o to_o the_o necessity_n think_v upon_o the_o virtue_n for_o which_o we_o make_v choice_n of_o you_o to_o guard_n auximum_n and_o respect_v that_o general_a opinion_n hold_v of_o you_o by_o all_o the_o goth_n which_o set_v you_o there_o a_o bulwark_n of_o ravenna_n and_o of_o their_o whole_a safety_n vitigis_fw-la with_o this_o letter_n and_o good_a store_n of_o money_n dispatch_v the_o man_n who_o come_v before_o auximum_n pretend_v to_o his_o companion_n a_o sudden_a sickness_n which_o cause_v he_o to_o go_v to_o a_o church_n near_o there_o for_o cure_v and_o stand_v sentinel_n where_o he_o be_v wont_a he_o deliver_v the_o letter_n unseen_a by_o the_o roman_n the_o read_v whereof_o so_o raise_v their_o spirit_n though_o oppress_v with_o the_o famine_n that_o they_o will_v not_o yield_v albeit_o belisarius_n much_o woo_v they_o to_o it_o but_o have_v no_o news_n of_o any_o army_n from_o ravenna_n and_o be_v in_o extreme_a want_n of_o victual_v again_o they_o send_v burcensius_n write_v only_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o struggle_v with_o the_o famine_n five_o day_n and_o no_o more_o who_o bring_v they_o again_o a_o letter_n from_o vitigis_fw-la hold_v they_o in_o suspense_n with_o like_a hope_n the_o roman_n also_o be_v weary_a of_o this_o long_a siege_n in_o a_o barren_a desert_n country_n and_o trouble_v to_o see_v the_o goths_z not_o to_o yield_v though_o in_o so_o much_o misery_n belisarius_n therefore_o seek_v to_o take_v some_o enemy_n alive_a from_o who_o he_o may_v learn_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o goth_n valerianus_n promise_v to_o serve_v he_o therein_o who_o have_v in_o his_o troop_n slavonian_n that_o use_v to_o lie_v under_o some_o stone_n or_o bush_n and_o to_o steal_v enemy_n a_o thing_n ordinary_o practise_v by_o they_o by_o the_o river_n ister_n where_o their_o dwelling_n be_v both_o upon_o roman_n and_o barbarian_n belisarius_n like_v his_o way_n and_o commit_v it_o to_o his_o care_n he_o choose_v out_o a_o slavonian_a a_o tall_a 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out_o of_o tuscany_n by_o the_o river_n of_o tiber_n the_o town_n be_v upon_o the_o river_n 15._o mile_n above_o rome_n and_o command_v the_o passage_n thither_o then_o come_v belisarius_n to_o ravennae_n with_o his_o fleet_n and_o call_v to_o he_o the_o goth_n there_o and_o the_o roman_a soldier_n he_o speak_v thus_o it_o be_v not_o now_o only_o that_o vice_n have_v ruin_v what_o have_v be_v build_v by_o virtue_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o have_v be_v so_o in_o humane_a affair_n the_o lewdness_n of_o bad_a man_n have_v be_v still_o able_a to_o demolish_v the_o action_n of_o the_o good_a this_o have_v overturn_v the_o emperor_n affair_n who_o to_o repair_v the_o error_n have_v make_v less_o account_n of_o subdue_a the_o persian_n then_o of_o it_o and_o have_v send_v i_o to_o cure_v the_o fault_n commit_v by_o either_o captain_n soldier_n or_o goth_n it_o be_v above_o humane_a condition_n not_o to_o err_v but_o it_o become_v the_o emperor_n to_o repair_v the_o error_n of_o those_o 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the_o proceed_n but_o at_o last_o pardon_v they_o totilas_n hear_v of_o the_o illyrian_n retreat_n send_v force_n to_o drive_v vitalius_n and_o his_o troop_n out_o of_o bononia_n who_o with_o therimuth_n lay_v a_o ambush_n for_o they_o kill_v many_o and_o rout_v the_o rest_n where_o nazares_n a_o illyrian_a captain_n of_o good_a quality_n do_v miracle_n upon_o the_o enemy_n therimuth_n then_o return_v to_o belisarius_n who_o send_v he_o nicetas_n and_o sabinianus_n with_o 1000_o man_n to_o auximum_n to_o reinforce_v magnus_n there_o besiege_v they_o by_o night_n get_v into_o the_o town_n unseen_a by_o totilas_n and_o the_o enemy_n camp_n the_o next_o day_n at_o noon_n they_o sally_v to_o encounter_v a_o party_n of_o enemy_n they_o have_v notice_n of_o send_v before_o avantcoureur_n to_o discover_v their_o force_n that_o they_o may_v not_o blind_o set_v on_o they_o ricilas_n of_o the_o lifeguard_n to_o belisarius_n be_v in_o drink_n will_v himself_o go_v upon_o the_o discovery_n and_o gallop_v on_o alone_o in_o a_o rough_a stony_a way_n he_o meet_v three_o goth_n and_o make_v a_o stand_n as_o to_o fight_v with_o they_o be_v very_o valiant_a but_o when_o he_o see_v more_o come_v in_o from_o all_o side_n he_o run_v away_o his_o horse_n in_o the_o rough_a ground_n come_v over_o and_o over_o with_o he_o at_o which_o the_o