his successes, sent one of his three legions to winter in Pontus, and
placed the other two in quarters between the Taurus and the Euphrates,
at the same time granting furloughs to as many of the soldiers as chose
to apply for them. A large number took advantage of his liberality,
preferring no doubt the pleasures and amusements of the Syrian and
Cappadocian cities to the hardships of a winter in the Armenian
highlands. While matters were in this position Paetus suddenly heard
that Volagases was advancing against him. As once before at an important
crisis, so now with the prospect of Armenia as the prize of victory, the
Parthians defied the severities of winter and commenced a campaign when
their enemy regarded the season for war as over. In this crisis Paetus
exhibited an entire unfitness for command. First, he resolved to remain
on the defensive in his camp; then, affecting to despise the protection
of ramparts and ditches, he gave the order to advance and meet the
enemy; finally, after losing a few scouts whom he had sent forward, he
hastily retreated and resumed his old position, but at the same time
unwisely detached three thousand of his best foot to block the pass of
Taurus, through which Volagases was advancing. After some hesitation
he was induced to make Corbulo acquainted with his position; but
the message which he sent merely stated that he was expecting to be
attacked. Corbulo was in no hurry to proceed to his relief, preferring
to appear upon the scene at the last moment, when he would be hailed as
a savior.

Volagases, meanwhile, continued his march. The small force left by
Paetus to block his progress was easily overpowered, and for the most
part destroyed. The castle of Arsamosata, where Paetus had placed his
wife and child, and the fortified camp of the legions, were besieged.
The Romans were challenged to a battle, but dared not show themselves
outside their entrenchments. Having no confidence in their leader, the
legionaries despaired and began openly to talk of a surrender. As the
danger drew nearer, fresh messengers had been despatched to Corbulo, and
he had been implored to come at his best speed in order to save the poor
remnant of a defeated army. That commander was on his march, by way
of Commagene and Cappadocia; it could not be very long before he would
arrive; and the supplies in the camp of Paetus were sufficient to have
enabled him to hold out for weeks and months. But an unworthy terror ha