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Now at this time Theodosius, on account alike of the splendour of his
ancestry, and of his own courage, was a man of high repute. For this
reason being from time to time stricken by the envy of his rivals, he
was living in Spain, where he had been born and brought up. The
emperor, being at a loss what measures to take, now that the
barbarians, puffed up by their victory, both were and seemed well nigh
invincible, formed the idea that a way out of his difficulties would be
found in the appointment of Theodosius to the supreme command. He
therefore lost no time in sending for him from Spain, appointing him
commander in chief and despatching him at the head of the assembled
forces.
Defended by his faith Theodosius marched confidently forth. On
entering Thrace, and beholding the barbarians advancing to meet him,
he drew up his troops in order of battle. The two lines met, and the
enemy could not stand the attack and broke. A rout ensued, the foe
taking to flight and the conquerors pursuing at full speed. There was
a great slaughter of the barbarians, for they were slain not only by
Romans but even by one another. After the greater number of them had
thus fallen, and a few of those who had been able to escape pursuit had
crossed the Danube, the great captain dispersed the troops which he
commanded among the neighbouring towns, and forthwith rode at speed to
this emperor Gratianus, himself the messenger of his own triumph.
Even to the emperor himself, astounded at the event, the tidings he
carried seemed incredible, while others stung with envy gave out that
he had run away and lost his army. His only reply was to ask his
gainsayers to send and ascertain the number of the barbarian dead,
"For," said he, "even from their spoils it is easy to learn their
number." At these words the emperor gave way and sent officers to
investigate and report on the battle.
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