-guard of
the Byzantines.

Totila was marching from Tarvisium southwards against Ravenna.

He was joined by numerous bands of armed Italians from the provinces of
Liguria, Venetia, and AEmilia, who had been roused by his manifesto into
new hope and new resolve.

They desired to fight with him his first battle against the Byzantines.

"No," Totila had answered their general; "you shall decide upon what
you will do _after_ the battle. We Goths will fight alone. If we win,
then you may join us. If we lose, then the revenge of the Byzantines
will not affect you. Await the result."

The report of such magnanimous sentiments attracted many more to the
Gothic flag.

Besides this, Totila's army was reinforced from hour to hour, during
the march, by the arrival of Gothic warriors, who, singly, or in small
bands, had come out of prison or left their hiding-places when they
heard of the treachery practised on King Witichis, the accession of a
new King, and the renewal of the war.

The haste with which Totila pressed forward, in order to avail himself
of the enthusiasm of his troops before it had time to cool, and the
zeal with which Demetrius flew to meet him, soon brought the two armies
in sight of each other.

It was at the bridge across the Padus, named Pons Padi.

The Byzantines stood in the plain; they had the river, which they had
crossed with half their foot, at their backs.

The Goths appeared upon the gently-sloping hills towards the
north-west.

The rays of the setting sun dazzled the eyes of the Byzantines.

Totila, from the hill, observed the position of the enemy.

"The victory is mine!" he cried to his troops, and, drawing his sword,
he swooped upon his enemies like a falcon on his prey.

Cethegus and his followers had reached the last deserted camp of the
Byzantines shortly after sunset.

They were met by the first fugitives.

"Turn, Prefect," cried the foremost horseman, who recognised him, "turn
and save yourself! Totila is upon us! He cleaved the helm and head of
Artabazes, the best captain of the Armenians, with his own hand!" And
the man continued his flight.

"A god led the barbarians!" cried a second. "All is lost--the
commander-in-chief is taken!"

"This King Totila is irresistible!" cried a third, trying to pass the
Prefect, who blocked his way.

"Tell that in hell!" cried Cethegus, and struck him to the earth.
"Forward!"

But he had scarcely given the command when he recalled i