re being made, the walls
were still gallantly defended with unmitigated labour and watching, and
planting engines for shooting stones and darts in every direction. But
two high mounds had been raised by the Persian infantry, and the
blockade of the city was still pressed forward by gradual operations;
against which our men, exerting themselves still more vigorously, raised
also immense structures, topping the highest works of the enemy; and
sufficiently strong to support the immense weight of their defenders.

7. In the mean time the Gallic troops, impatient of delay, armed with
their axes and swords, went forth from the open postern gate, taking
advantage of a dark and moonless night. And imploring the Deity to be
propitious, and repressing even their breath when they got near the
enemy, they advanced with quick step and in close order, slew some of
the watch at the outposts, and the outer sentinels of the camp (who were
asleep, fearing no such event), and entertained secret hopes of
penetrating even to the king's tent if fortune assisted them.

8. But some noise, though slight, was made by them in their march, and
the groans of the slain aroused many from sleep; and while each
separately raised the cry "to arms," our soldiers halted and stood firm,
not venturing to move any further forward. For it would not have been
prudent, now that those whom they sought to surprise were awakened, to
hasten into open danger, while the bands of Persians were now heard to
be flocking to battle from all quarters.

9. Nevertheless the Gallic troops, with undiminished strength and
boldness, continued to hew down their foes with their swords, though
some of their own men were also slain, pierced by the arrows which were
flying from all quarters; and they still stood firm, when they saw the
whole danger collected into one point, and the bands of the enemy coming
on with speed; yet no one turned his back: and they withdrew, retiring
slowly as if in time to music, and gradually fell behind the pales of
the camp, being unable to sustain the weight of the battalions pressing
close upon them, and being deafened by the clang of the Persian
trumpets.

10. And while many trumpets in turn poured out their clang from the
city, the gates were opened to receive our men, if they should be able
to reach them: and the engines for missiles creaked, though no javelins
were shot from them, in order that the captains of the advanced guard of
the Persian