mistaken; for all who came by these roads were
slaughtered by our men, and the whole of the booty which they were
carrying off was recovered unhurt. Those alone escaped in safety who
passed by the camp of Barbatio, who were suffered to escape in that
direction because Bainobaudes the tribune, and Valentinian (afterwards
emperor), who had been appointed to watch that pass with the squadrons
of cavalry under their orders, were forbidden by Cella (the tribune of
the Scutarii, who had been sent as colleague to Barbatio) to occupy that
road, though they were sure that by that the Germans would return to
their own country.

7. The cowardly master of the horse, being also an obstinate enemy to
the glory of Julian, was not contented with this, but being conscious
that he had given orders inconsistent with the interests of Rome (for
when he was accused of it Cella confessed what he had done), he made a
false report to Constantius, and told him that these same tribunes had,
under a pretence of the business of the state, came thither for the
purpose of tampering with the soldiers whom he commanded. And owing to
this statement they were deprived of their commands, and returned home
as private individuals.

8. In these days, also, the barbarians, alarmed at the approach of our
armies, which had established their stations on the left bank of the
Rhine, employed some part of their force in skilfully barricading the
roads, naturally difficult of access, and full of hills, by abattis
constructed of large trees cut down; others occupied the numerous
islands scattered up and down the Rhone, and with horrid howls poured
forth constant reproaches against the Romans and the Caesar; who, being
now more than ever resolved to crush some of their armies, demanded from
Barbatio seven of those boats which he had collected, for the purpose of
constructing a bridge with them, with the intention of crossing the
river. But Barbatio, determined that no assistance should be got from
him, burnt them all.

9. Julian, therefore, having learnt from the report of some spies whom
he had lately taken prisoners, that, when the drought of summer arrived,
the river was fordable, addressed a speech of encouragement to his
light-armed auxiliary troops, and sent them forward with Bainobaudes,
the tribune of the Cornuti, to try and perform some gallant exploit, if
they could find an opportunity. And they, entering the shallow of the
river, and sometimes, when ther