enemy_n give_v a_o great_a shout_n and_o dart_v all_o their_o javelin_n at_o he_o the_o roman_n perceive_v it_o go_v to_o his_o rescue_n but_o he_o be_v cover_v with_o javelin_n and_o die_v upon_o the_o place_n therimuth_n take_v up_o his_o dead_a body_n and_o carry_v it_o into_o auximum_n have_v meet_v with_o a_o conclusion_n of_o life_n not_o suitable_a to_o the_o valour_n of_o the_o man_n chap._n vi_o sabinianus_n and_o therimuth_n upon_o conference_n with_o magnus_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o their_o long_a stay_n be_v so_o far_o under-matcht_a to_o the_o enemy_n and_o by_o consume_v the_o town_n provision_n make_v it_o more_o ready_a to_o be_v lose_v they_o prepare_v to_o be_v go_v and_o to_o begin_v their_o journey_n in_o the_o night_n but_o a_o soldier_n run_v out_o to_o the_o enemy_n camp_n close_o and_o reveal_v the_o design_n totilas_n choose_v out_o 1000_o good_a man_n and_o lay_v they_o conceal_v three_o mile_n and_o three_o quarter_n from_o auximum_n these_o perceive_v the_o enemy_n at_o midnight_n upon_o the_o way_n fall_v to_o work_v with_o their_o sword_n and_o kill_v 200._o but_o be_v dark_a sabinianus_n and_o therimuth_n get_v away_o to_o ariminum_n all_o the_o baggage_n arm_n and_o apparel_n the_o goth_n take_v between_o auximum_n and_o ariminum_n be_v two_o small_a town_n pisaurus_n and_o phanus_fw-la upon_o the_o ionian_a gulf_n vitigis_fw-la in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o war_n have_v burn_v the_o house_n and_o break_v down_o half_a their_o wall_n that_o the_o roman_n surprise_v they_o may_v not_o infest_v the_o goth_n pisaurus_n belisarius_n resolve_v to_o seize_v as_o a_o place_n fit_a for_o horse-pasture_n he_o send_v some_o in_o the_o night_n to_o take_v the_o exact_a measure_n of_o the_o dimension_n of_o each_o gate_n then_o frame_v gate_n line_v with_o iron_n and_o send_v they_o thither_o by_o sea_n command_v sabinianus_n and_o therimuth_n to_o set_v they_o up_o and_o to_o stay_v in_o the_o town_n and_o be_v secure_a to_o repair_v the_o wall_n with_o stone_n and_o earth_n as_o they_o can_v this_o they_o do_v and_o totilas_n upon_o the_o news_n come_v against_o they_o with_o a_o great_a army_n but_o fail_v to_o take_v the_o town_n after_o much_o time_n spend_v in_o the_o attempt_n he_o retire_v to_o his_o camp_n before_o auximum_n where_o the_o roman_n sally_v no_o more_o but_o keep_v close_o within_o their_o wall_n belisarius_n send_v artasiras_n a_o persian_a and_o barbation_n a_o thracian_a two_o of_o his_o lifeguard_n to_o guard_n rome_n with_o bessas_n be_v there_o already_o direct_v they_o not_o to_o sally_v at_o all_o but_o totilas_n find_v belisarius_n not_o able_a to_o fight_v with_o he_o fall_v upon_o the_o strong_a town_n in_o picenia_n he_o block_v up_o firmum_n and_o asculum_n and_o so_o end_v the_o winter_n and_o the_o ten_o year_n of_o this_o war_n write_v by_o procopius_n when_o belisarius_n 19_o incipit_fw-la annus_fw-la 11._o bell._n goth._n in_o anno_fw-la 19_o have_v no_o mean_n to_o relieve_v the_o besiege_a town_n send_v john_n to_o constantinople_n 545._o justiniani_n &_o ann._n dom._n 545._o make_v he_o swear_v to_o return_v speedy_o and_o to_o importune_v the_o emperor_n for_o a_o army_n and_o money_n horse_n and_o arm_n the_o soldier_n be_v few_o and_o refuse_v to_o fight_v because_o of_o their_o want_n the_o treasury_n owe_v they_o much_o money_n and_o he_o write_v of_o these_o particular_n to_o the_o emperor_n in_o these_o word_n most_o mighty_a emperor_n we_o be_v come_v into_o italy_n want_v man_n horse_n arm_n and_o money_n and_o without_o a_o competent_a preparation_n of_o these_o no_o man_n can_v make_v war_n our_o thracian_n and_o illyrian_n we_o behold_v here_o few_o wretched_a and_o straggle_v without_o arm_n and_o unexercised_a for_o any_o fight_n the_o rest_n deficient_a fearful_a of_o the_o enemy_n with_o spirit_n deject_v by_o their_o often_o beat_v and_o not_o simple_a run_v away_o only_o but_o quit_v their_o horse_n and_o throw_v down_o their_o arm_n to_o raise_v contribution_n in_o italy_n be_v not_o possible_a it_o be_v possess_v by_o the_o enemy_n and_o be_v behind_o with_o the_o soldier_n for_o their_o pay_n we_o can_v lay_v command_n on_o they_o the_o debt_n take_v away_o our_o confidence_n and_o the_o most_o of_o those_o that_o serve_v your_o majesty_n be_v run_v to_o the_o enemy_n if_o nothing_o therefore_o need_v but_o the_o send_v belisarius_n into_o italy_n the_o war_n be_v excellent_o prepare_v